Traktor Scratch Pro 2: Checkin' FX

Traktor Scratch Pro 2 has over 30 effects that each have multiple parameters to tweak.  You can also combine effects (up to 6 at a time) to pretty much mangle the entire track into something new.  The screenshot below shows a few ways effects can be configured.  You can have 3 effects chained together with 1 dry/wet to control all three effects.  Each independent effect will have a knob dedicated to it for parameter modulation as well as an on/off trigger.  This is also on a per deck basis so you have have 4 different decks, each with its own set of effects. 

Creative possibilities here are pretty incredible, have the same track playing on multiple decks, each with different effects layered over them.  This means that you now have functionality comparable to matrix inputs on the mixer even if the hardware doesn't.  You can easily live remix just with the effects banks and volume faders.  Another cool thing about Traktor's effects is that they are synced up to the master clock in order to keep the effects in time even with tempo changes in the track.  Check the link for a couple of audio demos of the effects.

Deep roots dub from Cincinnati

Jesse Goffin has had his share of experience in the music industry in cities across the US. From growing up in NYC and working with his father in the studio to making waves in LA producing with the likes of Warren G, DJ I.C.U.-dubFREQuently has landed in Cincinnati continuing his efforts. Funny enough, I met Jesse in the BMV for the first time getting tags for my car. I knew that it was going to be a fun chat with him while I waited.  We got to talking about DJing and dubstep and he hooked me up to his soundcloud where I was blown away.  If you're into the roots of dub this is your man.  Jesse digs deep into the soul of dub serving it up on a polished platter.  His production takes the more subtle rhythmic elements and exposes them to create a quality listening experience. A clip of "Gunmen Dub" to be released on Sublife Recordings is a quick preview of what he has to offer. On his soundcloud you'll find quite a few mixes that are quality all the way through! Keep a look for his name on lineups to come and check his tracks on Beatport.


Gunmen Dub Excerpt by I.C.U.- dubFREQuently

Step your Fresh Up Fridays - Madd Tunes for the Weekend

The 2 Bit Thugs are droppin a new release on March 7th with a refix 'A Good Look' one of their previous tunes.  Holding on to their signature sound it's another crowd pleaser for sure.  Just enough wobble to satisfy and not over the top with LFOs modulating every piece of the lead synth melody.

2 Bit Thugs - A Good Look (2011 Refix) by 2 Bit Thugs

 
Second up on the plate is a serving of old school funk from A Tribe Called Wes from Juice Recordings and a remix with a new school take by DJ Fixx.  I got a message from Wes this morning over soundcloud and had to check out his tracks.  A surprising amount of soul jumped straight out of the original and Fixx's classic breakbeat glitchy vocals made both a must have.  Sickness from NYC and ill sounds from Chi, be prepared to bounce in your seat or on the dancefloor!

JRSR060, Tokyo Funk (Wes Smith's Low Rider Rework), ATCW Super Soul Fighter by ATribeCalledWes

JRSR061, Tokyo Funk (DJ Fixx's Tokyo ReFixx), ATCW Super Soul Fighter by ATribeCalledWes

Third up are a few tunes from Jesse Brewer aka REL1 out of Atlanta, GA.  Consistently dropping new re-rubs of killer tunes, his soundcloud needs to be in your browser pretty much all day.  I haven't heard one tune I haven't downloaded instantly.  Bass heavy monsters and dancing 'til you fall over, this pretty much covers it in my book.  His newest rub is of Fascinated by DJ Dan and is of course, dope as usual.  Without further delay...

Dj Dan - Fascinated (Dj Bam Bam Remix) (REL1 RE-RUB) by REL1

Darth & Vader and Perfect Cell - Cellbacca (REL1 RE-RUB) by REL1

Electric Soulside - Electric State (Dirtyloud Remix)(REL1 RE-LICK) by REL1

This should get you a good start on your weekend...

Scratch Live 2.2 - Updates and New Mappings...

The update of Scratch Live to 2.2 includes many additions including new mappings for existing hardware.  One main focus is to have midi controllers such as the Vestax VFX-1 be plug and play and automap to corresponding controls for use with Scratch Live as well as ITCH.  The same is true for the TTM-57 having better control over the DJ-FX section of Scratch live.  I'll just focus on the VFX-1 mappings in this post.  First if you haven't seen the VFX-1, let's get familiar...

