TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Intro 00:15 Episode overview 01:43 5 surprising tips for modern mobile DJs 24:07 Have we reached "peak features" on DJ gear? 33:52 The importance (and future) of jogwheels..
It's been a long old journey from DJaying in the early 1970's to now, and so much has changed in music technology and the way we interpret it. Having used vinyl extensively in the early days through tape,CD and then finally digital music. I loved the learning process and making mistakes all the way (apologies to the punters for the dead air) But what you said is spot on , its different strokes for different folks.We all have our ways of DJaying and this is the life and I'm grateful for your advice since you started your channel. Keep on keeping on. PK.
You toke me back in early 90's when i started djing and bring me at today in 48 minutes, remind me when i'm from and who i am now. With my humble experience made in this 30 years i reflect myself in every single word you said. Glad to spent this 48 minutes watching you video and listening you. Peace from Italy Phil.
Each to their own when it comes to DJ gear and style. I have decades of experience and played many styles, such as Funk, Soul, House, Hip Hop, etc. I've DJ'd in clubs, pubs and done many parties also, and even been a DJ in a band. The experience and acquired knowledge of DJing and working a crowd is so valuable to me. For me personally, DJing has also been about performance and enjoyment. I cannot give up moving platters I enjoy it too much, so the Rane Performer is perfect for retaining the feel of vinyl and using the endless creativity of using digital. I still love my vinyl and technics and that 'Pure' feel, but also love digital, with the fun and convenience's it can offer. Bottom line is to find out what works for you, know what works and make it work, be it for your own personal listening or that with a listening audience. This channel offers great advice for those new to DJing and even the seasoned DJ's.
I will always believe that a DJ's main attribute is the ability to get the crowd off the clock. The more features a controller possesses it is going to equate to the crowd milling around and waiting for the drop. I was a Nightclub Lighting Jockey in a 24 hour Nightclub and those DJ'S worked on a Monday, Tuesday as well as a Friday, Saturday night, so they learned to be patient. Watch some of the Legends play today, they still know how to sit on their hands and take you out to the deepest seas and then they bring you back home.
to your point about "peak features and gimics" I'm picking up a brand new ddj sx for a little under $300. An extremely well built 4 channel controller from 12 years ago. All the new technologies are mostly implemented through the software anyway so I don't feel like I'm missing out on anything. And if I was to get something state-of-the-art in the same price range the choices would be between the flx4, platinum fx or the hercules inpulse 500. And with the recent algoriddim djay hardware update, as well as compatibility with virtual dj, not to mention unlocking serato pro, It really seems like a no-brainer! I can't wait
They said we didn’t need jog wheels anymore when the Traktor S5 came out back in 2015. DJ’s need a way to play with the music than just pressing buttons and turning knobs. We are so quick to want to automate ourselves out of the job with all the new tech. The Tesla bots will be Dj’ing for us soon enough. Let’s enjoy the jog wheels for now.
I can relate to the topic of the DJ Gear, I am not a professional DJ, I have learn to DJ over the years and started when I was a teenager, now at my 50s yep, you read that right I use DJ as a way to relax and enjoy myself with good music. I was looking for a controller since I thought, well I am not going to invest in expensive DJ Gear since this is a hobby of mine and I saw the Laidback Luke Reloop Mixtour Pro and inmediately said that is, that's what I want and need, yes is not cheap but gives me that in between professional and not so much type of gear that I want and of course Luke take it to every gig and festival and beat the heck out of that thing but for me, using my iPhone or iPad with Beatport for my amusement and some friends is more than enough. Not to mention I save space at home. So, depends what you want, the software that you use because nowadays you need to choose a software and check your budget and start that's the important part.
Really well said. There are so many ways to DJ and so many people who want to do it. One type of equipment is really not going to be right for everyone. It's so good that we've got the choice.
On your point about dj gear, there is a group of “ dj’s” (especially online) that are more interested in owning the latest dj gear than playing the music.
I started with house in the mid 90’s all vinyl and still play vinyl with my OG 1200s (45s) and it’s still by far the most fun way to DJ. However, I got me the Rane Seventy ATrak which is perfect for vinyl BUT also works as a controller… when I pay out I leave the turntables behind just take the mixer and use Serato in Transport mode - just using the performance pads in internal mode. It works for house perfectly and does not change the way I blend and deliver the music. No jog wheels needed as pitch bend on pads.
Thats great that you play guitar as well. I just finished reading Play It Loud, a book about the history of the electric guitar. The writer mentions the various quality of guitars, from used to antique fiberglass guitars, and lower range guitars vs "top shelf". Its a good book for all guitar players!
44:39 I preach and practice the very same thing. I'm always looking for different ways of using, or even abusing, devices that were designed to be used only one way. Virtual DJ iRemote for example. Since I use Ableton Live along side Virtual DJ, I found myself having to toggle between those two softwares, so I when I toggle to Ableton, I'm not seeing where I'm at on Virtual DJ, I might run out of time to mix to the next track. Well, I realized that VDJ Remote on an iPad is an extra monitor to see what's going on with VDJ in real time.
Coming from my background as a longtime Traktor user, I never once seen a Traktor DJ use jogs in the techno scene. Quanitized techno usually does not require much use of the jogs if you’re BPMs are dialed in tight.
Yeah, exactly. It depends upon the scene, the music, the place, the software, and so on. People tend to have quite a close view sometimes without realising the different ways people are DJing out there. Of course, as a DJ school, we get to see them all.
I'm mixing a Turntable and a CDJ at the moment so plenty of beat matching. I've spent years using Controllers but find it much more fun and interactive mixing without synching.
hey phil, your comments about "peak features" are really illuminating. The "groove circuit" might seem redundant or unnecessary to some DJs (I find it a bit chintzy myself), but as a dj who also produces music, I'm personally in favor of dj controllers incorporating more features from grooveboxes/drum machines (a la roland) and vice-versa, of course. Production and performance features beginning to converge in the same box seems like a natural progression to me, and moreover, it's one that, IMHO, leaves DJs with the long end of the stick at the end of the day.
Good points. And it's not as if combining these two is something that hasn't been attempted for many, many years. But I do think they are different disciplines, and it's a very talented and unique kind of person who can do a good job of DJing while also adding production spice on top.
Many very good points you talked about, Phil. A very good episode! Always good, but this one was really fitting for me. Life hack for the community: The "look tidy" really triggered me... I often do work as a mobile one and still don't have a front cover/barrier ready; but I had to clean up my stand in the moment Phil said this... Now I just use the lid of the all black flight case, put it on/in front of the x-stand, directly clamped under the bottom case and arrange all the cables & a little tech behind... looks 10 times better. Cleaner & more solid. Huge difference! I really can recommend this. If anybody uses a case in combination with a x-stand, this method is really a big improvement.
Reloop Mixtour Pro to me makes sense because it's so portable but feature-rich. It's a trade-off, buttons under modifiers vs big bigger really big heavy controllers with dedicated buttons with almost no modifiers. DDJ-GRV6 appeals to me because it has so many spare buttons to map to your desire if you don't like the default mapping/feature. It has 4 decks and is relatively affordable.
