Today we kick off a two part series on creating amazing build ups with effects. In the video above I cover four different ways to use the beat roll function – a common effect in most DJ software, for various creative results. Next week we’ll move over to the common echo and explore several ways to introduce it for big build-ups and drama. As with all effects, this one can be seriously overused, but when tastefully applied, well timed beat rolls can add a lot of spice to your live sets.

In this video, Ean is using two Midi Fighter Pro controllers. Check them out in the DJTT store!

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  • http://twitter.com/Stphnvlstk Stphnvlstk

    Pretty sick stuff, makes me want a midifighter all the more. Damn!

  • bcondemi

    Excellent Tutorial…. This is what DDTT needs more of, and here is a great example of why others visit this site… Walk-throughs and how-tos. Nice job!

    BC

  • DjMaxD

    wow.. great! I think I will be speaking for a lot of readers here when I say we want a lot more of this kind of stuff :)

  • http://www.lodefinition.com Lo.Definition

    Question, are you using snap or quantize when you’re grabbing the downbeat/kick in this tutorial?

  • Vincedayries

    Well I think you have sold me on purchasing a custom Midi Fighter. I’m all about “Testing My Might!”

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Benny-Chu/583560205 Benny Chu

    while I think this video is great to understand how the beatmasher works, I find it annoying that there is no camera showing us what is happening inside traktor ( much like the older videos).

  • JuanSOLO

    Yep, this really sold me on the midi fighter. Not that I didn’t want one already, just something about watching this technique with the midi fighter makes it all the more appealing.

    Ean it looks like you are really digging the Rane68. I would like to see a video of you just rocking this set up for about 30 mins with a camera on the set up, and a screen capture. Maybe a quick verbal breakdown of how your using this set up.

  • Samms

    i really would like to know the effects that are beeing used aswell… especially the parameters… not everybody has a midifighter (yet hehe) but would still like to use this or similar…

  • Razehell

    The beatmasher isn’t affected by snap or quantize. You got to hit it somewhat on time with what you want to roll.

  • Samms

    to awnser your question, all you need is to have you grids tight!

  • dsharps

    Yeah, these kinds of videos are why I come here! Epic stuff. That looked like a modded version of the Instant gratification mapping, with some transport controls?

  • http://twitter.com/djmarcelektro Marco F

    Awesssoooome stuff! Well firstly, interesting to see Ean using Dubstep songs! Second, that video does indeed make a person feel like buying a midifighter. Glad to see that you guys are listening to the readers/viewers and giving us more of these how to videos!

  • Georgeo0

    is that a Deckalized/Instant Gratification combo mapping I see??????

  • http://www.eangolden.com Ean Golden

    totally understand. This demo is meant to be used with all types of software and controllers so we didnt want to show too many specific software functions. Instead I was hoping people would really listen to the ideas and try to duplicate them at home with any gear available.

  • http://www.eangolden.com Ean Golden

    These replies are both right. The down beat is set based on your timing but the repeat is based on the grid. So- snap and quantize dont have any effect on the sound

  • http://www.facebook.com/per.jakobsen Per Jakobsen

    GREAT vid. I just love those tutorials. thks EAN :-)

    I wonder if it’s only me but i wonder if EAN wanna swap a midifighter for a trimmer he he (kiddin)

  • Ajrindy

    can someone explain to me how one achieves effects trails, such as the transpose effect he had at about 1:30 in the video? i know how to values to things to do that same beat roll using the beatmasher, but i do not know how to get an effect to smoothly change from one value to another smoothly with a button. I would be grateful for an explaination

  • Enric Segura

    Well well, as he is using tpro2, and appliying a filter AFTER sampling a piece with the beatmasher, can we say we have good news and confirm the fx chain has been reviewed??

  • Remote

    Set the button to inc or dec on a knob style value and you’ll be able to set the speed/coarseness that it changes the value

  • Maxime

    the filter is applied on the mixer, not on the software

  • Julin

    i don’t think so! the midi fighter is using the software…
    i think the fx chain has been reviewed – that would be great news!

