DJ TechTools: Recent Episodes
None
The largest community for DJ and producer techniques, tutorials, and tips. Traktor secrets, controller reviews, a massive MIDI mapping library, and more.
If you’ve got a studio setup with tons of outboard gear, it could be an easy thing to get overwhelmed. Today in Mad Zach’s new video, he shows off how he uses a single controller – our Midi Fighter Specra to act as the brains of the entire operation. As an added bonus, he’s also […]
The post Control an entire studio with Midi Fighter Spectra (like Mad Zach) appeared first on DJ TechTools.
It’s a hard day for news – who would trust anything published on April 1st? But, no fooling, New Zealand-based Serato has announced a deal whereby Canadian investment tech company Tiny will purchase a 66% stake of Serato. The deal is noted to still require approval from New Zealand’s Overseas Investment Office. This is not […]
The post 66% of Serato just got bought: but not by AlphaTheta appeared first on DJ TechTools.
After a number of years building up an awesome aritist career, Mad Zach is back on the DJ Techtools YouTube channel this week. In a fresh new video, he explains some of the advantages of using the Midi Fighter Spectra for performing soundpacks live. He also talks through some of the things that make playing […]
The post Mad Zach Returns: Playing soundpacks in 2025 appeared first on DJ TechTools.
For DJs, the choice of a USB drive can be a pretty important step in preparation. Making sure that your DJ flash drive is a reliable partner that stands up to the stresses of your DJ life is critical. In this article, we explore the essential factors DJs should consider when selecting a USB drive […]
The post USB Drives for DJs: What to Consider Before Buying appeared first on DJ TechTools.
We like solving problems for DJs. A lot of the time, they’re our own problems. DJTT’s store manager Josh wanted a nicer-looking USB drive, and I wanted one that wouldn’t take forever to sync my Rekordbox library. We’ve watched Reddit threads and the Pioneer DJ forums and seen DJs frustrated with not knowing what USB […]
The post Introducing the Chroma USB Drive for DJs: our drive syncs DJ libraries quickly appeared first on DJ TechTools.
Alphatheta just announced their XDJ-AZ – it’s an all-in-one standalone with four decks built into the unit. In this piece, I’ll share some of the details on the unit and offer a few first impressions and thoughts on how it is to mix on. In the world of digital DJ gear, standalone devices seem to […]
The post XDJ-AZ: first impressions of the four deck standalone (from an XDJ power user) appeared first on DJ TechTools.
The audiophiles asked – and Beatport answered. Beatport Streaming now has an option to play lossless FLAC files to subscribers of both the Beatport Streaming Professional plan and the Beatsource Streaming Pro+ plan. That means Beatport’s entire 12-million+-track library – along with Beatsource’s 7-million-strong gold mine – is now at your disposal to stream in high-quality, uncompressed, crystal […]
The post Beatport Streaming adds lossless audio ability to play FLAC files appeared first on DJ TechTools.
AlphaTheta announced the latest addition to their family of gear today: the DDJ-GRV6. The 4-channel DJ controller is compatible with both rekordbox and Serato DJ Pro – and introduces the ability to remix and manipulate drum loops in real time via the Groove Circuit features. Key Features Take a look at the major features worth noting on […]
The post This is the DDJ-GRV6 by AlphaTheta: a 4-channel controller with the ability to live remix drum loops appeared first on DJ TechTools.
In this episode of How I Play, we hear from Berlin-based techno producer Hybrasil on his powerful live rig. Instead of having a laptop or CDJs involved, this is a DAWless outboard standalone system that’s pretty impressive. Watch him talk through his setup and share his secrets in this fresh new How I Play: Learn […]
The post How I Play: Hybrasil’s DAWless live techno setup appeared first on DJ TechTools.
We covered the initial news last year about how AlphaTheta (Pioneer DJ’s parent company) proposed a corporate acquisition of Serato Audio Research. Today, there’s been big news that might slow the deal to a halt: New Zealand’s antitrust regulatory agency, the Commerce Commission, has denied clearance for the deal. Many in the industry declared the […]
The post “No Deal”: New Zealand’s ComCom denies clearance for AlphaTheta’s Serato acquisition appeared first on DJ TechTools.
Yes – Traktor Pro 4 came out earlier today. We wanted to do something special, so DJTT mapping guru Stevan and our founder Ean Golden teamed up to make a mapping for the Midi Fighter Twister. The thinking: make a mapping that allows simple and easy control over Stems and the Pattern player features in […]
The post Ean’s powerful Midi Fighter Twister mapping for Traktor Pro 4’s Stems + Pattern Player appeared first on DJ TechTools.
