Tag Archives: DJing

Remixes or Nah?

By Tony Fernandez

Alright Chil’dren, gather round now. It’s time for a dose of straight talk. This time ‘round, let’s talk about remixes.

It occurs to me that remixes in the DJ community live in this weird universe. DJs love ‘em. DJ’s hate them. DJ’s live by them or die by them. Some DJ’s are all about them, some DJ’s have no use for them.

Guess where we’re going with this….

For those who know me or for those who have seen my play logs, it’s no mystery I’m a fan of the remix. But the “secret” to the remix game (if you will) is playing the RIGHT remix.

Keep up with me…

Let’s back up for a second here, I do realize that not EVERY event or EVERY song calls for a remix to be played or a remix to be made. There are songs that are fantastic on their own merit. There are events that do not warrant the programming of remixes. I get it. However… instead of looking at things you can’t do, let’s take the approach of what you CAN do.

Remixes are your friends. When you pick the right remix and program it accordingly, you can really create a magical moment. Picking the right remix is like choosing the right wine with your meal. It can make or break the moment. Remixes should not be played just because there is a remix. Trust me, there are just as many BAD remixes as there are good remixes. Probably more bad ones than good ones. While good is subjective, there is the right remix of the right song, for the right moment.

Think about this… As DJs, we all pretty much have access to the same music. It doesn’t matter what record pool or subscription service you’re enrolled in. And this isn’t being said to be disparaging to pools and services. The reality is we ALL have access to the same content. As such, we need to be able to stand out and be different; that’s where the remix comes in.

Now I’m not going to tell you what remixes to play, nor the how or the when to play them. I have my hands full taking care of my dance floor. But I will suggest that you stretch out your pallet. Increase the toys in your sand box. On one hand you don’t need to figure out how to play the future progressive gabber trap remix of that 90’s track. On the other hand, having a fun new remix that holds true to the original, can breathe some new life into a track, into a set. And that’s a win for everyone.

Now I gotta go digging for my unreleased, bootleg ,white label, limited release, can only get from the producer remixes. Go get your own.

Keep ‘em 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

Work Out Your Weak Spot!

By Mike Walter

As I write this, NAMM has just wrapped up out in Anaheim. I didn’t attend it this year but I know it just happened because social media tells me so. My timelines have been flooded with pictures and videos of the latest exciting gear being produced for our industry. And along with those posts come the DJs who encourage their peers to stop focusing on gear and spend their money on talent. Take a workshop or attend a class, they write. Invest in yourself.

It all reminds me of a Facebook post I saw recently. Somebody asked which was more important, talent or equipment? And while most people responded that talent was more important, I chimed in by saying: BOTH! Because it’s not like you have to choose between the two. It’s not a zero-sum game. In fact, the best DJs I know focus on both aspects of their career. They do everything they can to improve their talents. But they also would never leave the house (or the warehouse) without the very best gear. And plenty of back-ups as well.

I had the same thought years ago when the “Got Music?” T-shirts started popping up at DJ Shows and then just as quickly there was backlash from some who thought they over-emphasized the importance of music at the cost of talent. I remember thinking, “wait, what?” I care tremendously about my music library (which is why I’ve been a proud Promo Only subscriber for well over twenty years now) and every great DJ I know does as well. We realize that songs are our tools and we need them to pack our dance floors. But that doesn’t mean I don’t work on my MCing skills every chance I get. The two are equally important and focusing on one doesn’t mean you ignore the other.

So now that I’ve gotten that off my chest allow me to offer some advice. In your most honest of moments, think about your overall skills as a DJ and MC. What are you best at and what are you weakest at? This is for you and you alone so be 100% honest with yourself. I did this a few years ago and I had to admit that of all the traits that are most important to success in our industry, music mixing was my weakest. I was good. But I wasn’t great. My programming was better than my mixing. My MCing was better than my mixing. My equipment knowledge was better than my mixing. So I focused on improving that skill to get it closer to the others. And I’d advise you to do the same. It doesn’t mean you have to forego the other skills. I still practice my MCing and listen back to my own introductions and prompts and look for ways to improve them. I still spend a few hours every week listening and cataloging new music. But I spent more time on mixing than I ever had. And I think in the last few years that skill has gotten closer to the others for me.

