LATEST IN DJ, MUSIC AND PRODUCTION GEAR JUL|AUG’11 FREE We review... We review... iNUKE Power Amps Emulator Gear news iNUKE Power Amps Emulator Gear news Behringer NUMARK NS6 FL Studio 10 JBL EON 515XT Behringer NUMARK NS6 FL Studio 10 JBL EON 515XT TUTORIALS... TUTORIALS... Ableton Live Harmonic Distortion Autotune: Sound like T-Pain Ableton Live Harmonic Distortion Autotune: Sound like T-Pain TUTORIALS... TUTORIALS... We review... We review... www.proaudio.co.za
Transcript
LATEST IN DJ, MUSIC AND PRODUCTION GEAR
JUL|AUG’11FREE
We review...We review...
iNUKE Power Amps
EmulatorGear news
iNUKE Power Amps
EmulatorGear news
Behringer
NUMARK NS6FL Studio 10JBL EON 515XT
Behringer
NUMARK NS6FL Studio 10JBL EON 515XT
TUTORIALS...TUTORIALS...Ableton LiveHarmonic DistortionAutotune: Sound like T-Pain
Ableton LiveHarmonic DistortionAutotune: Sound like T-Pain
his edition of BPM Tech sees us vary our hugely underestimated and massively popular music reviews somewhat – we’ve been heavy on the making program on page 8 & 9.DJ gear of late but one can tend to forget that Speaking of technology, Numark have listened to their without the sound systems... well we’d have customers and introduced a new, sleeker, slimmer, more no sound right? Good sound is key to any portable version of the NS7 aptly called the NS6. You can successful event but alas often seems to be read our review of this on page 16 and then something new the last priority amongst venue owners and and novel is the Emulator – the first touch-screen midi promoters. There’s no excuse either, as controller for Traktor. I had the pleasure of test driving this technology becomes more affordable and baby and had lots of fun. This review you will find on page 14.
simply gets better and better. Elsewhere we have some super cool tutorials; How to Witness the all new iNUKE series from Behringer. These use Autotune to get those robotic vocals, which I personally
featherweight power amps are proof that a lot of oomph can cannot stand, but seems to be very popular in R&B and hip be packed into a compact and portable package with no hop. We also show you how to get a big bass sound out of features lacking. Read all about it in our cover feature. Ableton’s Operator and Jon Shaw teaches us a thing or two
JBL have also upped the ante somewhat and again, about Harmonic Distortion in his production tips master-technology is at play here as their new EON515XT class. loudspeakers bear testament to this. With essentially the Enough reading material to keep you busy for a while... same components – and some new added features – the Enjoy! EON’s have just got louder thanks to some tweaking and Don’t forget to visit www.bpmmag.co.za for daily gear improving on their technologies. Check it out on page 6. news.
We’ve also been inundated with requests – many of them on our Facebook wall – to review the new FL Studio 10. DAVE MACDave Skinz takes us through all the new advances of this
Editor-in-Chief
T EDITOR’S NOTE
EDITORS NOTE & INFO
COVER FEATURE: BEHRINGER INUKE POWER AMPS
COVER FEATURE: BEHRINGER INUKE POWER AMPS
REVIEW: JBL EON515XT
REVIEW: FL STUDIO 10
REVIEW: FL STUDIO 10
GEAR NEWS
GEAR NEWS
REVIEW: EMULATOR TOUCHSCREEN DJ
REVIEW: NUMARK NS6
PRODUCTION TIPS: HARMONIC DISTORTION
TUTORIAL: ABLETON - CREATING A BASS SOUND WITH OPERATOR
COVER FEATURE Behringer iNUKE ”... by carefully selecting transistors with extremely high slew rates
and optimizing other proprietary parts of the circuitry, these amps react instantly to even the most demanding electronic bass impulses.”
What Is It?
Watts, plus all the features most professional audio engineers ask for;
NU1000: Ultra-Lightweight High-Density 1000-Watt Power Amplifier. Delivers 2 x 520 Watts into 2 Ohms; 2 x 300 Watts into 4 Ohms; 1000 Watts into 4 Ohms (bridge mode) and weighs less than 3.2 Kg's.
NU3000: Ultra-Lightweight High-Density 3000-Watt Power Amplifier. Delivers 2 x 1600 Watts into 2 Ohms; 2 x 900 Watts into 4 Ohms; 3000 Watts into 4 Ohms (bridge mode) and weighs less than 3.2 Kg’s.
NU6000: Ultra-Lightweight High-Density 6000-Watt Power Amplifier. Delivers 2 x 3000 Watts into 4 Ohms, 2 x 1500 Watts into 8 Ohms and weighs less than 3.7 Kg’s.
