Amazon

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

selection of the 5 best DJ software packages

Rane Serato Scratch Live SL3

Serato were early leaders in the digital mixing revolution, and despite increasing competition they have maintained their formidable reputation. The combination of the SL3 hardware and the Serato Scratch Live DJ software allows you to connect up to three regular vinyl turntables, CD players and a mixer to their computer to mix and scratch audio files. It's sold as a complete package consisting of the SL3 audio interface, two control vinyls/CDs, four RCA cables, one USB cable, international power supply, Serato Scratch Live software and a carrying case.

The included control CDs and vinyl have Serato's control signal which Scratch Live uses to track and simulate the same movement within the software. Users coming from a vinyl background will have no difficulty adjusting to this system which, with the Serato timecode, is indistinguishable from playing on vinyl. 24bit/48kHz convertors, USB 2.0 connection and studio grade phono pre-amps ensure high sound quality and an auxiliary input/output lets you get creative by hooking up a sampler, live feed or recording a live mix. The solid build, upgraded audio and hot outputs make the SL3 a regular fixture on the professional DJ circuit, and ensures it justifies its premium price tag.

The Serato Scratch Live software is well laid out with a simple interface split into three main sections. You'll see two decks with waveforms, cue points and loops on the top, effects in the middle and below that the filebrowser. Scratch Live 2.1.1 also has support for the Pioneer CDJ-2000 & CDJ-900s "advanced HID mode" including library navigation, album art, overview display and highly responsive platter control. Support for The Bridge also means that you can play back your Ableton Live sets through Scratch Live and trigger clips from the Ableton Player as well as record your mixtapes as a multitrack Ableton file.


Native Instruments Traktor Scratch Pro
Allowing up to four deck mixing with vinyl and CD control, Traktor Scratch Pro is one of the most complete and feature packed solutions available for digital DJs. With 28 professional effects, automatic beat-gridding of tracks, advanced beat detection and Sync Lock, a comprehensive track management system, as well as support for multiple MIDI controllers, Traktor Scratch Pro certainly doesn't scrimp on features.

The high-end Audio 8 DJ interface is at the heart of the system. With a brushed aluminium casing and a slick black fascia, it certainly looks the part, but with 24 bit/96kHz and Cirrus Logic AD/DA converters, also sounds spot on. The rugged and weighty exterior of the interface and the two small handles which protrude from the front of the unit protect the knobs and buttons and safeguard your investment should it be dropped.

Connecting up is pretty simple thanks to Native Instruments' Multicore cables, which also mean less unsightly entangled cables and a rock-solid sound and performance. Installation of the software is not as effortless as some Digital Vinyl Systems (DVS), however once up and running, use of the Traktor Pro software itself is intuitive and uncomplicated. The layout is clean and uncluttered, the vinyl control is extremely responsive when mixing or scratching, the built-in effects sound fantastic, and the ability to record your mixes within the software is a godsend.

One minor gripe with Traktor would be that the waveform display is slightly small and being only one colour, it's not as easy as other DVS systems to spot breakdowns or changes in the track at a glance. That aside, Traktor Scratch Pro is one of the most serious contenders in the DVS rankings and certainly stands out from the crowd in a seemingly saturated market - no wonder it's the professional's choice.

Ableton Live Suite 8

Suite 8 is the flagship of Ableton's award winning Live Range, and as such is much more than a digital mixing tool. The four-DVD boxed set contains Live 8 itself, a core library of samples and presets, the full set of Ableton's software instruments, a collection of loops and samples from Cycling 74 and Zero-G, a library of Latin percussion instruments and samples, version 2 of the Essential Instruments Collection (EIC), and two DVDs dedicated to session drums. In total there's a possible 48GB, to install so it's worth making sure that you've got sufficient hard disk space.

The options for DJing give the user the ability to mix tracks of completely different genres and tempos seamlessly. Being able to mix an old disco track (originally played using live instruments with variable timing) seamlessly into a dubstep track with total accuracy is mind-blowing. Live sets can also be shared and synchronised with other Ableton users over the internet, via the dedicated file-browser pane.

The creative possibilities for on the fly remixing make Suite 8 unique in its class. You can re-sample in real time or overdub jam using Live's comprehensive range of VST instruments and sound libraries, allowing you to add improvised tracks to your DJ set, or to add edits of your favourite records to your live set.

It doesn't stop there though - Live 8 offers numerous hi-specification features such as powerful MIDI sequencing of software and hardware instruments, 32-bit/192 kHz multitrack recording, and effect racks for professional-grade mixing and mastering. Combine all this with Ableton's completely unique warping and real-time time-stretching capabilities, high grade synthesis generators, instrument and drum racks, and effectively you've got a both a digital DJ set-up and a complete studio in one.

