#serato remote

It seems like the big dogs are at it again, and it is business as usual.  Traktor is naturally ahead of the game, and are the ones we like to look to for something new and innovative.  They brought us the Traktor DJ app and they brought us the Z1 mixer in a short span of time.   Does this mean that everything will work perfectly the day a user gets their hands on it – certainly not.  There are bound to be bugs and issues that eventually need to get worked out during the next update.  Serato is close behind, but their moves tend to be much more conservative than the rest. Serato is keen to not create a software changes that alters the performance of the Serato program.  They have been careful not to add too much clutter to their work space and screen flow – but that doesn’t mean that they can’t do anything.  Serato is geared to release their own iPad app, which merely acts as a remote control for Serato users who want to do less keyboard punch and controller configurations.  Because of Serato, Traktor DJ is now free in the app store for a short period of time. http://www.digitaldjtips.com/2013/07/free-traktor-dj-for-ipad-iphone/

Serato really did not have a choice in the matter when they decided to create a mobile app for the iOS.  With the pace of Traktor’s releases, they have always sort of been in their shadow.  Can Serato bring something to the controller world that Traktor has not?  When rumors about the Serato Remote were officially confirmed, people wondered what approach they would take when compared to the Traktor DJ app.  For one, the purpose of the Traktor DJ app is much different than the Serato Remote. The Traktor DJ app is a standalone program which can be used anywhere without any sort of attachment cable or device needed.  Serato Remote is meant to act as a wired remote – meaning that you will still need to use your laptop.  What it does is basically extend the monitor screen while changing navigation elements like buttons and pads.  What is nice about this program is that there are no bootleg or backdoor mechanics at work here.  The iPad uses a regular 30-pin to USB connector which plugs directly into your laptop.  I means that Serato actually worked with Apple on the production of this new app which requires no strange aftermarket gear.  http://djworx.com/video-serato-remote-first-look-from-mojaxx/

The story of how Serato become a household name overnight starts with the idea brought forth by two small time programmers.  Using a DAW, they figured out a way to allow it to control music by way of a vinyl turntable.  The idea could be have been used by producers as an easy way to emulate DJ movements, but ultimately it was decided that it would be used as a DJing tool instead.  That small plug-in was soon mastered into physical sound card that could be used with any computer system without needing an extra DAW to run it on. After their marriage with Rane into the TTM-57SL, Serato began doing things of their own which included creating software for use with MIDI controller only.  Their DVS has stayed true to their original idea of creating an simple solution that could use control vinyl to manipulate a digital file.  Today you can see just how wide their business has stretched, and not only do they support their software, they have also branched out into selling content for DJs.  Their new Loopmasters content is the next smart avenue to seek in search of a way to increase sales from original customers.  http://djworx.com/serato-dj-1-2-1-serato-remote-and-more-controllers/

Before we all line up at the Apple store to buy a new iPad, let’s consider what we will be using that tablet for.  If you are one who already has control over your DAW software as well as a DVS like Traktor, then a tablet might actually be a useful tool.  It can be used in your DAW to control your FX panel on the fly – and with Traktor, the tablet can actually be used on its own to practice your mixing while on the go; no mixer or laptop even required.  If you are a DJ who primarily uses Serato and perhaps a single MIDI controller, you may want to consider what you are getting before you decide to run out and buy a brand new iPad. For one, Serato will not be controlled with an external soundcard attached to the program.  They designed the Serato Remote app to only work when attached to recognized software and hardware.  All you thoughts of being able to practice your mix sets at the bus stop can be put to rest right there.  The Remote will not allow you to use less gear – it simply allows you to stare and press something else besides your laptop screens. http://www.digitaldjtips.com/2013/07/serato-software-comes-to-ipad-n4-typhoon-cdj-2000nexus/

The fact that Serato wasn’t about to release a replacement system for their traditional DVS soundcard setup says a few things about their company.  For starters, they are not willing to separate their soundcard from their software.  The only form of this we get to see is with Serato DJ, which uses the internal soundcard of controllers to send and receive information.  Unlike Traktor, they really only have one version of their system with variances only in the soundcard rather than the software.  Traktor, on the other hand, has three different versions of their software for tiered levels of use and cost. Serato’s new Remote application is a remote in every sense of the world (except for being wireless, that it is not).  Instead of relying on the processing power of your tablet, it uses it as a mean to transmit and receive data – all of the hard work is left for the laptop, which I assume will be hidden off to some corner now.  I personally think that this is a better solution for those who own Serato, rather than for those who own a Tablet and want to being DJing.  It simply gives you better access to basic controls on screen. http://createdigitalmusic.com/2013/07/serato-updates-add-ipad-control-app-more-hardware-support/

Algoriddim djay is not a name that comes as much of a surprise to anyone who has been in the market for a good DJing and live production app.  In the beginning, djay was only an app that was meant to mimic the way a two turntable and mixer looks.  Most of us were fine with that.  At its most basic level, it allowed us to look at two songs while they were mixed, and commands were easily visible in the corner of the screen.  So what was missing from this app?  Well, many of the people who use the iPad to perform with were already used to other apps that allowed it to be used more like Traktor rather than Serato. The second version of this app certainly brings elements of Trkator to the game – but they also incorporated something that Serato has long since been known for: their colored waveforms.  Another function that was revamped was cueing track selection.  It opens into its own menu where cues can be precisely place as well as labeled with big bright colors.  All in all it is a pretty thought out app – and the best part (in my opinion) is the price.  It’s pretty damn cheap at fewer than ten dollars. http://www.djtechtools.com/2013/07/25/review-algoriddim-djay2-app-for-ipad-iphone/

Serato might no longer be the first DVS out there to creating and integrating new features – but they certainly know how to arrive to the party late.  I’m sure the day that Traktor dumped their Traktor app to the public, Serato was either already working in their rendition of it, or they were scrambling to get something that was like it.  Well, they did something better.  Instead of trying to recreate what Traktor had done for DJs on the go – they basically created a software controller that was able to do everything a smart mixer could do – even if yours was not that great. The new implementation of the Serato Remote sort of picks up where old MIDI controllers had left off, except that Serato Remote gives you control over your MIDI hardware in ways that were not possible before.  Instead of appealing to the lowest common denominator, which would make Serato Remote nothing but a toy, they appeal to the utility of it.  Now, people with an acceptable tablet can use it while they are DJing to access controls that would be much harder to do with the combination of a MIDI controller and a computer screen navigation.  http://djworx.com/serato-remote-just-change-everything/#.U0GpUfldW1A

If you want to try your hand at mapping FX and MIDI through Traktor, you better sit back and take a breath before you even start.  Mapping can be very complicated and therefore very useful, but getting over the complicated parts of it is not an easy task.  A person who is new to this will spend a great deal of time just learning how things work and learning how to work your way through the DVS.  Imagine sitting there, staring at your screen trying to sort through each option with one finger.  This is not the way to do it. Another option is to use some sort of third party app or even hardware (like an iPad), so that your main screen is not cluttered with various options.  This will allow you to dedicate a screen for the cluttered mess of options, while keeping your main focus on what actually matters.  Options like Traxus Control can do this for you, but not with ease.  Even though you are given a platform that is meant to make your life easier – this does not always mean that will be the case.  You will still have to learn how to navigate through your new program. http://djworx.com/traxus-control-ultimate-traktor-remote/