I play with vinyl and DVS on Technics, i also play digital on a Traktor s3 and I also have a pair of Traktor D2s. I can mix on the S3 and D2s without headphones it's so easy and enjoyable. But I still love to beat match vinyl, that's my 1st love with DJing. I love it all! Just different ways of mixing. Wheels of steel, wheels of plastic, or no wheels at all!Everything changes with time. It's all fine with me 👍🏾
Jog wheels are not necessary but they do come in handy, depending on what type of DJ you are. I love the touch strip on the old Kontrol X1. It also has a shift/scroll knob for manually scanning tracks.
For what I do with mobile DJ'ing for specific clients in private functions I take multiple DJ controllers. My criteria is compact and durable and the Reloop Mixtour Pro combined with the Hercules T7 which is DJ Pro AI compatible
I'm getting irked by the keyboard warriors moaning and whining on about decks not coming out with stems. It's a feature that came out a year or two ago, but they act like stems have been a necessary feature of DJ gear for decades. They act like it's impossible to DJ without stems and honestly I think it might be impossible, for them. It'd be like if a car driver refused to drive a car with no self-driving, self-parking or auto-breaking capabilities. Grow up and learn to be a real DJ before complaining each time a new deck is released without your stem buttons.
People hiring these ‘DJs’ would be as well buying a jukebox or just hooking up an iPod with a playlist. Same level of skill involved. AI will render them obsolete
@@TheUnseenFenianHandto be fair, it’s still a guess as to when if ever AI can accurately read the crowd, prioritize multiple conflicting crowd requests, add appropriate entertainment between tracks music breaks sets etc
@@dancarthen3634In 2015, stems were sold by Native Instruments to users rather than created by mainstream. Times have changed where sometimes you can take the DJ out of the booth, but it’s hard to take the booth out of the DJ
I use a Pelican case. I make my own DJ table. How about starting out with a Risk assessment to begin with. All power leads tested and tagged and length colour coded. Go to the venue prior to the gig and conduct a risk assessment and do a stage plot. Run your audio cables away from power cables. Take spare cables and a cable tester. As well as a passive and active DI box. Ask the function centre manager what the decor will be and fit in with the agreed upon decor. Use Nashua Gaffer to secure your audio cables. Use risers to get the DJ console, audio mixer to a height that works for you. Laptop stands are perfect. Use a 20 amp extension lead and run the lead in a direct line to your power board. FYI I have done a Diploma of Electronic Music Production/Dip Live Sound production/Dip Event Management Music industry. Been a functions waiter, private functions DJ in the 80's. Safety is your first priority no one cares what colour your Gaffer is .
@digitaldjtips Possibly. Safety is the first and only priority in the Production Company that I founded . Having staffed all the Major Music festivals in New South Wales Australia there's only one thing Safe Work NSW and Safe work Queensland care about, being in compliance with the Work Health and Safety Act of 2011. 5 major Music festivals are now closed in Australia. 3 more are under investigation for breaches of the Work Health and Safety Act of 2011. I have worked in Hospitality as a Bar Man, Buffet runner for 1000 pax events and the Manager only cares about being in compliance with the Work Health and Safety Act of 2011. Not what the gear looks like or the colour of the Gaffer tape. In 2000 pax venues cable bridges are what I have used running from the Stage box to the FOH desk. Branded velcro straps, mega decks and its the same across all venues.
I recently went from using the Rane One to buying a Denon prime Go as a back up system but not it's the other way around,, My set up is similar to Laidback Luke where the Prime Go is pretty small and compact but I have it paired to an iPad running Algoriddim Djay Pro software.. I don't really use the jogwheels for Djaying but do use them for preparing my music/beatgrids..
I wouldn't say we've reached peak DJ features. What we need is everything great we have but in one unit - a Pioneer club-ready standlone controller which has the onboard x-y effects grid of the Denon, intuitive midi mapping of Rekordbox, powerful on-the-go stem separation of Serato, and the efficient track analysis and loop encoder knob of Traktor.
Nearly all of the DJs I see live never touch the tempo but still nudge the platter. I’m not sure why. Is sync on but quantization off? Is the beatgrid incorrect? I'm not sure.
yes the beatgrid can be even slightly off. Or Many DJs that operate at a very high level do not use sync, not because people wont think they are cool, but for the control. Without sync you need to make adjustments. I've spoken to this about many big names out there for instance Walker and Royce. They don't use sync and it's not that they don't think they could, but to not use sync means to never use it because it can get you in trouble. You will forget to adjust the tempo and try to manually drop the track and it can't be off. Well it can be slightly off, but it can't be a different tempo. If you go Sync, I find that I often have to turn it off on some tracks and adjust. My beatgrid is fine it's just that another track may not be hitting perfectly, you have to adjust it.
I’ve been using the Traktor Kontrol S5 for many years and am happy without jog wheels. But I heavily use the loop knob. Laidback Luke’s new controller won’t work for me with the overly complicated loop control. To need to press a second, tiny button in order to do basic loop functions is moving backwards.
Yes, they are required. I've been DJing for 30 years, and I don't play birthdays or weddings. I play clubs and several-hour sets, and I need precise control over the positioning of each beat grid JIC. I need to make an adjustment. The jog wheel is perfect. It could be developed further to replicate scratching better. New DJs don't even get to have a say in it. You can find controllers that don't feature a jog wheel. They might have one, but it's trash. You all can play on those. We will keep the jog wheels. Y'all play on your phones. 🤣 Luke needs to layback and quit trying to innovate on something that I can say from listening to him for years that he has declined. He needs to go back to the jog wheel.
went from traktor to cdjs and eventually back to traktor. at the end of the day portable is the way to go. playing on cdjs feel way more intuitive and u can learn quick at first, but they all same eventually as u dj for long time, then mobility becomes most important factor imo. 2 x1s, xone k2, traktor audio 6 mk2, and macbook pro running tp4 give me 4 channel setup with dedicated controls for all 4 decks plus semi drum machine (pattern player). then if u add f1, theres now dedicated sampler deck. easy to carry around in a backpack or carryon. i love this over any other setup.
You raise an interesting point, which is that if you're a beginner DJ or you're not quite sure, then you're definitely better off starting with more traditional gear. But as you say, later on, you can be more fine-tuned about what it is you want. And for a lot of DJs, they suddenly realise they don't need the jogwheels.
BPM analyzing is nice, but sometimes it doesn't work and that's ok, I won't go in and do it manually unless it's really bad. So I still really like jog wheels for inaccurate auto beat gridding. I can't imagine using buttons for nudging. A slider that springs back to the center as a "tempo bender" similar to a pitch bender wheel on synth keyboard might work, it would certainly save jog wheel space on an ultra compact controller. As for scratching, I'm currently experimenting with X/Y grid on and iPad as a scratch pad, except I'm not scratching audio tracks, I'm scratching synth parameters, which sounds like the theremin, but there is latency because it's over wifi, maybe I can plug directly to get ultra low latency.
