Deejaying #2: Traktor Kontrol S4

Traktor Control S4 was designed from its conception as a fully integrated system where software and hardware are fused in perfect harmony. Once you experience it, you’ll immediately feel how simple, yet powerful and fluid a professional DJ system can be. Traktor Control S4 is the culmination of a 10-year vision and experience only Native Instruments can provide. So whether you’re a seasoned Traktor user looking for the ultimate controller, or just entering the world of digital DJing, the S4 delivers like no other can. 

Custom-tailored for Traktor, the S4 fuses a premium-quality 4 channel DJ mixer, a built-in 24 bit/96 kHz soundcard, an intuitive controller, and the flagship Traktor Pro 2* software into one fully professional solution - the ideal one-stop package for DJs who want pro features, instant usability and go-anywhere portability. 

I think it is a good development, because everything is becoming more and more digital based, also the controls and possibilities are endless. You can do everything with one touch. But the fact that beatmixing is being done by Traktor itself makes me wonder if it still is fun to mix if you do not have to do anything yourself anymore? It is not a challenge anymore to mix tracks when you use a program like Traktor.

What do you think about the new technologies that are being developed? Mixing is becoming very easy because of these new products that are being brought on the market. Doesn't it affect the creativity and skills of a deejay? Or is it creating new possibilities for deejays to focus on other features of their performance? 

For more product information check http://www.native-instruments.com/#/en/products/dj/traktor-kontrol-s4/

Producing #2: Cubase 6

Steinberg has brought a new version of Cubase on the market, Cubase 6, with a lot of new features and improvements on the previous versions. Cubase is lately paying a lot of attention to the editing of audio-file withing the interface. In Cubase 5 it was already a great improvement but because I am still working with Cubase 5 I am wondering who has already started using Cubase 6 and what their opinion about the new version is. Because I really want to edit audio files in a good and efficient way and I think that the new version of Cubase is perfect for that. As seen on the clip on their website the new features work in a very good way and let you work with audio-files just like midi-files.

For more info about the product check

http://www.steinberg.net/en/products/cubase/cubase6_start.html

Deejaying #1: Pioneer Gear

Pioneer is the current market-leader when it comes to DJ-gear.
For me Pioneer is perfect when it comes to deejaying, their products are reliable and easy to use.
When I am playing I mostly use a DJM800 and 2x CDJ2000 or a DJM909 and 2x CDJ1000mk3. I prefer the CDJ2000 because of the usb and link function that is on it. It allows me to have quick access to all my music and untill now I did not have any bad experiences with for example skipping tracks while playing.
Also the DJM 800 is a great mixer to use, it has got all the functions a deejay needs. All the effects are easy to use and of great quality.

Pioneer just released its new mixer, the DJM900 Nexus, and I am very curious about that. Here is a clip in which the new mixer is being introduced.



What is your opinion about the Pioneer products? and which products do you use?

Producing #1 Which program do you use?

To start this blog with some interactive information I would like to know which programs do you use to produce your music? Is it Logic, Cubase, FL-studio, Ableton or others? Why are you using those programs and what do you think about them?

I use Cubase 5, why? because that is the program I grew up with, I started of with Cubase SX when I was at the age of 12. A friend of mine taught me the basics and from then on I started to learn things myself. Because of the years of experience with Cubase I do not see a reason for me to switch to another program because I am happy with the way I am currently working. Also the possibilities are endless with Cubase so I can use my creativity to the fullest.

A few years ago I thought that the only good professional programs were Logic and Cubase, because of the simplicity of other programs. After a while I found out that there were a lot of producers working with programs like Fruity Loops and made great productions. My opinion about the program you are working with as a producer is that you must work with a program you find easy to use and that gives you the freedom to express your creative ideas the way you want them. Producing music is all about creativity and inspiration so it doesn't matter what kind of program you are using, it is about the way you express it.

New blog about producing and deejaying

Hey people,

I thought it would be a good idea to set up a blog for fellow deejays and producers, to share information about the music industry that is related to the world of deejaying and producing. On this blog I will post messages about new developments, releases and other interesting news about the topic.

I hope you will enjoy reading this blog and share your own thoughts with eachother

Grtz Impression