TRAKTOR PRO 2

TRAKTOR PRO 2 contains a wealth of software features designed for ultimate flexibility and intuitive pro performance.

CORE FEATURES

From advanced library management, to automatic track analysis, TRAKTOR PRO 2 takes care of the essentials.

TRACK PREPARATION

Browse and find your favorite tracks in seconds. Full iTunes integration in TRAKTOR PRO 2 means your library and playlists are quickly accessible directly from TRAKTOR.

SYNC

Sync tracks instantly. Track BPM, beatgrids, and key are automatically detected on import and used by the powerful Sync engine for perfectly beatmatched mixes – every time.

SOFTWARE MIXER

The built-in software mixer provides a wealth of customizable professional DJ mixer features. Choose from different EQs and filter types modelled after industry favorites. Plus activate FX Units from each channel.

CREATIVE ARSENAL

LOOPING AND CUEING

Advanced looping features let you take snapshots of your favorite track parts in perfect time and change loop length on the fly. TRAKTOR automatically stores your hotcues, so you can jump to straight to key moments

EFFECTS

Over 30 studio-grade effects, 4 individual FX Units, and one-knob Macro FX offer an endless sonic palette designed to texturize your tracks. Or group and customize effects to let your creativity run wild.

LOOP RECORDER 

Record audio from a live source, master out, or individual channels for creative, multi-layered overdubs. Then transfer sounds into Remix Decks slots instantly.

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Pioneer DDJ-SZ - Profesional DJ Controller

Pioneer DDJ-SZ - Profesional DJ Controller

OVERVIEW

Pioneer DJ expands its family of Serato DJ Software controllers with the DDJ-SZ, its flagship model that strongly emulates the look and feel of Pioneer’s world-renowned CDJ digital players. The DDJ-SZ is designed for the serious “controller” DJs who are inspired by the performance specifications of Pioneer’s professional DJ products but also want the convenience of an all-in-one system. The new controller is 35 percent bigger than the widely popular DDJ-SX, sporting additional functionalities and features including extra large JOG wheels (the same size available on CDJ players), large performance pads with multi-color illumination, DJM style mixer, dual USB ports and a MAGVEL cross fader.

BIG JOG WHEEL

The most noticeable CDJ PRO gear integration to the DDJ-SZ is its large 8.1-inch JOG wheels. The JOG wheels provide instantaneous response and excellent operability for accurate and smooth scratching and mixing performance. The center of each JOG wheel also features “ON JOG display” to illustrate playback status, cue points and position. In addition, the unit offers a JOG FEELING ADJUST to enable users to change the resistance of the wheel from light to heavy for a customize feel.

PERFORMANCE PADS

Directly below each JOG wheel are four effects buttons – HOT CUE, ROLL, SLICER and SAMPLER. Under the effects buttons are eight extra large “performance pads” that DJs can quickly access to insert different modified effects to music playing. In Sampler mode, the output volume of the sampler effects also varies depending on the strength of user’s tap of the pad. An update from the current DDJ-S controllers, the performance pads on the DDJ-SZ illuminate in different colors to quickly communicate the effect mode it is in.

DUAL USB PORTS

The DDJ-SZ includes two USB ports to enable simultaneous connection of two computers. Users can instantly switch between two computers for seamless transitions between two DJs or as additional music sources.

HIGH-END MIXER

The mixing area of the DDJ-SZ also closely mimics Pioneer’s DJM series of professional mixers, utilizing a generous number of controls and effects with features including Sound Color FX and new Oscillator functions to deliver more creative music arrangements. The mixer can also be used as a standalone 4-channel mixer for outboard players and turntables.

• Oscillator – The new Oscillator on the right side of the mixer provides four types of sound effects: Noise, Siren, Cymbal and Horn. A quick touch of the buttons activates the effect(s), which can also be modified in amplitude (volume) to add to the music currently playing.
• Sound Color FX – The mixer includes four Sound Color FX functions (Pitch, Jet, Echo and Filter), which add numerous audio effect combinations and arrangements to currently playing music with a simple twist of the knobs. Through Serato DJ’s beats per minute (BPM) analysis, users can also synchronize Echo effects to the BPM of currently playing music.
• DVS Functionality – The controller can support DVS (Digital Vinyl System)1 using control tone to enable an external player to be used as a Serato DJ deck.

