Category Archives: Uncategorized

What happened to Opening DJs?

By Tony Fernandez

Another year has passed and with the New Year is upon us it’s time to reflect. As I look back on the past year and forward into next year, I had a thought strike me: Where are the opening DJs?

Now before we get too deep into this thread, hear me out. This may seem like more of a club DJ thing, but you mobile DJs need to stick around. I read posts all the time about tandem mobile DJs, DJs-in-training, new DJs looking to get some live experience – an opening DJ slot is a great way to take things to the next level.

What exactly is an opening DJ? An opening DJ is a VERY important role in the grand scheme of how a night is going to roll out. It’s a very specialized skill.

Your job as an opening DJ is to set the table, as it were. You’re setting the tone for the night. You’re like the first stage of a rocket heading into orbit… if you don’t do your job right, no one is going anywhere.

The internet has been a great source in reading (horror) stories about opening DJs and their folly. DJs that play inappropriate tracks, DJs that play tracks at 10:30 that should be played at 12:30. DJs that don’t know how to read a room. DJs that are not well versed in the subtlety of programming and set building.

There’s no doubt that going from gig to gig, events are different. But the role of the opening DJ stays pretty constant. This is a GREAT opportunity to learn and hone your song programming and crowd reading skills. You can test, try out, experiment, and probe. You can build on your skill set and improve on that skill set.

Your role isn’t to supersede or usurp the DJ coming on after you. By all means, do your best, take the moment to shine, and make it your own. However, as an opener, you’re not the focus of the night. Do your job, know your role, whet your skills, and you’ll be surprised how you can succeed.

Keep on spinning.

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 DJ’s WeDJ for iPhone (Free For Limited Time!)

“Today, Pioneer DJ released WeDJ for iPhone, an additional version of their DJ performance app that lets you mix and add effects to the music in your iTunes library. Specially optimized for use on your iPhone, the app lets you mix anytime, anywhere.

WeDJ for iPhone has all the same features as the iPad version of the app. The colorful animated interface displays all the information and controls you need to perform seamless mixes. To easily keep track of what’s on each deck, the colors of the waveforms and jog wheels change to match the colors of album cover images. You can use the Sync button to get your tracks perfectly in time and Auto Gain to automatically set the volume to the right level, leaving you free to use the performance features including Hot Cues, loops, Pad FX and Combo FX to make your mix unique. The app’s layout is optimized for the iPhone’s display and you can connect the DDJ-WeGO4/WeGO3 controller to get tactile control over all of WeDJ’s features.

SPECIAL INTRODUCTORY PRICE

WeDJ for iPhone is available in the App Store for FREE until 12:00AM PST on December 4th, 2016. From then on, the app will be available at the regular price of $0.99.

WeDJ for iPad is available in the App Store for $2.99 until 12:00AM PST on December 4th, 2016. From then on, the app will be available at the regular price of $4.99.

Watch the introduction video for WeDJ and the DDJ-WeGO4.

Learn more about the WeDJ App.

KEY FEATURES OF WeDJ for iPhone

Simple user interface for easy control

It’s easy to see what’s happening and control your mix thanks to the simple interface that’s optimized for the iPhone’s screen.

Performance features for endless creativity

Make your sets unique with WeDJ’s Hot Cues, loops and sampler. You can trigger Pad FX by pressing down on the pads, and with Combo FX you can blend two effects by tracing your finger on the x and y axes on the display.

DDJ-WeGO4/WeGO3 support for tactile control

Both the DDJ-WeGO4 and DDJ-WeGO3 controllers make the ideal partner to WeDJ. When connected, the WeDJ display changes to a dedicated interface that’s optimized for use with the hardware. You can enjoy tactile control of WeDJ’s features by touching the DDJ’s jog wheels, faders and knobs. Detailed information, such as the FX you’ve triggered, is shown on your iPhone/iPad’s screen.