NU1000DSP: Ultra-Lightweight, High-Density 1000-Watt Power Amplifier with DSP Control and USB Interface. Delivers
DSP Series amplifiers come with built-in 2 x 520 Watts into 2 Ohms; 2 x 300 Watts DSP and 24-bit/96 kHz converters for into 4 Ohms; 1000 Watts into 4 Ohms
The new iNUKE series is Behringer’s high quality signal integrity across an (bridge mode) and weighs less than 3.7
brand new range of power amplifiers extremely broad dynamic range. DSP Kg’s.
that have caused some serious waves in functions include a sophisticated delay,
high-density Class-D technology and and dynamics processing with lockable Density 3000-Watt Power Amplifier with
switch-mode power supplies, the reason security settings. DSP Control and USB Interface. Delivers
for the widespread excitement is that A convenient front panel LCD 2 x 1600 Watts into 2 Ohms; 2 x 900 Watts
these amplifiers pack high output power display provides access to setup and into 4 Ohms; 3000 Watts into 4 Ohms
into a very, very light rack-mountable adjustment parameters directly at the (bridge mode) and weighs less than 3.7
package. amplifier, without the need for a PC. Kg’s.
All models feature combination XLR Additionally, all iNUKE DSP models
/ 1/4” TRS input connectors, integrated can be set up, monitored and controlled NU6000DSP: Ultra-Lightweight, High-
limiters, a built-in subwoofer/satellite via a front panel USB connector. Density 6000-Watt Power Amplifier with
crossover and professional twist-lock There are six models in the range in DSP Control and USB Interface. Delivers
speaker connectors. total all sporting cool-running and 2 x 3000 Watts into 4 Ohms, 2 x 1500
For sound engineers requiring high-lightweight Class-D technology with Watts into 8 Ohms and weighs less than
level control capability, Behringer iNUKE output ratings ranging from 1,000 – 6,000 5.5 Kg’s.
5 | BPM
COVER FEATURE
To watch the promotional videos for the iNUKE series scan the tag below on your phone or go to
www.bpmmag.co.za
Distributor: Pro Audio | 011-822 1430 | www.proaudio.co.za
Power AmplifiersAnatomy
Verdict
As you can probably tell the model names and numbers signal the specification of each amplifier. The 1000, 3000 and 6000 denotes the maximum signal power of each amp (not RMS) and they’re each available as standard power amps or with built in DSP hence the added DSP on the end of some model names. The iNUKE DSP models can be set-up, monitored and controlled via a front panel USB connector, while a front panel LCD display provides direct access to setup and adjustment parameters without the need for a PC. Also included are combination XLR / ¼-inch TRS input connectors, integrated limiters, a built-in subwoofer/satellite crossover, and twist-lock speaker connectors in lightweight, rack-mountable packages.
Other features found on both the standard range and DSP series include switches that enable iNUKE amps to work in either dual mono, stereo or mono bridge mode. There is also a built-in crossover switch to set the amp in bi-amp mode which will then send low f r e q u e n c y c o n t e n t t o p a s s i v e subwoofers, while the high frequency output is channelled to full range loudspeakers. A limiter on/off switch act ivates the bui l t- in over load protection.
The PC remote Editor software comes with a host of handy features by simply connecting your DSP iNUKE via
‘bang-for-your-buck’ and whilst the the range and the DSP models add USB. The GUI is nicely laid out – very brand is not without its detractors, the genuine sophistication and class. But of intuitive and allows one to set all DSP buying public have the final say and course the most impressive feature of all functions and parameters. Aside from there is no denying just how many is the power vs. weight ratio and sound selecting operating mode (Dual Mono, Behringer products are out there being installers and rental companies will love Stereo, Bi Amp 1 or 2 or bridge mode) used daily. the ‘featherweight’ design, the ease of you can also set very precise I/O levels
There have been some questions use and the versatility of the iNUKE via the 22 virtual LED indicators. What’s raised with regards to the high density Power amps. Expect to see these in use more the GUI also delivers graphical class-D technology but Behringer claim everywhere!feedback for Filter/Crossover, Parametric to have spent years fine-tuning this to EQ and Dynamic EQ (level dependent give these amps the extra ‘oomph.’ They equalization). Basically without leaving say that by carefully selecting transistors your chair you can setup and monitor with extremely high slew rates and your iNUKE at all times. The system can optimizing other proprietary parts of the also be locked from the editor – a very circuitry, these amps react instantly to important option for rental installations even the most demanding electronic to halt any pesky tampering. bass impulses. Combining this with state-of-the-art switching-mode power supplies makes for amplifiers with mega
Behringer is without a doubt one of the punch. The iNUKE series is a massive most popular brands in South Africa, leap forward in the power amp stakes for proof of which is easy to be seen in so the brand – the series is very nice looking m a n y i n s t a l l a t i o n a n d s o u n d in a classy professional way, comes reinforcement applications. Their standard with a good features list across success is built on value for money or
SA Distributor: Wild and Marr (Pty) Ltd 011-974 0633 | 021-787 9378 | 031-564 3877 | www.wildandmarr.co.za
Expect to pay: R 10,950-00 each excl. VAT
At Namm this year JBL launched what they have dubbed 'their toughest, smartest and most impressive EON ever.' We decided to take a closer look at this new addition to see what all the fuss is about...
Anatomy
Verdict
JBL loudspeakers are always good looking and the new edition to the EON product line - the EON 515XT is no exception. Significantly this year will see them produce their one millionth EON loudspeaker, a clear indication of the popularity of this range worldwide.
