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Preceding the launch of its new DJ training course, the Dubai-based Event Management and Development Institute (EMDI) has invested in a raft of cutting-edge DJ technology, recruited some of the region’s leading DJs as tutors and tied up with leading nightclub promoter, Level Productions. Patrick Elligett chk-chk-checks in with the EMDI crew.
While formulating the curriculum for the training organisation’s new DJ training course, technical staff at EMDI and Level Productions wanted to ensure that the latest equipment was available at the institute, to serve the needs of participating students.
Nightclubs and other popular live venues which allow DJs to ply their trade seem to have reached a consensus on DJ equipment. The term ‘industry standard’ is copiously thrown around in these circles, and is not unwarranted.
In a bid to ensure consistency in the in-house kit supplied at nightclubs, a uniform setup of the latest equipment can usually be found at popular nightclub venues in the GCC. As a vocationally focused institute, this was the setup EMDI wanted for the course.
“Students taking part in the basic course will have access to Pioneer CDJ-100S and CDJ-1000 decks,” says DJ Chico, who has been tasked with heading-up the DJ faculty at EMDI.
“Those enrolled in the advanced course will gain access to Technics 1210 MK5 turntables, in conjunction with the latest Traktor Scratch software,” he adds.
“These are the core DJing components you will find in most nightclubs anywhere in the world.”
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While manufacturers such as Pioneer and Technics are seldom excluded from any professional DJ performance setup, the choice of scratch software is very much a matter of personal preference.
This is partly due to the fact that the ‘leading brand’ status has proved somewhat elusive for manufacturers in this category, and prices can vary greatly from package to package.
When selecting the appropriate software to educate aspiring DJs, Chico opted for the package that he felt was less prescriptive for students. He says the choice was partially influenced by his own “old-skool” style.
“In comparison to some other popular brands of digital scratch software, such as Serato, I think Traktor Scratch has two main positives,” explains DJ Chico.
“Firstly, it is not as simplified as many other programs, which I think is a big plus as an old-school DJ. This also makes it perfect for teaching DJ students as well,” he says.
“Secondly, the software is extremely stable. In a nightclub environment, this is a huge bonus. The last thing you want is for the program to crash during a set.”
Although DJ Chico himself learned his trade while hauling around heavy cases of vinyl, he understands that in the modern age, digital technologies are unavoidable. He says that this is not necessarily a bad thing, but he still prefers a very hands-on approach to DJing.
“‘Going digital’ doesn’t simplify the process as much as a lot of people think,” he suggests.
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