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djay 2 now available, on sale for limited time
Djay is perhaps one of the best apps ever. The later video-based version, vjay is nothing short of an incredible feat of software engineering. I got a peek at djay 2, a standalone new app for iPad and iPhone/iPod touch, and it blew me away. I also got to meet the creators, and now that I understand how the original djay was created by someone who has actually worked as a DJ, I appreciate the small touches in the software all the more. djay 2 is a reworking of the original app, but the largely skeumorphic look remains. Details are amped up in places, but overall the app works mostly the same: you put records on one of two turntables and you commence to mixing, scratching, looping and making beats. The new touches add up to a whole lot, however. Beats in a song that are matched can now adjust and remain locked over the duration of the entire song. It's easier than ever to lock in on a particular riff and jump back to it over and over again. Albums appearing on the turntables draw grooves to match the duration of a song, so you can actually see a realistic representation of a vinyl album in the interface. That last part is of no consequence to amateurs who futz around, but if you've ever used a real table and real albums, it's really cool. Then there are the waveforms. Whereas most waveforms show you the shape of the sound, typically the dynamics (volume levels, more or less) of a song, djay 2 has introduced color waveforms. The colors are interpolated using the sound, so percussion areas might map to pink and softer string portions to green. I didn't coax a secret formula from the developers, but when you use it, you will immediately understand how much easier this is when it comes to finding portions of a song. It's now easier than ever to jump to a beat at any point in any song. All of this is also in HD and looks amazing on a Retina iPad. djay 2 continues a tradition of simplifying the work of a DJ's tools, while also giving pro DJ's a powerful instrument with which to play. Since the App Store doesn't do upgrade pricing, djay 2 (a separate, new app from djay v.1) is now available for US$4.99 on iPad and $.99 on iPhone/iPod touch. After a week the price will go up. We'll have a review from a real DJ in the coming days, so stay tuned.
Algoriddim teases Djay 2 for the iPhone and iPad
There's some good news coming down the pike for disc jokeys and other performance musicians. Today, Algoriddim launched a website with a teaser video about Djay 2, an upcoming version of its popular DJ app. Not surprisingly, the teaser video is light on details and heavy on production, but that doesn't really matter -- the promo still gets us excited to find out what Algoriddim has up its sleeve. We won't have to wait too long for the details as the video promises that Djay 2 will be coming soon. You can hop over to Algoriddim's website to sign up for the company's newletter and "be the first to know" when the app becomes available.
Just Dance 2014 will have you moving and shaking this October
Ubisoft has announced Just Dance 2014, previously revealed through the Xbox Live Marketplace. The game will include six-player dances, DJ functions (where you can wave a hand around to move through songs), and a special "Party Master" mode coming to the Wii U. The tunes will be provided by pop artists as usual, including Pitbull and others. Just Dance 2014 will be available on all next-gen consoles this October. Ubisoft tells us the game will be available in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa on October 1, October 4 in the UK, and then October 8 in the US.
Numark announces Mixtrack Quad four-channel DJ controller, we go hands-on
Who'd have thunk it? Numark, at a music trade show with a new another DJ controller for your consideration. This time it has taken its popular Mixtrack console, and doubled down on the number of channels on offer. This now means between the Mixtrack, the Mixtrack II, the Mixtrack Pro II, and this, there's likely a Mixtrack for everyone. Evidently it's a format that works, so it only makes sense to offer a number of options based around the theme. As with other members of the Mixtrack family, the layout is fairly traditional, with two platters plus transport controls flanking a central mixer section. Above each platter is a set of eight MPC-style trigger pads and some rotary controls for FX and filters. If the Quad looks like it's got an extra splash of color compared to its siblings, that's because it has. The pads and platters have have configurable RGB LEDs, which we first saw in the NS7 II (Numark is going strong on the colors generally, it seems). Again, as before there's a built-in audio interface, which is pretty much essential for a controller of this level. And what level is that? Around the $349 one, apparently, whenever it comes to market (no word on that at this point). While you're waiting to find out, however, you might as well scoot over the fold for the hardware impressions.%Gallery-185305%
Novation announces Launchpad S with better MIDI support, we go hands-on (video)
