A few months back Allen & Heath announced a new controller, The Xone K2, “an elegant, compact controller for any DJ software with no fewer than 52 hardware controls providing up to 171 MIDI commands across 3 layers – plus the ability to link multiple units. Xone: K2 has the power and flexibility to put you in touch with everything from the essential functions to the fine nuances of your chosen software.”
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Allen & Heath have enjoyed incredible success amongst pro jocks with their  Xone: 1D and 2D performance controllers. They have a reputation for being able to take a beating at the club and still work the next day with great sound output. The K2 takes some of the form factor (layout, spacing) from the 1D/2D and applies it to a new lower profile design. The K2 looks very enticing, indeed. Small footprint, four faders, and assignable controls that could be used for DJ performance as well as DAW control. While the Traktor X1 does offer custom mapping (and I’m a fan of the mixer control template in particular), this new Allen & Heath device offers faders – a staple of may performers / producers’ needs. In addition the K2 boasts an audio interface and headphone output – making this this smallest dj controller with sound capabilities I’ve seen so far. If the sound quality lives up to the A&H legacy this should be a product worth checking out when it releases this spring.

More details on the Xone: K2 from Allen & Heath:

Xone: K2 has a high quality internal, four channel (2 stereo) soundcard.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Here it is, you hooligans. You thieving scoundrels. My precious Maschine mapping for Traktor. Why don’t you just take my wallet? Or key to my car? Why don’t you spit in my food and tie my shoelaces together? Why don’t you shave off my eyebrows and paint on new ones with a magic marker? Have you no decency? Have you no compassion? Where is your common courtesy? Stealing a man’s Maschine mapping (even though he’s willingly giving it to you for free)? For shame! For Shame!!! FOR SHAME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! – Shiftee

The music playing in the background at the beginning of this video tutorial is the lead track from Rx & Shiftee’s Space Ace EP. Earlier this week, the remix edition of Space Ace Remixes came out courtesy of Rad Summer. You can stream the entire EP here.

Rx & Shiftee – Space Ace by Rad Summer

Related Dubspot Courses Starting Online & in New York City:

Digital DJing w/ Traktor Pro 2 Program starts February 5th Online.

MASCHINE Program starts in NYC January 30th and Online the week of January 22nd.

DJ Extensive Program

Immerse yourself in the complete art of DJing from beatmatching to stage presence. Whether you’re a beginner in search of the fundamentals or a seasoned pro looking to take your talent to the next level, our curriculum is designed to accommodate all skill levels and styles of music. This comprehensive DJ program covers everything from basic mixing to advanced digital DJing. Learn more about our DJ courses and programs.

What’s Included:

• DJ Level 1: Rookie Sessions | Essentials I
• DJ Level 2: Phrase Mixing | Essentials II
• DJ Level 3: Beyond The Blend | Intermediate Skills
• DJ Level 4: Preparation | DJ Psychology
• DJ Level 5: Classroom to the Club | Advanced Techniques I
• DJ Level 6: Club to the World | Advanced Techniques II

“I love the class, and the content! Shiftee and Endo are very funny, and very clear, so the material is easy and fun to follow! I wish my college   teachers  were more like these two!” – Leandro Martinez, Chicago IL

Native Instruments MASCHINE redefines hardware and software integration for music production and creative performance. Upon completion of this program, you will have written a full original track using multiple plug-in instruments and effects, produced a remix based on rearranged source material with your own musical additions, and made recordings of yourself improvising with both projects while creating break downs, build ups, and effect manipulations.

What’s Included:

• MASCHINE Level 1: Programming and Beat Making Basics
• MASCHINE Level 2: Sampling, Slicing and Composing
• MASCHINE Level 3: Advanced Production and Performance Techniques

Start dates and information about payment plans can be found here.

Or if you have questions, please call 877.DUBSPOT or send us a message.

Click here to view the embedded video.

