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Reviews on: Denon MC3000, Presonus - Studio One, Vestax VCI-400, Roland UA-55 - Quad Capture, Gear News, Tutorials, Music Education, Production Tips and more
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ALL ABOUT THE BEATS THE PEOPLE & THE MUSIC
JAN/FEB ‘12EDITION 59
3 | BPM
contENtsLatest in DJ, Music and Production Gear
T EDITOR’S NOTE
EDITORS NOTE & INFO
COVER FEATURE - DENON MC-3000
COVER FEATURE - DENON MC-3000
REVIEW: ROLAND QUAD CAPTURE
SOFTWARE: PRESONUS STUDIO ONE MK11
SOFTWARE: PRESONUS STUDIO ONE Mk11
GEAR NEWS
GEAR NEWS
REVIEW: VESTAX VCI-400
A GUIDE TO MIXING
PRODUCTION TIPS WITH JON SHAW
TUTORIAL: ABLETON TUTORIAL WITH CRAIG DE SOUSA
WHEN AM I QUALIFIED?
WHEN AM I QUALIFIED?
he DJ controller wars continue in this edition of (trust me early models were not great). So why test them? Well, BPM with several of the big companies releasing because we’re tech geeks and love getting our grubby paws on more derivatives of this hotly contested market. new gear. It’s fun! Plus of course each device does offer its own Our cover feature previews the new Denon take on how to do things so our job is never done. The one piece MC3000, a keenly priced controller that is high on of advice I will offer all our readers; take note of build quality. If features whilst [hopefully] low on cost. Dave you get to DJ regularly you want a piece of tech that is going to Skinz casts an eye at what to expect once this withstand the rigours of transport, being chucked in a bag baby lands. drunkenly after a set (did I say that?) and is reasonably portable
Pioneer have also weighed in with a new too. Now go out and embrace the digital revolution. It’s the future controller aimed at the more ‘affordable’ sector of y’all!
the market with their slick looking DDJ-Ergo and both of these are Elsewhere we look at some exciting new production bound to go head to head against the Kontrol S2 announced by products namely the Roland Quad Capture, a new portable Audio Native Instruments back in September. Then there’s the VCI-400 interface that sounds like a good prospect. The range also from Vestax which I had the pleasure of testing which takes a includes two smaller versions to suit your budget. We also look at slightly different approach to carve out its own niche in this Presonus’ MK11 of their Studio One, a DAW that has turned some saturated market. On the media player front both Numark and heads with its simplicity and affordability. If you’re looking for Reloop introduce new products; the NDX900 and RMP 2.5 Alpha music software then best you read all about it.respectively, both of which are also DJ controllers as well as being Enjoy the ogling over the tech we bring you each edition and able to play all other forms of media from CD to flash disc etc. this festive season go spoil yourself. Buy that new piece of tech or
So how does one choose your Xmas present, nudge nudge, software you’ve been promising yourself. You deserve it.wink wink? I get asked all the time which device I recommend for Don’t forget to visit www.bpmmag.co.za for daily gear news.the digital DJ but it’s a question without an answer. I say this Happy holidays.because it really does come down to personal choice and whichever product fits your pocket, suits your image and feels DAVE MACright for you. They all work and work well. Gone are the days when one would test one of these units and they’d sort of work
Editor-in-Chief
By Dave Skinz
4 | BPM
PREVIEW
Denon MC3000A brand new, more affordable DJ controller
What Is It? maxing out the geek meter here. DJ certified and the versions heading So if you couldn't deduce it from to our shores ship with Traktor LE 2 The Denon MC3000 is the little
the awesome pics accompanying while those destined for American brother of the vicious beast I this preview, the MC3000 is a two shores get Virtual DJ LE. The reviewed in our previous issue and I channel DJ MIDI controller and controller is fully compatible with first encountered the MC3000 when I mixer. But don't think you will be Mac OS X and Windows 7 and is was working on the review for the relegated to just two channels as even compliant with machines still aforementioned DN-MC6000. there are facilities on the controller to running Vista and XP. Something that I always keep an eye on the latest use it as a four channel device once is unique to the MC3000 is the band kit to be released (part-work, part-you've mastered the two deck set-up pass filter for each of the two gear perv), and the aptly named BPM using a combination of backlit channels and this can really improve 2011 Expo in Birmingham UK is one buttons and a 2 + 2 system. In fact mixes when guys get to grips with of a handful of expos around the the MC3000 has a carbon copy of the how to effectively use it. world that a large majority of the sound card found in the DN-MC6000 There are two sets of ports for manufacturers including Denon so no worries about stretching the RCA inputs but no phono/line switch target for release of their latest card beyond its capabilities. so you will have to stick to line products, this year being no
The 105 mm control wheels are devices only, rounding out the inputs different. Loads of new controllers also the same high quality ones is a 1/4” jack for the microphone. As were unveiled and the Denon found on the 6000 and the high to the outputs you have the choice of MC3000 was also due to be shown resolution line faders are also shared either unbalanced RCA or balanced off, but the controller sat on display between the models. If you are one 1/4” ports. From the looks of the on the Denon stand for just under a of the few who don't like to use the device the MC3000 will come with an minute before being covered and platter for pitch bending each side of external power transformer to power squirreled away. the controller is fitted with Denon's the entire controller so the USB Cue loads of viral videos of eager “Legacy” pitch bend buttons. The connection is just for data transfers. gear heads filming and sharing the backlit buttons controlling the effects Also worth bearing in mind is the footage of the MC3000 being and sampling section are shared and weight, and even with a steel chassis covered and whisked away by the each of the two effects modules has the MC3000 tips the scales at 3 kg Denon supremos. I personally think four backlit buttons and four rotary which makes it lighter than some that Denon didn't think the world was c o n t r o l s t o g i v e y o u v e r y laptops out there. ready for the MC3000 back then. It’s comprehensive management of reminiscent of all the hoo-ha over the your dual effects section. You also latest sports cars being tested on have 8 hot cues available to use per secret tracks around the world side.shrouded in thick black tape to hide
As with its larger forerunner the their sleek, aerodynamic lines. But MC3000 comes Traktor and Virtual with a controller...oh dear, I think I'm
Price: + R 8,000.00Supplier: Audiosure | Tel: (011) 790 4600
Web: www.audiosure.co.za / www.denondj.com
5 | BPM
PREVIEW
Who should own one?