M Audio Torq Conectiv Vinyl/CD Pack
After a 12 year run of gracing the pro audio market with high performance interfaces and controllers, M Audio have entered the digital DJ software space-race. It's a somewhat surprising entry, especially when you take in to account the recent technological advances made by the likes of Rane & Native Instruments alongside the increasing number of budget imitations. A quick look at the impressive list of features and specifications quickly reassures you that this system does not fit into the latter category.

Out of the box the Conectiv USB interface connects with two pairs of RCA stereo inputs and outputs. It contains a pre-amp for connecting to turntables, a 1/4" TRS microphone input and headphone out. The top panel boasts two large, firm knobs which allow you to seamlessly mix between the incoming analog audio from a turntable or CD player and the digital output of a connected Mac or PC. There are also line switches and a mic/monitor control room. Although the unit is made from plastic it doesn't feel too cheap.

Once installed, the software appears to be intuitively laid out, although the small function icons take a little while to get used to. Just like its counterparts, you can mix with control vinyl, CD or internally if you choose. Torq's browser will scan your computer's iTunes database and supports Apple Lossless files alongside the usual WAV, MP3, AIFF, WMA, AAC file formats. The waveform display is not to everyone's liking as it is split in half, making the peaks the only real point of reference. However its large size and zoom features make this manageable and the addition of a second, smaller full waveform on each deck make adding up to six cue points per track easy enough. There's an impressive amount of on-screen knobs and buttons which can be controlled by mouse, keyboard or MIDI controller. The centre-piece of these is the effects module, which aside from being bundled with ten basic effects will also load third party VST plug-ins. The tempo-synced sampler is a tasty feature which allows loaded samples to be manipulated on the fly and you can route the output of Torq to any ReWire-compatible host application (like Pro Tools M-Powered 7.3 or later) and share synchronization information between the programs. Some users may gripe about the fact that Torq only supports two decks overall, but somehow you get the sense that any more would over complicate this already feature packed little system.

MixVibes CROSS Pack
The Mixvibes Cross Pack can be safely filed in the 'lesser known DJ software' category, but is well worth investigating. It boasts an impressive audio interface, which comes with a 4-In/6-Out soundcard that allows you to use it with the included timecode CDs and records. Earlier scratch systems had teething problems - losing the loop - because of the timecode quality, prompting Mixvibes to invent the quote-unquote 'Ultimate Timecode CD'. Alternatively you can use Cross with your preferred MIDI controller.

Beneath the essential channel equalizers Cross lets you loop tracks in different steps from 16 to 1/8 bars. You can set locators that you can jump to, play the track in reverse mode or use the match and sync options. While using timecode media the smart anti-skip feature is very handy: if you are scratching and the needle bounces there is no interrupted sound in relative mode. Those who are looking for breakdowns can see the waveform of both tracks in the player and can zoom in or out to find a view that suits your needs.

There are several different ways to manage your media. The master media library allows you to add all your tracks and organise them by BPM, or you can use the media explorer if your tracks are stored in a clear structure on your computer. The iTunes integration allows you to import your whole iTunes library into Cross, playlists and all. If you mark a track in the collection, playlist or explorer you can see its cover and all information from the id3 tags.

Mixvibes deserve credit for implementing user feedback into new versions of Cross (in the upcoming update, for example, there will be three different effects voted by Mixvibes users). The popular Mixvibes forum is also a handy resource if you have trouble setting up your Cross Pack.

This information was supplied to me via E-mail from Juno records.

BMX Grand National are over.

What does that mean to a BMXer?  Well it normally means the end of the season, but to some it means only a few more races left to get some needed points.

With this being my first year in BMX,  I have met a lot of nice, wonderful and helpful people.  I am starting to figure out the different personality types of BMX parents.

1) The first type of parent are those that constantly scream at there kids to do this and do that.  I see the resentment and pain in the kids eyes.  Yet they do what they are told.  I am not sure how long this type of kid will last in BMX or any sport.  Growing up I always saw these types of kids being the first to drink, then start doing drug.  They felt they were never good enough.  I'm not sure if this type of parent is pushing there kid so they are the best or so they can brag that their kid is the best.

2) The second type of parent is kind of like the first one, but they also give lots of positive strokes.  If you don't pay attention and see the positive strokes you would think they are part of the first group.  I think that this type of parent will do whatever it takes to help their child to be a winner, but at the same time not let the child think all this comes free.  They need to work for their achievements.