In the final installment of our three-part video tutorial series exploring the creative production and performance possibilities of Native Instruments versatile groovebox Maschine, Justin Aswell of innovative Charlotte, North Carolina-based hip hop group Mr. Invisible offers some practical live performance advice, tips and tricks for DJs, musicians and performers. This is an essential video tutorial if you’re looking to incorporate Maschine into your live setup. Justin Aswell explains and demonstrates ways to avoid common pitfalls many electronic musicians face when they are playing live; from using a delay effect to maintain a consistent BPM to triggering multiple hits and samples on a single to help you become more efficient when playing live.

Start dates and information about payment plans can be found here.

Or if you have questions, please call 877.DUBSPOT or send us a message.

Native Instruments MASCHINE redefines hardware and software integration for music production and creative performance. Upon completion of this program, you will have written a full original track using multiple plug-in instruments and effects, produced a remix based on rearranged source material with your own musical additions, and made recordings of yourself improvising with both projects while creating break downs, build ups, and effect manipulations.

What’s Included:

• MASCHINE Level 1: Programming and Beat Making Basics
• MASCHINE Level 2: Sampling, Slicing and Composing
• MASCHINE Level 3: Advanced Production and Performance Techniques

Click here to view the embedded video.

Dubspot @ The NAMM Show 2012 in Anaheim, CA – January 19-22, 2012

The NAMM Show is a massive music-industry trade show (not open to general public) with previously attendance reportedly topping 100,000 people. With notable products being leaked last week such as Moog’s Minitaur, Native Instruments’ latest Traktor Controller, the new BitWig Studio software, Akai’s new MPC line of products, mystery products from Teenage Engineering, and rumors of a new Ableton Live version.. we can’t wait to cover this event and report back to you with the latest news.

In addition to the coverage that we’ll get from the convention floor, we are also looking forward to attending some of the industry-related music events happening in and around Los Angeles during the week. With much of the music industry in town for NAMM, there are many great performers in the area making special appearances this weekend. Notable events from The Low End Theory, Native Instruments, Teenage Engineering, and Interface LA bring some exciting prospects for night time entertainment. Stay with us this week as we’ll be cruising around LA with cameras, questions and an agenda of things to cover for you as technology and music merge for this exciting event.

Some things we can’t wait to see at NAMM this year:

Traktor Controller Image Leak (From NI’s new Traktor Twitter Feed)

Earlier this week Native Instruments sent a photo and video via twitter that announced a new hardware controller for Traktor. We don’t know much about this new piece of gear aside from NI has announced on their website: “The next innovation from the team behind TRAKTOR is just around the corner. With stylish multi-color pads to trigger loops and samples, the upcoming new TRAKTOR software and controller provide a workflow rooted in DJ culture.”

Click here to view the embedded video.

Livid Instruments CNTRL:R MIDI Performance Controller

Livid Instruments has recently announced the Cntl:R MIDI / DJ controller which was co-developed by Richie Hawtin and his M_nus roster of artists over the past year and a half. The controller is a combination of faders, buttons and knobs that are completely programmable. Cntl:R also comes with templates for Ableton Live and Traktor for plug and play capability.

Click here to view the embedded video.

MPC Renaissance, MPC Studio, MPC Fly

The MPC Renaissance, Studio and Fly have been making waves over the past weeks as veteran music company, Akai Professional, announced the release of these slick new devies. Akai explains: “Fusing Akai Professional’s legendary MPC layout and workflow with the power of your computer, MPC Renaissance is an unrivaled instrument for music production. The new flagship is a fully integrated hardware/software system: MPC Renaissance allows you to create using classic hardware controls and an integrated pop-up display, while it’s exclusive MPC Software empowers you with unprecedented, expandable production capabilities on your Mac or PC.”

Click here to view the embedded video.

