20
Jan
2012
Übergizmo: So you’ve got an iPad with a couple of DJ apps loaded up on it, how about taking things to the next level? If you’ve decided that you want to go beyond scratching, spinning and mixing tracks on your iPads touch screen interface, Numark may have the answer for you in the form of the iDJ Pro. (more…)
09
Dec
2011
26
Aug
2011
Engadget: Look, last year’s Traktor Kontrol S4 was pretty damn awesome but, at $1,000 and about the size of your average Williamsburg DJ, it wasn’t exactly for everyone. That’s where the S2 comes in. Instead of four channels, it’s a “2+1″ setup that supplements the two standard audio ones with a dedicated sample channel. You still get the same high-resolution jog wheels and integrated 24bit / 96kHz sound card, but Native Instruments managed to shave a few inches, pounds and bucks off its predecessor. At $669 it’s much more affordable — still not exactly an impulse purchase, but within the range of most serious hobbyists.
06
Jun
2011
Engadget: Seasoned DJs have plenty of ways to hone their electronica acumen, but for less experienced audiophiles, Gemini has just unleashed FirstMix — a USB-based controller designed to help the everyman get in touch with his inner Pete Tong. The device’s layout is simple enough, with two scratch wheels, rotaries and a cross fader. (more…)
06
Jun
2011
01
Jun
2011
Electronista: Gemini, one of the pioneers of mobile DJing in the 1970s, has created a simple, affordable DJ hardware controller called the Gemini Firstmix that offers an easy-to-master introduction to creating a smooth, beat-matched set of music that will make novice DJs feel more confident, using their iTunes library and included software to allow them to preview, adjust treble and bass and even scratch, bend or add effects to tracks. (more…)
16
May
2011
Engadget: We have to admit, we never thought of this one — and it’s pretty, pretty slick. Instead of using time-coded vinyl to interface your turntable with your computer as with Final Scratch Pro or Serato Scratch, Nicholas J. Bryan’s Mopho DJ uses an iPhone. That’s right, our man at Stanford University literally affixes his smartphones to his decks via a perspex disc and some sort of adhesive. The smartphones each run an app which sends accelerometer and gyroscope data to a computer, which then adjusts playback of your music accordingly. It’s still a work-in-progress at the moment, but if you’re in Oslo the first week in June make sure you check it out at the NIME (New Interfaces for Musical Expression) conference. This is definitely the kind of iOS location tracking we can get behind!
11
Apr
2011
Engadget: We’re not professional musicians by a long shot, but when we do get a chance to break away from the relentless torrent of cellphones and tablets, nothing quite hits the spot like a little music appreciation. Of course, when done Engadget-style this usually means a gadget of some sort — and we’d be lying if we didn’t say that Novation’s newest didn’t whet our appetites for some after-hours beatmatching. Twitch is essentially a full-figured DJ controller, but instead of some sort of round jog wheel (which the current reviewer has always found to be extremely counter-intuitive) the company added a touch strip, which can be used for everything from finding the beat to zooming in and out of the waveform display (after watching the video, it’s hard to believe we’ve been beatmatching without pinch-to-zoom for this long). This bad boy also boasts a full compliment of controls for Serato, Traktor NI, and Ableton Live. You’re probably interested in seeing how it performs in the real world, but unless you’re in Frankfurt for Musik Messe, you’re going to have to settle for the video after the break. Look for it in July for a street price in the $500 range.
14
Mar
2011
Akihabaranews: Definitively not the cheapest turntable around but when you own a huge collection of LP and serious about sound there is not turning back and Luxman latest analog Turntable PD-171 maybe slightly out of reach for many at 415,000 Yen (Over $5000 USD), but it is difficult to find better on the market.
The PD-171, an aluminum belt drive turntable, comes with a high-torque and high-output oscillator, a 33.3/45rpm ± 4% rotation speed with a 32bit precision clock generator and consumes just 38W.
18
Feb
2011
Pioneer.eu: After 5 years, it was time for an update to the Pioneer DJM-800 club mixer. Enter the DJM-900 Nexus – the next level in creativity for the pro DJ. Headline features include ultimate computer connectivity, up-to-date effects, high performance features and sound.
Due for release late March 2011, the newest addition to the club-standard DJM range will retail at 1,899 euros inc. VAT.
The 4-channel 96kHz/24-bit soundcard streams all audio signals with no loss of sound quality – and being Traktor Scratch Certified, the DJM-900 Nexus unlocks DVS control. DJs can connect one USB cable and control Traktor with Timecode CD and/or vinyl, directly through the mixer.
6 stunning studio-quality Sound Color FX expand upon the previous 4 and add extra dimensions to any DJ set. With a dedicated FX processor for each of the 4 channels, it raises the bar once more. An overhauled Beat Effects section further enhances the potential for mind-blowing arrangements: 5 new effects, a revolutionary level of control and Pioneer simplicity will rival any other system.