Dang, I just invented a new type of jog wheel for an ultra compact controller, "tempo bender wheels", except they wouldn't be horizontal like jog wheels, they would be vertical like a pitch bender wheel on a synth keyboard. Run with it, Forest! Run with it!
As you say, unless you are religious about getting your beatgrids right, then being able to manually beat mix is certainly a good thing because you can be a little bit more relaxed when it comes to correcting things that aren't quite right on the fly.
To answer your question, yes, jog wheels are needed. They’re fundamental to DJing. Of course you can pitch bend with buttons instead of jog wheels but why would you want. On a computer you can do most things a mouse can do from your keyboard, but why would you want? It’s just an interface and it’s the most initiative interface.
I agree completely - there's something timeless about having an inertia jogwheel to control music. And the funny thing is, it doesn't have to be spinning; it just has to be round and control the music in the way that's been figured out for static jogwheels. However, it's not for everyone, and there are people who are quite happy DJing without them.
good jogs are necessary, if the software doesn't do it for you/you can't fix problems beforehands. it's kinda like if you should have effects on decks when you could just add them on top of tracks at home :P sometimes making things live gives you better touch on doing things.
also, jog wheels in controllers have been sort of bad in my opinion. like I can't really lean on any controller I've used, if the tracks start to go in wrong tempo for a reason or another. usually track has just changing tempo without any reason.
Get a bag of velco straps to quickly tidy your cables. When I first started using a controller it was difficult to be taken seriously, so who knows where this will go, but I do like good sized physical controls. I went straight from vinyl to controller too and often hold one of my jog wheels "still" even though it doesn't rotate as somewhere in brain it does, so I'm not sure I'll handle handle no wheels well..........Go on.....play the guitar!
A Very Good Evening To You Phil And All The Crew Behind The Scenes. I Have A Quick Question Phil About A Product. Have You Heard Any Rumours Along The Grape Vine About A New (Pioneer XDJ 1000 MK2 ) Coming Out, Like A Pioneer XDJ 1000 MK3, or XDJ 2000) Or Anything Like That, and Also Any Rumours About An Updated DJM 750mk2. I'm Strongly Thinking Of Getting The XDJ 1000 MK2 & DJM 750mk2 mixer. I Don't Want To Purchase Them An A Month Later We Have New Gear. Cheers Phil & Team.
@digitaldjtips Cheers for the reply folks, just thought I'd ask if you might have heard anything before I invest, as those Pioneer XDJ 1000MK2 are out awhile. Oh, jumped into Rekordbox today just to organise some tunes and every tune I pulled up to put into the top decks 1 & 2 It kept reading File Not Found (what's that about) do you know.
Id not buy any controller without jog wheels (apart from when i bought 2 traktor f1s to go with the s4) id be lost without the tactical feel... Slip que Spin backs Scratching Try dropping down the loop sizes while using flanger and gater and scratching it up at the same rine then spinning it back and hitting the turntable brake effect on the traktor S4... Its like a drug 😂 id be lost without them.. they as essential as hot cues and knobs and faders imho.. maybe im an old fart 😂
I wouldn't say you are, but it's just a case of if they've got features that require them, then they're worth having. But if you find you never use them, then maybe it's worth considering not having them. It just shows that we're all different, doesn't it?
The Traktor D2, X1 mk2; with touch strip in place of a jog wheel is something I would love to see make a come back for back cueing and nudging. This form factor saving tool makes beat matching on modular gear possible and pleasant. I fear that we have fallen into a time where beat matching is a vestigial skill in digital DJing as most everyone runs full sync'd sets. This is unfortunate as you end up with folks at festivals proclaiming a lack of mathematical proficiency.
I don't know - you have a 20-year career in pop music, but you proclaim a lack of mathematical proficiency once and that's all you get remembered for! 🤣
I own & carefully maintain two Kontrol S5 controllers because there's no way in hell I want that much real estate taken up by something I don't use. Before it came out I owned an S4, and never once used the wheels. I wish NI had the sense to still offer a non-jogwheel controller.
My first decks were the kam cd 850 before jog wheels were a thing on cdjs. That definitely helped me learn what to do but jog wheels are really useful now as I try not to use sync (personal preference)
Pay for the features that you will use on your DJ sets, and choose gear that complements your style of playing. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution. I started DJing in the '90s, performing at clubs and raves (which the newer generation might now call festivals). After playing hundreds, if not thousands, of gigs, I’ve come to realize that for me, reliability is the most important factor when it comes to equipment. The latest effects or gadgets are nice, but for me, dependable gear is essential-a solid CDJ or turntable, a mixer with great EQ, smooth faders, and a good filter. That’s what I prefer to play on.
I cannot agree more on your views about DJ gears. As an application of these views, I can state that ALPHATHETA DDJ-GRV6 is going the other way (who cares about those remix features when one cannot even play a DVS from an external turntable because there is no input for that?) and Technics is following the right path (the SL 1200 GR has all one needs).
You only need jogs if you do creative tricks, such as scratching, spins, juggling, etc. If you don't do any of those, what would you need a jog wheel for? I still beat match too (no judgement, its just sort of automatic- so even if I turned on sync- my hand would still drift to correct from muscle memory). I have the Luke mixer, have used it and like it but it will never replace the V10 and the CDJs with a DJS 1000 for me. Just so much creative and fun stuff you can do with those, the Luke mixer seems like a toy in comparison. I found myself wishing it did more.
It’s all subjective. I prefer the ability to touch the wheel, at the very least to nudge tempo. Without jogs, if the grid isn’t dead on, or you are fiddling with mixed tempo/genres, it seems detached and awkward. Hey, to each his own. They’re all toys. Have fun, play with them.
My style of DJing, jogs in some capacity are Necessary!!! Gives us more freedom to manipulate music! If you want jogless controllers...go get a Maschine mk3 or a MPC One for live shows
I still use the jog wheels to line up the phrase on the incoming track since sync and smart fade only seem to line up the beats. If the software would automatically line that up for me I'd be happy to ditch the wheels to save space. caveat: I DJ for my friends on a large cargo bicycle, and have zero interest in ever doing it at a club.
Thanks Phil for 43:30, I have spun on everything since 1988. 1200s, Dennon DN-2000f dual decks, CDJ-200s, CDJ-1000s, to controllers and VDJ, and Serato. I went to Denon Prime in 2019, and went to DJing solely on my iPad for 2023, sometimes with a small controller, and often with no controller at all, and so, so, so many DJs give me such a hard time, I feel bullied into buying a big controller to sit in front of the iPad so I "look like" a DJ, just to please the DJ community. I find I am a better and faster dj just using the touchscreen as my controller.
@digitaldjtips I come from a Professional Photographic background and studied composition and lighting. Then did a Diploma in Live sound production in which stage lighting caught my attention. Larry Heard aka Mr Fingers always controlled his own lighting when DJ'ing.
Coming from my background as a longtime Traktor user, I never once seen a Traktor DJ use jogs in the techno scene. Quanitized techno usually does not require much use of the jogs if you’re BPMs are dialed in tight. I’m a bit tired of the sync controversy.
@@digitaldjtips well, that sounds like this hardware is irrelevant. The software is what's really needed to enjoy the feature. Why buy the hardware then?
