tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70475762113001818852024-03-18T02:16:46.487-07:00Pri yon Joni Official BlogspotPri yon Joni's Official BlogspotPri yon Jonihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06610757574793875089noreply@blogger.comBlogger15125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7047576211300181885.post-29632603996417768912014-09-02T00:12:00.001-07:002014-09-02T00:12:11.635-07:00Serato DJ 1.7 First Test Drive<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/W2hzTE37huw?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />
I did a test drive with Serato DJ 1.7.<br />
<br />
<b>Hardware:</b><br /> -Rane SL3<br /> -Late 2013 Macbook Pro Retina 2.3ghz with 16GB RAM<br />
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Serato drivers for Pioneer DJM-900SRT, Rane SL3 and Rane 62 installed.<br />
<br />
So far, so good. I listed my computer type because there are isolated
issues with the Retina MBPs compared to previous generation MBPs.<br />
<br />
<b>Improvements I noticed: </b><br />
- Latency issues with timecode are gone, and timecode responds just like SSL which I can now scratch properly.<br />
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- Left deck does not start a milisecond off from the cue like it did with 1.6.<br />
<br />
<b>A few things I also noticed:</b><br />
-SL3 driver for Mac no longer has the buffer control. I don't know if
this is a good thing or not, but I will say the buffer did very weird
things with 1.6...like setting it lower and the latency would increase,
and setting it higher, would make the latency go way off the charts,
like 1 to 2 seconds off. Whatever the case is, timecode is responsive
now.<br />
<br />
-Recording channel is default to Channel 1, when I think it
should be default to Channel 3 since it is the aux. Nothing more
embarrassing than have a timecode signal recorded as opposed to your
set. I did that when I made this video.<br />
<br />
-When the line/phono
switch is set to phono and you input it with a line timecode signal,
unlike SSL where it gives you a red signal but will still play, Serato
DJ will play at +230% forcing the DJ to check for something wrong. I
think this is awesome because many DJs forget to switch back to line
from phono simply because it "works" in SSL. It's not good to load your
inputs with a line level signal. From what I read, the overload could
actually destroy your channel inputs to your interface or mixer.<br />
<br />
***********<br />
Still have to do further long term tests to see if it can be used live.
Will also try HID mode with Pioneer CDJs to see if they improved the
known latency issue with HID. Will be doing further tests with a Rane 62
real soon, and the 900SRT sometime this month.</div>
Pri yon Jonihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06610757574793875089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7047576211300181885.post-15325697599928345432014-04-08T19:38:00.003-07:002014-04-08T19:38:45.073-07:00Quincy Jones Cries About EDM<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO7UJvw7APl5n_P6Ps0AvqoSpoCTuoanN1_90A2E1o0aR6cMNe6Qhec96pM_PcoKW2RxaWnGCWicNyO99sPs5d4katkNJHbWHGlkSsNMYCsrh7gqS2EDSHqCQzhJbNqlgSWdekhjG7JgmW/s1600/quincy-600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO7UJvw7APl5n_P6Ps0AvqoSpoCTuoanN1_90A2E1o0aR6cMNe6Qhec96pM_PcoKW2RxaWnGCWicNyO99sPs5d4katkNJHbWHGlkSsNMYCsrh7gqS2EDSHqCQzhJbNqlgSWdekhjG7JgmW/s1600/quincy-600.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a>I may agree, I'm not a fan of Lil Wayne. But for a person who is a big icon in music history, this was a boldly ignorant statement. If you read it, he calls it "techno" which reveals he knows nothing of the music. I have no problem with some one not liking something. Individual tastes makes us unique. But I would expect more from an iconic musician than to be a bitter old man being a cry baby about the money others make doing what they love; and furthermore being bitter because people like something different from what they used to do.<br /><br />Do typist cry because computer word processors replaced the typewriter? Maybe they did, but in the overall spectrum, being a good writer doesn't mean you have to be a good typist. Just like being a good song writer or producer no longer means you have to be a good musician. There's new things that one can work hard on and what's important is more people can express music from the heart, rather than being limited by their tools.<br /><br />Sorry Quincy, you have an awesome history, and you're a legend, but once a tomato decides he is ripe, the only thing left is to rot. And I'm sure for one not going to join the bandwagon who's backing you up on this.<br />
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Original Article<br />
<a href="http://blog.djcity.com/2014/04/quincy-jones-criticizes-lil-wayne-and.html">http://blog.djcity.com/2014/04/quincy-jones-criticizes-lil-wayne-and.html</a><br />
<br />Pri yon Jonihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06610757574793875089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7047576211300181885.post-29889695262504727862014-03-10T02:15:00.001-07:002014-03-10T02:15:39.656-07:00Thought's on the movie, "Rush"I was really inspired by the movie, "Rush". It had an awesome motif of the two types of champions, a technically disciplined champion versus a confident instinctive champion. Knowledge versus Confidence, Fear versus Ego. My favorite quote is Niki Lauda's line to James Hunt, "You should try [flying]. It's good for discipline. You have to stay within the rules, stick with regulations, suppress the ego. It helps with the racing." I feel more relatable to Lauda's character, but can't deny the temptations of a suppressed persona like Hunt's. I think this motif in the movie isn't about two types of people, but more of the dual personas a single individual can take. Both aren't necessarily wrong and the truth is, there is a balance to be discovered from recognizing how to accept characteristics of both. Pri yon Jonihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06610757574793875089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7047576211300181885.post-80025007377864868512014-02-08T16:01:00.000-08:002014-02-08T16:01:00.851-08:00Serato DJ 1.6 DVS Report<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyYj9mMRoJMrou053jv7piwqLz3gLmgQIIKgwgBXf0TWP8I1N1EtE_Tvvk_9QZxpELHg-duYFeHU31t_406tXwJkPZSifhduT3D0jdfloDLYROUhGAEHnPXSlUkSDASXg5I1qYg2ShhCHR/s1600/serato-dj-logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyYj9mMRoJMrou053jv7piwqLz3gLmgQIIKgwgBXf0TWP8I1N1EtE_Tvvk_9QZxpELHg-duYFeHU31t_406tXwJkPZSifhduT3D0jdfloDLYROUhGAEHnPXSlUkSDASXg5I1qYg2ShhCHR/s1600/serato-dj-logo.png" height="74" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">After
using Serato DJ Thursday night, I report that the software is still
buggy. I used it in timecode mode, with 1 MIDI controller. Here's my
current analysis.<br /> <br /> Computer specs:<br /> Mid 2011 Apple MacBook Pro 15 inch<br /> 2.4 Ghz Quad Core <br /> 16 GB RAM <br /> Mavericks OSX<br /> 750 GB 7200rpm HHD (200 GB used)<br /> 1 TB Lacie Thunderbolt HHD (for Serato Library)<br /> <span class="text_exposed_show"><br /> Hardware tested on:<br /> Rane SL3<br /> Rane 62<br /> <br /> Pros:<br />
Tenth of a decimal BPM read out. Awesome for blends and quick mixing
without headphones. Awesome for digitally accurate CDJ's but I would
imagine it being jumpy on turntables.<br /> <br /> 8 hot cues.<br /> <br /> Bigger color code section. No more color confusion.<br /> <br /> 4 deck use; awesome for 3 decks using SL3.<br /> <br /> The purchasable Pitch n Time DJ is much more awesome sounding than the standard key lock. So much cleaner.<br /> <br />
I thought the Base Pack effects was limited compared to SSL effects but
I found almost everything I needed in the free Wolf Pack. Still looking
for a Roll Out type effect.<br /> <br /> Cons:<br /> Rane 62 does not BPM sync effects to track. Must constantly use tap which takes too much time to get accurately.<br /> <br />
