In 2009 cane Serato Sl3, The Pioneer CDJ-2000 and the Audio/video capable SVM-1000 Mixer, Ableton Suite 8, Traktor pro & scratch pro, and many other innovations in the world of DJing.  2010 promises to unleash an even greater storm of new and exciting tools for taking DJing to above and beyond.  While new gear is likely to get any DJ off, this post is dedicated to explaining the importance of some of the new gadgets that will be released in 2010 and their significance to the world of DJing.

1. Rane Sixty-Eight Mixer

While the DJM-800 is a fantastic mixer it has several very minor issues in serato.  Looping can sometimes be difficult if loops are unavailable for a desired track.  By integrating USB into the sixty-eight, rane has made many of the internal controls of serato easily accessible in an external fashion.  However it is important to note that this can be with various other USB midi devices, however the real beauty of this mixer is its all inclusive nature.  Its has serato built right into it with external modules for controlling otherwise internal features.  It also incorporates multiple USB outlets allowing multiple DJ’s to switch in and out.  I can’t say weather this mixer will be better than the DJM-800, one of the most solid mixers to date, but for the aspiring DJ who does not own any equipment this provides an all inclusive package for serato at the cost of $2,500.  The Rane Sixty-Eight begins shipping in April.

2. Native Instruments Kontrol X1

This is something I am very excited about.  The Traktor Kontrol X1 will be the thing that takes Traktor Pro to the next level.  The Kontrol X1 takes all the incredible intuitive internal features of Traktor and puts them into a easy to use controller.  The controller allows one to use the wealth of internal effects in an external fashion.  If there was every one draw back with Traktor it has consistently been that using a mouse or track pads makes multi-tasking a pain in the ass, however the X1 will finally create sensible solution to this problem.  Another great feature about this pad is that it is also compatible with other programs such as Serato, making it extremely flexible in terms of what it can do.  I’ve abandoned using traktor as of late because the beat grid the program creates can very often be inaccurate and cause problems other than that, traktor still remains a very solid and intuitive program with a wealth internal features that often work better than those of serato.  The X1 will be the thing that really take traktor to the next level and makes it a much more widely accepted and influential program in the DJing scene.  If you don’t believe on this, watch this clip.  The Traktor Kontrol X1 Begins shipping February 1st.

3. Serato + Ableton = The Bridge

Next to the X1, this will be the biggest advancement in DJing and producing in 2010.  The Bridge is designed to perfectly fuse the best parts of Serato and Ableton Live.  This will allow for dynamic firing of clips in Serato.  This will be a necessary update for Serato as the current internal sampler is somewhat less than adequate.  The Bridge seeks to really connect DJ’s and producers in a different light as it essential give DJ’s who don’t produce the tools to be a better producer and vise versa.  Another great feature of the bridge is the ablitiy to record mixes as an ableton live set.  What this means is that if you recording and you mess up at the 55 minute mark, you have the ability to go back and start from the point of error.  In my experience with recording mixes, there is nothing more upsetting than messing up at the very end of a mix.  Although one might think that this is somewhat silly and unprofessional in terms of recording mixes, go out and try recording a perfect mix.  Its a pretty tough feat even for the best of DJ’s.  The Bridge is an extreamly powerfull inovation in the DJ/producing world, one which will likely be one of the most important development of 2010.  The release date for The Bridge has yet to be establish, stay tuned.

These are just a few innovations to come this year, but all 3 will take DJ and Producing to new and exciting heights.  Final thoughts: hold on folks, 2010 is going to be a crazy year for DJ’s and producers alike.