You can do the same. You can take an MC workshop if that’s your weakest skill. You can practice, practice, practice your mixing till you get better. Or you can study your songs and improve your programming. If you really want to be the best at what you do, stop focusing solely on your strong points. Start improving the part(s) of your show that need it the most.

Mike Walter is the proud owner of Elite Entertainment, a Multi-System DJ Company in New Jersey that was recently selected by TheKnot.com and WeddingWire.com as a top Entertainment company in the country.

It’s never too early to start reading your crowd

By DJ Rachel Lynch

Dinner music is an excellent opportunity to gauge what type of crowd you have and help set the tone for the night. Think of dinner and cocktail music like paint primer. The better job you do to prep the wall, the better the finished outcome will be.

DJs who have a great dinner or cocktail crate may do a decent job with a “set it and forget it” playlist as they have built the list with years of experience. Since they feel that they already put in the work ahead of time they may decide to use dinner/cocktail downtime to time to eat, relax a bit before the party, use the phone, smoke, etc. Sadly, this mindless and relaxed approach is a missed opportunity for DJs to connect with the guests in a subtle but powerful way.

Adding to this passive approach is the assumption that nobody is actively listening to the DJ because they are engaged in conversation or enjoying food and drink. I disagree completely. Dinner time is when a DJ should work the hardest to understand who is in front of them and what music directions they can approach later on. Dinner/cocktail time is a smart way to take risks and try different stuff to see how it feels. Dinner/cocktail music can be a fun part of the evening if a Dj is really focused on the task.

Things I ask myself during dinner/cocktail music:

How engaged are they? Who are my dancers? Who is there for the free food only? Who is taking advantage of the open bar? Who’s sitting with who? Who are my “party people”? What are the age groups here? Are there any cultural considerations? Who’s signing lyrics while sipping their wine? Are there foot taps from anyone? Is anyone bobbing their head? Are people smiling? Etc.

Nonverbal cues during dinner will absolutely help a DJ smash the night. Don’t miss the chance to own your audience!

About:
Fun, creative, and ambitious, DJ Rachel is making her mark as one of the top mobile DJs in the tri-state area. Her diversity as a DJ allows her to play at events that include MetLife Stadium (for the New York Jets) and serve as opening act for George Clinton Parliament Funkadelic and Gloria Gaynor. For more info visit: facebook.com/DJRachelRLynch

Stay off your phone!

By Tony Fernandez

The Internet is a glorious thing. It truly is. I marvel at the unlimited power and capabilities one has access to with a mere click or keystroke. Once you get past the click bait, porn, and Russian political meddling, you can actually find some really useful things out there on the world wide web.

What I DON’T understand is why DJs seem to be using the Internet to fill gaps in their repertoire. I’m not talking about the Spotify/YouTube jocks that can’t even get on the service that doesn’t have ads (I’m sure there is a special ring in Dante’s Inferno for you). . .

And I’m not talking about the yahoos that can’t use Google after people take the time to help, explain, educate, and pass on knowledge… you STILL want a link to click. . .

I’m talking about the DJs that are AT gigs… right in the middle of an event and they are on Facebook and the plethora of DJ pages asking questions like: Where do I place my speakers? The bride just moved the time line, what should I do? And my favorite: What song should I play next?

I’ll tell you what you need to do: you need to get off your smart phone, put your nose to the grindstone, put on your big boy or big girl pants and FIGURE IT OUT! Yeah l I know you can make the point that the offending DJ is doing that by getting on their device, BUT… do you see other professionals working and getting on Facebook to ask for suggestions? I’m sure a lawyer in the middle of a courtroom is going to whip out their iPad and Google a case. I’m sure a doctor in the middle of a procedure is going to check on a Facebook page to ask how to continue what they are doing. Yeah, right.