The 515XT is the next generation EON and the product range has stepped up a few notches both in performance and features. Straight out the box the first thing that impresses is the reminder of how light the 515 has always been. Weighing in at a very manageable 14.8 kg’s with multiple handles all sporting rubber grips, it certainly scores high in the portability stakes. One of the adjectives used to describe the 515XT’s looks is ‘discreet,’ and whilst it does not differ too much from its predecessor, the all black facia and discreet (there’s that word) JBL logo (now black, not orange) does make for a handsome package bound to blend in more so than ever.
As has been proven many times should impress is the increase in input either like the sound of them or you over looks aren’t everything but they sensitivity by a massive 10 dB. This don’t.” I think the EON series on a whole count for quite a bit when purchase means better support for line inputs has gone a long way to silence decisions are being made, so having a such as keyboards, drum machines or detractors and the 515XT is indeed the good looking set of cabs goes a long DJ mixers. SPL is also up a bit at 132 dB complete package. Loud, efficient and way towards desirability of the product. which by any standard is massively very versatile the only complaints will This setup is a self powered 15 inch, efficient. Bottom line – it’s loud! Now, be from those who own the 515’s as two-way, bass-reflex system driven by one would think the 175 watt increase in they eye out the XT longingly. Sound Crown® Hybrid Class-D amplifier output power may signify a change in wise the tops seem brighter and the technology. The power rating is 625 amplification but in fact the XT is driven bottom end tighter than its predecessor watts – that’s 525 on the sub and 100 by the same Crown Class-D as the 515. and that’s with no EQ fiddling. It’s a watts on the tweeter giving it a solid 175 What has changed is the overall great speaker at a great price. Simple as watt advantage over the 515. Turning optimisation of all the internal that! Expect to see tons of these around the loudspeaker around reveals a workings. Bottom line: Better design, and about in the next few months.handy selection of features that are an higher efficiency. improvement too. It comes with a basic From a practical perspective as 3 channel mixer and all three of these mentioned earlier, its light, has multiple channels cater for 14 inch jack input rubberised handles and can be pole with one also offering dual XLR input. mounted, stood up on the floor or used So for example you can plug any line as a monitor thanks to its angled instrument, mic and dj mixer straight in cabinet.the back. Each input has its own volume control.
Whilst the 515 has fixed EQ, the XT JBL often causes more debate than sports both a bass and treble control most speaker systems partly due to which means being able to tailor the their immense popularity and partly sound somewhat, depending on your because as a good friend and sound environment and the music being connoisseur often reminds me, “you played. The loudspeaker also has a
useful XLR out loop-thru for daisy chaining speakers. But probably the most significant enhancement that
MUSIC PRODUCTION SOFTWAREBy Dave Skinz FL Studio 10
So what’s new?
What Is It?
So what can you do in FL studio?
interface is visible and the Channel Settings window shrinks down. The Channel Settings is also where you get to control the automation of effects, instruments and envelopes so it can get quite busy; busy enough to warrant a second monitor. Most, if not all of your functions are accessed through right-clicks to bring up extensive drop-down menus that seem to fill the screen very quickly.
Quite a bit really; the biggest noticeable change is that the program runs a lot smoother thanks to better management
back through that folder of half built of the memory and improved ASIO dreams but they never seem as performance but the way you work FL Studio and its previous guise of grandiose as they were the day they within the software has also been Fruity Loops have always been lauded popped into your head. streamlined to make the experience as one of the easiest and quickest ways
quicker and easier. to produce quality electronic music In the Piano Roll for example you without making the process frustrating.
can utilize a function called Magic Lasso Many people might have preferred the Well, pretty much anything that you can from the drop down menu to assist you funky Fruity Loops moniker but after a do in any of the major DAW's out there. with note alignment by giving you disagreement with everybody ’s Composition, arranging, recording, visual representations of the waveform favourite breakfast bird Toucan Sam, I editing, mixing and mastering can all be behind the notes. Another cool feature personally think that Belgian based manipulated in FL Studio 10, and if you is the Riff Machine which allows you to Image-Line software made the right have a favoured plug-in or sound, FL create complex MIDI parts from simple move to rename the product and Studio is fully VST and DXi compatible. inputs like chords. Actually there are s u b s e q u e n t l y i m p r o v e a n d In fact one of the new additions to loads of other new additions to really professionalize the brand image. version 10 is that it now supports both assist you with building chords and It certainly has removed a lot of the 32 and 64-bit plugins through a chord progressions even if you aren't a negative stigmas that tended to float “bridged” mode.virtuoso musician.around when producers mentioned FL Studio still operates on the
There are stacks of new synths and that they were using FL to produce their premise of loops and sequences sample based acoustic instruments too tunes, and in fact a large portion of local through its system of playlists and and Auto-Save is now included so you producers here in South Africa clicked patterns. Your patterns are built can set FL Studio to save your precious their first major releases in FL and through variable length step sequences project every 5 to 15 minutes. Devices continue to roll out the hits using the containing instruments or generators like Newtone assist you with pitch package. So while in the past many of that you drag and drop from the correction and time stretching for audio the “formally trained” music producers browser which groups al l the or MIDI and Patcher lets you build and tended to take a pessimistic view of the instruments and ef fects qui te save effects chains to use again in other package the results always tend to comprehensively. Each pattern is then projects without having to rebuild it speak for themselves. saved and arranged using the playlist to every single time. There's even a built in One of the unwritten rules in music trigger different patterns to form a visualiser. production is to quickly get your ideas structured song.
