DJ QBert
Watch DJ QBert’s Showcase at the IDA World DJ Championships
Here it is, folks: the fourth and final showcase video from this year’s IDA World DJ Championships. Watch DJ QBert’s incredible 16-minute set above and take notes.
Related: Watch Deejay Irie’s Showcase at the IDA World DJ Championships
Watch IDA’s Promo Video Feat. DJ QBert
The IDA World DJ Championships are going down next month in Poland (December 5). And what better way to promote them than with a video of DJ QBert on the cut? Watch the three-minute visuals above, which also feature DJ IQ, Ritchie Ruftone, and VaZee.
Tickets and more info are available here.
Related: Watch DJ IQ’s Winning 2014 IDA Scratch Battle Routine
Intel Releases Video About Thud Rumble Collaboration
Back in May, DJ QBert’s Thud Rumble company revealed that it was working with Intel to rid laptops from DJ booths.
Using Intel’s tiny Edison microcomputer, Thud Rumble has eliminated the need for laptops by embedding the module into turntables, mixers, drum machines, and synthesizers.
Now, three months later, Intel has uploaded a short video about the collaboration, which features QBert and his Thud Rumble team. The piece is only two minutes long, but it’s enough to get us excited for the project.
The description for the video states: “Now there’s nothing between the DJ and their instrument – freeing them to focus on what they do best – create amazing music.”
It continues: “Thud Rumble’s goal is to reimagine the turntable as an instrument of the future, freeing artists to create and elevate scratching as a musical art form.”
Thud Rumble has also put sensors inside of turntables to record the movements of the platter. Using this data, they say they are now able to “write the musical notes of scratching.”
Watch above and check out Intel’s website to see how others are using the Edison chip.
Related: Thud Rumble’s TRX Mixer Reviewed
DJ QBert and Intel Aim to Rid DJ Booths of Laptops
A Vestax PDX-2000 MKII turntable connected to an Intel Edison computer. (Thud Rumble)
DJ QBert’s company Thud Rumble and semiconductor maker Intel have teamed up to eliminate laptops from DJ booths.
The project is based on Intel’s Edison module, which is the size of a postage stamp and retails at around $55. It includes a CPU, memory, USB ports, storage and Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.
Thud Rumble’s press release explains their mission:
“As computers have gotten faster, DJs have replaced crates of traditional vinyl with two records that contain timecode, allowing them to manipulate any sound without using physical media. Traditionally, these setups have required that a laptop or desktop computer be plugged into the instrument being utilized. The use of the computer has often created a disconnect between the DJ and the audience. With the use of Intel technology, Thud Rumble has returned the art form back to its roots and is reconnecting the DJ to while still utilizing the convenience of digital audio files. In lieu of a computer, the artist simply inserts their USB drive of personally selected music they wish to use in the live set.”
Aside from eliminating the need to connect a traditional computer to DJ equipment, Thud Rumble has also inserted a sensor into a turntable that records the record, platter, and tonearm movement. The captured soundwave data can then be translated in sets or manipulated by the user in an experimental fashion.
QBert said in the press release:
“This is next level. Intel’s technology is enabling us to connect the power of computing directly into our gear which is opening up new frontiers for us as DJs. We’ve already dreamed up a few applications, but we’re barely getting started on what is possible with this innovation.”
Thud Rumble showcased experimental prototypes at the world-renowned Maker Faire last weekend in California. The technology was seen plugged into Native Instruments’ Maschine controller and Kontrol S25 keyboard, as well as controlling a digital DJ setup with a Vestax PDX-2000 MKII turntable and Native Instruments Kontrol Z2 mixer.
Watch a video of the event below.
Related: DJ QBert’s Album Artwork Doubles as a DJ Controller
Scratch DJ Academy Will Live Stream Its ‘Scratch Summit’ Feat. DJ QBert and Others
Scratch DJ Academy Miami’s ninth annual “Scratch Summit” will be live streamed Thursday, March 26 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. EST. The free event will take place in the Wynwood Arts District and feature live performances from DJs QBert, Ease, Concept, Crunchtime and surprise guests. There will also be a freestyle scratch battle and raffle.
You can live stream the entire summit at www.universemiami.com. Here’s the address if you’re in Miami:
450 NW 28th Street
Miami, FL 33127
Related: DJ QBert Performs on Revolt’s ’1s and Tuesday’
DJ QBert’s Album Artwork Doubles as a DJ Controller
Back in 2013, legendary turntablist DJ QBert launched a Kickstarter campaign to fund his new album, Extraterrestria. While many crowdsourcing campaigns fail to reach their goals, QBert’s went beyond expectations and ended as the most successful project to date in the hip-hop category and the 20th most funded in the music category.
Having raised over $128,000 from fans, QBert then partnered with Algoriddim, the developer of the djay app, and Novalia, a company that makes interactive paper. The result? The world’s first interactive album packaging.
Acrylick writes: “With this innovation, the album’s gatefold cover is transformed into an actual Bluetooth DJ controller. Accessing DJ QBert’s album (or any MP3) through the DJay app, you’re able to manipulate and effect the songs with the use of the built-in controller.”
The feature is now available in the limited edition vinyl and CD packaging that was pre-sold through Kickstarter. See how it works in the video above.
H/T: FactMag
Related: DJ QBert Performs on REVOLT TV’s ’1s and Tuesday’
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