DJ
Latest
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!
Philips announces iOS-friendly M1X-DJ system, puts decks on your dock
Philips, more known for its TVs and home appliances isn't entirely new to the DJ game, but it's certainly not the first brand that trips off the tongue when talking all things spin. Still, it's IFA, and Philips is having a product releasing spree, which includes a renewed venture into this space with the M1X-DJ system. Essentially, the M1X-Dj is an iPad and iPhone dock (via lightning connection) with DJ platters and a mini mixer built-in. It's compatible with Algoriddim's ubiquitous Djay app, and supports Bluetooth streaming also. The speakers pumps out your mixes at 80 watts, and can run on regular D-size batteries should you want to take the fun outside. There appears to be a shoulder strap, too, perhaps making this the accordion for the iOS generation? We'll find out in November when it comes out, costing 399 euros. 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.
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 launches Djay 2 with sample player, HD waveforms and a party starting pedigree
If you own an iDevice, and don't know Djay by Algoriddim, then frankly you should. Even Apple loved it enough to feature it in its own marketing materials and give it a design award. Now, it's back with a remix, or more precisely, version two. Djay 2 brings with it a bevy of new features, including: a built-in sampler, HD waveforms, slip mode (scratch without ruining your mix) and enhanced support for hardware controllers (details listed in the press release below). There are also some neat UI tweaks, not only to let you access the new HD waveform view (similar to that of Traktor DJ), or use a single deck portrait view for increased visibility, but other neat details such as "grooves" in the virtual vinyl that match the flow of your tracks (for spotting the breakdowns). There's a demo video past the break, but if you're the hands-on type, you can skip straight through to the App store and get it for yourself. Like the fees for the DJs who will be spinning with it, the prices are low right now ($0.99 for iPhone, $4.99 for iPad during launch week), but expect them to go up once your buddies hear about it.
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.
Native Instruments outs Kontrol Z1: an iOS DJ mixer with audio interface
It wouldn't take a genius to figure out that Native Instruments was going to release some hardware to cozy up to that shiny new iOS version of Traktor DJ. And here it is -- the Kontrol Z1 -- a two-channel mixer with a built-in audio interface specifically for iPad and iPhone. Plug this into your iDevice, and Traktor DJ gets full pre-cue functionality, plus some proper (club-level, 24-bit) audio output, not to mention dedicated faders and 3-band EQ controls. The hardware (which is similar in size to the Kontrol F1) means you can break out the mixer section, leaving the touchscreen display dedicated to transport and performance. The Z1 will keep your iDevice charged up, too (it needs to be plugged in), so you're good for that epic Balearic chill-out set. Likewise, it also works with Traktor Pro 2, if you're looking to integrate something a little smaller into your laptop setup. It'll need a lightning adapter to work with the latest devices, and costs $199 / €199 from your favorite DJ outlet. The app won't support the hardware until a June 24th update, but in the meantime, roll past the break for the demo video.
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.
Pioneer announces XDJ-R1 all-in-one digital DJ deck with MIDI, iOS control features (video)
Sure, DJ controllers might be the emerging force in spinning, but CDJs are still largely the club standard. Pioneer has always had thumbs in both of these pies, of course, but the new XDJ-R1 sees the brand uniting them for the first time. The all-in-one unit offers two CD players, USB media playback and MIDI controller functionality. Additionally, you can keep things moving wirelessly via an iOS device thanks to a new dedicated "remotebox" app. Wireless direct means that you won't need to worry too much about flaky connections while you wander into the crowd with your iPhone. You'll still be able to control almost everything directly in the app. Back on the physical (and built-in) two-channel mixer you can spice things up with the usual loop, sync, hot cue and sampling features, plus a choice of color effects. The inclusion of XLR outputs and booth out shows that Pioneer wants to see this in the DJ box, and at $1,099, it should appeal to anyone who'd been eyeing up the component parts. It's available in June, but in the meantime there's a video tour cued up past the break.
