Serato does it again and again...

As a faithful Serato user and recently an ITCH/ VCI-300 user, I am always amazed at how quickly new features are developed and implemented for these two platforms. Some say that other DVS systems have more of this and do that, but none have been able to do this with the ease of use and the stability of Serato. The following are major announcements regarding both platforms.



The second generation of ITCH

This weeks DJ Expo will unveil a glimpse of what's to come from the ITCH platform in Q4 2009.

Whilst the first generation delivered on all-in-one products, the second generation introduces modular components, effects, and a gateway to more products using the ITCH platform.

We are pleased to confirm that Denon DJ are releasing a new ITCH controller called the DN-HC5000. Vestax are also announcing their much anticipated add-on effects unit for ITCH called the VFX-1.

New 2nd generation ITCH hardware will available in October / November.

Download the latest version of Serato ITCH DJ software


Outboard control for Scratch Live

There are so many cool features in Scratch Live that can be accessed with shortcut key commands. This month Denon DJ introduce a tactile performance controller that will make hitting these features a breeze, it's called the DN-HC1000S. This rugged little USB controller is purpose built for Scratch Live DJs and will unleash a whole new way to access and play your music.

Check out our new video "What's New in Scratch Live 1.9.1" to be walked through the new features. 
For more Scratch Live tutorials, visit our Videos page.

The latest version of Serato Scratch Live 1.9.1 is now available for download.

Your gear and only your gear!!!!!

This was posted on Skratchworx a few weeks ago and it could be quite interesting for DJs that like to customize their gear. Not only do they make customizable faceplates, but the plan to produce a line of color coordinated knobs and fader caps to match the faceplates. More info can be found at their website DJs Face.

Allen & Heath Speaks Out

Re Xone 2:02 Viral Ads


Regarding the controversy over the recently posted viral videos, we at Allen & Heath would like to assure our customers that it is definitely not our policy to denigrate a rival company, or its products.

These videos were uploaded by our ad company whilst we were at the Frankfurt Music Messe, so we did not have the opportunity to properly view or approve them first, and as soon as we became aware of their inflammatory content we had them removed immediately. They will be re-edited and re-posted soon.

The ethos behind the ad is sound; illustrating in an amusing way the embarrassing gaffs that many DJs, (if they are honest), can relate to at some point in their career, as well as stressing the importance of having the right equipment, and the danger of taking ourselves too seriously.

It is a shame that what was intended to be a bit of fun, has unintentionally become controversial.



Andy Rigby-Jones

Xone design manager

Full story here

My perfect mixer

As a DJ for more than 20 years, I have gone through more mixers than I care to know. Some were traded for a newer model with a new set of features that I thought I wanted, at the time. But most went by the way side due to the fact that they had expired there useful life expectancy. Back when crossfaders were not user replaceable, that didn’t take long. Having come to this day and age where technology has advanced beyond anything that most people could’ve have imagined, I feel that some manufacturer can make the, “Perfect,” DJ mixer. (at least in my opinion) So the following is a list of things that my ideal DJ mixer would have:

1. Two channels
2. Session in w/ volume control
3. Session out w/ volume control
4. A dedicated record out
5. Split cue w/ switch that can assign master output to either ear.
6. Three 45mm matched, quality faders. (i.e. 3 P&G’s, 3 Pro X-fades or 3 innofaders.)
7. Curve control on all three faders
8. Cut-in time adjustment
9. A completely linear channel fader curve (ala pioneers channel fader curves)
10. Crossfader that has a true dipless A-type curve, a -3db dipped curve and a sharp on off curve.
11. Three band eq’s that kill on each channel
12. XLR master outs and ¼ booth outputs
13. An effects loop with ¼ inputs and outputs
14. ¼ and 1/8 headphone jacks
15. Sturdy feet like those on the old technics mixer
16. A sub $500 price tag

Maybe I’m asking too much, but I really believe that all the things that I am asking are possible. One thing that I know for sure, is that the manufacturer who can make a mixer with all of the above features, will surely get my money. Until then, I will go through mixers like sneakers on my feet.