Probably the most annoying thing with all these USB DJ controllers is the fact that DJs need different DJ software specific to each controller.
Since every club on the planet will probably have a different brand and model of MIDI DJ controllers, the DJ is pretty much the one who loses out the most because paying for each DJ software is very expensive and futile exercise.
I first noticed this issue with USB DJ controllers when a student of mine showed at my studio with her Traktor KONTROL S4 DJ controller and wanted me to quickly show her the ropes.
Within two minutes Traktor KONTROL S4 was plugged and ready to play but I could not figure out why my Traktor Scratch Pro DJ software could not recognize the S4 the way it quickly recognizes the Audio A8 DJ soundcard. I turned to the Internets for answer and lo and behold , the problem was written loud and clear on Native Instruments’ website:
“TRAKTOR KONTROL S4 will not support external timecode control directly after its release, neither with the included software nor in combination with TRAKTOR SCRATCH PRO/DUO.”
Needless to say that I was not amused but brushed it off assuming that other USB DJ controllers did not have the same restrictions.
And then while researching the Pioneer DDJ-T1 DJ controller for Traktor DJ software, guess what I read in the official press release:
“The DDJ-T1 controller is designed for the next generation of home and casual DJs who leverage digital music files everywhere they go. Combined with a computer and the included TRAKTOR Pioneer DDJ-T1 Edition DJ software, the controller offers DJs of all levels the same operability and functionality of a professional player and mixer setup along with excellent audio quality.”
Now I don’t know if DJ gear and software manufacturers expect DJs to own 10 million pieces of DJ software for each DJ controller/DJ software combo but this is beyond ridiculous it’s a travesty and as DJs we should rebel because it’s as if DJ CD player makers decided that their products only worked with a respective brand of CDs meaning that for each different set-up, DJs would need multiple versions of CD books!
I understand that DJ controllers are mainly for home use and that’s why it’s assumed that DJs would only use one set-up but how about travelling DJs like me who may be invited by other DJs for a quick session at their studios?
This issue with USB DJ controllers running on specific DJ software must be addressed otherwise they will only go down as gimmicks for fake DJs.
Now that my rant is over, time to have chocolate! 