Results for DJ

Adion has released version 0.98 of djDecks, a computer mixing program for both beginning and professional DJ’s.

This release brings initial support for the Reloop Digital Jockey 2 controller, improved support for the DJ-Tech i-Mix controller, and some improvements to the VCI-100 and Denon controllers. It also brings improvements to the smart playlist feature and faster search-while-typing. As usual there’s also a number of bugs that have been fixed.

Changes in djDecks v0.98

• Added: Storing m4a/mp4 tags.
• Added: New smart playlist feature: group by range and createddays, modifieddays fields.
• Added: Denon controller option to select match button action.
• Added: Negative fade time selection to add a gap between songs during automix.
• Added: Reading of AIFF tags.
• Added: Option to record mixes in FLAC and AIFF format.
• Added: Option to automatically load first cue point when opening a song.
• Added: echo_source_end and echo_stereo_pingpong parameters for echo (to be used in your own skin or midi mapping for example).
• Added: Initial support for Reloop Digital Jockey 2 controller.
• Improved: DJ-Tech i-Mix controller mapping.
• Improved: No more click when activating or deactivating tempo control.
• Improved: Jog wheel touch response of vci-100 controller.
• Improved: Year tag field can now be read from both TDRC and TYER frames.
• Improved: Audio CD playback should work better now.
• Improved: Search while typing works faster.
• Fixed: Opening files from explorer using open with.
• Fixed: Problem with using certain 24-bit ASIO inputs.
• Fixed: Possible playlist search crash.
• Fixed: Problem browsing network shares.
• Fixed: Various issues with pitch bend for sampler.
• Fixed: HC4500 display updated when returning from CD mode.
• Fixed: Bug preventing 2 denon hs-5500’s to be used simultaneously.
• Fixed: Turning on mic with BCD-2000 caused VST effect on deck 3 to be disabled.
• Fixed: Small artefacts when resizing a skin.
• Fixed: Deleting/Renaming cases using Case button.
• Fixed: Preview player not working with DirectSound output.

djDecks is available to purchase for Windows PC, priced at 112 EUR. A demo version with all features of the full version is available for download from the djDecks website (stops working after 30 minutes of use).

More information: djDecks

Some interesting things I found recently:

# JAZARI (YouTube)

One human, three machines, rhythm.

# Beatseqr

Beatseqr is an arduino mega based computer interface by Steve Cooley.

It is aimed at electronic musicians and visualists. By itself, it connects to a desktop app that runs on mac or windows and can send out OSC messages to arbitrary network ports. However, combine beatseqr with a tightly integrated sequencer like Dajis Systems' Steppa (included in the price) and you have a powerful interface to create a MIDI loop which you can use to control sounds from pretty much any music software that accepts incoming midi data.

We've tested it out with Logic, Live, Reason, Quartz Composer, Max/MSP, PureData, and Processing. It works great!

# Bliptronome v2 w/ ADCs complete! – Bliptronic to Monome Conversion (YouTube)

The final working version of the Bliptronic 5000 hacked into a low cost Monome clone, with Bliptronome V2 firmware.

More info at Stray Technologies

# Pressure Controller "Hubert"

Hubert is small but powerful device to use with your modular synthesizer.

On each hand side there is one force sensing resistor turning applied pressure into a steady CV output. Each channel has three outputs: CV Out, Inverted CV Out and Gate out. Each side is capable of holding the current voltage on CV Out, whereas the inverted CV appears on Inverted CV Out. If a CV is held in the CV Out you still can use the inverted out, even switching from positive to negative voltage as often as you want without disturbing the held CV output. In addition each of the two channels fires a gate signal every time pressure is applied to the pressure pad. The CV can go from 0V to +/- 8V and can be controlled in sensitivity.

# TAPETRONIC demo video 2009 (YouTube)

# Reaktor Modular Sequencing, Pt. 2

John Fisher writes:

Well, looks like my weekend project has been working on my modular sequencing application for Reaktor.

I’ve detailed what this is all about in my previous blog. I’ve updated the sequencer and added some detailed comments on all the GUI elements to help people get up to speed with using it.

Stanton has introduced the RM.416, a mixer for the demanding mobile or club DJ featuring a vast array of traditional/USB channels & connectivity for DJing or recording in real-time.

The RM.416 is the latest in Stanton’s RM (Rack Mount) series of mixers. Stanton, an industry leader in the design and manufacture of professional audio products for DJs, has created an exceptional mixer for the most demanding mobile or club DJ. With four channels coupled with two microphone channels—in addition to a vast array of traditional connectivity—the RM.416 features a USB connection for either playing music from your favorite application or recording your mix in real-time.

Additionally, the RM.416 offers a subwoofer output with built-in crossover control, minimizing the need for an external crossover while maintaining the ability to adjust the output to perfectly match your sound system. All of these features are packed into a 4-space rack unit with a rugged metal inner chassis ensuring that the components are protected from damage and assuring a long product life.

Stanton RM.416 Rackmount Mixer

RM.416 features

• 4 Channel 19” rackmount mixer.
• Soft power on/off for silent operation.
• 2 Front panel microphone inputs with Gain and 3-band EQ.
• USB connection for recording to or playback from a computer.
• 3 Band EQ per channel (-26 dB to +10 dB).
• Subwoofer output with gain and crossover (40Hz-200Hz) control.
• VCA crossfader reduces noise and improves life of fader.
• User replaceable crossfader and linefaders.
• Balanced XLR master output with trim control.
• Balanced p” zone output (Booth/Aux out).
• 3 Microphone, 8 stereo line, and 3 stereo phono/line switchable inputs.
• Talkover control for front panel microphone inputs.
• A / B / Bypass crossfader assign per channel.
• Signal indicator for each channel.
• 10 segment LED metering for master output.
• Versatile cueing section with cue/master mix control.
• Illuminated CUE and Fader Start buttons.
• Unbalanced Stereo RCA record output.
• Internal power supply (AC 110-240V switchable).
• Fader start control for triggering external CD players with crossfader.
• Mono / Stereo switch for master output.

