Apple
Serato Adds Support for macOS Catalina to Serato DJ Pro
Serato has released Serato DJ Pro 2.3 and Serato DJ Lite 1.3, adding support for macOS Catalina. The new versions include support for Apple’s new Music app, which replaced iTunes in Catalina.
However, some Serato DJ-enabled hardware does not currently work with Catalina. You can check the status of the Serato DJ-enabled hardware here.
In addition to adding support for Catalina, the new version of Serato DJ Pro brings the following updates:
– Improvements for devices that have motorized platters, including the Rane TWELVE
– Audio playback improvements for hardware used with Windows 7 in Serato HID mode
Serato has also added support for Catalina in the newly released Serato Studio 1.3.1.
Related Post: iZotope Mastering Software Now Available in Serato Studio
Apple is Reportedly Buying Shazam
Shazam
UPDATE: Apple has confirmed the acquisition in a statement provided to Billboard. The company did not reveal the specifics of the deal.
Apple is reportedly buying music recognition app Shazam for $400 million, according to multiple sources. The move would allow Apple to integrate the service into its line of mobile devices in a time when the company faces increased competition from Google and Samsung.
Recode has reported that the deal is worth $400 million, while Tech Crunch has cited sources that say the deal is expected to be signed this week. The company was last valued at $1 billion, according to various sources.
The Shazam app enables users to identify music that’s playing nearby. It has been one of the most popular mobile apps since its launch in 2008.
Founded in 1999, Shazam made $50 million in revenue in 2016, according to Business Insider.
Related: How Camila Cabello Used Data to Pick ‘Havana’ as the Lead Single for Her Debut Album
Why DJs Shouldn’t Worry About Apple’s New MacBook Pro
Photo credit: Lance Ulanoff/Mashable
The USB 3.1 standard and its accompanying USB-C connector have been around since 2013 and 2014, respectively. They’ve been used in many phones, Windows computers, and Apple’s 12-inch MacBook over the last year. However, DJs have had little reason to pay attention to USB 3.1 and USB-C until recently.
On October 27, Apple unveiled its new MacBook Pro, which does away with the traditional USB ports and replaces them with four Thunderbolt 3/USB-C ports (Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C use the same connector). The elimination of the classic USB ports, which is the standard for most DJ equipment, has sparked panic in the DJ community. However, despite the concern, DJs have nothing to worry about.
USB 3.1 is the latest USB standard
USB 3.1 is the most recent USB standard. The fundamental difference between each specification comes down to how fast they can transfer data, and how much power they can draw from or send to a device. In the case of USB 3.1, that means up to a 10Gbps transfer rate (double that of USB 3.0). It also means enough power to charge a 15-inch laptop like the MacBook Pro, instead of just smartphones.
USB specifications are backward compatible
You can plug a USB 2.0 device into a USB 3.0 socket, and vice-versa (provided the ports match up). You won’t see an increase in data transfer –- the chain always defaults to the slowest link –- but you can still transfer data. The same applies to USB 3.1.
Photo credit: Lance Ulanoff/Mashable
USB-C is just a type of connector
There are many different types of USB connectors, all of which support the same USB protocol. For example, there’s no reason that you can’t connect a Rane SL interface into a USB-C port on a laptop. However, you’ll need a cable with a USB-C on one side (for the laptop) and USB-B on the other (for the SL box). You can also use an adaptor.
However, the cables are reversible in a “pure” USB-C system. That means that cables must be designed to detect which way they are connected so that power and data flow in the right direction. Cables that aren’t designed with that capability could potentially damage your equipment. Because of this, we recommend only buying USB-C cables and adapters from known brand name vendors like Apple and Belkin.
Thunderbolt 3 doesn’t affect DJ hardware
One of the cool things about the new MacBook Pro is that its ports aren’t limited to USB. As mentioned above, they also support Thunderbolt 3. For example, you can plug a Thunderbolt 3 external hard drive into one of the ports and transfer data at speeds up to 40Gbps, depending on the cable used. You can even use a regular (good quality) USB-C cable in that situation. The connectors also support power, internet, and video (HDMI, VGA, DisplayPort, and Thunderbolt). So, if your only concern is connecting an audio interface or controller to your MacBook Pro, you don’t have to worry about the port’s other capabilities.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, there’s no reason for DJs to freak out about the Macbook Pro’s new ports or any other computer with similar technology. While it’s unlikely that we’ll see new DJ equipment with USB-C anytime soon, it’s important to know that the MacBook’s new USB ports won’t impact your ability to connect to your existing USB gear. You might need some new cables or adapters, but that should be the worst of it.
