Siebrand Dijkstra interviews Aaron Higgins: The Original MixMeister
Siebrand Dijkstra
Aaron Higgins is a pioneer in the digital audio software industry, best known as the founder of MixMeister, a groundbreaking DJ software that introduced the concept of timeline-based mixing.
MixMeister was one of the key inspirations for DJ.Studio’s inventor, Siebrand Dijkstra, driving him to revive this concept for the modern DJ software scene.
In this exclusive interview, Aaron shares his journey from being an audio enthusiast to creating a DJ software platform, his experiences at Microsoft, the evolution of MixMeister, and his current endeavors in the world of music technology with his latest venture 1010.
Connect with Aaron on LinkedIn!
Siebrand Dijkstra (left) and Aaron Higgins!
How did you first get into making audio software?#
I've been an audio nerd for a really long time. Back in college, I was a DJ and even now, I still have the same turntables set up in my dining room. Coming from a musical family, I learned to play the French horn as a kid and was always tinkering with technology. One of my earliest projects was creating computerized lighting for my DJ business in the 1980s. I was always trying to integrate the latest technology into music and entertainment.
In the late '90s, I landed a job at Microsoft as the audio technical evangelist, which was a significant step in my career. I worked there from 1997 to 2000, during which time MP3s and digital music were becoming popular. It was an exciting period, and I was right in the middle of it, seeing how technology was changing the music industry.
MixMeister Pro 5
What was the initial inspiration for creating MixMeister?#
While at Microsoft, I started experimenting at home with the idea of processing audio on computers. The realization that you could get all your music onto a computer and start analyzing elements like BPM (beats per minute) was fascinating to me. I was inspired by Sonic Foundry's product, Acid, which allowed users to mix loops of different tempos seamlessly.
I wanted to apply similar concepts to DJ mixing - using a timeline to line up tracks perfectly, control fade-ins and fade-outs, and eliminate dead space between songs. The idea was to create a tool that would make mixing more efficient and allow DJs to focus on the creative aspects rather than the technicalities.
MixMeister Express
When did you decide to leave Microsoft to focus on MixMeister, and what was the tipping point?#
The tipping point came around early 2000. I found myself more excited about going home to work on my project than my day job at Microsoft. A mentor of mine asked me a pivotal question: "What will you regret more in five years - not pursuing MixMeister or leaving Microsoft?" That question made it clear to me that I had to take the leap and focus on MixMeister full-time.
DJ.Studio - MixMeister’s Spiritual Successor#
DJ.Studio builds on the groundbreaking legacy of tools like MixMeister to revolutionize DJing for the modern era. Designed for seamless timeline-based mixing, DJ.Studio empowers DJs and producers to craft professional mixes with unparalleled precision and creativity.
Compare DJ.Studio and MixMeister
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting your journey, DJ.Studio offers a blend of innovation and simplicity that transforms the way you mix music. Discover how DJ.Studio is redefining the future of DJ software and unlocking new possibilities for music creators.
How did you come up with the name "MixMeister"?#
[Laughs] The original name was actually "Auto DJ," which, in hindsight, wasn't very catchy. I wish I had a great story about a flash of inspiration for "MixMeister," but honestly, I don't remember exactly how it came about. It was definitely a better name, and it stuck.
You patented your BPM detection algorithm. What was the significance of that, and how did it impact MixMeister?#
Yes, early on, we decided to patent our beat detection algorithm. At the time, patents were seen as valuable assets and a way to protect our intellectual property. We worked with a lawyer, and the patent was granted in 2001. The algorithm was a key component of MixMeister, allowing for accurate BPM detection, which was crucial for seamless mixing. In retrospect, while the patent process was beneficial then, I haven't pursued any since. The software industry has evolved, and the value of patents in this space has changed.
Who were your first customers, and how did you reach them?#
Our first customers were primarily hobbyists and DJs who were interested in experimenting with new technology. Remember, this was before YouTube and widespread social media, so we relied heavily on word of mouth, magazine features, and press releases. We also adopted the shareware model, offering a demo version in exchange for an email address, which helped us build a mailing list for direct marketing.
What challenges did you face when starting MixMeister, especially regarding technology and resources?#
Back then, the technological landscape was quite different. We didn't have the convenience of existing e-commerce platforms, so we built our own from scratch to sell MixMeister online. This included processing payments and generating serial numbers for software activation. Additionally, we had to develop our own marketing strategies without the advantage of social media platforms like YouTube. It was challenging but also rewarding to navigate these hurdles and find creative solutions.
Can you tell us about the development of MixMeister and its various versions?#
Initially, MixMeister was a very basic program, similar to what later became MixMeister Express. It focused on the core idea of timeline-based mixing but didn't have many advanced features. As we gathered feedback, we started developing more sophisticated versions.
We introduced MixMeister Studio for users who wanted more control in a studio setting and MixMeister Fusion for live performances, which included features like multiple outputs and support for VST plugins. We even experimented with video mixing. The idea was to cater to different types of users - from fitness instructors creating workout mixes to professional DJs performing live.
How did the different versions of MixMeister - Express, Studio, and Fusion - cater to various users?#
We realized that our users had different needs. MixMeister Express was designed for beginners and hobbyists who wanted an easy way to create mixes without delving into complex features. MixMeister Studio catered to users who wanted more control in a studio setting, focusing on timeline editing and precise adjustments. MixMeister Fusion was aimed at professional DJs who needed live performance capabilities, including multiple outputs and support for VST plugins. Segmenting our product line allowed us to serve a broader range of users effectively.
