VJ Heaven

Garagecube has announced that the final version of Modul8 2.5.5 is now online. One free update for recorded users can be downloaded while using the “Download Modul8 Update”. For the units that you downloaded or created on the 2.5.4, it will be necessary to move them in the file modulate version 2.5.5.

Scratching began as a practical means by which DJs could cue records. (So say originators like Grandmaster Flash; if you’re interested in the history, check out the fantastic documentary Scratch) But something about the gesture, the mechanical feeling of scratching, and all that history has made the turntable compelling as a controller. It’s even taught as an instrument at Berklee. So, what if you want to scratch for purposes other than conventional DJing?

Getting at Timecode
Digital vinyl systems like Serato Scratch LIVE and Native Instruments Traktor Scratch are designed for DJs. Part of the whole advantage is that you get an integrated system with vinyl, decoding capability, audio interfacing with the computer, and software for DJ functions. If you want to take the turntable to other frontiers, you have to find a way to get the timecode data from the vinyl directly and do something different with it, like control an instrument or scratch visuals. Only recently did a big-name, mainstream DVS, Serato, take on visuals, and even then it makes some assumptions about what you want to do.

Ammobox, an open-sourced, free Reaktor ensemble from Nathan Ramella, breaks the rules of how timecode decoding is supposed to work in a wonderful way, enabling something he calls “polyphonic scratching.” Since it sends MIDI, you can control other stuff with it, and since it’s built in Reaktor, you can customize the workings of the ensemble or integrate it into your own creations.

Ms. Pinky vinyl comes with a Max/MSP external for use in patches. The object also works with Torq vinyl; see comments. And talk about non-conventional DJing: the tech has produced art installations made with turntables in tree trunks and turntable-controller vibrating furniture, pictured top right. (Does anyone know if it’s possible to port the Ms. Pinky object to Pd as well as Max?)

• xwax is an open-source, Linux-based vinyl emulation software. Unlike the other two options here, it is actually intended for emulating digital vinyl systems on Mac and Windows; there are even open source drivers for Rane and Stanton audio interfaces. But to many of us, that isn’t nearly as interesting as doing something different with the vinyl.

VJs are now able to create live video patterns with the WiiWhorld visual synth. Check it out at www.whorld.org

 
ArKaos GrandVJ Announcement

The once popular ArKaos VJ software is finally starting to show its age and upgrades only take you so far. ArKaos are now working on rebuilding the foundation, and the results, GrandVJ, are due out soon. GrandVJ has a cleaner interface, multi-threaded graphics, and lots of new effects and generators. One differentiating feature in GrandVJ is its “synthesis mode.” This maps sources onto a virtual music keyboard, retaining ArKaos’ place as an easy, instrument-visual-tool.

The generative idea is nice, as well, but even with Flash support. 3L has powerful tools for building 3D graphics in the software, Processing is gaining support among coders, Quartz Composer has native support in software like VDMX for custom patches, to say nothing of Jitter, Flash/Flex, etc. Arkaos’ greatest advantage remains its uncommonly clean interface.

The P-10 Visual Presenter is interesting. It’s basically a video sampler with 12 pads and a tidy control layout in a small space that you could easily pack with a laptop. Importantly, the P-10 uses a standard video format (MJPEG, or JPEG) stored on removable SD media. That means you can shoot video and on a portable camera that supports MJPEG and JPEG and drop the card straight into the P-10 - very handy.

Basic features:

• MJPEG video
• JPEG stills
• Built-in display
• Capture live audio and video
• 12 triggers
• Effects dials

VisualJockey: Real-time Animation

The Mac may be in the spotlight these days, but Windows may boast the broadest access to freeware and open source tools for live visuals. The latest edition: VisualJockey. Blending patching, performance, and timeline metaphors, with a healthy dose of effects and sound capabilities, VisualJockey is a unique tool you can now have for free. Need an excuse to load Boot Camp, Mac users?

You get a pretty powerful set of tools in this app, first introduced in 1999:

• Windows Vista support
• Image, AVI, QuickTime format compatibility
• MIDI
• Multi-monitor support
• Generators for particles, patterns
• 25+ transitions
• 3D support and animation
• Export Footage

VisualJockey’s approach is unique - a hybrid blend of other interface paradigms. The user interface has a retro feel with more flexibility than modular patching environments. At this price it’s hard to resist.

It is the Season and now there is a new Interactive Snowflake Maker for Quartz Composer. You can download the Quartz Composer patch here. Just open it up and drag your mouse over the output window to make beautiful snowflakes.

VISP is an open source visual performance application built on Adobe AIR (formerly Apollo) Rich Internet Application Platform.  Go to VISP-VJ.com  for source code and downloads. To run VISP you will also need Adobe AIR. The VISP homepage contains tutorials and guidelines for running, installing and creating artworks with the program. VISP looks to be a pretty exciting release for real-time digital visuals.

Apple’s latest release of GarageBand (GarageBand 08) is a pretty piece of software. GarageBand remains a simple and fun way for Mac VJs to get into music making. But is it good enough for serious music making? Thats a good question. There still remain reasons to keep GarageBand around. It has a new streamlined interface that makes applying effects cleaner and easier than before. With multi-take recording this version is almost ideal as a way to demo music ideas - even if you end up doing the rest of your music in another program. You can also print notation. GarageBand has gotten some hype because it comes from Apple and it’s free. But it does have some useful applications - there are some nice instruments and effects and it works well as a sketch recording device. For podcasting GarageBand is also excellent. GarageBand does have some fun tricks but the inability to change tempo during a song is still a problem. Many will undoubtedly view GarageBand as a toy but toys can be fun to play with, especially the loops. It is simple enough and flexible enough to be the tool of choice for a professional that requires only low musical complexity.