Free DJ resources download

Contents
Welcome Essentials course DJ Hardware recommendations CPU tips Useful keyboard shortcuts Equipment checklist Crossfader curves MP3 download sites Live products available 3 4 6 13 14 15 16 17 18

Welcome
Welcome to your free DJ resources download, you lucky people. In this document youll find a collection of resources that we think will be handy for any DJ who uses Ableton Live. If youre new to Live or want to improve your existing skills, have a look at the contents of the Essentials course (shown on the next pages) then go and watch the 2 free tutorials - just click on the free stuff page on the website. If you like the look of them, subscribe to the course! Make sure you also check out the other freebies there are 2 case studies looking at specific examples of how DJs use Live to perform with. Our tag line is less time learning, more time playing and we know that by using our course youll get straight to the heart of DJing with Ableton Live in no time at all. Enjoy, The Abletondjcourse team

Essentials course
Lets have a sneaky peek at the contents of the Essentials course Title Starting out Installation Audio setup First steps (free) Session view Arrangement view Mixer Browser Clip view and audio clips Warping Warp settings Physical connections Hands on control Key points covered
Available versions of Live, windows installation, Mac installation, authorising, problems, updates Soundcard setup, ASIO drivers, latency & buffer size, testing performance, channel configuration Open set, tracks, session view, launching clips, scenes, arrangement view, editing, when to use each view, tour of screen, effects, crossfader Tracks, importing clips, launching clips, stop buttons, scenes, global quantise, right click menu, space bar, full screen mode When to use, tracks, importing clips, arrangement position, follow, right click menu, automation, clip overview, scrub area, back to arrangement, problems between views Inputs & outputs, sends & returns, mixer, track delay, crossfader, differences between views Device browser, hotswap mode, plug in device browser, file browsers, preview, library Clips, grooves, clip nudge, clip settings, gain, start / end points, clip waveform, scrub area Warping a loop, adding markers, warping a full song, checking, intro, gain, start / end markers, correcting phase, jumps off vinyl Seg BPM, half / double BPM, warp modes, beats, tones, texture, re-pitch, complex, complex Pro, when to warp, loop clips Previewing next track, connect to a DJ mixer, using a DJ mixer, using Lives cueing system, crossfader, connecting using only a stereo output, pros and cons of each method MIDI Controller, select device, value scaling, MIDI map mode, mapping browser, key map mode, min / max, recommendations, F1 F8 keys
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DJ skills

Finding your way around

How to mix 1 How to mix 2 DJ skills Where to mix Track layout and mixing procedure Navigation and outro Launching clips & follow actions (free) Live skills Audio effects

Blends, blends with faders, cuts, cutting back and forth, slow fade and cut Peaking, dip on DJ mixer, EQ, EQ 3, simple blend with EQ, swap basslines, mixing different elements, slam in the bass Structure of music, mixing intro over outro, keeping the energy up, double drop, mixing over breakdowns, short intro Laying tracks out, all laid out on screen, genre, tempo, harmonic mixing code, alternative layouts, importing from browser, importing sets Navigating through song, highlighting key moments, positioning warp markers, outro loops, adjusting loops Launch modes, trigger, gate, toggle, repeat, legato, quantisation, follow actions settings, probabilities, recording into arrangement view How to use effects, EQ 3, auto-filter, beat repeat, presets, hot-swap button, stutter effect, auto-pan, fade to grey, 3rd party plug in, glitch, master track effects, limiter, insert effects, signal flow, send effects, wet / dry File management, file formats supported, decoding cache, saving files, file formats to use, digital rights management, ripping files, analysis file, saving, backing up Practice, system sounds, screen resolution, latency / buffer settings, reliability test, CPU tips, equipment list, backup music, getting ready to perform, performing live, trouble shooting Supporting artists, digital DJ license, number of songs covered, enforcement, keeping up to date Audio files, first steps project, how to mix project,

