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Stylophone S2 portable analog synthesizer hands-on (video)
The original Stylophone is something of a legend. Made popular by David Bowie (and possibly if you're British, Rolf Harris) in the late sixties / early seventies. Since then the original (shown in our gallery) has been re-released, and spin-off products have come to light. The S2, however, represents a new direction for the vintage synth. This time, makers dubreq wanted to create something that maintained the original's pick-up-and-play appeal, while adding some more high-end features and functionality that open it up to more serious sound-smiths. The first thing you will notice is that, while it still has the iconic metal "keys," the Stylophone S2 is somewhat larger -- no bad thing if you've ever tried penning a melody live on the original. Those keys can be triggered with a wireless stylus, but are touch sensitive also, meaning you can poke out a tune without being limited to the agility of your dominant hand. Skip past the break for more details and a hardware video tour.
Numark Orbit wireless MIDI DJ controller hands-on (video)
NAMM is yet to open its doors fully, but we managed to sneak a hands-on with the freshly announced Orbit DJ controller from Numark at the press preview. As you can see, the wireless device looks like a game controller that crashed into a disco -- it's certainly distinctive. This is no accident, and the design is purposely built with quick and easy button access in mind, letting DJs (and any MIDI-based performers) step out from behind the DJ booth, and onto the stage. The portability of the Orbit is further amplified by the inclusion of a clip-mount on the rear, as well as lanyard-style strap hoops. It feels light yet solid, and the soft-touch finish means your hands won't get tired gripping this thing in the throws of a drum-pad solo. The name Orbit also evidently refers -- at least in part -- to the near-symmetrical design which lets you hold it either way with the same comfortable access to those brightly-lit, colorful controls. Those pads feel smooth, yet tactile -- and most importantly -- responsive. Tap past the break for more impressions.
We're live from NAMM 2013 in Anaheim, California!
It's been just over a week since we departed chilly Las Vegas, and now we've descended on the much warmer Golden State for the music industry's annual winter gathering. That's right, we're here in Anaheim, California for NAMM 2013 to fondle all the latest musical gadgets and attempt to make it through the week with our eardrums still intact. For keeping up with all of the happenings, be sure to take a gander here for all of the latest newsy bits and hands-ons that we'll encounter over the next few days. Check out our full coverage of NAMM 2013 at our event hub!
Numark refreshes iDJ Live, NS7, Mixtrack Pro DJ controllers, intros new Orbit wireless option
Many a DJ's first footsteps into the craft has started with a box labeled 'Numark.' At This year's Winter NAMM the prolific firm has updated three of its existing controllers, and added a new hand-held wireless line -- called Orbit -- into (ahem) the mix. First up for the refresh treatment is the sequel to the iDJ Live iPad DJ controller -- the iDJ Live II (of course). What's new? Well this time around there's USB connectivity, which opens the functionality to a much broader range of software. The design has also been revised, with the platters most notably being much lower profile. Controls-wise, it's still back to basics with the essentials covered (EQ, crossfader etc), but the lack of onboard audio interface means you're still relying on an audio splitter for cueing. If you need a little more control, or a dedicated audio interface, the second revision on the list -- the Mixtrack Pro II -- might be more up your street. Head past the break to read more.
IK Multimedia outs iLoud and iLoud Mini speakers, supplies mobile jam sessions
If you've been looking for a wireless speaker that is capable of outfitting your music gear, IK Multimedia is looking to oblige with its latest offerings. The company has announced the iLoud and iLoud Mini Bluetooth speakers ahead of the official start of NAMM 2013. In addition to that wireless connectivity, the duo sports rechargeable batteries for supplying jams on-the-go and a 1/8-inch jack for connecting those trusty peripherals the good ol' fashioned way. Boasting big volume in rather small frames, the larger unit touts 40W RMS of power and the smaller clocks in at 12W RMS. The larger of the two units, the iLoud, tacks on a full-sized 1/4-inch jack complete with iRig circuitry for connecting that axe should you feel the need offer up your best Stevie Ray Vaughan. While both are set to arrive sometime in Q2 of 2013, the iLoud will sport a $299.99 (€239.99) price tag and the iLoud Mini is set to dock wallets for $199.99 (€159.99).
Pioneer intros Platinum Edition CDJ-2000nexus, matching mixer and remixer
DJs and even nightclubs don't always get to choose the decks for gigs or studio sessions. In the event they do, however, they'll likely want a rig to remember -- and Pioneer is more than willing to sate that desire with new Platinum Editions of the CDJ-2000nexus CD turntable, DJM-900nexus mixer and RMX-1000 Remix Station. All three are similar to existing equipment on the inside, but come with an extra-reflective chrome finish that's bound to be noticed, if more by the DJ than the audience on the dance floor. They'll also be harder to find when they're shipping in limited quantities from the outset; the mirror-like treatment is coming to just 4,000 units of the CDJ-2000nexus, and 2,000 each of the DJM-900nexus and RMX-1000. Scratch artists looking for full-on flash will need to buy two turntables and a mixer together as part of a $8,499 Platinum Edition set due in February, although those wanting a small taste of the experience can buy the remixer by itself for $1,199.
Moog details Sub Phatty ahead of NAMM, accepts $1,099 pre-orders for March (video)
A few days ahead of the music industry's annual soiree in California, Moog Music has outed its latest analog offering. The North Carolina-based outfit has pulled the wraps off of the Sub Phatty: a 25 full-size key, 31 knob synthesizer that wields two variable waveshape oscillators and Moog's new Multidrive circuitry. Multidrive smashes OTA distortion with FET drive to offer a range of sounds from warm depth to growling overdrive. "We set out to design the grittiest Moog synth ever, one that still offers all of the great sound and flexibility that Moog synthesizers are known for, but that also really has teeth," said president Mike Adams. The budget-friendly price tag of $1,100 is sure to tempt those who've been eyeing Moog's wares, but units won't start shipping until March. Consult the source link to part with your funds and jump past the break for a walkthrough with synth pioneer Herb Deutsch.