MAGVEL CROSS FADER

For extremely smooth transitions and high durability between the DDJ-SZ’s players, the unit features a MAGVEL cross fader (the same component used in Pioneer’s DJM-900SRT) that utilizes a contact-free magnetic system that can withstand more than 10 million operations. The “cut in” time of the cross fader can also be customized to the user’s preference.

ADDITIONAL FEATURES

• Serato DJ Software – Bundled with the DDJ-SZ for an easy out-of-the-box experience.
• Slip Mode – While activated, Slip Mode silently continues song playback during a performance loop, scratch or hot cue and resumes audible playback when the loop, scratch, or hot cue operation is ended, creating smoother and more seamless transitions.
• Needle Search – Users can immediately jump to a specific part of a music track with a simple touch of the Needle Search pad.
• High Quality Audio – A low-jitter clock and high-performance digital-to-analog converter (DAC) are used for accurate audio playback. In addition to a 24-bit digital signal processor to minimize digital noise, its balanced hybrid operational amplifier and balance output circuit also reduce analog circuit noise.
• Built-in Sound Card (audio interface)
• P-LOCK Fader Cap – Prevents the fader knob from slipping off during extreme use.
• Auto Standby – Automatically switches to standby mode when no activity or input is detected for a period of time.

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Pioneer CDJ-2000nexus-M Platinum Edition

CDJ-2000nexus-M Platinum Edition

CDJ-2000nexus-M Platinum Edition

These Platinum Edition models have a limited run of 4,000 units for the CDJ-2000nexus and 2,000 units for the DJM-900nexus. The Platinum Limited Edition series products will feature an ultra-sleek mirror chrome finish and each with a distinctive plaque engraved with the production run and serial number to indicate its authenticity. The system includes two CDJ-2000nexus-M and one DJM-900nexus-M. In addition, included with each CDJ-2000nexus-M Platinum Edition will be one Pioneer premium digital cable (DAS-DGC020R).

Also available is the RMX-1000 Remix Station as Platinum Limited Edition being sold separately.

CDJ-2000nexus-M Platinum Edition features include:

• Users can choose their media source from a USB storage device, SD memory card, CD- or DVD-ROM Disc, DJ software via MIDI/HID or even using music stored inside Wi-Fi®/USB-connected smartphones and tablets
• rekordbox™ music management software for analysis, management, and playback of music files.
• Pioneer’s PRO DJ LINK, which enables up to four digital CDJ players to be connected for sharing music files stored on a single USB device and/or SD card
• High efficiency Wolfson® Microelectronics digital-to-analog (D/A) converter for accurate sound reproduction, faithful to source material
• Slip and Quantize functions, which enable reliable performance without changing the flow of the original track. Using the My Settings feature, the function settings of a player can be saved to an iPhone®, iPad® or iPod touch®, USB storage device, or SD memory card
• For additional convenience, the settings can also be can be made ahead of time on the rekordbox app or software, allowing users switch to their settings when a connection is made to the CDJ-2000nexus.
• Up to 35 controls on the surface of each player can be used to trigger other devices, such as DJ effectors and software by way of HID and/or MIDI
• Active Loop function automatically starts loops when playback begins from a specified point
• Load Previous Track feature provides playback of prior music that has been loaded to the player
• Rating on the Go function allows users to rate tracks during play for easy reference or sorting
• Auto Standby function switches power to standby mode when no operation or input is detected for a certain period of time

DJM-900nexus-M Platinum Edition features include:

• Multitude of effects options including six types of Sound Color FX and 13 types of Beat Effect
• Built-in 24-Bit / 96 kHz high performance USB soundcard
• Built-in “X-Pad” for controlling multiple parameters with a touch to enhance the user’s performance
• Ability to connect Pioneer® digital players that support the PRO DJ LINK feature for highly accurate BPM and beat location information, resulting in precise beat matching
• Built-in high performance 32-bit digital signal processor to suppress digital and analog circuit noise
• Highly durable high-performance channel fader
• Auto Standby function
• Gold-plated RCA PIN ports.

