Ed.: DVJing sometimes seems more a dream of hardware manufacturers than something in the real world — until you get a talented DVJ going. We’re a bit late on posting this as it got lost in the shuffle of drafts, but well worth checking out, anyway. -PK
Jonny Wilson from Eclectic Method has got his hands on a brand new Pioneer SVM audio/video mixer. Some may poo-poo its SD-only output, but watch what a talented DVJ can do with it in the videos below. Click the button to the right of the fast-forward button to see the playlist.
Update: I disagree with PK — DVJing (or simultaneous audio-visual performance) is a very real thing that just hasn’t yet made it to the United States in a high-profile way.
Addendum: I’d like to point out that Jonny shot this video after experimenting with the mixer for only a day or two. Thus, this video is more of a “let’s see what this thing can do” than a “i love every single effect and wipe this thing has and will use them 4EVUR”. Seems like a pretty intuitive machine once you’ve read the manual a bit and practiced.
eclectic method are about as subtle as a brick in a sock. he only really used some amiga looking video wipes, i mean – wrap an image on a sphere! i'm sure there must be someone who can do something amazing with it…
I have to agree with Leon, I'd love to see something done well with it, but this jsut looks like a dull product demo
Leon… wait, that's a good idea for a MIDI controller. A brick, a sock … an accelerometer. I'm on it.
Yeah, this isn't generally my taste here … will be interesting to see what people do with it. We could see what we do with it except … uh. Oops. Guess we kind of badmouthed this mixer, huh? Wonder if that'll encourage them to send us one. 😉
Watch for some of the video Jaymis shot of the Vixid. The Pioneer's great, but I have to say the Vixid's really set up the way a VJ would want — and complements computers, to boot. Oh, and it's a high-end mixer you can get for far less than the Pioneer.
Not that the Pioneer isn't great. It's great. Beautiful. Just a couple week loan, perhaps…
from what i see of it the pioneer it looks great, i just don't see that av should have the main music linked to the visuals. that is, the dvj should be used to drop loops and samples over the top of the reccids (or dj software). or maybe a more sequenced approach using ableton and vjamm for instance, building up layers of loops… where i think the new pioneer comes in is in the live mix over the top of that, once it is all rock solid…
Incidentally, Eclectic Method's current technique uses two DVJs and two CDJs: the CDJs play the backing tracks they've put together and the DVJs have the vocals for scratching. Maybe that's what you mean, Leon.
Only if the guy in the video had two more arms! It is difficult to see how this will catch on in a big way until the tools become easier to use and more intuitive. The Pioneer is certainly the best we have right now.
The hard part is getting the UX correct so that it isn't about learning how to control a device or tool but allowing creativity to flow easily.
yes that is what i mean. 😉
@Dan: Okay, even in the greener pastures of Europe or whatever, it's still a battle for VJs. Projectors still aren't as ubiquitous as decks in clubs. Clearly DVJing is big in Europe and the UK, but it's still got a ways to go. So that's what I meant. 😉
I do like Eclectic Method's stuff, so maybe this videos just don't quite show it off entirely to everyone's liking.
still I think these hardware hardware boxes are less versatile for av performances than a combi of a macbook pro and a Livid union tactic pro controller. Within a year your hardware is outdated and yourmoney down the drain.
I think this is great for DJs that want to add the V to their name. But for great video to accompany the set, a stand alone VJ is where it's at!
I think I'm going to agree with Jane on this.
I was impressed with what I hear, but not with what I saw.
When I saw coldcut not too long ago I was impressed, and I think they where using DVJs as well.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=zuo0PH9ecSE
Ohh dear, I thought I had two myspace pages opened and playing random music at the same time..
🙂
Anyway many thanks about keeping us posted about new stuff !
The real bang will happen when you see VJs becoming DJs. VDJ!