Category Archives: DJ Apps

DJs and Streaming

By Tony Fernandez:

Alright kids, it seems to me that it’s been a little while since I’ve been on my soap box or have had a rant, so strap in, we’re all due. Let me begin with a small disclaimer… I’m not looking to kick a hornet’s nest or start a moral, much less a legal tirade. I’m coming from an angle of trying to understand the rational of streaming… and hopefully illicit some chuckles in the process.

Let’s begin….

The Internet is a splendid thing. There is no doubt about that. Wi-Fi and being untethered has opened up countless possibilities and opportunities. Advancements are made monthly at such a pace that what was just simply amazing last month, heck, last week is commonplace today.
Maybe I am a bit too old school. I came from a place where DJs actually have their music. I mean that quite literally. You physically have the music you’re going to play. In the current state we are in, I do understand “having” music means that you have music on a hard drive. But the point still remains: you have access to that file on demand. Because it lives on your hard drive.

So why is streaming a “thing”? I don’t get it. Like most people on the planet, a good chunk of my life is wrapped up in my cell phone. Having said that, I find myself not having the best signal everywhere I go. And I still experience the randomness of dropped calls. I get that cell phones signals are different than Wi-Fi signals, but I still surmise that if I can’t get a SOLID cell phone connection, why should I assume that my Wi-Fi signal is stable? And don’t tell me about hot spots. Again, no cell signal and your hot spot is a paperweight.

I also get that a good number of venues do offer Wi-Fi connection to vendors. Are you really ready to rely on a network that you’re not 100% certain is robust enough to handle the load? Is the network also open to the public? If that is the case, how does it work when you have 15, 25, 45 people on public Wi-Fi and you’re trying to download, much less, stream content and use said content in real time? I would assume not too well.

And this is where I begin to scratch my head….

With as much technology, CPU processor horsepower, RAM, etc., that hardware can harness, you’re placing your success on an unknown variable that offers you ZERO control. Think about it: You are trying to download, stream and play a decent size music file in REAL TIME.

We ask a lot of our computers and software. Granted, they are marketed as being able to handle pretty much anything thrown at it. But we know that’s just not true. When you turn on your computer and it’s just sitting there, it’s really running 20, 30, maybe even 40 other programs in the background. Some you can’t turn off. Then you launch your DJ software. So now you want the computer to run the OS and the DJ software, plus you want the system to manipulate chunks of data and convert those chunks of data from 1’s & 0’s to analog audio. All the while providing you a GUI and audio feed to monitor all of the manipulation in REAL TIME.

Now you want to open up a network connection, get on the internet, log into a service, search a data base, download/stream the content you found and integrate that content seamlessly in real time to the gig you’re DJaying.

Right…

I know I’m not going to stop progress and I’m not trying to. Nor am I trying to be a harbinger of technology potentially gone awry. Each DJ will find their own level of technological prowess and embrace it. Speaking for myself, I know I’m NOT going to tax my computer any more than I have to. Nor am I going to set myself up for relying on a cell/ Wi-Fi signal that may not be there when I REALLY need it.

Till next time DJs. I’m still waiting for the Wi-Fi here to come back on line so I can pay for my pizza and go home. Gotta love technology.

Based out of Richmond, VA, DJ Tony Fernandez has been a DJ, Remixer, Producer, Musical Soothsayer and Audio Gear Oracle since 1980. Find him on facebook. Email djtonytf@gmail.com

Pioneer upgrades their popular Serato DJ Controller with the new DDJ-SR2

Pioneer has upgraded one of their popular Serato DJ controllers to create the 2-channel DDJ-SR2.

You can use the new dedicated controls to get hands on with the latest features in Serato DJ, including the Pitch ‘n Time DJ Expansion Pack, with Key Shift, Key Sync, and Pitch Play controls. The lightweight and portable DDJ-SR2 is Serato DVS Upgrade Ready (license available separately), making it one of the most compact DVS-ready controllers*¹ that enables perfect harmonic control using Serato DJ.

The DDJ-SR2 inherits design traits and features from our professional DJ gear including multi-coloured Performance Pads that give you instant feedback on pad modes and playing statuses, plus generous space between faders, buttons and knobs for comfortable, intuitive mixing and scratching. Thanks to the high-quality aluminium-finish top panel and jog wheels, the controller is approximately 18 percent lighter than its predecessor, so you can easily take it wherever you go.