Loop roll is not MIDI mappable. Go around is to use Serato Remote on
the iPhone for loop rolls. Seems like loop roll is exclusive for
purchased accessory hardware like the Pioneer DDJ-SP1.<br /> <br /> Some BPM analysis off by 0.1<br /> <br /> A few USB drop outs, but fixed when buffer moved from 2ms to 5ms.<br /> <br /> Use of deck 1, deck 2, recorder, and sampler stuttered the buffer. Fixed when buffer moved from 2ms to 5ms.<br /> <br />
MIDI settings did not save properly. All though I loaded the settings
file, had to remap all the settings when going from an SL3 to a 62.<br /> <br />
It may be a hardware issue but using Serato DJ seemingly robs more
power from USB. I don't know how this is possible but my MIDI controller
which is USB powered kept restarting, which never happened before.<br /> <br />
Maximum pitch range limited to 50% as opposed to 100%. This may no
affect practical mixing but limits my ability to do my MIDI drum pad
scratch technique. I don't know how this affects HID mode. I speculate
100 is available in HID mode. Will do further testing.<br /> <br /> Notes:<br /> Have not tried HID mode with Pioneer CDJ-2000Nexus since there were too many reports of bugs.<br /> <br />
Have not listened to the recording files to see if the limiter problem
in the Rane 62 has been solved that was present when recording on
Scratch Live on a Rane 62.<br /> </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_HsHcjB2e6tHcLjYnXhvrUtrsjZwF_hwEhVzA5FrcvmbaOXLGwFrvsy9HCL6KHUnACi8h3UyoRJ8hwHo6d-PDx15X0OIIa8JU6Uv5kJFe9dDKBFvEsVKE8K4VmYv4DELt12_7jmzcMytm/s1600/Screen-shot-2013-09-05-at-11.15.29-AM-620x348.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_HsHcjB2e6tHcLjYnXhvrUtrsjZwF_hwEhVzA5FrcvmbaOXLGwFrvsy9HCL6KHUnACi8h3UyoRJ8hwHo6d-PDx15X0OIIa8JU6Uv5kJFe9dDKBFvEsVKE8K4VmYv4DELt12_7jmzcMytm/s1600/Screen-shot-2013-09-05-at-11.15.29-AM-620x348.png" height="179" width="320" /></a></div>
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="text_exposed_show"><br /> Conclusion:<br /> Serato DJ still too
buggy to be used. I would consider version 1.6 as to be treated as Beta.
Serato seems to have neglected to fine tune important operational
features. However, my understanding is Serato is low in engineering
resources, hence why development can be slow and sometimes late. Which
is why I believe Serato DJ was created as a more profitable system. Used
TTM57's and SL1 boxes sold second hand do not make the company money
for software use; so now they created DJ where not only does it support
new hardware, but also has purchasable plugin upgrades. Serato has made a
more efficient money making machine but has some bugs to work out for
the program to be reliable.<br /> <br /> I will be doing further testing in
HID mode. I was supposed to do so last night but after all the bugs
Thursday, I did not want to take a risk.<br /> <br /> Currently I do not
recommend Serato DJ for use, I tested it only in an opening slot
situation and will not use it live until the next update.</span></span>Pri yon Jonihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06610757574793875089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7047576211300181885.post-3259778630971513722014-01-08T20:22:00.001-08:002014-01-08T20:22:45.794-08:00Interpreting a Dream<br />
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<br />
So I have this reoccurring dream. For the majority of my life, I never had a dream happen so many times that it was clearly something to it. The dream is always either me in elementary, high school, or college. I'll be sitting in a class or walking in a hallway stressed because I skipped to many classes or failed some and didn't graduate. <br /><br />Now on the surface, I was beginning to wonder if subconsciously regret not finishing college. Mind you, I never once regret leaving, or ever wondered if my life would be better if I submitted to the exact wishes of my parents and became an engineer as they wanted. I never looked back at that day with any remorse. So I investigated it further because I read once, dreams are messages from your subconscious that are not literally what they appear, but more symbolic about a current event in your life. So I had my friend's mom who was an expert on the subject help me interpret it. <br /><br />From everything I told her, about how for the past year or two I have been experiencing this dream reoccurring to me and the specifics of the most recent one. Mind you, up until now, I looked at dreams as random thoughts in my head going off while I slept. Almost all the time they never make any sense. It's almost like ADHD isn't gone while you sleep. However, as vague as the interpretation was I felt like it hit the spot on something I was consciously dealing with in reality. She said, "your a prisoner of yourself. You have unfinished business. You're keeping yourself busy with things that seem important at the time but really lead to nothing. You're holding yourself back from doing what you need to do to achieve your bigger goal. You have to step by step set goals.<br /><br />Might sound like a fortune cookie, and maybe it's just a coincidence, and maybe whether destiny is telling me so, or random chance just made me aware of it, there is something lingering in reality that I feel I have been holding myself on. Lately, my DJ/mix artistry career has been doing well. I can relax a bit, pick and choose when I work, and get to travel and explore cities. I don't have a weekly residency and for the past 6 months, I haven't needed it. Bookings throughout the month seem to be abundant enough that I can share them. My workload has been based on maintaining that consistency of gigs. Promotional video, recaps, and ads, as well as downloading tracks and keeping social media content fresh. However, what got me to this point was never because of how well I DJed or how my personality impressed upon people. My DJing can be good to some, and not to all, and my personality is not exactly the party animal.<br /><br />At the very core of things, I got here because at some point, someone listened to music I made, actually liked it, and brought me over. Every successful DJ/mix artist/producer got to where they are because of the music they made. They have said that in interviews, and proved it on Forbes. A great night at the club is not a tangible item people become fans for. But a song is. It's something they can play over and over beyond the dancefloor. It's the extension of your brand.<br /><br />This core principle about success in the DJ/producer/mix artist world is something I have been neglecting. I found excuses like, "my PC crashed and I don't know how to use the new programs on the Mac". I have no excuse, I have made my bedroom production ready with all the toys in the house interconnected with two USB hubs and 5 MIDI controllers. I learned how to use Adobe Premiere for my videos at satisfaction level in the span of 3 months. But for some reason, I have been laying off on learning Ableton Live. Deep down inside, it's already proven to me that this is the real key to my long term success and that I have been dabbling in trailer videos and keeping myself relevant for immediate reward in the nightlife; totally neglecting the one thing that would grow and secure long term success.<br /><br />I think it's time I stop fooling myself. All the eggs are in place. Been eat healthier, cut back on bad habits, and improving relationships around me. While the immediate things are important, I can no longer be using them as an excuse. Like Will Smith said, "it's easier to be ready than to get ready." Here we go Ableton, for the next two months, let's sound like crap until I get it right.Pri yon Jonihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06610757574793875089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7047576211300181885.post-77137397440282780452013-11-11T23:25:00.002-08:002013-11-11T23:25:59.081-08:00My thoughts on Reloop's newest turntable, the RP-8000 with MIDI functionality.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://static.djbooth.net/pics-equip/relooprp8000top.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="248" src="http://static.djbooth.net/pics-equip/relooprp8000top.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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I am a bit pleased to see someone is taking charge of the turntable market. Sure Vestax, Stanton, and Numark were good competitors to Technics, and still are competing despite the discontinuation of the SL-1200, but I feel like the whole turntable market hasn't really innovated anything new.<br />
