#madflip

Every once in a while we receive emails from our customers thanking us for the support we provided them. Here is one that stood out. Frank Mazzuca contacted us because he wanted to get his son a DJ Controller that is great for beginners but still fully functional for Professional gigs. He spoke to one of our Pro Sales Representatives, Scott Magno, and they both agreed that the Mixtrack was the perfect product.

"I introduce to you DJ MooseHead. Moose is my son's nickname at school. First gig was a major success...just wanted to share the love.

Frank

PS: he loves his Numark gear!"

The best part about this story is that Marcel Mazzuca aka DJ MooseHead is only 13!

DJ MooseHead with his Numark Mixtrack

I get asked all the time "How do I become a DJ?"  I love having this conversation because I love being one.  Sometimes it happens when I'm in between mixes in a loud environment, and sometimes it happens on this blog or on our You Tube Channel.  Either way the answer is quite simple.  "Become What You Already Are".  You are already a DJ to some degree.    It might sound Zen-like or Utopian but it is true.  You probably have a favorite song or you've compiled a play list to listen to or even to share with a friend.  If you have ever made a mix tape for a special occasion or for a significant other or for yourself then you're already closer to being a DJ than you think.  Here are the first things to consider when your journey begins. MUSIC Decide what you want to play and start your collection.  Start with what you already have and build upon it.  Without dating myself (accurately anyway), I bought records in vinyl form the old fashioned way.  I watched 120 Minutes late on Sunday nights and made a list of what I liked.  I went to the local record store with my list and bought what they had and asked Eric to order what they didn't have.  Rinse and repeat every week.  My intentions back then were to compile a collection of cool tunes so I could record my favorites on a cassette and share with my friends who wanted to listen to it.  These days you have many resources in which to listen to and purchase good music.  DJs will post their Top 10's on sites like Beatport in order to give you an idea of what's hot and you can almost always purchase the tracks directly from the site.  There are also a multitude of music blogs that exist to keep you up to date on new releases, remixes and the artists and DJs that are making the hot tracks.  So in essence you want to get educated on the music and the people that create it, decide what you want to play and buy it, build your collection and finally, prepare it for presentation.  You can then start to develop ideas of how you want to program your mix based on what you want to accomplish.  This process is ongoing especially if you want to stay current and get gigs.  At the end of the day, it is really all about the music.  No matter what.

At long last we have a Pioneer Serato Itch controller in the DDJ-S1. We reviewed it's predecessor, the T1 Traktor Controller, and had a fun time with that beast so we knew a little of what to expect. The quality of the Pioneer Pro DJ products are considered to be the blue print by which other DJ product manufacturers strive to emulate. We were excited to see the DDJ-S1 arrive at the shop and quickly opened it as if it were Christmas morning. Check out the video below: It maintains the same features of the T1 controller, the laptop dock, large CDJ style jog wheels, and the needle drop touch strip. You have 5 hot cues that coincide with those in Serato Itch and the FX section allows you to easily select and tweak the 12 outstanding effects within the software. You can select 2 effects to each channel, both to one, or to the maser output. The browse area with a nice bigger scroll knob and dedicated crate and file buttons combined with the alphabetical search on the needle drop strip allow for near flawless navigation of your music without ever having to touch your laptop. The line faders and cross-fader are of the same quality you expect from Pioneer's DJM series mixers and you can adjust the cross-fader directly on the controller itself and in the Itch software if you want an even sharper curve for the turntablists. Overall the S1 played and felt very comfortable and accurately responded to every nudge and tweak when we ran it through the demo. The S1 by far would be the best controller if you're transitioning from the standard CDJ and mixer set-up. Check out the video and stay tuned for our own Unique Artist DJ Smiles S1 demo coming soon. Cheers! Transcript:

Hi this is Scott Magno DJ MadFlip here with UniqueSquared.com and yes it has arrived, the Pioneer DDJ-S1, let’s have a look.

Right out of the box this is a great looking controller, it’s going to give you master outputs, both balanced and RCA. It’s going to give you two microphone outputs, XLR ¼ inch on one, ¼ inch on mic two.

Now the mic 2 input also serves as an auxiliary input with the RCA here. So if your software goes down, plug in an MP3 and boom!

