- meta.DJ is a four deck DJ/performance app, with track playback, beat detection and cueing, as well as a selection of instruments which add loops, beats, synth patterns and audio effects, controllable from xy touch pads. It should be more-or-less familiar territory to anyone who's used software like Traktor or Ableton Live. We first reviewed meta.DJ back in October 2011, which should stand as an introduction to the basics of the app. The thrust was that we liked meta.DJ—a lot—but had a wish list that included better documentation, set recording, custom loop import and MIDI sync. There have been a few updates along the way since then, including the latest to 1.5 (which is simply retina display compatibility), and we're happy to see that most items on our list have been included.
Let's start by looking at the changes that were implemented prior to meta.DJ 1.4, the last major release. The One Shot device hosts banks of up to 10 pads, which trigger non-looping samples, like speech or sound effects. Presets are managed from One Shot's edit menu, and custom samples are loaded through iTunes.
While we're talking custom content, the awesome Looptastic, a device which can play up to ten synced loops at once, can now also create custom loop sets, with tags, whether the sounds are compiled from loops in existing meta.DJ sets or imported from iTunes. Acid format files can be used, with beat slices and tags identified from the original files. The import functions make a huge difference and are definitely the most valuable addition to the original meta.DJ release.
If you're working with meta.DJ's Track Deck device—which you're bound to be—and you've added your own cue and loop markers to a track, they're remembered when you load that song into a new set, which is very useful for when you want to prepare your songs in advance. MIDI sync capability means that meta.DJ syncs to or from other music gear, over wireless or cabled setups. I tried it with IK Multimedia's iRig MIDI accessory, and synced it to Ableton Live on a MacBook Pro. I'm not sure anybody would use that combination in "real life"; synced apps across two iPads might be more likely, but it worked well and was easy to set up, so knock yourself out.
Then we get more up to date with 1.4, which brings the critical ability to record sets and export them to iTunes or iMovie as a CD-quality .wav file, or share it to SoundCloud. Just tap the record button to start/stop recording, then browse the Recordings window to share your work. The new Riser instrument contains five non-editable synth sounds—two sines, two saws and white noise—controlled by two touch pads. The left one controls volume and pitch/filter, while the right one controls modulation. The sounds aren't editable, but there's always the option to add audio effects.
I ran meta.DJ 1.4 on an iPad 1 (old school now) and stability has possibly improved since the last review, although a newer iPad would feel safer in terms of stability during a live show, especially if you run 4 Track Decks at once. You can truly play out live with this app; the only thing holding it back is the iPad's inability to host stereo cueing, as you still have to rely on mono cueing using an appropriate splitter cable. The one real let-down hangs over from our last review: documentation for this app is a mess and seriously needs to be kicked into shape.
There's no free version of meta.DJ for iPad, but install the free iPhone version and use that as a taster. The iPhone version has a £2.99 option to activate a full set of features, including mix recording and export, One Shot, Riser, more presets and cueing, as well as in-app purchases of extra loop content, but it's still not as plush as the iPad version, having a two-device limit, and of course it's restricted by the iPhone's lesser screen space.
For serious iOS musicians, meta.DJ should be considered alongside GarageBand (for song sketching with Logic compatibility) and Lemur (MIDI and OSC control) as essential apps. It was a top iOS performance tool to begin with, and a string of updates have added critical new content without trashing the interface. Every iPad DJ should have this app.
Ratings:
Cost: 5/5
Build: 5/5
Versatility: 4/5
Ease of use: 4/5