Deckadance2 Version 2.51 marks the release of Deckadance under the Stanton DJ Brand. With both DVS and Standard versions available, Stanton's site claims that Deckadance2 will be useful for professional and bedroom DJs alike. The Deckadance2 DVS edition includes all the features of the Standard edition plus Vinyl/CD timecode support and the ability to generate a timecode file to be burned to CD. Would this software program really be able to stand up to the rigors of live performance? I loaded up my digital library, and I took a look under the hood...
New Features
Deckdance2 has many updates, perhaps many of these are a result of the new partnership with Stanton. Version 2.51 features four decks (DJs can select between either 2 or 4 deck mixing mode), Smartknobs, Grossbeat 'glitch effects', Smart Utility Panels, beat matching, and supports a variety of audio formats, including MP3, FLAC, M4A, WMA, WAV, AIFF and Ogg. There's also a Sampler, an audio recorder that records in .wav format, automated gain control for tracks and a VST host and client, which allows users to use Deckadance2 in DAWs or use your VSTs inside the software.
Deckadance 2 is a software program developed by Image-Line. The setup package generally installs about 14 files and is usually about 84.67 MB (88,779,162 bytes). Relative to the overall usage of users who have this installed on their PCs, most are running Windows 7 (SP1) and Windows 10. Oct 03, 2013 Deckadance 2 Hercules DJ Control Air+. 50+ videos Play all Mix - Deckadance 2 Novation Launchpad (all. Deckadance 2.2 MIDI Scripting Demo Numark Mixtrack Pro II - Duration: 2.
- Jan 09, 2017 She Likes It (Afro DanceHall/Afro-trap Beat/Instrumental) 2020 - Duration: 2:56. Tunes Frm Tha West Recommended for you.
- Samplers - Deckadance has eight integrated sampler banks that can save 1, 2, 4, or 8 beat pattern loops from the decks. The sampling process works in conjunction with a beat detection feature, meaning the samples can be automatically synced to tempo. There is a volume control for sampler slot output, and effects can be layered onto the sample.
Installation and Layout
Deckdance2 has a demo version on the Stanton DJ website and both Mac and PC versions are available for free download. The software is laid out in a familiar style; it looks as though it’s modeled after Traktor. DJs can switch between 2 or 4 deck mode easily by clicking in the top left-hand corner. Beside the Deck mode are buttons for the Preferences, Full Screen Mode, Record and Snap and Quantize.
Playlists can be created in Deckadance2, or you configure the software to display your iTunes library. Tracks can be loaded by dragging and dropping and played using the large Play button. There's a Master/Sync button in the right-hand corner of each deck, and the beat grids seemed to be fairly accurate, although not quite as perfect as some of the more expensive DJ software programs.
Utility Panels
Deckadance2 gets a little bit creative with its advanced utility panels, which are on the left-hand side of each player. Each of the creative functions, such as Loops, Cues, Grids, DVS, Key, SmartKnob, EQ, Gain and Filter, Mix & Isolator, Effects and Grossbeat can be individually selected and turned on. The number of visible panels can be selected and changed, making the layout of Deckadance2 up to the individual's preference.
My favorite of the utility panels are the Smartknobs, which are user programmable envelope controls over multiple interface targets. DJs can select the interfaces (e.g., EQ, Filter, Dry/Wet, Volume, VST On/Off) and draw in envelope curves. The Smartknobs can be used to sweep over the track; if these are setup carefully in preparation for a set, it’s possible to create some pretty slick sounding one knob sweeps. Overall the effects in Deckadance2 sounded very clean. I wasn't quite as keen on the new Grossbeat effects, which are programmable glitchy FX. I felt that these FX changed the song too radically, and didn't sound professional enough to be used in sets.
Center of Attention
In the center of the software is a switchable panel that displays either the mixer, FX, samples, waveforms, VSTs and the Grossbeat effects. The panels can be displayed by clicking on the buttons at the top. One section I really enjoyed using is the Sampler, which allows you to load samples in from either deck or the library and play them on the 16 pad grid—It's worth noting that Deckadance2 is MIDI compatible, so the grid buttons could be assigned to a MIDI controller. This type of switchable layout does help to clear up screen space, but requires a lot of clicking back and forth between different sections during sets.
Summary
Deckadance2 is completely useable, functional DJ software that allows DJs to mix and add creative effects. Considering its layout and my experience with its beat gridding, I see it being a little more useful for bedroom, beginner, intermediate and mobile DJs. Given its price point, ($49 for the Standard version, $79 for the DVS version) Deckadance2 offers good value and features that you'll find in professional DJ programs. It works well and gives DJs creative control over their tracks and mixes. Not a bad deal at all for under $100!
Price: 49 for the Standard version, $79 for the DVS version
Pros: 2 or 4 Deck Mixing, Smart Knobs, Sampler, Nice GUI layout, Affordably priced.
Cons: Deckadance 2 requires more 'clicking' around to access functions and parameters that I need to access quickly during sets. I prefer to have more controls accessible to me on the screen at any given time. I thought it was interesting that the software offers the ability to use VSTs within it, although I don't know many DJs who would use this feature in a live performance. The automatic beatgrids did not seem to work perfectly; perhaps they would with more time spent tweaking them, but the automatic ones on even simple songs were not spot on to my ears.