Great episode! I’m all in favour of creativity, innovation, and technology and finding new ways to DJ (I’m currently doing the James Hype course). However, the basics/philosophy will always be the same. Right music to the right people at the right time + cut out the gaps in the track and any DJ will be fine. I think it’s important for new DJs not to get overwhelmed by the tons of features you get on today’s gear. I think it’s better to master one feature at a time and build that into your own personal DJ style and then move on to the next thing. 🔥💥👍🙏❤️😎🔥🎧💥👍
Is it not a good idea to leave the gear inside a flight case when DJing, as you risk over heating, there are vents on the side of my gear, if these were to be covered up against the foam padding inside the case, my gear might over heat
I've mine inside case for years with wireless mics laptop cooler, laptop, wireless video transmitters, blue tooth dongles phone and laptop chargers, power bricks etc never an issue, ill remove the laptop if I'm packing up in a hurry tho, but typically the laptop cooler does the job it's meant to do.. all snug in the case, Velcro, so I can remove anything within seconds of needed. Set up in pitstop times 😂
What controller has vents on the sides? Or needs cooling? No controller I've touched needs active cooling. Plus heat rises, so once you take the cover off, you should be good to go.
@@dannyboyex I have the SC6000’s and an a9, all have vents on the sides, I’ve just purchased a coffin case for them, as got a few gigs coming up end of the year, I don’t think I should be covering these up tight in the case with foam, they are there for a reason
@@digitaldjtips I am kidding around a bit and I get it for sure, and depends on what type of set you are playing...but there is nothing like scratching on a 12 inch platter :)
Without jogwheels the dj appears to have nothing to do especially to on lookers who need the visual element. Sure you can be laid back luke with a phone and a reloop toy but the average joe isnt gonna look like a real dj.
I still use my jog wheel like a 1210 and never sync Never Ban sync take it off dj eqipment If they take away people will run back to a turntables To many fakes out there
@digitaldjtips yes my man ban it ,djing was looked at has a art Now its a joke Ban it Theres no respect for a dj no more Piooner killed the art The jog wheel killed it too Motorised platers should of been main stream The tecnics dz should of been the king 🤴 But one video from utube blinded the masive You remmber it the guy was useing a usher track demonstrating how bad the sound was when scracthing with the dz Which was fixed with a update But that one video made the world run to piooner Yep sync should be gone ,im to late i know When you spent years practicing on 1210 to move to piooner 1000 And the years went on and they started added sync Piooner killed the art Yes it was a art
If you can't use jog wheels or platters I don't consider you a DJ. The basic art is to create sounds in addition to the music to make something unique. I wouldn't want to be in that category with celebrities that can't mix using only knobs and filters
@@allentasticIf we are just pressing buttons and turning knobs. Where is the performance value in that? Where is the instrumentation element? Why not just play premade ableton mixes all the time?
@@PooFace2030I do real time, improvised mashups using stems eq and I sync everything (I can beatmatch by ear adequately but using sync allows me to do trickier mixes seamlessly). If doing live remixes doesn’t make me a DJ idfk what does. The DJ community is filled with some of the most elitist gatekeepers of any niche I’ve ever been a part of, and I come from the metal and hardcore punk scene. TL;DR- it doesn’t matter what features you use or don’t use, what matters is if the crowd is having a good time. It’s so silly to fuss over how other people achieve things.
@@PooFace2030also, I’m more of an emcee/performer than a DJ. I spend the whole night bringing the vibes of the crowd up and people love it. THAT’S where the performance value is for me. Not in technical wankery that is no good for dancing.
![How DJs Know Which Song To Pick [The Definitive Guide To Playing Great DJ Sets]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/7JAoRPqQZYw/mqdefault.jpg)
TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Intro
00:15 Episode overview
01:43 5 surprising tips for modern mobile DJs
24:07 Have we reached "peak features" on DJ gear?
33:52 The importance (and future) of jogwheels..
Phil is such a nice person that even when he's being "contentious" he's still friendly, unassuming, and accepting of various opinions and preferences.
Thanks for that Paul!
Thank you Phil for this wonderful space. Proud student🎧💯😜
Our pleasure!
It's been a long old journey from DJaying in the early 1970's to now, and so much has changed in music technology and the way we interpret it. Having used vinyl extensively in the early days through tape,CD and then finally digital music. I loved the learning process and making mistakes all the way (apologies to the punters for the dead air) But what you said is spot on , its different strokes for different folks.We all have our ways of DJaying and this is the life and I'm grateful for your advice since you started your channel. Keep on keeping on. PK.
Thanks for the encouragement, Peter. It’s always appreciated.
You toke me back in early 90's when i started djing and bring me at today in 48 minutes, remind me when i'm from and who i am now. With my humble experience made in this 30 years i reflect myself in every single word you said. Glad to spent this 48 minutes watching you video and listening you. Peace from Italy Phil.
Thanks 🙏
Each to their own when it comes to DJ gear and style. I have decades of experience and played many styles, such as Funk, Soul, House, Hip Hop, etc. I've DJ'd in clubs, pubs and done many parties also, and even been a DJ in a band. The experience and acquired knowledge of DJing and working a crowd is so valuable to me. For me personally, DJing has also been about performance and enjoyment. I cannot give up moving platters I enjoy it too much, so the Rane Performer is perfect for retaining the feel of vinyl and using the endless creativity of using digital. I still love my vinyl and technics and that 'Pure' feel, but also love digital, with the fun and convenience's it can offer.
Bottom line is to find out what works for you, know what works and make it work, be it for your own personal listening or that with a listening audience.
This channel offers great advice for those new to DJing and even the seasoned DJ's.
Very good advice
I will always believe that a DJ's main attribute is the ability to get the crowd off the clock. The more features a controller possesses it is going to equate to the crowd milling around and waiting for the drop. I was a Nightclub Lighting Jockey in a 24 hour Nightclub and those DJ'S worked on a Monday, Tuesday as well as a Friday, Saturday night, so they learned to be patient. Watch some of the Legends play today, they still know how to sit on their hands and take you out to the deepest seas and then they bring you back home.
Yes, exactly. If features are pulling you away from the main job, then really they are not helping.
to your point about "peak features and gimics"
I'm picking up a brand new ddj sx for a little under $300. An extremely well built 4 channel controller from 12 years ago.
All the new technologies are mostly implemented through the software anyway so I don't feel like I'm missing out on anything. And if I was to get something state-of-the-art in the same price range the choices would be between the flx4, platinum fx or the hercules inpulse 500. And with the recent algoriddim djay hardware update, as well as compatibility with virtual dj, not to mention unlocking serato pro, It really seems like a no-brainer! I can't wait
They said we didn’t need jog wheels anymore when the Traktor S5 came out back in 2015. DJ’s need a way to play with the music than just pressing buttons and turning knobs. We are so quick to want to automate ourselves out of the job with all the new tech. The Tesla bots will be Dj’ing for us soon enough. Let’s enjoy the jog wheels for now.
They are certainly hard to give up.