The Verdict.
solid controller build available at the way compromised by the down-moment but still have space to grow sizing, if anything they have been Judging from the estimated price into. As mentioned previously the improved upon. The navigation point the MC3000 is going to slide in sound card is the identical one fitted section has also been streamlined to quite comfortably in the middle of to the DN-MC6000 so you know that let you not only get around your the controller segment. It’s certainly there have been no sacrifices in music library more proficiently but going to cost more than your entry terms of quality or reliability. also to access your Video, Mixer, level controller but the way it has
And while being more compact Scratch, Sample, EFX and record been thought out will let you grow than the DN-MC6000 the layout on functions with. into the fully functionality and the MC3000 seems more intuitive The VJ has also not been left out creativity that a package like Traktor with the pitch faders mirroring each of the new model with the cross-Pro 2 can offer. other on the far sides of the facade. fader still available to be used to The audio inputs are also quite The positioning of the effects selects control your video fader which is a handy if you want to dust off those and the addition of a filter on both great extra for those guys using old CDJ's and use the MC3000 as a channels also shows a little more eye Virtual DJ Pro. standalone mixer. Compared to for detail than its bigger brother and To sum it all up on a preview some of the other controllers in this appears more intuitive. front, we can't wait to get our paws segment the baby Denon is going to
The entire package comes with on this bad boy. Judging from the do well just on the fact that it's pretty the trump software in Native specs and comparisons we've gone much a DN-MC6000 version 2 that’s Instruments Traktor LE 2 which is far through if you managed to get a feel been shrunk down. better suited to using all of the for the DN-MC6000 then expect the MC3000 than the same package on same experience on the MC3000. its bigger brother. But even with that It seems that only a few corners
Anyone that read my review of the in mind accommodations have been have been cut to bring you a DN-MC6000 will grasp in what high made for running Pro 2 in four deck controller which is as dynamic as its regard I hold that particular mode through the use of the deck big brother but more compact and controller. The MC3000 is a terrific change buttons in 2 + 2 setup. None cheaper. And who wouldn't want compromise for all those guys that of your controls for sampling, effects that?want to get their hands on the most or hot cue functionality are in any
Roland UA-55 Quad-Capture Audio Interface
By Nic Roos
6 | BPM
DJ GEAR
SA Distributor: Musical Instruments | 021 799-4950 www.musicaldistributors.co.za
Suggested retail price: UA-33 – R 1,795.00 | UA-11 – R 1,195.00
“Roland have really stepped things up in their audio interface department...”
Roland recently updated their line of USB 2 audio interfaces aimed at those looking for pro-quality sound at home or on the go without equipment s lowing them down.
Roland’s designs, while great, have never
been very sleek. However, the new Quad-Capture (smaller sibling to the larger Octa-Capture) manages to retain some aspects of its predecessors, like the UA-25EX, while cramming loads of features into a sexy compact package. It seems Roland has finally joined the party and are making affordable yet innovative, high-quality audio interfaces.
To sweeten the deal, the 4 in/4 out Quad-Capture comes bundled with controls input gain, Auto-Sens, sample completely forgot about the Quad-Cakewalk’s Sonar X1 LE DAW software. rate as well as output levels. Capture. Its ease of use allowed me to
focus on performing at my best.