EQ right here, volume control, to keep the party going. Alright, so we’ve got the CDJ section of it, jog wheels, nice touch sensitivity, rotation LED’s.

Transport section, great Pioneer quality that we’re used to. And we also have five hot cues on there, that coincides specifically with Serato Itch, that’s the Pioneer edition of Serato Itch, really nice.

Loop in and out, you also have your auto loop roll section right here, really nice to get that glitchy stuff done. Even cooler that you’ve got the slip mode function, where the track continues to go even if you punch in one of those glitchy little snare rolls, you don’t look like a rookie, you look like a really cool DJ.

So now we’ve got the needle search section right here, this means that we can scroll through touch pad, go to that build, go to that break down, there I am, ready to go.

It also serves, if you hit the shift button, as an alphabetical search for your software. Another reason why you don’t have to fumble through your laptop by using the laptop dock. That’s really nice and it makes you even quicker.

Alright, so moving on to the mixer section, good Pioneer DJM quality. You can adjust the crossfader here for your turntables, make it a little sharper. EQ, mids, highs, lows, you’ve got your trim knobs a little bit smaller. If you’re in a dark place and you need to find it, there it is.

Alright, so your effects section, you’ve got 12 different high quality effects on Serato Itch. Bank A, bank B. Select those to either both A, one on A one on B. I can also select those on the master and also on the mic if I want to put some delay onto my shoutout. Really nice.

Now, scrolling through your tracks is really easy on the Pioneer DDJ-S1. You’ve got the browse section here so you can go through, back button. And I can go to my crates and my files automatically too right there. Really nice layout.

If you’re a DJ who’s used to having turntables or CDJs and a mixer and you were thinking “I might need to switch to a controller” then this might be the one for you because this is virtually the same as having a pair of CDJs and a high quality DJM mixer.  So yes there it is the Pioneer DDJ-S1.

You know Pioneer is high quality, Serato Itch one of the most popular DJ softwares out there, we’re looking at a winner, I love it.

By now you guys know that I am an advocate of Native Instruments Traktor Scratch software.  I fell in love about 3 years ago at the 2008 Winter NAMM show thanks to an amazing demo by Dynamix and Hapa from Scratch DJ Academy in Los Angeles.  I was a Serato Scratch Live user and was pretty happy using it for my gigs, but I didn't know that almost all of Europe was using a superior DVS for DJing.  After seeing this demo it was a no brainer.  I wanted cleaner and louder audio, the ability to record my sets, playback recorded audio from a mic on the fly, and have the ability to use my midi controller to tweak incredible effects and set loops.  I had to switch to Traktor Scratch Pro.  Native Instruments has an innate ability to anticipate the needs of the DJ by providing a pallet of brilliant effects and functions that truly inspire DJs to play at a level beyond the capabilities of any other DVS system.  They've listened to feedback from loyal users and even haters to continue pushing the limits of DJing, elevating their product to it's new inception: Traktor Scratch Pro 2. Customized For Your Protection The Traktor Scratch Pro 2 system comes with the new Audio 10 interface.  We can do a complete review on this alone but I'll sum it up like this: 10 ins/10 outs, seamless integration of 4 turntables plus 2 other audio devices, midi sync for those extra audio devices, mic input, 24-bit / 96kHz Cirrus Logic® AD/DA converters, AND it's louder than BOMBS! So what are the major differences from TS Pro to TS Pro 2?  Native Instruments S4 users have already been reaping the benefits of the new T2 software to some degree and the now TS Pro 2 has added the same abilities and a few extras. TRAKTOR SCRATCH PRO 2 features an intuitive software interface, as well as TruWave frequency-specific colored waveforms for a new experience in mixing.  I can choose layouts to define my waveform highs and lows, kicks and snares.  This somewhat mirrors the Serato Scratch Live or Itch layout but goes even further with the ability to choose your color scheme. Thanks to Auto Detection and configuration for NI audio interfaces, you can set up in seconds, while TRAKTOR AUDIO 10’s Direct Thru function makes switching DJs in the club a breeze. The SoftSync feature adds a new level of tempo-awareness to TRAKTOR SCRATCH that expands your mixing options when using vinyl control. The intuitive looping and cueing functions have been enhanced with the addition of Sample Decks, making live remixing and re-editing a cinch. Grab and layer your own loops, use the library of included loop content or fire off one-shot samples such as the included scratch sounds. Record from any channel via the Loop Recorder and add dynamic layers to dramatically heighten your mix. While each Sample Deck can add up to four simultaneous samples or loops to the mix, the Loop Recorder allows DJs to capture audio from various sources on the fly and drop it back into the mix at any time, opening up creative techniques far beyond conventional DJing. When other DJ's see me using Traktor they always ask if I've ever tried Serato.  I say that I have but that I really like the layout of Traktor more, and that it allows me to organize my music better.  Then I show them all of the things I can do using Traktor that aren't possible with Serato.  They are usually left with the same look I had at that demo in 2008.  Priceless. With all due respect to Serato, Traktor is just a better fit for me and I encourage you guys to give it a spin if you haven't already.  Check out our video and let us know what you think.  Happy gigs! Transcript:

