If you had to pinpoint the time of the first DJ mix, it would be in the 1970s – with the emergence of disco music. Up to that point, it was customary to fill the ‘gap’ between two pieces of music with an announcement. Then disc jockeys began almost imperceptibly to mix together the beats of two different songs with the same tempo. This is still common practice today. 1981 saw the arrival of the CD, the digital competitor of the long-playing record (LP). Like its predecessor, the DJ CD player also provides the opportunity to alter the tempo of the music to synchronize beats. Turntables were built to recreate ‘feeling’ the record and to enable ‘scratching’ and ‘backspin’, the fast reverse playback of the music.
Pioneer DDJ-T1 Traktor
A parallel development was the idea of controlling the music on a computer with a record player – and later with a CD player. The first systems were prototypes costing several thousand euros and used by well-known DJs such as Richie Hawtin and John Aquaviva.
Today, this DJ setup has long since come of age. The software, Itch (Serato) and Traktor (Native Instruments), has two or four decks (virtual turntables), loop functions, sample banks and a full-blown effects unit. There are multiple ways of controlling the software, from time-coded vinyl and CDs, to additional small controllers which take over effects and browsing the music library (so you are not constantly ‘fiddling’ with the mouse on the computer) and complete all-in-one solutions. We want to look more closely at the latter and at the Pioneer DDJ-T1 with Traktor 2 (RRP €1,099), in particular.
Today, this DJ setup has long since come of age. The software, Itch (Serato) and Traktor (Native Instruments), has two or four decks (virtual turntables), loop functions, sample banks and a full-blown effects unit. There are multiple ways of controlling the software, from time-coded vinyl and CDs, to additional small controllers which take over effects and browsing the music library (so you are not constantly ‘fiddling’ with the mouse on the computer) and complete all-in-one solutions. We want to look more closely at the latter and at the Pioneer DDJ-T1 with Traktor 2 (RRP €1,099), in particular.
With its DDJ series, Pioneer, the market leader in professional DJ equipment, is surging forward in the DJ controller segment and, together with Native Instruments (Traktor Kontrol S4) and Allen & Heath (Xone: 4D), is positioning itself at the top of the market.
Today, the Pioneer DDJ-TI, the Traktor version of the controller, arrived in the post.
The DDJ-T1 is a true plug-and-play controller: install the software on your laptop – connect the laptop to the controller with a USB cable – from the controller to the stereo system – power on – ready to go. Party on!
Visually, the device is reminiscent of a 2-CD player with a 4-channel mixer in the middle. The workmanship is solid. All controls and buttons are there, as is the standard Pioneer quality. A unique feature is being able to slip the keyboard directly under the controller so it disappears. The device is intuitive to operate and the first ‘mix’ works straightaway. Synchronising the beats, if you want to, is taken over by the software. The DDJ-T1 is the optimum setup for ‘laptop DJs’, for home use or for those pool parties with friends. However, whether it manages to make it into the big clubs is questionable, for now. Not because of its quality, but rather the historical background of DJs who are used to playing off vinyl or CDs and who would rather use their favourite mixer.
Today, the Pioneer DDJ-TI, the Traktor version of the controller, arrived in the post.
The DDJ-T1 is a true plug-and-play controller: install the software on your laptop – connect the laptop to the controller with a USB cable – from the controller to the stereo system – power on – ready to go. Party on!
Visually, the device is reminiscent of a 2-CD player with a 4-channel mixer in the middle. The workmanship is solid. All controls and buttons are there, as is the standard Pioneer quality. A unique feature is being able to slip the keyboard directly under the controller so it disappears. The device is intuitive to operate and the first ‘mix’ works straightaway. Synchronising the beats, if you want to, is taken over by the software. The DDJ-T1 is the optimum setup for ‘laptop DJs’, for home use or for those pool parties with friends. However, whether it manages to make it into the big clubs is questionable, for now. Not because of its quality, but rather the historical background of DJs who are used to playing off vinyl or CDs and who would rather use their favourite mixer.
Pioneer DDJ-T1 Traktor
The software, however, has long been used in clubs, and now DJs no longer have to synchronise the beats, there is time to enrich the set with loops, samples and sound effects. It gives their creativity free rein and so you can find yourself on the dance floor suddenly surprised by a clarinet virtuoso so poignant that goose bumps run down your spine.
DJ-ing is no longer a matter of simply playing a series of music with synchronous beats. The setup in the DJ booth has developed into a musical instrument in its own right, and one that offers the artist every opportunity to express his creativity freely.
It remains to be seen when surround sound will find its way into the clubs and if it will then be possible to determine the true ‘direction’ of the sounds.
DJ-ing is no longer a matter of simply playing a series of music with synchronous beats. The setup in the DJ booth has developed into a musical instrument in its own right, and one that offers the artist every opportunity to express his creativity freely.
It remains to be seen when surround sound will find its way into the clubs and if it will then be possible to determine the true ‘direction’ of the sounds.
© 2012 PITIUSA MEDIA GROUP S.L.U.
