Maestro DJ Blog

Wassup peeps!

Well my next blog is about a new trend in mixing that is rising in popularity today: Digital Music Controllers. Most old school DJs don't really like them and still prefer turntables, but well it's the new generation so expect manufacturers to focus more on them. A big example is the recently concluded NAMM 2010 with the release of so many new products catering to these new market like the Numark MixDeck, V7, X7, and the NDX800. Gemini also announced the release of their own new software controllers: the Gemini CTRL ONE and CTRL SIX.

Part 2: Digital Music Controllers

Nowadays, audio libraries no longer entail stacks of CDs or Records. Most of our music are already stored in iPods, MP3 players, USBs and in our computers like a laptop or a hard disk. Because of this we now see a proliferation of software controllers that mimic the feel of DJ mixing decks. Most old school peeps would call them toys and while it's true that the "feel" is different it can pretty much achieve the same things.

The biggest difference in using software controllers or digital music controllers as compared to using traditional mixing decks is that it is designed to browse through music libraries instead of plugging/ejecting CDS or placing/replacing vinyls on top of turntables. This is a basic question of audio source, and whichever makes you more comfortable is what's best for you. No one is saying digital controllers are better than turntables but if you have hundreds of songs in your computer then what are you supposed to do?

Most controllers use jog dials/wheels to allow you to speed up or slow down your music just like most CD/MP3 Decks. This is different from the Pitch Control which dictates that overall speed of the music. They also have the advantage of having Cue Points (like a memory point that you can save and go back to any time). Of course, depending on what software or controller you're using, there are other features that allow you to jump from one music to another. And most software controllers already have the mixing controls included.

Then there's the Numark NS7 or NS7FX. It's a software controller, you need a laptop to use it, but it has the feel of a turntable battle deck. As I said in my previous blog, most of the really good mixing techniques developed over the years were done with the use of turntables so you still can't beat the "feel" of a turntable/mixer combo. But technology eventually catches up to tradition and the Numark NS7 is a good example. But remember that this platter-type wheels are still not real records. So be careful when switching your turntable for controllers like this and be sure it's what you want.

In the end digital mixing is all about the next generation. Mixing in your laptops is something that people find more convenient considering that most people nowadays have laptops. So while it may be true that you can't totally get everything that a turntable gives, it's still a very good place to start.

Maestro DJ Blogs

January 16, 2010 - Part 1: Choosing your DJ Gear / Equipment
January 23, 2010 - Part 2: Digital Music Controllers