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Algoriddim's djay Pro app isn't just for the desktop anymore
Apple's laptops have yet to adopt touchscreen capabilities, so when the super-sized iPad Pro was released, DJ software maker Algoriddim saw an opportunity. All that screen real estate could be well-served by bringing the djay Pro mixing app over from OS X to iOS. The new slate's processing power provides a robust platform for features like video mixing, four tracks of audio and the ability to multitask during a gig (because email isn't going to check itself). Starting today, you can download djay Pro for iPad from the App Store for a special limited time offer of just $19.99 (retail $29.99). It helps if you have an iPad Pro to truly enjoy the enhanced features and spacious layout, but the app is backwards compatible with any iPad running iOS 8 or later.
Native Instruments uses 3D Touch for better mobile beat making
Native Instruments is a huge player in the music production and DJ world. Its Traktor DJ software and (myriad) hardware controllers are a favorite with digital crate diggers. The company also manages to squeeze Traktor (and Maschine) into surprisingly comprehensive iOS apps -- but there's obviously a trade off. That gap in functionality shrinks a little today with iMaschine 2, which has the ability to make complete songs (not just loops), and puts Apple's 3D Touch -- a feature that's ripe for music making apps such as these -- to clever use.
Pulse is a '3D' music controller for the multi-instrumentalist
Tapping out everything from a bassoon to a bass drums with a MIDI keyboard and a sampler is no big deal -- it's been a staple of electronic music for years. But, as anyone who's tried it will attest, that's a long way from "playing" those instruments -- to the point MIDI drumming has become an art in and of itself. Enter Pulse, a versatile hardware controller recently shown off at London's famous Abbey Road studios as part of its Red program, and launching on Kickstarter today. It's modest claim? Being the future of music playing.
Panasonic is reviving Technics' legendary DJ turntables
Ask DJs about their favorite turntables and they'll frequently swear by Technics' SL-1200 -- even though it hasn't been made since 2007, the super-reliable deck is still the gold standard for vinyl spinners. If you're one of those enthusiasts, you'll be glad to hear that Panasonic is bringing Technics turntables back as part of a larger revival for the audio brand. Many of the details are still under wraps, but the turntable set will have a new direct-drive motor that should improve the audio quality. The gear won't show up until some point during Panasonic's next fiscal year (sometime between April 2016 and March 2017), but more development time is likely a good thing. After all, the SL-1200 thrives precisely because its makers were careful to preserve elements that worked well -- a rushed product could easily hurt more than it helps. Check out all the news from Berlin at our IFA 2015 hub.
DJs can buy remix-friendly 'Stems' music files starting today
Back in March, Native Instruments -- the company behind the ubiquitous Traktor DJ software -- announced Stems: a music format that lets DJs and remixers to control individual parts of a track. Today Stems launches to the buying public on a number of popular music stores including Beatport and Traxsource have them listed already, Bleep, Juno, whatpeopleplay, and Wasabeat will also be selling them. For years DJs and producers' only chance of finding a cappella versions of songs was to hope a vocal-only recording existed. The advent of the internet made finding these a little easier, but they were still rare. Expensive software can sometimes help you surgically remove parts or a track, or isolate vocals, but the results aren't always very clean. Stems makes all that a thing of the past.
Recommended Reading: NFL player turns mercenary in 'Call of Duty'
Recommended Reading highlights the best long-form writing on technology and more in print and on the web. Some weeks, you'll also find short reviews of books that we think are worth your time. We hope you enjoy the read. 'The Whole Game is Beast Mode' by Sam Alipour ESPN The Magazine Kevin Spacey temporarily shelved his presidential persona to play a private military contractor in Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare. For this year's title, Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch hung up his cleats to play a mercenary in Call of Duty: Black Ops III. ESPN The Magazine has a behind-the-scenes look at the process, from motion capture to facial scans required to construct the digital version of the NFL player.
Native Instruments' open music format is designed for DJ mixes
DJ equipment has advanced by leaps and bounds in recent years, but digital music formats? Not so much -- unless your software is clever enough, you usually have to mix whole tracks rather than just the parts that make sense for your set. Native Instruments aims to fix that with Stems, a free and open file format tailor-made for the DJ crowd. The tracks will play as usual in most music apps, but the right software lets you independently control the bass, drums, melody and vocals. You could drop singing if you don't want it during a transition, for instance, or apply effects to the beat without touching anything else.
Native Instruments teases a portable, touch-sensitive DJ deck
Native Instruments has a full-fledged DJ deck and mixer combo, but it can be a big hassle -- do you really want to lug a giant controller with you on tour, especially if you already have a preferred mixer? You won't have to make that sacrifice for much longer, it seems. The company is teasing an upcoming Traktor Kontrol system (likely to be called the Kontrol D2) that is essentially the deck half of the Kontrol S8, complete with a display and touch-sensitive faders, knobs and track controls. In other words, you have a a proper, modern deck (more than a basic controller) that's both easier to carry on the road and lets you use a different mixer. NI hasn't said when this machine will ship or what the price will be, but it's safe to say that it'll cost less than the $1,299 S8.