Flexible layout

Choose the layout you like best from the three options:

Two jog wheels
Enlarged horizontal waveforms
Enlarged vertical waveforms

Other features

Automix – Press the Automix button and WeDJ will automatically mix in the next track before the end of the track that’s playing
Record – Capture your performances within the WeDJ app
On-board Loopmasters samples

WeDJ SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

OS (iOS) ：iOS 8 or later

Devices

iPad ：9.7-inch iPad Pro, iPad mini 4, iPad mini 3, iPad mini 2, iPad Air 2, iPad Air

iPhone ：iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone SE, iPhone 5s

Display Resolution ：Retina

* iTunes, iPad and iPhone are registered trademarks of Apple Inc. in the US and other countries.

* App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc.

* iOS is a trademark containing Cisco trademark signs in the US and other countries.

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

About Pioneer DJ

Pioneer DJ Americas, Inc. is the subsidiary of Pioneer DJ Corporation responsible for sales and marketing in North, Central, and South America. For more than 20 years, Pioneer DJ has been a market leader in the design and production of innovative DJ equipment and software. The company works closely with DJs and clubs to deliver next generation products that inspire and shape the global dance music community. Its portfolio includes brands such as Pioneer Professional Audio and Pioneer DJ Radio, rekordbox dj software, as well as social platforms KUVO and DJsounds. Pioneer DJ Corporation is a privately held company headquartered in Yokohama, Japan.

Website: www.pioneerdj.com

Is Facebook Live the end of the DJ Mix Tape? Part 2

By Tony Fernandez:

Let’s begin by stating that there is currently NO definitive answer on whether streaming your DJ set is considered fair use. The only way to have a clear answer to that question is to have this matter resolved in federal court; and even there, where a judge has a great deal of freedom when making a fair-use determination, the answer is likely to remain fluid.

Until then, what’s a DJ to do?

What If You Acknowledge the Source Material?

It is commonly believed that the unauthorized use of a work (or portion of it) is permitted if an acknowledgment is made. Not true. Acknowledgment of the source material may be a consideration in a fair-use determination, but it will not protect against a claim of infringement.

Does It Help to Use a Disclaimer?

A disclaimer is a statement that “disassociates” your work from the work that you have borrowed. Generally a disclaimer itself will not help; material and original works used without licensing is an infringement of copyright, ergo, not fair use.

Ultimately this means that Fair Use cannot be applied to DJ mixes.

As of this writing, Facebook Live does not have any streaming audio licenses with PROs. As DJs have discovered, Facebook, SoundCloud, etc., have programs that search uploads to determine if any music with a copyright has been uploaded. If so, the “offending” file is removed, a decision that has not been well received by the DJ community, as evidenced by these real posts from real DJs…

“We as DJs promote the music through our mixes for the artist on live mixes.”

“….why should we be punished?”

“DJs have been an important cog in the wheel of music since the invention of radio and then the turntables. We showcase the works of artists so that people can go and buy their music. Without us, much music would go unheard. This is about greed, nothing else. Artists should be grateful that their music is being showcased as many other outlets on the internet tend NOT to showcase some genres and acts and only focus on the famous and hyped.”

As a DJ, while I agree with most if not all of the above sentiments, it all come down to the world we now live in: SoundCloud, Facebook and the other hosting services aren’t the bad guy in this story. The Copyright Act is the law of the land. These hosting companies are limiting their liability and exposure.

The facts are, as the Copyright Act is being applied, that a DJ’s ability to stream and share Mix tapes is severely limited if he or she chooses to operate within the legal confines of the law.

So don’t hate on Facebook. Write your congressman and get the laws changed. Or develop a system where DJs and copyright holders have a vehicle where DJs can showcase their talents and the material / music being used is done in a forum and manor that’s mutually beneficial to the DJs and copyright holder(s).

It’s a brave new world out there. At least you know why your mix is getting yanked down.

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

4 Things No One Misses About DJing (and one thing you should!)

By Glen Ervin:

Crack a cold one with my dad and he’d inevitably fall into telling you how the Designated Hitter Rule and the equally un-American embrace of expansion teams ruined baseball.

Like father, like son.

Join me for a brew and odds are you’ll hear me go grumpy old man about my favorite pastime, too. My favorite go-to, inevitably: “DJing was better in the day.”

But was it really?

Decide for yourself. Let’s take off the rose-colored beer goggles for a look back at a few things I suspect no one much misses — and the one thing we may all have to say goodbye to forever.