File management Performing Live Performing live! Digital DJ license (UK only)

Essentials course launching clips and follow actions project sample pack

To access the 2 free tutorials or buy the complete course, simply go to our website and follow the links. What are you waiting for?!
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DJ hardware recommendations
With so many companies vying for a place in the ever-growing DJ hardware market its not surprising that making the right choices has become difficult. However, there are some basic steps you can follow in order to save yourself time and hopefully money too. Research Firstly, ask yourself what exactly do you want to be able to do? If youre just starting out this may not be that straightforward, especially if youre not that sure what exactly you want to achieve. Spend some time reading magazines, go online, talk to friends and remember that everyone thinks they know best so just take it all in and consider the options. Second, what is your budget? In our experience the way to get the best possible gear without breaking the bank is to decide exactly how much you are willing to spend and stick to it. There is a thriving second-hand market for equipment and as long as you fix your price you can try your luck at bidding on gear that would be outside your range if you were buying new. Its also a good way of narrowing down your choices. Third, test stuff out. If you can, you should try to go to a store where they demo gear or find out if your friends have any equipment that theyd be willing to let you test. This will give you a good feel for what different hardware does and will also enable you to see some of the more subtle differences between manufacturers. Reading adverts in magazines and online can be misleading, new equipment is being released all the time and its in the interest of the manufacturers to make you think that the newest kit does amazing things and is better than older stuff. In most cases the newer features are merely garnish, the key function of the hardware is likely to have remained the same.

Basic requirements If youre just starting out, all you really need is the software and a computer to run it on. This can set you back anything from 300 2000 depending on what version you buy and what computer you run it on. Remember that Live is quite an intensive program for the computer to run reliably so aim for the best computer that you can afford. The next level Once youve got to grips with the basics youll realise the limitations of only having one audio output and the difficulty in completing complex mixes with just the keyboard and mouse. Its time to invest in an audio interface (soundcard) and a MIDI controller. Audio interface Buying an audio interface with multiple outputs will allow you to output sound to multiple channels on a mixer or to separate the cue and monitor output. The quality of the audio interface also affects the speed at which Live responds and the overall sound quality. There are many audio interfaces available, so the following simply acts as an introduction to some of the better products out there.

Behringer UCA202 - 25 Affordable and compact USB interface with 2 analog inputs and outputs, s/pdif optical output, and a stereo headphone output with dedicated level control.

Native Instruments Audio 2 - 79 Compact and portable USB audio interface with 2 independent stereo outputs which can be routed to a DJ mixer, or speakers and headphones. Included are 2 jack to phono cables. Hercules DJ Trim 4&6 - 169 External soundcard which can be configured for 4 ins and 4 outs or 2 ins and 6 outs. Mains powered, with a separate headphone out, its well built and designed to stand up to heavy use.

TC Electronic Konnekt 6 - 179 High quality audio interface with mic and instrument ins, monitor outputs and separate headphone output. Bundled with Cubase LE4.

Native Instruments Audio 8 DJ - 319 Combines high-end audio quality with a rock-solid design. There are 8 inputs, 8 outputs, MIDI i/o, headphone output, and 20 status LEDs for full visual control.

Apogee
Duet - 322

Professional quality firewire Mac audio interface, which can be controlled by multi-function knob. Features 2 channels of high quality audio input and output.

MIDI controller There are a massive range of MIDI controllers available and so it can be hard to know which the best one to choose is. Try to think about how much control you would like to have over your clips and effects, and what other features you need. Some of the better MIDI controllers come with an audio interface built in, and so this can be a good way of saving money by getting these all in one piece of hardware. Your choice of MIDI controller is key to the way in which you will be able to go about mixing. If you think of Live as your instrument, just like a musician you can only become expressive and spontaneous once you can interact fluidly with your instrument. What most software DJs find is that once they choose a piece of equipment they like, they then begin to adapt their mixing techniques to suit that particular MIDI controller. Look for a controller that is designed and laid out the way that makes sense to you; you will then be able to create amazing mixes time and time again. In the early stages it is important to try as many products as possible. You are looking to find a controller which seems intuitive to YOU and one which has all the controls YOU need. We emphasize the YOU here because of the amount of sales information out there which is trying to tell you what you need, the only person who knows this is yourself, so ask questions, experiment and wherever possible try before you buy.

