Music Tech

Following their announcement last week, Serato has released the Serato DJ Pro 2.1 Public Beta. This version sees the return of music streaming to the software, among other additions.

With the update, TIDAL subscribers are able to play songs from their playlists within Serato. This feature also works with the Serato DJ Lite 1.1 Public Beta.

Another notable feature in this beta is the Serato Play expansion pack. This builds off of the practice mode feature by enabling control over four virtual decks with pitch sliders, faders, and effects using keyboard shortcuts in place of hardware.

Watch Mojaxx‘s first look at the Serato DJ Pro 2.1 Public Beta above.

Related: Serato to Launch Streaming Integrations With SoundCloud and TIDAL

With all the record pools and digital music services available today, it’s tempting to download as much music as possible. But as your music library grows larger, it can become more difficult to find tracks.

On this episode of DJcityTV’s Share The Knowledge, DJ TLM talks about how you can organize your library.

Related: DJ TLM: DJs Should Learn How to Play Longer Sets

Veteran rapper and songwriter Mad Skillz has had a versatile career. His debut album, released in 1995, contained underground classics like “The Nod Factor” and “Move Ya Body.”

In 2000, Skillz dropped an album for the legendary indie hip-hop label, Rawkus Records. The project featured the likes of Missy Elliot and CeeLo. By that time, Skillz had also been working as a ghostwriter, penning tracks for stars like Diddy and Will Smith.

Most recently, Skillz has toured the world as DJ Jazzy Jeff‘s MC and also as a solo DJ. Check out his must-have travel items below, and download his latest single “In a Minute” on DJcity.

Portable Phone Charger

“This is a must-have whenever I travel. It’s a no-brainer.”

Backup Hard Drive

“I have a drive that I back up with Carbon Copy Cloner so if I ever have a computer problem I can plug the drive into any computer and still play a set. And not only will I have all my music on the computer I’m playing with, but it will also look exactly like mine.”

Journal Book

“I’m old school in this manner: sometimes I actually like to write things down that come to me. I could put them in my notes on my phone, but there’s just something about seeing them in my actual handwriting. It’s everything from mix ideas, transitions, bookings, and things I have planned.”

GoPro HERO3+

“I like to capture moments and not be intrusive at the same time. The GoPro HERO3+ has never let me down for pictures and video.”

Serato 10″ Control Vinyl

“They just work for me. They’re lighter, and they fit in my bag better than the 12 inches. They also stand up to normal wear and tear. I love them.”

Follow Mad Skillz on Facebook, Instagram, SoundCloud, and Twitter.

Related: A-Trak: Must-Have Items in My DJ Bag

Music streaming services SoundCloud and TIDAL will be integrated into an upcoming release of Serato DJ Pro and Serato DJ Lite, the company has announced.

The streaming tracks will appear in Serato just like regular music files. Additionally, saved playlists on the streaming platforms will automatically appear in the Serato DJ library.

To make use of the integration, DJs will need a subscription to both or either of the streaming services.

SoundCloud offers its Go+ subscription for $9.99 a month, while TIDAL has two tiers of membership: Premium and HiFi at $9.99 and $19.99 a month, respectively. Both platforms also offer 30-day trials.

More details about Serato’s integration with SoundCloud and TIDAL will be announced later.

Related: Serato Releases Serato DJ Pro

Mojaxx is always looking for ways to make his sets sound different from the next DJ, and Eventide’s H9 Harmonizer effects pedal does just that.

A respected brand in the world of effects, Eventide made its name in the ’70s with studio equipment. Its gear has been used by legendary musicians likes of Jimmy Page, Eddie Van Halen, and Eno.

Its H9 Harmonizer was designed for guitar and synth players. However, as Mo points out, there have always been DJs who look for ways to bring studio-quality effects to the booth.

Watch his review above on this week’s Tips and Tricks.

Back in June, Mojaxx provided an exclusive preview of Allen & Heath’s Xone:96 mixer. Now, after spending a couple of weeks with a production unit, Mo delivers his verdict.

Watch on this week’s Tips and Tricks.

Related: Review: Rane SEVENTY-TWO Mixer

The world of portablism continues to evolve. On this week’s episode of DJcityTV’s Tips and Tricks, Mojaxx looks at the latest gear to enhance your portable turntable. Included in his wrap-up are products from Jesse Dean Designs, Infinity Faders, Portablism Gear, and Woodwurk Records.

Related: The Best New Portablism Gear of 2017?

With the popularity of digital media players, DJs can fit all the music they need for a gig right in their pocket. USB drives, SD cards, and external hard drives all combine storage space with speed and portability. But which one is right for you?

On this episode of DJcityTV’s Tips and Tricks, Mojaxx looks at the best digital storage devices on the market.

Watch above.

Related: DJcity Teams With Magma for Limited Edition USB Case

Audio Technica’s ATH-M50x headphones are amongst the most popular all-around headphones on the market. But how do they cope with the rigors of everyday DJ life? Mojaxx finds out on this week’s episode of Tips and Tricks.

Related: Review: Denon DJ SC5000M Media Player

On this episode of DJcityTV’s Tips and Tricks, Mojaxx gives the first review of Denon DJ’s SC5000M media player.

Announced in August, the SC5000M is based on the SC5000 Prime but adds a motorized platter with real, seven-inch vinyl. The device “has the potential to revolutionize the DJ media player space,” according to Mo.

Denon will begin shipping the SC5000M this fall with a price of $1,899.

Watch Mo’s review above.

Related: Denon DJ Announces SC5000M Media Player