Use your keyboard to recreate tracks from J Dilla and Kanye West
If you've ever wanted to try your hand at creating some stellar beats, here's your chance. Thanks to music enthusiast Matt Daniels, all you need the keyboard that's likely already in front of you to rebuild tracks from J Dilla, Kanye West and 9th Wonder. Daniels built Sample Stitch: a website that reconstructs songs from their original samples, and in the process, reveals just how each one was created. "I wish that more people understood this process and gift, so I've recreated the process of chopping up a sample, just as a producer would," he explains. The pieces of each beat are mapped out for your keyboard, so after listening to a portion of the sample play, try your hand at Dilla's "Don't Cry," 9th Wonder's "Impressknowsoul!!!" or Yeezy's "Otis." Heck, you can even record your efforts to see just how they match up, or to add more on top of 'em. This web-based MPC will at least save you the trouble of investing before you know the extent of your talents. [Photo credit: Photo by Jerritt Clark/Getty Images for Roc Nation]
Engadget giveaway: win an AIRA TR-8 Rhythm Performer courtesy of Roland!
Think you have what it takes to be the next hot producer? Who cares? You should explore your musical side, craft some homebrew rhythms and enjoy the ride. This could be the year for you to start building beats, too, because Roland has graciously offered to supply one lucky Engadget reader with an AIRA series TR-8 Rhythm Performer. The classic TR-808 and TR-909 drum machines have been merged to create a more flexible, powerful and colorful addition (or start) to your gear collection. This machine hasn't lost the character of the originals either, providing a faithful recreation of their iconic sounds. With Tap Tempo, continuous Fine and Shuffle adjustments alongside pattern copy and randomization features, your on-the-fly performance can be fluid and fun. If you're a fan of Roland's famous TB-303, which helped define the acid house sound in the '80s, you'll find that it's also been reincarnated as the AIRA TB-3 (more gear for your wishlist). It just takes a few clicks at the Rafflecopter widget below and you get up to three chances at winning this modern music box from one of the most trusted names in the business. Winner: congratulations to Deepak R. of Folsom, CA!
Casio's new DJ controllers aim to upgrade your next house party setlist
Casio makes a lot of keyboards. That's the company's primary contribution to music, and while it's a pretty big one, it's also looking to adapt to, well, what the youth have been listening to (and making) in recent years. To that end, it's launching two different devices better suited to dance music, hip-hop, electronica and more. There's the XW-DJ1, with a 7-inch scratch disc, and the XW-PD1, which combines a 16-pad sampler with a synthesizer, sequencer and effector. Both run off batteries, have built-in speakers and connect to your iPhone/iPad, PC or Mac through a proprietary cable. The idea is that it should be all you need to "DJ" for a party, though we'd advise adding some speakers to the arrangement. The XW-DJ1 DJ Controller will launch this month, priced at $299, while the XW-PD1 Groove Center (we'd probably drop the "Groove" there), will be available in early March for a pricier $399. Those looking to upgrade their next party playlist might want to read into the details, which are right after the break.
DJ music store Beatport to relaunch as a free streaming site
When we talk about buying music online, we tend to think of stores like iTunes or 7digital. There was a time -- especially for DJs -- that buying online meant browsing vinyl on sites like Juno or Chemical (in the UK at least) from the comfort of your PC -- and, the joy of getting it delivered! Then Beatport came along, selling digital club tracks at a time when more and more spinners were leaving their vinyl in the loft. Early users may even remember when the site was built in Flash (and all the compatibility fun that comes with it). Other web stores compete for DJ affections, but since 2004 there hasn't been a friday night pass without revellers being on the receiving end of Beatport's hastily-downloaded (and dubiously mixed) top 10.
iRig Pads offers multicolored MIDI control for iOS and more
It's no secret that we're fans of handy audio gear here at Engadget, and if you're looking to kick off that DJ habit, IK Multimedia may have a compact option for you. The company's new iRig Pads brings a 4 x 4 grid of multihued touchpads (as the name suggests) for MIDI control of iOS, Mac and PC apps. Those 16 rubber pads are also pressure sensitive while flashing red, green and orange. What's more, a smattering of buttons and a slider are programmable to handle custom presets alongside onboard edit controls. At less than an inch thick, the outfit says it's the smallest of its kind available at the moment, and it grabs power from whatever device it's tethered to via either a Lightning or USB cable. As you might expect, this latest iRig offering plays nice with IK Multimedia's suite of audio apps (SampleTank, DJ Rig, etc.) as well as popular MIDI-friendly options like Ableton Live, GarageBand and more. If you're itchin' to start composing those trance grooves, the gadget is now shipping worldwide with a $150/€120 price tag.
Moonlight as a DJ using Spotify tracks and an iPad
We've living in an age of on-demand music and high-power hardware everywhere. That means (among other things) that it's never been easier to play at being a DJ... especially if the streaming-audio buffs have anything to say about it. You see, Spotify and Algoriddim -- the makers of the popular iOS DJing app djay 2 -- have partnered up to give would-be turntablists access to Spotify's extensive audio archive, just in time for all those early summer shindigs.
