Chances are high you want to make music a full time career, but right now, DJing is not yet paying the bills. Many DJs maintain two jobs, their daytime gig (to keep the rent paid) and their night time job (the passion). For most people becoming a full-time touring DJ is the ultimate dream, so in the meantime is there a day job that will help you get there?
Author Archive
Track or Treat: Halloween Tools for DJs
While Halloween is predominantly celebrated in the US, many of our readers enjoy the Mexican equivalent, Día de los Muertos, and many European countries get into the fun by donning costumes and letting their alter egos free. Like any holiday festivity, the amateurs come out to play – but it also presents an opportunity to lace your sets with a fun theme. DJ TechTools helps by providing a short but juicy list of Halloween DJ jams that are perfect for any ghouly party this weekend.
Looking into SYNC – Power Functions in Traktor Pro 2
SYNC is a highly debated but often miss-understood function. Many people get the general concept but fail to understand exactly what sync actually does and how to customize it for their own needs. In this article, we delve into every nuance of the SYNC command including a complete description of the three different possible sync behaviors that can be unlocked in Trakor. We’ll also explain the elusive SNAP and QUANT functions.
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Monome/Battle Mixer Mashup
The smart folks over at create digital music ran a story on a new MIDI mixer prototype that is half monome, half battle mixer. This unique concept is an open source prototype based on the Japanese-based PICnome project. While not commercially available at this time, we have been wondering if there is a market for this style of mixer. We like the concept! Do you?
New Stands for Controllers and Laptops from Aviiq
In our quest to smoothly integrate laptops and controllers on stage we regularly bump up against ergonomic obstacles. It should feel totally natural and easy to use your digital gear live, but too often they sit awkwardly and at uncomfortable angles. In my regular practice and performance sessions, I have found that by angling my gear (both laptop and controller) I not only achieve a much more comfortable work flow, but also connect more with the audience by showing them the performance – not the back of my gear. Surprisingly, there was no simple and portable controller stand that would prop up my controllers on the market – so we went out and found the perfect one.
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Vestax VCI-400: Exclusive Video and Photos!
Vestax is back! After a solid year of limited traction in the DJ world and a lack-luster response to the VCI-100Mk2, Vestax comes back with a solid offering that should have plenty of you drooling. Its sexy, well built, full of great features and certainly “pro” quality. Can they make it in time and at a price you are willing to pay? We shall see! Check out lots of photos and an exclusive walkthrough video after the break.
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New Modular DJ Software: The One
We got word of a new software that will be announced shortly called “The One”. It’s a modular DJ software that is meant to be entirely customizable. I have no idea what company is behind it, but there are some interesting features they are claiming to support. Get on the early beta here. Full video after the break.
The Xone K2: New Allen and Heath Controller
Allen and Heath announced today a new side car controller similar to the X1, featuring a built in sound card and internal links to combine multiple units. A blank canvas, the MIDI controller has no suggested purpose, so we are excited to hear how you might use the new Xone K2 from Allen and Heath.
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BPM 2011: Serato DJ Intro
In a move that expands their software line up to three levels and squarely targets the Traktor LE market, Serato has released “DJ Intro” – a two deck software mirrored after Itch/Scratch that is designed to ship with OEM controllers like the VCI-100MK2, Numark Mix Track and several others. Loaded with the the basic essentials, this entry-level software comes paired with a low cost controller that is perfect until your little bro is ready to graduate up into the big leagues!
Review: SoftStep – Responsive Foot Control
Many years ago, in our quest to try every possible MIDI controller on the planet, we tried out a variety of foot controllers because of a simple inescapable fact: We only have two hands (curse you, genetics!). To do more with controllers, one simply had to explore other “dimensions” of control, including putting something under your feet. The only problem was that there were only a few MIDI foot pedals, and they were very large, heavy and expensive- hardly something to put in a DJ bag. Fortunately, we’ve discovered a product on the market that provides MIDI foot control in a enjoyable and natural way while keeping the profile of its body thin and light.
DJ Sets Driven by Dancers Movements
In this series I go trolling through the patent databases to pull up next level concepts that may be years from hitting the market place. Today, we un-earthed a patent covering the use of peoples movements to drive the tempo of an automatic mixing system. The logical use is in runners and workouts but a possible extension also covered is on the dance floor. One obvious problem though, is that people dance to the music – and not the other way around. Any ideas how this technology could be used to track the energy of dancers in an effective way?
NI S2 Video Explained – Demo and Tutorial
The response to my recent NI demo video featuring a live Depeche Mode remix was great, but a LOT of people asked for the demo on how it was done. The wait is over and we have an exclusive inside look video from my shoot that day. Check out the explanation above and then dig into the article for a deeper look into the details. Continue reading NI S2 Video Explained – Demo and Tutorial
