Mix Master Mike Question.

[JoLovesMCA]

Does he use vinyl? I don't know I started watching Master of the Mix and found that many DJ's converting to computers. I mean I know they use computers for their music sometimes which is fine. I also love to see the work really put into it because that's what makes the BB's and Mike so special. Bummer because on Master of the Mix they only had one guy on the show last night who had used vinyl and he was booted off because he didn't get the crowd going enough. :/

I read up on it too, thought it was an interesting read. I see the other side saying you need to just move on with the times and technology and it's a hassle to carry all of that equipment around... so what do you guys think?? I know nothing of DJ'ing though other than the fact that I just love it and I am a huge fan of it. (y)

http://hubpages.com/hub/Why-DJs-should-play-vinyl-and-not-use-computers

[Sir SkratchaLot]

I'm pretty sure he's using a DVS system these days (computer files controlled by timecode vinyl.) It's less of a hassle than carrying around records.

There's a huge debate in the DJ world about DVS, and whether it's as good as the real thing, etc. Also one part of DJing is record digging. If you don't use vinyl in some way, you can only use music that you find online. If someone has put it online, then it's not really all that rare. So these DVS only DJs are missing out on hundreds of thousands of records which have never been put online in digital format. A lot of the stuff I use is not online, it's some obscure record I found in a second hand store. I don't have the time to digtially convert 5000 records so I'm always going to continue to use vinyl in some way shape or form. I assume Mike is the same way. He's ripping the stuff he needs for the gigs but I'm sure he still has the records at the show. I also have to say, laptop DJing is pretty nerdy but it's convenient and it saves your records from getting torn up.

That Master of the Mix show was weak. Revolution is a dope DJ, but that show didn't seem to be about recognizing skills, it was more of a popularity contest. Really the show seemed to be mostly about advertising for Smirnoff vodka.

[JoLovesMCA]

Thanks a lot of that insight. It's interesting to know what you guys think especially since so many of you are DJ's. I am also happy to know that some of the rare vinyls haven't made it online. I mean it's nice to know that not everything out there has been put on digital.

In regards to the DJ thing, I guess it doesn't so so bad that if you are going with computers that you do still have vinyl and incorporate it into your show.

And I just happen to catch a few episodes lately of the Mix show and I agree it does spend a lot of time showing you how to make drinks. Too bad they don't take it more seriously.

[Sir SkratchaLot]

Thanks a lot of that insight. It's interesting to know what you guys think especially since so many of you are DJ's. I am also happy to know that some of the rare vinyls haven't made it online. I mean it's nice to know that not everything out there has been put on digital.

In regards to the DJ thing, I guess it doesn't so so bad that if you are going with computers that you do still have vinyl and incorporate it into your show.

And I just happen to catch a few episodes lately of the Mix show and I agree it does spend a lot of time showing you how to make drinks. Too bad they don't take it more seriously.

Tons of vinyl is not online, or in any digital format (never was issued on CD, etc.) And keep in mind that back in the 80s, a single would come out and there would be many many different versions of the same song that were only available on the 12"/7" singles. Typically, the version you get online will be the album version and the only way to get the single versions is to find the record. Also, lots of people who rip the vinyl use low quality MP3s that don't sound that good compared to the vinyl. It's a total mess.

[JoLovesMCA]

Oh yeah I did notice that some of the rare Beasties stuff uploaded on youtube aren't the best of quality. So in the end like you said it's something you need to seek out and buy. I think it's totally worth it but I am so old school myself. Thanks for the information on this! (y)

[Chrisco83]

The 2 times I've seen him live he used a combo of vinyl and his laptop. He is absolutely amazing in person, so much better than anything on his albums (which I like very much)

[Jay Stone]

If you get a chance, see the documentary "Scratch". Mike is featured in it and he explains how he "cheats" by having vinyl pressed up with all the bits he needs for a particular segment, like he did with 3 MCs and One DJ...

[JoLovesMCA]

If you get a chance, see the documentary "Scratch". Mike is featured in it and he explains how he "cheats" by having vinyl pressed up with all the bits he needs for a particular segment, like he did with 3 MCs and One DJ...

Thanks, I'll def. look that one up!!! ;)

[Sir SkratchaLot]

If you get a chance, see the documentary "Scratch". Mike is featured in it and he explains how he "cheats" by having vinyl pressed up with all the bits he needs for a particular segment, like he did with 3 MCs and One DJ...

Yeah, that's "battle records" or sometimes "show vinyl" if its for touring. The scratch samples are put into "sentences" so DJs can cut up different stuff without having to flip though 15 records. The original 3MCs and One DJ samples came off of a battle record by Mr. Dibbs called "Unearthed Vol 2." When the MMM went on tour with the Beastie boys, MMM had show vinly pressed up where he took the samples off the Dibbs record, and added some more samples, and put that on his "show vinyl." The big difference between battle records and show vinyl being that show vinyl is prepared with a specific routine in mind, and battle records (although sometimes prepared for a specific routine) are supposed to be multi-purpose tools for DJs.

With DVS you don't even need the battle records because you can arrange samples on your computer and control it with the timecode record. It is seen as "cheating" to an extent, but other people think that it allows for more creativity and faster sample drops. It's sort of a ying and yang thing.

[xavito]

maybe this can help: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yk4dgIUPInE
saw him this week in LA.

[Sir SkratchaLot]

maybe this can help: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yk4dgIUPInE
saw him this week in LA.

Yep that's all Serato (DVS timecode vinyl).

[JoLovesMCA]

Thanks again for the links. That's an amazing clip. Heard some Body Movin in there! I need to see him next time he comes to Houston! Anyway I enjoyed reading all of the tech stuff that goes into DJ'ing and I am glad vinyl is still being used. (y)

[fonky pizza]

maybe this can help: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yk4dgIUPInE
saw him this week in LA.

grande xavi! thanks for sharing:cool: