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SoundCloud's New Royalty Model: Why Engagement Now Pays More Than Plays
In a major policy shift announced in mid-January 2026, SoundCloud has updated its Fan-Powered Royalty system. The new model prioritizes listener engagement over raw stream counts, fundamentally changing how artists earn money and directly targeting the rise of AI-generated content and fraudulent streams.
RANE SYSTEM ONE: The Vinyl Feel Goes Standalone, No Laptop Needed
RANE unveiled the SYSTEM ONE on January 21, 2026, the first-ever all-in-one standalone DJ system with motorized platters. It combines the tactile feel of turntables with the power of Engine DJ, offering a new path for DJs who want to perform without a computer.
AlphaTheta DJM-V5: V10 Sound & Wireless Freedom in 3 Channels
On January 20, 2026, AlphaTheta announced the DJM-V5, a 3-channel mixer packing the V10's elite audio engine into a compact frame. The standout feature is SonicLink, a new technology providing ultra-low-latency wireless headphone monitoring, offering DJs unprecedented freedom in the booth.
Mixcloud Spotlights: Human Curation to Boost Emerging DJs
On January 12, 2026, Mixcloud launched 'Spotlights,' a feature empowering users to curate and recommend up to 10 creators. This move champions human-led discovery over algorithms, aiming to give underground and niche DJs a powerful new way to gain visibility through trusted, peer-to-peer endorsements.
Serato 4.0.1 Update: macOS Tahoe Support & New Hardware Arrive
Serato released DJ Pro and DJ Lite 4.0.1 on January 18, 2026, a crucial maintenance update. It introduces official support for macOS Tahoe, compatibility for the new AlphaTheta SLAB controller, and vital bug fixes for performance stability, including a key Stems FX fix for DDJ-FLX10 users.
Bandcamp's AI Music Ban: What Creators Need to Know Now
On January 14, 2026, Bandcamp banned AI-generated music with its "Keeping Bandcamp Human" policy. This move reshapes the landscape for producers using AI tools, setting a significant precedent for digital music platforms and prioritizing human artistry over automated creation. Here’s what the new rules mean.
AlphaTheta RMX-Ignite: Reinventing the DJ Effects Unit
Announced on January 15, 2026, the AlphaTheta RMX-Ignite is the long-awaited successor to the classic RMX-1000. This next-generation effects processor and sampler introduces tactile Lever FX, frequency-isolated pad effects, and a powerful four-track sampler, setting a new standard for creative DJ performance.
AlphaTheta Clarifies CDJ-3000 Firmware, Creates a Two-Library World
AlphaTheta has officially apologized for the problematic CDJ-3000 v3.30 firmware. While the flagship player will revert to its classic library format for stability, the decision introduces a new challenge: DJs must now manage two separate USB export workflows for old and new Pioneer DJ gear.
Twitch Launches DJ Category with a New Music Licensing Model
On January 10, 2026, Twitch introduced a dedicated DJ category, providing a legal and stable home for DJ streams. The new system uses a pre-cleared music catalog and a cost-sharing model to finally address long-standing copyright and DMCA issues for its creators.
AlphaTheta CDJ-3000X Gets Native Apple Music Integration
In a landmark move on January 8, 2026, AlphaTheta released firmware 1.30 for the CDJ-3000X, introducing native Apple Music streaming. DJs can now access over 100 million tracks directly on the hardware, a game-changing update for the professional DJ booth.
VirtualDJ 2026: AI Prompts & Live Lyrics Redefine DJing
Atomix Productions released VirtualDJ 2026 in early January 2026, introducing groundbreaking AI features. A new 'AI Prompt' folder finds tracks via natural language, while real-time lyric display on the waveform and a revamped 120+ effect engine offer unprecedented creative tools for DJs.
VR DJing Goes Pro: Tribe XR & DMC Launch 2026 World Championship
Tribe XR and the DMC World Championships announced on January 4, 2026, the first official VR DJ World Championship. Backed by AlphaTheta and Technics, the 2026 global competition offers a direct path for virtual performers to become professional champions, legitimizing a new era of DJing.