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.
Microsoft reveals Surface Music Cover, gives DJs and producers more musical tools (updated)
The new Surface Pro 2, with its prodigious computing capabilities, has been built as a computing productivity machine for just about anyone. Spreadsheets, editing video and mixing music are all in the new Pro's wheelhouse, and that last task is why Microsoft is also revealing the Surface Remix Project and the Music Cover to go along with it. The Music Cover, as you might expect, comes with pressure-sensitive buttons that allow budding DJ's to craft and fine tune their next remix. It has 16 programmable pads for easy access to instruments and sounds, while there are pause / play and slider controls to adjust the volume and tailor transitions to your liking. And, just like the regular typing cover, it's backlit, so you'll be able to mix on the fly at any late-night sonic soiree. There is one downside, however: the Music Cover only works with the Surface 2, Surface Pro and Surface Pro 2, so original RT owners need not apply come October 22 when it goes on sale. Update: It turns out, the Music Cover will be distributed as a kit (for free!) to select musicians with the launch of its Remix Project on the 22nd, but we don't know when the rest of us will get a crack at it. Want to know if it's worth your dollars when the time comes? Check out our hands-on of the new hardware and software right here.
Native Instruments intros second-gen Traktor Kontrol S2 and S4 DJ systems with iOS support (video)
Many modern DJs prefer to mix with an iPad instead of a laptop, and Native Instruments has just updated its Traktor Kontrol S4 and S2 decks (shown both above and below the break) to accommodate those tastes. The new controllers now work directly with Traktor DJ, giving iOS-based artists hardware controls for everything they see onscreen. There are updates to the controls themselves, of course. The two systems now have backlit RGB buttons, higher-precision jogwheels and sturdier designs; there's also a shortcut to Flux Mode, which helps DJs tweak cue points and loops in mid-set. The revised version of the two-channel S2 is available for $499, while the four-channel S4 sells for $799.
Philips launches M1X-DJ rig for iPad, iPhone
Get out the smelling salts and snuggle close to your vinyl, DJ purists. Philips is teaming up with award-winning DJ and producer Armin van Buuren to launch the M1X-DJ System for iPad and iPhone. Utilizing both a Lightning connecter and Bluetooth, the dock allows users to mix, play and share their music in one compact DJ controller/sound system. Equipment costs are often a barrier of entry for wannabe DJs, an issue that Armin has encountered when talking to young fans looking to enter the field. Granted, at US$526 dollars, plus the cost of an iOS device, this setup still isn't cheap, but neophyte DJ's will get a lot of hardware for their investment. The M1X-DJ System has two professional-grade platters, crossfaders and controls. It also features several inputs and outputs for linking up multiple systems for enhanced sound. Mobile users can expect around five hours of battery life running off eight D-cell batteries, and of course the unit can be plugged into a power source. The M1X-DJ rig will also work with the djay 2 app from Algoriddim, giving users another way to fade and mix tracks. The already popular app received the Apple Design Award in 2011 and peaked as the No. 1 paid app on the iTunes App Store. The M1X-DJ Sound System will be available to buy sometime in November.
Philips' M1X-DJ portable DJ soundsystem hits IFA, we go eyes-on (video)
The pictures may not quite drive the point home, so let us just say that this thing is a beast. And frankly the idea carrying it around using the add-on strip is giving us lower-back pain just thinking of it. But heck, it probably weighs a good deal less that carrying around cart after cart of vinyl -- not to mention a couple of turntables and a whole PA system (not to mention all of those glow sticks). Philips' M1X-DJ is a cool take on the idea of the computer DJ. It's essentially a massive dock that connects to your iPad / iPhone via the lightning connector. On top, you'll find two DJ platters and a mixer. As we noted before, the M1X-DJ is hitting Europe in November, priced at €399. Click on through to the other side to check out a video of the wheels of plastic in action. Follow all of our IFA 2013 coverage by heading to our event hub!
Pioneer announces DDJ-WeGO2 entry level DJ console with iOS support, onboard sound (video)
Pioneer's original DDJ-WeGO was an effort to secure some of the entry-level DJ-dollars (it does pretty well at the other end already). This time around, there's more of a focus on iOS, with a grip along the back that doubles as a stand for your iPhone or iPad (a lightning cable is included, too). This also means that as well as support for PC and Mac DJ software (Virtual DJ LE is bundled,) you can ride the fader with the fancy new Djay too. The rest of the hardware is pretty familiar ground, with two jog-wheels, effects and a tiny mixing console crammed-in to the small footprint. Learner DJs can improve their skills thanks to visual prompts provided by the LEDs (that flash with the beat etc.,) and USB power means one less cable to worry about. Importantly there's onboard audio, so you get the full DJ / headphone monitoring experience, and a decent audio line out. Prospective spinners will have to wait until October to get one, at a cost of $429. A shade more than the predecessor, but you do get three spiffy full-body colors (red, white and black) to choose from.