MOOG Minitaur

Serious news for synth enthusiasts this week: Moog has just announced a new synth called Minitaur that will be on display at NAMM 2012 and hit the market this spring. It’s a monophonic synth based on their classic Tarus bass pedals that boasts USB / MIDI connectivity, one knob per function and a tiny footprint. At $679 ($599 street) it’s less expensive than any other synth that Moog has ever produced.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Teenage Engineering’s Secret New Products

Teenage Engineering captured the hearts of synth enthusiasts at NAMM 2010 and 2011 with their groundbreaking OP-1 musical instrument. With OP-1 sales (and ratings) continuing to gain momentum, everyone is excited to see what this company will unveil next. Teenage Engineering has been leaking videos and photos of “a “tray that will be filled with great new stuff” at NAMM 2012.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Eowave Domino Synth

Domino is an inexpensive desktop analog synthesizer with a VCO in the tradition of MS20 and TB303. The VCO, filter & VCA are transistor made which gives the Domino a unique raw sound. Rich and raw at the same time, no need of external effects to give life to the sound.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Whatever your genre of choice, whatever your skill level, Dubspot trains DJs with real-world skills. Our DJ Extensive program covers everything from basic mixing to advanced DJing techniques. Students learn to execute perfect blends, clean mixes, and create unique sounds in any style of music. In this new video, students in Level 6 of our Digital DJing w/ Traktor program, including Minstra: The King, DJ Rokin, The Architect, STRING TH3ORY, DJ Foon, and Alice D also talk about their experience at Dubspot and how they’ve developed as DJs, ahead of their graduation party at Lower Manhattan’s White Rabbit.

Related Dubspot Courses Starting Online & in New York City:

Digital DJing w/ Traktor Pro 2 Program starts February 5th Online.

DJ Extensive Program

Immerse yourself in the complete art of DJing from beatmatching to stage presence. Whether you’re a beginner in search of the fundamentals or a seasoned pro looking to take your talent to the next level, our curriculum is designed to accommodate all skill levels and styles of music. This comprehensive DJ program covers everything from basic mixing to advanced digital DJing. Learn more about our DJ courses and programs.

What’s Included:

• DJ Level 1: Rookie Sessions | Essentials I
• DJ Level 2: Phrase Mixing | Essentials II
• DJ Level 3: Beyond The Blend | Intermediate Skills
• DJ Level 4: Preparation | DJ Psychology
• DJ Level 5: Classroom to the Club | Advanced Techniques I
• DJ Level 6: Club to the World | Advanced Techniques II

“I love the class, and the content! Shiftee and Endo are very funny, and very clear, so the material is easy and fun to follow! I wish my college   teachers  were more like these two!” – Leandro Martinez, Chicago IL

Start dates and information about payment plans can be found here.

Or if you have questions, please call 877.DUBSPOT or send us a message.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Click here to view the embedded video.

In part one of the latest Shiftee Trilogy video tutorial series, DJ Shiftee demonstrates his ‘Slaughterhouse’ routine that was constructed for his appearance on the highly regarded Rinse FM radio show in the UK. In the second installment, Shiftee explains how to map LEDs and lights Traktor Pro 2 using a MIDI controllers and further sinks in the wonderful world of modifiers, using buttons not merely to control specific functions but also to change the state of the program. Please stay tuned for the third and final installment in which Shiftee gives away his precious mapping for Maschine.

Related Dubspot Courses Starting Online & in New York City:

Digital DJing w/ Traktor Pro 2 Program starts February 5th Online.

MASCHINE Program starts in NYC January 30th and Online the week of January 22nd.

DJ Extensive Program

Immerse yourself in the complete art of DJing from beatmatching to stage presence. Whether you’re a beginner in search of the fundamentals or a seasoned pro looking to take your talent to the next level, our curriculum is designed to accommodate all skill levels and styles of music. This comprehensive DJ program covers everything from basic mixing to advanced digital DJing. Learn more about our DJ courses and programs.

