With modern digital DJ technology, a hybrid controllerism / turntablism setup is very possible. Producer/DJ John Type describes his technique as MidiTablism (formerly controltablism). Using the new Ableton Link technology and Serato DJ, he creates a routine that blends turntablism and controllerism in an innovative way.
Introducing MidiTablism
- Artist: John Type
- Gear Used: Ableton Push 2, Pioneer DJM-S9, Vestax PDX 3000
This routine showcases how cue point sequencing and cue clip launching can intertwine with turntablism techniques. In the video above, John Type slows down the iconic Amen Break from the legendary funky soul band, The Winstons. This sample is played at 103 BPM on a Serato deck.
At the same time, in Ableton, Ableton Link is running to keep Serato in time with the 808s, percussion loops, and horns. This means Ableton is syncing to the actual BPM of the tracks coming out of Serato – look closely and you can see that MIDI Tracks 5 and 6 are synced with Decks A and B, respectively, in Serato DJ.
John Type continues his mix by bringing in N.W.A’s Straight Outta Compton (Acapella), Lyn Collins’ Think About It, and finishing off with Squarepusher’s Come On My Selector. What is interesting and innovative about this routine is the combined use of the single deck technique (read more about that here) and clip launching with it all synced between Ableton and Serato DJ. The transition from 123 BPM to 190 BPM is aided with the help of clips in Ableton.
Read more about the routine and download the project files on John Type’s website.
