Equipment | Digital DJ Tips

January 6th, 2013 Equipment

Over To You: Best RCA Cables for DJing

by Phil Morse

A flashy pair of RCA cables. But is it really necessary to spend a lot on your DJ cables, or will cheaper ones do?

Digital DJ Tips reader Maurice writes: “Recently did a gig where my RCA cable gave me trouble. Fortunately for me the sound guy at the venue was kind enough to help out with one of his own. I had to then go and buy some new ones of my own but was bombarded with choices of different brands and prices.

“My question is: What is the real difference, if any, in relation to sound quality, and are the vast price variations really justified? What would you recommend I buy? I will need a cable that is strong and won’t easily get damaged but that will also deliver in terms of sound quality.”

56 Comments »

December 1st, 2012 Equipment

Controller Clinic #16: Traktor Integration With Pioneer CDJ-350s & DJM-400

by Phil Morse

Two Pioneer CDJ-350s and a DJM-400 mixer: This set-up can work fine with Traktor without the need for a separate audio interface.

Digital DJ Tips reader Jon writes: “I have made the transition from the Traktor Kontrol S4 to two Pioneer CDJ-350s and a DJM-400 mixer. I would like to integrate Traktor into my sets, but I’m a little unsure of what audio interface to purchase.

“I will not be using any extra hardware; only what I mentioned previously. I’ve been told so many different things, from not needing any interface at all, to needing Traktor Scratch not Pro. Also, the cheaper, the better, so any help with would be much appreciated. Thanks!”

14 Comments »

September 11th, 2012 Equipment

Review & Video: Numark iDJ Pro iPad DJ Controller

by DJ Hombre

Slot your iPad running Algoriddim’s djay software right into the middle of the iDJ Pro, and DJ in a way quite unlike you’ve ever done before. That’s the promise of Numark’s new iDJ Pro.

Numark iDJ Pro review: Ever since the iPad first appeared, tech-savvy DJs and musicians have looked for ways to use it in their performances. But there’s always been an awkward question as to exactly how it should be used – as a screen for a piece of hardware? As a fully contained DJ surface? As a third “deck” or sample bank?

Truth is you can use it in all of these ways, but Numark is the first company to come up with a DJ product where the iPad actually slots right there into the unit. While the iPad gives you a gorgeous interactive screen with innovative control over certain functions, the iDJ Pro simultaneously acts as a secure iPad stand and a set of hardware controls for your DJ software. In that way, the Numark iDJ Pro is quite unlike any other DJ controller out there.

106 Comments »

July 8th, 2012 Equipment

Over To You: Help Needed Buying A PA System

by Phil Morse

The Mackie SRM450 PA speakers are a good workhorse, but consider a subwoofer and definitely budget for stands too.

Forum reader Ginger writes: “I’m new into the DJ world and I need to get a DJ PA system. I’ve asked around and everyone is saying something different. I’ve done hours of research and now I’m just confused and don’t know what to get.

“If I go to a store to listen to or buy the speakers, I don’t really trust the salesman, because I’m afraid he’s going to get me to buy something that doesn’t suit my needs.

60 Comments »

June 27th, 2011 Equipment

Audio 6 & Audio 10 Sound Interfaces: Worth The Upgrade?

by Aka Tell

The Native Instruments Traktor Audio 10: The ultimate DJ audio interface? Pic: James Lee

Along with the new generation of Traktor Pro and Traktor Scratch Pro, Native Instruments presented two new audio interfaces, the Traktor Audio 6 (US$249 / £199 / €224) and the Traktor Audio 10 (US$399 / £332 / €377) to succeed the fairly successful Audio 4 and Audio 8. They promised us improved sound quality, connectivity and flexibility as well as being “installation friendly”.

But how do they hold their ground in daily club routine, especially for DVS DJs who will make most use of them? And is there any reason to switch to a new interface if you already own one of the old generation?

25 Comments »

June 23rd, 2011 Equipment

Review & Video: Denon DN-SC2000 vs Traktor Kontrol X1

by Phil Morse

Clash of the welterweights: The Denon DN-SC2000 vs Traktor Kontrol X1

We’ve covered single-jogwheel DJ controllers before. However, we didn’t include the Traktor Kontrol X1 (US$199 / £165 / €178) that time because, well, it doesn’t have a jogwheel. However, along with the Denon DN-SC2000 (US$249 / £189 / €207), that controller now dominates the “compact-control-surface-with-no-audio-interface” section of the digital DJ market.

We often get asked about these two devices – which is “best”, what they can be used for, how do they fit into a set up and so on. So here we look briefly again at the two units and the concentrate on how you can use them, and which might be the best choice in various DJing situations.

20 Comments »

June 20th, 2011 Equipment

Hands On With The Novation Twitch

by Jon Hersom

It's certainly a controller with a difference, looking like a cross between two X1s and an Akai Ableton controller.