I can relate to the topic of the DJ Gear, I am not a professional DJ, I have learn to DJ over the years and started when I was a teenager, now at my 50s yep, you read that right I use DJ as a way to relax and enjoy myself with good music. I was looking for a controller since I thought, well I am not going to invest in expensive DJ Gear since this is a hobby of mine and I saw the Laidback Luke Reloop Mixtour Pro and inmediately said that is, that's what I want and need, yes is not cheap but gives me that in between professional and not so much type of gear that I want and of course Luke take it to every gig and festival and beat the heck out of that thing but for me, using my iPhone or iPad with Beatport for my amusement and some friends is more than enough. Not to mention I save space at home. So, depends what you want, the software that you use because nowadays you need to choose a software and check your budget and start that's the important part.
same here, i do it mostly for relaxation and self therapy, in my case i do need the jog wheels or platters, it’s part of the doing
@@mario312 Totally agree Mario, if I decide to get serious well then I will decide if I need to invest in another gear but for me, this is perfect!
Really well said. There are so many ways to DJ and so many people who want to do it. One type of equipment is really not going to be right for everyone. It's so good that we've got the choice.
On your point about dj gear, there is a group of “ dj’s” (especially online) that are more interested in owning the latest dj gear than playing the music.
Oh yes, they suffer from what we call GAS - Gear Acquisition Syndrome!
Never thought I’d be a luddite about something, but thinking about giving up jog wheels stirred some emotions
Happens to us all in the end, Mario.
I started with house in the mid 90’s all vinyl and still play vinyl with my OG 1200s (45s) and it’s still by far the most fun way to DJ. However, I got me the Rane Seventy ATrak which is perfect for vinyl BUT also works as a controller… when I pay out I leave the turntables behind just take the mixer and use Serato in Transport mode - just using the performance pads in internal mode. It works for house perfectly and does not change the way I blend and deliver the music. No jog wheels needed as pitch bend on pads.
Yes, these mixers that also act as controllers are extremely good fun.
Thats great that you play guitar as well. I just finished reading Play It Loud, a book about the history of the electric guitar. The writer mentions the various quality of guitars, from used to antique fiberglass guitars, and lower range guitars vs "top shelf". Its a good book for all guitar players!
May have to grab that one!
44:39 I preach and practice the very same thing. I'm always looking for different ways of using, or even abusing, devices that were designed to be used only one way. Virtual DJ iRemote for example. Since I use Ableton Live along side Virtual DJ, I found myself having to toggle between those two softwares, so I when I toggle to Ableton, I'm not seeing where I'm at on Virtual DJ, I might run out of time to mix to the next track. Well, I realized that VDJ Remote on an iPad is an extra monitor to see what's going on with VDJ in real time.
Excellent tip, Jack. And it's funny how these things sometimes only occur to you when you've been doing it the hard way for a long time.
Coming from my background as a longtime Traktor user, I never once seen a Traktor DJ use jogs in the techno scene. Quanitized techno usually does not require much use of the jogs if you’re BPMs are dialed in tight.
Yeah, exactly. It depends upon the scene, the music, the place, the software, and so on. People tend to have quite a close view sometimes without realising the different ways people are DJing out there. Of course, as a DJ school, we get to see them all.
I'm mixing a Turntable and a CDJ at the moment so plenty of beat matching. I've spent years using Controllers but find it much more fun and interactive mixing without synching.
And there is absolutely nothing wrong with that - more power to you.
hey phil, your comments about "peak features" are really illuminating. The "groove circuit" might seem redundant or unnecessary to some DJs (I find it a bit chintzy myself), but as a dj who also produces music, I'm personally in favor of dj controllers incorporating more features from grooveboxes/drum machines (a la roland) and vice-versa, of course. Production and performance features beginning to converge in the same box seems like a natural progression to me, and moreover, it's one that, IMHO, leaves DJs with the long end of the stick at the end of the day.
Good points. And it's not as if combining these two is something that hasn't been attempted for many, many years. But I do think they are different disciplines, and it's a very talented and unique kind of person who can do a good job of DJing while also adding production spice on top.
Many very good points you talked about, Phil. A very good episode! Always good, but this one was really fitting for me.
Life hack for the community: The "look tidy" really triggered me... I often do work as a mobile one and still don't have a front cover/barrier ready; but I had to clean up my stand in the moment Phil said this... Now I just use the lid of the all black flight case, put it on/in front of the x-stand, directly clamped under the bottom case and arrange all the cables & a little tech behind... looks 10 times better. Cleaner & more solid. Huge difference! I really can recommend this. If anybody uses a case in combination with a x-stand, this method is really a big improvement.
Glad you found stuff that you could put into action straightaway, DJ PowerPaul, and thanks for your support.
Reloop Mixtour Pro to me makes sense because it's so portable but feature-rich. It's a trade-off, buttons under modifiers vs big bigger really big heavy controllers with dedicated buttons with almost no modifiers.
DDJ-GRV6 appeals to me because it has so many spare buttons to map to your desire if you don't like the default mapping/feature. It has 4 decks and is relatively affordable.
Decisions, decisions
I play with vinyl and DVS on Technics, i also play digital on a Traktor s3 and I also have a pair of Traktor D2s. I can mix on the S3 and D2s without headphones it's so easy and enjoyable. But I still love to beat match vinyl, that's my 1st love with DJing. I love it all! Just different ways of mixing. Wheels of steel, wheels of plastic, or no wheels at all!Everything changes with time. It's all fine with me 👍🏾
Love to hear this!
Jog wheels are not necessary but they do come in handy, depending on what type of DJ you are. I love the touch strip on the old Kontrol X1. It also has a shift/scroll knob for manually scanning tracks.
I guess a control to do it is handy, but what that control looks like is open to debate.
For what I do with mobile DJ'ing for specific clients in private functions I take multiple DJ controllers.
My criteria is compact and durable and the Reloop Mixtour Pro combined with the Hercules T7 which is DJ Pro AI compatible
Fair enough, thanks for sharing.
I'm getting irked by the keyboard warriors moaning and whining on about decks not coming out with stems. It's a feature that came out a year or two ago, but they act like stems have been a necessary feature of DJ gear for decades. They act like it's impossible to DJ without stems and honestly I think it might be impossible, for them. It'd be like if a car driver refused to drive a car with no self-driving, self-parking or auto-breaking capabilities. Grow up and learn to be a real DJ before complaining each time a new deck is released without your stem buttons.
😂 damn you good bro?
Stems and performance pads at the bottom of CDJ’s irks me..I can imagine J.Hype wanna-bees smashing the pads on $2800 CDJ’s
People hiring these ‘DJs’ would be as well buying a jukebox or just hooking up an iPod with a playlist. Same level of skill involved.
AI will render them obsolete
@@TheUnseenFenianHandto be fair, it’s still a guess as to when if ever AI can accurately read the crowd, prioritize multiple conflicting crowd requests, add appropriate entertainment between tracks music breaks sets etc
@@dancarthen3634In 2015, stems were sold by Native Instruments to users rather than created by mainstream. Times have changed where sometimes you can take the DJ out of the booth, but it’s hard to take the booth out of the DJ
I use a Pelican case. I make my own DJ table.