All the familiar plugins like Stytrus out the package and work through as You can program your patterns by have also been juiced up to allow a much of the concept as you possibly using either the Piano Roll or Step greater magnification of envelopes to can while the inspiration grips you. I can Sequencer and if you click on any really add more depth to your synths, count myself amongst the thousands of instrument or generator in the pattern samplers and effects.producers out there who have a hefty you open up its Channel Settings.
section in their folder of unfinished Within Channel Settings you have the projects due to frustrations, inability to ability to manipulate any settings you do what you can hear in your head or might need from synthesis parameters that you just didn't have the time to see to arpeggiator timings to actual time-the track through its conclusion. Sure stretching, processing and looping of there will come the day when you go audio samples. If you open up a VST its
Price: R 700 - R 3000 | Supplier: Tuerk Music Technology | Tel: (011) 792-8402Web: www.tuerkmusic.co.za / www.flstudio.com
The easiest way from your brain to the speakers.
9 | BPM
MUSIC PRODUCTION SOFTWARE
Who should own one?
The Verdict
Anyone looking for an e l e c t r o n i c m u s i c production program with no experience in put t ing beats and melodies together. Also any of the producers out there who get frustrated working in the “bigger” DAW packages would enjoy the workflow in FL 10. If budget is a constraint FL Studio caters for all sizes of pockets. The entry level Fruity package is 700 odd Rand, the Producer Edition retails at R 1,700 and the all inclusive Signature Bundle will only set you back around R 3,000!
When you start to feel limited by the basic package you can step up to a more hardcore version online without having to purchase all over again with a simple upgrade path. Also bear system so if you have a lower version or in mind that with FL, you have access to don't particularly like the recording
FL Studio does exactly what it claims to Lifetime upgrades so you will never interface you can still access the sounds do and that is to be the fastest way from need to spend the bucks to upgrade to and effects you've grown to love so your brain to the speakers. The price the latest version when it hits the much within a DAW you might be more point is extremely reasonable shelves; you will always have access to familiar with such as Cubase or Ableton especially when compared to the the tier of program level you originally for example.competition out there and even more so purchased. For the older users a small It's hard to knock a system like FL when you throw lifetime upgrades into fee of $39 will move you up to the Studio 10 that has so many strong the pot. With the improvements to ASIO Lifetime upgrades. points. But don’t just take my word for and memory usage this really puts this If you are looking to do any it; check out the fully working into the upper echelons of music recording remember that only the downloadable demos to find out for production platforms.Producer or Signature Editions are yourself.
I certainly wouldn't use FL Studio to enabled for this feature. Also anyone record a full band or orchestra per se, with an older machine (is there anybody but to put together beats and melodies still running Windows 2000?) will enjoy it truly is a dream to work with. There running FL as the requirements are only isn't a huge jump from FL Studio 9 to 10 512 MB of RAM and 500 MB of hard but the workflow is much more fluid and drive space with a 2 GB AMD or Pentium there are added tools within the Piano 3 processor but obviously the newer Roll, Channel Settings, Playlist and machines will run the software Mixer that make the experience an even significantly quicker and smoother both more streamlined one. Another in 32 or 64-bit versions. Unfortunately interesting little feature that not many Mac users will still have to run Boot people know about is the ability to run Camp on their machines to use FL FL as a ReWire within a “larger” DAW Studio.
Behringer's new Nox series of DJ mixers now available in South Africa
10 | BPM
GEAR & INDUSTRY NEWS
Continued on Pg 12 ...
Need the bells, without all the whistles?Cubase Elements 6, the latest addition to the Cubase product family is shipping, offering a comprehensive feature set at an exceptional price of R 1,195 Including VAT.Based on the core technologies of Steinberg’s music production system Cubase 6, the entry-level Elements edition offers intuitive song-writing and recording tools along with great-sounding instruments and effects. We love the simplicity of “The Project Assistant” which makes setting up Cubase & getting those ideas down a breeze!
