The VMS4 MIDI controller is another entry into the newest rage for digital DJs: 4 channel controllers. The VMS4, however, offers a twist to the usual formula by serving double duty as a 4 channel analogue mixer. At a price of only $499- many DJs have asked, “am I missing something? That sounds like a great deal.” DJ TechTools investigates to find out if the first controller from American Audio is too good to be true.
Its been a while since we had a light Friday, so here are some fun dj related videos that are light on the thinking but heavy on the fun. Above we have the worlds most excited dj ever (enthusiasm truly is contagious!) and after the break its Dj Shiftee having some fun with the S4 live @ the Dj expo plus a few other fun videos for your Friday!
After much delay, I finally found some time to pour over the entries to last month’s Midi-Fighter contest. The rules were simple: take any of the songs I used in my 10-minute rock video and mix them together in a unique way. There is no question that the resulting videos are a lot of fun to watch. Each person has collected their own special amalgamation of gear, techniques and sounds that makes every single DJ that entered very unique. That, in my opinion, is the power of digital DJing. Continue reading to be inspired, watch the winning videos, and pitch in your ideas for the next contest!
Continue reading Midi-Fighter Contest Winners and Videos!
One of our readers has mocked up a modular controller system that allows you to custom-arrange your own knobs, faders and buttons for a personalized layout of physical controls. Last week’s red-hot multi-touch debate divided most DJs along real-vs-virtual controller lines. Would a flexible, inexpensive hardware version of the iPad make everyone happy?
Continue reading AMBER Modular Controller System
The Traktor Kontrol S4 system from Native Instruments, one of the most anticipated DJ systems in recent memor, is going to be available this winter for $999 / 899 EUR. It’s a 1-to-1 DJ solution that combines a 4-channel hardware interface with a special version of Traktor Pro called S4, which is equipped with exclusive features like loop decks and a special loop recorder for building on-the-fly performances. Check out more photos and the exclusive DJ TechTools scoop after the break!
First came the insane press attention for the iPad DJ and now we have two more touch-screen DJ concepts making serious waves in the blog-sphere. It’s safe to say that the DJ world is fired up about DJing with touch interfaces and chomping at the bit for something mind-blowing. Even though Gizmodo seems to think so, are these latest videos really that amazing? After the jump, we will share the videos in question, talk to some creators and evaluate what the latest buzz in DJing really has to offer.
Continue reading Touch Screen DJ Interfaces – Hot or Hype?
Along with preceding turntable/controller demo by DMC champ Shiftee, we also have a tutorial explaining the performance and an exclusive look inside Shiftee’s DJ bag. Plus- if that was not enough, there is a contest where you can win a full Traktor Scratch Pro System, including a Traktor Kontrol X1 and three sets of control vinyl.
Continue reading DJ Shiftee- What’s In Your Bag, Performance And Tutorial
I have a confession to make. Ever since I stopped DJing full-time to focus on building TechTools, the gigs I now play are significantly more fun. Playing four gigs a week for years led to serious burn out and nearly forgetting why I became a DJ in the first place. For those just starting out, a full time gig as a DJ would be a dream gig. That is very possible; but after a while, if you’re not careful, it can become just another job, or even worse, a job you don’t even like! After 14 years of playing in clubs, here are a few of my tips for keeping the craft fun no matter how often you practice it.
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