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Why Does Qbert Scratch Reverse?
I’m often asked by students: why does Qbert scratch in reverse? What they mean is, why is the crossfader in the reverse setting (aka hamster style). Before I get into that, let me break down a few things. Traditionally, DJs use two turntables with a mixer in the middle. The crossfader on the mixer cuts the sound in and out from the right and left turntable by sliding the fader to the right or left. Scratching (or ‘skratching’ as we like to say at QSU) is the manipulation of a sound on a turntable, pushing the record back and forth in a percussive way to create a new sound. The crossfader is used to cut the sound in and out while manipulating the record, and there’s a whole vocabulary and language for the different scratches and combos (for those interested in learning to speak the skratch language, join QSU!).
In the ‘regular’ setting, when the crossfader is on the left you hear what’s playing on the left turntable. When the crossfader’s on the right, you hear the right turntable. When it’s in the middle, you hear both turntables. Simply put, left=left and right=right. On the reverse setting, it’s the exact opposite (left=right and right=left).
DJ Qbert - Live at Yoshi's
Until May 14th, I’d never seen Qbert perform live. I’d been following his career since I was 13, seen Wavetwisters more times than I like to admit, even been to the famous Octagon Lair a couple times – but I’d still never seen a “DJ Qbert show”. I had recently moved to the Bay area so I knew it was just a matter of time before Q would play a show within driving distance. So when I heard he was playing at Yoshi’s in San Francisco, I had to be there.
As an active part of QSU, I was in a unique position. After discussing it with the Thud Rumble team, we decided to document the night for the QSU community. This was a special show for Q, as he was debuting his new mixtape and set titled “Dymentional Tryportation”. I was honored at the opportunity to capture such an important night, but also nervous. Enjoying the show would be secondary to successfully filming the show. Luckily, I had help in the form of an experienced cameraman and my girlfriend, who were both essential for keeping me calm.
What Is Skratch Theory?
We recently went down to the QSU HQ to film a new series of lessons. It had been over two years since the original Lessons for QSU were filmed, and Q wanted to expand the curriculum to address many of the recurring themes he'd been teaching in the video exchanges (aka Master Classes) - a new section that we're calling Skratch Theory.
Winners of the 2011 Vinyl Valedictorian
Freshman - DJ E-Zone Sophomore - Gee Junior - PEKOE Senior - Primo
Thanks to all who entered or voted, and congrats to the winners! Be sure to check out a rare sighting of the Serial Wax Killer in the new Welcome Message... As always you can still watch all entries for the battle in the archives!
Super Seal in 4D Contest - How To Record Videos for QSU
We get a lot of questions about the best way to record videos for QSU. Everyone has a different camera setup and uses different compression programs, and there's still a lot of students who are confused with how to upload videos to QSU the right way… so we're having a contest!
DETAILS: Record a video on how YOU create videos for QSU and upload it to your Student Page. Once you're finished, announce it in the Forum. The two students with the Best Overall Videos will win a signed copy of new Dirt Style double vinyl: Super Seal in the 4th Dimension. Only 1000 of the Glow in the Dark version were pressed - this will be a collector's item! The winning videos will be featured on QSU and will be a key resource to the community for years to come.
Remember, you are making this for new members who do not understand the Video Exchange process. Take them through all the steps they will need to know in order to create a video that not only looks and sounds good, but also will be accepted by our system. CRITERIA YOU WILL BE JUDGED ON: Clarity - how clearly and thoroughly you explain the process Audio/Visual - how your video looks and sounds (bonus points for explaining how to directly record from your mixer into your computer) Creativity - how unique are you in your explanation (bonus points for original score)
Training Dojo - Level 2 QnA
New QnA from Supaphonik up in the Training Dojo... Great for practicing Level 2 skratches: Orbits, Tips, OG Flares, Stabs, Military, Drills, Dices, Aquamans, Baby Steps, California Rolls, Clover Tears... all the way to Joe Cooleys!
How to Upload a Video to QSU: Contest Winners
Big ups to DJRu01 and Supaphonik for winning the Super Seal 4D Contest: How to Upload a Video to QSU!
The winning videos will be featured on the front page for a week! Be on the look out for their videos in Helpful Hints as well! Congrats fellas, you got a signed copy of Super Seal 4D coming your way!
Rock Steady Crew in the House
Greetings Skratch Nerds! New welcome message up with a special cameo from B-Boy Bailrok ! “Bailrok” is the youngest member of the world famous ‘Rock Steady Crew’. He is also in ‘Future Funk’, a hip hop dancing duo that made their way onto the televised competition show ”America’s Got Talent” with his 5 year old partner, Baby Boogaloo. In addition, he is part of a Las Vegas Hip Hop crew called ‘Prodigy’ that has competed in many competitions including World Hip Hop International. With just a decade of life under his belt, Bailrok is already taking the dancing scene by storm and isn’t slowing down. His potential and possibilities are limitless and his future is blindingly bright. If you're looking for that incredible 8 minute jam with Dana Leong and Sly Tee, we moved it right here in Turntable TV under Freestyles:
Jay Slim's Open Challenge to DMC Competitors
What do you guys think of the current state of DJ battles? Love to see some more QSU students get in on this discussion going on at DJ Tech Tools...
Completing Projects with Jazzy Jeff
New in the Helpful Hints Section! Qbert goes behind the camera and interviews The Magnificent Jazzy Jeff about overcoming the "fear factor" when it comes time to completing projects... Plus, the importance of balancing Business and Creativity. Jeff's advice? "Approach every project like it's your first."