Shopping for music – While I didn’t have to walk 15 miles uphill both ways to buy music when I was kid, I did have to make a 90-mile pilgrimage to the bright lights and big bins of Orlando’s Orange Avenue for the “good stuff.” It was there I would spend entire afternoons combing through albums, along with other preternaturally pale music nerds, some who are still friends today — none of who would trade the ability to download the newest releases from the comfort of their favorite chair for days gone by.

FUN FACT: In 1985 a typical album was $9.98. That’s $22.42 in 2016 dollars.

Lugging Crates – I never weighed a crate of vinyl, but if I had to guess I’d say it fell somewhere between ‘are you kidding me’ and ‘call 911.‘ On the plus side, gravity did inspire me to pare my options down to well-planned playlists, the downside of which was that I could never plan for everything. Given my druthers (and my age) I much prefer the unbearable lightness of my laptop.

Upgrading Formats – If my research is correct, and it should be because I didn’t do any, in the 1990s the record labels made approximately a bazillion dollars getting us to repurchase the same music we bought on vinyl on “indestructible” compact discs. The only thing I miss about that is my money.

Vinyl – Here’s a dirty little secret you won’t see on the “Real DJs Spin Vinyl” threads spreading like Zika on social media these days: Even the best cared for vinyl will crackle and pop after repeated use. And as for vinyl sounding “better,” the lossless CD-quality files reputable DJ pools offer provide the same high-res 24-bit audio the artist hears upon studio playback. If warmer sounding is what you’re looking for, a few filters, a little mid-range boost and analog speakers are all it takes. Nostalgia does not equal great sound, just nostalgic sound.

The Sanctity of the DJ Booth – Not so long ago audiences expected a DJ to DJ. Just as you wouldn’t tell a plumber how to fix a faucet or your barber how to cut hair, you wouldn’t think of walking into a club and telling the DJ how to do his highly specialized job. The mere fact that he was at that club said it all: You went to that club to hear that DJ.

I miss that.

After being turned out to pasture following a 16-year club residency, Glen Ervin finds himself gainfully employed as Promo Only sales manager, media consultant and staff writer.

Pioneer PLX-500 Turntable

Vinyl Revolution: Introducing the PLX-500 –

Direct Drive Turntable for DJs and Vinyl Lovers

Torrance, CA (August 3, 2016): Extending the family of Pioneer DJ’s turntable models, we’re releasing a new direct drive turntable to offer a more versatile vinyl solution for DJing and leisurely listening at a competitive price. The PLX-500 is ready to use straight out of the box thanks to its line output, which lets users plug it into their sound system or powered speakers with no need for an external amplifier.

Drawing on our heritage in making high-quality players and turntables, the PLX-500 inherits the layout of the PLX-1000 professional turntable and produces warm, clear analog sound. The high-torque deck is suitable for scratching and comes with everything DJs need, including a cartridge, stylus and slipmat; and its USB out means users can easily make high-quality digital recordings of their vinyl collection in our free rekordbox software. Users can use the PLX-500 and the rekordbox dvs Plus Pack to play and scratch digital files when combining them with a compatible DJM mixer and the RB-VS1-K Control Vinyl. DJs can also choose between the black (PLX-500-K) and white (PLX-500-W) versions to match their set-up or the design of their home.

The PLX-500-K and PLX-500-W will be available in the U.S. and Canada from September 2016, with a retail price of $349.00.

Watch the PLX-500 introduction video.

Learn more about the PLX-500

KEY FEATURES OF THE PLX-500

High-quality analog vinyl sound

The PLX-500 series inherits design features from the PLX-1000 professional turntable to produce the high-quality sound expected from vinyl. The shortest possible audio routing from the stylus to the outputs reduces distortion, and the phono and line outputs mean users can connect directly to their sound system or powered speakers to enjoy warm sound.

Easy digital recording

A built-in USB output means you can record your vinyl collection to high-quality digital WAV files by simply connecting the PLX-500 to your PC or Mac. Digitizing tracks is easy using our free rekordbox application. Once tracks are in the rekordbox collection, users can play them using the PLX-500 and a rekordbox dvs set-up, on a DDJ controller, or on CDJs via USB. Users can also enjoy them on their mobile devices whenever they want.