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FL Studio Various Tool - NewTone

NewTone

NewTone (editor) is a pitch-correction and time manipulation editor. Slice, correct, edit vocals, instrumentals and other recordings.

Professional pitch correction & manipulation

Image by Imag-Line

Fully integrated with FL Studio for the most efficient work flow. 

Auto or manually pitch correct vocals, create harmonies and new tunes.

Change volume levels, pitch duration, note position in the bar and alter or correct the overall pitch.

Simply move the blocks to correct

Image by Imag-Line

Newtone makes it easy to correct your vocals or monophonic-instrumental recordings. 

Transparent blocks indicate detected pitches and the red line the moment-by-moment pitch all calculated automatically. Out of tune notes are immediately visible, and can be corrected individually with the click of a right-mouse button. Alternatively Drop into Advanced Edit Mode and micro-correct any portion of the waveform.

Drag & drop file adding

Image by Imag-Line

Drad and drop your sounds or vocals directly into Newtone.

Efficient integration with FL Studio allows easy import/export to and from the Playlist, to wave format or exported as MIDI. 

Since Newtone is hosted as an effect and syncs with FL Studio transport, you can completely edit your audio without leaving Newtone.

Experiment with sound

Go beyond correcting vocals, create harmonies or use Newtone to experiment with non-vocal sounds. 

Newtone is not only a pitch and time manipulation tool, but a versatile sound-design environment.

Key features:

Auto correct your vocals

Create harmonies & new tunes

Full integration with FL Studio

System requirements

Windows XP/Vista/7

2Ghz AMD or Intel Pentium 3 compatible CPU with full SSE1 support

512 Mb RAM

130 Mb disk space

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Novation Launchpad

Launchpad is a dedicated controller for Ableton Live, co-developed by Novation and Ableton. Perfect for DJing, performing live or working in the studio, Launchpad features a multi-color, 64-button grid, control modes for the Session View and Live's mixer, two fully-programmable User Modes and dedicated scene-launch/function buttons. Despite the big grid, Launchpad is neat, compact and portable: 239 x 239 mm with a slim 24 mm profile and weighing only 717g.

Launchpad uses four different modes:

• Session Mode for controlling clips in Ableton Live's Session View
• Mixer Mode for controlling Live's mixer
• Two User Modes for custom device control and configuration.

Features

Big grid

Launchpad features a multi-color, 64-button grid for launching clips plus eight dedicated scene-launch buttons. The buttons are lit by LEDs displaying clip status so you can see at a glance what's loaded (orange), what's playing (green), and what's being recorded (red).

Compact, portable

Despite the big grid, Launchpad is compact and portable: it'll fit in your bag for gigs and won't hog your desk space in the studio. It's slim, sturdy, weighs less than a hardback book and it's USB powered, so there's no power adapter to drag around.

4 modes for flexibility

It's not just about launching clips: as well as the Session Mode, Launchpad offers Mixer Mode--a unique way to control Ableton Live's mixer--and two fully-customizable User Modes.

Innovative mixer control

In Mixer Mode, the rows and columns of the grid become virtual faders, sliders and knobs controlling track volume, pan, sends, mute, solo, Clip Stop Buttons and record arm, depending on the function selected. Use the scene launch/mixer function buttons to select the function you want to control.

Customizable

The two fully-customizable User Modes transform the grid into a drum pad controller, DJ effect controller or anything else you can think of. The default state for User Mode 1 provides drum pad control for Live's Drum Racks--great for sketching out beats. Using Live's simple MIDI mapping, it's easy to create custom control environments, whatever devices you're using and however your Live Sets are configured.

Made for Max for Live

The User Modes make Launchpad the ideal hardware counterpart for Max for Live. Launchpad is flexible enough to deal with even the most detailed Max for Live devices and can handle generic parameters and controls with ease. Eleven LED states provide visual feedback that's precise enough for complex devices. Launchpad users will soon be able to download a Max for Live step sequencer patch from Novation and more Max for Live patches are planned for the future.