To help you get the most out of the controller, the Serato DJ Enabled DDJ-SR2 comes bundled with the Pitch ‘n Time DJ Expansion Pack. Pitch ‘n Time DJ allows you to shift and sync the key of your tracks as well as increase and decrease BPM to extreme tempos while retaining the original key of the music. This means you can maintain perfect key while mixing, cutting and scratching any combination of tracks.

Download the latest version of Serato DJ to use with the DDJ-SR2 from serato.com/dj/downloads.

The DDJ-SR2 will be available from September at an MAP of $699.

*1 Most compact controller the DVS-ready controller market (according to internal investigation as of 1^st September 2017)

Watch the introduction video and find out more about the DDJ-SR2.

KEY FEATURES OF THE DDJ-SR2

1. Dedicated hardware controls for Serato Pitch ‘n Time DJ (license included)

Instantly and intuitively trigger the key-related functions in Serato DJ with dedicated controls for:

Key Shift: Change the key of tracks by semitone without changing the tempo.
Key Sync: Automatically sync the keys of different tracks during mixes.
Key Reset: Instantly reset to the track’s original key after changing keys.

Feature set mirrors professional set-up

Multi-coloured Performance Pads: Use the large, multi-coloured tactile Performance Pads to trigger Hot Cues, Roll and Sampler. Hit the pads and watch their colours change as they indicate the selected pad mode and playing status.
Needle Search Pad: Instantly jump to a specific part of a track with a simple touch of the pad.
Dual Level Meter: See the master out and channel levels at all times.

Easy to use wherever you go

Lightweight and portable: The DDJ-SR2 is approximately 18 per cent lighter than the DDJ-SR.
Mains or USB power: Choose your preferred source.
Flexible connectivity: You can use the DDJ-SR2 to control trims, EQs and channel faders for audio from media players or turntables thanks to dual line and phono inputs. The controller also has a Mic input so you can add audio from an external device. A booth and two master outputs give you the freedom to connect the controller to various kinds of PA equipment.

Other features

Audio mixer feature: When you’re using the DDJ-SR2 to control music stored on your PC/Mac via Serato DJ, you can also use trims, channel faders and EQs to control audio from external equipment such as turntables and media players. Even when the controller isn’t connected to a computer, the trims and channel faders can be used for audio input from external sources.
Professional XLR outputs: A professional XLR master output, a TRS booth output and secondary master output give you the freedom to connect the controller to various kinds of PA equipment with ease.

DDJ-SR2 Specifications

Software		Serato DJ
Frequency Range		20 Hz ～ 20 kHz
S/N Ratio		105 dB (USB)
Sampling rate		44.1 kHz
A/D, D/A converter		24-bit
Total harmonic distortion		0.003 ％ (USB)
Input / Output terminals	Inputs	LINE/PHONO × 2 (RCA x 2) MIC × 1 (1/4 inch TS JACK)
	Outputs	MASTER × 2 (XLR × 1,RCA × 1) BOOTH OUT × 1 (1/4” TRS JACK) PHONES × 2 (FRONT 6.3mm 1/4 inch TRS JACK × 1, 3.5mm 1/8 inch STEREO MINI JACK × 1)
	USB	USB-(TypeB) × 1
Dimensions (W x D x H)		553.0 mm × 334.5 mm × 65.1 mm
Unit weight		3.7 kg

System Requirements

Supported operating systems	Windows	Windows® 10, 8.1, 7 (latest service pack)
	Mac	macOS Sierra 10.12 (latest update) OS X 10.11, 10.10 (latest update)
CPU		Intel® processor Core™ i7 and i5 1.07 GHz or higher
Memory		4 GB or more of RAM

Disclaimer:

* Serato DJ is a registered trademark of Serato Audio Research Ltd.

* Mac and macOS and OS X are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.

* Other stated company names, product names, technology names, etc. are the trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

Website: http://www.pioneerdj.com/

Serato announces support for new Pioneer DJ hardware with Serato DJ 1.9.8

Pioneer DJ DDJ-SR2

Introducing the sequel to the popular Pioneer DJ DDJ-SR, the DDJ-SR2.

