DJmixer
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Famed techno DJ Richie Hawtin reveals his first mixer
The DJ mixer controls and contours all sounds. The slightest twist of a knob or the slide of a fader can change the structure of one sound to make room for another. The instrument, which is at the core of all electronic music performances, has seen a number of iterations in the past decade but has stayed limited in range and functionality. Richie Hawtin, one of the most recognizable DJs on the techno circuit, wants to change the status quo with PLAYdifferently.
iPad app lets you create DJ mixes from Spotify playlists (update: pulled from App Store)
If you're a Spotify Premium subscriber, you can now move beyond simple crossfades thanks to the DJ Mixer for Spotify iPad app. In order to use it, you have to download songs from your existing playlists, which also lets you use it offline. As with other such apps, you get two virtual decks and can set loops, add cue points, and change the tempo for your mixes, among other features. We gave it a spin ourselves and found it to be easy to use in relation to other DJ apps, despite any lack of talent. You can grab it for free at the iTunes link below, since Spotify prohibits apps that use its API to charge money. With 20 million songs to choose from, there's no excuse for a lame mix. Update: The app has been removed from the App Store at Spotify's request, which apparently felt it violated its terms of service. A representative from the publisher, Musicsoft Arts, made the following statement: The App was removed from the App Store due to Spotify's request. Spotify claims that some features breach their API terms of service. We have designed the App to fully conform with their T&Cs. We are talking with Spotify and hope to be able to put the App back in the App Store once this issue is resolved. There's clearly a demand for the App and I believe it can deliver a great experience for Spotify users while complying with Spotify terms of service for 3rd party mobile Apps.
Pioneer cues up DDJ-SX Serato controller, adds performance pads to the mix (video)
Pioneer's had a little bit of a new-product spree of late, and it isn't over yet. The latest slab-o-buttons? The DDJ-SX. For those of you familiar with the firm's naming convention, this means it's a software controller with a Serato flavor. As such, integration with the popular DJ application is tight, and includes dual deck, slip mode, FX mode and hot cue functionality. The four-channel mixer section can be used with external hardware, which you can hook up via a pair of phono inputs, and, as usual, the DDJ-SX can be used as a MIDI controller with other software should you so desire. As for outputs, you've the choice between XLR and RCA, as well as a separate output for the DJ booth, and as it has its own audio interface, there's no need to bring anything else in there with you. The DDJ-SX will be ready to play in November for a bass-heavy $1,199, but if you're quick to the game, the first 10,000 buyers can snag a free license for the Serato Video plug-in. Nice. Bewildered by all those pots and faders? Then shuffle past the break for the official tour.
Pioneer's new WiFi-enabled XDJ-AERO controller says goodbye wires, hello dancefloor (video)
The advent of digital DJing removed the jumps and skips of vinyl, while introducing a bad case of cable spaghetti, as spinners bring their own kit to the party. Pioneer saw that, and has finally cut them free with the new XDJ-AERO. The WiFi-enabled DJ controller lets you load up the next Moombahcore banger direct from a smartphone, tablet, laptop or PC -- with support for four connected devices at once. This also means that the audience can get involved in the track selection -- a la Nexus Q -- but you might want to keep that fact quiet. The XDJ-AERO is designed to work with Pioneer's own rekordbox application, but can also be use as a MIDI controller for other popular software. On the actual hardware-side of things, there's a built-in 24-bit audio interface, two-channel mixer (which can be used standalone) plus the usual array of cue-point triggers, FX and filters we've come to expect. What price does the cutting of cables command? £869 (about $1,399), and the beat can begin some time later this month. Can't wait 'til then? Drop past the break for the ridiculously cool video (and slightly less cool press release).
Pioneer's new DJM-250 budget mixer tries not to fade your balance
Sure, two turntables and a microphone might be where it's at, but you'll only get so far before you wish you had a mixer plonked in the middle. Makers of high end DJ finery, Pioneer, has just added a member to its exhaustive family, the DJM-250, and the sweetest sound it makes is the chuckle of a happy bank manager. Landing in at just a dollar shy of $400, the aforesaid outfit reckons it's the cheapest two-channel mixer on the market that boasts channel filters, for those silky smooth transitions. Aside from those, you'll enjoy up to eight inputs and club-system friendly balanced XLR outs, and a choice of two colors -- black and white! A December release date means it's likely to find it's way into a few Christmas stockings, though fans of white will have to wait just a little longer. Give the PR a bounce or watch the promo video after the break for more.