Communication goes both ways

Live and Launchpad are in a constant, two-way, hardware-software dialog. The back-lit grid buttons show what's happening in Live and Live, in turn, shows which section of the Session View is currently under Launchpad control: a red border around the current clip group let's you see where you are with a just a cursory glance at your screen.

Navigating the Session View

Obviously, you're not limited to controlling only 64 clips. The arrow buttons move the grid up, down, left and right one track or scene at a time. Hold down the 'Session' button in Session Mode, and you can use the arrow keys to jump eight tracks or rows at a time--very useful for navigating around large, complex Live Sets.

More buttons? More Launchpads

Want more buttons? Launchpads are designed to work together, with up to six units at once. That's more than 400 assignable buttons! Launchpads running on the same system can run in different modes, so you can control the Session View, mixer and custom setups all at once, with one Launchpad for each.

Pricing and availability

Launchpad is available now in stores worldwide. Pricing is around USD 199 (MAP)/149 EUR (VAT not included).

Software system requirements

Launchpad requires the latest available version of Live 7 or Live 8.

Mac: Any G4 or faster (Intel Mac recommended), 512 MB RAM (1 GB recommended), Mac OS X 10.3.9 (10.4 or later recommended), QuickTime 6.5 or higher, DVD-ROM drive

Windows: 1.5 GHz CPU or faster, 512 MB RAM (1 GB recommended), Windows XP or Windows Vista, Windows compatible sound card (ASIO driver support recommended), QuickTime 6.5 or higher, DVD-ROM drive.

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How to Make a Cheap Recording Studio 2023

As computer technology has developed, more and more performance is possible on a lower and lower budget. As a result, building a simple home recording studio around your existing computer can be quite inexpensive. Learning how to make a cheap recording studio at home requires an assessment of exactly what you'll be using the studio for and what quality of sound you need. The guide below outlines what to look for in each piece of equipment.


1. Purchase a computer

If you don't already have a computer to use in your recording setup, you will need to purchase one. Important considerations are processing speed and amount of memory, as recording software tends to use your computer's resources heavily. Both Windows and Mac platforms will work well; however, Windows machines typically allow for easier upgrading of the sound card. Factory-installed sound cards are not usually robust enough to produce high-quality recordings, so upgrading is a good idea.

2. Choose a piece of recording software

The recording software provides the interface through which you will manage your recordings on your computer. There are several options for small budgets. Generally, the more expensive applications offer greater functionality and flexibility.

• For recording on a very small budget, you can use recording software licensed as freeware or shareware. Audacity and GarageBand are 2 popular choices for low-budget recording.
• With a slightly higher budget, you can purchase near-professional quality recording software such as Ableton Live or Cakewalk Sonar. Both of these applications are also available in entry-level versions that are less expensive but less powerful.

3. Purchase and install an audio interface

An audio interface is a piece of hardware that replaces your computer's sound card and allows you to connect your instruments and microphones to your computer through a mixer. On a PC, you will usually install your audio interface in an empty PCI slot. On a Mac, you may need to purchase an interface that can be connected through a USB or FireWire cable.

• At the least, make sure your audio interface has 2 input and 2 output jacks. This will allow you to record in stereo. For more flexibility, choose an interface with 4 input jacks.
• One of the top manufacturers of audio interfaces for home use is M-Audio. They produce both entry-level and high-end models.

4. Buy an audio mixer

A mixer is an essential piece of equipment for any home recording studio. The mixer handles all your inputs (such as microphones, guitars, and keyboards), allows you to adjust each input's settings, and routes the output to your audio interface and into your computer.

• The basic functions on an inexpensive mixer will usually be adequate for home recording needs. At the least, make sure each channel on your mixer includes adjustments for panning, volume, and 3-band equalization. Four channels will be more than adequate for home recording.
• Popular brands for entry-level mixers are Behringer, Alesis, and Yamaha.

5. Choose studio monitors and headphones for your studio

 
The speakers you use to listen to your mix during editing are called studio monitors (sometimes referred to as reference speakers). Studio monitors differ from other speakers in that they are meant to deliver a perfectly flat frequency response. This means that you are hearing your recording exactly as it exists digitally, without any frequency adjustment. 

