There have been rumors floating around for a little while that the German software powerhouse “Native Instruments”, producers of many popular pieces of software including Traktor have been preparing to build their first dj controller. It would be a logical move as the company has suffered from hardware/software miss-matches in the past that have confused and frustrated djs. Making their own dedicated midi controller would hopefully result in a device that fits the demanding needs of their users.
Archive for January, 2008
DIY: Battle Records
With the advent of “controllerism” and the meteoric rise of DJ software, some may assume that the art of turntablism is fading fast. Attendance at the large competitions continues to drop, and the 20-year-old art form appears to need a breath of fresh air. Ironically, it may just be digital technology that brings it. Software like Serato Scratch Live is making the bread and butter of turntablists — scratch records — more accessible to everyone and opening creative doors to exciting new ideas.
For years, having your own scratch record to manipulate was a luxury afforded to a precious few. The technology and techniques that went into a DMC-winning performance were shrouded in secrecy as each performer tried to one-up the next. These days, you don’t have to drop $100 on a dub plate or be a former DMC champion to make your scratch sentences and routines completely original. With digital vinyl technology, a decent DAW and some minor technical know-how, you can make your own personal scratch “record” in just a few hours.
Full IDJ-2 Review
This thing is so cool. There, I did it; I gushed at a pro-sumer iPod DJ gadget. Having been deeply involved in digital DJ technology for the past five years, sometimes things get so techy that we forget in the end it’s all about music. The iDJ2 seems to step aside, give you just what you need to mix and let you enjoy playing music. Several times I completely forgot that I was writing a review and just really enjoyed mixing two tracks together. For a DJ that learned the ropes on vinyl more than a decade ago, that was very refreshing. If you want to cut, scratch, beat juggle and drop insane loops and effects, then the iDJ2 is not for you. However, if you just want to seamlessly blend together your digital music collection without needing a laptop, your search may be over.
Don’t Blame the Suits
I just got back from my first NAMM and man was it an eye opening experience. Like many of you, I dj for the love of it, cut up gear and re-wire software to challenge myself and make cool shit. So when we get ideas for really great things that seem very simple to implement, it gets really annoying when it feels like NO-ONE is paying attention. F&%k, everyone wants a black VCI-100 so release the damn thing already, right? Continue reading Don’t Blame the Suits
Video of the new Vestax gear
Dj Tech Tools shot video on all of the controllers from NAMM so as I get them edited they will get posted. Do you think we should do all the rest in one big “NAMM 2008 controllers” video or give each one its own video?
NAMM 2008- Controllers Reviewed (updated)
In 2008 Dj midi controllers are finally breaking free of their more conservative constraints and officially becoming completely bad ass. The biggest development, as I predicted several months ago, is the appearance of motorized platters in the midi world. Stanton, Numark, Denon and Vestax all premiered midi controllers that are using spinning platters in place of jog wheels. Not only are they spinning but several companies have duplicated the real feel of a record by incorporating real records and slip mats on top. Every one seems to be headed in the same direction but the way each company actually implemented these concepts in term of technology vary dramatically. We will do a full expose on all of them later, comparing the performance and technology to find out who has best replicated the turntable in midi land.
In the mean time take a look at what each of the new controllers brought to the table:
NAMM UPDATE 2008- The year of the controller.
Well, I wish I could have told you about all this stuff months ago when it was in pre-production but many exciting products are finally being unveiled to the public this year. Its official, 2008 will be hence forth known as the year controllers became the status quo. Everyone is jumping on the bandwagon and several companies are releasing more polished sophomore products after their first try at midi controllers. Here are a few key things that we will take a closer look at later:
Continue reading NAMM UPDATE 2008- The year of the controller.
Controllerism with Serato Scratch Video
I am happy to report that several writers here at dj tech tools are now going to be offering insight, recommendations and reviews on the emerging dj-video world. Although it remains to be seen if people really want to embrace this upcoming trend, the technology is starting to look exciting. One of the most promising programs is Serato Scratch Live Video. Its an $180 optional plug-in for the Scratch Live platform that works seamlessly with Rane’s TTM-57SL. Check out the following video for more info and to see what it looks like when we apply a little controllerism to music videos.
Dj with your track pad? The Mac-Book Air.
Today apple released a surprising new addition to their already impressive line called the “Mac-Book Air”. The thing that caught my attention though is not the size but the new mouse pad that incorporates many of the gesture movements that you find on the I-Pod touch and I-Phone. Basically, multiple finger combinations and finger movements allow for very precise control over many different aspects of software from a single track pad. Several years back some very smart guys created a site that converts track pad data into midi so you could do basic things to your dj software with scrolling and moving your fingers on your laptop. Now if these guys manage to also convert these new gesture movements, then we are really onto something here!
Setting up gear in the club
After many questions and some confusion about how I actually set up my gear and play in clubs I put together this video to show you a typical gig. I recorded an explanation of the gear and connections while setting up in a San Francisco club and then demonstrate some of the ways you could map the Novation SL25 to Traktor 3 after the show was over.
How do YOU mix- Inside or outside?
Not inside or outside the house smart guy, inside or outside the computer! If the right controller was out there, would you like it to control all the functions inside the software including mixing? Or, would you prefer to mix on a real mixer and use all the functions of devices like the VCI-100 for other purposes?
How To: fix a stiff jog wheel on the VCi-100
VCI-100 DIY
One of our readers that goes by SGB has posted a very well done walk through on how to fix a jog wheel that feels too stiff. You can download detailed instructions with pictures here (direct link). While we are on the subject of DIY projects this might be a good time to also bring back this tutorial on adding arcade buttons to a VCI-100. If you have anything like this that you feel the community here at dj tech tools would benefit from DONT hessitate to let us know. I know many of you might be afraid to take apart some very expensive dj gear but trust me, its really hard to break this one so have fun and come up with your own MOD!
