Mapulator: An Advanced MIDI Mapping Tool for Ableton

Ableton Live’s MIDI mapping is a double-edged sword: super-easy, but somewhat limiting. What if we could go beyond basic mapping? The fact is that complex MIDI translations in Live shouldn’t require a doctorate in computer science to pull off, which is exactly why we’ve created Mapulator, a new Ableton Max for Live patch that allows you to map knobs in ways that we could only have dreamed about with the standard mapping system. We’re giving this first version out for free – see inside for more about this incredible device.

PowerTools Contest Winners

The DJTT labs are crazy this month! We finally had a chance to watch all of the videos submitted to our PowerTools remix competition and now it’s time to announce the winner of the contest. I was completely blown away by the response to this contest – every entry had some amazing qualities, and the final count was over 65 entries!

Online DJ Scratch Schools Comparison: Which Is Right For You?

An awesome DJ set rarely comes down to which equipment you use – it’s singularly about the sound you deliver.  That is, unless you want to scratch. The tools of the turntablism trade are relatively simple, the techniques have evolved at a glacial pace compared with other DJ disciplines, but it’s an artform that is anything but simple to master. So where does the budding DMC turntablist champion go to get the very best education on “cuttin’ it up rough”? In this article, we look at some of the online resources out there that will build those flares, tame your crabs and keep those chirps tight.

Mixed In Key Mashup: DJTT Staff Review

Released to the public earlier this week, Mixed In Key’s Mashup is a new simple audio program designed around the creation of super simple key-matched mashups. In addition to taking a look at the software’s features and foibles, we challenged some of the DJTT staff to try and make their own mashups with the tool in under ten minutes – read on for the results and reviews.

The VCI-100′s Last Hurrah: New Traktor Pro 2 Overlay

The VCI-100 might be dead, but we’ve got good news for all our faithful VCI-100 users. After some persistent requests from our passionate forum community, we decided to produce one final overlay to accommodate the official DJ Techtools VCI-100SE v4 mapping, designed for Traktor Pro 2.

Best DJ Controllers for Modification: Be DJ Frankenstein

Off-the-shelf DJ controllers have come a long way in the past few years, but they’re still lacking that certain something. The whole digital DJing movement was founded on a DIY approach way before manufacturers started seeing dollar signs in the eyes of a burgeoning market, and there’s nothing quite like that personal touch. Not everyone’s a ‘ground up’ kinda guy though, so what’s the middle ground?

Protecting Your DJ Gear: The Ultimate Guide

The great irony of DJ equipment protection is that one of the most dangerous places to take your gear is to the exact place that you want to be going to – your gig. Be it an after-hours tech house rager, a weekly wobblefest at your favorite venue, or even a mere wedding reception, the hazards of playing out are there. But don’t fear – we’ve got some great ideas for things to do to make sure that your DJ kit comes home with you ready to play the next show.

A Year With Pioneer’s DDJ-S1

The Pioneer DDJ-S1 is just over a year old now, having been announced at NAMM 2010. While a number of other controllers have come on the market since, how well does it hold up? And if we were to compare it to the VCI-300, what makes the S1 superior?

Mini Innofader: Ready for Controllers

Most DJs have heard the legend of the incredible Innofader – but did you know that this epic fader now has a little brother? Designed to accomodate the many MIDI controllers that don’t have room for a full-sized Innofader, we’ve got the rundown and comparison on this low-profile superhero of a crossfader. 

One Path to DJ Happiness

This article will not help you get famous or lead to gigs in front of 10,000 people. It will not help you do more amazing  technical feats or impress your girlfriend with mad remixing skills. If either of those are your goals in DJing, please stop reading now. I’m serious – don’t click read more – go check out this article on self promotion instead.

Key Detection Software Showdown: 2012 Edition

It’s been almost two and a half years since the last DJ TechTools key detection software comparison. Times have changed and the software has moved on, so we took a fresh look at the capabilities of Mixed in Key, Rapid Evolution, and Beatunes-  and we also discuss whys and wherefores of musical key, too. Ready to see which software won this time?