What’s Included:

• DJ Level 1: Rookie Sessions | Essentials I
• DJ Level 2: Phrase Mixing | Essentials II
• DJ Level 3: Beyond The Blend | Intermediate Skills
• DJ Level 4: Preparation | DJ Psychology
• DJ Level 5: Classroom to the Club | Advanced Techniques I
• DJ Level 6: Club to the World | Advanced Techniques II

“I love the class, and the content! Shiftee and Endo are very funny, and very clear, so the material is easy and fun to follow! I wish my college   teachers  were more like these two!” – Leandro Martinez, Chicago IL

Native Instruments MASCHINE redefines hardware and software integration for music production and creative performance. Upon completion of this program, you will have written a full original track using multiple plug-in instruments and effects, produced a remix based on rearranged source material with your own musical additions, and made recordings of yourself improvising with both projects while creating break downs, build ups, and effect manipulations.

What’s Included:

• MASCHINE Level 1: Programming and Beat Making Basics
• MASCHINE Level 2: Sampling, Slicing and Composing
• MASCHINE Level 3: Advanced Production and Performance Techniques

Start dates and information about payment plans can be found here.

Or if you have questions, please call 877.DUBSPOT or send us a message.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Did you know that there are three distinct types of musicians in today’s global music scene? These types of musicians direct their attention to different aspects of the compositional process: one is focused primarily on pitch/melody, another on rhythm/beats, and the last on timbre/sound design. Today, the well-rounded musician will be well versed in all three of these areas and that is the main idea behind Dubspot’s Music Foundations program.

Using material from Music Foundations Level 2: Keys and Melodic Theory, Mark de Clive-Lowe focuses on pitch and melody with the goal of using a set of pitches to improvise over a two chord progression, namely the Pentatonic scale (a common five note scale). The said progression goes from a C Minor chord to an F Minor chord, and that fits nicely underneath the C Minor Pentatonic scale. WIth the addition of some tension filled note choices, such as the #4/b5 “blue note”, more melodic variations can quickly be created. By the end of this video we see all of the elements put together in two musical examples in different genres and at different tempi. This is a small taste of what you will learn in the Music Foundations program at Dubspot. Be sure to check out other music theory related articles here in the Dubspot Blog.

Written by Patrick Cupo, Director of Curriculum Development

Start dates and information about payment plans can be found here.

Or if you have questions, please call 877.DUBSPOT or send us a message.

Unravel electronic music’s origins, build your chops, learn the language and theory, and make and play music the way you want. Students will develop a deeper understanding of the roots and lineage of a variety of electronic and dance music, strengthen their keyboard skills, and learn valuable music theory skills, deepening their creative practice and facilitating effective collaborations with musical partners.

What’s Included:

• Essential Music Foundations Level 1: Electronic Music Appreciation
• Essential Music Foundations Level 2: Keys & Melodic Theory
• Essential Music Foundations Level 3: Pads & Rhythmic Theory

This course exceeded my expectations. I went through everything I needed to have a solid knowledge of basic music theory.
- Jonathan Crespo, Miami

EMF (Music Foundations) has been an amazing experience! I didn’t realize I was going to learn so much about electronic music history, something my generation missed.
- Yianno Koumi, United Kingdom

Click here to view the embedded video.

Future Music Maschine Video Tutorial – Multi Effect Chain

Click here to view the embedded video.

Part 1 – Routine with “Slaughterhouse” by Joker

Click here to view the embedded video.

