Some technical tips for Serato.

Recently I've come across a few issues using Rane SL boxes with my computer and other peoples.  I had an issue one time where I couldn't get Serato to actually start, not knowing that the SL1 box I was connected to was a USB 1.0 device which (because of the specs of a Core I series computer) is incompatible with my machine.  Imagine showing up to a gig and not being able to perform because you can't figure out a "simple" hardware issue.

Luckily, I also use Traktor and a controller so I wasn't left completely in the lurch.  After I got home, I got online, determined to solve this problem.  I searched forums and tech guides and eventually found out that USB 1.0 devices will not work properly on Core I series computers with USB 2.0 or higher specs.  This is why the SL1 was discontinued.

Continuing to research, I finally discovered a solution (and a simple one at that) to the problem.  A USB 2.0 hub will allow the SL1 to be read by the computer.  I haven't had the issue since.

Another thing I discovered is that Serato should always be installed and run in Administrative mode.  The program takes priority over the audio system, reading and writing to the hard drive (file permissions come into play here), a certain amount of memory and the processor.  Another issue that this will help resolve is driver installation and sound card recognition.  Rane SL boxes will not start up unless the drivers have been installed with elevated privileges and the software must be installed or started the same way in order for them to work properly.  Installing the software in this way will avoid any issues but if you have already installed the software as a user then simply start the software in Administrative mode and the issues will  be resolved.

These 2 tips have helped me get up and running with minimal effort and I haven't had issues since I adopted these techniques.  I hope it helps you... Peace.

Mission statement for DJ Administer

I created this blog originally in the hopes of promoting my own DJ skills but I am now interested in using this as a platform to unify the burgeoning worlds of the DJ.  Current there are two camps in the DJ world... I like to refer to them as Analog and Digital (hence the name A/D Minister) Analog is traditional Turntabilism with vinyl.  Traditional beat making with an MPC or SP1200 or other machinery of that type.  It is odd that all of those "electronics" constitutes the 'Analog' side of the argument.

Next is the digital side of things and even that hass an analog/digital type of war going on.  The Serato vs. Traktor debate.  The skillful non-inclusion of Torq, Virtual Dj, Mixvibes, PCDJ and more.  Also the many, many DAW's that are out there factor into this.  Ableton, FL Studio, Ms. Pinky.  All of this software is available for any use to try and delve into, but traditionalist DJ's lean toward Serato because of it's simplicity.  And yet as of late, Serato has gone to great lengths to position itself alongside DVS powerhouses like Traktor which seemed to have masterfully bridged the worlds of DJ'ing and production in one software application.

DJ Controllers have been popping up all over the place, but I am of the opinion that they have been around since before DVS systems came into existence.  Endless rotary encoders, keyboards, touchpads, X/Y pads, and midi treats of all kinds have been available for use since the 70's.  DJ's have been using echo chambers and effects boxes since the 70's as well.  It only made sense looking at the explosion in electronic music in the eighties that this technology would creep into the hands of Turntabilists and DJ's alike.

Left out of the conversation for the most part is one of the longest standing providers of DVS systems, Ms. Pinky whose proprietary timecode has been used for several other DVS systems including Torq (one of my favorite pieces of software still).  Ms. Pinky in and of itself is a stand alone DVS that can be used as a VST instrument in virtually any DAW giving the user vinyl control over whatever parameters they choose.  Ingenious, but here in the States, not included in the conversation.

I could delve deeper into all of the different technologies that are available to DJ's out there to use but that would just sidetrack me from the point I am trying to make.  When Hip-Hop first started (and any other musical genre for that matter) it was about who had the best sound.  Of course if you had the best and the latest gear you were the man but let's not forget some things:

1 - Some guy named Joseph Sadler from the Bronx who became synonymous with a swift footed comic book character who changed the entire way DJ's performed  by adding a horizontal fader to a nondescript mixer so he could fade between the two record players he was using.

2 - 3 guys from Long Island and their producer decided that their Hip-Hop album should have witty commercial breaks between songs, virtually mastered the art of sampling and got sued out of their socks for all of it.

3 - Kanye West went all Marilyn Manson on us in his latest offering after fighting for years to heard as an MC and reminding us what traditional Hip-Hop beats are supposed to sound like.

4 - Popping and Locking crews, danced... instead of killing each other.

The point is... it is about the creativity.  Whatever tools you use, master them.  Word to Rob Base, just make the music dope!  Oh yeah, subscribe, comment and everything else.  I am open to suggestions and looking for contributors!

Artwork Courtesy of AngryTalic