<br />
Looking at how "standard equipment" evolved in the past 10 years, I saw the birth of the CDJ, that for a while, actually affected the sales of the Technics to the point that they came down in price as far as $399 when I worked at Guitar Center in 2006. The M5G's were $699 during this time as well, the price you can buy used ones for today. However, with DVS software like Serato and Traktor on the rise, I don't think the turntable, even though I am not a user myself, ever left the circle. It seems like it's more the choice by the open format, hoip hop, and showcase DJ's; while the EDM guys are on CDJ's or controllers.<br />
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Up until now, the only turntables designed for DJ use with midi functionality has been custom 1200's with built in dicers. I know Vestax developed a turntable that was an all out midi controller, but that was meant to be more of an instrument, that a DJ tool to trigger hot cues, loops and samples. What I like about this new RP-8000, is that it's the first turntable to take cues from the Technics, the innovations of Stanton, innovations from Numark, AND innovations from custom modified 1200's.<br />
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To explain, the aluminum finish, rectangular start/stop buttons, S tone arm, and overall look and feel (at least on photo) is made to make a Technics user feel comfortable and at home. Of course, like most newer turntables, they gave it a second start/stop button on the lower left corner. Since this is a Super OEM turntable, it's likely to be built in the same factory as some of Stanton models as well as other brands. In fact, it's using the exact same tone arm as a Stanton ST-150, which was Stanton's best S-arm turntable. The digital pitch read out is reminiscent of the Numark TTX's pitch control. If that wasn't Numark-like enough, they even included a feature that people didn't realize that the second generation of TTX's actually had; the torque strength adjustment. Many DJ's don't realize, that from all "pro" turntables, the 1200 actually had the weakest torque. Stanton, Vestax, and Numark all head a bigger stronger motor that Technics, which was why those turntables were always heavier. Some DJ's and turntablist found the strong motor a little too strong. Numark developed selectable torque strength, and Reloop seems to be the first manufacturer to follow that idea. And up until now, the only way to get midi trigger buttons on the top of your turntable was to either place in some dicers, or have them custom meshed into the body. It looks like Reloop answered that demand.<br />
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Now I have only seen this turntable in the DJBooth.com article, but a few things I could think to improve it would be, a vertical pitch fader including it's display; and a tonearm as advanced as Vestax's A.S.T.S. tonearms. Let's be real for a second, if you are using DVS software to DJ with, sound quality is not an issue from record to needle. What is more important is stability and gain from the timecode records. A straight arm would have been a better choice here, especially one like Vestax that canhave the turntable positioned up to a 45 degree angle. Maybe that would be overkill, but I don't think it would cost more to have the Stanton STR8 tonearm in place of the ST-type ones.<br />
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Now this is totally my own speculation, and I could totally be proven wrong depending how well Reloop markets these tables, but even if these decks are everything they promise to be in reality as they are on paper, I have a doubt in my mind that they will take off. I think one of the main reasons companies like Stanton, Numark, and Vestax never really put much effort in creating new products for the turntable market lately, is because turntable users, specifically Technics users, will always be loyal to Technics. Don't get me wrong, I give a lot of credit to Technics build quality with the SL-1200 but let's be honest, they weren't exactly a great DJ gear company. They just made a good turntable, that's it. Technics was known for two epic fails, their DJ CD player that was supposed to compete with the Pioneer CDJ's, and the mixer that went along with it. Despite companies making higher torque motors, digitally accurate pitch adjustment, turntable alternatives like the Pioneer CDJ and all the media players that followed it including motorized platter players like on the Numark CDX as well as newer Numarks and Denon decks and controllers; the Technics users, whether they scratched, juggled, or not, remained loyal to their Technics. A few moved over, but it seems like the common rider request for open format DJ's across America are still Technics SL-1200MK2's or higher. It doesn't matter if you give them more torque, less skipping, or make the turntable look and feel like a 1200, I think the loyalist are wired to choose the Technics. My speculation for that reason is simply because, there is no other DJ product in history, that lasted over 30 years, unchanged. Nobody can argue that the 1200 gained a lot of trust. <br />
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Working DJ's tend to be conservative, and want to make sure they have a product they can rely on and know they can get help with. Despite dealing with skipping when someone walks across a flimsy stage, or getting subharmonic feedback from the subwoofers to the needles, there's more people that can help you repair an SL-1200 than let's say, a Pioneer CDJ, or a Numark TTX. There's only two products I see that work in the DJ world, either a product that completely moves away from the classic turntable, like controllers and arguably the CDJ; or a product that preserves the 1200, like all DVS software and the accesories that go with it, like Novation Dicers. Anything that tries to mimic a turntable, doesn't seem to have a long shelf life. The Numark CDX was a pretty cool invention for the time but many of it's users reverted back to turntables when DVS software was on it's rise. Denon had many fumbled attempts which included the DN-S5000 and 3500 until they got something right. Turns out flanger and echo effects are as important as stability.<br />
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On a side note, what I don't understand is when DJ's, especially younger DJ's, use turntables, don't scratch, but insist on using turntables. Some admit it, some don't, but for the ones that do, they say they want to maintain a certain respectable image. For some it's the acceptance of older DJ's, for others, it's being an accepted image in a market you're trying to be a part of. My question has always been, if you're in a market trying to conform and preserve an image, how exactly do you expect to stand out? I understand if you're an older DJ, and turntables are something you are comfortable with. But the on going rhetoric of "I'm upgrading my controller to Technics". Technologically it's not even an upgrade. Now if you're studying or are capable of turntablism, I definitely respect that. But when I see other DJ's with booking power judging other DJ's and not booking them because they use a controller, I find that kind of silly. I mean, how about we judge them for how they sound, isn't that what matters? The value of any artist isn't about what he uses, more so how well he uses it. To what F** does it matter, what he's using, if he sounds just like you when he uses it? If the guy with the controller sounds like you, he doesn't have a problem; however, you might when he tries to take your job, possibly for less money (undercutters). So unless you an make yourself sound better on turntables, are just both guys who beatmatch and pick songs. There's nothing about having a controller that says a guy can't read a crowd or program his set, nor is there is anything about DJing on Technics that makes you more creative. There should have been a label on every Technics SL-1200 box that says, "talent not included". Anyways, I've rambled away from the subject, I think Reloop is on to something with this new deck of theirs, we'll see if the Technics users bite on this one.Pri yon Jonihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06610757574793875089noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7047576211300181885.post-839025249597490322013-11-11T00:14:00.002-08:002013-11-11T00:15:52.530-08:00My response to the article "'Ghost-Producing' is EDM's Dirty Little Secret"<br />