Korg Nano Kontrol - 41 Compact USB powered MIDI controller with 9 faders, 9 knobs, 18 buttons and full transport controls. Each control can be assigned in 4 scenes for added versatility. Novation Novation Nocturn - 69 Compact USB controller with 8 touch-sensitive LED lit knobs, cross-fader and 16 buttons. Designed to be used with Automap for instant control of effects and instruments.

Behringer BCD2000 - 134 Affordable MIDI controller designed for DJs. Includes 4 channel audio interface, headphone output, EQ and effects section.

Novation Launchpad - 149 Designed specifically for Live, this versatile and intuitive controller makes launching clips and scenes far easier. Can also be used for pans, effects, soloing and mixer functions.
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Akai APC40 - 349 Custom designed for Live this controller is perfect for DJs giving instant control of clips, levels and effects. Comes in the smaller APC20 version as well.

Allen & Heath Xone 2 - 444 High quality 4 stereo channel USB soundcard and MIDI controller, enables DJs to combine with their existing analogue mixer to create a complete digital mixing system.

Vestax VCM 600 - 499 High quality MIDI controller set up like a DJ mixer to give hands on control of every aspect of Live. 6 channels with EQ, crossfader and many assignable controls.

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Korg Zero 4 - 699 All in one digital mixer, audio interface and MIDI controller, which can be easily used with external gear. Has 4 channels, EQ, crossfader and built in effects.

Ecler EVO4 - 985 High quality 4 channel digital mixer for the professional DJ, incorporating a 12 channel firewire soundcard, powerful built-in effects and 25 assignable MIDI controls.

Jazzmutant
Lemur - 1800

State of the art control surface which can be fully customised to create a unique performance. Works through a touch sensitive, multi-touch screen which you can use to control numerous settings at the same time.

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CPU tips
If your computer is struggling to keep up, try using some of the following tips to reduce CPU usage: Dont have too many audio clips open within your set Deactivate audio clips that youre not using Cut down the number of effects you use at the same time, and if youre not using an effect turn it off Be careful of CPU intensive third party plug-ins Use re-pitch warp mode instead of complex for some of your clips Dont use Hi-Quality mode for audio clips Use mono audio files instead of stereo files wherever possible. On the Audio tab of preferences disable any audio inputs and outputs that arent being used Render or freeze software instrument clips / tracks

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Useful keyboard shortcuts

Command Session/arrangement view Enter/exit full screen Track/clip view Show/hide detail view Show/hide browser Show/hide in/out Show/hide sends Show/hide mixer Show/hide crossfader Open preferences Show context menu Key map mode MIDI map mode Activate/deactivate tracks 1-8 Play/stop Record Back to arrangement Duplicate Add/remove stop button Launch selected clip/slot Insert scene Insert audio track Zoom in Zoom out Eighth-note quantization Quarter-note quantization 1-bar quantization Quantization off PC Tab F11 F12 Shift F12 Ctrl Alt B Ctrl Alt I Ctrl Alt S Ctrl Alt M Ctrl Alt F Ctrl , Right click Ctrl K Ctrl M F1-F8 Space F9 F10 Ctrl D Ctrl E Return Ctrl I Ctrl T + Ctrl 7 Ctrl 8 Ctrl 9 Ctrl 0 Mac Tab Ctrl 11 Ctrl F12 Ctrl Shift F12 Cmd Alt B Cmd Alt I Cmd Alt S Cmd Alt M Cmd Alt F Cmd , Ctrl click Cmd K Cmd M F1-F8 Space F9 F10 Cmd D Cmd E Return Cmd I Cmd T + Cmd 7 Cmd 8 Cmd 9 Cmd 0