The Novation Twitch DJ controller caused a real stir on its first public outing at the Musikmesse Show as reported by Digital DJ Tips earlier this year, being the first major controller to offer DJs an alternative to jogwheels in an all-in-one controller.

On Friday I went to Sonar Barcelona 2011 with the main aim of getting my hands on the new Novation Twitch to see if it’s as good as Novation’s Twitch YouTube video suggests. Here’s my report:

26 Comments »

June 11th, 2011 Equipment

10 Commandments For Better Digital DJing, #6

by Phil Morse

This commandment concerns the loud stuff...

There’s some stuff that all DJs – digital, CDJ, and vinyl – really do need to know. And one of those subjects is the topic of today’s Commandment for Better Digital DJing.

Without this knowledge, you’re never really going to be confident when you’re playing, and if something unfortunate happens while you’re DJing, you’re going to be in a poor position to do what’s needed to put it right. You’re going to make yourself look bad – and no DJ wants that. Let’s look a little deeper…

8 Comments »

June 9th, 2011 Equipment

Is The All-In-One iPad DJ Console Coming?

by Phil Morse

The Livid Code Station iPad controller: It's not hard to imagine a stylish DJ controller along the same lines.

Take a look at these pictures we’ve found, that show a prototype iPad synth controller from boutique Midi gear manufacturer Livid, complete with built-in iPad dock/shelf system.

It’s easy once you’ve seen this picture and the one below to make the mental leap from synth controller to DJ controller – especially as Livid already makes the frankly gorgeous Ableton Live and DJ-friendly Ohm64 Midi controller. If Livid don’t do it, we think someone else surely will.

9 Comments »

June 7th, 2011 Equipment

Review & Video: The Denon DN-HP500S DJ Headphones

by Phil Morse

The Denon DN-HP500S headphones are a white version of the black DN-HP500 model, designed for DJ and non-DJ usee.

The Denon DN-HP500 headphones (US$69 / £75 / €84) are an all-round DJ-friendly set of entry level ‘phones that are equally at home being used for DJ practice and out and about with an MP3 player as they are in the DJ booth. Now the company has released a white version of the same, the Denon DN-HP500S – review below.

We’re fans of compact DJ headphones here at Digital DJ Tips. We like them because it means you don’t necessarily need to own two pairs – the one pair can go loud enough for DJing, but be stylish and portable enough for the rest of your life.

No Comments »

May 30th, 2011 Equipment

Review: The Pioneer DDJ-S1 DJ Controller: Is Big Beautiful?

by Phil Morse

The Pioneer DDJ-S1 (alongside the DDJ-T1) marks Pioneer's entry into the digital DJing age.

Pioneer, the biggest player in the DJ booth, has been lagging behind the rest of the pack with digital DJ controllers. While others are onto their second and third iterations, Pioneer waited until the beginning of 2011 to announce its first digital gear.

When it finally did so, the company launched not one, but two controllers – the DDJ-T1 for Traktor software, and the new Pioneer DDJ-S1 for Serato ITCH software. Today we present our Pioneer DDJ-S1 review.

45 Comments »

May 28th, 2011 Equipment

Your Questions: Can My Mixtrack Pro Work With Traktor Pro 2?

by Phil Morse

The Mixtrack Pro 2: Comes with Virtual DJ LE in most of the world, but you can use it with Traktor too. Here's how...

Reader Arjun from New Delhi, India, writes: “I just ordered my first controller, the Mixtrack Pro, which ships with Virtual DJ. Though it is a great software, I was wondering if there is a Traktor 2 mapping available for the same. Since I am a beginner DJ, I won’t really require four decks at the beginning, but I would still like the flexibility of using Traktor 2 and Virtual DJ, since I am adept at using both the softwares.

Can I do that? What will I need to do if i want to switch my software when I want?

33 Comments »

May 24th, 2011 Equipment

Review & Video: Reloop Jockey III ME Controller

by Phil Morse

Reloop Jockey 3 Review: Can this heavyweight Traktor Pro 2 controller give the Kontrol S4 a run for its money?

Reloop has been busy releasing interesting new digital DJ gear for the past few months, with its Contour and Mixage controllers adding modular and entry-level option to its existing and popular Digital Jockey 2 range.

But with the imminent Traktor Pro 2-ready Jockey III, the company has signalled its intention to be taken seriously at the pro end of the controller market.

48 Comments »

May 23rd, 2011 Equipment

Spotted In The Wild: The Turntabletar

by Phil Morse

The turntabletar: Probably not coming to a DJ store near you any time soon! Pic: Gizmodo

It’s ridiculously named, it seems to be nothing more than a seriously hacked Mixtrack Pro, and it’s basically bonkers, but the hard-to-pronounce “turntabletar” – which seems to be a student project – should definitely make you smile.