Original Article: <a href="http://blogs.laweekly.com/westcoastsound/2013/07/edm_ghostproducing_david_guetta_ghostwriting.php">http://blogs.laweekly.com/westcoastsound/2013/07/edm_ghostproducing_david_guetta_ghostwriting.php</a><br />
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Something to think about. Now while "production" is what makes DJ's famous, at least in the EDM world, as oppose to "performance", is having a few tracks produced by someone else entirely wrong? Now maybe leaving the impression that the given famous DJ made the track when he didn't can be a dishonest practice, let's think about it from an artist and performer point of view.<br />
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When you think of all Michael Jackson songs, you don't think about every writer, composer, perhaps even the dance choreographer that developed or assisted in the music video as well as the live shows. You don't think about the lighting guys on the stage, the pyros, the camera work, or the musicians that recorded the instruments. You think of the "experience" as Michael Jackson (the show).<br />
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Now let's bring it to something more familiar. Hip Hop music has been notorious as being a sample based form of music; many times not giving credit to the original sample's owner. Despite the controversy, the tweaking and editing of samples is accepted as an artform and part of the music's history.<br />
<br />
Has the current world of EDM made us forget what a DJ really does? Isn't a DJ a person who plays "other people's" music? It's silly that people just don't know the difference between a DJ and a producer, and that when a DJ actually does a few things to be a DJ, people get all riled up.<br />
<br />
So in a nutshell, I don't find it wrong if a superstar DJ has a team of ghost producers. People came to see a "show". I do would wish they would be more honest and crediting of it; at least say it was a collaboration with a new artist. In reality, what they do behind closed doors is really their business. I find it funny that if an artist is caught in one instance where they had to "lip sync" a set or had a ghost producer, produce a song, people act like this superstar was never capable of DJing or producing. I would even argue that some of the superstar's best work, was BEFORE THEY BECAME SUPERSTARS. Let's be fair, we really don't know the responsibilities behind the work it takes to set these shows up and make music, when you are that big, famous, and busy. Before they were superstars, they had more time in the world to concentrate on their music. I'm not defending poor work or lazy work when it comes to being an established artist. But I will say, from experience, that when you're busy traveling, your mind is not all there to sit down and make music. <br />
<br />
And really, the people getting screwed are not the people buying the record or going to the show. They paid for a song and show and they got a song and a show. It doesn't change the quality of the song, whether the track was good or bad. The only person truly getting screwed is the ghost producer himself, who sold his song to a superstar for easy cash. But even then, let's be smart. Corporations have employees that develop innovations all the time that the corporation takes the credit for. Music is a money generating industry, and every superstar artist is just another franchise. And to call it a "dirty secret", really? Any ounce of common sense would have let you figure this out a long time ago.Pri yon Jonihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06610757574793875089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7047576211300181885.post-39117605360027706222013-09-13T16:45:00.000-07:002013-09-13T16:45:09.630-07:00Rant: Apple downgrades the iPhone 5 to the iPhone 5C to widen difference for the iPhone 5S.Ok, I think I get it now, I see what Apple did, which is still stupid but I get it. The new iPhone 5C is an iPhone 5 with a plastic body. The iPhone 5S is the actual "upgrade". The 5S does have a better camera and flash, like every upgrade should, but has things like a 64 bit operating system which was never explained in benefits other than an unnoticeable speed increase; perhaps there will be apps that justify this. And the the finger print security, which I'll leave you guys to think about it's usefulness. <br /><br />So in a nutshell, Apple's marketing strategy is, in order to sell the new product, the 5S, they are downgrading the previous model the 5 into a plastic 5C to widen the value difference between the available models, while discontinuing the 5. The 5 that is being discontinued is essentially a better phone than the 5C because of the aluminum body. <br /><br />Did Dr. Dre get a seat in the board of directors of Apple? This seriously does not seem like something Steve Jobs would have approved of.Pri yon Jonihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06610757574793875089noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7047576211300181885.post-19112641501312058252013-09-09T15:59:00.002-07:002013-09-09T15:59:57.263-07:00Drum Pad (MIDI Controller) Scratching Tutorial Using Hot Cues in Serato Scratch LiveI figured this tutorial would be a great addition to my blog. One thing I noticed about the new Serato DJ is the fact it doesn't have a MIDI assignable pitch control. That will inhibit our ability to do this technique so let's get on the ball on the Serato forums to request a feature upgrade.<br />
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<br />Pri yon Jonihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06610757574793875089noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7047576211300181885.post-46857095232833458332013-09-06T02:24:00.003-07:002013-09-06T02:24:46.278-07:00Serato DJ, Traktor Scratch Pro, & Rekordbox UNITED in One Setup<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg11trlzRjEfMj89l_o4thXvw-nWQYebq55M5P55deuPbx9-u_KK6-2elTu1_sgBf8a5DmOFwUXOoskjuQFIF3rJaFvsUv51PYuZSip2H7IDtXFVOqd1rxKNfDzoy2t2daE6dVQNbjjdcms/s1600/SeratoDJTraktorUnityMeme.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg11trlzRjEfMj89l_o4thXvw-nWQYebq55M5P55deuPbx9-u_KK6-2elTu1_sgBf8a5DmOFwUXOoskjuQFIF3rJaFvsUv51PYuZSip2H7IDtXFVOqd1rxKNfDzoy2t2daE6dVQNbjjdcms/s320/SeratoDJTraktorUnityMeme.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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One of the things that I always wanted since the birth of the CDJ-2000 and the DJM-900Nexus mixer was to have a unified setup that gave you the OPTIONS to be able to switch between Serato Scratch Live, Traktor, and Rekordbox without the additional need for an external interface. The current way to achieve will always require the need for a Serato Interface such us the SL1, 2, 3, or 4.<br />
<br />