Top Features:! Based on proven Cubase technology used by professionals around the world! Award-winning 32-bit floating-point Steinberg audio engine with flexible routing and fully automatic delay compensation! Supports up to 64 MIDI and 48 audio tracks simultaneously in DVD quality (24-bit/96 kHz)! Includes outstanding virtual instruments: HALion Sonic SE workstation, MPC-style Groove Agent ONE drum machine,
Prologue synthesizer! Comes ready with 33 audio effect processors, including PitchCorrect for vocal intonation correction and the great-
sounding AmpSimulator! Cross-platform 32-/64-bit for Windows and Mac OS X IntelTuerk Music Technologies | (011) 792 8402 | www.tuerkmusic.co.za
Renowned pro audio manufacturer Behringer has released five new DJ mixers as part of their NOX series and the feedback has been really good so far. Built to connect directly to your computer and take your music straight into the digital realm, these mixers allow you to record and play any digital music file with your PC or Mac computer without the need for any special drivers. The NOX606 packs a whopping 6 channels, the NOX1010 has five, the NOX303 has three, and the NOX202 and NOX404 each have two channels.All mixers include the infinium "contact-free" VCA Crossfader, their legendary XENYX mic and premium-grade phono preamps, and beat-syncable FX for years of unbeatable performance.NOX mixers offer RCA inputs for turntables, tape decks and CD players and also feature mic inputs with exceptional XENYX mic preamps.In addition the mixers include USB connectivity so you can access your MP3 library or digitize your own creative mix, directly via your computer and provide superb tone control, thanks to a 3-band EQ and full-kill filters, Gain control and precise level meter per channel.Whether you're throwing multiple elements into the mix, or just keeping it simple, there's a USB-ready NOX Series mixer that's ideal for you.All NOX Series models feature super-smooth channel faders and the infinium 'contact-free' VCA-controlled crossfader for the utmost in reliability and smooth audio performance. The user-adjustable crossfader curves let you quickly adapt to various mixing styles. SA Distributor: Pro Audio | Tel: +27(011) 822-1430 | www.proaudio.co.za
Gemini Introduces FirstMix-USB DJ Controller for Aspiring DJs
Closed supraaural headphone for control and monitoring applications, musicians and DJ'sIn a marked departure from traditional Beyerdynamic headphone design, the striking aesthetics of the new DT 1350 make it stand out from the crowd, delivering a professional, timeless quality that is both attractive and rugged. A combination of highly efficient ambient noise reduction and an impressive maximum sound pressure level (129 dB) make the DT 1350 an ideal compact over-ear headphone for audio engineers, musicians and DJ’s. Regardless of whether you are a sound engineer monitoring PA systems, a live musician or a DJ; the DT 1350 delivers every time. The Tesla drivers offer an enormous degree of efficiency with extremely low levels of distortion, allowing the DT 1350 to produce a perfectly balanced, analytical sound even at the highest volumes. The removable ear cushions, combined with a flexible split headband design ensure the headphones sit securely and remain comfortable even during prolonged periods of use. The swivelling ear cups (90°) also allow “single-ear” monitoring.SA Distributor: Technology Innovated DistributionTel: +27 10 5000 111 | www.tidistribution.co.za
The name TMA-1 refers to the extremely long-lived, black monolith mentioned in Arthur C. Clarke's novel 2001 - A Space Odyssey - a fitting name for this rugged, matte-black and incredibly reliable headphone. The TMA-1 is made in collaboration with 25 professional and renowned DJs including Warp's own Hudson Mohawke. The one-piece headband is made of a strong, durable and pliant matte nylon material, which provides full flexibility when wearing and positioning the headphones during Dj’ing, and at the same time renders the TMA-1 virtually unbreakable. The inner parts are sheltered by the headphone-cup made out of a resistant ABS material. The 40mm dual-diaphragm high-definition drivers deliver high definition, full-spectrum sound providing you with crystal clarity and an accurate sound on all frequencies.
Quotes: "Really good sounding sturdy headphones. Probably the best on the market...” Hudson Mohawke"In general they're louder and more focused than my beloved HD25s, and that's great. They're also nice and smooth without being flat. I like the options of cable and ear cushion as well.” James Murphy"I'm using them as my main DJ headphones now..." Kode 9SA Distributor: Rolling Thunder | + 2721 557 8630 | www.rollingthunder.co.za
Gemini have unveiled the FirstMix USB DJ Controller for aspiring DJs. This easy to use, yet feature rich controller with two touch sensitive jog wheels allows anyone to scratch like a pro. A “Best in Show” winner at the 2011 Winter NAMM show, FirstMix connects via USB and allows users to DJ using their iTunes or other music libraries. FirstMix ships with Cross LE DJ software from MixVibes and is also compatible with Traktor, Virtual DJ and Algoriddim’s DJAY and other popular DJ software. “We took many of the best features from our Gemini professional DJ products and integrated them into FirstMix for anyone who is interested in a fun and easy way to get started as a digital DJ,” says Mark Wilder, Vice President of Marketing for GCI Technologies. “FirstMix lets you ‘scratch’ right out of the box and gives you the tools you need to put together a great party mix.”Other key features include the ability to seamlessly mix songs together, spice up tracks with effects, play music in reverse, adjust bass and treble output and record your set. Priced at R 1,295 incl. VAT the FirstMix is the newest addition to Gemini’s Digital DJ Controller line and is now available in South Africa. SA Distributor: Audiosure | 011 - 7904600021 - 5551617 | 031 – 5699260 | 051 – 4304455
Distributor: Rolling Thunder | 021-5578630 | www.rollingthunder.co.zaExpect to pay: Between R 40,000 & R 75,000 version dependant.
The world of digital DJ’ing seems to be pushing the envelope at every possible turn what with the numerous iPhone DJ and production apps recently announced and of course the iPad DJ viral video that’s been circulating on the web has got many people excited. What makes the iPad DJ app comparable to Emulator is that both are based on touchscreen technology but beyond that they really are two very different animals...
What Is It?
Who should own one? Verdict
What else do I need?