Look, I get it, we ALL need help at some point. My self included. No single human being knows everything – well, maybe one: I saw a piece on a student (from MIT, I believe) that was able to isolate the nerve/electrical impulse that our brain uses to communicate with the mouth. This student was then able to tap into that connection and convert that electrical impulse into text, which he sent to Google. So you can ask this student ANYTHING and they would have the answer.

I digress…

There are some really great people on these pages that genuinely and selflessly offer up invaluable information for the sake of being a decent person. They authentically want to help. What I take umbrage with are DJs doing the asking WHILE at a gig in REAL TIME. Especially on things they should know. Specifically: what music to play. You got ONE job, handle the music. Handle it before the gig. And if something comes up during the gig, HANDLE IT. That’s your job.

How do you even find time at a gig to get on a device to get an answer for something you need immediately? I would think your time is better served by paying attention to the situation at hand instead of wasting precious time tapping a screen and waiting for a response. And at the risk of sounding like the proverbial old “hey you kids get of my lawn” guy, people were able to use the power of problem solving, cognitive skills and intestinal fortitude BEFORE the Note or iPhone was invented.

I have to go get ready to play to a bunch of college students. I’m doing my homework NOW.

Keep ‘em 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 Introduces New HDJ-X5BT Bluetooth Over-Ear Headphones

Pioneer has upgraded their affordable HDJ-X5 DJ headphones, adding Bluetooth^®wireless technology to create the HDJ-X5BT. The new over-ear DJ headphones are ideal for DJing in the club and monitoring tracks on the move.

They are available in three colors: HDJ-X5BT-K (metallic black), HDJ-X5BT-R (metallic red) and HDJ-X5BT-W (gloss white).

DJs need equipment that is flexible and seamless to help them practice, prepare and perform wherever they go. Thanks to its Bluetooth connectivity, the HDJ-X5BT headphones make it easy to monitor music in any situation – whether you’re at home or on the move. When you connect the included cable, you can also use them for comfortable DJing in the club. Whether you go wireless or wired, the HDJ-X5BT headphones offer the same outstanding audio quality, durability and functionality as the original HDJ-X5 model.

The HDJ-X5BT headphones will be available from early-November at an MAP of $149. Watch the introduction video or find out more about the new Bluetooth headphones.

KEY FEATURES OF THE HDJ-X5BT HEADPHONES

Wireless technology for monitoring music anywhere you go

With easy set-up, you can simply power up the HDJ-X5BT headphones and pair them with your Bluetooth device – such as a smartphone or PC/Mac – then start monitoring tracks. A 3-hour charge gives you up to approximately 20 hours of playback. Thanks to the built-in microphone, you can talk hands-free on calls when the headphones are connected to your phone^*1.

Well-balanced, dynamic sound

Hear every nuance in your tracks whether you’re mixing in the booth or monitoring music at home. High-resolution, well-balanced tuning and bass reflex chambers in the housings allow the airflow to deliver an excellent bass response and sound insulation. The high-quality Qualcomm^® aptX™ audio codec is supported as well as AAC and SBC for high-quality sound, even when listening wirelessly.

Lasting durability

Take your cans on the road with confidence. The HDJ-X series headphones are rigorously tested and each model has cleared the US Military Standard MIL-STD-810G Shock test^*2 as well as our own demanding stress testing to ensure they can handle severe conditions and heavy use.

Flexible functionality for comfortable DJing

When you want to immerse yourself in a mix, connect the included 1.2m coiled cable to automatically disable Bluetooth and all other buttons. The HDJ-X5BT headphones are comfortable to use no matter how you wear them, thanks to the housing design, swivel mechanism and flexible headband inherited from the predecessors in the HDJ-X series.