The layout of the controller is clean and straight forward.  The following is a list of the default settings.  The top end of the controller will control fx for the left deck and bottom half for the right deck.  The beats knob selects the effects BPM multiplier.  The latch control is mapped to switch the on/off button between momentary and toggle.  This way you can punch in/out of effects or have the toggle so you can tailor the feel dependent on which effect you're using.  You can change which deck is the fx apply to by using the A/B assign buttons to toggle between left and right decks.  In super knob mode (you have 3 effects available for use) the depth knob, on/off button, and the select knob will control only the effects selection in the first slot.  In Ultra knob mode, the controller will control the effect for the entire channel.  The difference between Super knob and Ultra knob are shown below.  Super knob has 3 independent effects, whereas Ultra knob has one specific effect that can be a combo of effects controlled by 1 knob.  The effect programming can get very granular as you can expand menus to adjust individual parameters of effect.

All the other controls on the unit are individually assignable so that leaves you with 3 buttons and a knob that can be assigned to other elements of Scratch Live.  This controller is intended to be used with the two deck setup, so we'll see how the mappings change with the introduction of the SL4.  My assumption is that there will be new mappings that look at which hardware is plugged in, and map accordingly, but you can always map these individually and save as a midi profile.  New info to come on more features of the 2.2 update!

Traktor Scratch Pro 2: Delving into the Software

So with the interfaces out of the way, we'll dig a bit into some of the new features of the software that run them.  The single color waveform display has been a gripe of users for some time now.  Not anymore.  The new "TruWave" display is more crisp then ever as you can customize the degree of color separation for different frequencies and transients.  Some screenshots are below of the new waveform.  The first is an example of more of a subtle approach and the second will look somewhat familiar to the Scratch Live users out there.  Giving the user more customization options can be a double edged sword since some users just want a "plug and play" solution which has everything just right for them out of the box.

Another feature is the loop recorder.  You can overdub your recordings as well as route any or all channels to it, completely customizable.  The loop recorder can also function as a 5th deck, snatch your loop, overdub it, then shoot it into the sample player for playback from there.  Crazy possibilities here without a doubt.

Additional feature examination to come in the next few days:  looping, sample players and more!

Weekend antics - RUN WYLD Ft. Udachi

This week Dance Hard Die Hard & Urban Pioneer have dubstep roughneck Udachi from Brooklyn, NY at the Main Event this Friday.  Not only do you have an awesome show, but you get to ring in 3 birthdays for the artists performing -- SMiRK, Stuart Allen, and Vennatics!  Udachi has some absolutely killer tracks out including "Paypur" (collaborated with Jubilee), "P-Funk Skank" and "JellyRoll.  His mix for Chemical Jump is below and ranges from some deep 2-step to grimey dubstep.  Enjoy the mix and see you this Friday

Udachi - DJ Mix for Chemical Jump by udachi

Colorado comes full force -- DJ Hero

Yeah yeah, okay, his name is DJ Hero, he's been around a hell of a lot longer than the game.  He's a killer breaks producer from Detroit relocated to Denver that has a distinct style that to me is a blend of classic Florida breaks and new school grinding mid-range leads.  He's the head engineer at Velcro City Records and has been putting a hurt on bass heavy dance music for quite some time.  After getting a consistently great dancefloor response from his tracks I have to throw this one up for you, he's an all star of uber hard hitting basslines.  I love the glitchy vocal drops throughout which is a staple in almost every release.  Keep an eye on his soundcloud for upcoming releases!

DJ Hero - Canon Ball (Original Mix) by DJ Hero

8*B1T - Breakbeat Fiend from Austin, TX

8*B1T brings the noise again with his newest release coming to Royal One Records.  As a follower of 8*B1T's work he's consistently delivering quality breaks to keep the dancefloor poppin'.  I used his remix of Soul Puncherz - We Got The Boom on my lastest mix 'Serious Business 2' with great response from DJs and clubbers alike.  Check out his upcoming releases and peep his Soundcloud for some goodies on the regular.  He's always posting up some quality material whether for purchase or free.99.  Enjoy!

Les Strobelights - Just Don't Care (8*B1T Remix) by 8*B1T

Native Instruments vs Rane - DVS Debate

Rane or Native instruments?  With the debut of Traktor Scratch Pro 2 there's a lot of debate on which system would suit your style.  Another consideration is that Rane is also releasing new hardware for their updated version of Scratch Live.  How is Scratch Live going to fare against it's updated competitor with new interfaces and features?  Let's find out...I created a chart that documents the features of each interface.  I'll be doing more posts on this topic as the time of release (April 1st) comes up.

