We have been working deep in the DJ TechTools labs in development of some seriously cool technology and I want to share a little glimpse of it with you! The video above showcases one of 2 custom controllers built for Amp Live (of Zion I). They feature several notable new features including light shows, super knobs and big fat buttons. Get more info and see the photos after the break!
Archive for December, 2010
New Years Tips and DJ Countdowns
It’s become an annual tradition that DJ TechTools provides all of our readers with Tips and Tools for up coming New Years Eve gigs. This year we continue that tradition with another set of helpful tricks and tips that will help make your night go smoothly. Continue reading after the fold for Mp3 count downs, drops, tips from the pros and more.
The Top Posts of 2010
As we are nearing the end of the 2010, it’s appropriate to reflect back on the fantastic year Dj TT had. We broke a lot of big stories and brought a large group of great contributing writers into the fold. With your help, the quality and quantity has continued to improve; although admittedly, we still have much more to work on. For those of you that may be new to these pages, or even for those that might have forgotten, here are the top 10 posts of 2010 (by magnitude of discussion)
Easter Eggs, Mods, Presents and Midi Fighter Surprises!
With only 2 days left before the big holiday, we have a special gift for all Midi-Fighter owners. In the video above you will see several new features released in our newest firmware update including support for a special Easter egg that has been in the hardware all along :) Follow me after the break for a tutorial on how to add a LED that pulses to the beat. Its the perfect DIY project for the holiday break.
Continue reading Easter Eggs, Mods, Presents and Midi Fighter Surprises!
Creative Structure for a Unforgettable Mix
“Fare un cinema” Is an old Italian saying that literally translates to “make a movie”. Think of all your favorite movies. Why do you love them? Aside from all the big budgets and beautiful people, chances are you loved a movie simply because it was- a good story. In this article, we’re going to cover creative structure and how you can apply a very simple formula to your mixes that’ll make them- tell a story. Turning mixes that people will like into mixes people will love…
Continue reading Creative Structure for a Unforgettable Mix
DJing on the iPhone – A Great BackUp?
You’re in the middle of a set and the CDJ breaks down or the laptop crashes, what do you do? Usually the backup we have is a premixed CD, an iPod or other mp3 player. But what if you had a backup device that would only cost you around $200, was totally self contained, fit in your pocket and enable you to stay in the mix for several hours if needed? Well, with Ipod touches running dirt cheep and the new ability to directly mix Itunes music right on the Ipod surface- they are starting to look like a fantastic emergency backup plan.
A Holiday Gift for you- Controllerist Sound Packs
Recently I played a gig in Southern California where a really nice fan came up and gave me a collection of his favorite sounds and samples for beat juggling. The sounds were great, but the only problem was that they were all single hits. With most dj software (except Ableton) you really need a collection of hits in one single file (like a scratch record) for cue point juggling. So, to pay it forward, I collected a few of my favorites, compiled them into several mp3s designed to be dropped over tracks and you can download them for free after the jump!
Continue reading A Holiday Gift for you- Controllerist Sound Packs
Last Minute Gifts for Digital Djs
Chances are high you may be looking at last minute gifts for your dj mates, or perhaps your girlfriend has no idea what to give you. Even better yet, I know we are ALL tired of lame stocking stuffers, so how about sending your mom some real gift ideas that won’t just sit in the drawer.
USB Power Problems? – We Can Fix Them!
Have you ever plugged a USB MIDI device into your computer only to get that ugly red stop sign alert box screaming about the device drawing too much power? I have been up and down that road so many times I have the mapmakers asking me for directions! The good news is that there are several ways to power up your USB MIDI devices when they don’t play nice.
Two Channel Mixers… It’s a Jungle Out There
The two channel mixer market is absolutely overflowing – and that’s just the crop currently sitting on shop shelves. Delve further back through manufacturers’ portfolios and there’s a near endless line of discontinued yet still perfectly viable mixers going strong in-between innumerable decks. Even though many DJs are moving towards all in one digital setups, it still pays to have a solid DJ mixer around for many purposes. How do you decide what’s right for you?
Continue reading Two Channel Mixers… It’s a Jungle Out There
Traktor- Coming to a Rane Mixer Near You
Up until now, Serato had an exclusive 5 year run on the Rane hardware. If you wanted to use the SL3 box sitting in the club as a sound card, for example, that was not possible. Dj TechTools has learned that there are brand new ASIO and Core Audio drivers that allow any software to use Rane 68 mixers and SL3 boxes as multi-channel sound cards. This is huge because it means some djs can use the Rane hardware already in clubs as their sound card- greatly simplifying set-up. More info and links after the break.
How to Launch a Club Night – Part 2
This time, we’re going to talk about music policy. Let’s level here – in some clubs, music policy just isn’t important. Celebrity joints, commercial dives, captive markets… in these places, the music often really isn’t high on the list of priorities for either the club owners or the audience. But I’m gambling that in any night YOU launch, music is going to be paramount. You’ll be playing the tunes, to start with. I’ll also gamble that you’re looking for a crowd who know their music too. You’re trying to get something worthwhile going – otherwise, why take the risk?