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Equipment checklist
Item Computer / laptop Audio interface MIDI controller Other hardware Extension lead / 4-way Cables Spare cables Spare adaptors Headphones Backup music MP3 / digital audio recorder Promo CDs / business cards Tools Pen and paper Comment Dont forget power pack / monitor and all appropriate cables Dont forget USB / firewire cable Dont forget USB / firewire cable Include all appropriate cables Dont assume that there will be enough spare plugs available for all your equipment All necessary cables Include a few spare cables in case something unexpectedly doesnt work In case the connections at the venue arent what you expect them to be Include headphone adaptor and a spare pair if possible CD / MP3 player ready to play in case your computer crashes To record your set to review later A professional looking CD if not, a blank CD with your phone number is better than nothing! Include screwdrivers, spare fuses and gaffer tape To record phone numbers Check

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Crossfader curves
The table below shows the power level and response of each of the crossfader curves available within Live: A+B power level Curve Transition Dipped Intermediate Constant power Slow fade Slow cut Fast cut Transition keeps the volume of each track constant until you pass the middle of the crossfader. Dipped and Intermediate lower the overall volume as you reach the middle of the crossfader. Constant power keeps the volume level consistent as you move the crossfader. Slow fade, slow cut and fast cut allow you to chop in a track at full volume with only a small movement of the crossfader. Crossfader response

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MP3 download sites

The following is a list of some of the best MP3 download sites out there Name Afrodesia Audiojelly Address Description

www.afrodesiamp3. Great site promoting African based dance music in 192 and 320 MP3. com www.audiojelly.com

Good range of dance and chill out music in 320 MP3. Huge range of dance music from upfront tunes to classic back Beatport www.beatport.com catalogues. Available in MP3, MP4 and Wav format. Beats www.beatsdigital.co Good range of dance and electronica in 320 MP3. m Digital Wide range of music, especially Dancetracks www.dancetracksdi good at leftfield and jazz influenced gital.com Digital styles. Available in 320 MP3. All areas of dance music covered DJ www.djdownload.co from chill out and house to techno m Download and trance. Files in 192 & 320 MP3. Drum & http://download.br The home of drum & bass on the net. Tracks in MP3, FLAC and Wav. Bass Arena eakbeat.co.uk/ Over one million dance tracks www.junodownload available in MP3 and WAV format. Juno DJ charts and classic tracks .com available. Range of dance music, http://download.mi accompanied by monthly reviews in Mixmag xmag.net Mixmag magazine. 192 & 320 MP3. Soul www.soulseduction. Phat sounds and moody tunes available in MP3 and Wav format. com Seduction www.trackitdown.n House, trance and harder styles in Trackitdown 192, 320 and Wav format. et House music store featuring www.traxsource.co producer sample libraries, DJ charts Traxsource and latest tunes in MP3 and Wav m format.

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Live products available

The following versions of Ableton Live are currently available. Prices are correct as of the Ableton website, 29-06-10. To check the upto-date price either visit www.ableton.com or your preferred Ableton dealer. Product name Ableton Suite (download) Ableton Suite (boxed) Ableton Live 8 (download) Ableton Live 8 (boxed) includes the Essential Instrument Collection 2 Ableton Live Intro (download) Ableton Live Intro (boxed) Price in Euros 549 699 349 449 99 129 Price in USD 699 849 449 549 99 139

Educational discounts are available for teachers and students. Simply confirm your educational status with Ableton and you are entitled to a significant discount on the retail price. See www.ableton.com/edu-verify for details. Already own a version of Ableton Live? Upgrades to Live 8 / Suite 8 vary in price, depending on the Ableton products you already own. Check the Ableton website for prices.

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