DJ NEWS 4

TIPS - GEARS - SOFTWARE

rekordbox 5.2 With Lighting Mode Now Available for Download (Feb 20 2018)

Not long after announcing rekordbox version 5.1 Lyric, Pioneer DJ has officially released version 5.2 for download today. This updated version of DJ software comes with Lighting mode and is used with the new compatible device, the RB-DMX1.

Version 5.2’s Lighting mode allows you to easily sync lights with your music during a performance. A great tool for mobile DJs or club DJs, Pioneer says this new feature will drastically reduce performance preparation time.

How it Works

Light sequences are automatically created using an advanced phrase analysis algorithm that syncs with the tracks in your rekordbox library. The information generated in Lighting mode can be sent to any lighting fixture that supports DMX512 via the RB-DMX1.

The RB-DMX1 is a new dedicated DMX interface. Simply connect the RB-DMX1 hardware to a PC/Mac using a USB cable and light sequence information is sent to any lighting fixture that supports DMX512 via the RB-DMX1. It’s available for around $349 and comes bundled with a full rekordbox dj license.

Additional features of rekordbox 5.2 include auto cross fade to Automix and an option to perform Instant Doubles. Read more about the new version and download 5.2 on the rekordbox website.

Let us know what you think about the new Lighting mode and if you’re already using a similar technology like SoundSwitch. We want to hear from you!

Spotify may have hardware in the works — but what kind?

Word on the street is that Spotify may soon be creating its own hardware. It’s not clear what kind or when the hardware would be released, but the internet has taken notice of a few hints on the Spotify Jobs website page. Keep reading for more.

As originally reported by Music Ally, Spotify recently posted a few new employment opportunities in Stockholm, Sweden. Job postings include Operations Manager – Hardware Products and Project Manager – Hardware Production & Engineering.

“Spotify is on its way to creating its first physical products and setting up an operational organization for manufacturing, supply chain, sales & marketing,” reads the listing forOperations Manager.

With duties including “defining and managing distribution, supply, and fulfillment,” it seems like the finish line could be close.

So what do you speculate the new hardware could be? Possibly smart speakers with Alexa or Google Assistant? Or maybe headphones/earphones to help you take your playlists everywhere you go? Either way, we’re excited to see what’s next.

Tips and Tricks for Using a Mic at DJ Gigs

As a DJ, you might find that using a microphone is not only fun and engaging, but also mandatory for the job. If you’re a mobile DJ and are responsible for emceeing weddings or other private events, you may already feel comfortable getting on the loudspeaker. But if you’re just starting out, it can be pretty intimidating.

We’ve put together a quick list of tips and tricks for using a microphone. Whether you’re trying to get the crowd hyped up at a nightclub, or introducing the newlyweds during their first dance, follow this advice for a smooth and professional presentation.

Do a Sound Check

First and foremost, you should always complete a sound check before any gig begins. Even the most experienced DJ can run into sound issues. Whether you’re working alone or with a sound technician, test the volume levels around the full space of the room and make sure all components are in working order.

The Basics

It’s a delicate balancing act – you want the crowd to be able to hear you loud and clear, but you also don’t want to be too loud. In order to achieve the perfect volume when speaking into a microphone, make sure to hold the mic at a 45-degree angle and about 1 to 2 inches from your mouth. By doing so, your voice will hit the top-most point of the microphone and you’ll avoid blocking your entire face.

Know Your Stuff

While the microphone is your tool to communicate with an audience, you also need to prepare what you’re actually going to say. This is especially important if you’re working at a wedding or private event. Ask the host for some bullet points or a short script. Read it out loud a few times before the event starts and you’ll be much more comfortable.

Volume Levels and Feedback

Turn on the mic before you start speaking (of course). It also doesn’t hurt to do a mic check “1-2” before you get started.
Don’t try to talk over your music. Turn down the volume of your tunes and wait a second before beginning to speak. Nothing is worse than having the crowd miss the first half of what you said.
Turn off the mic before you put it down so that you don’t cause an unwanted boom over the speaker system.
Prevent feedback by keeping your monitor speaker in the booth at a lower volume.
Try to keep ambient sounds away from the mic, such as background conversations.