How about starting out with a Risk assessment to begin with.
All power leads tested and tagged and length colour coded.
Go to the venue prior to the gig and conduct a risk assessment and do a stage plot.
Run your audio cables away from power cables.
Take spare cables and a cable tester.
As well as a passive and active DI box.
Ask the function centre manager what the decor will be and fit in with the agreed upon decor.
Use Nashua Gaffer to secure your audio cables.
Use risers to get the DJ console, audio mixer to a height that works for you.
Laptop stands are perfect.
Use a 20 amp extension lead and run the lead in a direct line to your power board.
FYI I have done a Diploma of Electronic Music Production/Dip Live Sound production/Dip Event Management Music industry.
Been a functions waiter, private functions DJ in the 80's.
Safety is your first priority no one cares what colour your Gaffer is .
You can have both safe and attractive.
@digitaldjtips Possibly. Safety is the first and only priority in the Production Company that I founded .
Having staffed all the Major Music festivals in New South Wales Australia there's only one thing Safe Work NSW and Safe work Queensland care about, being in compliance with the Work Health and Safety Act of 2011.
5 major Music festivals are now closed in Australia. 3 more are under investigation for breaches of the Work Health and Safety Act of 2011.
I have worked in Hospitality as a Bar Man, Buffet runner for 1000 pax events and the Manager only cares about being in compliance with the Work Health and Safety Act of 2011. Not what the gear looks like or the colour of the Gaffer tape.
In 2000 pax venues cable bridges are what I have used running from the Stage box to the FOH desk.
Branded velcro straps, mega decks and its the same across all venues.
I recently went from using the Rane One to buying a Denon prime Go as a back up system but not it's the other way around,,
My set up is similar to Laidback Luke where the Prime Go is pretty small and compact but I have it paired to an iPad running Algoriddim Djay Pro software..
I don't really use the jogwheels for Djaying but do use them for preparing my music/beatgrids..
thanks for sharing
I wouldn't say we've reached peak DJ features. What we need is everything great we have but in one unit - a Pioneer club-ready standlone controller which has the onboard x-y effects grid of the Denon, intuitive midi mapping of Rekordbox, powerful on-the-go stem separation of Serato, and the efficient track analysis and loop encoder knob of Traktor.
Homer's car?
@digitaldjtips perfection
Nearly all of the DJs I see live never touch the tempo but still nudge the platter. I’m not sure why. Is sync on but quantization off? Is the beatgrid incorrect? I'm not sure.
yes the beatgrid can be even slightly off. Or Many DJs that operate at a very high level do not use sync, not because people wont think they are cool, but for the control. Without sync you need to make adjustments. I've spoken to this about many big names out there for instance Walker and Royce. They don't use sync and it's not that they don't think they could, but to not use sync means to never use it because it can get you in trouble. You will forget to adjust the tempo and try to manually drop the track and it can't be off. Well it can be slightly off, but it can't be a different tempo. If you go Sync, I find that I often have to turn it off on some tracks and adjust. My beatgrid is fine it's just that another track may not be hitting perfectly, you have to adjust it.
I’ve been using the Traktor Kontrol S5 for many years and am happy without jog wheels. But I heavily use the loop knob. Laidback Luke’s new controller won’t work for me with the overly complicated loop control. To need to press a second, tiny button in order to do basic loop functions is moving backwards.
It's easy enough, but take your point.
Yes, they are required. I've been DJing for 30 years, and I don't play birthdays or weddings. I play clubs and several-hour sets, and I need precise control over the positioning of each beat grid JIC. I need to make an adjustment. The jog wheel is perfect. It could be developed further to replicate scratching better. New DJs don't even get to have a say in it. You can find controllers that don't feature a jog wheel. They might have one, but it's trash. You all can play on those. We will keep the jog wheels. Y'all play on your phones. 🤣 Luke needs to layback and quit trying to innovate on something that I can say from listening to him for years that he has declined. He needs to go back to the jog wheel.
I was kind of with you until you got to the Luke bit. Luke is old enough to do what the hell he wants - he's got nothing left to prove.
went from traktor to cdjs and eventually back to traktor. at the end of the day portable is the way to go. playing on cdjs feel way more intuitive and u can learn quick at first, but they all same eventually as u dj for long time, then mobility becomes most important factor imo. 2 x1s, xone k2, traktor audio 6 mk2, and macbook pro running tp4 give me 4 channel setup with dedicated controls for all 4 decks plus semi drum machine (pattern player). then if u add f1, theres now dedicated sampler deck. easy to carry around in a backpack or carryon. i love this over any other setup.
You raise an interesting point, which is that if you're a beginner DJ or you're not quite sure, then you're definitely better off starting with more traditional gear. But as you say, later on, you can be more fine-tuned about what it is you want. And for a lot of DJs, they suddenly realise they don't need the jogwheels.
BPM analyzing is nice, but sometimes it doesn't work and that's ok, I won't go in and do it manually unless it's really bad. So I still really like jog wheels for inaccurate auto beat gridding. I can't imagine using buttons for nudging. A slider that springs back to the center as a "tempo bender" similar to a pitch bender wheel on synth keyboard might work, it would certainly save jog wheel space on an ultra compact controller.
As for scratching, I'm currently experimenting with X/Y grid on and iPad as a scratch pad, except I'm not scratching audio tracks, I'm scratching synth parameters, which sounds like the theremin, but there is latency because it's over wifi, maybe I can plug directly to get ultra low latency.
Dang, I just invented a new type of jog wheel for an ultra compact controller, "tempo bender wheels", except they wouldn't be horizontal like jog wheels, they would be vertical like a pitch bender wheel on a synth keyboard. Run with it, Forest! Run with it!
As you say, unless you are religious about getting your beatgrids right, then being able to manually beat mix is certainly a good thing because you can be a little bit more relaxed when it comes to correcting things that aren't quite right on the fly.
To answer your question, yes, jog wheels are needed. They’re fundamental to DJing. Of course you can pitch bend with buttons instead of jog wheels but why would you want. On a computer you can do most things a mouse can do from your keyboard, but why would you want? It’s just an interface and it’s the most initiative interface.
I agree completely - there's something timeless about having an inertia jogwheel to control music. And the funny thing is, it doesn't have to be spinning; it just has to be round and control the music in the way that's been figured out for static jogwheels. However, it's not for everyone, and there are people who are quite happy DJing without them.
Another Great episode. Thank you
Thanks for tuning in
Peak features ...yes, bit like mobiles. Battery, screen display, load times, stems is all that'll improve.
Yes, I mean mobiles have got quite boring really, haven't they? No one really cares when a new model is launched nowadays.
good jogs are necessary, if the software doesn't do it for you/you can't fix problems beforehands. it's kinda like if you should have effects on decks when you could just add them on top of tracks at home :P sometimes making things live gives you better touch on doing things.
also, jog wheels in controllers have been sort of bad in my opinion. like I can't really lean on any controller I've used, if the tracks start to go in wrong tempo for a reason or another. usually track has just changing tempo without any reason.