This flexible and portable USB bus- The device’s drivers install via CD, so I was powered interface is housed in a very up and running in seconds. Although most purchasers of the Quad-compact and rugged black aluminium While tracking and mixing in both Capture will probably have a DAW casing. It operates at sample rates of up the complimentary version of Sonar X1 already, the Sonar X1 LE is certainly to 192 kHz with very low latency. LE and the DAW I use in my studio; Logic, worth looking at and of course for those
This 4x4 I/O device consists of two the interface delivered a clean, quiet that don’t have one, it’s a great place to analogue in/outs and two digital coaxial signal with admirably low latency. The VS start getting those recordings down. in/outs. Also included are midi in/out and Streaming driver is said to be particularly Importantly one can start recording from a headphone jack. The analogue inputs stable and all popular DAWs are the get-go once you purchase the feature Roland’s pro-quality VS preamps supported. The sound quality of the ADA interface.and convenient XLR/ ¼-inch (balance or converters and pre-amps isn’t that far Roland have really stepped things unbalanced) jack-combo input sockets behind similar interfaces by Focusrite or up in their audio interface department on the front panel, with a selectable Hi-Z PreSonus and is considerably quieter and what makes the Quad-Capture instrument input on channel one and 48v than the ubiquitous UA-25EX. I think they special is just how much they’ve phantom power for both channels. While finally sorted out the earthing problem crammed into their tried and true metal allowing convenient mobile recording, that was rife with earlier Roland housing while still managing to make it the USB bus power operates at optimised interfaces. simpler to use.voltage for cleaner sound. Setting vocal levels via the Auto Its portability, quick and easy
Each input sensitivity knob has a Sens knob was a breeze, and I got a operation, flexible IO options for laptops, circular orange LED level indicator that strong, clean signal with no fear of turntables, sequencers, drum machines doubles as a signal level display. Nifty! clipping. The compressors are decent and live recording, as well as its low The unique Auto-Sens funct ion enough to track with, but do tend to get a latency and direct monitoring make it an automatically sets optimum input gain for bit grainy at extreme settings. excellent choice for live performance any source at the touch of a button. This Integrating digital equipment was situations and mixing on the fly.feature is incredibly handy for the non- also quick and painless. I connected a Also available in the range: UA-33 technically-minded as well as anyone drum machine via the digital input and Tri-Capture and UA-11 Duo-Capture.needing to work quickly. The Direct synched up some beats in the DAW using Monitor Mix knob allows one to blend the interface’s clocking and adjusting between direct input and playback levels within the control panel.signals while overdubbing. After a few hours of toying, I
The easy-to-use software control panel features a selectable low-cut filter, phase inverter, a noise gate and digital compression for each channel, and also
Anatomy In UseConclusion
8 | BPM
SOFTWARE REVIEWBy Dave Mac Presonus Studio One MKII
P“a welcome alternative to the intimidating, bloated [DAW]
offerings currently considered the standards...”resonus is an American One an appealing alternative too is the channel will create automatically and based audio electronics fact that it entered the market at such a features such as being able to duplicate company based in good price and with Mk11, just sends on the virtual mixer makes Baton Rouge, Louisiana released, they have upped their game setting up multi-tracks super quick. This and was founded in even more, by throwing in so many is the strength of Studio One; the ease 1995 by engineers Jim extra add-ons the DAW really is all you with which one can create instrument Odom and Brian Smith. need to create music with just few extra tracks, audio tracks, routing etc by The company made its plugins. simple drag and drop techniques name building keenly without ever leaving your front screen.
priced audio interfaces, signal The time-stretch algorithms really processors and mic preamps, but in impressed me in Version 1 too. There
Before we get into what’s new and recent times it’s their StudioLive range are three, namely; Drums, Solo and
impressive about the new Mk11 version of mixers that has probably caught the Sound and you can slow entire mixes
let me take you through what Studio eye of most and certainly proved a down by a simple altering of the global
One has offered since it was first resounding success for the company. tempo.
launched. First of the GUI interface is So why develop a DAW in a market The audio editing features are also
super sleek and cool. Similarities to that would seem to be quite set with the good and compare favourably to
Cubase are unavoidable, even down to established brands; the likes of Cubase, a DAW that has always been a
a similar blueish/grey colour scheme. Protools, Logic, Cubase, Reason, leader in this area of music production
What I like about Studio One is the Ableton, Sonar and FL Studio are all and whilst version 1 did not offer any
single window design; with everything pretty established in their market shares dedicated multi-track comp editor this
integrated on one screen it’s a little like begging the question ‘what can another has been addressed in MK11. The
the new Reason 6 in functionality but DAW do that’s not being done by one of Control Link feature will learn your MIDI
aesthetically will appeal more to those the aforementioned already?’ Well controller keyboard’s knobs, sliders
familiar with Cubase. Drag and drop is a clearly Presonus had other ideas, and switches, and then allows you to
great feature with which you can drag encouraged specifically by two former quickly and simply link them to the on-
virtual instruments and plug-ins (or just Steinberg programmers at a company screen mixer and plug-in controls.
their presets) from the Browser to the the two had formed called Kristal Labs. Learned parameters stay learned, so
Arrange view. From what may have started out as a that the same hardware mapping
Likewise if you drag an audio strategy to supply an OEM DAW version automatically kicks in the next time the
sample from your folder a new audio with their audio interfaces same plug-in is used. This is and StudioLive mixers has s i m i l a r t o N o v a t i o n ' s since turned into a full- Automap system as it updates blooded product they took you with changes you are to market in 2009. about to make before you
fiddle. Anybody who spends
time programming a midi They launched with the
controller for different plugins marketing pitch, “a welcome
will recognise the benefit of a a l t e r n a t i v e t o t h e
system that maintains this intimidating, bloated [DAW]
info indefinitely. I can wax o f f e r i n g s c u r r e n t l y
lyrically all day about the considered the standards
individual features that Studio with a program that makes
One brought to the market but audio recording, MIDI
in truth purveyors of the other sequencing and audio
DAWs will equally have master ing r id iculously
answers to the approach simple right out of the box.”
Presonus have taken. In a nutshell the two ex-
Perhaps the biggest and C u b a s e p r o g r a m m e r s
most appealing feature of clearly were aware of some
Studio One that will certainly of the frustration that users
help the product gain traction had expressed when they
in the market place is their worked on the Steinberg
uncluttered approach and DAW and recognised that
what they have added in the simpler means faster work
MK11 version.flow. What makes Studio
Studio One – the DAW
The Money Shot
9 | BPM
SOFTWARE REVIEW
SA Distributor: Tuerk Music Technologies | 011 794-8402 | www.tuerkmusic.co.zaEstimated retail price: Studio One Artist V2 - R 995,00 | Studio One Producer V2 -R 1 995,00 |
Studio One Professional V2 - R 3 995,00
What’s new in MK11?
Conclusion
What’s in the package?