Today, Native Instruments is launching Traktor Pro 4. It’s been a long time (6 years, in 2018) since Traktor Pro 3 came out. But the killer feature in today’s Traktor Pro 4 release date goes back even further -to 2014 when the Kontrol S8 and Stem Decks first appeared in the DJ software. In this […]
The post Traktor Pro 4: Generate stem separated tracks from your library in this new update appeared first on DJ TechTools.
We’ve teamed up DJTT friend and creative powerhouse Rishabh Rajan to do a few videos featuring our own Midi Fighters – starting off with the Midi Fighter 64. One of the most common requests we’ve heard is “how does XX artist make their performance videos on a 64?” Making a performance routine (and potentially a […]
The post Make your own DIY finger drumming routine with Midi Fighter 64 and Ableton appeared first on DJ TechTools.
A new version of the Midi Fighter Utility is now available! We focused this release on implementing some community feedback and fixing the connectivity issues that disabled online firmware updates in the past. Be aware that since 2.85 and previous releases can’t go online you won’t be notified via the app that an update is […]
The post Midi Fighter Utility 2.90 Released appeared first on DJ TechTools.
Aslice, founded by DJ DVS1 in 2022, enables DJs to allocate a percentage of their performance fees to producers. This software uses machine learning to match tracks and distribute payments accurately.
The post DJs using a tool, Aslice, to pay producers whose tracks are featured in their sets appeared first on DJ TechTools.
Those madlads at Pioneer DJ (aka AlphaTheta) did it! After years of speculation, fan-made concept art, and wishful thinking, the company dropped the PLX-CRSS12 on the unsuspecting DJ community – and turntablists and hip-hop DJs collectively started salivating. Finally, there’s a turntable capable of playing vinyl with built-in DVS control without the need for needles, […]
The post Is Pioneer DJ’s PLX-CRSS12 the ultimate turntable for DJs? appeared first on DJ TechTools.
AlphaTheta Corporation announced the release of the company’s first-ever rotary mixer: the euphonia. The 4-channel mixer is the also the first piece of hardware from the company that features the AlphaTheta brand logo, replacing the Pioneer DJ branding. euphonia is a combination digital/analog mixer with rotary faders that features a custom-designed 3Band Master Isolator, built-in […]
The post AlphaTheta dives into rotary world with launch of the euphonia: a 4-channel rotary mixer appeared first on DJ TechTools.
After teasing its release last fall, Ableton has released the new Ableton Live 12 software – available for purchase on the company’s website and downloadable via your Ableton account if you’ve pre-ordered the program. The company has also published a series of how-to videos, to get to know the program’s major feature updates and additions. It’s […]
The post Ableton Live 12 is here: new Performance Packs, sounds, MIDI tools + a refreshed workflow and more appeared first on DJ TechTools.
Algoriddim has added two new major features to djay, the company’s flagship app built for Mac and iOS users: the launch of djay for Apple Music Pro – a mixed-reality, 3D turntable setup and interactive experience, and an integration with Apple Music available on all of djay’s available platforms. The linking to Apple Music gives users […]
The post Algoriddim’s djay app now links with Apple Vision Pro, integrates Apple Music streaming appeared first on DJ TechTools.
At NAMM 2024, Headliner released the R4 four channel rotary mixer - it's gonna be just $599!
The post Headliner launched the R4, a 4-channel, $600 rotary mixer, at NAMM 2024 appeared first on DJ TechTools.
AlphaTheta – Pioneer DJ’s owners and now a brand onto themselves – are taking on low-latency wireless audio. Today they’re introducing the WAVE-EIGHT, a portable wireless DJ speaker that aims to make setting up a party without running cables that much easier. The easiest way to explain the WAVE-EIGHT to DJs who already are familiar […]
The post AlphaTheta enters wireless DJ speaker world with WAVE-EIGHT speaker, SonicLink ultra-low-latency tech appeared first on DJ TechTools.
AlphaTheta has announced the OMNIS-DUO, a standalone portable battery-powered DJ setup. We analyze the initial feature set and break down what it means for DJs.
The post OMNIS-DUO is a portable battery-powered all-in-one DJ setup from AlphaTheta appeared first on DJ TechTools.
Reloop announced the Mixtour Pro. It's a slim, small form-factor mixer controller with a built-in audio interface, deisgned to control four decks in Algoriddim djay Pro
The post Reloop Mixtour Pro: an updated take on Reloop’s super-slim mixer packs as many controls as possible appeared first on DJ TechTools.
In 2001, I switched to DJing with Traktor because it allowed me to use MIDI controllers and customize them to create new ways of playing. The modularity they offered was exciting and very innovative. Then MIDI controllers became standardized, and sadly, no custom mapped them anymore. As the years went by, DJ hardware became just […]
The post Traktor X1 MK3: A First Look appeared first on DJ TechTools.
