In 2008 Dj midi controllers are finally breaking free of their more conservative constraints and officially becoming completely bad ass. The biggest development, as I predicted several months ago, is the appearance of motorized platters in the midi world. Stanton, Numark, Denon and Vestax all premiered midi controllers that are using spinning platters in place of jog wheels. Not only are they spinning but several companies have duplicated the real feel of a record by incorporating real records and slip mats on top. Every one seems to be headed in the same direction but the way each company actually implemented these concepts in term of technology vary dramatically. We will do a full expose on all of them later, comparing the performance and technology to find out who has best replicated the turntable in midi land.
In the mean time take a look at what each of the new controllers brought to the table:
Continue reading ‘NAMM 2008- Controllers Reviewed (updated)’
Today apple released a surprising new addition to their already impressive line called the “Mac-Book Air”. The thing that caught my attention though is not the size but the new mouse pad that incorporates many of the gesture movements that you find on the I-Pod touch and I-Phone. Basically, multiple finger combinations and finger movements allow for very precise control over many different aspects of software from a single track pad. Several years back some very smart guys created a site that converts track pad data into midi so you could do basic things to your dj software with scrolling and moving your fingers on your laptop. Now if these guys manage to also convert these new gesture movements, then we are really onto something here!
Continue reading ‘Dj with your track pad? The Mac-Book Air.’
With all the computer-DJing options out there, people are still using CDs live. CD technology is so 1997, dude — shouldn’t they get with the program and get a laptop? Well, CD slingers still have a few attractive features that the computer can’t quite match: great portability, universal compatibility, ease and reliability, among others. So, allow me to suggest a compromise. Quick quiz: What is a nearly universal medium for digital audio storage that is light, portable and reliable? That’s right, the iPod. Then why isn’t everyone DJing with an iPod (or a brand new iPhone) yet? Because the technology to do so is just finally coming into its own now. The truth is, people have been hacking iPods and pseudo-DJing with them for years. Lately, however, technology has caught up with those pioneers, and now true iPod DJing is within everyone’s reach.
Continue reading ‘Ipod- the Mk1200 of 2010?’
So which contender should you plop down your hard earned money on? Which digital dj controller is going to give you the best performance in the long run? Here at dj tech tools we pride ourselves on being VERY impartial. We have no advertisers and do not answer to any manufacturers or software companies. In the end, be assured your going to get the straight scoop on how we honestly feel about every product that graces these pages. The Xponent vs VCI question does not have a black and white answer though. So to determine who deserves the “King of DJ Controllers” title , we put them both in the ring and let the facts decide for themselves.
Each round is worth one point and winner takes all!
Continue reading ‘Xponent VS. VCI-100′
This brand new video was produced by Australain DJs and podcasters GearWhores–Andre Cato and Charlie Maybe.
www.myspace.com/gearwhores
Waking up after a long gig you find a tiny mosquito has taken up residence in your ear. You can try to get it out, but no amount of prying will shake free this annoyance. The unfortunate fact is, you never will because the high-pitched hum doesn’t actually exist. It’s a very cruel trick your damaged ear hairs are playing on your mind. For most people who experience this disturbing reality, it dissipates after a day, but an unlucky few are left with it for life. For a dramatic and comedic version of this all-too-common tale, check out the movie It’s All Gone Pete Tong
(cheeky cockney slang for “it’s all gone wrong”). It’s what happens when a famous Ibiza club DJ gets tinnitus and eventually goes deaf from extreme noise levels. Hollywood exaggerations? Well, the average DJ booth is usually around 110 dB. According to industry standards, you should not be exposed to that level of noise for more than 30 minutes at a time before permanent damage can begin to take hold. Got your attention? Well, enough of the gloom and doom. Here is the good news: There is a simple way you can not only save your ears but also significantly clean up your mixes at the same time. All you need to do is let go of those clunky DJ headphones and try out in-ear monitoring.
Continue reading ‘Dont go deaf- change your headphones.’
The new remix article talks about techniques and possibilites using foot switches but I did not have the space to really go into detail. Here are some direct links and thoughts on some of the options you have for foot switches.
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