Other features

Comfortable ear pads

Wear your headphones in comfort for long sets. We carefully selected material that’s soft to the touch and provides cushioning, and we even paid attention to the positioning of the stitching to maximise its comfort.

Foldable, easy-to-carry design
Three colors available

Choose from metallic black (HDJ-X5BT-K), metallic red (HDJ-X5BT-R) or gloss white (HDJ-X5BT-W) versions to match the style of your gear and your look.

Original unique sounds for each beep when connecting via Bluetooth, powering and pairing, etc.

^{*1 Y}^{ou can use these headphones for phone calls if the Bluetooth-compatible phone (cellular phone, smartphone, etc.) is compatible with the HSP or HFP}^Bluetooth^profile.

^*2^{MIL-STD-810G METHOD 516.7 SHOCK compliant.}

HDJ-X5BT specifications

Version	Bluetooth Specification Ver. 4.2
Output	Bluetooth Specification Class 2
Maximum communication distance	Prospective distance approx. 10ｍ^*3
Supported Bluetooth profiles	A2DP, AVRCP, HSP, HFP
Supported codecs	SBC, AAC, Qualcomm® aptX™, Qualcomm® aptX™ Low Latency
Play time	Approx. 20 Hours^*4
Charging time	Approx. 3 Hours
Type	Closed, Dynamic
Frequency response	5 Hz – 30 kHz
Input impedance	32 kΩ
Sensitivity	104 dB
Maximum input power	2,000 mW
Driver	φ 40 mm
Connection cord	1.2 m coiled cable (extended length 1.8 m)
Weight	319 g (without cable)
Accessories	φ6.3 mm stereo plug adapter (threaded type), USB charging cable
Warranty	1 Year

^*3^{Transmission distances are a guideline. Transmission distance may change depending on the surrounding environment.}

^*4^{Sometimes less depending on the conditions of use.}

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

Digging for Diamonds

By Tony Fernandez

Through my travels on the web and through the various DJ pages, I keep seeing a recurring thought: The state of music, specifically current music, is at an all-time low. If that isn’t enough, that state of mind puts DJs into the frame of mind of: what are the good songs that should be played? The stuff out now is crap… blah, blah, blah….

I gotta tell ya, I really have no sympathy for the DJ who can’t figure out where to get “good” music. Let me explain my position before you flame me…

A long time ago in a galaxy not far away, there were these things called record stores. These record stores would have music on physical formats that people would purchase. DJs, at least the proactive DJs, wouldn’t go to a “regular” retail stores where troglodytes would buy their music. Nope. DJs would go WAY off the beaten path to find outlets that catered to them.

In these establishments is where bonds were formed, deals were made, fortunes found.

Now I’m not really going to wax on about record stores. That’s not the point. The point I’m trying to elucidate is: if you are lacking “good” music, go find it. It’s out there. Nothing worthwhile is just going to drop in your lap.

With the dawn of the digital age, record stores met their demise. As such, music is currently traded around, downloaded, and acquired in the digital scheme. That scenario, I think, has made a lot of DJs lackadaisical, complacent, passive and downright lazy to a fundamental aspect of being a DJ…

You have to dig to find that diamond in the rough. You have to put a bit of effort in your musical acquisitions. There is absolutely no reason to be obsequious in this aspect of your job. Make the time. It’s part of your job.

Just because you keep up with charts, subscribe to record pools and/or remix services doesn’t absolve you of keeping up. You really can’t just sit back and expect format radio to break the next “hot” song.

If you haven’t figured this out… format radio isn’t in the business of breaking music. Format radio is in the business of selling advertising time, to make money. They use music to do that.

You can’t just wait for your inbox to give you a notification that your downloads from the pools/remix services are ready and you’re good to go. It’s not the job of record pools to pad your hard drive. Pools are at the mercy of the record labels and their release schedules.

