Pioneer DJ has released a new DJ controller that’s designed specifically for beginners who might be hoping to find one under their Christmas tree this year. The DDJ-FLX4 – “It’s a vibe,” – takes its cues from Pioneer’s existing DDJ-400, but promises to make learning to DJ even easier.
You have a choice when it comes to DJ software: you get free use of the Performance mode in rekordbox, and come next year, when the iOS and Android versions of rekordbox are updated, you will be able to mix using your phone or tablet, as well.
Serato DJ Lite is also included, and both this and rekordbox enable you to DJ using local files or via streaming services (TIDAL, Beatport Streaming, Beatsource Streaming or SoundCloud Go+) providing you have a suitable subscription.
The DDJ-FLX4’s controls are been kept simple, and rekordbox has several tutorials built into it that will teach you the basics.
In addition, there are several handy sounding ‘cheat features’ for aspiring DJs: Smart Fader is designed to let you create “effortless transitions” between tracks; and Smart CFX applies combinations of effects with a single knob.
The DDJ-FLX4 will also mix the sound of your microphone with the music, so there’s no need for a separate audio interface or mixer, and you can easily stream a set from a single computer.
The DDJ-FLX4 available priced at $319/£279. Find out more on the Pioneer DJ website.
ROLI has shared this video demo of Semitone Legato, a unique expressive performance option built into the Seaboard RISE 2.
Semitone Legato is a RISE 2 setting that the company say is perfect for playing luscious, fluid leads and shimmering vibrato.
In this setting, pitchbend between each note — the Glide Dimension of Touch — is set to maximum. They suggest using it when you are playing a richly expressive or microtonal part, such as a bowed-string instrument melody.
Semitone Legato is on by default when the Glide Fader is set to 100%. You can adjust it on the RISE 2 control panel, or within your included ROLI Dashboard software.
Playing without Semitone Legato
For Seaboard parts where you need plenty of distinct tones and semitones — for instance a melody line with many chromatic notes or a jazzy chord accompaniment — it is often better not to activate Semitone Legato. As the Glide Dimension of Touch is turned down, each keywave will behave closer to distinct keyboard or piano keys, with less sensitivity to gliding, vibrato gestures.
To turn Semitone Legato off or down, simply adjust the Glide Fader below 100% on the side panel or in ROLI Dashboard.
Donner is back with the DDP-200, another classy-looking digital piano
The slimline wooden instrument promises a great piano tone and authentic keyboard.
Donner is getting on a bit of a roll with its digital piano releases. Having already released the stylish DDP-80 this year, it is back with the slightly more stately DDP-200, another slimline wooden instrument that is designed for the entry-level player.
The company is claiming it has a sampling engine that “perfectly reproduces” the sound of an acoustic grand piano. This is played from a dual-sensor 88-note keyboard that promises to recreate the touch and feel of an acoustic piano, as well.
“The patented Donner Grand Hammer action technology utilises a more accurate dual-sensor key detection system for enhanced playing realism,” said Rui Lin, product manager of Donner’s Keys and Percussion Division. “Unlike common two sensor keyboard actions found in many of today’s digital pianos, the DGH technology developed by Donner makes quick key repetition more reliable.”
Other features include a hanging speaker system that’s designed to produce a 3D sound and reduce the DDP-200’s footprint. There’s also a clamshell lid, a music stand and a 1.3-inch LCD screen.
This is used to display both your currently selected tone – choices include Grand Piano, Stage Piano, AMB Piano, Strings, Slow Strings and Organ – and the five reverb effects. There’s both USB and Bluetooth MIDI connectivity, as well as audio outputs.
The Donner DDP-200 is available now priced at $1,000/£839. Find out more on the Donner website.
