Upon its initial release the Ipad sparked up a lot of debate about its viability as a dj tool. Only a few months after its release there is a list of dj targeted apps but we are all wondering: Are they a total waste of money or actually worth a spin? To answer that question, I have been collecting Ipad apps by the dozens and searching for the best of the bunch. The results are a mixed bag. As you might suspect some really suck and some surprising contenders were actually a lot of fun. Check out which ones we liked after the break.
Today, Novation announced the ‘Dicer’ controller that we showed in this cryptic video last Friday. Dicer is a pair of button controllers that fit snugly onto a pair of Turntables providing DVS users with access to performance functions like cue points and loops right where they need them – on the turntable. Since Dicer was my invention, I would like to share a bit of history on the concept and why it was created in the first place. That and a review of how the controller actually turned out after the break!
After years of rumors, NI finally entered the fray and released their own dj controller to match the popular Traktor software. While many had hoped for a all-in one dj controller like the NS7, NI disappointed some and pleased others by instead addressing a clear need in the compact controller range. Is the Kontrol X1 a smashing success? Lets dive in and take a closer look.
Last month we started a contest that challenged all of our readers to use the samples from the video above and re-arrange them in their own unique way with any controller. It was my hope that people would be inspired and take the clips to an entirely new level. I am very happy to share the winning entries with you. Several people came up with arrangements and performances that might have even smoked mine!
Last month we wrote a DJ Essentials on etiquette explaining some of the core principles to keep in mind when dealing with club owners, DJs and bouncers. Along with a stellar response to the article, we got one email from a sound technician protesting: “Hey, you left us out! Why cant DJs keep levels out of the red!?” Ironically, our article reflects the common feeling about techs and sound levels: we usually forget about them in the face of the clubs more distracting clientele. But wait a sec, we are playing music in a heavily amplified environment – sound quality is important and distortion sounds bad, so why don’t DJs keep levels out of the red? The problem may be more complicated than you suspect.
Hot on the tails of the much talked about Rafik performances comes another NI sponsored Controllerist/Turntablism video. This time its with DJ Craze sporting 2 turntables and an X1 controller. While we are all wary of marketing videos, both of these are excellent routines that should inspire all the young digital djs out there to buckle down and practice like mad. Check out the video and some one on one time with Craze after the break.
ThudRumble posted a video this weekend of Qbert comparing the scratch response of Serato Scratch to Traktor Scratch. Predictably, there was little real difference between the two systems as both performed really well compared to traditional vinyl. With only a few minor performance differences between the 2 DVS leaders, most viewers were probably still left wondering which system is better for them. Dj TechTools will attempt to tackle that question in this article.
There is a lot of creative ways to use Ableton Live but we have never seen it used as a painting tool! Santiago Luini (aka Zantho) is a techtools reader and recently started creating pixel art by using ableton clip colors to paint. You cant help but love their low bit quality and the pain-staking manner in which Ableton is being re-purposed in a fun way. Check out a video of him in action and more of his great “clip-work” after the break Continue reading Ableton Art
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