We first need to put some things on the table, the new features of Traktor Scratch Pro 2 hardware.  The new Audio 6 and Audio 10 will no longer use the multi-core cables eliminating potential expensive replacement if lost or damaged. Definitely a big plus in my book since at $33 each, this could get expensive quick.  The Traktor interfaces feature status LEDs on the inputs which gives the user a clear indication of what mode the hardware is functioning in.  Troubleshooting wiring in a dark club, we've all been there, this is a plus for sure.  The interfaces still only have one USB port which I don't understand.  The ability to switch out DJs seamlessly without unhooking equipment was not addressed here besides having a direct thru available when plugged in with a wall wart.  The output level on the Audio 10 and Audio 6 is 2.35 Vrms which is slightly above the standard line level of 2 Vrms.  For reference, the SL1 output is 2 Vrms so if this is too quiet for you, the Audio 10 and Audio 6 are a bit hotter output side.  These interfaces can also be used as a 10 in 10 out or 6 in 6 out soundcard although all connections are going to be RCA and mono.  If you use MIDI capable hardware on stage, the Audio 10 has you covered with MIDI I/O.  This means you can sync your synth, sampler, sequencer, or other outboard gear without having an additional MIDI interface.  Where does our competitor stand?

The new Scratch Live SL4 offers 4 deck capabilities as well, but offers 2 USB ports for seamless switching of DJs.  This can be a big plus if it is club owned equipment since switching hardware won't be an issue for DJs using SSL.  Other features make them pretty much comparable, but the SL4 as well as SL3 are hotter on the output side than either of the Traktor interfaces and there is no MIDI option.  One advantage the SL4 has over the Audio 10 is that the power cable is not necessary.  The Audio 10 MUST be hooked up to the grid, or no worky.  As any Rane product I would expect the same robust and durable design we’ve seen in the SL1 and SL3.  According to the Rane site, the box is supposed to weight a total of 6 pounds!  We’ll see when actually shipped, but that is one heavy interface.  In the next installment I will go over some new features of the software and dive deeper into what’s good for who, until then…

Step your Fresh Up Fridays - Mix from DJ Vize

Here's a mix to keep you bumpin' through the night from my boy Mitchell Hanson (DJ Vize) out of Portland, OR.  A breakbeat staple in the pacific northwest, Vize is droppin' it hard with 'Consider the Source', his newest mix compilation.  From booty breaks to techy goodness he brings a fresh style to the scene.  Although a great live performer Vize doesn't quit in the studio either with releases on Static System Music, 13Breakz, and Ridiculoud Records.  His productions have a unique blend of killer basslines with progressive leads and techy stabs for the B-Boy in all of us.  Have a look at his soundcloud and keep a lookout for his name in the Midwest, now enjoy the mix, and as always, keep it fresh!

Vize - 'Consider the Source' Part I (Winter 2011 DJ Mix) by Vize

Columbus = ColumBASS!

 

So are you a fan of Dubstep?  How about Electro House?  Well...our friends over at Ohio Stand Up in are doing it yet again with a bangin' event this evening:  ColumBASS 2.0.  Located at Bernie's Distillery this event is about to be jam packed early on so make sure you get there in time or you may be left out.  Drink specials all night long and blacklight party = WIN for the cbus crowd for sure, and no doubt it's going to get wild.  Servin' up beats for you tonight are DJ Pro Bono, my boy Magua, niceFingers, and FreeWater!  This will be a ridiculous bass, crazy cheap drink, glow in the dark old fashioned rager.  Here's a taste of Magua to get your ears goin.

Here we go at Bernie's (Bassnectar vs. Weekend at Bernie's) - UPDATED by Magua

Event page HERE

It's time to Make Your Groove with Utku S.

I've definitely kicked off my friday proper with a nice track from Utku S. out of Instanbul. His productions have a unique sound which fuses elements of indie dance and hard electro house. The tracks he bangs out are funky yet have a full feeling bottom end that doesn't leave you feeling bass hungry. He's been released on LOT49, Plasmapool, Big Fish Records, and a list of other labels for a few years now while continuing to have support from many industry heads. I found this in my list of soundcloud tracks this morning and figured you'd want a listen as well. It doesn't steer far from his style at all, and retains enough glitchy elements similar to Phonat to really bring some good variation throughout the track. Check it out and leave him some feedback!

Utku S. - Make Your Groove by Utku S.

4/4 Hotness from Joman, Baymont Bross, and Sporty-O!

Just came across some new hotness from Joman.  As a long time producer, Joman has been putting out tracks of Denver's very own Velcro City Records for quite some time now.  I've been playing his tracks out for over a year and every time they come across with a great response from the dancefloor.  Check out his newest posting on soundcloud and let him know what's up!


