Tips and Tricks

PLAYdifferently is a new audio company founded on the belief that “the tools used to mix and perform should be as creative and as unique as the artists who use them.”

Their first product is a high-quality analog mixer, the MODEL 1. It was engineered by Andy Rigby-Jones, the mastermind behind Allen & Heath’s XONE series, and co-designed by techno DJ/producer Richie Hawtin.

“[The MODEL 1] offers some features that are completely unique in the DJ mixer world,” Mojaxx says. “There’s stuff on here that you just don’t see anywhere else.”

Watch his exclusive review of the MODEL 1 on this week’s Tips and Tricks.

Related: Review: MasterSounds Radius 4 Rotary Mixer

Vlogging, a.k.a. video blogging, is a great way to connect with fans and build your brand. And for DJs who already make the most of Snapchat and Instagram stories, vlogging is a natural progression.

To learn more about the medium, Mojaxx spoke with the USA’s Swiftstyle, who runs a popular turntablism vlog, and DJ Stylus, who recently launched a channel about all things DJing. The two discussed why they started vlogging, their preferred equipment, and provided some tips for starting a vlog.

Related: Review: Scratch Toys Sound Plate for Numark PT01 Scratch Portable Turntable

Mojaxx has returned with another portablism review, this time looking at the Scratch Toys Sound Plate for the Numark PT01 Scratch.

The easy-to-install upgrade adds Bluetooth support, a micro SD port, and an FM tuner to the leading portable turntable on the market. “It transforms the Numark PT01 Scratch into a totally different device,” Mojaxx says. “I absolutely love this product.”

He also looks at DC 5V to DC 12V converter cables, which enable DJs to run their PT01 off of a UBS power bank.

Related: Easy Modifications for the Numark PT01 Turntable

Portablists are known for developing elaborate modifications for their turntables. However, there are companies that make more accessible solutions.

Hungary-based Bihari Designs is one of them. Their modifications for the Numark PT01 turntable can be fitted, without soldering, by anyone who can hold a screwdriver.

Mojaxx reviews their full range of products on this week’s Tips and Tricks episode. He also looks at a simple but effective platter stabilizer from Stokyo.

Related: Review: Jesse Dean Designs JDDX2RS Portablism Fader

Back in January, Technics unveiled a new model in their famed SL-1200 turntable series, the SL-1200GR. The device is a more affordable version of the SL-1200G, which was assumed to be aimed at audiophiles instead of DJs. (Technics didn’t mention DJs in any of their product and marketing material for the G.)

However, the company clarified their commitment to DJs when they announced the GR.

“The SL-1200GR and SL-1210GR combine the best of both worlds,” Michiko Ogawa, director of Technics at Panasonic, said in a press release. “Our goal was to extend our top range for audio enthusiasts as well as professional DJs.”

Technics’ statement was reassuring, but does the GR pass the test? Mojaxx finds out on this week’s Tips and Tricks.

Special thanks to Westend DJ.

Related: Rare Technics Turntable Surfaces Online

The MasterSounds Radius 4 is a four-channel analog rotary mixer. Handmade in the UK, the Radius 4 was developed with the help of Andy Rigby-Jones, the designer of many classic Allen & Heath Xone mixers, as well as PLAYdifferently’s new Model 1.

Watch Mojaxx’s review of the Radius 4 on this week’s episode of Tips and Tricks.

Related: Review: Reloop Tape (DJ Mix Recorder)

The Reloop Tape is a portable USB device for recording DJ mixes. Unlike other solutions, the Tape is a simple way to capture sets in the club and at home. It’s been around for a couple of years, but Mojaxx hadn’t experimented with it until recently.

On this episode of Tips and Tricks, Mojaxx examines the Tape and sees how it stacks up against competing products.

Related: Review: Pioneer DJ DJM-450 Mixer

Pioneer DJ’s DJM-450 is a 2-channel mixer designed for bedroom use. However, it comes with many of the features required by club DJs, including DVS integration, excellent sound quality, smooth faders, and built-in effects.

On this week’s episode of Tips and Tricks, Mojaxx determines if the DJM-450 is actually suitable for the club — or just the bedroom.

Related: Review: Reloop RMX-90 DVS Mixer for Serato DJ

3D printing is a revolutionary technology that enables people to print three-dimensional objects from computers. On this episode of Tips and Tricks, Mojaxx discusses how portablists have used the technology to make accessories such as fader mounts and 45 adapters. He also challenges the DJ community as a whole to experiment with 3D printing.

Related: Review: Roland DJ-808 Controller

Roland made a big splash last fall when they announced the DJ-808 controller for Serato DJ, their first DJ-specific product in almost 20 years.

Mojaxx spent a few weeks getting to know the impressive hardware and has provided us with an in-depth review on Tips and Tricks.

Related: Trayze Performs With Roland and Serato’s DJ-808 Controller, Part 1