S i n c e t h e p r o g r a m download only became available three days before print deadline it has been impossible to fully test the new version of Studio One, suffice to say that first impressions are that the GUI is even sleeker and super modern in look. 20 Gigabytes of downloading later makes one realise that t h e y h a v e c h u c k e d everything plus the kitchen sink and more into the full-blooded version. I looked briefly at the main features cited online to see if they worked to verify their claims;
Integrated Melodyne Pitch and a simple alt and clicking of a take to Producer versions is impressive too; Correction; this third party application audition the audio. Simple and fast is Native Instruments Komplete Elements, is the leading pitch correction tool the key here. which provides a comprehensive available and is fully integrated into Other notable features include selection of production-ready sounds Studio One now. What this tool does is quick and easy editing of multiple and effects. breaks down an audio recording, say a instrument tracks simultaneously, a The collection contains over 3 GB vocal, into separate notes (frequencies) track ‘Transform’ feature where an of material with over 1,000 sounds. and one can manually adjust these so if entire audio track can be rendered in EZdrummer Lite Plus is a stripped down a vocalist misses a note you can actually place with one click, removing any version of the multi-microphone drum move this within the audio recording. inser ted e f fec ts p lug- ins and sampler EZdrummer. It is designed for Naturally for effects purposes you’d be conserving CPU power while still musicians and producers who want a able to create some wacky distortions allowing normal editing. One click compact, affordable, easy-to-handle too, something like the autotune craze restores the original audio events and plug-in without compromising sound that swept popular music recently. any inserted effects. Kinda like quality or control.
‘Freezing’ in Cubase but with added Transient Detection, Editing and flexibility. Groove Extraction; you can quantize
This is by now way a comprehensive multitrack drums in two steps: group review of Studio One. It would be the tracks, then quantize. Studio One
Studio One Professional ships with 31 remiss of me to imply this after only a does the analysis and phase-coherent 64-bit Native Effects™, and both Studio few hours of looking at the program. I quantization for you. Drag-and-drop One Producer and Artist ship with all but intend though to start using the audio into the Groove panel, then 5 of these plug-ins (Pipeline, Groove application to compose a few tracks so quantize. Groove extraction is as simple Delay, Multiband Dynamics, OpenAIR, look out for a series of online posts as I as drag-and-drop; extract a groove IR Maker). Both Professional and detail the pros and cons of this exciting from any audio and apply it to any other Producer versions also support VST second coming of Studio One. audio in seconds! It works and it’s 2.4, VST 3, AU, and ReWire. There is no amazingly quick and simple taking mere limit on the number of plug-ins that can Keep up to date at bpmmag.co.za | seconds to do its job.be used in a given song. to be notified of these posts email
There are only four Virtual [email protected] or join our Multitrack Comping; this was lacking in instruments included but with VSTi, AU, Facebook page – version one although there was a and ReWire support you can of course facebook.com/bpmmagrelatively easy way around it before. In have as many 3rd party instruments as MK11 it’s a dead simple process with you choose. Third party content features such as automated crossfading bundled with the Professional and between takes (you can edit the fades)
Pioneer DDJ-ERGO-V
10 | BPM
GEAR & INDUSTRY NEWS
Numark - NDX900
Continued on Pg 12 ...
R
D
* Laptop not included
Pioneer continues to polish its virtual DJ controller line-up, with the latest DDJ-ERGO-V model packing so many LEDs you could probably outshine a half dozen glitterballs. Hooking up to your PC or Mac via a single USB connection, the DDJ-ERGO-V offers a pair of 115 mm controllers, an integrated audio interface, the ability to control up to four decks from one unit, and various blinking light patterns to show you how well you’re doing on your mixing, beat matching and more.For instance, Blue LEDs on the jog wheels show how close the mix phase is, pulsing more strongly when you’re closer in pitch. The channel fader lighting, meanwhile, match track beat with their flashing as well as showing output levels by their brightness. There are also
! Take Anywhere with USB Power & Plug-n-Play dedicated controls for loops, filters and sample playback, Connectivitywhile ports include a MIDI output, microphone input and line-
! Sleek, Stylish Ergonomic Designout. The angled physical design means you can slide your ! Included Virtual DJ LE softwarelaptop keyboard underneath and keep the overall footprint ! Pulse Control Provides Visual Prompts via Various Types low.
of Illuminations Directly on the UnitThe Pioneer DDJ-ERGO-V DJ Controller is available from January in South Africa. Pricing is expected to be around R 10 K. Buyers get a copy of Atomix Productions Virtual DJ Limited Edition in the box, though the controller should support other apps as well.
SA Distributor: Proaudio |011-8221430| www.proaudio.co.za
Pro Software Controller with Audio Interface
The NDX900, a new and highly adaptable DJ controller, opens the door to all types of music media.The NDX900 DJ controller is capable of mixing music from virtually any digital source including a computer, audio CDs, MP3 CDs and even USB flash drives. NDX900 has a layout that is recognizable to DJs everywhere with a large, seven-inch touch-sensitive illuminated platter, smooth, frontloading CD drive, top-facing USB DJ controller port, powerful remixing, effects control, scratching, looping, and sampling capabilities, all in a chassis that has a solid feel and professional look. NDX900’s Beat-synced DSP effects include chop, echo, filter, flanger, pan, and phaser with full control of the effects blend.NDX900's built-in audio interface works plug-and-play, allowing DJs to seamlessly integrate NDX900 with practically any computer and control virtually any DJ software. No drivers or external sound cards are required. With two NDX900s and a mixer of choice, DJs have a powerful and versatile digital DJ rig.NDX900 includes Traktor LE 2 DJ Software and comes pre-mapped for use with a variety of DJ software including Virtual DJ and Traktor 2 Pro, and is compatible with almost any MIDI compatible DJ software.“With plug-and-play capability and Traktor software included, NDX900 is truly an all-in-one DJ controller,” said Chris Roman, Numark Product Manager. “DJs will love the large, seven-inch platter for scratching; it has an illuminated ring that’s just like putting tape on vinyl.”