Emulator is a multi-touch midi controller PC software program that enables one to control DJ software via a large transparent touchscreen. The full rig consists of the aforementioned software, either a 32 or 42 inch transparent screen, a stand for the screen and a projector to project the PC DJ software onto the screen. Currently it works with Traktor Pro 2 although we are told that soon Serato, Virtual DJ and Ableton emulations will also be available.
To set the system up one simply plugs the projector into your laptop or PC dual screen output and the Touchscreen into an available USB port on said laptop/PC. Thus two functions are being achieved; 1 the Traktor DJ software is projected onto the big see-through screen and 2, via the USB connection the Touchscreen From experience I have learnt never to It works, simple as that! It took me less now becomes your midi controller to entirely assume how a new piece of than 5 minutes to get used to the control the DJ software. The layout of tech will be used or by whom. We all Touchscreen control (I am a seasoned Traktor Pro 2 is very similar on the big have a wonderfully inventive way of Traktor user) and whilst there is screen to the standard version – using technology these days. I don’t obviously a little bit of latency enough so that anybody using the know if it’ll prove a practical solution compared with tactile knobs and program should have no difficulty for your average DJ to lug around with sliders, I was truly amazed at how easy getting their groove on pretty quickly – him to gigs. Just watching DJ’s trying Emulator is to use. but it is essentially an overlay and not a to find space in the DJ booth for their All the Traktor features are direct mirror image of the standard s t a n d a r d l a p t o p / c o n t r o l l e r available in more or less the same version. combinations in flight cases is layout save a few different locations
Nonetheless it has been well amusing enough. Trying to set this up like the FX and Hot cues but other than thought out and is easily enough quickly at a club for a 2 hour set could that it’s almost identical. The more navigable for anybody familiar with prove a bit much, however don’t be time one spends with it, the more one the program. surprised if it does start popping up. I realises how much thought has gone
see this more as a presentation tool into making Emulator a genuine ideal for gigs that require a large dose controller application and not just a of visual interaction which makes it novelty. Whilst not cheap (it is new It’s important to understand that perfect for DJ’s wanting to do demos, technology) it’s comparable to two top Emulator is essentially a DJ midi corporate gigs and is great for video of the range DJ Media players and a controller – the only difference being and TV. decent mixer and offers a different that one uses the Touchscreen to
Mobile DJ owners may also be visual experience for the DJ. control Traktor as opposed to knobs very interested in this product as it At the moment it only works on PC and sliders. This means you will still would be a huge hit at wedding gigs or (Windows 7) but a MAC version is due need a suitable DJ Soundcard with lavish birthday bashes. The visual out within weeks. If it sounds headphone monitoring capability, a aspect is not to be underestimated and interesting to you I would try it out but PC or laptop and a copy of Traktor Pro with the added feature of being able to be warned... you may just get hooked!2. write messages (freehand) and display images on the transparent screen whilst Dj’ing this makes it a great visual tool.
Price: R 12,000-00 | Supplier: Viva Afrika | Tel: (011) 250-3280Web: www.numark.com
Numark NS6Lightweight Contender for DJ Controller of the Year.
What Is It?
Who Should Own One?
The Verdict
The Numark NS6 is a compact MIDI controller, Audio Interface and Digital DJ Mixer designed in conjunction with the brains at Serato HQ. So whilst a fair section of the NS6 has been modeled on its “bigger” brother the now legendary NS7, Numark have taken a lot of DJ feedback related to that device to improve the overall experience on the NS6.
One of the best features on the NS6 are the dual touch sensitive metal 6” platters with an unprecedented 3600 ticks of resolution per revolution allowing much more fine control when scratching, cueing and pitch bending with a red ring marker around each platter so as to be able to monitor your relative scratch position if you prefer watching the platter than the monitor. With all that extra resolution data the 214 pieces of MIDI info on the NS6 had to consequently be upgraded to 14-bit wh ic h a l s o im pr oves a l l t he be divided, multiplied, shifted, communication between the NS6's stuttered and edited each with their First off, anyone that owns or owned an hardware and the custom Serato own set of buttons for those varied NS7 and complained about its weight. software package. functions. All of this amazing looping Which at 20 + kilos, means that if it was
Which leads us to another of the and cueing wizardry is assisted by beat being carted around in a flightcase you new major adaptations the NS6 gridding in the software to really tighten had to hand it over the baggage benefits from and that is a native four track loops that would otherwise be handlers at the airport. The NS6 deck setup and layout courtesy of a extremely tricky to lock down. however tips the scales at a very lean custom version of Serato specifically There are specialized crate 6.4 kg which is also a lot lighter than adapted for the NS6. This translates to browsing and loading functions to some of the competitors’ products. super quick setup times and less ensure that all you need to do on your The NS6 should be considered potential performance problems. The computer is look at the screen. With all very carefully amongst all the top end custom version includes some real this amazing software functionality one MIDI/Audio and Mixer controllers on clever additions to the software one of does tend to forget that the NS6 is also a offer out there, not just for the amazing which is a dual effects section to really fully kitted 24-bit audio mixer as well, functionality but also for Numark's build brighten up your performance and with four channels of inputs, two of quality. allow a much more layered approach to which are switchable phono inputs for your mixing that can also be routed to decks and four for CDJ's or line inputs your analog kit as well. that can run independent of a computer.
