Allen & Heath DB4 leak

The DB4 is a four channel hybrid mixer with build in soundcard, loop generators, effect processor, USB inputs and selectable outputs. It looks to be an awsome product! But...

It looks like it has enough buttons to maintain all functions in Traktor that you might want to use, but it does not seem to be made mainly with Traktor in mind. So this makes me basically not spring off my seat for this mixer. I can't see the need for Traktor DJs to need external effects and the button layout seems a bit off when I concider my normal workflow.

A&H are known for their high quality equipment. However on the products I've tested from Allen & Heath before I never quite liked the faders and basically hated the buttons, but the rotary knobs where quite alright. But the owners of the gear I tested did swear to the controller, so I guess you need to use the mixers form A&H regularly to really enjoy their products... But that's my opinion.

“

The Xone:DB4 is a truly ground-breaking mixer and by far the most advanced product that we have designed. Every feature has been meticulously researched with a view to offering DJs ultimate creativity. Based on the iLive pro-touring FX system, we developed FX algorithms with BPM conscious parameters and tight spectral control, customised to perfectly fit the DJ environment.

As the loops and FX are automatically synchronised to the tempo of the track, it is very easy to build some amazing grooves and soundscapes without problems of latency, low fidelity and the general hassle often associated with using software and laptops.

The icing on the cake is the flexible input matrix, where any audio source can be selected on any or all of the channels. Different processing can be applied to the same track on separate channels and you can fade between them, or a phrase sampled in the looper of one channel can be added to the mix later in the track. Our digital design team has done an incredible job to ensure that this is one of the most innovative and exciting DJ mix tools to date.”

Andy Rigby-Jones
Xone Design Manager

Read more on djtechtools.com

Denon's Hybrid mode revealed

Just saw this video from Scratchworx.com where they use the Denon S3700 in a MIDI hybrid mode with Serato. It looked very cool, so I looked closer and it seems to support Traktor aswell. :) And the video was posted a month ago.
According to Denon it's a mode that generate it's own DVS (Timecode) signal so you don't need the timecode CDs. The timecode isn't really needed since one can controll the deck by using MIDI functions on the controller instead, however I think timecode actually has a lower latency then MIDI, so this is a very welcome feature from my point of view. Generating the DVS signal is in my opinion a smart way to utalize the great feel of timecode controll and then adding the MIDI controlls on top of that is just fantastic. Two thumbs up!

Hybrid mode on Traktor:


The video from Scratchworx.com

Creative use of CDs and Vinyl

After ripping all your music you can still make good use of the records that you have left over. Take a look at this smart way to put some life back into your CDs! :)

The New Reloop Mixage DJ Controller

According to digitaldjtips.com Reloop is releasing a new controller at the BPM Show this october. It's perfectly geared towards Traktor and I really like the layout. The controller comes in two versions. One with and one without a build-in soundcard.

Big buttons and sleak layout.

It looks to be a standard two deck controller. Thumbs up for the four big buttons on the transport section and level indicators for each channel.
It's also beeing shipped with NI Traktor Duo. Probably a great product for DJ's who are just starting in the controller game.

New mp3 piracy software

First off I would like to recommend you buying your music from legal sites like djdownload.com, juno.co.uk or similar mp3 sites like I do. ;) You'll get no bugs, the best quality tracks and be sertant to be up to date by browsing new tracks or get the hottest by using the top lists.

If you for some reason feel like stealing the music there is a new way of doing so. It's called Mulve and is probably the best thing I've seen since Napster or Audiogalaxy in the good old days...



Check it out on: mulve.com

Just bought the Traktor S4

I found the Traktor S4 available for pre order at DJ Techtools! Only $899 (+ tax and shipping) including a two hour DVD with Ean Golden with intro, tips and tricks about the unit. It will probably not be here in Norway before November/Descember...

Order here!

BPM 2010 is closing in...

There is alot of stuff going on right now that BPM 2010 is getting closer. Looking through the attendence liste it looks like EVERYONE is going to be there. Both hardware and software producers are showing up and it looks like it's going to be awsome!
The first week of October is going to be alot of fun so you should go in and read about it. If your're going there. Please get in contact with me so that I can have someone to update me. :)

Native Instrumants is gonna showcase the Traktor S4.
Allen & Heath are showing the new DB4
Pioneer is probably showing off some new controllers.
Serato is probably showing off the Bridge that was just released.
And probably ALOT more!

http://www.visitbpm.co.uk/

Rumor: New DJ controllers from Pioneer!