Using its audio analysis technology, rekordbox detects the silence between tracks and creates a separate file in your collection for each one, so you can just press play and record a whole album from an analogue source to individual tracks without resetting the recording in between songs. After you’ve finished recording you can name and tag all your new tracks.

How to record your vinyl to high-quality digital files:

Connect the PLX-500 to your computer with a USB cable.
Open our free rekordbox application (version 4.2.1).
Click the record button in the software and it enters Record Standby mode.
Press play on the PLX-500. rekordbox begins recording when the music starts.
When you’ve finished recording, press stop. A window opens in rekordbox where you can enter information for each track including name and artist. The tracks then appear in your rekordbox collection and you can search for them by name, artist etc.

High-torque direct drive turntable for DJ performances and rekordbox dvs

The high-torque, direct drive PLX-500 is ideal for mixing and scratching. Users can also combine it with the rekordbox dvs Plus Pack to play and perform with their digital files when using a compatible DJM mixer and the RB-VS1-K Control Vinyl (available separately).

Dust cover with record sleeve stand

Enjoy the vinyl sound of your records and their artwork at the same time thanks to the dust cover that incorporates a stand for displaying record sleeves when open.

Layout inherited from the PLX-1000 professional turntable

The PLX-500 inherits its slick design from the professional PLX-1000 turntable, and users can choose between the black (PLX-500-K) and white (PLX-500-W) versions to match the color of their gear or the interior of their home.

How to use rekordbox dvs:

Buy the RB-VS1-K Control Vinyl from a Pioneer DJ authorized dealer or directly from pioneerdj.com (limited countries only). Visit rekordbox.com to download the latest version of rekordbox for free, then buy rekordbox dj ($129.00) and rekordbox dvs ($99.00) license keys. Alternatively, you can subscribe to rekordbox dj for $9.90 per month and get rekordbox dvs as part of your subscription plan. Learn more about rekordbox dvs.

The silver PC-HS01-S headshell that is included with the PLX-500 will be available to buy separately from December 2016 in three color options. Choose from the PC-HS01-K (black), PC-HS01-S (silver) and PC-HS01-N (gold) to complement the look of your set-up. Our PC-X10 cartridge or other cartridges can be attached to the headshells (all will be sold separately).

PLX-500 SPECIFICATIONS

Power Requirements	AC 100 V, 50 Hz/60 Hz
Power Consumption	11 W
Unit Weight	10.7 kg (23.6 lbs)
Maximum Dimensions （W×H×D）	450 mm x 159 mm x 367 mm (17.7 in x 6.3 in x 14.4 in)
Output	RCA × 1, USB (type B)
TURNTABLE
Drive Method	Servo type direct drive
Motor	3-phase brushless DC motor
Braking System	Electronic brake
Rotation Speed	33 1/3 rpm, 45 rpm, 78 rpm
Rotation Speed Adjustment Range	±8%
Wow and Flutter	0.15% or less WRMS
S/N Ratio	50 dB or above
Turntable	Aluminium die-casting Diameter: 332 mm
Starting Torque	1.6 kgf/cm or more
Start Time	Within 1 second (at 33 1/3 rpm)
TONEARM
Arm Type	Universal type S-shape tone arm, gimbal-supported type bearing structure, static balance type
Effective Length	230.5 mm
Overhang	16 mm
Tracking Error	Within 3°
Arm Height Adjustment Range	6 mm
Stylus Pressure Variable Range	0 g to 4.0 g（1 scale 0.1 g)
Proper Cartridge Weight	9.5 g or less (single cartridge)
Cartridge Type	VM type
INCLUDED ACCESSORIES
Slip mat, Dust cover with jacket stand, Adapter for EP record, Balance weight, Headshell (with cartridge), Shell weight, Power cord, USB cord, Audio conversion cord, Operating instructions
HEADSHELL SPECIFICATIONS
Weight	10.0 g
Shell Length	52 mm
Finger Length	21 mm

About Pioneer DJ

Website: www.pioneerdj.com

Stay up to date: www.pioneerdj.com/news

Follow us on:

Facebook at facebook.com/PioneerDJUSA

Instagram at instagram.com/PioneerDJUSA

Twitter at twitter.com/PioneerDJ

YouTube at youtube.com/pioneerdjglobal

Other Channels:

www.rekordbox.com

www.kuvo.com

www.pioneerproaudio.com

www.djsounds.com

www.pioneerdjradio.com

Contact:

Dana Block, 310-496-4460, dana@allisonpr.com

Mixing as a DJ

By: Tony Fernandez

First, a DJ must have a passion about music. That’s what usually gets us going down the path of becoming a DJ: a love of music. Along the way we learn programming matters. We figure out that if you line up certain songs in a certain way, you have great crowd responses. We learn to read a crowd; another skill that once developed is indispensable in being able to command a floor / room.

