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Happy New Year From The Future DJ
In this edition, we’re kicking off the year with insights into VR music production, the latest social media tools, and a deep dive into the budget-friendly DDJ-FLX2 controller. Let’s start the year with innovation and creativity!


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RipX Brings VR To Music Production with Apple Vision Pro
The line between music creation and virtual reality just got thinner. Hit’n’Mix, known for its innovative RipX software, is pushing the boundaries of music production by integrating VR technology with Apple’s Vision Pro headset. The result? A futuristic music-making experience that feels like stepping into your DAW—literally.
What’s RipX VR?
RipX, already famous for its ability to isolate and remix stems, now lets producers interact with music in a fully immersive environment. Instead of clicking through menus on a screen, you can physically move tracks, tweak effects, and sculpt sounds with gestures, all within a virtual space. It’s a new dimension for creativity, quite literally.
Why Apple Vision Pro?
With its ultra-high-resolution displays and powerful AR/VR capabilities, the Apple Vision Pro is the perfect hardware to bring RipX VR to life. Hit’n’Mix isn’t just adapting RipX for VR—it’s optimizing the experience to take full advantage of Vision Pro’s capabilities, including gesture controls and spatial audio.
Why This Matters for DJs and Producers:
Immersive Workflow: Imagine arranging tracks, tweaking vocals, or isolating stems in a 3D environment. VR takes multitasking to a whole new level.
Enhanced Creativity: By removing the physical constraints of a traditional setup, RipX VR opens up new ways to experiment with sound and structure.
Future-Ready Tools: This integration hints at where music production is heading—towards more tactile, immersive, and tech-forward workflows.
The Future of VR and Music Production
While RipX VR is an exciting leap forward, it also raises questions: Will VR become the new standard for production, or is it just a shiny new toy? Either way, tools like this are setting the stage for the next evolution in music creation.
Instagram Launches “Trial Reels” For Audience Sampling

Instagram is testing a new feature called Trial Reels, and it might just change the way creators approach their content. As reported by Social Media Today, this feature allows creators to share experimental content with a smaller, targeted audience before going fully public. It’s like testing the waters without diving in headfirst.
How Trial Reels Work:
Audience Sampling: Creators can upload a reel and choose a limited group of followers to view it first, gathering feedback or gauging interest.
Adjust and Optimize: Based on audience reactions, creators can tweak their content before deciding to share it with everyone.
Better Insights: Trial Reels provide detailed metrics on engagement, helping creators understand what works and what doesn’t.
Why This Matters for DJs and Creators:
Experiment Fearlessly: Thinking about uploading that experimental remix or behind-the-scenes gig footage? Trial Reels let you test new ideas with minimal risk.
Perfect Your Content: Make adjustments based on early feedback to maximize engagement when it hits the broader audience.
Data-Driven Decisions: Use Instagram’s insights to craft more effective content strategies, boosting your visibility and fan engagement.
The Bigger Picture:
Trial Reels could be a game-changer for creators who want to take risks without worrying about how a post will perform. Whether you’re trying out new formats or testing audience preferences, this feature gives you the control and feedback you need to evolve your content.

The Social Corner: Why You Should Repost Your Best Content
If you’ve been treating your social media like a one-and-done game, it’s time to rethink your strategy. Future Socialmakes the case for why reposting your most successful content isn’t just acceptable—it’s smart. Spoiler alert: your audience won’t mind seeing your hits more than once.
Why Reposting Works:
New Eyes on Old Content: Social platforms rarely show your posts to all your followers at once. Reposting gives your best content a second chance to shine for those who missed it.
Algorithm-Friendly: Most platforms reward engagement, and if your content worked before, it’s likely to work again—boosting your visibility without extra effort.
Time-Saving: Why reinvent the wheel? Reposting frees you up to focus on other creative tasks while still maintaining an active feed.
How to Do It Right:
Refresh the Format: Turn a popular post into a new format—like a reel, carousel, or tweet thread—to keep it fresh for returning followers.
Update for Relevance: Add a current spin or new caption to keep the content timely and relatable.
Don’t Overdo It: Space out reposts to avoid looking repetitive. No one wants to see the same thing five times a week.
Why DJs and Creators Should Care:
For DJs, reposting can mean bringing attention back to a killer set clip, a top-performing event promo, or even an insightful post about your creative process. It’s an easy way to keep engagement high without constantly churning out new content.

Alpha-Theta’s New Controller: For Balling On a Budget
If you’ve been waiting for an affordable entry into the DJ world, the AlphaTheta DDJ-FLX2 might just be your new best friend—or at least a reliable acquaintance. Priced at just $179, this beginner-friendly controller offers plenty of features to get you started without asking for your life savings. But before you dive in, let’s talk about what it can—and can’t—do.
Key Features:
Solid Construction (Mostly): Yes, it’s plastic. No, it’s not going to feel like a tank. But for $179, it holds up surprisingly well, and the controls are responsive enough to survive your first house party gig.
Smart Fader and Loop Pads: These features make mixing and transitioning smoother than your “shuffle play” DJ friends would ever believe.
Wide Compatibility: Works with Rekordbox and Algoriddim Djay, and connects to your PC, Mac, or even your phone.
Beginner-Friendly Design: If you’ve never touched a controller before, you’ll appreciate the intuitive layout.
What’s Missing?
Mic Input and Outputs: Want to DJ at a wedding or host karaoke night? Think again. The FLX2 isn’t built for live performances that need pro-level audio routing.
Scratching Skills Beware: While it’s good for mixing, scratch enthusiasts might find it… underwhelming. Let’s just say it’s not the Ferrari of jog wheels.
Why It’s Worth It:
The DDJ-FLX2 strikes a great balance between affordability and functionality. It’s perfect for beginners learning the ropes or casual DJs looking to spin at small gatherings. Just don’t expect it to rock a festival stage anytime soon.
Discover the ultimate playlist of the top 1000 songs for DJs, crafted with danceability scores, remix gems, and real dance floor testing. Perfect for event planners and music lovers, this list brings the best hits of all time for DJs in 2024. Get the full PDF and join Crate Hackers for more insights!
Ready to level up your DJ game? Join Crate Hackers now and start hacking your way to the ultimate playlist! 👉 Get your 7 day free trial here

Each week, we spotlight a Crate that can be found in the CrateHackers App
![]() | We went digging in the crates (literally) to find this gem in the vaults from Jason Jani. Perfect for your Pop/Rock/Alt/Punk Set |
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