After doing some research on the new Serato DJ enabled DJM-900SRT, I realized that the need for any external interface is no longer required. With Serato DJ being DVS enabled, it opens up the possibilities of a multi-application setup, on a setup that is simply 2 CDJ's and a mixer. The setup will also be possible on the DDJ-SX controller, if the 4 inputs, as predicted, will be utilizable via the DVS system.<br />
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Below are two ways to achieve the multi-application setup as to how to do it and the advantages and disadvantages. Please remember these setups have not been tested since the DJM-900SRT mixer has not been released yet. However, these configurations are based on the specifications made available by Pioneer, as well as existing information on the CDJ-2000Nexus. HID mode maybe a development that will also come some time later, and the setup may be limited to only timecode CD configuration in Serato DJ.<br />
<br />
<br />
<u><b>Configuration 1:</b></u><br />
<b>Ultimate Serato/Traktor/Rekord Box with HID mode</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_RhRkHONu23jCsEvEwRcob5jM1kmAovQQECDOYgHWNGnoxwv8Zo2Aoo3NOxZTW13VPwsF1Wq6iU_2uVuwc6uCEjlvbRzZs6UttveWLqnYrHc2Td5b6u6E68U7txk2NOpiynV_CJqnwdRE/s1600/SeratoDJ900SRT.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_RhRkHONu23jCsEvEwRcob5jM1kmAovQQECDOYgHWNGnoxwv8Zo2Aoo3NOxZTW13VPwsF1Wq6iU_2uVuwc6uCEjlvbRzZs6UttveWLqnYrHc2Td5b6u6E68U7txk2NOpiynV_CJqnwdRE/s1600/SeratoDJ900SRT.png" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b>
<br />
Requirements: <br />
(2) Pioneer CDJ-2000Nexus<br />
(1) Pioneer DJM-900SRT<br />
(1) Ethernet Switcher Hub (for Rekordbox option along with 4 Ethernet Cables)<br />
(1) Laptop (Mac or PC fitting minimum requirements)<br />
(1) Powered USB Hub (with 3 or more inputs and 4 USB Cables)<br />
(1) Serato DJ Application with DVS enabled versions<br />
(1) Traktor Scratch Duo OR Traktor Scratch Pro<br />
(1) Rekordbox<br />
<br />
(2) Technics SL-1200MK2 or higher turntables (optional)<br />
<br />
<br />
Setup:<br />
-Plug CDJ-2000Nexus (and turntables) to the desired inputs on the DJM-900SRT<br />
<br />
-Plug the 3 USB Cables to from the CDJ-2000Nexuses and the DJM-900SRT to the Powered USB Hub, and one USB Cable from the hub to the Laptop<br />
<br />
-Plug 3 Ethernet Cables from CDJ-2000Nexuses and the DJM-900SRT to the Ethernet Switcher Hub, and one Ethernet Cable from the hub to the Laptop<br />
<br />
-Plug RCA or Digital audio cables from CDJ-2000Nexuses to desired inputs on the mixer (also plug the RCA of the SL-1200 turntable to desired inputs in the mixer) <br />
<br />
<br />
Serato DJ Use:<br />
When you open Serato DJ, you can use both the CDJ-2000Nexuses AND the optional SL-1200 turntables in a 2 to 4 deck setup. For added control, you can LINK the CDJ-2000Nexuses in HID mode for maximum playback and performance control and playlist display on the CDJ screen.<br />
<br />
Traktor Use:<br />
Open your purchased version of Traktor. In the setup, follow the steps to link the soundcards of the CDJ-2000Nexuses to the corresponding left and right deck outputs of Traktor as well as HID control link of the CDJ-2000Nexuses to to the corresponding left and right decks in Traktor.<br />
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Rekordbox Use:<br />
Open Rekordbox and follow the steps to link the CDJ-2000Nexuses, Laptop, and it's data sources together. You can link up to two laptops in Rekordbox configuration by switching the Ethernet Hub to a second plugged laptop.<br />
<br />
<br />
Pros:<br />
-This one setup will allow you to have the options to choose your application platforms between Serato DJ, Traktor, and Rekordbox, whether it's on one Laptop or switching to another.<br />
<br />
-Serato DJ will give you the best of THREE worlds: Timecode Vinyl, Timecode CD, and HID on the CDJ-2000Nexus.<br />
<br />
Cons:<br />
-Traktor will be limited to CDJ-2000Nexus HID controls only. Timecode control from the SL-1200's will require using a Traktor interface like an Audio 8 instead of using the CDJ-2000Nexus.<br />
<br />
-The only application that you can switch from one computer to another seamlessly is Rekordbox using the Ethernet Switcher Hub. <br />
<br />
-Applications must be closed in order to start another application. It may be possible to run applications back to back however it is highly not recommended because data confusion between the applications may occur.<br />
<br />
Comments:<br />
-HID mode may not be available for Serato DJ right away, and may require the use of Serato Timecode CD's until the update is released. (It took a very long time to get HID support for Scratch Live).<br />
<br />
-The Loop Roll effect on the DJM-900SRT can be used as a transition when switching applications or switching Laptops.<br />
<br />
-Native MIDI control from DJM-900SRT to Traktor will not be available like the DJM-900Nexus. However, with an extra MIDI interface, you can assign a MIDI map in Traktor to get MIDI control from the DJM-900SRT.<br />
<br />
-DJM-900SRT cannot be used as a Traktor soundcard output like the DJM-900Nexus. <br />
<br />
-I wish the DJM-900SRT had TWO USB ports like the Rane 62, Rane 64, and Rane 68.<br />
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<u><b>Configuration 2:</b></u><br />
<b>Compact Serato/Traktor/Rekord Box with HID mode</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvxMcXPts9RYB97oQihOBCQ6FntXIJBDookTh3k8KqN8y0JIGGBwme0clod0ERWWrK0GNu7mvGiKm7QhtpNwo-HQ_r5WMeKzo3Vj4ZuJggsoXWWoVdFWut6z0Cj04_lLZGrz34j-0CptNo/s1600/SeratoDJSXHID.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="106" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvxMcXPts9RYB97oQihOBCQ6FntXIJBDookTh3k8KqN8y0JIGGBwme0clod0ERWWrK0GNu7mvGiKm7QhtpNwo-HQ_r5WMeKzo3Vj4ZuJggsoXWWoVdFWut6z0Cj04_lLZGrz34j-0CptNo/s320/SeratoDJSXHID.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Requirements: <br />
(2) Pioneer CDJ-2000Nexus<br />
(1) Pioneer DDJ-SX<br />
(1) Ethernet Switcher Hub (for Rekordbox option along with 3 Ethernet Cables)<br />
(1) Laptop (Mac or PC fitting minimum requirements)<br />
(1) Powered USB Hub (with 3 or more inputs and 4 USB Cables)<br />
(1) Serato DJ Application with DVS enabled versions<br />
(1) Traktor Scratch Duo OR Traktor Scratch Pro<br />
(1) Rekordbox<br />
<br />
(2) Technics SL-1200MK2 or higher turntables (optional)<br />
<br />
<br />
Setup:<br />
-Plug CDJ-2000Nexus (and turntables) to the desired inputs on the DDJ-SX<br />
<br />
-Plug the 3 USB Cables to from the CDJ-2000Nexuses and the DDJ-SX to the Powered USB Hub, and one USB Cable from the hub to the Laptop<br />
<br />
-Plug the Ethernet Cable from CDJ-2000Nexuses and the DJM-900SRT to the
Ethernet Switcher Hub, and one Ethernet Cable from the hub to the Laptop<br />
<br />
-Plug
RCA cables from CDJ-2000Nexuses to desired inputs on
the mixer (also plug the RCA of the SL-1200 turntable to desired inputs
in the mixer) <br />
<br />
<br />
Serato DJ Use:<br />
When
you open Serato DJ, you can use both the CDJ-2000Nexuses AND the
optional SL-1200 turntables in a 2 to 4 deck setup. For added control,
you can LINK the CDJ-2000Nexuses in HID mode for maximum playback and
performance control and playlist display on the CDJ screen. (Note that the DDJ-SX is already a controller for Serato DJ. HID support may be delayed and is also possible may be negated when used with the DDJ-SX).<br />
<br />
Traktor Use:<br />
Open
your purchased version of Traktor. In the setup, follow the steps to
link the soundcards of the CDJ-2000Nexuses to the corresponding left and
right deck outputs of Traktor as well as HID control link of the
CDJ-2000Nexuses to to the corresponding left and right decks in Traktor.<br />
<br />
Rekordbox Use:<br />
Open
Rekordbox and follow the steps to link the CDJ-2000Nexuses, Laptop, and
it's data sources together. You can link up to two laptops in Rekordbox
configuration by switching the Ethernet Hub to a second plugged laptop.<br />
<br />
<br />
Pros:<br />
-This
one setup will allow you to have the options to choose your application
platforms between Serato DJ, Traktor, and Rekordbox, whether it's on
one Laptop or switching to another.<br />
<br />
