TECH TIMES
Published:Monday | May 12, 2014 | 12:00 AM
Written and compiled by Kareem LaTouche and Stephanie Lyew
Apps Of the Week (For Android, Apple and BB)
ABlazin' Radio Station for Android
The ABlazin' radio station is an international-based online radio station created and owned by DJ Ablaze. The online radio station can be accessed from the Android app and is live 24/7 with all genres of music being delivered by disc jockeys of Jamaican and Trinidadian background. Download the app and instantly tune in to DJ Ablaze and crew members DJ Yung Lynx, DJ Zyon, DJ Thunder, and DJ Pluto, among others. The app also links listeners to the ABlazin' social network via www.blokast.com, live chats, online talk shows and keeps users up to date with current dancehall/reggae news.
Drivetunes for Apple (iPhone)
Drivetunes was originally created for Google Chrome users to access, queue, order and play music files directly from Google Drive. Now, the app has gone mobile. iPhone users with iOS 7.0 and later can install the app to not only connect to Google Drive for music but play music that matches the speed to which they are driving. The Drivetunes application will require a companion app called Spotify and a Spotify premium account to utilise that function, as well as synchronise playlist to driving speed. The main advantage is that having this app saves the memory space on the iPhone for other files and apps by accessing music through music sites with over 100 genres, online cloud accounts or Google Drive.
Sky FM Radio for BlackBerry
Although the latest models of BlackBerry phones have built-in FM tuners for the FM Radio application, there are a few glitches that have limit its usage. Sky FM Radio is an alternative to the built-in app and is downloadable for free from the BlackBerry App World. The premium commercial-free version is also free for a seven-day trial period but after that will have to be purchased via the application. The user interface has a simple layout with streaming options to over 60 channels, beginning from the '60s hit music, salsa, jazz and reggae.
Tech problem of the week
USB dropouts after installing new Serato DJ software
Why you need to know
Whether using an audio digital DJ controller or a Serato DJ Mixer with CD-J's or turntables, USB dropouts is a common issue experienced by the disc jockey community. USB dropouts simply means the audio chips in and out for short periods while the software and hardware are in use, usually lasting about one second or less. This is indicated by a yellow or red flashing circle at the top right-hand corner of the software user interface. Software may even crash; not something you would want to occur at a major play out, event or during music production, but this can happen more than once.
What you will need
The computer (that you were using at the time of the USB dropout).
Mixing hardware (controller, Serato DJ Mixer, CD players or turntables).
Internet connection.
Troubleshooting tips
1. Note that the problem will need to be fixed on the same hardware that the USB dropouts occurred on. Ensure that the power cords, and more importantly the USB cables for the devices, are tightly inserted.
2. USB 2.0 ports are recommended (All Serato hardware and software are best support by 2.0 ports).
3. Check to see if any other programs are running or processing information on the computer that consume too much of the RAM or processor.
4. If the devices and software are in use (say, for example, the USB dropouts happen during a session), technicians suggest that adjusting the latency levels within the software located in 'Setup' under the 'Audio' tab should temporarily fix the problem. Do so until Serato DJ is performing to liking.
5. This step cannot be done if the devices and software are in use. Check if there is a firmware update for the hardware being used in conjunction with Serato DJ. Visit the hardware manufacturer's website such as RANE, PIONEER, NUMARK, DENNON, etc, if Serato DJ does not automatically show that an update is available.
6. Select 'update', restart equipment and the program to test. (Get to those events early in case the promoter has upgraded disc jockeying equipment so that troubleshooting can be done. Note briefly, old Serato software is not being supported by the company.)
Helpful links