Part turntables/controller and part “guitar”, with a crossfader where the strings would normally be and two jogwheels taking the lion’s share of the space on the body, this apparently working prototype allows the DJ to mix while larging it up like a guitarist.

6 Comments »

May 11th, 2011 Equipment

Wireless Technics: Biggest Thing In Digital Vinyl Since Final Scratch?

by Phil Morse

Wireless DVS: This prototype Bluetooth cartridge does away with the need for cables and a laptop.

Unlike our last post in this area, this definitely isn’t an April Fool. Digital DJ Tips reader Leon has demonstrated to us a prototype technology he’s developed that could be the biggest thing to happen to vinyl DJing since Final Scratch first heralded the arrival of digital vinyl ten years ago.

In his promo video, which you can see below, he explains and demonstrates his wireless DVS system which could do away with DJs having to take a laptop, sound interface, cables and so on with them to gigs at all, and instead DJ with real vinyl using real Technics but with nothing more than their iPad or even iPhone as their music library.

34 Comments »

May 10th, 2011 Equipment

Review & Video: Reloop Mixage DJ Controller

by Phil Morse

The Reloop Mixage is well made, attractive and portable... but is it fun to use?

The Mixage is a brand new compact, budget DJ Midi controller which is reviewed here in its interface edition (ie with a built-in sound interface), but which is also available in a controller edition for those who already have or wish to use an external sound card.

Reloop has been producing some interesting gear recently, with the well-received Reloop Contour single-jog full-size DJ controller turning heads, and its soon-to-be-reviewed-here Digital Jockey 3 causing waves at the upper end of the market. But with the Mixage, the company is directly targeting the bottom end, where currently the Numark Mixtrack Pro dominates. But is the Mixage a contender? We find out in this extended review and video talkthrough…

65 Comments »

May 2nd, 2011 Equipment

Review: DJ-Tech VTT-101 Mini USB Scratch Controller

by Phil Morse

DJ-Tech VTT-101: A neat little controller aimed squarely at scratch DJs, but is it up to the job?

Are you looking for a simple way to add real deck control to your digital DJ set-up? Maybe you’re a laptop DJ who just wants to be able to scratch over your laptop-controlled music, or you’re a DJ who is happy with his current DJ controller but wants to liberate one of the extra decks offered by your current software…

If this sounds like you, you might be interested in the intriguing little VTT-101 from DJ-Tech. We took a closer look…

17 Comments »

April 24th, 2011 Equipment

Over To You: Do You VJ Using A DJ Midi Controller?

by Phil Morse

VJing with Virtual DJ.

Reader Ned writes: “A DJ friend of mine has decided to venture into VJing and has been stumped as to which way to go forward. Currently he has a MacBook Pro and an M-Audio Xponent Torq controller that uses Traktor, and it cannot mix videos.

“He was thinking of going the Serato Scratch way and getting a TTM57 and two decks but this would defeat the whole purpose of going small on set-up and having a controller. So my questions are as follows: Is there any controller that can mix videos? And is there any software that he can use with his Xponent to mix videos on his Mac, saving him the hassle of selling the Xponent and getting another controller?”

33 Comments »

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Learn How To DJ With Digital DJ Gear

Over To You: Best RCA Cables for DJing

by Phil Morse

Controller Clinic #16: Traktor Integration With Pioneer CDJ-350s & DJM-400

by Phil Morse

Review & Video: Numark iDJ Pro iPad DJ Controller

by DJ Hombre

Over To You: Help Needed Buying A PA System

by Phil Morse

Audio 6 & Audio 10 Sound Interfaces: Worth The Upgrade?

by Aka Tell

Review & Video: Denon DN-SC2000 vs Traktor Kontrol X1

by Phil Morse

Hands On With The Novation Twitch

by Jon Hersom

10 Commandments For Better Digital DJing, #6

by Phil Morse

Is The All-In-One iPad DJ Console Coming?

by Phil Morse

Review & Video: The Denon DN-HP500S DJ Headphones

by Phil Morse

Review: The Pioneer DDJ-S1 DJ Controller: Is Big Beautiful?

by Phil Morse

Your Questions: Can My Mixtrack Pro Work With Traktor Pro 2?

by Phil Morse

Review & Video: Reloop Jockey III ME Controller

by Phil Morse

Spotted In The Wild: The Turntabletar

by Phil Morse

Wireless Technics: Biggest Thing In Digital Vinyl Since Final Scratch?

by Phil Morse

Review & Video: Reloop Mixage DJ Controller

by Phil Morse

Review: DJ-Tech VTT-101 Mini USB Scratch Controller

by Phil Morse

Over To You: Do You VJ Using A DJ Midi Controller?

by Phil Morse

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