Calrec's Apollo digital audio console is an OLED-laden beaut

by **Ross Miller** posted May 3rd 2009 at 1:24AM

We reckon a good 97% of you will never need an audio mixer of this magnitude, but regardless, Calrec's digital audio console is a behemoth of knobs and sliders that should be easy on the eyes for just about anyone. Shown off at last month's 2009 National Association of Broadcasters show, each control changes color to reflect the assigned function or group, and each has its own display for monitoring individual status. Above those rest large OLED displays and touchscreen monitors for even more feedback. Audiophiles can hit up the read link for all the specs, and be sure to check after the break for a full-sized shot. Now can someone figure out how to get Super Monkey Kong up and running on this thing?

[Thanks, Tom]

by **Joseph L. Flatley** posted Apr 20th 2009 at 7:19PM

It was not too long ago that we were lusting over OpenLabs' attempt to bring us a dedicated digital audio workstation as a single device, and now it looks like the ante's been upped yet again. Sure, the Vivace is but a mere concept at the moment, but designers Young-Shin Lee and Hae-Jin Jung clearly know what we want. This guy has the same form factor as a laptop, but instead of a keyboard features a second multi-touch display. On the downside, we can't imagine that playing a "keyboard" on a smooth surface would give one anywhere near the control of honest-to-goodness keys. But on the upside? This thing looks really, really sweet. Check out the gallery below for some more mouth-waterin' pics.

Gallery: Vivace multitouch portable music studio concept

[Via SlashGear]

by **Nilay Patel** posted Apr 2nd 2009 at 11:52PM

We've seen plenty of crazy audio gear in our day, but nothing's ever prompted as much drooling and downright lust as OpenLab's DBeat, a monster of a rig that blends a full-bore 3GHz Core 2 Duo and 12-inch capacitive multitouch LCD screen with tracking controls, a DJ-oriented MIDI controller, iPod dock and a high-quality 4-in/6-out audio interface all into one integrated unit. Spec-wise you're looking at 4GB of RAM and a 320GB drive, as well as a dual-layer burner -- stuff we'd generally want to keep far, far away from our audio interface, but we're overlooking that right now, because we're in love. Harder to ignore? The $3,999 price tag. Ouch. We'll be looking in the couch cushions if you need us.

by **Darren Murph** posted Mar 17th 2009 at 5:42PM

We've already seen a number of mainstays in the turntable game crank out decks that easily archive vinyl records to MP3, and now we've got a new pair from Stanton making that same claim. The T.92 and T.55 USB turntables each feature USB and S/PDIF outputs and come bundled with Cakewalk Pyro Audio Creator and Audacity software. On the hardware front, you'll find an S-Shaped tone arm for lower distortion and reduced record wear along with a built-in DSP with key lock for controlling tempo without affecting pitch. As for differences, the T.55 is a belt-drive turntable that features a straight tone arm, while the T.92 touts a high-torque direct drive motor. Check 'em both right now at popular music retailers across the globe for $299 (T.92) and $199 (T.55). Full release is after the break.

Gallery: Stanton's T.55 and T.92 USB turntables take vinyl to MP3 sans fuss

by **Darren Murph** posted Jan 15th 2009 at 2:42PM

It sure took 'em long enough, but Stanton has just announced that its completely boss SCS-1 System is finally shipping to eager DJs. The system is comprised of the SCS.1d deck and the SCS.1m mixer, both of which give funkmasters that digital flair while preserving the familiar feel of older school gear. One of the unique technologies is the HSS1394 protocol, which is a proprietary high-speed communications standard developed specifically for the SC System 1 in order to transmit MIDI messages rapidly over FireWire. You'll also find a preset library for the System (Traktor Pro included), and Stanton has vowed to make updates available regularly and free of charge. Check the full release just past the break.

by **Donald Melanson** posted Dec 17th 2008 at 12:10AM

While those only versed in the ways of the iPod-based DJ mixer may want to steer clear, those with a bit more DJing experience will no doubt find plenty to like in Hercules' new DJ Control Steel mixing deck here, which can be hooked up to the Mac or PC of your choice via USB. As you can see above, the unit itself will give you two mixing decks, along with 13 rotary switches, six faders, and no less than 46 push buttons, including five effects buttons and six kill buttons. To add your own stamp to the deck, you can also remove the steel center plate and replace it with a customized one, and you can use it with the MIDI-based DJing software of your choosing if the included Virtual DJ 5 isn't to your liking. At $299.99, it also won't be too much of a hurt on your bank account, although you'll have to wait until December 22nd to actually get your hands on it.

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 Nov 9th 2007 at 9:11AM

For the DJ looking to stuff his / her entire setup into an array of cargo pockets, we've found your mixer of choice. Bird Electronics' DJ5 is the likely successor to the overly simplistic DJ4 that we saw earlier this year, but this beauty packs a bit more functionality into a not-too-much larger package. Set to go on sale next week, the palm-sized unit features a pair of 3.5-millimeter input and output jacks, left / right headphone volume and a slide switch for Line 1 / Line 2 / Mix. Best of all, you can power this thing with just a trio of AA cells, so there's no need to fret if that AC plug is chillin' out on the opposite side of the room. Get set to mix things up real soon for ¥15,000 ($132), and click on through for a few more shots.

[Via Impress]

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 **Joshua Topolsky** posted Aug 15th 2007 at 7:04AM

When you're tearing it up at the local club, sending droves of sweating dancers into a primal frenzy with your cannon-like beats and thunderous sub-bass, the last thing you want to do is be squinting at two tiny iPod screens for track info. Luckily, the folks over at Numark have heard your cries for help and have answered with the iDJ2 -- a follow-up to the company's iDJ that improves upon the earlier model by utilizing a single iPod to mix two streams of music, and can display track information on a full-color screen in the center of the device. The new system also accepts input from other media via USB, and allows you to organize and cue songs through its on-screen Crate feature. The mixer allows mixing and scratching of MP3, WAV, and unprotected AAC files, can control pitch to plus 25 and minus 100 percent, automatically sets tempo, can visually track through songs, and accepts external keyboard input. Available this September with a list price of $799, and street price of $599.

[Via Playlist]

by **Nilay Patel** posted Jul 26th 2007 at 10:50PM

Take a look behind the sound board at most small-to-medium size concert venues lately and you'll probably find the sound guy is playing the pre- and post-show tunes from an iPod jacked into the mixer -- a trend Alesis is hoping to capitalize on with its new iMultiMix 9R rack mixer with built-in iPod dock. While we've seen a lot of mixer / iPod dock combinations in the past, this is the first we've seen targeted at the pro market, and it shows in the lack of chintzy features -- in fact, apart from the iPod dock, you're looking at a pretty standard seven-channel rack mixer: five mic preamps with phantom power, two line inputs (one switchable from the iPod dock to the external input), three band EQ with bandpass controls, and an effects loop. Interestingly, the unit also features a composite video output, which presumably will allow videos to be played right from connected video iPods. Expect these to start shipping later this year for around $299.

[Via iLounge]

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 **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 **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]