With the advent of “controllerism” and the meteoric rise of DJ software, some may assume that the art of turntablism is fading fast. Attendance at the large competitions continues to drop, and the 20-year-old art form appears to need a breath of fresh air. Ironically, it may just be digital technology that brings it. Software like Serato Scratch Live is making the bread and butter of turntablists — scratch records — more accessible to everyone and opening creative doors to exciting new ideas.
For years, having your own scratch record to manipulate was a luxury afforded to a precious few. The technology and techniques that went into a DMC-winning performance were shrouded in secrecy as each performer tried to one-up the next. These days, you don’t have to drop $100 on a dub plate or be a former DMC champion to make your scratch sentences and routines completely original. With digital vinyl technology, a decent DAW and some minor technical know-how, you can make your own personal scratch “record” in just a few hours.
By now a few of you may have seen my performance at the Vestax Extravaganza in Tokyo. Several people on stage all said the same thing: “Man, none of us could figure out what the hell you are doing in your videos, we thought we could figure it out by being here- now we really have no idea!” Although I certainly did step up the level of performance for that gig the core principles are very simple and have not changed in several years. Everything in the Japan video is just different ways of “cue point juggling” or jumping between different points in a song instantly. There are 2 different kinds of cue point juggling: direct play and sample play.
Editors note: It has recently come to light that the first run of VCI-100’s that were sent out had a completely different mapping layout than all the subsequent “Firmware V2″ VCi-100. You can find out which version you have by holding down both jog wheel buttons at the same time. If the jog wheel lights turn off and your pitch bend no longer works then you have the NEW firmware and my layout will NOT work with your VCi-100. Your new vci firmware is sending out completely different note values and they will result in NOTHING working as I designed. if you have the OLD firmware then by all means enjoy the layout bellow. Otherwise wait until march when you can get your hands on a VCI-100 that ships with these performance mods already installed
After 2 months of intense button pushing, code twisting and testing, I think its almost done. Here is the near final version of my programming for the VCI-100. In the coming months you will be able to get your hands on a limited edition set of plates (hopefully gold and black) that match this exclusive layout. What is different? Almost everything, but the general idea is to give you hands on immediate access to do really cool things without looking at a screen. This is the testing phase so only people with a Macintosh computer will be able to use the layout. Once the controls are finalized Vestax will make available a firmware update that will give the VCI all of this functionality without any extra programs.
So if you have a Macintosh follow the instructions bellow and PLEASE give me feedback here on this post.
If you have a WIN machine you can try out this patch for BOME Midi translator.
Here is a basic juggle routine I have been working on with my customized VCI-100. Its a free-form mash up of Rock the Bells and a classic Ray Charles song.
Check out this really excellent application of my VCI-100 arcade button mod. He has stolen 2 knobs and turned them into extra faders and installed 8 arcade buttons from Happ controls. I cant wait to see other creative applications of my button mod. Check out more pictures and ask the creator questions here.
Here is a video that shows you the steps needed to do the modification. Download the cut guide for your machine shop and click bellow for a list of items you will need. Thats it!
Has anyone noticed the remarkable performances over the past year by Dj Numark? The controllerism-esq routines are really impressive considering that his turntables are pair of learning toys meant for teething toddlers. I cant seem to find a single interview or explanation on just what the hell he is doing. Does anyone know? Do I need to interview this guy to find out?
Check out this interview that I did with Moldover for Remix magazine. There is a cool video showing his incredibly modified Novation SL and some of the ways he implements controllerism using Ableton Live. Here is a quick blurb from the piece:
You’re going to look back at the early 21st century and see a defining point that divided DJs into two distinct groups. You could call it the digital divide, but it will not be a question of who uses digital or not. That result is already clear: Go digital or find yourself with the dinosaurs. The digital divide will be between those who were and those who will be. First, you have the old vanguard that is adapting techniques and styles into the digital realm via digital training wheels courtesy of Serato Scratch and others. Then you have the new camp, which — with no emotional ties to a particular DJing paradigm — is literally throwing away the rulebook and reinventing the wheel. DJ Moldover falls squarely in the new camp by default and by choice, but he still wants to pay homage to the old-school world of turntablism — without turntables. Fortunately, he has come up with a term that seems to explain this in a way that people can understand and — hold your breath — even respect. Introducing…“controllerism.”
Has anyone noticed the remarkable performances over the past year by 
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