Hey I’m Scott Magno, DJ MadFlip here with UniqueSquared.com. Today we’re going to talk about Traktor Scratch Pro 2. This is going to come with the new Traktor Pro 2 software which is banging.

Now not only are you going to have brand new high res, colored, truwave, waveforms, we’re also going to have the ability to layer and sample with awesome sophistication.

And we’re also going to have some cool new effects, a bunch of other stuff, let’s check it out now.

If you were familiar with Traktor Scratch pro before, first off you will see the colored, truwave, high res waveforms here. That is really nice to go in and personalize your color mode.

If you look at that, I’ve got it on spectrum, I can go ultraviolet or infrared, the X-Ray, but I’m going to go with the spectrum, I like a lot of different color in my life.

So, that is nice also with the waveforms. You know I’ve got some cue points set up here, I’m going to run just a little bit of audio. Now I can zoom in on that cue point there, and I can zoom in much further than on the previous Traktor Scratch.

So if I really want to get the front end of that attack on that, I can go super Dr. Science, and I’ll lift that cue point out, and I’ll make you a little bit closer right there just so I can be more accurate. So there it is, it’s moving really fast there.

So if I zoom out you can see now, so you get the idea. I can be right there on the edge of the attack on there. Ok, let’s go to the different layouts now.

I’ve got it set up in the essential layout here. It’s going to be two decks here, and then with the use of the controller I can control decks C and B for my samples as well.

I’ve got my Do Work mix right here, I like to see everything, my EQs, everything, my effects. And then the browser, so I can just quick browse through all of my tracks there and then the last one, this is my favorite, Mad Flip Prime. This is when I’m going to use just primarily the turntables and effects.

But the point is you can customize all of this, make your own, and it’s really nice to be able to have a customized workspace.

Ok so, what else do we have here? If you look you actually have, those of you who are used to using Serato, we actually have the rotating turntable here. This also serves as your check for your calibration. And if you need more room you can hide that right there, which is kind of a nice feature as well.

Alright, let’s talk about some of the cool effects now. Native Instruments has always had some incredible effects. I’m just going to run through some of my favorites. I’m going to go ahead and set a loop there and show you some effects.

This is the beat masher. That’s one of the new effects. This one Mulholland Drive is kind of a nice filtery thing. You’ve got the auto bouncer, and ramp delay, tape delay. I’ve got this set up so I can apply three effects at once. You can get some nice tricky things. I’ve always loved the flanger flux just to give you a little more flavor. Real nice.

So we’ve got some all new effects, some nice waveforms there. The ability again to do four decks on Traktor. Those of you that are familiar with the S4, you’ve been familiar with these capabilities, but now Traktor Scratch Pro 2 allows you to have that on turntables or CDJ, another timecode set up and a lot of good improvements on that.

This mapping may not work with the latest version of Traktor.

We finally got a chance to use the acclaimed Numark NS6 Serato Itch controller with Native Instruments flagship Traktor Pro 2 software, and the results were quite good.  Thanks to a foundation provided by Numark and a heavily tweaked re-fix by our resident marketing manager and controller mapping stud, Ariff Glick, we came up with a mapping that suited the NS6's layout nicely with Traktor.