According to digitaldjtips.com Pioneer is going to release two new controllers at the BPM show this october.

"QUOTE"
The source – a product developer at a consumer electronics company – claims that “many of our customers at PLASA were shown them”, and that they are a Serato ITCH / Bridge DJ controller, and another controller for Traktor.
Read more: digitaldjtips.com

I hope they are introducing a product in the same format as the CDJ-2000 but with more buttons geared towards the Traktor controll format. We need a big platter deck controller!
Hopefully it won't be another four fader and dual jog wheel controller...

DJ Techtools S4 Sneak preview!

Check out this preview of the S4!


Read more about the great preview on http://www.djtechtools.com/2010/09/17/traktor-s4-first-look-a-live-unit/#more-7952

Small break to get married

The reason why I've been absent the last week is because I got married to the most beautiful girl in the whole world. I'll try to get my blog up to date ASAP. ;)

The misses...

Pioneer HDJ-500

Pioneer announce the new entry level headphones for DJs will be available this November.
The retail price is $125 USD and is designed for "exceptional fidelity, style, comfort and affordability" according to the press release. They come in three colors: Red/Black, Black/metal and White.

These headphones have taken some of the best structural components from HDJ-2000. Like the magnesium alloy for better structural integrity. Which is fancy for saying they can take a hell of a beating.

I use the HDJ-2000 and what I'm most satesfied by is the padding on the ears. They use the same stuff for HDJ-500 as in the HDJ-2000. Some fancy stuff called Urethane. They also include the detatchable cord with the mini XLR connector.

You will be able to rotate the right earpiece 60 degrees both ways.

The black HDJ-500-K and the red HDJ-500-R will be available in November 2010 at a manufacturer suggested retail price of $125. The white HDJ-500-W will be available in January 2011.

Hard facts:

Style: Fully enclosed dynamic stereo headphones
Frequency Range: 5Hz–28,000Hz
Impedance: 45Ω
Max Input: 2000 mW
Output Sound Level: 105 dB
Driver Unit: 40 mm dia. dome type
Plug: 3.5 mm dia. 3P mini-plug (gold-plated, screw-in)
Weight: 6.8 ounces (without cord)
Included: 6.3 mm dia. 3P plug adapter (gold-plated, screw-in)
Cords: 1.2 m side mount coil cord (extended 3 m), 1 m straight cord

4 deck controllers

I've noticed lately that the hardware developers are releasing more and more controllers with full 4 deck solution. It looks like the standard now is 4 faders and 2 jogs... Hopefully they will come with 4 jogs soon.
So what four deck controllers are currently on the market? Give me feedback if there are some controllers I've left out! Cheers!

Native Instruments Traktor S4

Native Instruments S4

Since it's engineered by Native Instruments and has a tailor made software this controller is naturaly in a different league then the other controllers.

Read more on native-instruments.com

Denon DN-MC6000

Denon DN-MC6000

This controller is geared toward Traktor Pro and has great big colourfull buttons and light feedback functions for when buttons are in different modes.
Read more on: denondj.com

ALLEN & HEATH XONE:DX

Allen & Heath Xone:DX

This bad boy from Allen & Heath  is made for Serato Itch and has an awefull Itch sticker on it. On the bright side the button setup can also support a Traktor Pro Workflow and even the effects will be handled.
Read more on: allen-heath.com

American DJ VSM-4

American Audio VSM-4

A very good controller from American Audio, but has also everything that you need for a good Traktor Pro workflow.
Read more on: adjaudio.com
Review done by djtechtools.com

M-Audio X-session Pro

M-Audio X-session Pro

Just wanted to add this to this post since it is just so darn cute. :) It's got some buttons, but to be called a full blooded 4 deck controller would be taking it a bit to far. It's got four faders and if you got a controller on the side this would do for the mixing part. :) Love it!
Read more on: m-audio.com

Controller	Made for…	Price	My rating
Native Instruments S4	Traktor S4	$999 (with Traktor	9.9
Denon DN-MC6000	Traktor Pro	$799	8
Allen & Heath Xone:DX	Serato Itch	$1299 (with Itch)	6
American Audio VSM4	Virtual DJ LE	$499	7
M-audio X-session Pro	?	$90	2

Rating done out of criteria on how they would work as a four deck controller system for Traktor. :)

Software and guide

I thought I'd might share some tips on software and hardware for Traktor DJ.

Check out my software and hardware guides.