  • Nick Monge

    After the transition from VCI-100se to S4, I’ve been increasingly wanting a MIDI Fighter next to it. I’m crippled without an easy Echo Freeze, and this bet masher technique looks crazy intuitive!

  • http://karlroos.se/ Karl Laurentius Roos

    Great tutorial!

  • Bennyjr169

    This was a really great vid. i used them but i learned 2 new tricks. Good stuff Ean and the DJTT crew!

  • DJTT fan

    the knob construction on MIDI Fighter looks rubbish…

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/PaulHolland-DoubleDutchdj/100001027166218 PaulHolland DoubleDutchdj

    Any one know the tracks in vid? (apart from the freestylers remix of cracks) Also, eye spy a jack looking input on the back of Eans modded midi fighter, please explain Mr Golden?
    ++
    Beatmasher, every digital dj’s (maybe over used) best friend, when I’m feeling in a glitch mood while switching the beatmasher on and off at different roll rates, I like to then break up the energy of fast rolls with a slow slightly reverb-ed gater, it’s quite cool to quickly bounce between the two and then hit turntablefx for instant crescendo breakdown.
    +++
    While I really enjoy midi mapped preset instant valued buttons, I think it’s very VERY important to still learn how to accurately hit the values you want via rotary’s and fades, it ain’t easy to manipulate fx on off switch’s while trying accurately twist multiple rotary’s, but neither is it easy to learn how to scratch and beat juggle. But like turntablism, skillful speedy manual control equals stage presence and something for the crowd to relate to as your hand movement, gesture and speed match the sound being manipulated far better than a couple of buttons being pressed (oh how I miss fader fx mode!)
    +++
    Of course I love the instant gratification map, it’s the work of genius. Thanks to the NI Controller Editor I’ve applied it to the midi mode of my X1 and S4, you would most probably need to sprout a 3rd and 4th hand to achieve the same level of fx manipulation manually. Please don’t interpret my preach as criticism, I just think its important to remember the value of taking not just months but at times years to mastering physical skill to achieve the seemingly impossible.

  • Djsuspence

    You got to love what this guy is doing for us Djs
    Not everyone can scratch… Plus this sounds dope in the club..
    Today I will try this with salsa music and merengue…

    Wish me luck :)

  • DJTT fan

    internal or external mixing, the filter is on the mixer section…it has always worked OK…

  • Anonymous

    Yes, I think PiP would be pretty good to have, especially since some wouldn’t know what is happening in the actual program.

  • Anonymous

    Hmm need to try mapping this to a X1

  • Oskar

    Do you use Quantize in this video?

  • blink147

    DJTT is crushing it!

  • sam

    looks sweet to me

  • Rukks

    There are a few flux pavillion songs in there…just search him and you will find most of his popular songs are in here…I want to know the title of the last song though.

  • Rukks

    There are a few flux pavillion songs in there…just search him and you will find most of his popular songs are in here…I want to know the title of the last song though.

  • Shred Thing

    If you do, please post your mapping on the forums! Tizzzzzz a great idea.

  • Shred Thing

    If you do, please post your mapping on the forums! Tizzzzzz a great idea.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/PaulHolland-DoubleDutchdj/100001027166218 PaulHolland DoubleDutchdj

    Thanks mate

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/PaulHolland-DoubleDutchdj/100001027166218 PaulHolland DoubleDutchdj

    Thanks mate

  • DJ BrainRush

    The more tutorials I watch, the more I find myself wanting a midi-fighter….

  • DJ BrainRush

    The more tutorials I watch, the more I find myself wanting a midi-fighter….

  • Samms

    understand aswell! and what you were hoping for is exactly what i am going to do, since i have no other choice.
    btw really big props for that lil detail on 1.28!!! blew me away, totally wasnt expecting it

  • Samms

    understand aswell! and what you were hoping for is exactly what i am going to do, since i have no other choice.
    btw really big props for that lil detail on 1.28!!! blew me away, totally wasnt expecting it

  • DJ-TT-Like

    Really great Ean, keep doing that stuff of cool effects one can use in the club to heat up the crowd coz thats whatz djs for, hu?
    also nice also serato is mentioned!

    btw. What is bruce lee’s favourites drink?

    WATAAAAAARRRRR!

