Serato Itch

A viable alternative to the traditional DJ setup of turntables/mixer or cdj/mixer is the midi controller. While you can use a midi controller in conjunction with your existing setup, such as the Novation launch pad or Native Instruments X1(very popular among both Traktor & Scratchlive users), there are hardware systems out there that combine all the essential components into one neat package.

Enter the Serato Itch platform. These midi controllers provide an outlet to manipulate mp3s, song library management, in addition to mixing and equalizer controls. It's pretty much a seamless integration of the Serato Scratchlive platform many of you are familiar with and a midi controller. The Itch system is plug and play, eliminating the need to setup several components such as your 30 pound a piece turntables.

Perhaps some video examples can clarify what these are capable of:

Allen & Heath Xone: Dx (mentioned in an earlier post, I believe), around $1200


Vestax VCi 300, $800


Native Instruments Kontrol X1, $200 (using Traktor, but I'm trying to showcase this technology!)


Listening to: Dead Presidents Mix Pt.1 (i forgot who the dj was that put it together)

Allen & Heath DB4

Dog bollocks?

Theres been some hype around a new product from Allen & Heath to be revealed at BPM in Birmingham (if you're not aware, BPM is a huge music conference in Europe, similar to NAMM or the Winter Music Conference).

The Xone:DX was Allen & Heath's latest (May 2010) midi controller to be released. Lets see how this differentiates itself. The name kinda sounds like an Aston Martin, if you ask me.

BPM is in ten days I believe - can't wait to see what they have for us!

Xone:DB4



Listening to: Johnny Osbourne - We Need Love