Check out CNET’s recent article to learn more about USB-C and Thunderbolt 3.
Anthony Polis contributed to this article.
DJs Shouldn’t Upgrade to OS X El Capitan Yet
DJs should think twice before upgrading to Mac OS X 10.11 aka El Capitan.
Within the last couple of days, Serato, Native Instruments, and Pioneer DJ have all released statements advising users to not upgrade, due to compatibility issues.
Serato and Native Instruments have said they are currently working on fixes. In the meantime, it’s best to be safe and check the compatibility of your products and El Capitan.
The following products have been affected:
Serato:
Serato DJ
Native Instruments:
Traktor Kontrol S4 (MK1)
Traktor Kontrol X1 (MK1)
Traktor Audio 2 (MK1)
Audio 8 DJ
Audio 4 DJ
Audio 2 DJ (MK1)
Maschine (MK1)
Rig Kontrol 3
Native Instruments have already provided beta drivers that fix the issue.
Pioneer:
DJM-S9, DJM-2000NXS, DJM-2000, DJM-900NXS, DJM-900SRT, DJM-850, DJM-750, DJM-T1, DJM-5000
DDJ-RZ, DDJ-SZ
XDJ-AERO, XDJ-RX
MEP-7000
RMX-500
Related: Serato Issues Statement Regarding OS X Yosemite
Why DJs Shouldn’t Worry About Apple’s New MacBook
Updated 11:44 AM PST, Wed March 11, 2015
Apple unveiled its new MacBook on Monday and DJs freaked out when they discovered that it only has one USB-C port — a new specification that combines power, data, and video output.
Having more than one USB port is a requirement for most DJs so Apple’s unprecedented move sent shockwaves through the community. The lack of a separate power port was also a concern, as DJs must ensure their laptops stay powered throughout sets.
However, as DJWORX and others websites have pointed out, the new 12″ MacBook isn’t intended for audio professionals and Apple’s existing MacBook Pro line is equipped with multiple USB ports and a dedicated power port.
So while DJs are best advised to stick with traditional MacBook models, it’ll be interesting to see how they deal with the lack of ports on the new 12″ model. Unlike FireWire and Thunderbolt, USB-C is a universal standard that will soon appear on hardware from myriad manufacturers. The DJ equipment industry will need to adapt quickly.
We asked representatives at Rane and Reloop to weigh in on the new MacBook:
“Unless I’m mistaken, this falls in the new MacBook Air line of Macs, which have always catered to the traveling business person with little need to connect a bunch of stuff other than external displays and maybe a printer. While some of the newer Macbook Airs have decent specifications, the Air line has never been ideal for pro-audio/studio use, and this is just more of the same. A strictly business computer (on steroids) with little functionality in the pro-audio world. Personally, I have never recommended a MacBook Air for use with Serato, Traktor or any other pro-audio applications, and this is just another Mac Air I won’t be pushing. I’m sure Apple knows they dominate in the pro-audio computer market and will eventually announce a new line of MacBook Pros with all the bells and whistles.”
– Shaun Whitcher, Rane DJ Product Specialist
“The USB-C port on the new MacBook looks very promising, although it will limit you connecting multiple DJ devices hassle-free and without the need of dongles. We did not test this new port yet, but we expect our controllers to support the USB-C protocol fully.”
– Gerald Barbyer, Reloop Product Manager
This article was written with contributions from Mojaxx.
Related: Music Library Backup Solutions for DJs
BBC Radio 1 Host Zane Lowe Leaving to Join Apple
BBC Radio 1 host and DJ Zane Lowe is leaving in March to join Apple in the US.
He joined the station in 2001 and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the music industry including Kanye West, Eminem, Jay Z, and Rick Rubin.
Although Lowe’s role has yet to be revealed, his move comes as Apple prepares to relaunch the Beats Music streaming service that it acquired last year.
Annie Mac will take over his spot soon after he leaves.
“I want to thank everyone at Radio 1 for their support and friendship,” he said to his listeners. “The station has allowed me to share incredible music with the country’s best music fans.”
Watch his acclaimed interview with Kanye West below:
Related: Behind the Scenes at BBC Radio 1
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