• When choosing studio monitors, make sure to look for "near-field" models. These are designed to be listened to from about a yard (1 m) away, and so eliminate any effects due to the acoustics of your room.
• Studio monitors can be purchased used from online classifieds sites or audio retailers. The robust, simple construction of loudspeakers makes them an ideal component to buy used and save money.
• In addition to or in place of monitors, you can buy a set of headphones. Headphones provide the advantage of being cheaper, smaller, and less likely to disturb a neighbor or housemate. Headphones can be used in conjunction with studio monitors to assess very low-volume components of your recordings.

6. Decide on a microphone(s) to use in your studio

An inexpensive home recording studio can be managed with only a single microphone if necessary

If you only buy 1 mic, make sure to choose a dynamic mic. This type of construction is more robust and versatile, and is self-powered. An industry standard dynamic mic is the Shure SM-57, which can be used for vocals and instruments.If you need to record very quiet or expressive instruments, such as an acoustic guitar or piano, a condenser mic will provide better results. Condenser mics aren't as rugged or versatile as dynamic mics, but provide more sensitive response. A cheap recording studio can readily make do with 1 dynamic and 1 condenser microphone.



Tips

• Building your recording studio inexpensively often means building from what you already own. Using existing components such as microphones and computers, even when they are not ideally suited to the task at hand, will keep your budget low.
• Additional equipment may be needed depending on your recording needs. If you are interested in using the "soft-synth" instruments including with your recording software, for instance, you will need a MIDI interface and keyboard.
• If you do not have any recording equipment, you can get the following to set up a reasonably cheap yet efficient set up:
  • Apple Mac Mini
  • 2.3GHz Quad-Core Intel Core i7 (Turbo Boost up to 3.3GHz) with 6MB L3 cache
  • 1TB (5400-rpm) hard drive2
  • Intel HD Graphics 4000
  • 4GB (two 2GB) of 1600MHz DDR3 memory
  • M Audio Studiophile AV 30
  • Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 USB 2.0 Audio Interface
  • Samson C01 Large Diaphragm Condenser
  • Samson RH300/Samson SR850/ Audio Technica ATH M30 or JVC Harx 700 Reference Headphones

 


 

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Top 3 Monitors For Producing Music

Having a home recording studio with great sounding monitors is a must. Whether your recording vocals and instruments, or mixing and mastering, your home studio monitors have to be on point. Finding the right studio monitors can be a daunting task especially when price and quality play a factor in your decision. We decided to compile a list of the top 3 monitors for producing music. All of the monitors we selected are based on overall sound quality, price and user ratings. Make sure to check out these great monitors and let us know what you think!

1. KRK Rokit RP5 G2 Powered Desktop Studio Monitors

These KRK Rokit 5′s are one of the best sounding home studio monitors for the price. We tested these monitors and found them to deliver a clear, true sound. It provides an optimal high frequency pattern control and pushes the sound away from the cabinet. We have mixed several songs with these bad boys and are impressed by the true sound they deliver. The accuracy of the levels and crisp sound put these speakers on the top of our list!

2. Behringer Speaker MS40 Digital 40-Watt Stereo Near Field Monitors

These Behringer monitors deliver excellent sound quality. These are ideal for any small home recording studio that is on a budget. The high resolution tweeters and powerful woofers deliver a clear frequency response. When we heard these speakers we were shocked at its dynamic range. It easily connects to almost any media interface and its sleek design will make your home studio look more professional.

3. M-Audio BX5 D2 5″ Active 2-Way Studio Monitor Speakers

M-Audio has always made great studio monitors and these are no different. The BX5 active 2 way monitor speakers deliver superb sound quality unlike anything in its price range. It has 70 watts of distributed power and a low frequency transducer for pristine lows. You can reproduce your mix with excellent accuracy with these awesome speakers. You will hear how everything in your mix sounds with amazing results. Having the right speakers for playback and mixing purposes in a must and these M-Audio monitors will not disappoint, which is why it made our list for the top 3 monitors for producing music.

Learn more and get these studio monitors from amazon.com

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