This 2-channel controller adds DVS Upgrade Ready support, Key Sync, Key Shift and Pitch Play controls, full RGB pads and more.

“The DDJ-SR was one of our most popular controllers, and for good reason. It’s portable, and has all the essentials for DJs across a range of levels. This time around, the SR2 steps up a notch with added Pitch Play controls and XLR outputs.” Nick Maclaren, Head of Strategy for Serato said.

“It’s also Serato DJ Enabled so you can plug and play, and is DVS Upgrade Ready if you want to add turntables and use it as a digital mixer.”

Pioneer DJ DJM-S3

Serato is also excited to announce the new Pioneer DJ DJM-S3.

This 2-channel mixer is rock solid and has dedicated filters per channel, mic input, XLR & RCA outputs, as well as an AUX channel for sampler routing or RCA line-in.

“The DJM-S3 is a power piece without the expense. This mixer has a stripped back classic design and is our most affordable Serato DJ and DVS Enabled mixer, ever. We love the fact this opens up DJing to a raft of users who were previously unable to afford a traditional DJ setup.” says Maclaren.

Both new pieces are supported now in Serato DJ 1.9.8.

Download Serato DJ 1.9.8 now

Key features:

Pioneer DJ DDJ-SR2

Serato DJ Enabled and DVS Upgrade Ready
Serato Pitch ‘n Time DJ license included in the box
Key Sync, Key Shift and Pitch Play controls
4 deck support with 2-channels (DVS only on 2 inputs)
16 RGB performance pads
Digital mixer with (2) phono/line inputs that can be used as a stand-alone mixer.
Stereo XLR outputs, Master RCA outputs, Booth TRS outputs
1x Microphone input
Can be used with a external power pack or with USB only

Pioneer DJ DJM-S3

Serato DJ and DVS Enabled
Stereo XLR outputs, Master RCA outputs
Magvel fader
1x Microphone input
2-channel mixer with dedicated filters per channel
AUX channel for sampler routing or RCA line-in

Read the full list of improvements, changes and additions in the Serato DJ 1.9.8 release notes.

Introducing… Serato Sample!!!

New from Serato – Serato Sample – a high-quality production plugin that makes sampling fast, simple and fun. Key features include the ability to quickly find, chop, key-shift and time-stretch samples, all with studio-grade sound using the power of Pitch ‘n Time.

At its core, Serato Sample is a beatmaking tool designed to get your ideas out quick. “During our R&D phase we found a real demand for something that allows producers to find and play around with samples without hassle,” says Nick Maclaren, Head of Strategy at Serato. “The result is a fully-featured tool that produces great sound and offers an intuitive, uninterrupted workflow.”

The plugin has already garnered praise from DJ Dahi, long-time Kendrick Lamar collaborator and Damn producer. This legendary beatmaker likened its ‘find samples’ modes to old-school sampling methods like popping a needle along a record. “We wanted to set producers up for those happy accidents – often the most enjoyable part of making music,” says Maclaren. “There’s a lot of features in Sample that help you discover entirely new parts of a track you may never have found otherwise.

Sample is integrated with Serato’s original production plugin, Pitch ‘n Time. Adding this technology allows producers to manipulate samples freely (like adjusting the BPM from 1, all the way up to 999), without losing audio quality. “Pitch ‘n Time is almost 20 years old and is still the industry standard for pitch-shifting and time-stretching”, says Maclaren. “To have this tech in a $99 plugin is amazing value.”

Serato Sample is now available for download, including a free 30 day trial. Anyone who downloads will gain access to a bank of free Loopmasters sample packs, and in-depth tutorials.

Start a free 30 day trial

Key features of Sample 1.0

Unrivalled time-stretching powered by Pitch ‘n Time

Time-stretch samples to extreme values using the power of Serato Pitch ‘n Time. It’s also easy to sync samples to your project.

Flawless Key Detection and Key Shifting

Find the key and then shift it with the power of Pitch ‘n Time.

Find the best samples

With one click Serato Sample’s algorithm finds 16 of the best samples to work with.

Change samples beyond recognition

You can manipulate each pad individually. Mess around with key, bpm and more with pad parameters.