“This is a routine I put together for my recent appearance on the legendary Rinse FM (big shouts to DJ Wonder for having me on!).  It’s meant to show my softer side. Yes, you may know me for my manly feats of strength and untapped primal aggression on delicatessen waiting lines.  When you think Shiftee, you probably think of a brute force who opens jars, lifts heavy boxes, and attends the gym regularly (big shouts to my trainer Sergi for keeping me toned!).  But there’s more to me.  I take long walks on the beach.  I gaze wistfully at setting suns and old people.  I once watched a trailer for The Notebook and felt something deep inside (it was indigestion, but still).  Please watch the following video, and get to know the real me.” – Forever Yours, Shiftee

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DJ Extensive Program

Immerse yourself in the complete art of DJing from beatmatching to stage presence. Whether you’re a beginner in search of the fundamentals or a seasoned pro looking to take your talent to the next level, our curriculum is designed to accommodate all skill levels and styles of music. This comprehensive DJ program covers everything from basic mixing to advanced digital DJing. Learn more about our DJ courses and programs.

What’s Included:

• DJ Level 1: Rookie Sessions | Essentials I
• DJ Level 2: Phrase Mixing | Essentials II
• DJ Level 3: Beyond The Blend | Intermediate Skills
• DJ Level 4: Preparation | DJ Psychology
• DJ Level 5: Classroom to the Club | Advanced Techniques I
• DJ Level 6: Club to the World | Advanced Techniques II

“I love the class, and the content! Shiftee and Endo are very funny, and very clear, so the material is easy and fun to follow! I wish my college   teachers  were more like these two!” – Leandro Martinez, Chicago IL

Start dates and information about payment plans can be found here.

Or if you have questions, please call 877.DUBSPOT or send us a message.

Akai Professional announced exciting news today – the veteran musical instrument company is launching three new versions of their esteemed MPC series, beginning with the MPC Renaissance. In the weeks leading up to NAMM 2012, Akai will unveil two more units as well: the “slimline” MPC Studio and the MPC FLY for the iPad 2. The new MPC series seems to be aimed at computer-based music production as Akai explains on their site: “Fusing Akai Professional’s legendary MPC layout and workflow with the power of your computer, MPC Renaissance is an unrivaled instrument for music production. The new flagship is a fully integrated hardware/software system: MPC Renaissance allows you to create using classic hardware controls and an integrated pop-up display, while it’s exclusive MPC Software empowers you with unprecedented, expandable production capabilities on your Mac or PC.”

Click here to view the embedded video.

Akai has been enjoying success with their MPD MIDI controllers and they still hold a loyal customer base with the MPC series of samplers. But in recent years Native Instruments’ Maschine has been giving Akai’s samplers a run for their money with a cheaper platform that offers a very similar workflow. The announcement of these new Akai Pro MPCs seems to bring Akai back to the game and they’ve obviously taken some notes from NI on hardware/software integration. There’s no price listed for the MPC Renaissance and we’ve only seen the above video so far. But we are eager to get our hands on this flagship device to see what it can do. Below are more details on the MPC Renaissance from Akai Pro.

MPC Renaissance hardware

• Fuses legendary MPC production with the processing power of your computer
• Vintage Mode changes output sound character to MPC3000, MPC60 and more
• 16 backlit genuine MPC pads, 16 Q-Link controls, and adjustable backlit LCD screen
• Classic MPC Note Repeat, MPC Swing and MPC transport controls
• MPC SOFTWARE for Mac or PC with 64-track sequencing capability
• Two XLR-1/4″ combo inputs and dedicated turntable input
• Four-channel US B 2.0 audio interface and two-port US B 2.0 hub built in
• Up to eight pad banks―more than any other MPC ever
• Two MIDI inputs and four MIDI outputs
• Stereo 1/4″ out, stereo assignable mix 1/4″ out & S/PDIF I/O

MPC Renaissance software

• 64-track sequencing capability
• Massive 6GB+ sound library, including all of the sounds of the classic MPC3000
• Instant mapping and real-time adjustment of VST plug-ins
• Record each track as an MPC drum program, Keygroup program or VST plug-in
• Runs standalone and as VST, AU or RTAS plug-in
• Supports WAV, MP3, AIFF, REX and SND
• Supports samples and sequences from any MPC ever made
• Mac and PC-compatible

Click here to view the embedded video.