Arabian Prince Talks d.2 pro
Arabian Prince
[aka Professor X (NWA)]
What made you become a DJ?
I was young, broke, lived in the hood and moms didn't want me hangin' out all night since I am an only child, so I figured I would do the DJ thing because I would be the first to get to the party, the last to leave and have cash to boot.
What was your most exciting DJ gig to date, and why?
I would have to say playing in an underground bunker with no ventilation and a few thousand people in Vienna, Austria. They partied ‘til 6am, and then took me to an after party that went on ‘til 12 noon.
Who do you currently produce?
I produce all my own music, as well as do stuff for Stones Throw Records. It’s the 20th anniversary of Supersonic as well, so I am doing a new version with the OG's, JJ FAD and a new joint. I also ghost write and produce for a lot of peeps, shhhh.
What projects/albums do you have coming out in the fall?
I am currently working on my Greatest Hits on Stones Throw Records, a new Professor X album, (my AKA for Electro Funk) and a new animated music group.
How do you like the Mackie d.2 pro?
It is a great DJ mixer, sounds great and has a very smooth fader, and because it has FireWire, it fits nicely into my setup for remixing and production.
What is your favorite feature on the d.2 pro mixer?
My favorite feature would have to be the fader, it has a contact-free fader that glides with ease, I also like the fact that I can DJ with it and use my digital production software, like Reason and Live, at the same time.
What separates Mackie products from the rest in the game?
Mackie makes products that last and sound great. I don't have to worry about my gear breaking down on me when I do shows.
Why did you decide to endorse Mackie personally?
I like dealing with companies that listen, especially to us who are out there grinding every day, I see the feedback in the product, as well as the quality and innovation.
How much do you use computers for making music (recording or spinning)?
I do most of my production and DJ sets using computers now because I travel so much, I still love vinyl but it cost so much to carry records on planes now.
Have you used—or do you plan to use—the FireWire capability of the d.2 pro in your music? If so, how?
I use the FireWire with Reason and Live, as well as to catalogue my vinyl to digital. I have also been messing around with video DJ software like PCDJ VJ, which works well with the d.2 pro.