The new built-in X-Pad brings instant one-finger Beat Effects performances. Users of the CDJ-2000 and CDJ-900 can hit the DJM-900 Nexus Quantize button to lock all these new effects to the Beatgrid of the playing deck.
The DJM-900 Nexus layout is the industry’s most intuitive, most widely used and most creative. With the new plug-and-play software connection that makes DJ transition a breeze, the result is a next generation mixer that is ready for professional DJ booths the world over.
Key features
Sound Color FX
Engineered to bring studio quality sound and sequencer style tricks to the club, six new beefed-up effects turn creative vision into a reality at the twist of a dial. In addition to the essential FILTER and CRUSH, the DJM-900 Nexus boasts four new modern effects.
Overhauled Beat Effects add a whole new level of control
On top of the 6 super-easy Color FX on each channel, the channel-assignable Beat Effects bring a whole new level of control – making extreme processing more reliable and creative with instant results. Let’s start off with the new control interface:
New High Quality Effects for a digital generation
These include Reverb, Spiral, Slip Roll, Melodic and Midi LFO.
Pro DJ Link functionality enhances performance
The DJM-900 Nexus joins the Pro DJ Link family with a LAN connection that brings three revolutionary new features: Now On Play, Beat Effects and Cue Link.
Fully TRAKTOR™ compatible for plug-and-play simplicity
TRAKTOR™ users can connect their PC to the mixer via a single USB port – conveniently located on top of the unit – to get direct input from Traktor’s 4 decks and enjoy all of its features.
Advanced design for accurate reproduction of audio sources
The DJM-900 Nexus is equipped with the same high-quality audio input and output circuits as the DJM-2000.
New high performance channel faders
New fader technology and fader caps will make the DJM-900 Nexus last for even longer between services in super-tough club environments.
14
Jan
2011
Akihabara News: Pioneer introduced this week two new digital USB controllers, the DDJ-T1 for TRAKTOR DJ and the DDJ-S1 for Serato ITCH. Sold bundled with special editions of the software they are intended for, they will allow direct mixing of computer stored music. Sold respectively for around 1400 and 1700$, they should be available mid-February.
A perfect integration of each software’s functionality and our leading-edge hardware, the Pioneer DJ Controllers offer the same operability and layout as our pro-DJ equipment – whilst enabling DJs to play music files from the computer.
DDJ-T1 for TRAKTOR
Bundled with TRAKTOR Pioneer DDJ-T1 Edition software, this new controller delivers all of the most popular TRAKTOR features – without the need to upgrade the software. 4-channel deck control, 6 effects and recording all come as standard, meaning that the DDJ-T1 helps DJs unlock the full potential of the software at no extra cost.
The DDJ-T1 combines the familiarity of TRAKTOR with Pioneer operability to deliver high-level performance. Due for release in mid-February, the DDJ-T1 will retail with a suggested retail price of £899 including VAT – offering an affordable solution for bedroom or mobile DJs.
Features include:
* Effect area exactly mirrors the software interface, delivering the same look and feel
* 115mm jog wheel and Needle Search
* Unique laptop integration design places the screen in the DJ’s line of sight at all times
* Optimized audio circuitry in the master output area borrowed from our pro-DJ equipment ensures high quality sound
* Plug and Play through USB: all buttons are pre-assigned to the software functions
* Built-in sound card.
DDJ-S1 for Serato ITCH
The perfect home or mobile DJ set-up, the DDJ-S1 features balanced XLR input/output for connection direct to professional PA equipment, and a microphone talk-over feature to make MC’ing a breeze.
Add to this the simple Plug and Play connection, amazing software features and superior hardware control, and the Pioneer DDJ-S1 is a major force to be reckoned with. Suggested retail price is £1099 including VAT.
Features include:
* Tight integration with Serato ITCH software: play music files direct from your laptop without ever touching the keyboard
* Pioneer functionality layout including alphabetic search and slip mode
* Equipped with various inputs and outputs, including a balanced XLR inout/output (1 of each)
* Unique laptop integration design places the screen in the DJ’s line of sight at all times
* Optimized audio circuitry in the master output area, borrowed from our pro-DJ equipment, ensures high quality sound
* Needle search function allows DJs to quickly skip through a song to a preferred playback point
* Built-in sound card.
23
Dec
2010
Pioneer.eu: Pioneer’s popular CDJ-350 player and DJM-350 mixer are about to get even more desirable, with stylish pearl white models set for release at the end of January 2011. Suggested retail price is €650 for the CDJ and €550 for the DJM.
With a pearl white body, gloss finish, and red/white/blue LED display the CDJ-350-W and DJM-350-W offer home DJs the perfect party set-up with a difference.
Like the already released CDJ-350 and DJM-350, the special editions boast many of the features found on our club products, including remix-style looping and rekordbox™ compatibility on the CDJ.
Meanwhile the DJM-350-W introduces recording straight to USB, and two new creative effects: Noise and Short Echo, an all new dubbed out echo which is exclusive to the DJM-350.
Other new features include an isolator equaliser on each channel, and a Track Mark function for seamless mixes without the need for editing software.
