Serato + iTunes tip of the week. Consolidate your iTunes Libraries from 2 (or more) computers to 1 Portable iTunes Playlist.
If you are like most DJs, you manage your music through iTunes, then import the new music into your DJ program of choice, in this case Serato. But what if you use two computers? Usually you would have to use only one for your file management. Maybe you produce music on one computer (say an iMac/Tower) and use your laptop to DJ with. Or maybe you have a computer at work that you wish you could manage your music in some downtime. Either way, I bet you wish you could use one iTunes Library, right? Well you can, and here is how to do it, after the jump...
Miami and Money, at WMC/Spring Break/Ultra Fest
The almighty dollar and Miami's South Beach go hand in hand. There are ways to go to Miami on the cheap, but if you want to party like a rock star, you gotta shell out the loot! However, there are some wallet saving tips that you can do use so you can save your money for the fun things. Lets take a quick dive into Miami's money pool and see whats worth the almighty dollar and how to save money for the parties, after the jump.
Serato Tip of the Week: How to Move Your Crates to a New Drive
Ever want to painlessly move your files to another drive but were not sure how? Well, you are in luck cause Serato just posted tips on how to do this smoothly without hickups. Also, 2.3.3 just released so go get that . The tips cover Internal to External, Internal to Internal, External to Internal, External to External. Your head spinning yet? You should buck mark this page because you will eventually need this (if you dont need it now). Click through for the link and the list of improvements on Serato 2.3.3. Also, this video from serato is definitely an interesting use of the equipment.
Dubstep meets Hip Hop with Serato
How to set up Kontrol X1 for Serato
If you have been DJing in the last few years, then you know that controllers are becoming widely used. Personally, I use turntables with Dicers. But I just picked up a Traktor Kontrol X1 to expand my capabilities, mainly to control effects and loops. After testing some other controllers that are similar, I settled on this one, and its way better than some of the other controllers out there. However, it was NOT easy to set up. Watch the video below for a run-through and instructions, and click through for download links and more thoughts on this controller.
How to map Traktor Kontrol X1 with Serato, easy setup
The Argument Against Headphones
Recently, we have been talking a lot about headphones and hearing loss. I don't want to sit here and preach about it it, but the NY Times recently wrote an article about it and DJ Times re-posted it in their monthly blast. I thought it was important to re-post it up here too. Before you get into the meat of the article, one bit of advise: keep your ears healthy and protect them when you can, you only have one pair and hearing damage is permanent. Quick tip - keep a set of ear plugs with you at all time, you never know when you might end up at a show/event. So, please click through to read the article:
Photograph by Kevin Van Aelst
How to use iPad with Midi Devices in detail
Using the camera connection kit and some other options, you can exploit the iPads midi functionality. The videos below is by the guys from Create Digital Music, in association with TekServe, and he goes in-depth with some ways to hook up midi devices to your iPad. The first video is of a performance using FunkBox iPad app and a x0xb0x sequencer / synth. The video, after the jump, is an in-depth explanation on how you can hook it all up and use it in different ways. Now all we need is a good copy of Serato or Tractor on the iPad. Click to view the other video:
FunkBox iPad app MIDI synced with an x0xb0x
Ear Wars: Tinnitus – Whats all that ringing?
This week, WNYC's Should Check show, they have been talking about the ears. Talking about headphone use, the history of headphones, tinnitus, and the sounds your ear produces. Those shows are embedded after the jump.
As DJ's, we need to really evaluate the issue of tinnitus, or the ringing in your ears. It can lead to some or complete hearing loss and is a very serious subject. They say its irreversible too. So how do we stop or slow this problem? The music is so loud at the club, what can we do? Lets find out...
Tinnitus: Part 3: A Ringing in the Ears
DJ Deal of the Day: 1.5 TB drive for $130
Via newegg.com, you can get Seagate 'FreeAgent Go Flex' 1.5TB portable (bus powered) hard drive for only $129.99. This is a great deal! The deal ends on Jan 17th, so you have a couple days to get act. I think, all they ask is for you to sign up for their newsletter, and you can do that during checkout. I just got the same price at Best Buy, but for only the 1TB drive. I think I am going to return it for this deal.
So, if you DJ using a portable, then I definitely recommend this purchase. If you just need a great way to back up your music and videos, then you still cant go wrong here. Its a masive amount of storage that fits on a portable 2.5" drive. Click through for the deal and more pictures and product details.
Serato Tip of the Week: Back-up Your “_ScratchLive_” Folders.
Recently I encountered a big problem with Serato Scratch Live. The backups for the ScratchLive are not so great. I was at a gig and everything was fine. The next day, when I awoke, I hooked up my portable hard drive and 90% of my crates were missing. How did this happen? How can you fix this? Why does this happen anyhow? All questions hot in my mind. Bottom line, you got to make your own backups of your "_ScratchLive_" and/or "ScratchLive" folders. Click through for the details and how to fix this problem.
‘Dropping On The 4′ is the new ‘Dropping On The 1′. (with some music theory)
This is no new concept to most DJs with many/a few years under their belt, but its very useful. Most DJs mix on the 1 (of the beat) and there is nothing wrong with. But, for those of you that have the need for something different, then this article is for you. Click through for examples, an explanation on "dropping on the 4", and some pretty sweet (basic) music theory.
One the 1 and the 4
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