    ;)

  • DJ-TT-Like

    Really great Ean, keep doing that stuff of cool effects one can use in the club to heat up the crowd coz thats whatz djs for, hu?
    also nice also serato is mentioned!

    btw. What is bruce lee’s favourites drink?

    WATAAAAAARRRRR!

    ;)

  • http://twitter.com/SamBenDavid SamBenDavid aka DJew

    Its videos like this that make me realise more and more that Ean Golden is the pioneer of the digital DJ’ing world.

  • http://twitter.com/SamBenDavid SamBenDavid aka DJew

    Its videos like this that make me realise more and more that Ean Golden is the pioneer of the digital DJ’ing world.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/PaulHolland-DoubleDutchdj/100001027166218 PaulHolland DoubleDutchdj

    Great point and I bloody well hope so!
    @DJTT fan – yes the filter on Traktor’s virtual mixer works fine in external and internal (to a point), but in the current version of Traktor Pro and the S4 version, the filter is chained pre fx but there’s a strong argument for it to be post, hence if you wanna filter sample based fx like beatmasher or slicer you HAVE to use a filter within a fx slot not the filter on the virtual mixer. The later part of vid clearly shows Ean twisting a filter mapped knob and because of the nature of the instant gratification map using all the available fx slots, there’s a very strong chance NI have finally sorted the filters out, not getting my hopes up to much as NI aren’t great at ironing out silly little flaws (post fade fx internal mode, poxy small mapping window), but fingers crossed anyway!

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/PaulHolland-DoubleDutchdj/100001027166218 PaulHolland DoubleDutchdj

    Great point and I bloody well hope so!
    @DJTT fan – yes the filter on Traktor’s virtual mixer works fine in external and internal (to a point), but in the current version of Traktor Pro and the S4 version, the filter is chained pre fx but there’s a strong argument for it to be post, hence if you wanna filter sample based fx like beatmasher or slicer you HAVE to use a filter within a fx slot not the filter on the virtual mixer. The later part of vid clearly shows Ean twisting a filter mapped knob and because of the nature of the instant gratification map using all the available fx slots, there’s a very strong chance NI have finally sorted the filters out, not getting my hopes up to much as NI aren’t great at ironing out silly little flaws (post fade fx internal mode, poxy small mapping window), but fingers crossed anyway!

  • Ryanwrice

    It looks like the midi fighter on Ean’s left is not plugged in haha.

    I’m looking forward to the next part to this one.

    Does this actually work in live situations? I’d love to see this at work live.

  • Ryanwrice

    It looks like the midi fighter on Ean’s left is not plugged in haha.

    I’m looking forward to the next part to this one.

    Does this actually work in live situations? I’d love to see this at work live.

  • Rockludret

    The jack is probably for a foot switch, they look like that.

  • Rockludret

    The jack is probably for a foot switch, they look like that.

  • cabdoctor

    That through hole mounting is literally the strongest way you could mount that thing. You wont get any of the knob wobble you get on mixers with their PCB mounting.

  • cabdoctor

    That through hole mounting is literally the strongest way you could mount that thing. You wont get any of the knob wobble you get on mixers with their PCB mounting.

  • Carl

    good to see djtechtools getting dirty with the dubstep, keep it up

  • Carl

    good to see djtechtools getting dirty with the dubstep, keep it up

  • Will Danner

    WHAT MIXER IS HE USING???

  • Will Danner

    WHAT MIXER IS HE USING???

  • D Holling

    But it glows in the dark. How can you not love that?

  • D Holling

    But it glows in the dark. How can you not love that?

  • D Holling

    umm… brostep much

  • D Holling

    umm… brostep much

  • Sam

    as if the beatroll/beatmash wasn’t the most distastefully over-used effect by novice digital DJs already……. such a predictable, boring effect….

  • Sam

    as if the beatroll/beatmash wasn’t the most distastefully over-used effect by novice digital DJs already……. such a predictable, boring effect….