Fitness instructors became a significant user base for MixMeister. How did that niche develop?#
Dave Sampson, our first full-time employee, identified the potential in the fitness market. Fitness instructors needed custom mixes with specific tempos and phrasing for their classes. MixMeister was perfect for creating these workout mixes efficiently. We tailored features to meet their needs, like easy tempo adjustments, highlighting 32-beat phrases, and drop-down transitions, which broadened our audience significantly.
How did you handle customer support and community building in the early days?#
Customer support was primarily managed through our online forum. It was a vibrant community where users would help each other out. The internet community was generally positive and collaborative back then. We also had a part-time support person to handle more complex issues. This approach helped us build a loyal user base and foster a sense of community around MixMeister.
What led to the creation of the MixMeister Control hardware?#
The MixMeister Control was a collaboration with Numark, which later became part of inMusic. Around that time, there was a trend to create dedicated hardware controllers for software. We thought it would be amazing to build custom hardware to complement our software.
While the idea was ambitious, and the controller had some innovative features, it may have been ahead of its time or perhaps overly complex. If I could do it over, I might opt for a simpler design focused on essential controls to enhance the user experience without overwhelming them.
How did the acquisition by Numark (inMusic) come about, and what was that experience like?#
I met Chris Roman from Numark at the DJ Expo in Atlantic City. We started talking, and eventually, I met the owner of the company. Numark was interested in acquiring brands that complemented their product line.
By 2007, I felt it was a good time to mix things up and try something new. Selling the company allowed me to see MixMeister reach a wider audience and provided resources to continue innovating. However, joining a larger organization also meant that I had less control over the direction of the product. After the financial crisis in 2008, the organization went through a major restructuring and it was time for me to start something new.
After selling MixMeister, how did you feel about the product's evolution under new ownership?#
When I sold MixMeister to Numark (inMusic), I was optimistic about the resources they could bring to the table. However, as time went on, development slowed down, and the product didn't evolve as much as I had envisioned. While it's somewhat surprising that MixMeister is still available today, I'm glad that it continues to have a dedicated user base. It's a testament to the lasting impact it had on the DJ community.
What have you been working on since leaving MixMeister?#
After MixMeister, I ventured into mobile apps, focusing on music creation tools for the iPhone and iPad. We developed apps like "Looptastic," which allowed users to create music using loops in a tactile, interactive way.
In 2012, my team and I were acquired by Native Instruments, where we worked on "Traktor DJ" for iOS - a DJ app that made good use of touchscreen capabilities.
Currently, I'm the founder of 1010music, a company specializing in innovative music hardware. We create compact, powerful tools for music production and live performance, like synthesizers and sequencers. It's rewarding to build tangible products that musicians can rely on for years to come.
1010music devices!
What inspired your shift from software to hardware with your current company, 1010music?#
After years in software, I wanted to create something more tangible and enduring. With software, especially in mobile apps, there's a constant need to update and adapt to new platforms, and things can become obsolete quickly. Hardware offers a physical presence and longevity that software often doesn't. At 1010music, we're focusing on innovative, compact music hardware that musicians can rely on for years to come. It's fulfilling to build products that have a lasting impact on users.
Do you have any thoughts on the future of DJ software and music technology?#
The integration of streaming services and AI is already starting to reshape how DJs access and mix music. Back when I started, I dreamed of integrating an online catalog into MixMeister, but the technology and licensing weren't there yet. Now, platforms are starting to make that possible. Additionally, AI and machine learning can enhance features like beat detection and track recommendation. The key will be balancing technological advancements with the creative aspects that make DJing an art form.
Are there any features or innovations you wish you had implemented in MixMeister?#
Definitely. One feature I was keen on was tapping into an online music catalog to allow users to stream and mix music directly within the software. Unfortunately, during MixMeister's early days, services like Spotify didn't exist, and licensing such a feature was challenging. I also considered implementing crowd-sourced beat grids and mix points, where the community could contribute and improve the accuracy of BPM detection and track alignment. It's exciting to see modern software starting to incorporate these ideas.
What challenges did you face when integrating time-stretching and beat-matching technologies in MixMeister?#
Implementing time-stretching algorithms was complex, especially ensuring that the audio quality remained high when adjusting tempos. We used slicing techniques and experimented with various algorithms to maintain the integrity of the original tracks. The goal was to avoid artifacts and ensure that elements like kick drums remained punchy and clear. It's an area where continuous improvement is always possible, and modern algorithms have made significant strides since then.
What message would you like to give to aspiring developers and entrepreneurs in the music tech industry?#
The best advice I have is to start by building something you feel is useful/fun and take it from there. Create a basic prototype and show it to other people. Listen carefully to what you hear and evolve your vision. Take care to consider what you are working on and what you are not working on. Discover what makes your offering different and how it fits into the broader landscape. You might be surprised at how many early MixMeister customers asked for a crossfader or on screen decks. It took courage to say no, but it was ultimately the right call.
Any message you'd like to share with MixMeister users who have been following your journey?#
Absolutely. I want to express my deepest gratitude to all the MixMeister users out there. Your support and feedback made it possible for me to turn my passion into a career. It's incredibly rewarding to hear stories of how MixMeister played a role in your creative projects, DJ sets, or even just making a mix for a party.
Thank you for being part of this journey and for making my dreams come true. It's been a privilege to contribute to the music community, and I hope to continue doing so through my current and future projects.
How can people learn more about your current work and projects?#
You can visit 1010music to see what we're up to. We focus on creating innovative music hardware like synthesizers and sequencers. Our goal is to provide musicians with powerful, compact tools that inspire creativity. We're always working on something new, and I invite everyone to check it out and join us on this exciting journey.
For more information on Aaron Higgins' latest projects, visit 1010music, where innovation meets music technology in exciting new ways.