Which brings us to an often-overlooked skill set every DJ should have in their arsenal: mixing (and to a little venting about those DJs who, sadly, couldn’t care less about it).

I believe mixing is something intrinsic to being DJ, a skill so fundamental, so integral, so elementary, and so organic (I’ll lay off the thesaurus now…) that I can’t fathom being a DJ without the ability to blend songs together. Why would anyone shun the ability to make themselves better, make their work better, and to set themselves apart from other DJs?

Mixing allows for a smooth, harmonious and melodious transition from one song to another. Mixing ensures there’s no “dead air” from song to song. Mixing grants your floor / crowd an uninterrupted progression of the musical journey you’re working so hard to create.

Do you want to represent yourself in the best possible way and let the music / mixing speak for your endeavors? Would you rather sound like a bunch of sneakers in the washing machine, or worse — like the local Clear Channel radio station? (Yes, I know Clear Channel is a thing of the past. That’s why I used that name. My lawyers said it was kosher.)

I once had a gentleman point out to me the “history” of DJing, going back to the 1930s. He mentioned prominent names and cited historical dates as hallmarks to bolster his position that these early pioneers were perfect examples of why it wasn’t necessary to concern ourselves with a trivial 3-5 seconds of meshed music.

Well, that is all well and good, but doesn’t mean squat. With all due respect to those pioneers, mobile DJs and club DJs aren’t partying like it’s 1929; today those “deejays” would be called radio personalities. I’ll acquiesce that I can’t do what they can do. I also say with 110% certainty, most radio personalities can’t do what today’s DJs can do.

I’ll challenge ANY DJ to pick 10 songs, that’s 9 segues.

Test A: Don’t mix a lick. Blend, don’t blend, and try to avoid having 4 out of 9 of those segues sound like straight up train wrecks that would have even Marlee Matlin grimacing.

Test B: Mix the tracks in a linear, harmonious fashion.

Then tell me how the floor reacts to each test.
I’m not a betting man, but I’ll lay heavy money the people in Test B are going to have a better experience than the people in Test A.

My point in all this: Learn your craft. Get your fundamentals down pat. If you don’t know how to mix, learn. It’s not that difficult. If I can do it, you can do it. You don’t have to be the Michael Jordan of mixing. Kevin McHale had a Hall of fame career off the bench.

Any mixing is better than no mixing, kinda like sex. Something simple, clean, quick and musical. It doesn’t take much. If you’re not mixing, you’re not DJing (yeah I said it.) Heck, there are apps on your phone that can mix.

There’s no excuse for a professional DJ not to mix. That’s what the Sync button is for.

Now go out there and learn something.

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 Life Hacks Every DJ Should Know

By Glen Ervin

It’s a fact of DJ life: software crashes, hardware fails, cables fray; things go wrong – typically at the worst possible moment. No doubt you have your own Plan B in place when the inevitable happens; but just in case you missed that episode of MacGyver, here’s a look at a few essential seat-of-the-pants fail-safes.

Ground Hum

If you’ve DJ’d for any length of time, especially with a laptop, midi-controller and a flat screen or two, you’re all-too familiar with the fingers-on-chalkboard sound of 60-cycle hum bleeding though your speakers.

For many the solution seems simple enough — drop the ground; lose the hum. But what you may not know is that simply removing the ground is never a safe option. A far better solution, one that won’t require routing through a ground lift (and the resulting loss of volume and tone), can be easily arrived at with the Ebtech Hum X Ground Loop Hum Exterminator. Easy to use, easy to install, can be used with any device with a 3-prong outlet and will not affect your audio signal.

Kill the hum, not the buzz (or your gear).

