FreeYouNow.com

Native Instruments Unveils Stem File Format For DJs and Producers

by Leave a Comment

A few days ago Native Instruments unveiled a new file format called Stems, creating a whole new way that music producers and DJs will be able to work with music files.

The new Stems file format will make it possible to store up to four separate music tracks in one file, essentially allowing producers to give DJs four separate layers to work with within each song.

For example, a typical song might be split into four individual layers (stems) – Drums, Synths, Vocals and Effects.

Right now when DJs mix songs, they typically use filters which separate the different frequency ranges in a song when for example they want to separate the bass / drum sounds from the vocals.

However, using filters is just an approximation and it’s not an ideal way to separate the different layers of a song.

With this new file format, music producers will be able to release songs with up to four layers separated out for DJs to be able to use in their sets, giving DJs a whole new level of control they’ve never had before.

Online music retailers like Beatport, Juno and Traxsource are going to start offering songs in the Stem format as early as June 2015, with many more retailers coming on board after the initial launch.

The Stem file format will use the MP4 file standard to store the multi-layer data and the file extension for the files will be “.stem.mp4”.

Traktor Pro 2 (version 2.7.4 or later) will allow you to load and play with individual stem parts, and other software companies will be able to integrate with the Stem file format when its publicly released in June 2015.

If you’d like to see a full FAQ guide to the new Stem file format click here.

How to Record in Traktor Scratch Pro 2

by 2 Comments

Are you trying to figure out how to record your mix in Traktor Scratch Pro 2?

When I first wanted to record my mix in Traktor Pro 2 I got a bit confused as there didn’t seem to be any way to hit the record button.

Then I figured it out.

Once you know how to do it, it’s pretty easy.

Here’s a short video I recorded showing how to do it:

Don’t like videos?

Here’s some screenshots of how to do it instead. 🙂

Step 1 – Record Settings

 

First you want to make sure your record settings are configured properly.

Go to the FILE menu and hit PREFERENCES.

Then select the “Mix Recorder” section.

Set your source to “Internal”, and select the file directory where you want Traktor to start putting your recordings.

You’ll also want to select the maximum file size you want Traktor to create before splitting the files into multiple files.

I just selected the largest size – 2048 MB – so that it doesn’t split my recordings into multiple files unless they get really long.

Step 2 – Find the Record Button

How to Record in Traktor Pro 2

Next to actually enable recording you’ll have to find the record button.

You may need to set your view mode to “Extended” first.  You’ll find that at the top of your screen, just left of the search icon.

Then, on the left side you’ll see a tab for FX and then underneath it you’ll see an icon that looks like a cassette tape.  Click it.

That will reveal the record button.

Set your gain levels to the right level you want, and then just click the RECORD button and then click PLAY on one of your decks.

Do your thing, and when you’re done your mix, just click the record button again to end recording.

You’ll find the file inside the directory you selected in Step 1.

If you’re lost, watch the video above. 🙂

My First Ever Mix as DJ FreeYOUNow

by Leave a Comment

In yesterday’s post I announced that I got the Traktor Kontrol S8 DJ controller.

Today I had a chance to actually spend some time learning how to use it.

Since I’m pretty much a total beginner when it comes to DJ-ing, I decided to subscribe to a website called DJCoursesOnline, so that I can learn from someone who knows a lot more than I do.

I’m a huge believer in investing in courses and training programs that can cut your learning curve significantly, and online courses usually provide a lot of value for the price you pay.

The course only cost me about $20 to get started, and I got access to dozens of videos that walk you through the basics of becoming a DJ.

Of course this type of course only teaches you the fundamentals, and there is so much more to learn, but at least I know more tonight than I did 24 hours ago. 🙂

After going through hours and hours of course-work, I decided to try making a mix of my own to see how it goes.

Theory and learning is great, but you also have to remember to APPLY what you learn.

I ended up putting together a 23 minute mix with 7 tracks I chose from the Electro House genre.

This is a TOTAL beginner’s mix.

After getting a little bit overwhelmed at first, I decided to stick to just doing one simple type of transition throughout the mix, and even then I missed a couple of setup parameters during the mix so one of the tracks didn’t actually start playing on cue as it was supposed to.

I had to quickly improvise and the transition didn’t sound as good as I would have liked it to, but it wasn’t that bad and I decided to keep the recording just so I can have a historical record of my very first mix – LOL.

If you’d like to check it out, here it is…

** Note: Parental advisory – The first track in this song drops the f-bomb a few times, so be aware of that.

If you like the mix, do me a favor and hit the like button (little heart) on Mixcloud and leave a comment below.

Dirty House Electro by Dj Freeyounow on Mixcloud

Enjoy!

Getting Started as a DJ With Traktor Kontrol S8

by 2 Comments

Today I finally made the decision to buy my first DJ Controller.

I’ve been seriously considering buying some DJ gear for quite some time now, but just quite some time now, but just couldn’t quite get myself to pull the trigger on the purchase until today.

Why the hesitation?

Well, mainly because I’ve had this mental conflict in my mind related to DJing.

The conflict I have is that I don’t really have any desire to perform as a DJ in front of live groups – like zero.  Maybe that will change in the future, but right now I have zero desire to do that.

However, while my desire to be a “live” DJ is not really there, I have a HUGE desire to mix music tracks and put together remixes and mix sets.

When I listen to other DJs put together mixes, it just completely blows me away… it’s like the coolest thing ever!

I love music and songs, and listening to them individually is great, but to me nothing really compares with a DJ mix that puts together tracks and remixes them in a creative way.

I’m in complete awe whenever I see a talented DJ doing his or her thing.

So what I want to do is I want to learn how to do that so that I can put together my own mixes.

When I saw Native Instruments releasing their Traktor Kontrol S8 Flagship DJ controller a few months back, I instantly wanted one.

Here’s the video they released to introduce the product:

I mean isn’t that the coolest thing you’ve ever seen? 🙂

The first time I saw that video I started drooling.  I totally wanted one! 🙂

Since they finally released the controller a few months ago I have been going back and forth in my head as to whether I should buy this controller.

A part of me just didn’t want to spend this kind of money on a high-end controller like this since I’m not planning on doing live DJ gigs…

… and so I would start looking at different DJ controllers at a lower price range, which would be a much easier to justify the purchase of as a “bedroom DJ”…

However, each time I would look at these other controllers, I would keep seeing features that they are missing, which are available in the S8, and I don’t want to be missing certain things. 🙂

Anyway, after going back and forth in my mind I finally decided to invest in the controller today.

I’m a complete beginner when it comes to being a DJ, but I’m really excited to start learning what it takes to put together some great music. 🙂

One of the benefits of building an Internet business from home is that I get to play with stuff like this, have fun, blog about it, and then make money as well!

I can’t wait to really dive into learning the basics of this thing.

Red Sky – Music Track by Paul Piotrowski

by 5 Comments

Today I want to share another music track I produced a few months back.

This one is called Red Sky, and unlike Mad World Reimagined, this track is fully original.

I produced it in Ableton Live and also used Ableton Push as my midi controller.

I am still a complete noobie when it comes to music production and I am still learning how to do even some of the most basic things in Ableton, but I do really like the software.

It’s very intuitive and easy to work with.  I enjoy it a lot.

Here’s the track:

What do you think?