A couple of years is a pretty good run in MIDI controller-land. It was 2009 when Novation's Launchpad turned the Ableton world onto its simplistic charms. It appears, however, the firm's decided it was long overdue a refresh, so that's exactly what it's done. Say hello to the Launchpad S. What does the S stand for? We're not entirely sure, but it could be for speedy, as Novation has ramped up the refresh rate to give a snappier response when you switch between modes. It could also be for superior lights, as the brightness has been dialed up in response to user feedback. It's also worth noting these pads are entirely USB-powered, making it trickier than simply sucking down more juice. One other superficial change -- perhaps more to give it its own sense of identity than anything else -- is a change of color. It's out with the original's black, and in with an almost metallic gray. So far so good, but we're really thinking that S stands for "software." Why? Because thanks to standards compliant MIDI implementation, the Launchpad S is now plug-and-play with a whole host more applications, not least core-MIDI iOS apps such as the popular FL Studio Mobile. We took a few minutes to get to know the Launchpad S a little better, which you can see in our video past the break.%Gallery-185229%
Numark Mixtrack Edge ultra-portable DJ controller announced, we go hands-on (video)
Just when you thought Numark couldn't invent any more DJ controllers, it's done it again. This time it's MusikMesse at Frankfurt, with the little guy you see above -- the Mixtrack Edge. It's described as "ultra portable" and when you see how big it is -- roughly the size of an iPad -- we're inclined to agree with that. In fact, when you see the device cooped up in its protective case with the lid down, you'd be forgiven for thinking that's exactly what it was (a tablet). But, no... this is another attempt at forging a new DJ controller category. Numark's done small before (like the DJ2Go), but the Mixtrack Edge has a significant trick up its sleeve -- a built-in audio interface. This means no cable splitters, you instead plug headphones right in, and line your audio out to your speakers. Sound good? We went hands on to find out, so plug in after the break.%Gallery-185201%
DJ Spooky backstage at Expand (video)
Paul "DJ Spooky That Subliminal Kid" Miller is a veritable renaissance man: he's a conceptual artist, writer and musician. After playing a special set here at Expand and chatting with us on stage, he took a trip backstage and discussed turning data into music, remixing The Metropolitan Museum of Art's archives, 3D-printing instruments, eating roasted tarantulas with James Cameron and more. For the full interview, leap past the break for the video. Follow all of Engadget's Expand coverage live from San Francisco right here!
Numark NS7 II Serato DJ controller hands-on (video)
Like buttons? Numark at NAMM evidently thinks they are this season's DJ must have. The latest bit of kit to get the manual-input makeover? Its NS7 II Serato DJ controller. The second iteration of its motorized-platter DJ tool lands augmented with 16 "MPC-style" pads. Of course, when you are part of the same corporation that also makes the MPC, swinging these sort of add-ons must be a little easier. Those pads will be assignable to a host of features (cues, loop, roll, sampler, and slicer) in the Serato DJ software (sadly not ready for a demo with the hardware at this time). Of course, the NS7 II is all MIDI compatible, so if your software of choice is something else, then you are free to map and a buse as you wish. That's not all, you might notice in the picture above that the pads have some jazzy colors going on. They are have RGB illumination which can be set and customized to your choice by MIDI data. It's not all about the pads though. Numark has also added touch functionality to a lot of the rotaries. So, if you have one set to control a filter, you can just tap the tip of the control to trigger it on / off. The last of the big news is that with the NS7 II, you can also control four virtual decks. A nice addition for the fast-fingered DJs out there. We ran into the device on the show floor and spent some time with it. Head past the break for more.
PDJ Portable Disc Jockey is a complete DJ system that fits in your pocket, we go hands-on (video)
We'll forgive the extremely nice folk behind the PDJ when they claim to have the first fully self-contained portable DJ set-up. But that's not to say that there is nothing new here -- in fact there's plenty. The PDJ is a rectangular slab of refreshing creative optimism. On each end is a touchscreen display that shows a virtual turntable, and in the middle is a small mixing and FX section. So, already the PDJ will be familiar in set-up to any DJ who picks it up (something the Pacemaker couldn't claim with its proprietary interface). The mixer section has rotaries for volume, FX and additional functions (more on this later). The most important thing, however, is the onboard audio interface which crucially means you can monitor in headphones before unleashing your mix onto the world. This sets it apart from pretty much every other mobile app out there that, at best, requires you to use an audio splitter (to the detriment of your sound). Of course, you're going to need some music to play, and there's 2GB of internal storage to let you do just that. If that's not enough, or you want to load up your latest jams right away, there's an SD card slot to let you do just that (up to 32GB). Beyond headphones, there's a line out for connecting it to a sound system, and a line in and microphone jack for adding external sound to the set. The brochure claims it offers 12 hours of battery life too -- rechargeable by mini USB. On the software side, the two virtual turntables respond to touch, and button controls (for cue / play / pause). In addition to the virtual turntable, there are also sample player and one-shot screens. We got out paws on the PDJ here at NAMM, so fade past the break for our impressions.