It does, and lessens the need for exhaustive prep. Two different ways of going about it basically
Get a bag of velco straps to quickly tidy your cables. When I first started using a controller it was difficult to be taken seriously, so who knows where this will go, but I do like good sized physical controls. I went straight from vinyl to controller too and often hold one of my jog wheels "still" even though it doesn't rotate as somewhere in brain it does, so I'm not sure I'll handle handle no wheels well..........Go on.....play the guitar!
I might just dig the guitar out one day.
A Very Good Evening To You Phil And All The Crew Behind The Scenes.
I Have A Quick Question Phil About A Product. Have You Heard Any Rumours Along The Grape Vine About A New (Pioneer XDJ 1000 MK2 ) Coming Out, Like A Pioneer XDJ 1000 MK3, or XDJ 2000) Or Anything Like That, and Also Any Rumours About An Updated DJM 750mk2. I'm Strongly Thinking Of Getting The XDJ 1000 MK2 & DJM 750mk2 mixer. I Don't Want To Purchase Them An A Month Later We Have New Gear.
Cheers Phil & Team.
No, we haven't heard any rumours about any of those things. That's not to say they're not going to happen, just that word hasn't reached us yet.
@digitaldjtips
Cheers for the reply folks, just thought I'd ask if you might have heard anything before I invest, as those Pioneer XDJ 1000MK2 are out awhile.
Oh, jumped into Rekordbox today just to organise some tunes and every tune I pulled up to put into the top decks 1 & 2 It kept reading File Not Found (what's that about) do you know.
Id not buy any controller without jog wheels (apart from when i bought 2 traktor f1s to go with the s4) id be lost without the tactical feel...
Slip que
Spin backs
Scratching
Try dropping down the loop sizes while using flanger and gater and scratching it up at the same rine then spinning it back and hitting the turntable brake effect on the traktor S4... Its like a drug 😂 id be lost without them.. they as essential as hot cues and knobs and faders imho.. maybe im an old fart 😂
I wouldn't say you are, but it's just a case of if they've got features that require them, then they're worth having. But if you find you never use them, then maybe it's worth considering not having them. It just shows that we're all different, doesn't it?
The Traktor D2, X1 mk2; with touch strip in place of a jog wheel is something I would love to see make a come back for back cueing and nudging. This form factor saving tool makes beat matching on modular gear possible and pleasant. I fear that we have fallen into a time where beat matching is a vestigial skill in digital DJing as most everyone runs full sync'd sets. This is unfortunate as you end up with folks at festivals proclaiming a lack of mathematical proficiency.
I don't know - you have a 20-year career in pop music, but you proclaim a lack of mathematical proficiency once and that's all you get remembered for! 🤣
Always the best, thanks Phil
You're very welcome, Franz.
I own & carefully maintain two Kontrol S5 controllers because there's no way in hell I want that much real estate taken up by something I don't use. Before it came out I owned an S4, and never once used the wheels. I wish NI had the sense to still offer a non-jogwheel controller.
Well, they do with the Z1 and the X1.
@@digitaldjtips Not exactly full-featured 4-deck controllers, though.
My first decks were the kam cd 850 before jog wheels were a thing on cdjs. That definitely helped me learn what to do but jog wheels are really useful now as I try not to use sync (personal preference)
That's going back a bit, Danny.
Great vid, as always! Thanks for the advices
Any time!
Pay for the features that you will use on your DJ sets, and choose gear that complements your style of playing. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution. I started DJing in the '90s, performing at clubs and raves (which the newer generation might now call festivals). After playing hundreds, if not thousands, of gigs, I’ve come to realize that for me, reliability is the most important factor when it comes to equipment. The latest effects or gadgets are nice, but for me, dependable gear is essential-a solid CDJ or turntable, a mixer with great EQ, smooth faders, and a good filter. That’s what I prefer to play on.
As I said in the episode - reliability. I'm totally with you there, Jason.
I cannot agree more on your views about DJ gears. As an application of these views, I can state that ALPHATHETA DDJ-GRV6 is going the other way (who cares about those remix features when one cannot even play a DVS from an external turntable because there is no input for that?) and Technics is following the right path (the SL 1200 GR has all one needs).
At least the AlphaTheta model is a bit better than the one it replaces in that respect.
@@digitaldjtips True, yet not so "better" as to have a minimal requirement to justify a $800++ price. In my view, of course.
38:00 - Ask Native Instruments about their Kontrol S8 from way back. They would probably tell you everything you need to know on this matter
We have.
Just wondering if keeping the dj controller inside of a case will cause it to heat up more as it won’t be able to disperse heat as well?
I don't think they have anything in them to heat up. None of the controllers I've used get hot.
No, Craig, it will be fine.
I have had Chauvet's Gigbar 2 for years. Can't go wrong with that.
Yes, Chauvet Gigbars are a good first port of call for this stuff - they're neat and they do a lot.
You don’t need a controller either or DJ then what do you have?
You only need jogs if you do creative tricks, such as scratching, spins, juggling, etc. If you don't do any of those, what would you need a jog wheel for? I still beat match too (no judgement, its just sort of automatic- so even if I turned on sync- my hand would still drift to correct from muscle memory). I have the Luke mixer, have used it and like it but it will never replace the V10 and the CDJs with a DJS 1000 for me. Just so much creative and fun stuff you can do with those, the Luke mixer seems like a toy in comparison. I found myself wishing it did more.
Thanks for sharing your experience with this, Kenneth. These are good points to make.
Playlist from them always
It’s all subjective. I prefer the ability to touch the wheel, at the very least to nudge tempo. Without jogs, if the grid isn’t dead on, or you are fiddling with mixed tempo/genres, it seems detached and awkward. Hey, to each his own. They’re all toys. Have fun, play with them.
I agree with you, but as you say each to their own!
Thank you!
You're welcome!
My style of DJing, jogs in some capacity are Necessary!!! Gives us more freedom to manipulate music! If you want jogless controllers...go get a Maschine mk3 or a MPC One for live shows
...or just use a jogwheel-free DJ controller made for the job?
I still use the jog wheels to line up the phrase on the incoming track since sync and smart fade only seem to line up the beats. If the software would automatically line that up for me I'd be happy to ditch the wheels to save space.
caveat: I DJ for my friends on a large cargo bicycle, and have zero interest in ever doing it at a club.
Sounds like a lot of fun, Luis.
@@digitaldjtips absolute blast. Only a couple hundred of us riding, but hope to get even half of Dom Whiting's numbers some day :)
Thanks Phil for 43:30, I have spun on everything since 1988. 1200s, Dennon DN-2000f dual decks, CDJ-200s, CDJ-1000s, to controllers and VDJ, and Serato. I went to Denon Prime in 2019, and went to DJing solely on my iPad for 2023, sometimes with a small controller, and often with no controller at all, and so, so, so many DJs give me such a hard time, I feel bullied into buying a big controller to sit in front of the iPad so I "look like" a DJ, just to please the DJ community. I find I am a better and faster dj just using the touchscreen as my controller.
Make your overall setup look great and DJ on what the hell you want, Stevie.
I have been djing for 15yrs and have never used jog wheels.😅
Good on yer!