-Serato DJ will give you the best of THREE worlds: Timecode Vinyl, Timecode CD, and possibly HID on the CDJ-2000Nexus.<br />
<br />
Cons:<br />
-Traktor
will be limited to CDJ-2000Nexus HID controls only. Timecode control
from the SL-1200's will require using a Traktor interface like an Audio 8
instead of using the CDJ-2000Nexus.<br />
<br />
-The only application that you can switch from one computer to another seamlessly is Rekordbox using the Ethernet Switcher Hub. <br />
<br />
-Applications
must be closed in order to start another application which means music will have to stop. It may be
possible to run applications back to back however it is highly not
recommended because data confusion between the applications may occur.<br />
<br />
Comments:<br />
-HID
mode may not be available for Serato DJ right away, and may require the
use of Serato Timecode CD's until the update is released. (It took a
very long time to get HID support for Scratch Live). Also note that HID support for use with the DDJ-SX may possible not be released because the device itself is already a controller for HID.<br />
<br />
-The DDJ-SX will be nothing more than a mixer when used with Traktor and all special functions will be negated. However it may be possible to MIDI map the controls of the DDJ-SX to Traktor.<br />
<br />
<br />
Also check out the <b>Pri yon Joni Configuration </b><br />
This setup allows you to use Serato Scratch Live (and soon Serato DJ) with 2 CDJ-2000Nexuses in HID mode with a Rane 62 mixer with the option to quickly switch to timecode ABS/REL mode using turntables.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzikc5ddnfLH1LrtTXJgJq5inw-WY1HLEvSEGJ3eLVaLTnIjb5vMPtCRy90xbqWbA076sO-Zc8r0glFfpXCdoiMcqf2VYLnjD39KskCgEsUPtB7rlA8BeO0461UnZ0RZe0o4Y5tudH5Zhi/s1600/Pri-yon-Joni-Configuration.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzikc5ddnfLH1LrtTXJgJq5inw-WY1HLEvSEGJ3eLVaLTnIjb5vMPtCRy90xbqWbA076sO-Zc8r0glFfpXCdoiMcqf2VYLnjD39KskCgEsUPtB7rlA8BeO0461UnZ0RZe0o4Y5tudH5Zhi/s320/Pri-yon-Joni-Configuration.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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Pri yon Jonihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06610757574793875089noreply@blogger.com79tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7047576211300181885.post-44488838359690399032013-09-05T11:38:00.002-07:002013-09-05T11:38:44.969-07:00Club Owner's Best Protection to His Sound SystemA club owner friend of mine asked me, "I can't seem to get my DJ's to keep their music down to safe levels. What is the best way to protect my sound system?"<br />
<br />
You can have a sound engineer and/or a DBX Driverack 260 limiting the master signal but one thing that remains the same is your DJ will ALWAYS crank it up. Remember, the DJ is NOT a sound guy, he is a performer; and whether it's good for him or not, he will experience ear fatigue through the night and he will continue to "crank it" to maintain his perception of "being in the zone".<br />
<br />
The sound guy can keep taming his volume down while the DJ fights it until his DJ mixer goes into distortion, or he could crank it at a strong compression level and the music will just sound weird, but the best investment you can do, so the DJ doesn't have to crank it, is to get a big monitor system.<br />
<br />
LET HIM BLOW HIS EARS AND NOT YOUR SOUND SYSTEM.<br />
<br />
If he's in the zone, you can tame your master sound and he won't even know. In a piratical sense, his monitors have to be able to out-power the mains and its echo back to the DJ booth, so one monitor is not enough. Two maybe sufficient, but I found that at Union Bar in Iowa City, four is actually used effectively, with the added option of two subwoofers.<br />
<br />
It can be a costly investment to get a good monitor setup, but remember, it's cheaper to replace or repair a few $200 monitors than it is to replace or repair a $10,000 sound system.<br />
<br />
I personally don't crank my monitors too loud, just enough to drown out the mains so I can hear my scratching. But there are times the monitors are just not enough, which makes a DJ tend to crank the master. Club owners, if you want to keep this from happening, give him enough sound for himself. Telling him repeatedly to turn it down is futile, because what sounds loud at 11pm can be extremely quiet at 1am. Not to mention the years of abuse his ears have been, his perception of loud is not the same as yours, especially from the isolated position of the DJ booth. Pri yon Jonihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06610757574793875089noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7047576211300181885.post-38896399201017569962013-09-05T08:35:00.002-07:002013-09-05T08:35:51.098-07:00Serato DJ Will Not Support Legacy Hardware (Rane SL1 and Rane TT57 Mixer)<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><a class="_58cn" data-pub="{"type":"hashtag","id":491033247611745,"source":null}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/djnews">#djnews</a> <a class="_58cn" data-pub="{"type":"hashtag","id":533716963345036,"source":null}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/djrelated">#djrelated</a> <a class="_58cn" data-pub="{"type":"hashtag","id":319751791480815,"source":null}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/djlife">#djlife</a> <a class="_58cn" data-pub="{"type":"hashtag","id":626969083986018,"source":null}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/serato">#serato</a> <a class="_58cn" data-pub="{"type":"hashtag","id":431541023594896,"source":null}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/seratodj">#seratodj</a> <a class="_58cn" data-pub="{"type":"hashtag","id":236858526459633,"source":null}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/sl1">#sl1</a> <a class="_58cn" data-pub="{"type":"hashtag","id":346651358769068,"source":null}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/ttm57">#ttm57</a> <a class="_58cn" data-pub="{"type":"hashtag","id":498985190138080,"source":null}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/nativeinstruments">#nativeinstruments</a> <a class="_58cn" data-pub="{"type":"hashtag","id":347060288727888,"source":null}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/traktor">#traktor</a></span><br />
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<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><br /> <br />
When people first started chatting about it, I didn't exactly believe
Serato was going to leave out a big chunk of their current market of SL1
and TTM57 users, which my guess is currently 90% of a Scratch Live
users <span class="text_exposed_show">in the world. But after reading
that it is true, I sat and thought about it again and I can see from a
business point of view why they would do this.<br /> <br /> While the
official reason is because the SL1 and TTM57 soundcards have outdated
technology, specifically their audio resolutions, I can't help but think
that this is Serato's way of selling more of their newer units like the
SL2, SL3, and SL4 as well as their mixer line of the Rane 61, 62, 64,
and 68.<br /> <br /> If you think about it however, and this is entirely my
own personal speculation, I don't think this is entirely unfair. The way
Serato's business model is, the software is free, and the purchased
hardware propriety to the software is how you pay for the software
development. As we all know, preowned SL1's and TTM57's can be hot
commodities amongst working DJ's along with used Technics turntables.
Some of these 57's and SL1's can make it to third, fourth, fifth hand,
and so on. Serato is not exactly making a profit on used Rane hardware
being resold. While it sucks for the legacy equipment users, I think
this is their way to clean up second hand market that Serato sees no
penny, which like I said, counts for what I believe is 90% of the
Scratch Live world. <br /> <br /> If there's one thing I expect in return
for this inconvenience to my 57 and SL1 colleagues, it's faster
development time from the Serato developers. No more late updates.