Laptop Crash

If an RCA to 1/8” cable isn’t the first cable you run when you’re setting up, it should be. Routinely hook that bad boy up to your smartphone and the emergency playlist of party favorites you have at the ready and you’ll never have more than a few moments of downtime while you reboot.

For an extra layer of prep, keep your emergency playlist on auto play to completely eliminate any chance of dead air.

Also good to have for that pesky laptop switch.

No Mic? Use your headphones!

Here’s something might have missed: If you’re ever in a pinch for a microphone you can always use a pair of headphones. Geek-speak aside, a microphone is pretty much the same as a speaker: both use a diaphragm and magnetic driver to convert sound to current.

How do you do it? Simple. Just grab the nearest pair of headphones and plug them into your mixer’s headphone input. Oddly enough, this seems to work best with cheaper iPhone type earpods, but typically whatever cans you’re wearing will do the job.

Mixer Meltdown

Ouch. This is toughie to bounce back from: Your mixer craps out and you don’t have a back up.

Solution: A 1/8 to dual XLR male cables will let you bypass your new doorstop and route directly from your laptop to most powered speakers.

Have ‘em ready to run and your downtime will be minimum.

5. The Ultimate Hack

While dead air might not be a matter of life and death, it can sure feel like it when 100 or more people are staring you down.

Remember: There is no panic button on your keyboard.

Stay Calm. It’s the ultimate life hack.

After being turned out to pasture following a 16-year club residency, Glen Ervin finds himself gainfully employed as Promo Only sales manager, media consultant and staff writer.

Meet the Pioneer DDJ-RZX Audio and Video Performance Controller

Pioneer DJ is introducing the new DDJ-RZX flagship controller. Designed to make the most of the new rekordbox™ video Plus Pack for rekordbox dj, the DDJ-RZX builds on Pioneer DJ’s heritage of making innovative video DJ equipment like the DVJ-1000 and SVM-1000. The DDJ-RZX is a 4-channel professional controller for mobile DJs and anyone who wants to bring videos into their performances.

The DDJ-RZX features three touch screens for viewing track information and applied pad effects. Video previewing and monitoring is sharp on the 7-inch screens, and they give access to all the key features in both rekordbox dj and the new rekordbox video Plus Pack. You only need to use your laptop to browse your rekordbox library and select tracks. Two XLR combo input jacks give distortion-free Mic output and the 3-band Mic EQ and Mic FX let you tune each voice. Plus, the extensive FX unit includes Combo FX, Sampler Repeat and Release FX, as well as the studio-quality Sound Color FX from the DJM-900NXS2 mixer. The DDJ-RZX inherits traits from the CDJ-2000NXS2 multiplayer and DJM mixer series including large jog wheels, multi-colored Performance Pads and high-quality sound.

The DDJ-RZX will be available in the U.S. and Canada from July 2016, with a retail price of $2999.00. The DDJ-RZX will come bundled with license keys for rekordbox dj, rekordbox dvs, and rekordbox video Plus Packs (a $377.00 total value).

rekordbox video is a Plus Pack for rekordbox dj that adds video performance features to our rekordbox dj performance software. Its key features include:

Native control of videos – scratch and add FX to videos as if they were audio tracks
Transition FX – use the crossfader to mix two video sources with a choice of 20 built-in FX, or add up to five effects to your favorites and recall them
Touch FX – trace on the display’s x and y axes to add FX and adjust parameters
Slideshow – create slideshows of still images in advance or on the fly
Camera output – show the live feed from a digital camera connected to your computer

To buy the rekordbox video Plus Pack for rekordbox dj, follow these steps:

Download and install rekordbox music management application version 4.2 for free (available from July 1, 2016).
Purchase a rekordbox dj Plus Pack license key for $129.00 (if you don’t own one already) and activate the Plus Pack.
Purchase a rekordbox video Plus Pack license key for $149.00.

If you’re a rekordbox dj monthly subscriber, you can use the video features without buying a license key (included as part of the subscription). Find out more about the rekordbox family.

Watch the DDJ-RZX introduction video.

Learn more about the DDJ-RZX rekordbox dj controller.