A definite front runner for the best DJ The strip search bar sounds as fun This does mean that the NS6 will need controller combo out at the moment. as its name implies and lets you drag more power than conventional USB's The build quality is great and the your finger along the bar to move your can offer so you will need to plug the custom 4 deck Serato software with all track along its timeline, but when you NS6 into a power source. Audio output its extra built in functions for looping combine this with another new is sent through a set of balanced XLR and cueing really set the NS6 apart from innovative feature in skip, you can now connections for pro output quality and its overweight brother the NS7. Just jump to any point in the song without additional RCA outputs are available for take a look at YouTube for videos of the missing a beat! Now if you're worried master output and another set for NS6 at work and you are sure to be about staying in bar you could rather booth. Mini and Jack headphones ports astounded. Overlook the NS6 at your make use of the forward thinking loop are also available if you forgot your own peril.and cue sections to really let looping headphone adaptor at home.
and shifting loops on the fly become a much easier process. 5 hot-cue buttons below each platter really let you be creative with the way you wish to jump around your cue points and loops can
perator may not be the first synth you would consider for bass in Ableton Live (usually that’s reserved for the much fatter “Analog”). However, with minimal tweaking, you can program your own, smooth bass sounds in a matter of minutes.
Operator…I’m looking for an Oscillator…Operator’s 4 oscillators make it easy to sculpt straight forward bass
sounds. Even loading up a copy of Operator (with its default Sine wave on OSC1 enabled) and playing a few notes in the C0 – C1 range can shake the house.
However, you probably want a better starting point for your bass sounds, here is how.
Step 1) – Drop a copy of Operator onto a new MIDI track.
Step 2) – Bass sounds usually require mono phony (only one note triggered at a time. Do this by clicking on the “Global Shell” (1) section and in the middle panel (2) change the voice count to 1.
Step 3) – Next, click on the Oscillator #2 panel (1) and bring the level knob up to about -8.0dB and the coarse knob up to 2. Make sure to activate this oscillator by clicking on the “B” on the right side.
Step 4) – With Oscillator #2 still selected, locate the middle panel and change the “Sustain” level (1) to about -20dB and the wave type (2) to Sq3.
Step 5) – Click right above Oscillator #2 to select Oscillator #3. Repeat steps 3 and 4, only this time change Oscillator #3′s level knob to -10dB and under wave type select “Sq16″. Again, be sure to activate Oscillator #3 by clicking the “C” on the right side of it.
Step 6) – Last, we are going to locate Operator’s “Filter” section (1) and bring the frequency knob to around 400. This helps smooth off some of the highs, allowing the bass to occupy only the lower frequency range. Don’t forget to click on the small square to the left and activate it (it will turn orange when activated).
How to Program a Bass Sound in Ableton's Operator
By AbletonLife.com20 | BPM
ABLETON TUTORIAL
OOperator’s 4 customizable Oscillators to help sculpt your bass sounds.
Under Oscillator 2 bring the dB up to -8.0dB and the coarse knob up to 2
Operator’s “Sustain” and “Wave” settings.
The settings for Operator’s Oscillator #3
Cutting the highs with Operator’s filter section helps carve a sonic spot for our bass (400Hz and below).
Bass sounds are usually Monophonic. Be sure to change the voice count from 6 to 1 in the “Global Shell”.
TUTORIALBy Jonathan G Shaw
21| BPMPRODUCTION 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 7:
Harmonic Distortion
SFATSO
LO FI
PRECISION MAXIMIZER
STUDER
alutations and greetings BPMings! This time we look at all things distorted (a pun, perhaps?). The era of analogue tape is behind us, and the benefits of digital are now clear. The trick, though, to getting that sought after analogue and “international” sound is now on.
It all started for me when I realised Beside overall level, there is a
my masters weren’t quite as loud as particular texture and excitement that
international ones. I sought high and low analogue tape provides audio (it soft
for the reason why but no one was able to saturates it). Saturation is essentially
tell me. I stumbled upon an internet forum harmonic distortion (it adds overtones to
(www.gearslutz.com) where someone the sound) throughout the audio
was talking about soft clipping. Soft spectrum. It gives a fuzzier sound as
clipping is, in effect, raising the level of opposed to soft clipping that has fewer
digital audio so that its amplitude is harmonics and is more transparent. UAD
effectively chopped off resulting in offers FATSO which allows you to control
distortion. This is what you do when you push up the master fader so the track gets louder because you’re cutting off the waveform peaks. This is problematic because it’s uncontrollable and often just grating. Pro Tools comes with something called Lo-Fi which has a distortion setting that soft clips for the same effect. Unfortunately you can’t control the gain and it sounds blatant. Not so good for mastering but its great on bass, if you want to get it to punch through. It increases overall RMS (average volume)
the characteristics of tape, as well as the in a way that has left me unimpressed with recent Studer A800 which is an actual traditional compression. tape machine emulation. If you want that I also use this little gizmo on synths, warm, mixed sound, these are essential. guitars and vocals which causes them to iZotope Trash and guitar amp simulators jump right out of the mix and keep out of provide a good tone too.the way of other things. Used sparingly,
Lastly, record your audio through you don’t pick up the “added harmonics” tube equipment for some initial tone but from the distortion. always track it as clean as possible. And, This, I realised, was exactly what I remember, you want people saying “wow was hearing in international tracks, when that’s so warm and kicks” and not “it’s so things sounded cleanly separated (it’s the distorted and ugly”.little known secret used by mix engineers,
as mentioned on Gearslutz). I found a Play long and prosper! great soft clipper from UAD called the Resistance to better sound is futile!Precision Maximizer that does the same
How to Autotune Your Vocals using ou may assume that it takes a masterful engineer and a lot of money in hard effects to get that autotuned sound, but that’s not the case: using only a few steps and a simple plugin you will be well on your way. In this tutorial we’ll go one step further and show you how to create an autotuning effect that sounds as good as the pros.