While last week’s turntable/DVS controller announcement was a huge surprise to many, today Pioneer DJ is launching something more expected: a more-budget-friendly scratch controller, the DDJ-REV5. It slides in naturally at a slightly lower price point than the bigger-brother DDJ-REV7, which runs $1,999 new and has motorized jogwheels. The DDJ-REV5 has a lot of the […]
The post DDJ-REV5: a scratch-style controller, without motorized jogwheels – for $1099 appeared first on DJ TechTools.
Pioneer DJ has finally made a hybrid DVS controller and vinyl deck
The post PLX-CRSS12: Pioneer DJ finally made a hybrid turntable + motorized DVS controller appeared first on DJ TechTools.
DJTT spoke with Nick Maclaren, Chief Strategy Officer at Serato, about the changes that could happen under new AlphaTheta ownership.
The post Straight from Serato’s Chief Strategy Officer: How Serato Plans to Sustain its Beat After AlphaTheta’s Acquisition appeared first on DJ TechTools.
This week’s surprise news of a pending acquisition of Serato Audio Research by AlphaTheta Corporation (Pioneer DJ’s parent company) riled up many DJs. There’s been (very valid) concerns expressed about market consolidation, dampening of innovation, and long term support for legacy products. But what about the flip side? Is this deal born out of a […]
The post 5 times DJs won when Serato + Pioneer DJ collaborated appeared first on DJ TechTools.
AlphaTheta Corporation has acquired Serato Audio Research and the two companies will turn their long-standing partnership into one business entity.
The post AlphaTheta (Pioneer DJ) just acquired Serato Audio Research (Serato DJ) appeared first on DJ TechTools.
On June 29, Denon DJ’s latest piece of hardware will become available to the global masses with the launch of the Prime 4+. The 4-deck controller is the first standalone to exist with a Stems separation ability, as well as built-in Wi-Fi to use major streaming services like Amazon Music, Beatport, TIDAL and more. Key […]
The post Denon DJ’s Prime 4+: first standalone controller with Stems isolation appeared first on DJ TechTools.
A fresh firmware update – version 3.0 – arrives for Pioneer DJ’s CDJ-3000s today, and with it comes the ability to stream tracks right from your Beatport library. A new StreamingDirectPlay feature has been added, which allows users that pay for a Professional or Advanced subscription plan to play tracks from their Beatport library on the gear. […]
The post Stream directly from Beatport on CDJ-3000s with the new StreamingDirectPlay feature appeared first on DJ TechTools.
The day when you can entirely generate your own songs using AI, ready for a club play, is drawing nearer. Last week, researchers from Meta introduced a new AI model for music generation named Audio Craft- and it’s impressively good. This marks a significant stride towards the future of AI DJing, demonstrating a considerable improvement […]
The post AI Music Generation just got a whole lot better appeared first on DJ TechTools.
In my last article, I shared my vision of a golden age of DJing brought about by advancements in AI-generated music. You might think it’s a far-fetched idea, but in reality, we’re much closer than you might imagine. There are already several proof-of-concept tools available that showcase this exciting future. The results may be rough […]
The post Get Ready: The Future of AI-Powered DJing is Nearer Than You Think appeared first on DJ TechTools.
MIXO launches a dedicated DJ library management platform, enabling DJs to organize playlists, sync across devices, import & export between software, and backup their music libraries to the cloud, challenging the use of iTunes and Apple Music in the DJ market.
The post MIXO wants to transform DJ Library Management with their new platform appeared first on DJ TechTools.
In this editorial from Ean Golden, discover how AI technology is set to revolutionize DJing, ushering in a renaissance that empowers DJs as the ultimate tastemakers and performers.
The post The Resurgence of DJing’s Golden Age Could Come With AI appeared first on DJ TechTools.
Discover the MasterSounds Four Valve MK2 and Two Valve MK2 analog DJ mixers, packed with innovative features like Variable-Q high pass filters and Innofader crossfaders for a top-notch mixing experience.
The post MasterSounds and Union Audio release Four Valve MK2 + Two Valve MK2 Rotary DJ Mixers: Enhanced Playability with VariableQ High-pass Filters, Innofader appeared first on DJ TechTools.
It’s been about eight months since Native Instruments announced the Traktor Pro Plus subscription in August 2022. Traktor DJs hoping for new hardware or some next-level software features instead got another subscription sales pitch. At least the $4.99-a-month (or $49 annually) was an optional and relatively low-priced subscription for accessing add-on and early features. Its […]
The post Review: Traktor Pro Plus 3.8 – After 8 months, is the subscription worth it? appeared first on DJ TechTools.
