Here is the long awaited video explaining my Midi-Fighter mapping for Traktor pro. There is some seriously cool stuff in there, so even if you dont have a MF- check out the video and borrow the concepts. For the month of February we are running a special video contest in which the winner will get a brand new Midi-Fighter DIY kit. To enter just download the songs bellow and record your own personalized performance using the same songs, ANY controller and your personal style of djing. Add your video as a response to the tutorial above and whoever has the most You-Tube views at the end of February will win a free midi-fighter!

• Download the Traktor pro mapping used in the video
• Download- Boys 8 Bit- The Cricket Scores
• Download- Disco Villains “Renegade Master”

Tired of the plastic mainstream controller offerings, I decided to take things into my own hands and explore the world of DIY controller construction. As most of our readers will know, the Midifighter DIY kit features optional analogue inputs that are ripe for modification and an easy place for the newbie controller maker to start. I decided to dedicate my mod to the  birthplace of salsa, Cuba, by enclosing the results in a cigar box and toping off the theme with some tasty wooden knobs. This article will demonstrate how to do assemble your own personalized controller that is sure to catch eyes and requires just a few basic tools. VIVA LA MODIFICATION!

Continue reading DIY Mod: Cuban MIDI Crisis

Over the years we have managed to crank out a surprising number of Traktor FX tutorials, many of which teach fundamental FX tricks that can be used with any controller or software. NI recently asked me to film a few of my favorites for the release of the new X1 controller. We were happy to oblige, and all 4 FX tutorials, along with a comprehensive list of our other FX video tutorials, can be viewed after the break.

Continue reading Traktor Pro FX Tutorials

With a rapidly expanding market for MIDI controllers, the options DJs now have before them can seem overwhelming at times. Even though some popular controllers on the market can run you up to $2,000, fortunately, you don’t have to plunk down a huge amount of cash to experiment with digital DJing, as there are plenty of controllers for under $200. Unfortunately, its tough to tell which of these entry-level controllers offer the best value,  so we did the leg work for you and compiled a comprehensive list of all the popular options and their features. Whether you’re an established controllerist looking to add new components to your setup or a beginner mulling over that first purchase, our side-by-side comparison is guaranteed to save you countless hours of browsing time and a possible trip to the optometrist.
Continue reading Round-Up: Controllers Under $250

The internet is heating up with news about the Ipad, Apple’s new touch screen interface. Between rave reviews from some and boo’s from others that are calling it a giant iphone- you are probably wondering, but can I dj with it?  Lets take a look at what might actually be possible with the new ipad, and if it cant replace your dj laptop- perhaps it might be the low cost touch controller you have been waiting for?

Continue reading Djing with the Ipad?

Whether you’re looking for the latest tracks and acapellas or searching for new avenues to expose your own productions, digital record pools are a great dj tool. Record pools, now more commonly known as music or dj pools, are symbiotic arrangements between professional djs and record companies. Djs get access to a large pool of new music for minimum or no cost and the record companies get feedback and exposure. This concept has been in effect since the mid 70’s and, more specifically, since disco club pioneer David Mancuso and others created The New York Record Pool.  Over the past 5 years, digital music pools have become more popular and with all the new options it can be a bit confusing which ones are worth your time or money. Read on for our thoughts and breakdowns of some the top options available today.

Continue reading Digital Record Pool Round-up

Chances are you have more digital dj gear than you have available USB ports. Between controllers, sound cards, USB lights and ipods- every controllerist needs a lot more usb power than the typical laptop can offer. The logical solution to this common problem is to add a USB hub to your setup but this seemingly straightforward device can introduce a lot of variables and problems.  Should the port be powered? Will it cause latency? Which hubs are good for djing? Will it cause audio drop outs? In this article we will attempt to clear up some of these questions and help you pick the right USB hub for djing.

Continue reading USB Hubs De-Mystified

In the “amazingly rad videos that will inspire you” department comes todays post, in which controllerism and guitars come together in the perfect way. Ironically, we are currently experimenting with adding a similar screen to the left side of the midi-fighter, (prototype and how-to video coming soon). Speaking of the midi-fighter- have you seen the amazing color combos people have been creating? They are sick!

There was a decent amount of new dj gear on display at NAMM so at first it was hard to choose which ones to cover. However,  after the tremendous feedback from our first round up post- it was clear what gear you wanted to see.  It took longer than expected but our dedicated team dove headlong into the front lines of trade show madness to get an inside look at controllers from American dj, Allen and heath, Serato and others. Read on for all the films and release details for each product.

Continue reading NAMM 2010- Wrap Up Videos