Serato seemingly had quite a plateful this past year. When Serato DJ was
released, updates for controllers were delayed from a promised Spring
time to the Fall. The update that I waited over a year for was the HID
support for Scratch Live and the CDJ-2000Nexus. HID is technology that
was developed as a collaboration between Pioneer and Serato no the
original CDJ-2000 but was strongly delayed with the Nexus.<br /> <br /> I am
not exactly a Serato only, or a Scratch Live only and I am always
exploring the CDJ and Traktor platforms as well, but to the SL1 and
TTM57 users, you have till 2015 to upgrade. If you bought your gear
used, that means all the software development updates you enjoyed over
the years you basically received for free. I'm not one to empathize with
a corporation, but I can tell they have been falling behind. In the
bigger picture of things, I predict some awesome developments from
Serato's direct competitor, Native Instruments. A dual USB Z4 mixer
would be nice.</span></span>Pri yon Jonihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06610757574793875089noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7047576211300181885.post-62042022952685758612013-09-05T08:31:00.003-07:002013-09-05T08:31:45.684-07:00Remember the Roland DJ2000 DJ mixer?<span class="userContent"><a class="_58cn" data-pub="{"type":"hashtag","id":479669878749254,"source":null}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/tbt">#tbt</a> <a class="_58cn" data-pub="{"type":"hashtag","id":159120840937994,"source":null}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/djtbt">#djtbt</a> <a class="_58cn" data-pub="{"type":"hashtag","id":128519477342866,"source":null}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/djthrowback">#djthrowback</a> <a class="_58cn" data-pub="{"type":"hashtag","id":219783461499329,"source":null}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/throwback">#throwback</a> <a class="_58cn" data-pub="{"type":"hashtag","id":469725343080664,"source":null}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/throwbackthursday">#throwbackthursday</a> <a class="_58cn" data-pub="{"type":"hashtag","id":137908286385442,"source":null}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/throwbackthursdays">#throwbackthursdays</a> <a class="_58cn" data-pub="{"type":"hashtag","id":640113079347053,"source":null}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/djthrowbackthursday">#djthrowbackthursday</a> <a class="_58cn" data-pub="{"type":"hashtag","id":378196692309294,"source":null}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/djthrowbackthursdays">#djthrowbackthursdays</a> <a class="_58cn" data-pub="{"type":"hashtag","id":538701856202676,"source":null}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/vintagedjgear">#vintagedjgear</a> <a class="_58cn" data-pub="{"type":"hashtag","id":534261183293453,"source":null}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/vintageinstruments">#vintageinstruments</a></span><br />
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<span class="userContent"><br /> <br /> Any DJ's remember this mixer? The Roland DJ2000 and it's smaller b<span class="text_exposed_show">rother
the DJ1000 was a mixer quite ahead of it's time when it was released in
1998. It wasn't exactly the first mixer with DSP effects; the Pioneer
DJM-500, the mother of all Pioneer 4 channel mixers, predates it by two
years, however only consisted of simple delay based digital effects such
as echo, reverb, flanger, and a pitch shifter. <br /> <br /> The thing that
set the Roland DJ2000 apart was the fact that it not only had DSP
effects of both delay and filter types, it was also MIDI capable, which I
believe was the first ever MIDI capable DJ mixer. It was also the first
mixer to link the BPM readout to the effects, as well the first mixer
to include a Tap button for manual BPM entry for the effects. Like some
historic Roland products like the TR-808 and TR-909, the innovations in
the DJ2000 won't be realized until way after the mixer was discontinued.
The 6 main effects including the Tap button can be found in future
Pioneer DJM series as well as the cheaper Numark DXM and later X series.<br /> <br />
One thing to realize about "house mixers" in 1998, is some house DJ's
who used rotary mixers would actually supplement their setup with a
frequency isolator. In a nutshell that means one big 3 band EQ with full
kills per band. Mixers with full kill EQ was in demand during these
years by the EDM DJ's of the time. So the frequency isolator section was
quite a well thought out feature. I used to have a Gemini KL-10
(Executioner 10) myself because of the nice EQ AND kill switches it
hand.<br /> <br /> The thing that really set this mixer apart was the fact
you could SNYC MIDI devices like Roland MC-505's and such to the BPM
readout of the mixer. Before Apple Macbook Pro's, producers and DJ's
were more dependent on actual hardware, and having their drum machines
and synthesizers locked in with their mixer was groundbreaking.<br /> <br />
I believe if this mixer was released today, with a few upgrades to the
faders, including a crossfader curve control (innofaders would be nice);
a few upgrades to the analog circuitry of the inputs, and MIDI
parameters a little bit more spread out, I think this would still be
viable mixer. Something to think about would be the fact that we are
still currently at the early stages of the use of MIDI and newer
developed forms of software control from DJ hardware. We have barely
taken off with amount of control and DSP possibilities with current
software and hardware and this mixer, a 1998 release, was truly
foreshadowing the current world of technology in the DJ, production, and
digital instrument communities.</span></span>Pri yon Jonihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06610757574793875089noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7047576211300181885.post-65750852638819837442013-09-05T08:12:00.002-07:002013-09-05T08:13:44.865-07:00The Lost Art of Setting Up Your Own EquipmentI know a lot of DJ's, mix artists, or whoever else who performs recorded
music over a dancefloor, hates setting up equipment before a night. I
know most would just love to have the turntables or CDJ's ready to go
and just plug their laptop in and play when it's time. I guess I'm an
odd ball because this is honestly my favorite part of my night. Don't
get me wrong, I hate carrying the heavy stuff in, but once it's there,
I'm in my zone.<br />
<br />
This is the part where my friends hate how early I
will show up to the club when we are out of town because I need that
extra time to put all the toys together. I can be quite irritable when
people tell me to hurry up because this is the most intimate part of my
night. My setup is always changing gig to gig with variations between
CDJ's, turntables, MIDI controllers, and HID setups. Not to mention
getting the recorders ready for both crowd ambiance and direct audio.
Then plugging in my Beta 58 cordless microphone and minimizing feedback
around the monitors. Also, there is an added variable of catering to
the opening DJ's needs as well; some use controllers while others use
alternatives to the CDJ.<br />
<br />
The truth is, getting past the
obstacles, and improvising around some challenges, and getting
everything to work at it's possible best is the reward. I love doing
sound check, when the club is still empty and you can get a taste of the
sound system in the empty club and know its strengths and weaknesses.