Baymont Bross & Sporty-O! - Handz Sky Up (Joman Remix) by Joman

Gear Freaks: Pioneer DJM900 Nexus

 

Through the years we've seen the staple at clubs being a Pioneer DJM-800, Rane TTM-57, or A&H Xone:92.  Pioneer has made their official announcement today for the DJM-900 Nexus.  Although at first it looks like a slightly modified 800, the devil is in the details.  This little devil has a lot to offer being Traktor Scratch certified means no more lugging around your interface and the control surface also does midi a the touch of a button.  The 4 Traktor virtual decks have playback direct to the mixer via USB and more I/O is also available per channel for outboard devices.  A few new color effects are introduced as well including Space reverb which combines HPF/LPF+Verb per channel for you tech heads and Dub Echo that combines HPF/LPF+Tape Delay.  The standard effects processor is also now expanded as well with a new control strip and quantization button for 100% sync guaranteed.  I'll let the Pioneer site take it away from here with all the proprietary CDJ and Rekordbox integration details and more!

All around breakbeat dominator -- Elite Force

 

A seasoned veteran DJ and producer, Elite Force (Simon Shackleton) has been churning out tunes for the last 14 years and playing shows across the globe.  A true heavyweight of remixes and originals Simon is a sure shot as can be seen in the burning man vid from the Opulent Temple stage.  I mean really, there's a button for the DJ to shoot fire at will from the top of a giant obelisk...pretty much incredible.  That being said his releases have a sound to match, being featured on LOT49 and U&A Recordings and new free remixes on his website on the regular.  His sound has developed over the years from Tech-Funk to Dubstep and in between, but there is a common theme: bass heavy EDM to keep the crowd wanting more.  His latest remix of MJ Cole and Nero is posted below for you to check out.  The overall sound combines piercing vocals as well as the grinding lead synths and sub-bass that is a staple in his tracks as of late.  Check his site for new tracks and promo materials as well.  I've found quite a few killer tracks that he's gracious enough to release to us at no charge.  Listen and enjoy!

MJ Cole - Sincere (Elite Force Vs Nero Mix) by Elite Force

Put up your dukes and THROWDOWN!

Give us a Break! and Urban Pioneer are filling this weekend with broken beats and four on the floor rhythms at the Main Event located at 835 Main Street downtown Cinci.  If you haven't been out before you're in for some aural excitement from the JBL SRX soundsystem being one of the cleanest systems in the city with a sizable dance floor to match.  B-boy or wallflower you'll be sure to move your feet to Stuart Allen, one of the newest members of the Future Sound of Breaks and founder of Give us a Break! out of Dayton, OH.  Stu's sets span the gamut from dubstep to booty breaks and if you're lucky a bit of high energy drum and bass to keep the blood pressure just right.  Goodvibez, another major proponent in the gaub crew will be dropping his signature sound on Cinci.  Goodvibez is all about what the name implies.  His in styles run from techy breaks, to hip hop, and anywhere in between with one theme in common: positive thinking and dancing your ass off.  Resident DJ and party coordinator Rick Always will be dropping some subwoofer treats on you with bass heavy house music.  C-Los will be leaving you wanting more with some four on the floor to stomp your feet to.  Here's a quick taste of Stu's latest mix:

Stuart Allen // Studio Sessions v1.0 by stuartallen

Event page HERE

Return of the Bassment: Scene Love?

Once again my man Joe "Dusk" Waked brings back a staple in the Cincinnati EDM scene, BASSment at the Mad Frog. Since it's origination the event has attracted those in touch with the dance music culture here in town and never ceases to amaze. The reintroduction show featured The Lady Foursquare from Chicago, IL and Mike Donovan from Dayton, OH accompanied by local talent DJ Smasher, Scott Ruckus, DJ DirtyC, Firecat 451, and myself.  All in all another great BASSment event that went off without a hitch.  You can check out clips from both Lady Foursquare and Mike Donovan's sets courtesy of Baosr and pics courtesy of Jared Southard.

12th Planet in Columbus

So a few weeks ago the guys from Next Era Entertainment, RUN614, Ohio Stand Up, and My Best Friends Party threw one hell of a show.  I got booked to play the back room during 12th Planet and ran through a series of new tracks from a few select breakbeat artists that really got the dancefloor hyped.  After such a refreshing experience I made a new mix for you guys to check out below, Serious Business 2.  Check the mix and post up some comments on here or otherwise to let me know what you do or don't like about it.

Serious Business 2 [Download] by Bit Flip