  • Georgeo0

    im pretty sure the point of the video was to show us how to use the effect in a creative way, rather than just pressing a button on the count of 4 like new djs tend to use the effect for

  • Georgeo0

    im pretty sure the point of the video was to show us how to use the effect in a creative way, rather than just pressing a button on the count of 4 like new djs tend to use the effect for

  • PJ Flores

    Rane 68

  • PJ Flores

    Rane 68

  • http://www.dbmlabs.com/ Dbmlabs DJ Clothing

    Nice to see this type of tutorial showing how to enhance a dj’s set — as someone else said, a lot of people over use these buildups and they sometimes ruin the flow rather than enhance it. The new generation of dj’s definitely have the luxury of all this technology to make their sets more interesting!

  • http://www.dbmlabs.com/ Dbmlabs DJ Clothing

    Nice to see this type of tutorial showing how to enhance a dj’s set — as someone else said, a lot of people over use these buildups and they sometimes ruin the flow rather than enhance it. The new generation of dj’s definitely have the luxury of all this technology to make their sets more interesting!

  • sps

    what song is Ean using in his tutorial?

    Thanks!!!

  • sps

    what song is Ean using in his tutorial?

    Thanks!!!

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/PaulHolland-DoubleDutchdj/100001027166218 PaulHolland DoubleDutchdj

    That was my first thought, but I wasn’t aware a midi fighter could host a jack, plus all the analogue and digital expansion slots are already spoken for. Maybe it was a way to neaten up a drilled hole for a cable to be fed through, check out the exposed metal on the other midi fighter.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/PaulHolland-DoubleDutchdj/100001027166218 PaulHolland DoubleDutchdj

    That was my first thought, but I wasn’t aware a midi fighter could host a jack, plus all the analogue and digital expansion slots are already spoken for. Maybe it was a way to neaten up a drilled hole for a cable to be fed through, check out the exposed metal on the other midi fighter.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/PaulHolland-DoubleDutchdj/100001027166218 PaulHolland DoubleDutchdj

    Hit browser + shift together = midi mode on S4 then you can apply feature you want!

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/PaulHolland-DoubleDutchdj/100001027166218 PaulHolland DoubleDutchdj

    Hit browser + shift together = midi mode on S4 then you can apply feature you want!

  • http://twitter.com/MYQ_Q Michael Jameer

    Seconded

  • http://twitter.com/MYQ_Q Michael Jameer

    Seconded

  • Scandal

    It’d be cool if you covered this on the S4. Beatmasher seems like a good effect, but it’s definitely a timing thing.. I know you remapped your jog wheels but is there another way?

  • Scandal

    It’d be cool if you covered this on the S4. Beatmasher seems like a good effect, but it’s definitely a timing thing.. I know you remapped your jog wheels but is there another way?

  • Crandall Phillip

    is there any particular mappings for midi mode on the s4? or is this something that comes built in?

  • Crandall Phillip

    is there any particular mappings for midi mode on the s4? or is this something that comes built in?

  • DJ Base Bit

    so glad my midi fighter is coming this week!

  • DJ Base Bit

    so glad my midi fighter is coming this week!

  • Ray

    Rad video Ean. Thank you for the inspiration! To do is one thing…to teach puts you at a whole different level. I am looking forward to you hopefully coming out East to play. I heard François K spin at Cielo – Deep Space a few weeks ago. I was in the DJ booth and found out he uses the VCI-100 with an effects unit. His use of effects is amazing! He was killing it.

  • Ray

    Rad video Ean. Thank you for the inspiration! To do is one thing…to teach puts you at a whole different level. I am looking forward to you hopefully coming out East to play. I heard François K spin at Cielo – Deep Space a few weeks ago. I was in the DJ booth and found out he uses the VCI-100 with an effects unit. His use of effects is amazing! He was killing it.

  • djbach.com

    freestylers – cracks (flux pavillion remix)

  • djbach.com

    freestylers – cracks (flux pavillion remix)

  • http://www.facebook.com/warren.allen.4 Warren Potter Allen IV

    yeah or a maschine, ive tried but it always seems im short one button mapping(extra unused pad), not to mention everything is completely out of order

  • http://www.facebook.com/warren.allen.4 Warren Potter Allen IV

    yeah or a maschine, ive tried but it always seems im short one button mapping(extra unused pad), not to mention everything is completely out of order

  • Dur

    You need to get out more…

    Can i start a model rocket blog and be pioneer of space exploration?
    Please??