AlphaTheta Care – it’s a mouthful of a name, and it sounds familiar on first glance (hello, Apple Care?). It’s the new gear protection program for Pioneer DJ products that its parent company announced yesterday – an additional layer of security available on top of the brand’s standard one-year warranty offering. Choose your plan: Pro and Pro+ […]
The post Pioneer DJ finally offers its own extended gear warranty: AlphaTheta Care appeared first on DJ TechTools.
It might be a bit quiet at NAMM this year in the DJ space, but one of the strong contenders for best product drop comes from Hercules DJ. They’ve been working hard to get their controllers on the map of DJs looking for more affordable and unique units than offered by competition brands. Today’s announcement […]
The post Hercules DJControl Inpulse T7: a motorized Serato DJ controller for $700? appeared first on DJ TechTools.
Rotary mixers are hot. This week at NAMM, Headliner LA (one of the Mixware family of brands) have noticed and announced a new product this week, the R2 mixer. It’s a 2-channel rotary DJ mixer, with high/low pass filters, isolator EQs, and a price point that pretty much seals the deal: $399. NAMM is the […]
The post Headliner’s R2: A $399 Two Channel Rotary Mixer appeared first on DJ TechTools.
The latest in the DDJ-FLX series from Pioneer DJ has arrived: the DDJ-FLX10, a 4-channel controller for rekordbox and Serato DJ Pro. With the expected timeline of a late March in-store availability, it’s a $1,599 piece of gear that comes with a swath of new features. A few of these particularly focus on making it […]
The post This is the DDJ-FLX10, with new Track Separation and Mix Point Link features for mashups and more appeared first on DJ TechTools.
Beatport announced a new collaboration earlier this week in conjunction with Polkadot, a blockchain network that works via a specialized type of blockchains called parachains. The companies have teamed up to launch beatport.io, a digital collectible marketplace for Web3. beatport.io plans to launch on Aventus and will be Beatport’s flagship platform to exist permanently in […]
The post Beatport teams up with Polkadot to launch Beatport.io, a Web3 marketplace; announces plans to release NFTs appeared first on DJ TechTools.
Just a week after the announcement of their DJM-A9 mixer, Pioneer DJ keeps ups the momentum with the official announce of the OPUS-QUAD today. The Opus-Quad is the brand’s first all-in-one system to feature standalone 4-deck playback. It comes with an appeal to design, too – the hardware is fan shaped with a sloping top plate. […]
The post Pioneer DJ’s OPUS-QUAD is real: 4-deck standalone in a slanted design that’s half-Atari, half-Batman appeared first on DJ TechTools.
After teasing their latest piece of hardware online last week, Pioneer DJ officially announced the release of the new DJM-A9 mixer. It comes with an array of fresh features – including a major audio quality upgrade, a new layout design for a more intuitive DJing flow, and a Center Lock feature for Sound Color FX. Expected […]
The post Pioneer DJ just dropped their 4-channel DJM-A9 mixer + new Stagehand app appeared first on DJ TechTools.
Bandcamp’s UX just got a bit more functional and a lot more fun. As of just a few days ago, the platform has added the ability to make playlists with tracks in your collection. Users registered on the platform can add tunes from a track or album’s menu, or by long-pressing the line item. The playlist […]
The post You can now make Bandcamp playlists – available offline too – on mobile appeared first on DJ TechTools.
With the inception of online music stores, a DJ’s task of finding the right music for their sets has completely changed. Before the internet, a DJ would have to scour the record stores, thrift shops, and even retailers for that exact album or track that they were looking for. Now, all it takes is a […]
The post How I dig: a DJ’s guide to digital crate digging appeared first on DJ TechTools.
Making moves for the first time since it was acquired by inMusic in 2020, Stanton dropped a piece of hardware today that speaks to its turntablism roots. The new Stanton STX is a portable and rechargable scratch turntable with a mini Innofader Nano crossfader. At a price point of $249, it has a strong appeal […]
The post Stanton returns, launches STX: the only portable scratch turntable with an Innofader crossfader appeared first on DJ TechTools.
The Koala sampler app – available on both iOS and Android – has won the hearts of many mobile beat makers since its release in February 2020. Its simple and intuitive interface allows for sound construction fairly easily, and it’s pretty much a steal for $4.99. The interface offers a streamlined approach to your current production session […]
The post Meet the Koala sampler app: a mobile production powerhouse, now with stems appeared first on DJ TechTools.
Numark released the latest piece of hardware in the Mixstream Pro family today: the Mixstream Pro +. The new standalone controller offers compatibility with Serato DJ Pro, Serato DJ Lite, and Virtual DJ software and offers streaming access to Amazon Music Unlimited. Let’s take a look at what the Pro + has to offer. Stream […]
The post Numark launches Mixstream Pro +, a standalone controller ft. Amazon Music Unlimited streaming appeared first on DJ TechTools.
