Auroroa: the open source DJ mixer

by **Ryan Block**, posted Jul 9th 2008 at 7:05AM

Sick of paying top dollar for your mixers? Yeah, so are we. But we're not so sure about building our own from scratch, even if you can get the full source code and build schematics to whip up your own Auroroa open source mixer. (They'll sell you posers one pre-built, too, if you want to front it.) Matching, scratching, and tasteful song selection? You're on your own there, pally boy.

[Via hack a day]

by **Darren Murph**, posted May 24th 2008 at 12:51PM

Just after seeing how the Nintendo DS's touch panel could be used to scratch things up, along comes a full-blown turntable setup that relies heavily on interactions with touchscreens. Dreamed up and designed by Scott Hobbs, the ATTIGO TT enables DJs to manipulate sounds via sensors, and the added visual effects are fantastically beautiful, if not useful. Check out a video of the creation being used after the jump -- just make sure one earcup is firmly planted around the ear first, alright?

[Via Coolest-Gadgets]

by **Darren Murph**, posted May 23rd 2008 at 9:30AM

Not like we haven't seen Nintendo's DS used as a music maker before, but this variant may be the most amazing to date. yarglaaaafr's ProteinDS application is currently in demo mode, but judging by the demonstrative video waiting after the break, it's remarkably solid as-is. C'mon, it's a tool that enables users to scratch up tunes via the handheld's built-in touchscreen -- how could Mario not approve?

[Via BoingBoing]

by **Darren Murph**, posted Jan 19th 2008 at 2:12AM

Sure, there's a smorgasbord of products out there designed to transfer your precious vinyl recordings to a slightly more modern format, but few pack the cool factor that comes bundled in gratis with Numark's TTi. This newfangled turntable not only brings back not-so-fond memories of your second high school prom, but it also boasts an integrated iPod dock, USB interface, a metal platter and pitch control to boot. Besides ripping records directly to your 'Pod, the unit also features a line-level output and comes with versions of EZ Vinyl Converter software for the PC or Mac should you prefer vinyl-to-computer ripping. We know, it's tough to leave the 70s, but the TTi should make the transition somewhat less painstaking when it lands in Q2 for $449. One more angle's waiting after the break.

by **Donald Melanson**, posted Jan 17th 2008 at 10:36PM

It looks like DJs (robot or otherwise) will soon have a couple of new pieces of gear to consider, as both Stanton and Pioneer took advantage of the currently-happening NAMM expo to announce some new and decidedly non-amateur rigs. First up is Stanton's SC System (pictured above), which will be available either as a set for $2,499, or as a separate "virtual turntable" and "virtual mixer" for $1,499 and $999, respectively. As Crave reports, the former of those'll give you a 10-inch, high-torque motorized platter covered in real vinyl, while the latter packs four channel strips with EQ control among other standard controls and, most importantly, a Firewire interface that'll handle a 96KHz sample rate. Look for it to be available in May. For its part, Pioneer's announced two new additions to its line of DJ CD players, including the MEP-7000 Professional Multi-Entertainment Player and the SEP-C1 Professional Software Entertainment Controller. Both of those pack 4.3-inch LCDs and make use of Pioneer's DJS software suite for control from a PC, with the $2,300 MEP-7000 adding dual players (that'll handle DVD-ROMs in addition to CDs) and a slew of other features not found on the $1,200 SEP-C1. As with the Stanton, however, you won't be able to get your hands on those just yet, with each of 'em only slated to roll out in June.

Read - Crave, "Stanton unveils SC digital DJ rig"
Read - Press Release, " Pioneer Livens DJ Performances with Two New DJ Machines"

by **Barb Dybwad**, posted Jan 7th 2008 at 7:20AM

We had a chance to get up close and personal with Swedish startup Tonium's portable DJ unit and paw this 120GB-storing mobile mixing and more device. Comparable in size to the PSP (a smidge smaller), the Pacemaker's integrated crossfader and multifunction touchpad at first blush provide a surprisingly intuitive way to control your mix. We're not gonna lie -- we kinda wish the touchpad worked more like a Kaoss pad than like ye olde iPod scroll wheel, but all the same it's pretty fun to get some pitch bending on with a device that fits in one hand. Also let's be honest, you're probably not gonna become the hottest thing in Ibiza with this thing, but at $700 it's a relatively low-cost convenient practice setup for DJs on the road or an attractive option for aspiring amateurs. Be sure to peep yourself some video after the break.

Gallery: Hands-on with the Pacemaker DJ system

by **Darren Murph**, posted Aug 30th 2007 at 10:30AM

Just months after catching wind of the Pacemaker handheld DJ system, the (lucky) folks over at Digital-Lifestyles managed to get their hands on a prototype unit and spend a few quality moments perusing its features. Interestingly, their unit did indeed sport a color display, but still retained the 120GB hard drive that was previously expected. 'Course, you're already well aware of what this thing can potentially do for you, so without further ado, be sure and check out the hands-on videos waiting after the break.

Update: Aaaand we have a price. €520, about $700 US, shipping in December. More info here.

by **Darren Murph**, posted Aug 16th 2007 at 10:23PM

It was close to this time last year when Denon unveiled the DN-HD2500, and now it's time for DJs the world over to get a glimpse of the DN-HC4500 Media Player and Controller. The unit itself is the firm's "first USB / MIDI audio interface designed exclusively for computer performance club and mobile DJs," and it plays nice with both Macs and PCs. Additionally, you'll find internal 24-bit processing, BU4500 drive support, a touch-sensitive jog disc, integrated displays, and a trial version of Reflex LE software. Word on the street tags this sucka with a pricetag close to £399 ($795), and while you won't be able to get your hands around it 'til next month, click on through for a few more looks.

