In the world of music, DJing stands as a timeless art form: blending tracks, rhythms, and melodies to create unforgettable experiences through DJ sets. With the rise of technology, the tools available to DJs have evolved, offering numerous creative possibilities. Among these tools, Hercules controllers have earned their place as reliable companions for DJs of all skill levels. The combination of Ubuntu and Hercules, starts an era of customisability and versatility in DJ setups, all while keeping the spirit of open source software at its core.
What do I need to DJ on Ubuntu?
For DJ controllers to be supported on Ubuntu without a device driver, controllers need to follow the USB audio standard. This allows the OS and apps to route audio through the controller’s soundcard. Hercules controllers are compliant with this standard, and makes them a great choice to DJ on Ubuntu.
Core to the open source DJing experience is Mixxx, a feature-rich DJ software that offers an intuitive interface and robust functionality. Mixxx provides an easy way to create custom mappings from MIDI messages. For DJs seeking more advanced control, Mixxx offers a scripting API, allowing the creation of complex mappings tailored to individual preferences.
The importance of open source in DJ culture
Beyond the practical benefits, the use of open source software in DJing embodies the spirit of collaboration and innovation that defines the DJ community. By embracing open source principles, DJs contribute to a culture of sharing and openness, where knowledge and creativity are freely exchanged.
Moreover, open source software empowers DJs to customise and extend their tools according to their specific needs. Whether it’s creating custom mappings for controllers or developing new features for Mixxx, open source software puts the power in the hands of the users, allowing them to shape their own creative workflows.
From the manufacturers point of view, this is an excellent way to extend the product life cycle of old hardware. Engineering time is valuable to any project, and allowing the community to continue with the support of controllers will open the door to extended support and will allow the manufacturers to focus on new products. All of this while building community and trust with the customers around great hardware.
Building on top of open source allows full control over the stack, this means users can create an optimized version of Ubuntu to run Mixxx. Combining minimal dependencies and automation, you can start DJing on a SBC like the Raspberry Pi in a matter of seconds after boot. As embedded capabilities grow, the possibilities and features that could be implemented grow as well. And with open source software the door is completely open for you to implement anything to ease your workflow.
A huge thanks to Hercules for sending the Inpulse 500, I was able to map it and use it to DJ on Ubuntu. In this video I document the process, as well as the possibilities to extend a project like this.
THIS CLOSE to moving this to the Ubuntu Studio category since this is completely within our wheelhouse (we install Mixxx by default and have every piece of software DJs could possibly need, including