DJing in extreme weather is a sport in itself – whether it’s an extra-hot day in the desert or a freezing cold party in the snow. Though it may sound grueling, more than anything it’s fun (we’re all here for the adventure anyways, right?) – but it’s crucial that you know how to tough out the weather, and […]
The post Tips for DJing in Extreme Cold: DJTT readers share their advice appeared first on DJ TechTools.
Native Instruments’ Komplete 14 dropped earlier this fall, and it’s arguably one of the most impressive collections of software instruments and effects in their Komplete collection yet. Since their first version was released almost 20 years ago, Komplete bundles have consistently raised the bar with each release. They now include some nifty effects & instrument […]
The post Native Instruments’ Komplete 14 Bundles: Which is the best for you? appeared first on DJ TechTools.
Serato just added their real-time stem separation to their DAW, Serato Studio.
The post Serato’s Stems added to their DAW in Serato Studio 2.0 appeared first on DJ TechTools.
In the 2020s, it seems that everything costs a monthly fee, and everything is connected to the cloud. For better or for worse, DJ software is no different, with the advantages of cloud storage, music streaming, and library syncing coming with a highly-divisive subscription price for more and more of our best DJ software options. […]
The post We Tested 3 Online Music Creation Tools You Can Try In 2023: Soundful, Soundtrap + Soundation appeared first on DJ TechTools.
Back in 2018, the DJ Techtools team decided to make our first foray into audio cables. We learned a lot from this first adventure, and now we’re back with a brand new generation of RCA Chroma Cables. You might have seen us talking about these fresh new cables on social media and in our store […]
The post RCA Chroma Cables 2.0: why we made them and how to win a pair this week appeared first on DJ TechTools.
Two and a half years after the last version of VirtualDJ’s flagship program was released – along with the initial introduction of real-time stem separation – the new VirtualDJ 2023 software has arrived. It’s built with Stems2.0, a new engine that uses AI and Deep Neural Networks Machine Learning to pull higher-quality stems that are crisper and […]
The post VirtualDJ 2023 launches with Stems2.0, a stronger stem separation engine – and positive feedback thus far appeared first on DJ TechTools.
Whether you’re a seasoned DJ of many years or just getting into the craft, you’ve probably struggled with organizing playlists at some point in your career (I know I have). As someone who’s been DJing for over 10 years, I’ve tried countless methods of arranging my music library. Many folks will say that organizing by […]
The post Controlling the dancefloor: a guide on organizing playlists by energy appeared first on DJ TechTools.
I’ve received a handful of emails and spotted a discussion on Reddit today all about a “new Traktor hardware teaser”. The “teaser” popped up on a ton of DJ’s Facebook feeds because the official Traktor page updated their cover photo. Almost immediately the new cover photo started to get traction (it’s sitting at 597 reactions […]
The post Is this a teaser of new Traktor hardware? Nope. appeared first on DJ TechTools.
Pioneer DJ announced their latest controller today (just days after the release of their DDJ-FLX4): the new DDJ-FLX6-GT. It’s a 4-channel version of their original DDJ-FLX6 with additional upgrades and feature add-ons as well. Sitting at a pricetag of $649, the FLX6-GT takes on a matte grey coloring and most notably includes the introduction of […]
The post The DDJ-FLX6-GT from Pioneer DJ: 4 channels, Merge FX + Virtual DJ compatibility appeared first on DJ TechTools.
In a move to appeal to those looking to learn how to mix, Pioneer DJ has announced the latest addition to its family of hardware: the DDJ-FLX4. The two-channel controller was built with the intention of “making it easy for people with no experience to start mixing”, according to AlphaTheta (Pioneer’s parent company) CEO/President Yoshinori […]
The post Pioneer DJ’s new DDJ-FLX4: a beginner’s controller with smart fading + effects appeared first on DJ TechTools.
Amsterdam-based Howler Audio has launched a Kickstarter campaign running through November 24 for their new forthcoming product: a dual, two-in-one recording and streaming device that fits in the palm of your hand. The hardware, aptly named Howler, offers high-quality recording in WAV or MP3 formats as well as the ability to livestream through the device. […]
The post Meet Howler, a 2-in-1 device that records + livestreams high-quality audio from any source appeared first on DJ TechTools.
In May 2022, Pioneer DJ announced a series of new products throughout the month. Speculation ran rampant. Will we finally see a DJM-900NXS2 update? Maybe a DDJ-1000 MK2? Every week saw a different announcement as anticipation hit a fever pitch – but the first reveals were nothing more than a white XDJ-XZ colorway and a […]
The post Pioneer DJ’s DJM-S5: Pro-level features at a mid-level price appeared first on DJ TechTools.