THE SCOOP ON MAPPING

The NS6 is basically a midi controller with sliders, knobs, and buttons that are assignable to virtually any function that your software requires.  Traktor has a controller manager within the preferences where you can do this.  You can download our .tsi file and import it to the controller manager.  Please keep in mind that this is just one version of many possibilities that can be used and you can definitely create your own mapping to suit your particular layout and playing style.  If you are well versed with Traktor and have midi-mapped controllers before then this will be an old hat for you.  If you aren't, not to worry.  We put together a basic template and video tutorial so you can get up and running in no time.  We have included a link below of our mapping with the NS6 drivers included for good measure.

SET-UP

A. This is how you set up the NS6 with Traktor if you HAVE NOT already set up the drivers and/or installed ITCH 1.8.1.

Make sure the correct NS6 drivers installed on our computer. We also included them with our .tsi file below.

Plugged the NS6 into your laptop and turned it on making sure the power adapter is connected, then opened up Traktor Pro 2.

Import and apply the .tsi file.

Open Preferences

Select "Import" at the bottom

Open the file called "UniqueSquaredTP2NS6Mapping.tsi" (sorry it's so long)

Make sure you select the box "Audio Device Settings" so that it is checked and click "OK"

In the controller manager you will see that there are 5 separate mappings that correspond to every function in Traktor for the NS6.  Select "Numark USB Audio" for the In-Port and Out-Port.

B. This is how you set up the NS6 with Traktor if you HAVE set up the drivers and/or installed ITCH 1.8.1.

Plugged the NS6 into your laptop and turned it on making sure the power adapter is connected, then opened up Traktor Pro 2.

Import and apply the .tsi file.

Open Preferences

Select "Controller Manager"

Under Device select "Add"

Select "Import"

Open the file called "UniqueSquaredTP2NS6Mapping.tsi" (sorry it's so long)

In the controller manager you will see that there are 5 separate mappings that correspond to every function in Traktor for the NS6.  Select "Numark USB Audio" for the In-Port and Out-Port.

You now have the NS6 controlling Traktor Pro 2 with relative ease.  Easy enough, right?

LAYOUT

The strawberries taste like strawberries, the snozberries taste like snozberries!  Right?  Well, almost. This particular mapping was for 4 decks and almost everything translates flawlessly.  The EQ knobs, crossfader, line faders, cue points, jog wheels, sync, pitch adjust, browse, transport and loop section work as the NS6 and Traktor is normally laid out. The most noticeable difference is in the Effects section and the Filter adjust.  In Traktor you have 2 ways of setting up your effects, single (advanced) and group (chained). On the NS6 you have an effect activate (on/off) button, parameters knob to adjust, effect select knob, and a wet/dry fader. We decided to map the Trakor effect in group mode with only the first effect active since the physical layout restricts more than 2 effects per deck to be active.  This allowed us to map the software perfectly to the NS6 .

NS6 Traktor Pro 2 Effects Section

We then mapped the filter adjust to the "strip search" section on the NS6 because it made the most sense. The filter can be adjusted using the strip and turned on and off using the "Bleep / Reverse" button, the red light indicator meaning it's "on."

NS6 Traktor Pro 2 Filter Section

Again, you have complete freedom to choose what works best for you and this worked well for us.

THE VERDICT

It was relatively easy to get everything up and running on the NS6, but keep in mind this controller was designed for Serato Itch and there are some features that we did not map to the controller.  For instance, we did not set up any of the record features like the internal mix recorder and the loop recorder.  Is it possible?  Absolutely, but we did a basic set-up just to show what is possible.  The other noticeable difference was the jog wheel response when scratching.  It was very good, but we found that the jog wheels were more accurate when scratching in Serato Itch.  Overall we were very pleased with the performance and response and we highly recommend using the NS6 with Traktor even if it's just as an alternative to Serato Itch.  Check out the video and please feel free to leave us any comments or questions so we can help.  Thanks again to Numark for the foundation of this mapping and also to you all for requesting this particular video.  Cheers!

THE FILE

Unique Squared NS6 Traktor Pro 2 Mapping

I recently had the pleasure of using my Kontrol S4 in tandem with Traktor Scratch Pro 2 with turntables for an awesome gig at Halo Lounge in Atlanta.  Here's my list of why it was so awesome.