Last week we looked at ten ways to get into digital DJ software for less than $100. Let’s take it to the next logical step and add some cost effective hardware controls to the software and really get into DJing on the computer. Today Ean and Chris will go through the best options for purchasing controllers from $50-$500, and look for the best value.
Continue reading DJ Controllers and Soundcards For Beginners
While I was in LA shooting a new super secret video to be released next week, the guys in the Dj TT Labs decided to have some fun and see if they could kill a Midi Fighter Pro. What better test than dropping the controller off a three story building onto concrete? Even I was surprised to see that it fully survived with only a few scratches to boot. At your suggestion – we are giving away the controller to a lucky reader. The Pros are back in stock, so if you are down with the program and want to support this site, check them out here. There are also some brand new clear/black glowing arcade buttons that look wicked! More photos of the buttons after the drop.
Continue reading Can the Midi Fighter Pro Survive a 3 Story Drop?
Have you ever wanted to wail out a synth solo on top of a track or drop a dubstep baseline during a break? You could always cart along a keyboard and load up Ableton in your sets but that is not very practical for the average DJ. To solve that problem and add a layer of musicality in my sets, I invented a system of MP3s with pentatonic scales several years ago. After many months of fine tuning, the first public version is finally available for you to play with. I am proud to introduce DJ PowerTools, the modern controllerist’s version of the scratch record.
Continue reading Introducing DJ PowerTools – Sound Packs for Controllers
Serato Scratch is a very popular tool for DJs around the world but one area it lacks strength is in MIDI mapping capacity. For that reason, we set out to create a mapping for the Midi-Fighter that broke new technical ground. The Midi-Fighter mapping for Serato, does exactly that by using scripts to control modifiers (which don’t exist in Serato Scratch Live). This adds shift functionality to several elements including overwriting cue-points with the shift button. Check out our full walkthrough in the video above or continue reading for more details and links to the mappings.
Continue reading Midi Fighter Mappings for Serato Scratch Live
For your viewing pleasure I offer up a quick demo of two models from our new, sold out Midi Fighter Pro series. Instead of a technically complex routine, this video shows a improv exploration of the unit’s performance section that can be enjoyed by DJs and controllerists of all skill levels. The MF Pro series are built to be used as learned instruments and provide intuitive tools that can be unleashed at any moment when inspiration strikes. Just select the preset of your choice, and start working the faders to find a complex range of sounds and textures that can transform any track into your own personal sonic landscape.
For the past year we have been experimenting with various Midi Fighter configurations in our search to find the perfect controllerist instrument. After much exploration, I settled on four popular layouts that combine function, strength, and playability into one powerful surface. The resulting Midi Fighter Pro’s are available now in our brand new web store. Continue reading for more photos and details on each of the four models.
Continue reading Introducing The Midi Fighter Pro Controllers
Several emails have landed in my inbox lately asking for ways to use four decks inside Traktor effectively. The obvious use-case is playing four songs simutaniously, but as you will quickly discover, that rarely sounds good. Usually the extra decks are better when employed for specific tasks like ready to go one shot samples. In today’s video, I propose a totally new way of using decks C and D as sample batteries that are layered under your cue points to create a unique audio effect when cue point juggling. In my quest to take controllerism to the next level, this method gets us one step closer to the DJ as an instrumentalist with another layer of expressive voicing.
The birth of great things often go unnoticed until many years later when those great things are held responsible for changing history. March 31st, 2008 was the birth of one such great thing that has, from the start, changed the digital DJ community forever. That great thing is the DJ TechTools forum, which celebrated it’s third birthday on Thursday. Today the forum hosts over 35,000 members that are constantly breaking important DJ news and helping other members get more out of their journey through DJing. To commemorate this special day, we are looking back at the past and the people that helped make the forum what it is today.
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. Continue reading Create Amazing Build Ups (Part One: Beat Roll)
Today we follow up last month’s successful article on dancing with a more in-depth look at mixing various types of rhythmic styles together. In the video above, I go into detail on recognizing swing differences and then five techniques to smoothly and effectively switch between different rhythmic styles in both house and hip-hop. The mapping used in the video is our Midi-Fighter deckalized layout for Traktor Pro and is available as a free download here.
Anyone who has ever casually browsed through our domestic cable must have stumbled upon such gem’s as the “American Chopper” and discovered the unique world of beautiful custom motorcycles. Possibly inspired by that aesthetic, one of our readers has created his own custom Hot Rod: a classic looking arcade controller fitted with all the trimmings including flared faders and a gorgeous wood surface. Continue reading for more photos, tips on building your own DIY controller and even a great video demonstrating this unique instrument in action!
Continue reading The Chopper Tone – Classic Arcade Custom Controller
Cue point juggling is a lot of fun, but unless you’re fine with the 90′s style sample repeats, then it’s critical to introduce musical variation for interesting results. In the video above I showcase 4 techniques useful for creating a wide palette of voicing. These techniques take a simple cue point press and transform it into a expressive instrument that can be voiced just like the quintessential scratch but with digital benefits. In the following article, each of the techniques will be broken down and explained in greater detail.
DJ TechTools Traktor Kontrol S4 Mapping
The long awaited Traktor S4 Mapping is here and totally FREE. Continue reading for a full video and the download link.
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