Get a goose neck or mic stand. Makes using the mic while mixing easier. Or get a headset mic
Interesting ideas - thank you.
All I see in the club is a one channel up and jumping around and handfree mixing 😂
My new sc live 4 should be here tomorrow 🥳
Have fun!
@@digitaldjtips THANKS! I'm sure I will 👊😉. Self birthday gift lol
Not every case allows room for the connections while still in the case. Better make sure before you buy one
Oh yes, for sure, you'll have to do some experimenting and maybe some hacking as well to get it all to work.
Mad thing is turntables never needed updates or gimmicks, you need real skills.
Disagree
I have a Eurolight LC2412 and I make my own lighting racks
Excellent, you're way ahead of most people on here.
@digitaldjtips I come from a Professional Photographic background and studied composition and lighting. Then did a Diploma in Live sound production in which stage lighting caught my attention.
Larry Heard aka Mr Fingers always controlled his own lighting when DJ'ing.
Coming from my background as a longtime Traktor user, I never once seen a Traktor DJ use jogs in the techno scene. Quanitized techno usually does not require much use of the jogs if you’re BPMs are dialed in tight. I’m a bit tired of the sync controversy.
except when the beatgrids arent accurate and your screwed
Remember it's techno, not old funk. Generally, the beatgrids are gonna be rock solid.
@@copeyhagen4249 you can also map a nudge button as an alternative to needing a jog wheel. Generally you only really need jobs for scratching.
The GRV6 is interesting, but I think its a turnoff that its limited to one software, especially when the product is made for two softwares
To be fair, it does do something slightly different, but still interesting in Serato.
@@digitaldjtips well, that sounds like this hardware is irrelevant. The software is what's really needed to enjoy the feature. Why buy the hardware then?
Do platters matter ?
It's a better title - thank you for that. We might use it in the future.
👍👍👍👍👍
Great episode! I’m all in favour of creativity, innovation, and technology and finding new ways to DJ (I’m currently doing the James Hype course). However, the basics/philosophy will always be the same. Right music to the right people at the right time + cut out the gaps in the track and any DJ will be fine. I think it’s important for new DJs not to get overwhelmed by the tons of features you get on today’s gear. I think it’s better to master one feature at a time and build that into your own personal DJ style and then move on to the next thing. 🔥💥👍🙏❤️😎🔥🎧💥👍
And you missed out the one important thing - keep the volume the same. It's amazing how many DJs take a little while to figure that one out.
Bring back punch buttons & kill switches
They were the days!
The Shure BETA 58 is better because there is less chance of getter feedback ! I only use these at all weddings
Thanks for your info. I have no way of verifying that, as my SM58 has been my constant companion since I was 16. I never had any need to change it!
When will AI completely play my set so the audience can stand still filming me dance on their phones? Asking for a friend...
Not sure, maybe ask AI? 🤖
Is it not a good idea to leave the gear inside a flight case when DJing, as you risk over heating, there are vents on the side of my gear, if these were to be covered up against the foam padding inside the case, my gear might over heat
I've mine inside case for years with wireless mics laptop cooler, laptop, wireless video transmitters, blue tooth dongles phone and laptop chargers, power bricks etc never an issue, ill remove the laptop if I'm packing up in a hurry tho, but typically the laptop cooler does the job it's meant to do.. all snug in the case, Velcro, so I can remove anything within seconds of needed. Set up in pitstop times 😂
What controller has vents on the sides? Or needs cooling? No controller I've touched needs active cooling. Plus heat rises, so once you take the cover off, you should be good to go.
@@dannyboyex I have the SC6000’s and an a9, all have vents on the sides, I’ve just purchased a coffin case for them, as got a few gigs coming up end of the year, I don’t think I should be covering these up tight in the case with foam, they are there for a reason
@@chrisbrewinbland3881 fair. Fortunately, that's some pro kit that will still look professional outside of the case
We hear you, but in our experience, that's never been the case.
Hate tape! I’m going wireless!
Must. Have. MOTORIZED jogwheels :) My Rane 12 doubles up with any controller I use
Well, nowadays most would disagree with you, but I agree motorised jogwheels are certainly cool.
@@digitaldjtips I am kidding around a bit and I get it for sure, and depends on what type of set you are playing...but there is nothing like scratching on a 12 inch platter :)
Just give us stems. Lol stems is the new EQ. DJing has evolved past regular EQ’s now.
Nah, disagree
@@digitaldjtips sorry but DJing has evolved
Jog Wheels. Vital imho if your an Open Format/Mashup DJ, not so much if your just blending/layer mixing the latest Techno or Progressive House.
Yes, for most people that's absolutely true.
Without jogwheels the dj appears to have nothing to do especially to on lookers who need the visual element. Sure you can be laid back luke with a phone and a reloop toy but the average joe isnt gonna look like a real dj.
Yes, that's true, although it can be offset by the quality of what's coming out of the speakers, of course.
I still use my jog wheel like a 1210 and never sync
Never
Ban sync take it off dj eqipment
If they take away people will run back to a turntables
To many fakes out there
Good on you, but come now - you can't start banning things.
@digitaldjtips yes my man ban it ,djing was looked at has a art
Now its a joke
Ban it
Theres no respect for a dj no more
Piooner killed the art
The jog wheel killed it too
Motorised platers should of been main stream
The tecnics dz should of been the king 🤴
But one video from utube blinded the masive
You remmber it the guy was useing a usher track demonstrating how bad the sound was when scracthing with the dz
Which was fixed with a update
But that one video made the world run to piooner
Yep sync should be gone ,im to late i know
When you spent years practicing on 1210 to move to piooner 1000
And the years went on and they started added sync
Piooner killed the art
Yes it was a art
If you can't use jog wheels or platters I don't consider you a DJ. The basic art is to create sounds in addition to the music to make something unique. I wouldn't want to be in that category with celebrities that can't mix using only knobs and filters
Lmao ok boomer
@@allentasticIf we are just pressing buttons and turning knobs. Where is the performance value in that? Where is the instrumentation element? Why not just play premade ableton mixes all the time?
@@PooFace2030I do real time, improvised mashups using stems eq and I sync everything (I can beatmatch by ear adequately but using sync allows me to do trickier mixes seamlessly). If doing live remixes doesn’t make me a DJ idfk what does. The DJ community is filled with some of the most elitist gatekeepers of any niche I’ve ever been a part of, and I come from the metal and hardcore punk scene.
TL;DR- it doesn’t matter what features you use or don’t use, what matters is if the crowd is having a good time. It’s so silly to fuss over how other people achieve things.
@@PooFace2030also, I’m more of an emcee/performer than a DJ. I spend the whole night bringing the vibes of the crowd up and people love it. THAT’S where the performance value is for me. Not in technical wankery that is no good for dancing.
@@allentasticso, to his point; you’re not a DJ. Could have just left it at that instead of taking 3 posts to circle back round to it 👍😂
Wouldn't pay for a dj ing from a phone, I'd pay more for a vinyl dj not some superstuper dj who has "proven himself" but will dj out of a phone.
Fair enough, it's a free world out there - you can book who you want to book.