3) The third type of parent are those that do the pushing and at the same time they treat their child like a friend.  Their the person with the money to take them anywhere they want to go.  I see this type a parent as being the same as a stage mom, someone living through their child's achievements.  I am guessing that they see it as bonding time.

4) The forth type are the ones that drop the kid at the track and pick them up when they are done.  They may go to the races, but they are not watching or cheering their child on.  When the race is done the child finds them, they don't go to meet them at the finish line.  I don't see many, but I have notice a few.

As for me I am kind of a special case, I could be a 2 or maybe even a 4.  My son is deaf and I could scream at him all I want and it would do no good.  If it were not for all the nice people I have met at the track I have no reason to leave and not be involved.  I take pictures that everyone seems to enjoy.  I even was asked to announce the races one Sunday (I don't envy the regular announcer at all).  I don't care if my son wins or looses, its that he is having fun.  I will point out things he is doing wrong and get advice from others more knowledgeable then myself, after all it is fun to win.  Next year I feel he will be ready to travel away from the home track and start meeting more people around the state and making new friends to talk to on Face Book.

If I had the money for bikes I would probably try it, but I am 50 and have had one heart attack already.  So I am not really sure I want to go there.

Now if any parent reads this that knows me and thinks I am talking about them personally, I am not.  This is strictly observations of the many people I have met this year, I also don't take shots at friends.

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Sunday's Fall Classic

If you missed it last Sundays, Fall Classic at Rum River Bmx it was a great time.  I really enjoyed snapping all the cool pic's and the special races.  I thought the fire department was going to show up for a fire, but it was the free Hamburgers and Hot dog's, they were cooking (they were really good while they lasted). 
One of the Special Races was the TOT's  races,  they were on little pit bikes, trikes and big wheels.  All the kids were great and I swear some of those trophies were bigger then the winners.  Another Special race was the Father's Race, I actually participated in this one, a few of the other guys kind of pushed me into it.  I had the greatest time ever, even though I thought I was going to die.  I am so out of shape it's terrible, by the way I know round is a shape.  I do want to thank Streeter and Ken for getting me to do it.  I know they want me to start racing so they will have someone new to beat, I could maybe be cool with being the next SodBuster Kenny Jay of BMX.

Dr. Taylor
PLUR and Ride till ya Die.

NEW!!!!!

I am pleased to announce that I now have BMX supplies here from JensonUSA.  They have some really good prices.  If I would have had the money I could hve had a nice pro XL bike for 56% off.  You have to check them out.

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Rum River BMX Fall classis

Come one come all to the Rum River BMX Fall Classic. 
The fall classic is fun for every one. 

Registration will be from 1-2pm with racing to follow.
Free hotdogs and hamburger while supplies last.
Tots race, Parents Races, Pitbike Races
and more!!!!

 
This is going to be totaly crazy you need to come out and see.
 
Time Sunday, September 26 · 1:00pm - 2:00pm 
for registration with racing to follow. 

Location Rum River BMX in Isanti MN

Monday, September 20, 2010

Freaks Culture Records

Burst' has been on a great run of form in recent Months and drops an absolute pearler here on Freaks Culture Records!  'Across The Horse' is a deep and dark peak-time tech bomb, with an infectious and rocking groove, I really like it.
https://www.beatport.com/en-US/html/content/release/detail/279107/across_the_horse#

It's Been a Busy Summer

Well with all the shows I have been doing and my son and nephew keeping me busy with BMX I had not had time to post.  But that will be changing.  Not only will I have Music, but I will now be promoting Rum River BMX.

Friday, April 9, 2010

SPAGHETTI DINNER Tonight #Minneapolis

SPAGHETTI DINNER

FRIDAY APRIL 9, 2010 5:00PM • 7:00PM

FRIDLEY KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS

6831 Highway 65 N E Fridley, MN 55432

(763) 571-1492

Come join us for a delicious plate of pasta with salad and bread

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Hart Thorson @ Karma Night Club

This just in, Hart Thorson is closing out the patio at 1:00 am this Friday for the Kind Beats crew at Karma! Should be a rad time! If you remember I posted an interview with him earlier on this blog.  Here is all of the info.


Kind Beats
http://www.kindbeats.com/

Event Flirt
When Friday, March 26, 2010
Doors Open - 10:00pm
18+
Where - Karma Nightclub
(map) 315 1st Ave N Minneapolis, MN, USA 55403
Other Info
HIP HOP in the MAIN ROOM.
HOUSE/BREAKS/TRANCE in the PATIO!
FREE COVER ALL NIGHT 18+ to Dip.