There are literally hundreds if not thousands of tracks that radio, the charts, the pools, the remix services are NEVER going to pick up on, play, or release. It’s incumbent on you to seek those out. To at least listen and see if something new and different is worth playing it or your crowd.

I also realize that people are creatures of habit. They like familiarity. They like things they know. They like things they’ve heard. I get that. I’m in no way saying that DJs need to play unreleased, white label, bootleg versions of songs to be cool or relevant. The vast majority of DJs play to the general public. As such, we need to keep our music programming recognizable. I do get that.

Since music now is in a digital medium, we ALL have access to the SAME tracks. (Pretty much…) We all are drinking form the same fountain, as it were. Because that’s the case, we need to set ourselves apart. Finding new music and/or remixes to current / popular music is an aspect that DJs need to take advantage of. There is good music and good remixes out there. Just don’t expect it to fall into your hard drive.

Keep ‘em spinnin’ and dig around a bit. You’ll never know what you might find.

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

Bedroom to Main Room: Pioneer Introduces the XDJ-RR

Make the transition from playing at home to performing at parties, bars and eventually clubs with Pioneer’s new XDJ-RR 2-channel all-in-one DJ system for rekordbox^TM . The system inherits all the basic features from their club-standard NXS2 set-up and packs them into a lightweight, portable body that’s easy to take to parties and gigs as you progress through the DJ ranks.

The XDJ-RR offers you flexibility, so you can practice and perform however you prefer. It’s compatible with our professional performance application rekordbox dj (license included) but if you don’t want to use a PC/Mac, you can export your rekordbox-analyzed music to USB storage devices, plug them into the controller and play tracks directly from them.

Keep an eye on all the information you need thanks to the XDJ-RR’s 7-inch full-color screen and use performance features and FX inherited from the NXS2 set-up – such as Hot Cues, Slip Loop and Beat FX – to craft unique mixes on the fly.

Unleash your creativity with the XDJ-RR and follow your dreams from your bedroom to the club.

A license key for rekordbox dj worth $129 is included with the XDJ-RR so you can plug it into your PC or Mac straight out of the box and start mixing. If you already own rekordbox dj, upgrade to the latest version to use the XDJ-RR.

To help protect your XDJ-RR on the road, the DJC-RR BAG will be available from October (EMEA only). The high-quality bag is perfectly sized to snugly fit the all-in-one DJ system and features a Durashock molded body and ballistic polyester to prevent damage from knocks and vibrations.

The XDJ-RR will be available from mid-September at an MAP of $1,099.

Watch the introduction video or find out more about the all-in-one DJ system.

KEY FEATURES OF THE XDJ-RR

Layout and features from club-standard NXS2 set-up

The XDJ-RR inherits its layout design and many of its performance controls, features and FX from our flagship CDJ-2000NXS2 professional multi player and DJM-900NXS2 professional mixer set-up. You can play rekordbox-analyzed tracks directly from USB storage drives or connect your PC/Mac to the XDJ-RR and use rekordbox dj – our professional performance application. You also have the option to use Link Export mode.

Dual USB-A ports and single USB-B port

Connect your PC/Mac to the USB-B port at the rear of the XDJ-RR and plug USB drives into the dual USB-A ports on the top of the system to ensure seamless handovers between DJs.

7-inch full-colour screen

Browse and select tracks quickly and intuitively via the 7-inch full-colour screen, using the GUI design and large rotary selector from the CDJ-2000NXS2 multi player. Get a quick visual reference of track information such as playback position, BPM and waveforms for more accurate mixing and scratching.

Performance controls

Enhance your sets using dedicated controls for performance features:

Hot Cues – mark various points in your tracks and instantly play from them by hitting the Hot Cue pads. Create live remixes by triggering Hot Cues in unique sequences.
Beat Loop – loop a section of a track and the XDJ-RR automatically sets the loop-out point based on the BPM. You can chop up loops on the fly for even more creative performances.
Slip Loop – switch on Slip Loop and tracks keep playing silently in the background when you’re scratching or using other performance features. Then, when you’re ready to drop the track back in, it plays from exactly the right place.
Beat Jump – easily change the way a track develops by jumping backwards or forwards by the number of beats you choose.