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.
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.
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.
Ion Audio shows off its latest offerings, including the AirCopy and the iDJ2Go, at CES 2013
Ion Audio has a booth set up as usual on the floor of this year's International CES, where it is showing off a number of new and fairly new products for anyone coming to see them. This company is one of our favorites -- they make some really excellent iOS accessories and fun devices (including the very popular iCade line and the All Star Guitar) and we were very excited to see what 2013 would bring. Fortunately, Ion didn't disappoint. The most impressive accessories in the booth were probably from the iDJ 2 Go line. The 30-pin version of Ion's DJ controller (as seen above) is already available, and it provides a great physical interface for either the company's official iDJ2Go app, or Algoriddim's great djay app. There's a new Lightning version of the iDJ2Go board coming this spring, too, so if you have an iPad mini or an iPhone 5 you want to use it on, you can do that. Ion was also showing off its Scratch2Go accessories, which are a set of capacitive touch-based accessories (including a few sliders, and some turntable knobs), which can sit right on your iPad's screen and allow for more physical controls while using these DJ apps. The Scratch2Go kit makes for a little more crazier contraption (you literally stick the knobs and sliders onto your iPad's screen with suction cups), but at US$39, it's a relatively cheap and easy way to set yourself up with real physical DJ controls. Elsewhere in the booth, Ion was also showing off its Bluetooth speakers. The Party Rocker was an interesting bit of fun -- it's a speaker with a spinning light on top that's designed to make any parties you play music at a little livelier. But the Job Rocker Pro was probably the most impressive speaker in Ion's arsenal: It's a completely wooden speaker that's got all of the bells and whistles you can think of, from an AM/FM tuner to plenty of USB auxiliary plugins, a mobile battery for 50 hours of off-cord life, and even two AC power plugs on the side for charging or using anything else you happen to have around. The Job Rocker Pro was seriously impressive -- I don't know if you'd need a speaker on a work site, but if you do, this $299 model would be all you need. Finally, Ion also showed us the AirCopy, which isn't related to audio at all: Instead, it's a WiFi based scanner that can transmit any photos or documents wirelessly over to your iPad or any other iOS device. This scanner actually runs its own WiFi network wherever you set it up, which means all you have to do is connect the iOS device to its network once it's up and running, and then anything you send in through the slot on the wireless scanner will get automatically uploaded to the iOS device's photo library. From there, you can push it out to any other apps, running optical recognition, photo processing or any other tasks on it as needed. It's all very impressive -- you get a real-time view of the photo coming in as it scans, and the quality looks very excellent. The AirCopy will be available for $149 when it comes out this spring, and we'll keep an eye out for it to run a full hands-on. Ion always brings some fascinating gadgets to show off at CES, and this year was no exception. The company's certainly got a big year ahead.
Ion outs its Lightning-compatible iDJ 2 Go Plus, we take a close look
Cupertino's Lightning connector has put a few DJ peripherals out of the running for new iOS devices, but Ion's iDJ 2 Go Plus is up to the task. The portable rig supports Apple's new connector, features two scratch wheels, a crossfader, a handful of backlit buttons and a collection of knobs for music junkies to do their thing. As for software, the hardware can take advantage of the firm's free iDJ 2 Go app or other software, such as Algoriddim's Djay. As of now, details on price and availability are scarce. Minimalist DJs can mix with the outfit's Scratch 2 Go: a collection of knobs, two turntables and a crossfader that attach to an iPad via suction cups. According to Ion, the low-key kit also functions with popular DJ apps in addition to their own offering. Price and availability details are nowhere in sight, but you can catch a hands-on with both setups in the bordering galleries. Update: We've gone hands-on with the iDJ 2 Go Plus and, as you'd expect, it resembles its predecessor -- except for the 30-pin connection being swapped for Lightning. As we took it for a spin, the turntables, crossfaders and knobs were responsive and up for the task -- even though this editor's DJing skills may not have been. The board is being readied for a June release with a $99 price tag. Scratch 2 Go was paired up with Ion's app when we took it for a spin and it did a fair job of responding to our twists and turns. The tiny suction cups that affix the rigs pieces to the iPad's screen did their job, but we did notice one loose turntable. Ion's minimalist kit will launch in April for $19.99. Follow all the latest CES 2013 news at our event hub. Edgar Alvarez contributed to this report.
