If your looking to learn how to DJ (or just to understand what Djing is about) then YouTube is the right place to start. But with so many channels and videos, it's hard sometime to know what to see to get the best advice on this subject.
With this in mind, and because I did the same search few years ago when I started Djing, I will leave you here a series of videos titled "Beginner DJ lessons" from my favorite YouTube channel in terms of DJ tutorials - Ellaskins.
DJ TechTools has a series of interviews, in their youtube channel, with DJs / Producers about their insights and the tricks they use to take their shows to the next level.
This series cover a lot of things, from practice to preparation all the way to live performance.
This week's suggestion is Tom Hangs ft Shermanology - Blessed. I have heard this music on the radio recently and i think it's a good music. Hope you guys enjoy.
This is the second review on Mixxx (Part 1 - Overview) and this time is about using MIDI controllers with this free Dj software.
The MIDI controller used in this review was my old Hercules DJ console Mk2.
Mixxx it's a free and open source DJ software that runs on Windows,
Mac and Linux. It can be a great alternative to Virtual DJ or Traktor. This DJ software is compatible with many MIDI controllers and it's avaliable in many languages.
What is Mixxx?
Mixxx is free mixing software for DJs, providing everything needed
to create live mixes. It allows you to beatmatch songs and crossfade them together, like you would
with turntables and a mixer. If you're new to DJing, don't sweat it - we have you covered. Mixxx runs without any extra
hardware, and is a full replacement for a traditional "turntables and mixer" DJ setup. Thousands
of people learn to DJ using Mixxx each year! For experienced DJs, Mixxx offers a wide range of advanced features. Our comprehensive
MIDI controller and vinyl control support gives you the tactile feel you need for ultimate
control of your mixes.
To obtain the lowest latency and highest responsiveness, Mixxx uses hardware video acceleration
and takes advantage of multi-core CPUs.
So far i think Mixxx in a good DJ tool and i hope they keep improving with time to conquer the dance music world leaving the paid software behind.
To help with that i leave here some suggestions:
- Improve Sync mechanism with better beat detection in the songs
- Improve the FX feature
- Allow record in sampler
- Allow zoom of songs waveform
To finish i leave here a video with a overview of Mixxx interface and features and soon i will post a video using a MIDI controller (Herculer DJ Console Mk2).
Also i leave here a video showing Vinyl Control on Mixxx:
Xone:K2 it's a new MIDI Controller from Allen & Heath. This can be a good purchase to all DJ out there, from the beginner to the Pro DJ.
"Xone:K2 is a compact, slim line universal MIDI controller – incorporating a 4 channel soundcard, for use with any DJ software.
With
no fewer than 52 hardware controls providing up to 171 MIDI commands
across 3 layers – plus the ability to link multiple units using X:LINK,
saving USB ports on your computer – Xone:K2 has the power and
flexibility to put you in touch with the functions and features of your
chosen software.
Quick and simple mapping lets you create a
unique layout that mirrors your style and puts the functions that matter
at your fingertips, whilst 3 colour illuminating switches give
at-a-glance feedback - allowing you to work however you decide.
The
high quality internal soundcard provides flexible user setup options
using the Xone:K2 with headphones, headphones and a mix system or with
an external mixer. Xone:K2 comes packed in a black padded case as
standard. The case doubles as a stand, bringing the K2 up to the same
height as most pro DJ mixers."
DJ Tutor, for the ones who don't know, is one of the great tutorial makers in the world about Djing and also a great DJ too. He is currently going thru a bad situation in his life and he needs someone to help him. This situation is well explained in the video and even if you can't help him you can share this video to make sure that he finds someone who can help him.
He helped lots of DJs and music lovers to learn and have fun for several years so let's help him this time too.
So since now a days iPhones and iPads are very popular, i leave here an app called DJAY that allows you to be a DJ anywhere and without much gear.
Check it out it's very cool. By the way thanks to ellaskins for this awesome videos.
For this week i leave here a music that i liked since the first time I heard. I like the letter and the rhythm of this song.
Example - Changed The Way You Kiss Me