Timetosser – the playable audio resequencer from alter.audio – released a v. 1.1.0 firmware update earlier this week after first demoing it at Amsterdam Dance Event’s Gear Lab. If you’re unfamiliar with Timetosser, it’s a live performance tool that can be used either as a standalone device or with your computer, where you can link […]
The post alter.audio’s Timetosser adds Loop, Slice modes in new firmware update appeared first on DJ TechTools.
Teased for a while and officially “announced” on the Serato DJ blog yesterday, Denon DJ has announced two standalone all-in-one units – the SC Live 2 and SC Live 4. These two units probably replace the forever out-of-stock (perhaps due to chip/parts shortages?) Prime 4 and Prime 2 units. Those original Prime units were first […]
The post Denon DJ SC Live 2 + SC Live 4: built-in speaker standalone units; supplanting Prime 2 / Prime 4? appeared first on DJ TechTools.
Ableton just made it drastically easier to start and save your track ideas even when you’re away from your studio – for Apple users, at least – with the launch of their new iOS app: Note. Built with the intention of offering as a scratch pad for for creators to capture initial project ideas, it’s a game […]
The post Ableton releases Note, an iOS app for making music on the go appeared first on DJ TechTools.
Mixcloud is making moves in favor of creators, as the platform has launched a feature rivaling SoundCloud: the ability to upload original tracks. Artists can now share their own music alongside mixes and livestreams – which makes Mixcloud the first and only platform that supports quite the trio: livestreaming, short-form tracks, and long-form audio. Check out […]
The post Mixcloud launches Tracks for producers to upload original music appeared first on DJ TechTools.
Last week in a beta update to Serato DJ, we finally saw the future of DJ mixing arrive – real-time stem separation. This is pretty huge as it marks a large population of open format DJs getting access to a technology that works incredibly well in top 40 / club mixing situations. Mashing up acapellas […]
The post Serato Stems: what DJs are doing with real-time stem separation added to Serato DJ appeared first on DJ TechTools.
Since its 2020 release, I’ve seen the Nektar Aura as a controversial piece of hardware. Viewing it through the perspective of an avid Native Instruments Maschine user, my expectations were limited by my references back to the Maschine user environment. However, the Aura is a beast all of its own – one worth experiencing with a […]
The post Worth the wait: Nektar Aura’s latest software update is a beatmaker’s dream appeared first on DJ TechTools.
A mixing engineer’s job is to make productions sound both technically solid and artistically engaging for the listeners. Although engineers have many tools to achieve this, it’s key to remember that mixing is not magic – and ultimately, the better the balance of the tracks they get from a producer at the start, the better results […]
The post How to produce a track that a mixing engineer won’t hate you for appeared first on DJ TechTools.
You remember how in 2015, we did a great How I Play with live hardware performance wizard Stimming? Well, he’s back for more with this 2022 update. Earlier this year, Stimming launched his first piece of production hardware – the Instant Mastering Chain. It’s an analog audio processor chain built for artists on the go, as […]
The post How I Play: Stimming (a 2022 update) and the Instant Mastering Chain appeared first on DJ TechTools.
We've got a great piece that acts a primer to odd time signatures. Specifically, we'll talk about how drum machine users can program their devices to play with some of the odder time signatures out there.
The post Breaking the Four by Four: a primer on playing in odd time signatures with drum machines appeared first on DJ TechTools.
Continuing our theme of “making things that people keep asking us for” that we’ve taken on this year, the DJTT product team has launched USB-C-to-C Chroma Cables. Here’s a little bit about these cables and why we’re making them now. Not interested in the backstory and just want better USB-C cables? About these new Chroma […]
The post We made USB-C to USB-C Chroma Cables, here’s more about them appeared first on DJ TechTools.
This week, Native Instruments’ Traktor Pro 3.6 has finally hit Native Access. The major release brings two new subscriber-locked features, Pattern Player and Ozone Maximizer, as well as a number of other smaller fixes. Importantly, NI has also released a clear roadmap for features that they hope to work on in the near future, bringing […]
The post Traktor Pro 3.6 releases, as well as a feature roadmap… appeared first on DJ TechTools.
Welcome back to the series where we imagine the very-near-future of DJ gear. Today, what happens if you combine Rane and Denon DJ...
The post Future DJ Gear Concepts: A Rane PRIME Standalone appeared first on DJ TechTools.
Roland first released the iconic SP-404 in 2005 – then in 2009 as the SP-404SX, and again in 2017 as the SP-404A. The fourth and last release came from Roland in 2021, which came with the introduction of the MK2 version of the sampler. This SP-404 is the ultimate tool for samples, and the current […]
The post Step up your production/DJ game with Roland’s SP-404A: sampling, loop importing, + more appeared first on DJ TechTools.