This tutorial assumes basic knowledge of VST effects and FL Studio. You will need Antares AutoTune VST or a similar autotuning VST to perform this effect correctly, and of course, a microphone that is able to record into FL Studio. Besides that plugin, we will be using the effects packaged with FL Studio to finish shaping the sound.
Make sure you’ve purchased Antares AutoTune, a similar VST, or have picked up the demo. If you’re weary of purchasing this product, we’ve found that if you are working with any sort of vocals it pays for itself almost immediately.We are going to set up a mixer channel in FL Studio to pick up our microphone. Ours is on Blobusound Channel 2, so I select that accordingly.If done correctly, you should have activity on the input meter. The spirit of this effect is to sound a little more robotic, so If not, you’re going to need to check your ASIO/WDM what we are going to do now is further create that settings, or make sure that you have a soundcard or interface robotic/artificial sound using other effects. These effects will that can support a microphone input. change from microphone to microphone, so it is important to Assuming you have activity coming in and that you can hear experiment until you get the sound you’re looking for.yourself, load Antares AutoTune onto the first slot of the The next thing in our FX chain after the auto-tuner is going to mixer. Notice any difference? You probably can’t–we need to be an EQ plugin. We’ll be using this EQ to brighten up the change some settings before going further. highs, and exaggerate the artificial effect. Using EQUO, we’ve
boosted all of the frequencies past 2.5kHz to about 400%. This exaggerated EQ will add even more definition to the robotic effect. This may produce too much brightness on nicer microphones, so you may want to start at 400% and
At this point, you’re going to want to change the “Input Type” work your way down until you’ve got a reasonably bright at the top. This helps the tuning engine accurately adjust the vocal.incoming signal (in this case, your voice) to “tune” correctly. We are going to manipulate the tuning engine by changing it to “Alto/Tenor Voice”. This will trick the AutoTuner into shifting your voice upwards, and “filling in” your missed notes with a synthesized “voice.”With the input type changed, it is now time to change the key and scale. T-Pain’s hit song ‘Buy U A Drank’ is in B-flat minor, so we’ll change the key to B-flat and the scale to minor.You may notice some difference here, but the key to real auto-tuned vocals is to change the “Retuning” threshold to as fast as possible, in this case “0.” With it down at zero, when your voice fluctuates from note to note, it detects what note your voice is in, then jumps it to the next note in the scale, keeping it in key. With these basic settings in place, you should be singing your robotic heart out.
Step 1
Step 3
Step 2
BPM Tutorial
23 | BPM
TUTORIAL
FL Studio to sound like T-Pain
Step 4
Step 5Step 6
Step 7
Step 4 Step 6
Step 5
Step 7
chain. Notice that we’ve used some pretty crazy volume/mix values for the
After the EQUO, we’ll add a Reverb After the Fruity Reverb, we’ll add what effects. Sometimes an effect becomes
effect to the chain. This we’ve placed at is probably the most important and too overpowering at full volume, so
about 50% volume to make sure that it delicate effect in the chain, a chorus. experiment with turning it down until
isn’t too overpowering on the vocals. Refer to the settings snapshot to you achieve a nice balance.
recreate this wonderful effect: it will To smooth everything out after the
give your vocal plenty of depth, and it Fruity Delay Bank, we’ll throw a Fruity
has convinced many a listener that an Compressor onto the channel and you Optional: At this point, we’ve found that expensive mic is being used.are recording-ready and set to sound inserting the Soundgoodizer plug-in like T-Pain!after the Reverb works very, very well
on autotuned vocals. Give it a shot in the effects chain to get some interesting
Moving on from there, our next effect is effects due to Soundgoodizer’s limiter.
the Fruity Delay Bank. We’ve kept this It also keeps the volume level high and
one simple, and it will create a little limited, which adds to the artificial
more atmosphere along with the sound.
Reverb that was added earlier in the
How? Simple... Go to
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![80 100 125 150 170 [BPM] STYLES & TEMPO IN ELECTRONIC … · 2019. 3. 6. · Dubstep [130-145 BPM] Trap [120-160 BPM] [140 BPM] Hardstyle [150 BPM] Breakbeat [140-170 BPM] Jungle](https://static.documents.pub/doc/80x56/6018bad90f937c130a7c6c52/80-100-125-150-170-bpm-styles-tempo-in-electronic-2019-3-6-dubstep.jpg)