Windsock

Essential for mobile DJs, a windsock cuts out noise like wind, air ruffles, and heavy breathing. Windsocks are made with foam that’s designed to absorb unwanted sounds. Simply place one of these directly over the mic, and instantly you’ll have cleaner sound projecting across the venue.

Find the Perfect Mic

If you plan to use a microphone regularly, it’s best to invest in one of your own. Choosing a model that fits your style will allow you to be even more comfortable using it. Some mics are more powerful than others, so experiment with a few. A dynamic mic will work better in a nightclub, while a condenser mic is best for intimate settings.

Relax

It’s all about confidence! Stand tall, take a deep breath, speak slow and clear, and try focusing on one person in the crowd if it helps. Remember to move the mic when you move your head so that you’re always speaking directly into it.

Once you become more comfortable, you’ll be able to walk around the room and be an overall engaging emcee!

Serato Releases Serato DJ Pro 2.0 and Serato DJ Lite 1.0(Feb 26 2018)

Practice Mode

For the first time, Serato adds a laptop-only DJ solution with the all-new Practice Mode feature. In contrast to Serato DJ’s one-deck offline mode, Serato DJ Pro now offers two virtual decks, a crossfader, BPM controls, and full access to your library and crates without the need for hardware.

“Practice Mode is the ideal prepping tool,” said Nick Maclaren, Head of Strategy at Serato. “DJs can in gear.”

“It’s also great for mixing when you’re on a plane, or on the road. Or, if the worst happens, as a backup replacement for hardware.”

Users won’t need a license to try Practice Mode as it is a free, offline feature in Serato DJ Pro.

Bigger libraries and rock-solid reliability with 64-bit support

Serato has now added 64-bit support, allowing Serato DJ Pro to access your entire computer’s memory.

“This means loading larger libraries, using less CPU, and in turn reducing latency and boosting overall stability and performance,” said Maclaren. “It’s a huge improvement to the foundation of our software.”

Crisp new interface with high-resolution support

Serato DJ Pro now includes high-DPI support so it’s optimized for high-definition displays, and is scalable on larger screens. Other highlights include a new 2×4 cue point layout to mirror what you would usually see on a controller or mixer with pads, as well as increased line spacing in the music library and a color refresh to the interface.

“We’ve paid close attention to the finer details with Serato DJ Pro and Serato DJ Lite. The result is a much sharper, more readable and smoother experience for our users,” said Maclaren.

Free trials reset
Serato has reset all trials with this update so anyone can try Serato DJ Pro free for 14 days, even if their Serato DJ trial has expired.

More About Serato DJ Lite

While Serato DJ Pro is a paid upgrade for anyone without a license, Serato DJ Lite includes all the above features and is free for anyone to use, right now.
“Essentially Serato DJ Lite is a stripped back version of Serato DJ Pro. Lite also shares much of the same code base as Pro, so they look and feel really similar. This makes it easy for beginners when they want to make the jump to Serato DJ Pro,” concludes Maclaren.

Pioneer DJ’s New App Will Have You Recording Every Set

We’ve all been there – you prepare tirelessly for a gig and plan to record your fire mix so that you can share on social media and in your press kit. When you get to the club, the DJ booth is dark, the levels are off and what you thought would be an easy recording session turns into a time-consuming chore. Well, Pioneer DJ is looking to simplify the entire process with their new iOS recording app, DJM-REC.

Simple set-up, high-quality audio recording, and easy online sharing and streaming – the DJM-REC app for iPhones and iPads is a great option for DJs and producers looking to create and share promotional mixes. Just think, you’ll be able to stream live mixes, keep your SoundCloud page current, and send finished recordings to venues and bookers.

Here are some of the key features of DJM-REC. Check out Pioneer DJ’s website for a full breakdown.

Easy connection to DJM Series mixers using a single USB cable
High-quality recording that minimizes clipping and distortion
Record audio directly in digital format, no analogue conversion
Live stream through YouTube, Facebook Live, Periscope, Instagram and Snapchat
Upload recordings to cloud services like SoundCloud, Mixcloud and Dropbox
Auto time-stamp for effortless track list creation
Remaster recordings to powerful club-standard sound
Deck FX allows recorded sound on your iPhone or iPad to be input into DJM series mixers using the digital send/return feature

DJM-REC is available in the App Store for $9.99, but right now you can try it free for 30 days. Leave your comments below and let us know if you think this app will make your life easier. We want to hear from you!