Keyboard mode

Play one sample across the full piano scale like a synth.

Mono/Poly playback

Trigger your Cue Points with monophonic playback like Serato DJ. Or you can use polyphonic playback to play chords and drum patterns.

Familiar and fast Cue Point workflow

Use Serato DJ’s popular Cue Point workflow to quickly set and trigger pads.

Works in leading music production software

Including Ableton Live, FL Studio, Logic Pro and Maschine. Sample will also work in other DAWs that support AU/VST plugins.

Try Sample for free or buy now for $99

About Serato

Serato makes audio software for music lovers worldwide. In 1999 Serato launched with Pitch ‘n Time, still the world’s foremost studio plugin for time-stretching and pitch-shifting technology. On the strength of Pitch ‘n Time, Serato moved into the DJ industry, changing
the game with the release of Serato Scratch Live, and later Serato DJ and Serato DJ Intro.

Now, Serato has returned to the diverse world of production with the release of Serato Sample. A high-quality sampling plugin for producers.

Sample website: serato.com/sample

Free Trial download: serato.com/sample/free-trial

Tutorial Videos: serato.com/sample/tutorials

Sample Support: serato.com/sample/support

Sample Facebook: facebook.com/seratosample

Sample Instagram: instagram.com/seratosample or @seratosample

PIONEER DJ LAUNCHES INTERFACE 2

Today, Pioneer DJ is proud to announce it is opening up the rekordbox ecosystem to all DJs by releasing the INTERFACE 2. This new 2-channel audio interface lets consumers use rekordbox dvs to scratch and control the digital music on their computers using any DJ set-up.

Wherever DJs chose to perform, using Pioneer DJ products or other hardware, users can connect the INTERFACE 2 quickly to their equipment. It features LED lights to indicate signal flow and warn users about signal problems. It also delivers club-standard sound quality thanks to its high-performance components.

License keys for rekordbox dj and rekordbox dvs, as well as two timecoded vinyl records, worth a combined $258, are bundled with the INTERFACE 2 so users can start scratching digital tracks as soon as it’s unboxed.

The INTERFACE 2 will be available from early July with a retail price of $299.

Watch the introduction video

KEY FEATURES OF THE INTERFACE 2

High-quality sound

You can use the INTERFACE 2 at gigs thanks to its crystal-clear sound, inherited from our professional DJ gear. Supporting audio up to 96kHz, it features a high-quality D/A converter and the S/N ratio exceeds 110 dB, so it’s well suited for use in clubs.

Compact, robust chassis

Take the INTERFACE 2 out on the road with confidence. The unit is compact, portable and its seamless aluminium casting makes it highly robust, while the extended edges protect the terminals.

LEDs indicate signal flow

Connect the INTERFACE 2 to any DJ set-up quickly and easily, even in a dark club. After plugging into your laptop via USB, LED indicators on the INTERFACE 2’s top panel show signal flow, giving you a visual grasp of the setting status. You’ll immediately see if there’s a signal failure or a problem with a connection, or if the signal level is too low or high, for example when a turntable is incorrectly connected to the line input. The LEDs flash if a signal is in mono only.

Includes control vinyl plus licenses for rekordbox dj and rekordbox dvs

The INTERFACE 2 comes with bundled license keys for our professional DJ performance application rekordbox dj and the rekordbox dvs Plus Pack, so you can control and scratch digital tracks stored on your computer. Using the engine of rekordbox dj, which uses the same audio signal processing in our professional DJ mixers and multiplayers, you can enjoy high-quality audio and low latency response.

Other features

Mains or USB power – choose your preferred source
Stand-alone audio interface – use the INTERFACE 2 for recording audio to your computer or to send audio to speakers
Large signal GND terminal – firmly holds turntables’ ground wires to reduce noise. The knob stays attached even when fully turned, so it can’t be dropped
High-quality audio – supports 1 kHz / 48 kHz / 96 kHz signals
DVS options – use time coded vinyl (included) or custom control signal WAV file for use via CDs or USB drive (free download available)