Today, we’re exploring the depths of the Sourcery album, the latest release from California-based musician A Path Untold – a project from producer and composer Daniel Merrill, who has been creating and releasing under the moniker since 2015. It’s his third full-length album – and his most intricate and ambitious album yet. Not familiar with A Path […]
The post Capturing a true pandemic-era album: dive into A Path Untold’s production of Sourcery appeared first on DJ TechTools.
Hey! It’s been a minute! Our long-time editor and now GM of DJ TechTools – Dan White told me “Ean, people are probably curious what you are up to lately”. Fair enough, considering I haven’t posted any new articles myself in quite some time. After 12 years, 500 articles, and 300 videos, I needed a […]
The post What’s Ean Been Up To? appeared first on DJ TechTools.
We covered the teaser back in 2021 that Ecler – a long-standing pro audio brand that had largely abandoned their DJ product lineup – was returning. This month, the Barcelona-based company announced the WARM2 – a two-channel analog rotary mixer. It’s their first new DJ product in 13 years, so let’s take a closer look […]
The post Ecler DJ is back, launches WARM2 rotary mixer appeared first on DJ TechTools.
The XDJ-RX3 is the third edition of Pioneer DJ’s all-in-one series, a much-appreciated member of their DJ gear family for artists who appreciate its portability, affordability (we can’t all pay to have the dream of a mixer and three CDJs at home, as much as that’d be nice, right?), and features that have developed over […]
The post Review: Pioneer DJ’s XDJ-RX3 – more effects, but the new screen is hit-or-miss appeared first on DJ TechTools.
the Traktor team has announced that major new features being built in this development cycle will be behind an add-on subscription, called Traktor Pro Plus.
The post Traktor Pro Plus = Native Instruments adds paid subscription tier for new features appeared first on DJ TechTools.
Toolroom Academy has released their first audio plugin for producers today – a single-knob utility designed by Mark Knight and producer James F. Reynolds named INFINITE. The plugin, priced at 39.99 Euros with a currently-offered free trial for users, aims to offer a smooth process in which artists can utilize its 40 presets as a part […]
The post Toolroom launches Infinite: a one-knob audio plugin w/ parameter customizing, 40 presets + more [INTERVIEW] appeared first on DJ TechTools.
Pioneer DJ’s flagship software has a new update coming this summer – and with it, two key features to note. rekordbox ver. 6.6.4 was announced today, which offers a brand-new Cloud Analysis tool and support for the streaming service bpm supreme. Let’s take a look at the latest additions. Cloud Analysis: get quicker track data, thanks […]
The post Rekordbox 6.6.4: Cloud Analysis uses other DJs analysis files + stream support for bpm supreme appeared first on DJ TechTools.
The djay software from Algoriddim has been on a strong kick this last decade, and this week, they’re announcing DVS support! That’s right, the app is finally getting full control via turntables using their own time code vinyl. DVS support is hardly anything new on computers, but as far as I can recall, it’s only […]
The post Algoriddim’s djay makes DVS on iPhone possible, integrates Neural Mix into their control vinyl appeared first on DJ TechTools.
Serato DJ Pro users, this one’s for you. Pioneer DJ has announced the latest addition to their mixer family: the new DJM-S5. Designed specifically for usage with the Serato DJ Pro software, it’s a bright red, two-channel, scratch-style design mixer priced at $839 USD. Scratch DJs may find familiarity in the layout, as it’s similar […]
The post Pioneer DJ’s new DJM-S5: a USB-powered 2-channel scratch mixer to use with Serato DJ Pro appeared first on DJ TechTools.
Last week, Native Instruments touted something that’s a welcome sight for DJs still in love with the powerful Traktor ecosystem: a new beta. The new version, launched in NI’s Traktor Pro Public Beta forum, is Traktor Pro Beta 3.6.0.313. This is a beta that’s building towards an eventual Traktor Pro 3.6 (the current public release […]
The post Traktor’s new beta cycle has begun: 3.6 to include iZotope products, maybe NKS support? appeared first on DJ TechTools.
The barriers to entry for music producers have mostly been obliterated. Between the multitude of digital distribution platforms and the self-contained ecosystem of Bandcamp, music producers needn’t – and often don’t – bother with record labels and physical releases. So then, the question becomes: why does the vinyl market not only persist, but continue to grow? Collectability, […]
The post You should produce your vinyl records via short-run lathe cutting – here’s why. appeared first on DJ TechTools.
It might be no surprise anytime Pioneer DJ teases a sequence of new releases that the first thing is usually a new color way of an existing product. This time, it’s the XDJ-XZ, which is getting a white version, the XDJ-XZ-W. The new white colored version of the XDJ-XZ will cost $2,499, and we’ve already […]
The post Pioneer DJ releases white XDJ-XZ-W, but more products to come… appeared first on DJ TechTools.