Pioneer announces DDJ-WeGO two-channel DJ controller, provides entry-level jams
Remember that fancy-looking DDJ-AERO we saw from Pioneer recently? Well if that was a bit too "buttony," or perhaps just too expensive for your beginner DJ pockets, how about that which you see above? Announced today, this is the DDJ-WeGO an (or is that another) all-in-one DJ controller -- squarely aimed at the cheaper end of the market. With a suggested retail price of $399, it's Pioneer's cheapest controller to date, and comes bundled with Virtual DJ LE software. For your money, you get two platters and a mini-mixer, FX buttons, a choice of five colors (white, black, red, green or the pictured violet), as well as some built-in LED effects that help you learn to mix (the lights get brighter as the pitch of the two songs gets closer, etc.). On a more practical level, the unit is compact, USB-powered, and has a built-in audio-interface (no extra sound card required for headphone monitoring). You can get your spin on from next month, at the aforementioned quad-benjamin price-point, or tease yourself with the PR past the break.
Pioneer launches rekordbox mobile app, prep your XDJ-AERO set ahead of time
If you were twiddling your thumbs waiting for Pioneer's XDJ-AERO to come out, you might want to head on over to iTunes or the Play store instead. Why? Because the mobile rekordbox companion app for iOS and Android has just been released. If you were thinking it'd just be a basic music management tool, then you'll be pleasantly surprised. Sure, you can import tracks, to then play on the XDJ-AERO (and other Pioneer DJ products that support WiFi), but you can also set up loop points, hot cues, analyze tracks, create playlists, and even experiment with ideas on the fly. This means you can get your tracks prepped up wherever you are, and turn up to the party good to go, be it on your own gear or a friends'. This is also what you'll need if you want to make use of the forthcoming controller's WiFi functionality, although it can also be used to connect with the desktop version of the program if you're already using it. The app is free, and available now, just head down to the source to line those beats up.
Philips' Mini Hi-Fi System lets you dock iPhones, spins them into turntables
The iDevice clique's had no shortage of options when it comes to choosing DJ-friendly gear. Now one of the latest peripherals to enter the spinning market is Philips' Mini Hi-Fi System, which boasts a modest 300W total output power and offers a cozy turntable canvas that has docking room for a couple of iPhones -- in theory, iPod touches should be okay to fit as well. Furthermore, the beat-inducing apparatus is also compatible with that rather popular djay application for iOS, making it easier to mix, scratch and blast all your favorite tunes in one place. Philips launched this Mini Hi-Fi add-on a while back, but today it's finally placing it up for grabs in the UK for a hefty £300, or about $470 if you're this side of the Atlantic. Be sure to click on past the jump to quickly gaze at a largely appealing pic gallery. %Gallery-161543%
PSA: Pacemaker DJ app for BlackBerry PlayBook drops into the mix today
What started as hardware, back in 2008, has since been superseded by advances tablet-tech. Logical then that the team behind Pacemaker has remixed the idea for 2012. We've already had a sneaky peek at the PlayBook app, but that was back in beta-land. Today, it launches proper. The official unveiling will be at Barcelona's Sonar festival, but if you didn't get a ticket (or even if you did) you can get your hands on it today from BlackBerry App World for $19. A little more than Cut the Rope, sure, but small change compared to the original hardware's $850 price tag.
Denon SC2900 DJ Media player gets a euro price and summer launch date
Wherever there's a teaser video, full product info is sure to follow. Denon's decided to stop being so coy, and got its new SC2900 DJ media player fully out in the open. We pretty much got to see most of what's on offer, including that 7-inch non-motorized platter, and slew of format-playing options (mp3 / audio CD, USB drives, direct from laptop,) but we didn't know when, and how much. The answers to those questions? For Europeans, July, and €800 plus tax. That's about $997 by conversion, but the actual US price will come as and when availability here's confirmed.%Gallery-157668%
Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol F1 review
What is a DJ? Everyone who considers him or herself one can probably give you a unique answer. Is everyone with a music collection and a sense for good timing a DJ, or does their music collection have to exceed a certain number of gigabytes or slabs of vinyl to be in the club (no pun intended)? Audio playback devices are certainly getting more plentiful and powerful on a large scale; anyone who's played with an iOS DJ app can tell you that. In the deeper end of the DJ pool, things aren't expanding at such a frantic pace. But every once in a while a new toy crops up that adds depth and breadth to the way music nerds play back music. Native Instruments' just-released Traktor Kontrol F1 is a blinking slab of rainbow-tinged hardware with an intense devotion to manipulating samples. While boxes from Roland and Akai have been defining genres for decades, this 16-pad add-on takes the sampling game to a new arena. Will DJ's want it? We feel it's safe to say they will. At $279, should they buy it? That question's a little more complicated.%Gallery-156497%