Pioneer CDJ as Traktor Pro Controller

Todays video is an informative video from Dubspot. This video shows you how the HID setup of the CDJ-900 works. Pretty neat stuff.

New soundcards from Native??

A DJ Friend of mine wanted to buy a new Audio 8 DJ, but got a message from the importers.
They said that he should hold off getting a new soundcard until the release of the next series of DJ soundcards to be released from Native Instruments.
The soundcard should allegedly have a 32 bit resolution.

Also they talked about a new release of Traktor Scratch as well.
I'm not that sure about this, but there might very well be a 2.0 upgrade around the corner. There’s a while since the 1.2 upgrade that gave us some new key features.
What I believe will be at the heart of the next upgrade simply has to be the Sample decks that where introduced in Traktor S4.

Video mixing (VJ) on Traktor



Both Virtual DJ and Serato have video mixing capability, Traktor don't. That is probably the only major feature that Traktor is missing. Otherwise it can pretty much to anything that the two other major Digital DJ/DVS systems incorporate. I just newly read an old forum post from 2008 in the NI forum that Native Instruments is looking for or hired resources for the soul purpose of working on developing VJ software. Traktor will probably get video capability some time in the future, but when this will be is not clear! I'm very interested in how far they've come in the process or if they have just put everything on hold because the lack of interest.

VJing is a small part of the DJ eco system, but it could give that extra punch for performance DJs that might infect the club environment as well, but only if it's done correctly.

The issue

The biggest problem with VJing is that not every audio track has a corresponding music video. This really limits the selection of tracks which just simply sucks. That's my main concern about VJing... Limiting my music selection.

I can't see my self DJing with a black screen for every 5-6 track that I play.

This could probably be fixed with creating cool visual effects between videos with text or something to promote yourself, cool pictures cross overs or a simple integrated video editor to create compilations with beat matched video cut from other music videos that are beat matched.

Watching videos?

All the clubs I play in does have a monitor system installed, so I guess it would be of some interest if I can create an incorporated video show or performance with my mixing, but for what purpose? I don’t want people sitting around watching music videos when they should be out dancing.

Requirements?

We’ll probably also need to buy some kind of video output device if they are not using the integrated external video port.

I will wait and see what will become of Traktor VJ efforts and take it from there.

NAMM 2011 rumors and speculations

First up I just want to tell you that neither Native Instruments or Traktor is listed as exhibitors on the NAMM page, so I guess there won't be alot of news concerning Traktor.
As the big show is closing in there are however some interresting rumors spreading on several fronts. Skratchworx did some digging and came up with some interresting stuff.

NUMARK
Earlier they teased us all about having looked at a new Numark 4 channel controller at BPM in Birmingham. (HERE)
According to them the controller will be showcased at NAMM 2011 and I'm excited to see what they've conjured up. Lately they've been heavy on the Serato side, so I hope this is a Traktor capable controller.


RELOOP
We know allready that Reloop is launcing their Mission III which I wrote about earlier. (HERE)

ECLER
Ecler is entering the MIDI scene with a new controller called NEO. Picture from AboutDJ





RANE

Rane has said that they are going to have a press conference early on the first day to unveil several products. It's been alot of talk about Rane making standardized drivers for PC, so they might be looking to a bit more open in their relationship with Serato.

SERATO

Itch will probably be showcased with Bridge integrated.

Win Traktor Kontrol S4

DJ Techtools needs your feedback and in the contest you can win the brand new Traktor Kontrol S4 from Native Instruments.
Just some simple questions about your self and their site.

Participate here

Future of DJ Techtools:
It looks like they are looking to squeze some money out of their site. That's totaly fair. Up untill now it looks like they haven't been earning quite alot on their page. I recon all their income has been based on their store. They're looking into getting some new paid services and maybe add some adds to their sites.
Keep it up guys!

Phil takes a look at Midifighter

And we're still on the Midifighter today... Phil Morse at DigitalDJTips did a review of DJ Techtools' Midifighter. Phil is pretty thorough in his work and this review is no exception. There's also a very nice video of his mapping which I find to be pretty nice. It's made for Virtual DJ, but you can do the same for Traktor.

Read the review here

I'm looking to get one myself some time this year, but I haven't descided what colors to get it in and I realy want the advanced version... Though that version is bit pricy the original isn't that bad. I did all the selections that I would like to have on my controller in their MidiFighter editor/configurator and it came to about $200 USD. Not that bad for this awesome product...
I got the T-shirt though... :) Love the logo.



AmpLive's Custom Midi-Fighter

This weeks video is from DJ Techtools. A small example on what the Midifighter is evolving towards. Though it's impressing to have a lightshow on your controller. I don't think I would want to be using that element for regular DJing. :) Could be very confusing.

Midifighter isn't just a 4x4 pad made for mashing. It can also be expanded with several other controllers like powerknobs and powerfaders. Which basicaly mean that instead of just a CC controll you might for instance get note controls on the top, mid and left position of the button. Very cool for controlling effects or filters. :)

Read more about the experemental Midifighters here.