Saturday, March 20, 2010

Pictures form infected Mushroom

Here is wher you can find some of my pictures from last night Infected Mushroom at Epic. I have more, but I can only put 25 of them up on flikr at a time.

Friday, March 19, 2010

Its Fish Fry Friday Minneapolis

ANNUAL LENTEN FISH FRY


FRIDLEY KC HALL 6831 HIGHWAY 65 NE

March 19, 26
SERVING 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
ADULTS $10.00
CHILDREN 10 & UNDER $5.00

BATTER FRIED OR BAKED FISH FILLETS
SALAD BAR with SOUP, POTATO, COLE SLAW
BREAD and COFFEE
" ALL THE FISH YOU CARE TO EAT"
While the Supply lasts.

 
One Serving Menu

FRENCH FRIED SHRIMP DINNER - $10.00
For Kids Grilled Cheese Sandwhich - $5.00
These include all you can eat Soup and Salad

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Sander van Doorn Announces American Tour Dates

The in demand Top 10
Dj and producer has just confirmed
a staggering six week tour of America


Beginning in Puerto Rico on March 19, the superstar will criss-cross countries for an impressive 40 days, taking him to 12 states with over 20 shows scheduled.  Aside from a quick jaunt back to his home country in April to headline the massive Trance Energy festival (a festival for which he composed the theme song Renegade AND mixed the upcoming Trance Energy compilation album), Sander will be touring continuously through May 1st.

Its impressive to see a Dj of his level making such a huge commitment to the American market.  Sander van Doorn can literally play anywhere, so its amazing to know that we (in America) are such a priority. Thank you Sander! 3


Hans Thurau, Publisher Clubdistrict (USA)
From Miami to New York, California to Las Vegas, Puerto Rico to Canada and all points in between,
Sander van Doorn is excited to bring the SvD style and music to so many.

I love DJing in America because you get to play longer sets, which means you can play more diverse styles of music.
So in some ways this is quite a selfish thing because Id just like to spend some more time there!

- SvD

Sander plays his first US date on March 20th for Beyond Wonderland, where he will be headlining to 40,000 very excited party people.  From there, he heads to Miami for the Winter Music Conference, where he will play super club Space, along with a highly anticipated appearance at The Ultra Music Festival. A quick slingshot around the globe for Godskitchen in the UK on April 1st and Trance Energy on April 3rd, and hes back touring North America until May 1st.

With such a massive undertaking, Sander wanted to end things right, and as only he can. On the last date of this historic tour, Sander will celebrate with a very special Dusk Till Doorn event at the Guvernment in Toronto on May 1st.

For additional information on Sander van Doorn, please visit www.sandervandoorn.com
Fri Mar 19 - San Juan Coliseo De Puerto Rico
Sat Mar 20 - San Bernadino Nos Events Center
Fri Mar 26 - Miami Space
Sat Mar 27 - Miami Ultra Music Festival
Thu Apr 08 - New York Cielo
Fri Apr 09 - Chicago Soundbar
Sat Apr 10 - Washington Fur Nightclub
Wed Apr 14 - Scottsdale Cream
Fri Apr 16 - Minneapolis Karma
Sat Apr 17 - Denver Beta
Wed Apr 21 - Atlanta Opera Nightclub
Thu Apr 22 - San Diego Fluxx
Fri Apr 23 - Seattle Last Supper Club
Sat Apr 24 - Las Vegas Rain
Sat May 1 - Toronto Guvernment

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Check out Juno

Some of the Best Juno Download Recommends Electro HouseElectro House: I have found on the web. 

Saturday, March 6, 2010

Mixology announces VIP wristband for WMC with 'no wait' access to:

Ferry Cortsen, The Crystal Method, Sharam, DJ Rap, Judge Jules, Mark Farina, Heather, Colette, Ultra Nat, Andy Caldwell, Gene Farris, D:Fuse, Jazzanova, Christopher Lawrence featuring Mr & Miss Smith, Markus Schulz, Gareth Emery, Blank & Jones, Jerome Isma-Ae, Zoo Brazil, Menno de Jong, Sandra Collins, Serge Devant, Mark Lewis, Tom Novy, Morgan Page, DJ Reza, Saum G, Nello Simioli, Hernan Cattaneo, Mark Night & Kenneth Thomas, Cosmic Gate, Solarstone, & Sied van Riel.
Los Angeles, Ca (March 5, 2010) Mixology- a branded nightlife service company in Los Angeles, unveiled plans today for their Mixology VIP Weekend wristband for the upcoming Winter Music Conference. With the wristband, party goers will be on a guided tour through the biggest and most exclusive nights over WMC.