INTERFACE 2 Specifications

Frequency response		20 Hz to 20 kHz
S/N ratio		112 dB (USB) 103 dB (LINE) 100 dB (PHONO)
Total harmonic distortion		0.002 % (USB) 0.005 % (LINE) 0.007 % (PHONO)
Input/Output terminals	Inputs	RCA x2 (LINE/PHONO)
	Outputs	RCA x2 (LINE)
	Others	USB-B port x1
Power		AC 100 V, 50 Hz/60 Hz
Power consumption		DC 5 V, 600 mA
Maximum dimensions (WｘDｘH)		141 mm x 32.5 mm x 127.8 mm 5.5” x 1.2” x 5.0”
Weight		0.6 kg / 21.1 lbs.
Accessories		Power cord, AC adaptor, USB cable, Quick Start Guide, Warranty, License key card (rekordbox dj, rekordbox dvs) Audio cable x4, Rubber feet x4 Control Vinyl x2

System requirements

Compatible OS

Windows

Windows: Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 7

(The latest service pack)

Mac

macOS Sierra 10.12 (Updated to the latest version), OS X:

10.11, 10.10, 10.9(Updated to the latest version)

CPU

Intel® processor Core™ i7, i5, i3

Intel® processor Core™ 2 Duo

2.0 GHz or above

* Audio performance is based on 96 kHz audio format.

* Disclaimer: specifications and price are subject to change.

* rekordbox is a registered trademark of Pioneer DJ Corporation.

* Mac, macOS and OS X are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.

* Windows is a registered trademark or a trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.

* Intel® and Intel Core™ are trademarks of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries in the U.S. and/or other countries.

* The names of companies, product names, and technology names mentioned herein are the trademarks of their respective owners.

Serato DJ 1.9.6 is now available to download!

With this release, Serato has focused on feedback from users to deliver one of their best updates yet.

This release includes:
• Significant DVS improvements including the new Anti-Drift option to stabilize BPM, Smart Sync and improvements to needle drop sensitivity.
• Feature improvements including Favorite FX Banks, Chronological Loops, Reordering Loops and Enable/Disable Hot Cues as an option.
• Pitch Play mappings for supported hardware (requires Pitch ‘n Time DJ license).
• Official support for the Reloop RMX-90 DVS 4-channel mixer.
• Significant stability & performance improvements.
• All Serato DJ Suite free trials have been reset, so users can take another two week trial for free.

Nick Maclaren (Head of Strategy at Serato) says:

“After paying close attention to user feedback over weeks of beta testing, we are now thrilled to officially release Serato DJ 1.9.6.

Our goal for version 1.9.6 was to hone in and fine tune features that are really important to our professional DJ customers.

We’ve added Pitch Play mappings to existing supported hardware, Favorite FX Banks, new Looping options, improved the Needle Drop sensitivity, Sticker Lock, and more.

Lastly, we’ve continued to focus on stability improvements with powerful new audio and memory optimizations to make this our most stable release to date.”

With Serato DJ 1.9.6 , they’ve reset all Serato DJ Suite trial activations to date. So if you’ve already taken a two-week trial in the past, you can now try the full Serato DJ Suite again, for FREE.

This is a great time to test out Expansion Packs like Pitch ‘n Time DJ if you haven’t already.

For more information please visit these Serato blog posts below.

DVS Improvements: https://serato.com/latest/blog/20207/update-196-dvs-improvements-and-additions
Pitch Play mappings: https://serato.com/latest/blog/20208/update-196-pitch-play-mappings
Looping & Performance Enhancements: https://serato.com/latest/blog/20211/update-196-looping-and-performance-enhancements

Is Facebook Live the end of the DJ Mix Tape? Part 1

By Tony Fernandez

Mix tapes and DJs go together like peanut butter and jelly. The mix tape is a DJ’s calling card. A DJ’s sonic resume. Personally, I come from a point in time when you actually used tape to do a mix tape. But we’ve all made mix CDs… for our girlfriends, boyfriends, travel tunes, business cards, promotional showcases — the uses are endless.

Fast forward to our current state of affairs: SoundCloud, Mixcloud, Facebook, Facebook Live are all great vehicles that allow DJs to share their talent with the world. However, there is conflict in the air. The waters are churning. There is strife between the DJ world and the digital world. The same vehicle(s) that have allowed DJs to share their vision and skills with the world are now clamping down on the sharing and showcasing of those skills.

