Getting started as a DJ doesn’t need to be difficult, and the team at AlphaTheta get this.
They understand that not everyone wants to spend years trawling through record stores, upgrading hardware, compiling digital music libraries and working their way up through the club scene, and playing to marginal crowds with little reward. A lot of music lovers simply want to be a part of the moment mixing tracks for their own enjoyment. Whether it means bringing life to the party on a Saturday night, or just adding atmosphere to the loungeroom on a Tuesday evening, everyone can give it a go. With that in mind, AlphaTheta have brought us the DDJ-FLX2, for those who want to enjoy DJing, but not have to take it too seriously.
Read up on all the latest interviews, features and columns here.
Let’s think about how far the digital DJ console has come over the past couple of decades, and how advanced the systems in the background are too. It almost requires an engineering degree to fully operate the professional models, and takes a long time to get to know each of the functions. And that’s great, if you really want to push your DJing to new levels, but if you’re just looking for a fun time mixing tunes, it shouldn’t be so difficult. Well, it isn’t, when you kit yourself out with the right gear. All those added features aren’t really worth two cents if they’re getting in the way of you mixing your tunes and having a good time. So, a simplified console that still offers quality components and features, but doesn’t confuse the user, is just as important as one that packs everything in. So, let’s take a step back and see what’s on offer here.
AlphaTheta have stripped back the digital DJ console to make it more manageable for the new user. This is the console that can get you started mixing music, and can still allow you to grow with included features. Firstly, we’ve gone back to just two channels, like the analogue mixers of old that were more than adequate back then. Let’s not over complicate things by introducing additional channels and decks, when you can do so much with two, if you’re focused on them. Each channel has a High, Mid and Low frequency EQ knob, with headphone monitoring buttons and a long throw fader. That’s it! The mixer section is kept super clean, making it easy to navigate and understand right from the start. On each of the two decks, we get a few added extras though.
After all, one does want to make it too simple, or it might get boring. Each deck has a large jog wheel for cuing tracks. Along with long throw faders for pitch adjustment. Of course, these are pretty much standard fare and take care of the basic task of beat matching and mixing two tracks. Once you’ve got the hang of that, you can start to get funky with the added features like Hot Cues, Loops, Sampler and FX. Add four performance pads to each deck and there is plenty of ways in which you can play around with the sounds and make the mix your own.
DDJ-FLX2
The DDJ-FLX2 has been built with portability in mind. Throw it in your backpack and take it to a mate’s place, set it up in the common room, or sneak it into the office on a Friday afternoon. You can take this thing anywhere and operate it with a range of devices. You can easily link it up to your PC or Mac laptop if you want added control in software and greater access to large music libraries. However, the DDJ-FLX2 will also operate with a tablet or smartphone for truly portable music mixing operation. With just your headphones connected, you can practice or party on your own, but set up a Bluetooth or wired speaker system and the rest of the room can join in.
Best of all, the controller operates on USB bus power. So, you don’t need an added power supply when connected to a device via a UCB-C connection. And while it’s lightweight, it is still a ruggedly constructed unit, so it can handle a little bit of jostling about.
For those starting out, the DDJ-FLX2 works well with software platforms like Rekordbox or Djay, as well as Serato DJ Lite for those who wish to take their mixing to a more advanced level. Furthermore, you don’t have to have a massive library of tracks on your device, with a range of music streaming services being compatible with the DDJ-FLX2. Beatport, Soundcloud, TIDAL and others will all work in various capacities to allow you to mix the tunes you love.
And if you’re struggling to get it to come together, AlphaTheta have thought of that too. The Smart CFX function brings the effects features into your mix without you having to think too much. The performance pads get populated with effects for you that you need only fire off when you like. The Smart Fader feature takes the guesswork out of beat matching and EQ functions as it aligns BPM, volume and bass control on each channel for you. With these little tricks up your sleeve, everyone in the room will think you’re a professional, when you’re just getting started.
AlphaTheta also have a whole range of tutorial videos to show you how to maximise each of these functions and get the most from your DDJ-FLX2. We found that if you spend a short time watching these with your unit set up alongside so you can mimic the procedures, then it easily translates to autonomous mixing very quickly. The important thing to remember is that this is supposed to be fun. You shouldn’t have to spend hours, days or weeks learning how to drive the machine. AlphaTheta want you to plug it in and be mixing in minutes. Then, it’s really only limited by your creativity, and your taste in music, of course!
For more info, and further enquiries, keep reading at Jands.