KEY FEATURES OF THE DDJ-RZX

Layout mirrors a CDJ set-up

Mix audio and videos instinctively with features inherited from the CDJ and DJM series including large jog wheels and multi-colored tactile Performance Pads. The 4-channel controller has an independent sampler section for intuitive control of Beat Sync, Quantize and Trim on the sampler.

High-quality sound

Hear the true sound of your tracks thanks to AC inlets for reduced cable contact resistance and a high performance 96 kHz/32-bit D/A converter made by Asahi Kasai. Plus, low jitter clock IC and the 96 kHz/24-bit USB sound card ensure powerful, high-quality sound.

Three touch screens for complete control

Take your performances to the next level by using the three 7-inch touch screens to preview/monitor video and image files, and to trigger Beat FX and Release FX. Plus, Touch FX lets you add FX and adjust parameters by tracing on the x and y axes on the display. Use deck display mode to check track information such as titles, BPM and key. Additionally, use mixer display mode to see enlarged waveforms for each track, as well as loop and Hot Cue information. Create instant doubles by simply touching the display.

Professional Mic section

Hear voices loud and clear thanks to two XLR combo input jacks for Mics. Control the output with the 3-band Mic EQ and use the four Mic FX – Echo, Reverb, Pitch and V Tune – to add texture and to tune each voice.

Extensive FX unit

Add the following FX to your tracks from rekordbox dj or external players and sound sources:

Combo FX – control Sound Color FX and Beat FX at the same time using the touch screens
Sampler Repeat – change the length of a loop just by touching the display and apply Sound Color FX when using the rekordbox dj sampler
Sound Color FX with sub parameter control – use the studio-quality Sound Color FX from the DJM-900NXS2 mixer including Sweep, Filter, Crush, Dub Echo, Noise and Space, and fine-tune them using sub parameter control
Release FX – exit complex FX patterns by selecting Vinyl Brake, Echo or Back Spin and twisting the dial

Other features

Active Censor – intuitively control the new Active Censor feature in rekordbox dj. Set in and out points and apply Reverse Roll, Trans, Echo or Vinyl Brake FX to disguise explicit words in tracks. The FX will then be heard whenever the track is played from rekordbox dj.
Three bundled license keys – comes with license keys for rekordbox dj, rekordbox dvs and rekordbox video
Newly developed crossfader – highly durable and capable of over 10 million movements
OSC sampler – four oscillator sounds
Dual USB port – for smooth transitions between DJs
Brushed aluminum faceplate – high quality and professional design
P-Lock fader cap – locks fader knobs to prevent dropping

A protective case for the DDJ-RZX will be available. Made from lightweight, durable materials, it has a robust, black metal frame to keep your controller safe during transit. It also features built-in carry handles and wheels for easy transportation (to be sold separately).

Promo Only DIY DJ Booth

Promo Only DIY DJ Booth , inspired by DJ TechTools and sponsored by Pioneer DJ.

The goal: To give Orlando DJs a place to experience the newest gear in a real-world setting free of the constraints of brick-and-mortar stores.

The Materials (suggested by DJ TechTools):

Kallax Shelves (4) http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/40278840/ $49.99 each

Linnmon Table Top (2) http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/20251356/ $45.99 each

Capita 6 ¾” Bracket (2) http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/40051196/ $19.99 (2-pack)

Capita Leg 6 ¼ Leg (2) http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/10267895/ $14.00 (4-pack)

Bjärnum Folding Hook (2) http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/60152590/ $9.99 (3-pack)

The Bling (suggested by Promo Only):

Stainless Steel Waterjet-Cut Front Plates w/translucent backing (2) – $75.00 each

Bladis Storage Baskets (8) http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/40223414/ $4.99 each

Char-Broil 26.5-in Steel Grill Rotisserie (4) http://www.lowes.com/ $29.99 each

Kreg 3-in Dual Locking Caster Set (2) http://www.lowes.com/ $80.66 (set of 4)

32’ LED Under-Cabinet Lighting w/color changer http://www.amazon.com/ $29.99 (set of 4)

Total Cost – $880.00 and change

Acknowledgements: We’d like to thank DJ TechTools for the inspiration, Promo Only co-owner & founder Pete Werner for the perspiration, and Pioneer DJ for their participation. No DJ lives were lost in the making of this video.

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