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.
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.
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 Joni's Official Blogspot
Friday, September 13, 2013
Monday, September 9, 2013
Drum Pad (MIDI Controller) Scratching Tutorial Using Hot Cues in Serato Scratch Live
I 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.
Friday, September 6, 2013
Serato DJ, Traktor Scratch Pro, & Rekordbox UNITED in One Setup
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.
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.
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.
Configuration 1:
Ultimate Serato/Traktor/Rekord Box with HID mode
Requirements:
(2) Pioneer CDJ-2000Nexus
(1) Pioneer DJM-900SRT
(1) Ethernet Switcher Hub (for Rekordbox option along with 4 Ethernet Cables)
(1) Laptop (Mac or PC fitting minimum requirements)
(1) Powered USB Hub (with 3 or more inputs and 4 USB Cables)
(1) Serato DJ Application with DVS enabled versions
(1) Traktor Scratch Duo OR Traktor Scratch Pro
(1) Rekordbox
(2) Technics SL-1200MK2 or higher turntables (optional)
Setup:
-Plug CDJ-2000Nexus (and turntables) to the desired inputs on the DJM-900SRT
-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
-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
-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)
Serato DJ Use:
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.
Traktor Use:
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.
Rekordbox Use:
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.
Pros:
-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.
-Serato DJ will give you the best of THREE worlds: Timecode Vinyl, Timecode CD, and HID on the CDJ-2000Nexus.
Cons:
-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.
-The only application that you can switch from one computer to another seamlessly is Rekordbox using the Ethernet Switcher Hub.
-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.
Comments:
-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).
-The Loop Roll effect on the DJM-900SRT can be used as a transition when switching applications or switching Laptops.
-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.
-DJM-900SRT cannot be used as a Traktor soundcard output like the DJM-900Nexus.
-I wish the DJM-900SRT had TWO USB ports like the Rane 62, Rane 64, and Rane 68.
Configuration 2:
Compact Serato/Traktor/Rekord Box with HID mode
Requirements:
(2) Pioneer CDJ-2000Nexus
(1) Pioneer DDJ-SX
(1) Ethernet Switcher Hub (for Rekordbox option along with 3 Ethernet Cables)
(1) Laptop (Mac or PC fitting minimum requirements)
(1) Powered USB Hub (with 3 or more inputs and 4 USB Cables)
(1) Serato DJ Application with DVS enabled versions
(1) Traktor Scratch Duo OR Traktor Scratch Pro
(1) Rekordbox
(2) Technics SL-1200MK2 or higher turntables (optional)
Setup:
-Plug CDJ-2000Nexus (and turntables) to the desired inputs on the DDJ-SX
-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
-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
-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)
Serato DJ Use:
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).
Traktor Use:
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.
Rekordbox Use:
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.
Pros:
-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.
-Serato DJ will give you the best of THREE worlds: Timecode Vinyl, Timecode CD, and possibly HID on the CDJ-2000Nexus.
Cons:
-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.
-The only application that you can switch from one computer to another seamlessly is Rekordbox using the Ethernet Switcher Hub.
-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.
Comments:
-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.
-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.
Also check out the Pri yon Joni Configuration
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.
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Thursday, September 5, 2013
Club Owner's Best Protection to His Sound System
A 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?"
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".
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.
LET HIM BLOW HIS EARS AND NOT YOUR SOUND SYSTEM.
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.
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.
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.
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".
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.
LET HIM BLOW HIS EARS AND NOT YOUR SOUND SYSTEM.
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.
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.
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.
Serato DJ Will Not Support Legacy Hardware (Rane SL1 and Rane TT57 Mixer)
#djnews #djrelated #djlife #serato #seratodj #sl1 #ttm57 #nativeinstruments #traktor
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Remember the Roland DJ2000 DJ mixer?
#tbt #djtbt #djthrowback #throwback #throwbackthursday #throwbackthursdays #djthrowbackthursday #djthrowbackthursdays #vintagedjgear #vintageinstruments
Any DJ's remember this mixer? The Roland DJ2000 and it's smaller brother 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Any DJ's remember this mixer? The Roland DJ2000 and it's smaller brother 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Lost Art of Setting Up Your Own Equipment
I 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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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?
CDJ-2000Nexus HID Control with Serato Scratch Live
Pri yon Joni Giglog 7/27/2013
Joker's Club, Des Moines, Iowa
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.
Purpose:
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.
Gear:
(1) Apple Macbook Pro (i7, 4gig RAM)
(2) CDJ-2000Nexus
(1) Rane 62
(1) Korg PadKontrol
(1) Powered USB hub
(2) Passive USB hub
(1) Ethernet cable (linking both CDJ's)
Software:
Pioneer CDJ-2000Nexus Firmware Ver.1.13
Serato Scratch Live Ver.2.5
Setup:
-Both CDJ's are linked using Ethernet cable for when using USB source.
-Both CDJ's USB outputs are combined on the 1 passive USB hub for HID control.
-Powered USB hub takes in the Rane 62, Padkontrol (MIDI controller), and the passive USB hub. From here is connected directly to the computer.
Report (Pros, Cons, Discoveries, and Go Arounds):
-This setup makes switching between SSL, USB, and CD mode easier.
-This setup makes switching between SSL and Traktor possible (if native control update for Traktor is available), utilizing the HID control.
-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.
-All native functions of CDJ-2000Nexus AND Rane 62 ALL WORK.
-Scratching sounds better in HID mode. It seems to have less digital crushing and screeching treble heavy noise.
-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.
-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.
-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.
-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.
-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.
-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.
-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.
Software Update Requests:
Pioneer:
-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.
-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.
Serato:
-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.
-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.
Written July 28, 2013,
Pri yon Joni
http://www.priyonjoni.com
http://www.youtube.com/priyonjoni
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Joker's Club, Des Moines, Iowa
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.
Purpose:
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.
Gear:
(1) Apple Macbook Pro (i7, 4gig RAM)
(2) CDJ-2000Nexus
(1) Rane 62
(1) Korg PadKontrol
(1) Powered USB hub
(2) Passive USB hub
(1) Ethernet cable (linking both CDJ's)
Software:
Pioneer CDJ-2000Nexus Firmware Ver.1.13
Serato Scratch Live Ver.2.5
Setup:
-Both CDJ's are linked using Ethernet cable for when using USB source.
-Both CDJ's USB outputs are combined on the 1 passive USB hub for HID control.
-Powered USB hub takes in the Rane 62, Padkontrol (MIDI controller), and the passive USB hub. From here is connected directly to the computer.
Report (Pros, Cons, Discoveries, and Go Arounds):
-This setup makes switching between SSL, USB, and CD mode easier.
-This setup makes switching between SSL and Traktor possible (if native control update for Traktor is available), utilizing the HID control.
-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.
-All native functions of CDJ-2000Nexus AND Rane 62 ALL WORK.
-Scratching sounds better in HID mode. It seems to have less digital crushing and screeching treble heavy noise.
-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.
-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.
-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.
-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.
-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.
-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.
-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.
Software Update Requests:
Pioneer:
-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.
-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.
Serato:
-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.
-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.
Written July 28, 2013,
Pri yon Joni
http://www.priyonjoni.com
http://www.youtube.com/priyonjoni
http://www.twitter.com/priyonjoni
http://www.facebook.com/internationalmixartist
http://www.soundcloud.com/priyonjoni
http://www.instagram.com/priyonjoni
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