SA Distributor: Viva Afrika | (011) 2503280| www.numark.com
For trade enquiries or to find your nearest dealer call Pro Audio - SA(011) 822-1430 | [email protected] | www.proaudio.co.za
Reloop RMP-2.5 Alpha
12 | BPM
GEAR & INDUSTRY NEWSContinued from Pg 10 ...
Korg Releases Two New monotrons
The new four-channel controller comes with over 200 assignable parameters.The Reloop RMP-2.5 Alpha is the latest member of Reloop's RMP-series and a true cross media player with additional MIDI function. Besides playing current audio formats such as WAV and MP3 from CD, CD-R, memory stick or hard disk drive, it is also possible to control any MIDI compatible DJ software (for example Traktor) thanks to the RMP-2.5's full MIDI compatibility. All the user interface's control elements send out MIDI commands; this way this media player becomes the perfect controller for mixing software. Via the shift function all control elements are double assigned with MIDI commands which make it possible to control two virtual decks with only one RMP-2.5 Alpha. The assignments can be stored as MIDI presets for various purposes. No matter whether audio or MIDI, with the large, touch sensitive jog wheel, the control feeling is always vinyl-like and literally invites you to scratching and beat juggling. Its high-resolution micro pitch of up to 0.02% allows pitch adjustments and bending with the highest precision. The shock-absorbing bearing of the device's feet, as already known from the RMP-3, secures the RMP-2.5 from getting feature is the Next Track function: During playback you can out of place. already select the next track. As combination of CD/MP3 player, Moreover, the RMP-2.5 disposes of some new cool features: In USB mass storage media player and MIDI software controller, the order to play music from one USB source on two players the RMP- Reloop RMP-2.5 Alpha is up to all requirements of modern DJ 2.5 Alpha comes with the possibility to be connected to a further business.RMP-2.5 Alpha via USB audio link. Also you can use the Data Base Builder software to analyse the desired USB drives, thus obtaining quicker and filtered results. Another very convenient
SA Distributor: Tradelius Music Group | Tel: 031 5023080 | www.tradelius.co.za
for sound effects. In addition to its analog oscillator, filter, and LFO, Korg puts the thrill of the analog synthesizer it also provides a Space Delay that's indispensible for swooping,
into everyone’s hands. Announcing the new cosmic sounds.
monotron DUO & monotron DELAY.Go Anywhere Analog: That was the theme behind the remarkable battery-powered and palm-sized analog synthesizer that Korg dubbed the monotron. Now the powerful and fun-to-play monotron is joined by two new siblings. The Dual Oscillator monotron DUO offers X-MOD capabilities for generating even more extreme sounds. The monotron DELAY features a Space Delay that can produce intense, analog-like echo effects. Each is played from a ribbon controller keyboard with newly added features. The monotron’s simple operation and ease of use (5 knobs and 1 switch) is alive and well, inviting hours of enjoyment and musical exploration.Casual users and gadget mavens will quickly enjoy performing melodies, DJs can create dazzling effects on stage, while established players can add analog muscle to their performance – the possibilities are virtually unlimited. Grab yourself a monotron, monotron DUO, or monotron DELAY, and get in touch with the exciting world of analog synths.
monotron DUOOffering two oscillators, the monotron DUO adds an extra dimension, delivering an even more extreme sound. Tune the oscillators in unison for a rich, thick, analog tone.
monotron DELAYA good delay was an essential part of the classic analog synthesizer sound. More often than not, that delay came from a tape-style echo machine until affordable digital delays were created. The monotron DELAY is an analog synthesizer optimized
SA Distributor: Tuerk Music Technologies |011-7928402| www.tuerkmusic.co.za
14 | BPM
DJ GEAR Vestax VCI-400By Dave Mac
Supplied by: Rolling Thunder | 021 557-8630 | www.rollingthunder.co.za Suggested Retail Price: R 11,750.00 incl. VAT
Vestax have been in the DJ Midi Controller game for some time. In fact t h a t ’ s a n u n d e r -statement! It’s fair to say that Vestax were the e a r l y p i o n e e r s o f p r o f e s s i o n a l D J controllers, their VCI-1 0 0 s e t t i n g t h e
benchmark for what has now become the ubiquitous standard in digital deejaying.
Of course today every manufacturer of DJ gear has a range of controllers and they are all forced to compete in what is a fairly restrictive market. I say restrictive because there really is only so much a manufacturer can do to separate his product from the competition since at the heart of all the functionality is the DJ software that is being controlled. Which is
If this sounds like too much work, do jog-wheels etc but where to place some what makes the VCI-400 a fascinating new not fret; a quick pop over to vestax.com key controls will definitely influence how addition to this somewhat saturated and you’ll find several pre-designed much one uses the extra features digital market. overlays ready to download too, so should deejaying affords one such as looping, hot you already have a program like Traktor 2 cues and FX. The VCI-400 scores big in this for example, you can simply download this department.
