Author

Chris Cartledge

Chris is a writer, tutor, and artist - turntablist, controllerist, and producer - that loves writing about the things that inspire him, and being inspired by figuring out how to explain things. He runs Oh Drat, dedicated to production equipment and tutorials.

DJ Techniques / Tips

EQ Mixing: Critical Techniques and Theory

Chris Cartledge Mar 11, 2012

EQ mixing is a cornerstone of solid DJing, a great tool that can add the final polish to a great DJ set. Learning the fundamentals behind equalization is a critical step in becoming an advanced DJ, so today we're taking a closer look at the…

Ableton Live Tips

DJing With A Computer Keyboard

Chris Cartledge Mar 6, 2012

Digital DJing and controllerism has come a long way from simply "laptop DJing" (say it with contempt for full effect), but for most digital DJs the laptop remains the central part of their setup. While there’s usually a better workflow than…

Editorials and Opinions

HID VS Timecode: Comparing Digital DJ Control Systems

Chris Cartledge Mar 1, 2012

If you walk into a club there are usually two "control" devices available: CDJs and turntables. If you are using Serato Scratch or Traktor Scratch, then you have the choice of controlling the software with these two hardware controllers…

Ableton Live Tips

Creating Ableton Effect Chains and Randomization Controls

Chris Cartledge Feb 20, 2012

In the light of Bento San’s excellent Mapulator patch for Max for Live, many of you will be looking just that little bit harder at Ableton Live and what it can do for you. If your interest was piqued but you’re not quite ready to take the…

DIY Project Tutorials

Best DJ Controllers for Modification: Be DJ Frankenstein

Chris Cartledge Feb 7, 2012

Off-the-shelf DJ controllers have come a long way in the past few years, but they’re still lacking that certain something. The whole digital DJing movement was founded on a DIY approach way before manufacturers started seeing dollar signs…

Controllerism

Key Detection Software Showdown: 2012 Edition

Chris Cartledge Jan 26, 2012

It’s been almost two and a half years since the last DJ TechTools key detection software comparison. Times have changed and the software has moved on, so we took a fresh look at the capabilities of Mixed in Key, Rapid Evolution, and…

DJ Controllers

Exclusive In Depth Look: Smithson Martin KS-1974

Chris Cartledge Jan 21, 2012

The Smithson Martin KS1974 is one of the more interesting products at this year’s NAMM show, because it’s a really laterally thought out product. What the guys at Smithson Martin are doing is bringing touch capability to your workflow…

DJ Equipment / Accessories

Rane Sixty-One and Sixty-Two Released; Exclusive Video Interview

Chris Cartledge Jan 20, 2012

Rane and Serato have worked tightly together for eight years pioneering practical DVS systems. The TTM57 is definitely showing its age, though, and has now received a modern update. There are 2 models of mixers: The Rane 61 and the Rane 62…