More information: Stanton / RM.416

Sonic Academy has re-launched its website, a comprehensive online resource of video tutorials, features, news and reviews to help you produce and record your ideas, then share them with the world.

To kick start 2010 with a bang, leading music technology portal Sonic Academy can unveil a brand new site brimming with fantastic new features, extra sections and Sonic Subscriber options and to celebrate, have got a HUGE competition where you could win a sack full of tech goodies!

Whether you’re a DJ, musician, or producer, consider yourself a professional or are just starting out, Sonic Academy offers the highest quality video tutorials and resources including features, news and reviews making them a one stop shop for all your music and ‘tech’ needs.

Sonic Academy new features

• Exclusive features from some of the scene’s biggest experts.
• New ‘Live Recordings’ section with video content, resources and articles.
• View the video tutorials in new modes.
• New video tutorials in the famed ‘How To Sound Like Series’ including Nu Disco, Tech Trance, Minimal, Synth Punk and ‘Tech Tips’.
• Brand new monthly and annual membership options.

To celebrate the launch Sonic Academy are running a massive competition to win a X1 Controller + free subscription to their website for a year.

Win an X1 Controller and a free Sonic Plus subscription for a year! 10 runners up will also win Annual Sonic Plus subscriptions. All you have to do to be in with a chance of winning is to register for FREE on the Sonic Academy site before 28th February 2010 and if you are already a registered member or a subscriber then you will be automatically entered into the competition!

More information: Sonic Academy

Image-Line has released version 1.6.3 of Deckadance, a DJ mixing application for Windows and Mac.

We’re please to announce Deckadance 1.6.3 which features support for iTunes playlists and has a built-in DVS Control signal.

Changes in Deckadance

• Version 1.63
  • Added support for Dj-Tech 101 series
  • Fix a problem with setup and itunes buttons in LE version
  • Fix a crash problem at BPM analysis with a few rare sound files
  • Fix a problem with the VCM-100 midi mapping
• Version 1.62
  • Fix “Drag & Drop” problem from iTunes on Mac OSX
  • Changed Key slider behaviour. Now, moving the slider changes the key in semitones (shift+move = fine adjustment)
  • Improved minihost support for some soundcards (Windows)
  • Improved support of MsPinky vinyls in absolute mode for side B
• Version 1.61
  • New BPM detector engine with improved beat tracking (…remember to re-analyze your library)
  • New search function for playlist and itunes panels
  • New playlist archive history. DD saves automatically the last playlist played to the “playlists” folder
  • Added support for Reloop Digital Jockey midi controller (FW 2.6)
  • Improved search input boxes (unicode support)
  • Fixed some folder installation problems
  • Changed DownBeat button behaviour. Now, it’s possible to move the beatgrid in 1/8 note length
• Version 1.60
  • Itunes integration panel. You can browse your iTunes Library and drop songs onto playlist from this new panel
  • New Deckadance Control CD Creator to generate an ultra-accurate timecode file for cd players
  • Added support for Dj-Tech iMix MKII
  • Added support for Numark Omni Control
  • New Audio Setup panel with different configuration options for inputs & outputs and intelligent auto-mapping behaviour
  • New Setup Global Options with improved design and extended options
  • Added support for Japanese glyphs in playlist/browser items
  • Simplified version numbering (X.XX format)
  • Improved multi drop files from Finder onto Deckadance (Mac OSX)
  • Fix DVS absolute mode position detection bug introduced since 1.50.2
  • Fix some problems in the MIDI kernel engine
  • Fix drag and drop files from Explorer with non ASCII characters (Windows)
  • Fix playlist Open & Save problems with non ASCII characters (Windows)
  • Fix midi setup Open & Save problems with non ASCII characters (Windows)
  • Fix importing iTunes playlist with non ASCII characters (Windows)
  • Fix some problems when beatmarks are saved
  • Improved loading of OGG & WAV files
  • Improved VSTi plugin support for Mac host applications
  • Change shortcut for mouse fine pitch control to “SHIFT” key
  • Fix “CTRL+key” shortcuts problem on Mac OSX

Deckadance v1.6.3 can be downloaded for PC and Mac here.

Deckadance is available to purchase starting at $99 USD for the House Edition, and $179 USD for the Club Edition (new Image-Line customers can get a discount of 10% with this promo link).

More information: Image-Line / Deckadance

Native Instruments has announced it is now shipping the TRAKTOR KONTROL X1, a compact professional two-deck DJ controller.

Designed by the team behind the groundbreaking TRAKTOR DJ platform, the compact KONTROL X1 offers an unprecedented level of integration with the latest TRAKTOR generation, and can also efficiently control any other MIDI-compatible DJ software on the market. TRAKTOR KONTROL X1 provides DJs of all styles and genres with a highly intuitive way to control loop, cue, effect, track selection and transport functions of their setup.

TRAKTOR KONTROL X1 is available for a suggested price of $229 USD / 199 EUR from authorized dealers. In the NI Online Shop, the KONTROL X1 is currently sold out due to high demand, and only available for pre-order until further notice.

The introduction of TRAKTOR KONTROL X1 is accompanied by a four-part effects tutorial series by Ean Golden, as well as an interview video featuring high-profile early adopters like Craze & Klever, Kenny Larkin, Loco Dice, Martinez Brothers, DJ Rafik, Treasure Fingers, and others.

All videos can be found on the official NI Youtube channel at: http://www.youtube.com/nativeinstruments

More information: Native Instruments / TRAKTOR KONTROL X1