Building on the solid foundation and and place over the controller. A Traktor 2 tsi indeed the legacy of the VCI-100, the file (a file that hosts specific mapping and is concept behind the new VCI-400 is a transportable between users) is also
I tested the VCI-400 with 3 applications; the controller with no boundaries. Basically available for download should you wish to bundled 4 deck Virtual DJ software which this means that any software with a midi simply load and play. Using midi learn and worked straight out the box and is easy learn function can be controlled via this programming one’s own settings may enough to operate. Although it is a 4 deck device. The product does however still only appeal to advanced users looking for version – and the VCI-400 includes 4 come bundled with a special 4 deck some personal customisation. channel sliders, it is still an LE revision so version of Virtual DJ LE. don’t expect all the bells and whistles to be Looking closely at the controller you in the software. may notice that only the obvious non-
Whilst Vestax documentation is famously I also tested it with my own Traktor 2, negotiable controls, buttons, sliders and cryptic at the best of times the build quality configuring it for 2-channels plus sample rotaries are labelled, the rest being left of their products is undisputedly good. The decks. The downloadable tsi file works blank. This is deliberate by Vestax as the VCI-400 is no exception and is certainly in perfectly despite one small idiosyncrasy controller is designed to cater for every DJ the top echelon of solidly built, where one has to set the in-port and out-program currently available. Included in professional controllers. From the torque port manually in the Controller Manager to the package are blank overlays which fit adjustable and sensitivity controlled jog- get a response from the unit but once this neatly over the controls that can be custom wheels (I love the simulated vinyl grooves is done, its plain sailing. I also did some assigned by you, depending on what you on their platters) to the large red basic mapping in Ableton Live 8 just to see want to do.
aluminium filter knobs, the potential of having a ‘blank canvass’ the smooth sliders (tempo type controller at one’s disposal.and channel) and the responsive rubberised buttons both in the
Whilst most will want instant gratification transport and sample/hot
with the device auto-mapped to your DJ cue section, the VCI-400
software, the added benefit of quick and certainly looks the part for
easy midi mapping for programs like the professional digital
Ableton or to simply customize one’s own DJ.
DJ software integration does add that E r g o n o m i c a l l y I
extra something to the VCI-400. The build-really like the layout too. It
quality, layout and functionality is is true that one can only
indisputably good making this new do so much with the
controller a very good prospect alongside layout; each device will
the other professional DJ controllers always need a mixer
available today.section, transport section,
What is it?
In Use
Quality Control
Verdict
16 | BPM
SPECIAL FEATURE MIXING IT UPBPM Reports
T
Get the free mobile app for your phone
http:/ /gettag.mobi
he syncopated beats of the African continent and Asia all feature rhythms that rely on point and counterpoint, on bass beats which give the music its shape and form and lighter more airy elements
which get the body moving, the feet tapping and awaken the primeval response to the structure and form of elemental sounds.
Today this effect is within reach of those who wish to apply their minds to the possibilities of the 21st century mixing desk which will reward the search for the perfect beat with sounds that reach into the soul and stir the emotions.
In their continued efforts to enhance the appreciation for the possibilities of today’s new DAW technology Soundselect has made the latest eBook on the Mixing available for free download from their web site. This Ebook covers a wide variety of different subjects, with each section designed to provide readers with useful information on subjects such as tone and frequency track is finished all that remains is some the various elements and steps and their importance to the mixing fine tuning. required to make your music into an process, as well as pointers on a variety In the end mixing perfectly accurate reflection of your creative of different techniques that can be illustrates the 80/20 rule, the final 20% ethos, then visit the Soundselect web employed to enhance the DAW that is required to achieve greatness site and download the free Ebook that experience and produce studio quality will entail 80% of the work. EQ here, a will provide you with all the tools that tracks. bit of compression there and lots of you need to turn your DAW into the
This article is based on some (by no small tweaks will make those big perfect harmonic instrument, whatever means all) of the information contained differences to the final result, it’s all style of music you prefer. in the easy to understand free eBook, about balance and harmony. available from Soundselct.co.za and One of the underlying guiding serves as a summary of some of the principles of computer aided audio concepts contained in the eBook and mixing for the electronic musician is how these concepts can be applied in that there are no free rides when it the real world to finish off that comes to the search for that perfect potentially award winning track. combination of sound, so think
carefully before you tweak, listen to the different results and keep searching for that perfect Zen moment when all the elements are in harmony, don’t over
This is not the end, to paraphrase think, keep in mind that this is the
Winston Churchill, not even the search for a Yin and Yang of perfect
beginning of the end of the creative creative balance. Trust your ears, if it
process, but rather the end of the sounds bad it probably is, if it sounds
beginning, Once the initial creative good, then step back and carefully
process has been completed the avid consider whether extra effort is going to
mixologist will find that he or she is pay dividends or only muddy the purity
mixing as they progress and often the of the result.
very nature of the piece of music that If you want to learn more and get
they are sculpting will change as it an in depth idea and understanding of
progresses so that by the time that the
To download onto PC/Mac go to www.soundselect.co.za
To download to your phone scan this tag
MAKING THE FINAL TOUCHES – SOME FINAL THOUGHTS ON THE CREATIVE PROCESS
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NDX200
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NDX400
NDX400 is a flexible, slot-loading player that not only plays standard CDs, but it can also play MP3 CDs for lengthy playback from a single disc. Additionally, it can play from a USB flash drive for even more music-format flexibility. For easily navigating through folders on MP3 CDs and USB flash drives, NDX400 has an easy-to-read text display.
NDX400 is a powerful, rock-solid player for a variety of music formats. Professional DJs and weekend warriors alike will appreciate NDX400’s great mix of features and capabilities for a surprisingly affordable price.
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NDX800
NDX900
NDX800 is high-performance controller for DJs who blend different kinds of music sources. Whether your music is on your computer, USB flash drives or CD, you can perform with it using NDX800. This digital deck has the feel and layout you’re used to, with a twist of Numark innovation
* FLEXIBLE FORMATS* DYNAMIC DECK* FX FLAVOUR.* PITCH POWER* REAL TIME REMIXING* VIVID VIEW
Whether you play parties, clubs, events, or in a group, NDX800 gives you the feel you like, the look a professional demands, and the utility of built-in effects, remixing, looping, and sampling. Pair a couple of NDX800s with your favorite Numark mixer and start making some hips move.