  • Dur

    You need to get out more…

    Can i start a model rocket blog and be pioneer of space exploration?
    Please??

  • Enric Segura

    could be, so at this point the question is, is the mixer midi mapped? is he working in traktor with internal or external mixer?

  • Enric Segura

    could be, so at this point the question is, is the mixer midi mapped? is he working in traktor with internal or external mixer?

  • AENSLAED

    Techniques for the dj bag of tricks, but something not to abuse. Gotta watch out for those loud sounds! Or you’re gonna have ear-bleeding kidz on the dancefloor…

  • AENSLAED

    Techniques for the dj bag of tricks, but something not to abuse. Gotta watch out for those loud sounds! Or you’re gonna have ear-bleeding kidz on the dancefloor…

  • shAdub

    You fool. Just because people use it distastefully doesn’t make it a worthless effect. Try taking that “boring” effect and using it to make something unique. Thats what people appreciate. Its called creativity mi amigo.

  • shAdub

    You fool. Just because people use it distastefully doesn’t make it a worthless effect. Try taking that “boring” effect and using it to make something unique. Thats what people appreciate. Its called creativity mi amigo.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Joel-Crespo/121800923 Joel Crespo

    cool choice of songs, me want a midi fighter now

  • Jayluv

    Ean has become Golden @ tutorials. Look no further….

  • Nicol

    Hey Ean, Really like the techniques. BUT, like another guy said, where can I find more specific info about it? I’m mapping a similar thing to my launchpad but am not sure which specific settings to use for the Beatmasher? ie. was your button 1 at 4/4, 2/4 and so on. Are you using the Gate and Rot, if so, what values? Are the buttons underneath rot and length on or off? Cheers, N

  • Nicol

    Hey Ean, Really like the techniques. BUT, like another guy said, where can I find more specific info about it? I’m mapping a similar thing to my launchpad but am not sure which specific settings to use for the Beatmasher? ie. was your button 1 at 4/4, 2/4 and so on. Are you using the Gate and Rot, if so, what values? Are the buttons underneath rot and length on or off? Cheers, N

  • Rubenarcejr

    All these tutorials are great and I always find something useful with every article and tutorial. Are there any tutorials for people who use itch? I see Alot for traktor, but not many for itch.

    Thanks for your feedback!

  • r2rodrummer

    nice tutorial

  • http://www.djtechtools.com/2011/04/10/create-amazing-build-ups-pt-2-echo/ DJ TechTools  |  Create Amazing Build-Ups: Pt 2 Echo

    [...] weeks ago I showed you how to create compelling build-ups using the beatmasher. This week, we follow up with a technique that does not require DJ software at all. Check out the [...]

  • http://www.djtechtools.com/2011/05/17/improving-your-djing-with-free-improvisation/ DJ TechTools  |  Improving Your DJing With Free Improvisation

    [...] Work in build ups and transitions as they come to you, and really listen to the audience to work with their response. [...]

  • abSRD

    Seriously, anyone know what that first song is when he demonstrates transition through the values?

  • abSRD

    Seriously, anyone know what that first song is when he demonstrates transition through the values?

  • Sam

    he uses a different more though, what is it?

  • Sam

    he uses a different more though, what is it?

  • http://www.facebook.com/derekjonez Derek Jones

    Obsidian – Hot Fuzz

  • http://www.facebook.com/derekjonez Derek Jones

    Obsidian – Hot Fuzz

  • Woodisbee

    was wondering if this only worked with tracktor.. or if u could also use it with serato…??

  • http://profile.yahoo.com/GIHBWVHEVMXO7R5YGSBLPSV4LU TuyetNhung

    This effect is accomplished by repeating a looped audio buffer” of the entire track and varying its length in time to the music. Put a filter after the looper and you are done. All that is left is to “play” the two effects.

    It isn’t the sort of thing you can do on an Electribe or but you might be able to do on a Machine Drum (I don’t know how exactly the audio recorder/play back works on a Machine Drum). Just stick a looper after the drum machine, then a filter and your set.

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