Engine DJ has released a new edition of their flagship software, version 2.2 – and with it an array of new features and bug fixes for both OS and desktop. New features & fixes: Active Loops, FX Time Division + more On the hardware/OS feature front, check out the latest additions: Active Loops – you can […]
The post Engine DJ’s latest 2.2 release: bug fixes, new features like Active Loops, Virtual DJ Computer Mode, Metronome + more appeared first on DJ TechTools.
Serato released its most recent update to its DJ software, Serato DJ Pro 2.5.11, earlier this month – and with it, a big door that opened for DJs interested in using Pioneer DJ’s XDJ-RX3 – the 2-channel, all-in-one piece of DJ hardware – with it. The XDJ-RX3 will now unlock Serato DJ Pro for free when […]
The post Serato DJ Pro now supports Pioneer DJ’s XDJ-RX3 with latest update appeared first on DJ TechTools.
Chrome Caps - a new version of Chroma Caps that have a reflective metallic appearance coating on the outside to give them an incredible shine and to make your DJ gear really stand out.
The post Chrome Caps: We’re making Gold Chroma Caps, here’s how to be the first to get them. appeared first on DJ TechTools.
Colleen Murphy is a broadcaster, producer and DJ. She’s most recently remixed A Certain Ratio, Mildlife and Róisín Murphy and has just released her Cosmodelica remix of Lady Blackbird’s ‘Lost And Looking’. We thought it would be a good opportunity to talk to her about her DJ career, working with the legendary David Mancuso and […]
The post Audiophile sound systems, Mancuso, & building a DJ career: DJ Colleen Murphy appeared first on DJ TechTools.
Well, here we are – closing in on year two of this global pandemic. Are you as over it as we are? Looking back at 2020, one of the defining movements of DJing was the overwhelming adoption of live streaming. With most of the world entering one form of lockdown or another, DJs flocked to […]
The post Mobile Streaming: the best sound cards for broadcasting on the go appeared first on DJ TechTools.
The latest update to Ableton Live launched today, version 11.1 – a free download for Ableton users that, most importantly, adds native support for Apple computers that run on the M1 Silicon chip. If you’re working off one of the M1 Macs that were released in 2020 or 2021 (you can see a full list […]
The post Ableton Live 11.1: native support for Apple Silicon, new Max for Live tools appeared first on DJ TechTools.
In addition to yesterday’s launch of the DDJ-REV7 from Pioneer DJ, they simultaneously shared a new two-channel controller that comes with a Serato DJ Lite integration: the DDJ-REV1. At a price point of $259 USD – catering to those with smaller budgets – it offers two PLX turntables and a DJM-S series mixer. It’s been developed […]
The post Pioneer DJ’s new DDJ-REV1: a battle-style scratch controller for Serato DJ Lite appeared first on DJ TechTools.
Well, this one came out of left field… Spinning platter controllers and players made an unexpected comeback in the last few years. While the Numark NS7 had enjoyed three different iterations, it was always a niche product and was never widely adopted. Fast forward several years and we saw a spinning platter renaissance thanks to […]
The post Pioneer DJ’s DDJ-REV7: is this finally the Pioneer DJ revolution we wanted? appeared first on DJ TechTools.
Finally: wireless, low-latency, reliable headphones for producers. We liked these so much we're selling them in the DJTT store.
The post TMA-2 Studio Wireless+: Why we liked AIAIAI’s low-latency headphones and added them to our store. appeared first on DJ TechTools.
You can make your own DJ and production gear. Tinkering in the DIY space isn't that hard. Here's 5 books to get you started.
The post Five must-read books for making your own DIY production + DJ gear appeared first on DJ TechTools.
If the perfect piece of gear for your live set doesn’t exist, well – why not build it? Or, at least, that’s what Stimming has done with his first piece of production hardware. Meet the Instant Mastering Chain. Created as a partnership with DOCtron, the device is a fully analog audio processor chain that weighs […]
The post Stimming’s new portable, analog mastering studio: The Instant Mastering Chain appeared first on DJ TechTools.
Beatport has launched a new subscription offering that will allow users to more fully utilize their browser-based DJ web app – a $9.99/month tier called The Beatport Plan. 10 bucks a month – not a bad price to pay to be able to explore Beatport’s library in its entirety without the frustration of short samples. The Beatport […]
The post The Beatport Plan: a $10/mo subscription to DJ from your browser with full track playback appeared first on DJ TechTools.
Ecler, a Spanish pro audio company with a long history of making DJ mixers, has been out of the DJ products game for the last decade. But today a new video cropped up – a highlight reel of their historical reputation, if you will – that announces their big news: Ecler’s DJ division will return […]
The post Guess who’s back? Ecler to return with a new mixer in 2022 appeared first on DJ TechTools.