The NDX900 Controller is capable of mixing music from virtually any digital source including a computer, CDs, MP3 CDs, or even USB flash drives.
NDX900 Controller has a layout that is familiar to DJs everywhere with a large, seven-inch touch-sensitive illuminated platter, smooth, front-loading CD drive, top-facing USB port, powerful remixing, effects control, scratching, looping, and sampling capabilities, all in a chassis that has a solid feel and professional look.
NDX900’s Beat-synced DSP effects include chop, echo, ilter, flanger, pan, and phaser with full control of the effects blend.
Control and mix from virtually any source with the powerful, versatile and professional NDX900 Controller from Numark.
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PROFESSIONAL MP3/CD/USB PLAYER AND CONTROLLER
PROFESSIONAL SOFTWARE CONTROLLER WITHAUDIO INTERFACE
TUTORIAL By Jonathan G Shaw
20 | BPM PRODUCTION TIPS
Jonathan Shaw is a professional record producer who has worked with a multitude of artists and record labels in a freelance capacity. Outside this, he lectures music business at the University of the Witwatersrand and provides business consultation to the music industry. [email protected]
Tricks from the Pro's 10:
Your Soldering Iron May Not Help
Salutations and greetings Audition, where you may want to take audio coming from the host’s BPMings! Let’s face it; MIDI to the synth/sampler and then audio/aux track.the world is no good take that audio back into your host Routing MIDI is similar; create the when people want to program or another synth/sampler virtual instrument you want to control keep things to them- program. As long as it has ReWire within the slave program then create a selves. Sharing is caring. compatibility and audio/MIDI inputs MIDI track in the host. Route this MIDI At least when it comes to and outputs, you should be able to get track via its MIDI In port to the the aud io so f tware signals from one program into instrument within the slave – it should community, most have another without too much hassle. The pop up as a new MIDI channel in the
opened up their world of wonders to two programs then synchronise with selection menu. Record enable this as many different platforms as each other and your playback acts as MIDI track and you will be able to play possible. You may be working on a though it is one program. the slave’s virtual instrument with the synth/sampler program such as FL Here’s how it works: firstly you host’s MIDI track. ReWire that Studio, Reason, Ableton Live, and need to understand that ReWire acts instrument’s audio into the host and even the latest Sibelius. All these where one program is the host (your you now have an endless amount of come with a virtual audio and MIDI general digital audio/MIDI editor) and possibilities for recording via a router, in the form of something called the other the slave. The slave will pass mul t i tude o f mus ic c rea t ion ReWire. ReWire was developed by its audio to the host program, and the programs!Propellerhead for the Rebirth host MIDI to the slave. So, start the program but has subsequently host program first (very important) Play long and prosper! become a standard. and then the slave program, which Resistance to better sound is futile!
should indicate it is running in ReWire slave mode. After this, you’ll need to load up an audio or auxiliary track in the host program and insert the ReWire plugin on it. Enable the “record-ready” button (if its an audio track) and if you play something from the ReWire slave you should hear the
ReWire allows you to take an audio signal from one program and send it to an audio input of another program. Not only does it do this in audio, but it has similar functionality for MIDI channels. Commonly, this is used when you are working with a host platform such as Pro Tools, Logic, Cubase, Nuendo Adobe
n the previous issue, we covered slicing audio loops to MIDI. In this issue I would like to cover another way of working with audio loops, using the brand new system for warping audio, making it much easier to time stretch and quantise audio parts to fit your project... Alongside this is a new system of groove-quantising both audio and MIDI clips, giving you enhanced control over the feel of your productions.
Warp SpeedDragging ready-made loops into Live is very easy thanks to a real-time browser preview of loops at the correct project tempo. This will allow you to audition loops for your project. Hit the RAW button to hear the loops at their
original speed if you prefer. When you drag a readymade loop into an audio track you can click the waveform to see it displayed in Sample View. By default it will have warping enabled, unless you have for some reason disabled this in the Preferences. If the sample
isn’t looping, simply drag to select it all, then right-click and select Loop Selection (or press the Loop button in the Sample section).
If Live determines the sample to be a different length that you think it should be, use the left and right markers to select its correct length, then right-click and choose Crop Sample. You can also try moving the playhead to the correct position, going to the Start and End boxes and either pressing the Set buttons or entering numerical values.
Select ModeSetting the Warp mode is important as it helps you tailor the
algorithm to the waveform. This can be controlled from the warp box in the Sample section. This loop contains a bass tone, so warp is set to Tones.
For other kinds of material, try different Warp modes. Beats is good for drums; Texture works better for polyphonic material or pads; Re-Pitch operates by transposing; Complex and Complex Pro modes are for warping material with multiple characteristics such as entire tracks, although it uses more cpu.
Warp MarkersWarp markers are added by right clicking the Sample editor and selecting Insert Warp Markers. Holding down the (Shift) key while clicking on a ‘ghost’ marker enables you to drag the marker to a new position without affecting the waveform. You can double-click on a ‘real’ marker to temporarily make a ‘ghost’ and move it.
Once a warp marker has been created, holding down the (Shift) while dragging it will move the waveform beneath the marker rather than moving the marker itself.
When warp markers exist in a clip, dragging them will move the segment of audio between that marker and the next in whichever direction you drag it. Using this method enables you to manually alter the tempo and feel of an audio clip.
TimingDragging the warp markers in order to tweak or correct the timing of a track is generally quite straight forward. Sometimes you will find yourself needing to quantise an audio part quickly rather than moving individual parts of the waveform around. To do this right-click the Sample editor and choose Quantise Settings. This reveals a window in which you can choose the required resolution and strength of quantisation. Alternatively you can apply your track groove as discussed in the previous issue.