So after spider webbing wires, and improvising challenges, it just feels
so much better to play on the instruments knowing the work you put
behind setting it up.<br />
<br />
It's like being able to race the car you
built yourself onto the track. Every different time you go on the track,
you tune something or have a new mod to make it drive faster or take
that corner better. But in the simple sense of nothing more than two
turntables and a Rane mixer, there's no risks or new ventures. Where's
the fun in the same Serato screen with the same mixer on the same decks,
over and over and over again?Pri yon Jonihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06610757574793875089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7047576211300181885.post-80972800136703008752013-09-05T08:03:00.000-07:002013-09-05T08:16:15.407-07:00CDJ-2000Nexus HID Control with Serato Scratch LivePri yon Joni Giglog 7/27/2013<br />
Joker's Club, Des Moines, Iowa<br />
<br />
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<br />
With
the brand new firmware and software update Pioneer and Serato released
last week, we are so pleased to finally use the CDJ-2000Nexus's along
with the Rane 62 mixer in full HID control setup. Special thanks to DJ
Soulless for helping me setup the new firmware for HID mode.<br />
<br />
Purpose:<br />
To
be able to use the CDJ's in HID mode along with Serato, while using a
Rane 62, and a midi controller (Korg PadKontrol); while being able to
easily switch to USB source mode, or CD mode (for those people who are
have not updated, or are not comfortable using HID and prefer to use
timecode configuration). I have also discovered since the Rane 62 is
made to switch laptops, the CDJ HID control is easily switchable, simply
by disconnecting and reconnecting to the next computer.<br />
<br />
Gear:<br />
(1) Apple Macbook Pro (i7, 4gig RAM)<br />
(2) CDJ-2000Nexus<br />
(1) Rane 62<br />
(1) Korg PadKontrol<br />
(1) Powered USB hub<br />
(2) Passive USB hub<br />
(1) Ethernet cable (linking both CDJ's)<br />
<br />
Software:<br />
Pioneer CDJ-2000Nexus Firmware Ver.1.13<br />
Serato Scratch Live Ver.2.5<br />
<br />
Setup:<br />
-Both CDJ's are linked using Ethernet cable for when using USB source.<br />
-Both CDJ's USB outputs are combined on the 1 passive USB hub for HID control.<br />
-Powered
USB hub takes in the Rane 62, Padkontrol (MIDI controller), and the
passive USB hub. From here is connected directly to the computer.<br />
<br />
Report (Pros, Cons, Discoveries, and Go Arounds):<br />
-This setup makes switching between SSL, USB, and CD mode easier.<br />
<br />
-This
setup makes switching between SSL and Traktor possible (if native
control update for Traktor is available), utilizing the HID control.<br />
<br />
-This
setup allows the following controls on SSL that is not available in
TIMECODE mode: on screen CDJ control of crates and track selection, full
functional CUE and PLAY buttons, on deck range and tempo buttons, on
screen BPM display with hundredth of a decimal accuracy, CDJ HOT CUE
parallel to SSL HOT CUE, and CDJ loop functions. By using SSL in full
HID mode, the CDJ's control SSL in a way that is mirrored to how the
CDJ's function exclusively. It makes SSL feel like you're completely
playing off the CDJ's with CD's.<br />
<br />
-All native functions of CDJ-2000Nexus AND Rane 62 ALL WORK.<br />
<br />
-Scratching sounds better in HID mode. It seems to have less digital crushing and screeching treble heavy noise.<br />
<br />
-Unlike
TIMECODE mode, HID mode has a fixed rotation marker on the center of
the jog dial of the CDJ that seems to be relative to the song. When
scratching and juggling in TIMECODE mode, I click my HOT CUE when the
marker is at 12 o'clock. It is difficult to beat juggle fast when
markers start anywhere else. I do not have this option in HID mode.
Firmware/Software update from Pioneer/Serato, is to allow HOT CUES to be
parallel with the rotation marker on the screen, or to begin at 12
o'clock for every HOT CUE point.<br />
<br />
-When switching from SSL HID
mode to a USB source on the CDJ, it is a little tricky. Let's say CDJ 1
has a USB flash drive plugged in, you simply press the USB button to
switch to the flash drive. HOWEVER, on CDJ 2, given that your ethernet
wire is connected between both CDJ's, you have to press LINK to open the
USB source on CDJ 1…THE PROBLEM IS, if you are in HID mode, that option
is not available. The current solution to this problem is, simply
disconnect the USB wires that are connected to the CDJ's. This will
disable the HID link, and allow you to open the USB flash drive from CDJ
2 when you click LINK. Firmware update I request from Pioneer is, when
you click LINK, allow selection between USB source and HID mode.<br />
<br />
-Because
the Rane 62 is made to be able to easily switch between two laptops, it
is possible to SWITCH HID CONTROL TO THE SECOND LAPTOP. In order to do
this, you can simply DISCONNECT THE CDJ USB WHILE PLAYING. The music
will continue to play in the software and not stop. In our setup, you
simple disconnect the passive USB hub the CDJ's are connected to and
transfer it to the second computer. You have to simply press LINK again
on both CDJ's, and select DECK 1 for the left CDJ and DECK 2 for the
right CDJ again.<br />
<br />
-If in the event you want to switch from SSL HID
mode, to SSL TIMECODE mode, simply have the SSL timecode disc inserted
in both decks. Selected CD on the non-playing CDJ, and select REL or ABS
on the corresponding deck on SSL.<br />
<br />
-Because everything is now
controlled internally without timecode CD processing, buffer setting can
be lowered, however screen lag seems to be a little bit strong but this
can either be a hard drive related issue or a RAM related issue due to
heavy use of multiple USB devices. I predict a simple RAM upgrade should
fix this problem.<br />
<br />
-Not related to the HID mode but about using a
MIDI controller, the Rane 62, unlike the Rane TTM57, requires of you a
few things when using a MIDI controller. Typically, when preparing for a
gig, you assign your MIDI parameters and save them in SSL. When using a
TTM57 or any SL interface, your last setting will open when you open
the software. HOWEVER, when you using a Rane 62, you have to ENABLE MIDI
devices (for your first time) and manually load your MIDI settings. A
software request from Serato, to allow last MIDI settings to open with
the software no different from when using it with an SL1, 2, 3, and so
forth.<br />
<br />
-This configuration: 2 CDJNexus's, Rane 62, and
PadKontrol, allows the user 3 sources of HOT CUES and 3 different ways
to loop. DJ can use the functions from the CDJ, the mixer, and/or the
MIDI controller. While the functions are similar, the positioning and
slight variance in how they are enabled, allow ergonomic control
increasing creative freedom.<br />
<br />
<br />
Software Update Requests:<br />
<br />
Pioneer:<br />
-When
switching from SSL HID mode to a USB source on the CDJ, it is a little
tricky. Let's say CDJ 1 has a USB flash drive plugged in, you simply
press the USB button to switch to the flash drive. HOWEVER, on CDJ 2,
given that your ethernet wire is connected between both CDJ's, you have
to press LINK to open the USB source on CDJ 1…THE PROBLEM IS, if you are
in HID mode, that option is not available. The current solution to this
problem is, simply disconnect the USB wires that are connected to the
CDJ's. This will disable the HID link, and allow you to open the USB
flash drive from CDJ 2 when you click LINK. Firmware update I request
from Pioneer is, when you click LINK, allow selection between USB source
and HID mode.<br />
<br />
-Unlike TIMECODE mode, HID mode has a fixed
rotation marker on the center of the jog dial of the CDJ that seems to
be relative to the song. When scratching and juggling in TIMECODE mode, I
click my HOT CUE when the marker is at 12 o'clock. It is difficult to
beat juggle fast when markers start anywhere else. I do not have this
option in HID mode. Firmware/Software update from Pioneer/Serato, is to
allow HOT CUES to be parallel with the rotation marker on the screen, or
to begin at 12 o'clock for every HOT CUE point.<br />
<br />
Serato:<br />
-Not
related to the HID mode but about using a MIDI controller, the Rane 62,
unlike the Rane TTM57, requires of you a few things when using a MIDI
controller. Typically, when preparing for a gig, you assign your MIDI
parameters and save them in SSL. When using a TTM57 or any SL interface,
your last setting will open when you open the software. HOWEVER, when
you using a Rane 62, you have to ENABLE MIDI devices (for your first
time) and manually load your MIDI settings. A software request from
Serato, to allow last MIDI settings to open with the software no
different from when using it with an SL1, 2, 3, and so forth.<br />
<br />
-Unlike
TIMECODE mode, HID mode has a fixed rotation marker on the center of
the jog dial of the CDJ that seems to be relative to the song. When
scratching and juggling in TIMECODE mode, I click my HOT CUE when the
marker is at 12 o'clock. It is difficult to beat juggle fast when
markers start anywhere else. I do not have this option in HID mode.
Firmware/Software update from Pioneer/Serato, is to allow HOT CUES to be
parallel with the rotation marker on the screen, or to begin at 12
o'clock for every HOT CUE point.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Written July 28, 2013,<br />
Pri yon Joni<br />
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