[Via TechDigest]

by **Darren Murph**, posted Jun 13th 2007 at 6:51PM

Cramming a heart rate monitor into a wristwatch isn't all that difficult, but Tokyoflash's BPM watch does the trick in style. This multipurpose timepiece dons a stainless steel face, spits out the time in digital fashion, keeps track of the date, and includes a "mini-torch" backlight to find your way to an empty seat when entering a theater seven minutes late. The standout feature, however, is the built-in beats-per-minute mode, which allows you to "tap the button to the rhythm of the beat" or monitor your current heart rate. Additionally, BPM mode brings out textual inspiration in the form of random DJ phrases that are presumably meant to get you even more amped up. Not too shabby for ¥7,900 ($65), eh? Check the closeups after the jump.

[Via PlasticBamboo]

by **Darren Murph**, posted May 27th 2007 at 3:06AM

While not quite as wildly popular as iPod sound systems, you shouldn't have any trouble locating an iPod mixer these days, but Bird Electron is aiming to give you yet another interesting option. The retro-styled micro mixer DJ-4 sports a minuscule stainless steel enclosure, a couple of electric guitar volume knobs, two 3.5-millimeter auxiliary inputs, and a 3.5millimeter stereo output. Of course, the iPod inclusion is more of a marketing gimmick than anything, as the company itself admits that any audio source can be used without issue. Regardless, this nifty (albeit limited) device should hit the Japanese market next week for ¥9,600 ($79).

[Via Impress]

by **Evan Blass**, posted May 4th 2007 at 2:49PM

Watch out NuMark, 'cause there's about to be a new product on the scene to challenge your iDJ line of mixers -- and not only does this one rock 120GB of internal storage to obviate the need for a pair of iPods, it's actually small enough to fit in your pocket. The upcoming Pacemaker from European start-up Tonicum -- set to be unveiled tomorrow -- promises to contain all the necessary features for bringing your mixing skills on the road, including a crossfader, dual 3.5-millimeter stereo jacks, direct-to-hard drive recording, and a multifunction touchpad for adjusting bend and pitch, among others. No bells or whistles like an FM tuner or color screen on this patent-pending player, but with both Mac and Windows support, we have a feeling that the Pacemaker is going to develop a small but dedicated following. Check out some more angles as well as an annotated diagram in the gallery below...

Gallery: The Pacemaker: 'world's first' pro pocket-size DJ system

by **Darren Murph**, posted Apr 23rd 2007 at 2:18PM

While it's not like we really needed another ho hum digital mixer to go along with all the others, Hercules' Mobile DJ MP3 does manage to differentiate itself from the (oftentimes far superior) competition by cutting the proverbial and literal cords. The somewhat chintzy looking machine is designed to be highly portable in nature, as it features a lightweight shell and gets power from a pair of C batteries. Specs wise, you'll find "two decks for mixing, scratching, and synchronizing the MP3 or WAV files stored on the PC," twin LCD screens for track information, built-in loops / "special effects," and wireless functionality thanks to the included dongle that plugs into your laptop or desktop. Essentially, the unit assumes your sound system is wired up to the corresponding computer, and any mixing you do gets beamed back to the PC and subsequently blasted out to the four people who actually showed up for your shindig. Nevertheless, Hercules can get your next party started without fancy cabling and a whole lot of dough, as the Mobile DJ MP3 will set you back just £59 ($119).

[Via Gearlog]

by **Evan Blass**, posted Apr 16th 2007 at 7:47AM

If you're looking for a quality, high-torque turntable that will also let your rip your vinyl to a PC, Stanton's got a new model in its T line that should do just the trick. Besides the usual features you'd expect from one of the premiere manufacturers of pro audio equipment -- straight tone arm, two start/stop switches, S/PDIF out -- the T.90 USB also delivers USB connectivity (obviously) along with extras like "Key Lock", which allows you to adjust the tempo without affecting pitch. So far price and release remain a mystery -- Stanton's PR figures all we care about are the specs -- but plan on paying a few hundred bucks for gear of this caliber whenever it does hit shelves and etailers.

by **Darren Murph**, posted Dec 9th 2006 at 3:48PM

If it's audio related, and can in any way, shape, or form be associated with Apple's gem, it will be. Consequently, we've even seen the turntables so adored by DJs everywhere taken to the white side, bringing us everything from Numark's duo of offerings to some alternatives that we'd probably shy away from. Hitting the low-end level once again is the iPod DJ Mixing Studio, a halfway decent looking creation that connects to an iPod (or any other DAP, to be fair), and allows you to "create your own digital mixing effects." For those into experimenting rather than buying pre-packaged remixes, you can utilize the scratch, "digi-sound," and voice mods via the two rotating discs. You can also toss in background rhythms and drumrolls as well as adjusting the volume and tempo. Per usual, the device can be attached to your Mac or PC for recording purposes, but we're a little wary of how sophisticated this gizmo really is considering the $39.95 pricetag and "four AA battery" operation.

[Via BookOfJoe]

by **Paul Miller**, posted Nov 15th 2006 at 9:47AM

If you'd like to dip your toes into the DJ waters without dropping a couple Gs on a bunch of equipment you can't even figure out how to work, you might want to look into M-AUDIO's new $99 Torq MixLab. The digital DJ setup ties in with M-AUDIO's (included) Torq LE software, which allows you mix between MP3, AIFF, WAV, WMA, Apple Lossless and AAC files on your computer. Beat matching can be automatically performed by the software, and the control board can mess with speed, pitch, EQ and a trio of effects. We got a chance to see the unit in action on Tuesday, and while most things were taking place in software, the controls were quite responsive, and everything seemed quite intuitive. Keep on reading for a few action shots.

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