#new dvs

The idea of the digital vinyl system was once thought of something akin to a good magic trick.  We all understood the idea behind it – you create a record that transmits a constant signal, you mixer then routes that signal to an external soundcard which can then translate that into a digital movement in position.  The trouble is that none of us could pull this off without knowing the inner workings of a computer program and without programming skills.  Now that there are so many DVS alternatives out there, it makes you wonder if it is still a trade secret how these things work. I’m not saying that Serato’s program can be hacked – but I am saying that all of these DVS systems use a similar technology – which only moderate differences in their GUI and how well they behave.  With so many programmers going at it, it’s likely to drive prices down, while raising ingenuity among creators.  We are at the point where the DVS is no longer rigid and fixed – it can be produced to suit whatever needs you like.  While it may not be the prettiest thing out there, these lookalikes are very functional and much better than the first version of VDJ. http://www.djtechtools.com/2013/04/21/review-zerodebug-d-b-modular-dj-app-for-ipad/

I would think that in the future, there will be fewer companies who dominate the entire DJing industry, and smaller companies who each have a small fan base and market share.  Why is that?  I think everyone is tired of being told what to do and what to use as equipment.  We like to make our own gear and hack our own devices, why would we want our software to be any different?  Just look at how MIDI controllers are built today – they come ready to be hacked and programmed by users.  The standard layout is almost never acceptable (except when it is software specific), and equipment makers allow us to fool around with the settings. What we are seeing on the software side is the shift towards non proprietary methods of altering the GUI.  Serato already has a simple layout – perhaps it is too simple, and panels aren’t always in the spot that you want them.  There is wasted space next to the rotating discs, and the FX panel remains hidden from view unless toggled.  Traktor is filled with things to distract your attention, and it isn’t exactly the prettiest layout either.  Instead of using either, why not simply make your own? http://www.digitaldjtips.com/2013/06/the-one-modular-dj-software-launches/

Let’s face it, DVS titles and names aren’t exactly compelling or descriptive of what they actually do, and that is partially because nothing like it has existed before.  Why did Serato call their product Serato?  That name makes me think of a knife that is meant to cut through foods – which is somewhat near the idea of a DJ cutting up samples on a record.  Traktor, in my opinion, is an awful name for a DVS.  Sure, I get where they are coming from; they are tracking the movements on a record and translating them into something that can be understood – but I also picture a tractor in the corn fields shutting out corn to create breakfast cereals with. New programs for DJs have been introduced with names that are much more appealing to the ears.  “The One” is pretty ballsy for being named like that.  It is as if there are no other options out there for you and this is really the last resort.  In reality, this software tears apart the conventions of regular DJing – allowing you to effectively produce and mix on the fly.  You can actually tear apart pieces of a song to construct something new. http://www.digitaldjtips.com/2013/08/the-one-mac-os-x-free-trial/