For previous tutorials go to bpmmag.co.za and search ‘Ableton’.
Working with Loops in Ableton Live: Part 2
By Craig De Sousa22 | BPM
ABLETON TUTORIAL
I
Select Mode
Warp Markers
Timing
Warp Speed
24 | BPM
EDUCATION
T
When Am I Qualified?genius you are on Version Y of X software or turntable. This is not impressive and Version Y will be Version Z shortly anyway.
A n o t h e r v i t a l component to consider is that we don't have to have t h r e e d e c a d e s o f professional experience a n d a t e l e p h o n e directory's worth of qual i f icat ions to be deemed qualified. In many instances a truly committed individual who is receptive and a pleasure to interact with may be deemed qualified too. I.e. The candidate is qualified to commence with an entry-level role based on their attitude and willingness to learn
he Oxford dictionary the person who is considering the and know much more. defines qualified as; ind iv idua l for employment or The quickest way to be shown the exit officially recognised as a professional partnership, based upon door is to make out that you are p r a c t i t i o n e r o f a the opinion, needs and skills of the qualified to someone who has far more particular profession or prospective employer or client they will experience than you. They will be using activity. decide whether they deem you their own professional experience as A q u a l i f i c a t i o n i s qualified or not. As mentioned in a their point of reference of what they deemed, a course of previous article in this series, a formal deem qualified. Let us not forget the s t u d y t h a t m a k e s qualification from a reputable provider difference between being qualified to
someone suitable for a particular job or is valuable evidence but it is no commence with something versus activity. guarantee of employment and a having achieved mastery of it. Or put
sustainable career. We can only achieve Despite these simple terms of another way, the difference between this through our attitude, diligence and reference, how do we know if and when having a qualification in something skill, and how we are perceived by we are actually qualified? The answer is versus vast experience in it.others and not rely solely on having a relative and often very subjective.
Why on earth would we invest our qualification.Before we dissect the nuances, let us be
time and money then in studying In this context, it is professionally very clear that it is grossly naïve to
something if professionals will decide irresponsible to make statements in believe or be led to believe that having a
for themselves if we are qualified or not covering letters or resumés like 'I am a qualification denotes being qualified. A anyway? The principle of tertiary study quali f ied producer/engineer/DJ ' formal qualification, especially at a is not simply to acquire a document because you are in possession of a higher education level, is evidence to (qualification) as evidence that you have qualification. The prospective employer prospective clients or employers that endured a course of study, it is the or client will decide whether you are we have taken a formal course of study journey of interaction with others and qualified based on what they need and a n d p a s s e d t h e m i n i m u m the knowledge we gain that is valuable. what you know and can do and equally r e q u i r e m e n t s . A d i s c e r n i n g Formal study, if delivered by an astute what you don't know and cannot do. professional however will not simply provider who employs truly skilled staff, Always remember, your attitude is what take this as a guarantee of a person's fast tracks our knowledge and skill in a most employers are looking for. commitment to the subject matter or in way that is simply not possible if we Attributes like intelligence, tenacity, a fact that they are relevantly skilled in work in isolation or rely solely on sense of humour and good manners are ways they are prepared to invest their
very a t t ract ive , and a formal information accessed from the web. If time and money in.qualification is a significant addition. formal study had no relevance, How qualified someone is, is Leave out of your interview what a providers of education would not exist. generally determined by the opinion of
By David Maclean
25 | BPM
EDUCATION
the more we trust him or her. Knowledge, skill and credibility all influence our belief that someone is qualified or not, and often we make or need to make this decision within moments of meeting a person for the first time. The golden nugget is being referred to someone based on his or her experience of working or interacting with us. The r e f e r r a l s e r v e s a s a n endorsement that we are qualified! The reason a referral is so valuable is because people don ' t wi l fu l ly p lace their credibility on the line and so will only refer someone to us if they are certain that we will deliver.
In conclusion: we are qualified when whomever we are interacting and working with believes we are. As the amount
Yes, if we have an Internet connection The more we know and can do, the of people endorsing our skills grow, the we can quickly access information more qualified we are! easier it becomes for us to cement our about anything and download the PDF As with every aspect of life, trust is career and achieve professional to help us on our way. We can add to our greatest influence when we are credibility.that a YouTube video tutorial and spend deciding to invest our time and money In the next issue we will discuss the time on forums. There is no doubt that in something or someone. The more importance of Creativity with we can learn a large amount in this experienced someone is in something, Entrepreneurship.fashion and do every day, but it will never replace the joy and experience of interaction directly with others who share similar interests and varying levels of experience. This interaction is what happens each day amongst students and staff in a great institution.What has this got to do with b e i n g q u a l i f i e d ? I t i s interaction with many other peop le ( ' qua l i f i ed ' and 'unqualified') that allows us to arrive at our own opinions and workflow based on our exposure to the opinions and workflows of others. Based upon our competencies at any given time throughout our lives and careers, our peers, associates, employers and clients will deem us qualified to perform the work or not.
About the author: David Maclean is a mastering engineer, educator and business executive with two decades of experience in the music industry and tertiary education sector. David is the Director of SAE Institute South Africa and is based at their campus in Cape Town. The Cape Town campus is one of 53 SAE campuses across the globe. David is known as the ‘white crocodile’ because of his unusual portfolio that includes equal-parts business, education and music production. Consequently David understands the attitudes and opinions of the industry professionals within the creative media technologies industries and the educator’s and authorities within Higher Education in South Africa and abroad.