Traktor DJ gets remixed for iPhone, brings big features to small pockets (video)
Traktor DJ for iPad showed us what can be done when you resist the urge to simply shrink your existing software or just slide it under a touch interface. Since its iOS debut, the folk at Native Instruments have spent the last couple of months cautiously considering how best to transplant the same waveform-based interface over to the iPhone. Today, you can find out. You get everything you find in the iPad version, like three band EQ, filters, hot cues and effects --along with the same key, tempo and timbre matching utilities, plus library sharing with the full-fat desktop version. The UI isn't the only thing getting downsized, either: this iPhone-friendly version costs just $4.99 (compared to $20 on the iPad). That should leave enough change to drop a few on party rock anthems.%Gallery-187296%
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%
Players rave to underground goblin techno at Wyrmrest Accord's Club Trix
Hey baby, what are you doing this Friday night? Let's party at Club Trix in Gadgetzan (Wyrmrest Accord-RP-US). They've got a real DJ, a goblin named Trixxiz, and his crew spinning goblin-engineered techno on Radio Trix. There's a featured drink menu (Hordeside, at least), regular special events, and a chill crowd enjoying the goblin groove. Originally from Bilgewater in Azshara, Club Trix has moved through Dalaran and now runs out of Gadgetzan, where the underground vibe is hot and there's plenty of room outside for enterprising goblins to get their profit on. WoW Insider interviewed DJ Trixxiz to find out more about the hottest new club on Azeroth's scene. WoW Insider: Trixxiz, you're a DJ out in the real world, aren't you? DJ Trixxiz: I am and have been a DJ since around 2004, I think. I had a few gigs over the years but not many, because within the already limited audience of electronic dance music, I was playing one of the lesser-popular genres of trance in an area dominated by house and techno. (I live halfway between Chicago and Detroit, the birthplaces of each, respectively.) However, the past couple years, trance has been exploding in popularity and I'm looking to break back into the scene this summer. Otherwise, I've mostly been an online presence throughout the years with shows on online radio stations, generally pulling in around 300 listeners, and several labels send me tracks to promote before they're released to the public. Even though I've got these other radio shows that pull in way more listeners, Club Trix is by far my favorite. With most internet radio shows -- even local radio antenna FM shows which I've also done in the past -- the amount of community feedback and interaction is very minimal. It airs, you hope that someone enjoyed it, and that's that. With Club Trix, there's this whole level of interaction with the listeners happening in real time through the IRC chat and the game, and they make it all come alive -- which makes it probably the most rewarding radio show on the internet save for a few run by the giants in the industry who can make that happen without the aid of roleplay environment.
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!
Native Instruments announces Traktor DJ for iPad, brings the mix to iOS (video)
DJ apps for iPad? There's a bunch. But -- if you're at all familiar with the craft -- there's a very notable name absent from the crowd. Until today that is. Native Instruments set the high watermark for DJ software with its desktop-based Traktor application, and now it's available in compact iOS form. Designed by the same team as the full-fat version, aspiring DJs can enjoy two waveform-based decks, with three-band EQ, eight effects (ported over from Trakor Pro) all redesigned from the ground up for the iPad's touch-based input. The interface eschews the conventional virtualization of a turntable set-up, instead creating a workflow more congruent with the hardware's form factor. Notably, a new "Freeze" mode stops the waveform from galloping on, letting you tend to cue points, loops etc or slice it into samples for "playable" parts. There's also interaction between the mobile and desktop versions via dropbox-based media sync, so any tracks loops and so on made on the move can be seamlessly transported to your club performance too. Think an iPad app is nice and all, but want a little more spice? Well, hook it up to one of the firm's popular Audio 6 or Audio 10 interfaces (via the USB connection kit) you just got proper pre-listen and cue functionality too. Traktor DJ is available today for $19.99, and if you're still undecided, there's a demo video after the break that might just swing it for you.
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.