I am not a lawyer, nor do I play one on TV, but I did have the following facts checked by a lawyer (who is also a DJ, producer, and copyright holder), so as to simply and correctly explain why mix tapes and the streaming of those mixes are being removed.

Let’s dig in….

DJs need to realize that the music they mix, play, use, and purchase is not “your” music. It’s natural to draw the conclusion that because you have purchased a song you’re allowed to play it publicly in a DJ set. Well, according to U.S. copyright law, this is incorrect.

There are several types of rights copyright owners must obtain under the law to distribute musical works, all of which are exclusive, including:

Public Performance (transmitting or performing the work in public)
Reproduction (copying/duplicating)
Digital Performance (internet streaming)

With that information in hand, we can move forward and explain why DJs aren’t allowed to post, stream, or share their mixes.

When a DJ spins at a nightclub, it’s incumbent on the venue to make sure they have a license for public performance. This license is acquired from the PROs (performance rights organizations). When the venue has a public performance license, it means that DJs can play recorded music registered with the PRO.

Radio stations pretty much work the same way. The difference is the radio stations license is for broadcast. Their license authorizes the radio station to play music on public airwaves.

Streaming services do not have a clear relationship with PROs. When a DJ creates a live stream and starts broadcasting music on the internet, that DJ becomes, in effect, a radio station. As such, he or she needs to have the appropriate licenses.

No licenses, no stream.

This is, unfortunately, where we find ourselves today – at the crossroads of artistic expression and the rights of copyright holders.

It’s apparent that copyright laws are falling behind: DJ sets are not a protected form of free speech. Our sets don’t generally fall under “fair use”.

As such, copyright takedowns happen.

What can you do about it?

Stay tuned for Part 2…

Based out of Richmond, VA, DJ Tony Fernandez has been a DJ, Remixer, Producer, Musical Soothsayer and Audio Gear Oracle since 1980. Find him on facebook. Email djtonytf@gmail.com

5 Must-Have Apps That Have Made Me More Money

By Brian Buonassissi:

As a small business owner, I’m all about finding the best way to maximize my time and my revenue. Thanks to ever-evolving technology, I’ve come across a few things that have allowed me to both gain some “time back,” without having to hire someone, and make more money along the way.

In no particular order:

TINY CALENDAR

This is an app that syncs with Google Calendar. Google’s calendar app is not user-friendly so I prefer this app instead. I have all of our employees on it and we share our calendars with one another so when we need to schedule meetings, etc., we can manage it all very easily without having to e‐mail, call or text repeatedly. It also keeps me personally organized. With everything being stored online, I never have to worry about losing a paper calendar, journal, etc. I use the free version and it suits my needs perfectly. They have a pro version that you can get if you need it.

WUNDERLIST

This free app is amazing! It’s a to-do list. You can have as many to-do’s as you want and since I have 30 or so employees, I can easily assign tasks, etc. You can also use this online from a computer rather than your phone, if need be. I have multiple lists going and it is a perfect complement to Tiny Calendar.

SLACK

I wanted to find a communication tool that allowed my team and I to communicate easily without having to do so through e‐mail on everything. Enter Slack. I use the free version and it was a game changer for my business. The standalone app is fantastic but also has a desktop app for those who stare at a computer screen all day. If you are a multi‐op, this is a MUST for you and my #1 recommendation.

HOOTSUITE

Wanna be a social media ninja without having to stay online all day? This will manage all of your social media content and will allow you to pre‐schedule posts on all the major social networks. I usually schedule all of mine for a week prior. If something needs to be added last minute, I can jump in and post via the social network of choice. I use the free plan with this as well. To date, this has saved me from having to find a social media person and makes it appear as if I post regularly.

LIVECHAT

This is one the paid service I use. This is a stand‐alone app and works with just about every website type out there. It’s a sales tool and you can capture leads immediately. If you aren’t using this, you need to start. You can turn it on/off at any time. I’ve booked too many shows to count with this service.

These are my Top 5. What about you? Are you using something not on this list?

Based out of NYC, DJ Brian B is a successful internationally traveling private event DJ/MC. He runs a multi‐city mobile DJ/event business with offices in Orange County, Calif, Destin, FL and New York City. You can check him out at djbrianbofficial.com or bboyproductions.com

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