DJ Ron Slomowicz wrote this great article about Laptop Jockey. It might be useful for you guys who are DJing or VJing with softwares on laptop. or maybe you just want to know a bit just for fun, you decide. This is a very useful article i'm telling you guys. Enjoy the 1st Part
From vinyl to CD to laptop, with every evolution of DJ technology, purists have claimed that technology amounted to cheating and have sparked the “real DJs use vinyl” argument. I counter that the new technology opens new realms of creativity for live, unrehearsed musical expression, and superstar DJs using laptops (Paul Van Dyk, BT, Sasha, etc.) back that argument. Vinyl and CD DJs may add samplers and instruments to enhance their live performance, and with laptops there are effects, processors, samplers and loops — both audio and visual — to be triggered in real time. Laptop technology also eliminates the limits of physical media.
THIS IS HOW I DO
Here I'll examine designing a portable laptop solution for DJing (beatmixing music) and VJing (beatmixing video) in a way that best suits your individual needs.
When I started laptop DJing in 2003, I used Native Instruments Traktor on an Apple PowerBook G4 with an external Western Digital FireWire 400 hard drive, Echo Indigo DJ soundcard and a Contour ShuttlePro controller. For the move to laptop VJing in 2007, I moved up to a MacBook Pro with Numark Cue/Virtual DJ software on Windows XP running through Bootcamp with an external FW800 Western Digital drive, M-Audio Fast Track Pro USB soundcard and the Numark Total Control controller. I've since upgraded to a LaCie 1 TB external drive and then to a smaller-size Newer Technologies 1 TB drive. I also added a Vestax VCI-100 controller, and I am currently testing the Stanton DaScratch and Numark Omni Control. Recently, I added a second MacBook Pro laptop with Arkaos Grand VJ software and a Novation ReMote 25 SL MIDI keyboard for additional effects and visuals.
GET WITH THE PROGRAM
Most software today is available for both Mac and Windows, and loyalists to either platform will want to stay with what they know. Mac enthusiasts boast the stability and power that one-manufacturer uniformity brings, while PC enthusiasts have the largest market share, which breeds more end-users, as well as more hardware configurations at differing price points.
For mixing music there are many excellent programs — Traktor Pro, Virtual DJ, PCDJ, Serato Scratch, Ableton Live and Mixmeister Fusion all immediately come to mind. The options for mixing music videos are more limited, with Virtual DJ, Serato Scratch and Fidelity Megaseg being primary options. Choosing your personal favorite is like choosing a car; each one has strong features and functions that are great for different people. Go online to the different manufacturer Websites and download the free demos to try out. Think about how you will use and configure them. Do they restrict your hardware setup? Do you prefer using timecode vinyl/CDs over a MIDI controller?
While trying the demos, look through the message boards/user groups. The more people talking means the more people using and therefore purchasing and supporting the software. More support means more updates and the likelihood of long-term support. Message boards will also give you a better idea of how strong and stable the software is. There is a lot of hype and marketing out there, but power users cut through that quickly.
For software, check with the people you know and your DJ idols. Superstar DJs may take a check to endorse a product, but if it doesn't work right, they won't rock it onstage. Those around you can also be quick and reliable sounding boards as you face setup issues and questions.
CONTROLLED EXPLOSION
Choosing the right controller is just as important as software, and I have to say: You must have a controller. As a DJ, you are a performer, and typing on a keyboard does not make a great performance. People watching aren't going to be entertained and will think the computer is mixing for you. Embracing this new technology forces you to prove your skills.
There are two kinds of controllers: timecode media and MIDI-based controllers. Timecode media — vinyl and CDs — play on standard turntables/CD players and send a digital timecode signal that interprets the movements to the software. Speed the timecode record up, and the audio file speeds up. If vinyl is in your blood, this might be the best option. Many clubs even have Serato Scratch boxes installed into their permanent setups. Timecode CD setups have the option to incorporate standard audio CDs — another great option.
MIDI controllers send a MIDI signal or control code to the software. Each button, knob and slider is mapped to have a function. Controllers often come with preset templates for software packages that you can customize within the software. DJ MIDI controllers often mimic the layout of a CD player, DJ mixer or both. Several recent controllers include the Vestax VCI-100, VCM-100 and VCI-300; Numark Total Control and OmniControl; Hercules DJ Console Rmx; and Stanton DaScratch, SCS.1d and SCS.1m, to name a few. It's impossible to get the feel of a controller online, so go to your local DJ or music store and check them out. See how they look and feel to you. Do they seem solid and rugged enough for your needs?
Laptop Jockey - Part 1
Wednesday, 29 July 2009Posted by WIN at 11:00
Labels: Laptop Jockey, Tips and Tricks
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