Mixer section with professional FX

Perform smooth, precise mixes using the EQs and channel faders, which feature curves equal to those on the DJM-900NXS2 professional club mixer. You can spice up your sets with FX also inherited from the flagship mixer:

Beat FX – change the sound in sync with the beat:

Echo
Reverb
Flanger

Sound Color FX – add texture and tension by simply turning the knob:

Filter
Noise
Dub Echo
Pitch

Lightweight and portable

Take the XDJ-RR wherever you want to practise or perform thanks to its portable design. It’s compact and weighs just 5.2 kg – almost 4 kg (43%) less than the XDJ-RX2 – making it perfect for carrying to your next house party or gig.

Other features

All-in-one design enables simple and speedy set-up

Connect the XDJ-RR to a power source and your speakers or sound system and you’re ready to perform. There’s no need for cables between the player and mixer sections.

External audio input

Play music from external sources or mobile devices thanks to the AUX input.

Link Export mode for rekordbox

Connect your laptop directly to the XDJ-RR with a single USB cable and play the tracks in your rekordbox library without exporting them to a USB drive.

Includes rekordbox dj license key

Activate the rekordbox dj license key (worth $129) bundled with the XDJ-RR to use our professional performance application. And, if you add the DDJ-XP1 DJ sub controller to your set-up (available separately), you can unleash even more of rekordbox dj’s features – for example, by using the 32 Performance Pads to trigger extra FX – and bring more creative flair to your performances.

XDJ-RR Specifications

Frequency characteristic		20 Hz to 20 kHz　(USB, AUX, MIC)
S/N ratio		112 dB (USB)
Total harmonic distortion		0.003% (USB)
Input / Output terminals	Inputs	AUX x 1 (RCA) MIC x 1 (XLR & 1/4-inch TRS jack)
	Outputs	MASTER 1 x 1 (XLR) MASTER 2 x 1 (RCA) PHONES x 2 (1/4-inch stereo phone jack x 1, 3.5-mm stereo mini jack x 1)
	USB	USB (Type A) x 2 USB (Type B) x 1
Dimensions (W x D x H)		625.0 mm x 388.5 mm x 74.2 mm
Main unit weight		5.2 kg
Accessories		Power cord AC adapter USB cable Instruction manual (Quick start guide) rekordbox dj license key card

rekordbox system requirements

Compatible OS	Mac	macOS High Sierra 10.13 (updated to the latest version) macOS Sierra 10.12 (updated to the latest version) OS X 10.11 (updated to the latest version)
	Windows	Windows® 10, 8.1, 7 (the latest service pack)
CPU		Intel® processor Core^TM i7, i5, i3
Memory		4GB or more of RAM

Website: http://www.pioneerdj.com

C’mon, Man!

By Glen Ervin:

Assumptions: We all make them all the time. It’s how our brains function, the result of millions of years of evolution (one would assume) during which pretty much everything was trying to kill you. Good times. Problems arise, however, when we confuse our assumptions with reality despite clear evidence to the contrary.

The pipe and tweed crowd refers to the habit of hoarding preconceived notions as cognitive bias, and have come up with some pretty catchy titles to describe its symptoms.

Some you may recognize: the Bandwagon Effect, Confirmation Bias, Cheerleader Effect, the Dunning-Kruger Effect, aka all the other kids are doing it, I’m just here for opinions that agree with mine, five girls in skimpy skirts are better than one girl in a skimpy skirt, and way too many idiots have an inflated opinion of themselves, respectively.

Others less well known have no doubt spread your way.