Now in its tenth year of throwing some of the best parties at WMC, Mixology ups the ante on all access fun.
The Mixology VIP Weekend experience lets you roll like a superstar DJ

The "Mixology VIP Weekend" wristband is an all access pass to WMC events from Friday at sunset, to Monday at sunrise. Holders will experience a "No Wait" VIP ENTRANCE, HOSTED BAR (Accessed only by VIPs, Artists, Celebrities and Media), receive a GIFT BAG, and be invited to a MEET AND GREET WITH DJS.

The event will also be taped for a 30 minute Comcast special, so get ready for your close-up!

Strategic partnerships have been leveraged allowing holders access to events that are already sold out, or soon will be.

With this VIP band, you will witness: Ferry Cortsen, The Crystal Method, Sharam, DJ Rap, Judge Jules, Mark Farina, Heather, Colette, Ultra Nat, Andy Caldwell, Gene Farris, D:Fuse, Jazzanova, Christopher Lawrence featuring Mr & Miss Smith, Markus Schulz, Gareth Emery, Blank & Jones, Jerome Isma-Ae, Zoo Brazil, Menno de Jong, Sandra Collins, Serge Devant, Mark Lewis, Tom Novy, Morgan Page, DJ Reza, Saum G, Nello Simioli, Hernan Cattaneo, Mark Night & Kenneth Thomas, Cosmic Gate, Solarstone, & Sied van Riel + many more.

No one has ever done a packaged experience like this before said Mark. What weve done is to give people who want a true VIP experience just that. Its not just jumping the queue, its about a level of service and access that is unprecedented once youre inside. - Mixology founder Mark Lewis

The Wristband will be honored at the Shore Club, Nikki Beach, Nocturnal, & Karu and Y on participating nights. With only 300 Mixology VIP wristbands available for pre sale, they will sell out quickly. No other band gets you into as many venues and parties as the Mixology VIP Wristband.

With pricing starting at $250.00, the bands will undoubtedly sell out fast.

Wristbands go on sale March 6 @ http://www.mixologyvip.com/

Some History
Mixologys Winter Music Conference Closing Parties are legendary. With this, the 10 Year Anniversary of Mixology at WMC, this closing party will be one for the record books. The event is known for always having an unnamed, unannounced, "Special Guest DJ" with past alum being the true titans of dance music. Carl Cox, Paul Oakenfold, Judge Jules, Steve Lawler, Erick Morillo, Robbie Rivera, Seb Fontaine BT, Eddie Halliwell, Benny Benassi, Darren Emerson Sandra Collins Christopher Lawrence, to name a few.

Mixology's founder and House Music Pioneer, DJ Mark Lewis, has been throwing Mixology events at WMC and past 10 years. The LA based Event marketing and branding company has produced the events; Downtown LA Fashion Week and Elton Johns Oscar Party.

Friday, February 26, 2010

Do you Like Fish

ANNUAL LENTEN FISH FRY
FRIDLEY KC HALL 6831 HIGHWAY 65 NE

March 5, 12, 19, 26
SERVING 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM

ADULTS $10.00
CHILDREN 10 & UNDER $5.00

BATTER FRIED OR BAKED FISH FILLETS
SALAD BAR with SOUP, POTATO, COLE SLAW
BREAD and COFFEE
" ALL THE FISH YOU CARE TO EAT"
While the Supply lasts.

One Serving Menu
FRENCH FRIED SHRIMP DINNER - $10.00
For Kids Grilled Cheese Sandwhich - $5.00
These include all you can eat Soup and Salad

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Crate Diggers

Vinyl Record Sale
& All-weekend Dance Party
riffs ahoy!- let it be - gojohnnygo
Thousands of records & Music stuff
Sound System - Illustrious DJs

Friday-Saturday-Sunday March 12, 13, 14
Friday 4pm - 10pm  Saturday 10am - 10pm  Sunday 12 Noon - 4pm

Carleton Lofts - in the Party Room
2285 University Ave., St. Paul (by 280 & Vandalia)
Brought to you by This is My Joint Productions

Friday, February 12, 2010

Official Site of We Are The World 25 For Haiti

Official Site of We Are The World 25 For Haiti

Please visit the Link listed above it will give you the chance to see the new video for a new generation to become part of something started 25 years ago. We were the world then and we are the world now. Please join us.