Web: http://www.stantondj.com/deckadance-2.html
Related Videos
Made to produce
Launchpad Pro is our most powerful 64-pad MIDI grid controller for producing: both in Ableton Live and with your hardware. It gives you everything you need to create and perform your tracks.
Deeper Live Integration
The most advanced Novation grid controller for producing with Ableton Live. Launchpad Pro has dedicated buttons that get you closer to the Ableton Live workflow. Launch clips and scenes, access mixer, device and transport controls, and quantise, duplicate and double, all without touching your mouse. Capture MIDI makes sure you never miss an idea.
The Complete Sequencing Workstation
Keep your tracks evolving with the four-track, eight-note polyphonic, 32-step standalone sequencer. Sequence virtual instruments and instantly print patterns to Clips in Ableton Live. Or hook up your favourite hardware to play patterns via MIDI — Launchpad Pro integrates seamlessly. Micro Steps take grooves off-grid. Probability, Mutation, Sync Rate and Play Order let you transform your patterns on the fly. Patterns can be chained together and assigned to Scenes to build complete songs.
The Most Playable Launchpad Yet
Launchpad Pro’s velocity- and pressure-sensitive pads are bigger and more responsive than ever — perfect for playing grooves and launching clips. Scale mode locks pads to a musical key so you never hit a wrong note. Chord mode is an inspirational tool for building harmonies.
Custom Modes: Make Launchpad Pro Your Own
Design hands-on control surfaces for any MIDI-compatible software or hardware using Custom Modes. Simply drag and drop widgets in Novation Components to configure the layout of the 8x8 grid, then store configurations as one of eight Custom Modes. Disconnect the computer (if you want to), then switch between Modes for expressive and flexible control of anything MIDI. Design the perfect controller for your live setup and perform with all your gear, however you want.
Control MIDI-compatible Hardware, Software, Or Both
Tailor Launchpad Pro to your setup, then take control of MIDI-compatible hardware and software — with or without a computer. Use Custom Modes to send MIDI commands to software and hardware simultaneously. Hook Launchpad Pro up to an all-hardware rig using MIDI In, Out and Out 2/Thru ports on 3.5mm connectors.
Sound Collective
When you register your Launchpad Pro, you'll automatically gain access to Sound Collective. Get new free plug-ins every couple of months from some of the biggest names in the business, along with offers, discounts and more.
Splice Sounds
Get two months free access to Splice Sounds with Launchpad Pro, offering millions of high-quality, royalty-free one-shots, loops, and presets, with new releases daily. Take 100 credits per month for sounds, foley, presets, and MIDI files and join millions of artists using Splice to make all kinds of music, Grammy-winning albums, and cinematic scores.
Our Deepest Ableton Live Integration
Launch clips and scenes, access mixer, device and transport controls, and quantise, duplicate and double, all without touching your mouse.
64 Super-sensitive RGB Pads
Large RGB velocity- and pressure-sensitive pads give you a perfect reflection of your Ableton Live session, making it easier than ever to see your clips and play your instruments dynamically and expressively.
Powerful Four-track, 32-step Sequencer
Create full tracks with Launchpad Pro's built-in sequencer, featuring eight-note polyphony, pattern chaining and scenes to create and trigger longer sequences, and probability and mutation controls to keep your tracks evolving.
Chord Mode
Easily explore, build and play complex chords straight from the grid; quickly find new harmonies.
Dynamic Note & Scale Modes
Effortlessly play perfectly in-key basslines, melodies, chords and leads. Launchpad Pro even knows when you’re drumming and shows your drum rack on the grid.
MIDI In, Out & Out 2/Thru
Control anything MIDI in your studio directly from Launchpad Pro.
Capture MIDI
Never lose ideas and happy accidents with on-device access to Live's Capture MIDI function.
Eight Custom Modes
Use Novation Components to customise mappings and control anything MIDI easily from Launchpad Pro.
Grab And Go
Sleek, lightweight and tough, and USB-C bus-powered.
Get Started Easily
Use our Easy Start Tool to get all the software you want, and step-by-step video guides to get you set up with Live and making music in minutes.
Product Hardware Specifications
- 64 Velocity Sensitive Pads with Polyphonic Aftertouch
- 42 Backlit Tactile-Click Buttons
- 106 RGB LEDs
- MIDI In, Out 1 & Out 2/Thru Ports (3x TRS Minijack to DIN MIDI Adapters included)
- USB-C Socket
- Kensington MiniSaver Slot
What’s In The Box
- Launchpad Pro
- USB-A to USB-C Cable
- USB-C to USB-C Cable
- USB-A Power Adapter
- 3x TRS Minijack to DIN MIDI Adapters
- Safety information sheet
Software Compatibility
- Ableton Live 10 Lite is included
If you already have Ableton Live it must be version 10 or greater to work with Launchpad Pro. We recommend that you update to the latest version as previous versions of Ableton Live do not include Launchpad Pro integration with Live. Launchpad Pro will also work as a standard MIDI controller.
Power Requirements
- USB bus powered (USB Power supply included for standalone operation)
Product Weight & Dimensions
- Dimensions: 268mm length x 268mm depth x 18mm height
OS Compatibility
Deckadance 2 Control With Launchpad Pro Download
- Novation Launchpad Pro is class compliant, so will work with any modern Mac and Windows PC. Lightning to USB 3 Camera Adapter with external power is required for use with iOS.