Maybe you’ve caught an earful of the Sharing Music Doesn’t Hurt Anyone Bias. That’s the shell game some DJs play where they convince themselves that taking caviar off the table of rich recording artists is no big deal while conveniently ignoring the fact that everyone from secretaries to songwriters to how much DJs can charge for their events is negatively impacted by music piracy.

Or maybe it’s the Music Is Free Effect, Real DJs Don’t Use Sync Bias, Real DJs Beatmatch Effect and, my personal favorite, the I Have More Songs On My Hard Drive Than You Do Bias that make you back away from the keyboard and voice the only reasonable response available…

C’mon man!

If you’re in a place where you think you’re entitled to earn a living by ripping off artists and driving down prices for other DJs. Or need to build yourself up by tearing other DJs down, that’s… a choice.

Just know those of us who strive every day to make our best better and value the music that makes doing what we love for a living possible are rolling their eyes.

And while we may not always say it out loud, we’re thinking it…

C’mon man!

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’s New DDJ-400: Club-standard layout & new Tutorial feature

If you want to try DJing at home and see how far you can take it, Pioneer has created the perfect controller to learn on: the DDJ-400. Made for dedicated use with their professional performance application, rekordbox dj (free license key included), the 2-channel DDJ-400 is designed to help you get the most from the new features coming to the software with the release of rekordbox^TM ver 5.3 today.

The DDJ-400 is the ideal piece of kit for first-time DJs. Its controls enable you to easily learn the basics, plus it’s packed with features that will help you develop your skills. The controller is compatible with the new Tutorial feature in rekordbox dj, which explains basic equipment operation step by step. Even if you’ve never ventured behind the decks before, you can learn how to DJ.

Thanks to the lightweight and portable design, you can take the DDJ-400 to friends’ houses to practice together or bring it to parties and small venues to perform. And if you want to take mixing to the next level, you’ll feel at home in the club DJ booth because the DDJ-400 inherits design traits from our professional range. The layout of dedicated play/pause and cue buttons, Beat FX, CDJ-style looping controls and more is inherited from our NXS2 set-up.

The DDJ-400 will be available from late June at an MAP of $249. Watch the introduction video or find out more about the controller.

A license key for rekordbox dj worth $129 is included with the DDJ-400 so you can plug it into your PC or Mac straight out of the box and start mixing. If you already own rekordbox dj, upgrade to the latest version to use the controller.

KEY FEATURES OF THE DDJ-400

Club-style layout

The buttons and knobs on the DDJ-400 are arranged in the same way as those on our club-standard CDJ-2000NXS2 and DJM-900NXS2 set-up.

Player sections

Get familiar with jog wheels, play/pause and cue buttons, tempo sliders, a loop section and cue/loop call buttons just like the ones on the CDJ-2000NXS2.

Mixer section

Use the trim and EQ knobs, and the headphone cue buttons, in exactly the same way as those on the DJM-900NXS2.

Other features

Built-in sound card (audio interface) – plug and play by simply connecting the controller to your PC/Mac using a single USB cable.
Mic input circuit – clear audio without distortion, even with high input level.
USB bus powered – no need to plug into the mains.
Grab handles on both sides – easy to carry.
Class compliant – no need to install a driver.

KEY FEATURES OF REKORDBOX VER 5.3

Tutorial feature – learn how to DJ

Follow the instructions of the Tutorial on your PC/Mac’s screen. Even if you’re a complete beginner, you can learn how to DJ. The Tutorial feature is also compatible with the DDJ-RB as of 26^th June 2018.

Track Suggestion – displays tracks that match well with the one currently playing¹

This feature ranks every track in your rekordbox library according to how well it matches with the one you’re currently playing, helping you choose tracks that will fit well in your set. The track displayed at the top of the track list is the most relevant one to play next. Quickly scroll through your music, making maximum use of your collection.

There are three sorting modes:

Era: tracks with a close year of release.
Mood: tracks with a similar mood.
Association: tracks sharing traits such as artist, label,

¹ To use this feature effectively, build up track information in your rekordbox library.

