The use of a computer with MP3 files does make the dj's job easier in some
respects, but I see two pitfalls. First, the sound quality is reduced,
which tends to suck the life out of the music and create less atmopshere.
Second, the dj composing tandas on the fly is really required to know
which tangos from a particular orchestra are in the computer, go together
and what order they ought to be played.
For instance, suppose the dj is putting together a tanda of Pugliese
instrumentals and has the following files on tap: A Evaristo Carriego, A
Los Amigos, Arrabal, Boedo, Chique, Derecho Viejo, Don Agustin Bardi, El
Arranque, El Andariego, El Paladin, El Remate, Emancipacion, La Bordona,
La Mariposa, La Rayuela, La Tupungatina, La Yumba, Gallo Ciego, Mala
Estampa, Mala Junta, Nochero Soy, Orgullo Criollo, Para Dos, Pata Ancha,
Pelele, Raza Criolla, Recuerdo, Tierra Querida, Tinta Roja, Tiny, Yunta de
Oro.
Which should tracks be put together?
How about a "La" tanda -- La Bordona, La Mariposa, La Rayuela, La
Tupungatina, La Yumba?
How about an "El" tanda -- El Arranque, El Andariego, El Paladin, El
Remate?
How about an "A" tanda -- A Evaristo Carriego, A Los Amigos, Arrabal?
How about an "A,B,C,D" tanda--Arrabal, Boedo, Chique, Derecho Viejo
None of these tandas will work nearly as well in comparison to ones where
the dj has thought carefully about what works together. What happens if
the dj is programming the computer and distracted by someone who wants to
talk or ask questions? In short, djs who do a poor job with a computer
probably are distracted or don't know their music well enough to create
coherent tandas. Using preset tandas allows them to determine what goes
together without distraction or the pressure of time.
A little more about MP3 sound quality:
Many claim that in a noisy room and the typical sound system at milongas
and the mediocre sound quality of the original recordings, the loss from
MP3 files won't be that noticeable. A few claim that there is no audible
loss in sound quality. I wonder what kind hearing people who make such
statements have. I find the difference to be quite noticeable. In
comparison, to the original CDs, MP3 files of tango music sound suffer
from a loss in dynamics, sparkle and dimensionality. You can still hear
the bump, bump, bump of the rhythm, but what much else of what gives music
life is lost.