Easy sharing of mixes to social media with track titles and time stamps

Use rekordbox to record your sets and share them with the world via social media channels such as Mixcloud, YouTube and KUVO. When you upload your mix, all track titles and time stamps are automatically added by rekordbox, so listeners can check each track title while enjoying your set.

DDJ-400 specifications

Software		rekordbox dj
Frequency Response		20 Hz to 20 kHz
S/N Ratio		103 dB (USB)
Total Harmonic Distortion		0.005%
Input/Output Terminals	Inputs	MIC x 1 (1/4-inch TS jack)
	Outputs	MASTER x 1 (RCA x 1) PHONES x 1 (3.5-mm stereo mini jack x 1)
	USB	USB (Type B) x 1
Maximum Dimensions (WｘDｘH)		482.0 x 272.4 x 58.5 mm
Weight		2.1 kg
Accessories		USB cable Quick Start Guide rekordbox dj license key card

rekordbox dj system requirements

Compatible OS	Mac	macOS High Sierra 10.13 (updated to the latest version) macOS Sierra 10.12 (updated to the latest version) OS X 10.11 (updated to the latest version)
	Windows	Windows® 10, 8.1, 7 (the latest service pack)
CPU		Intel® processor Core^TM i7, i5, i3
Memory		4GB or more of RAM

To mix or not to mix (hint: mix)

By Tony Fernandez:

Its 2018 right? Which means that since the late 1960s DJs have been segueing from record to record, song to song, to maintain a vibe and the consistency of that vibe, roughly some 50 years. So why is it in the technologically advanced world that we currently live in that some DJs still chose not to mix?

Before I continue on my diatribe, let me step off the soapbox for a moment…

I do realize its America. As such, I know I have no right to dictate how one should DJ. I’m sure there are plenty of DJs that don’t mix and make a lot more money than me.

Back to my soapbox…
I’m not saying that all DJs need to be qualifiers for the DMC battle for World Supremacy or finalists for Red Bull Thre3Style. Just asking how is it possible that some DJs put no thought or effort into mastering a fundamental skill that all DJs should have in their arsenal.

Let’s put it this way: If you don’t mix, you’re pretty much a bag of bones that pushes buttons.
You’re just navigating a playlist. And yes, for those who don’t know, I am NOT a fan of playlists.

Let’s frame it another way: On some level we’re all pretty much playing the same songs. We all subscribe to the same record pools (shameless plug for Promo Only here). We all have the potential to have the same content. So… how are you as a DJ going to distinguish yourself from everyone else?

Come on kids, you have to do better. You have to maintain a certain set of fundamental skills. Know your music. Know how to read a crowd. Know your gear. Know how to say no to that seventh cocktail. And know how to mix.

While I’m pontificating, let me add: If you don’t mix (for whatever justification you hang your headphones on) don’t post up and comment on how ‘I haven’t needed to mix in the two centuries I’ve been a DJ and I’m still getting work…’ Honestly, to me, that’s a cop-out and a mitigation of a rudimentary skill you should possess. Besides, stating that you don’t know how to mix isn’t really painting yourself in the best light.

Mixing isn’t neurological surgery. I’m truly not trying to make mixing more important that what it is. But there is a method to the madness, as it were. Mixing is more than just finding songs with the same BPM. Mixing is more than just blending two (or more) songs together. You have to pick the CORRECT song to mix with. You have to know when to START the mix. You have to know when to END the mix. And you have to be consistent from song to song to song, usually for 4 hours or more.

I truly do not understand how someone can find solace in not mixing, ergo, not being a complete DJ. Mixing music is what a DJ does. It’s part of the essence of being a DJ. Dare I say (if I haven’t said enough already) that mixing is a requisite skill that every DJ should have in their toolbox.

Till next time DJs. Keep ‘em spinning.

And mix those spins.