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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 XDJ-Aero review: a DJ controller that loves music, hates physical formats
Pioneer has enjoyed a fairly tight grip on the upper-end of the DJ market, but if you step out of the professional DJ booth, and into the bars and bedrooms, the competition starts to heat up. So when we heard about the XDJ-Aero and its curious new WiFi functionality, we were interested to see how this $1,399 controller would be received. That's not to say the DJ mainstay doesn't hold its ground in this busier market -- it does -- but as the far more frequent product release schedule will attest, the industry standard crown is still up for grabs. There's the other issue of software to consider, also. Pioneer has remained fairly neutral so far, releasing controllers for the big two platforms already, with the paint barely dry on its latest addition. The XDJ-Aero, however, hints at a new approach. One where you don't need to choose your software gang colors to be involved. This isn't the first bit of kit that lets you play direct from USB drives or skip the laptop, but it's the first from Pioneer that clearly heads out in its own direction. Ditch the Traktor, wean yourself of Serato, even forget CDs and just get on with the mixing. That seems to be what the XDJ-Aero is about, but does it hold its own? We popped a few of our favorite ditties on to find out.
Pioneer cues up DDJ-SX Serato controller, adds performance pads to the mix (video)
Pioneer's had a little bit of a new-product spree of late, and it isn't over yet. The latest slab-o-buttons? The DDJ-SX. For those of you familiar with the firm's naming convention, this means it's a software controller with a Serato flavor. As such, integration with the popular DJ application is tight, and includes dual deck, slip mode, FX mode and hot cue functionality. The four-channel mixer section can be used with external hardware, which you can hook up via a pair of phono inputs, and, as usual, the DDJ-SX can be used as a MIDI controller with other software should you so desire. As for outputs, you've the choice between XLR and RCA, as well as a separate output for the DJ booth, and as it has its own audio interface, there's no need to bring anything else in there with you. The DDJ-SX will be ready to play in November for a bass-heavy $1,199, but if you're quick to the game, the first 10,000 buyers can snag a free license for the Serato Video plug-in. Nice. Bewildered by all those pots and faders? Then shuffle past the break for the official tour.
Kid Koala bundles working cardboard gramophone with album, spurs on budding turntablists (video)
If you've been enough of a Kid Koala fan to have heard his original Scratchcratchratchatch mixtape, you'll remember a sample that mentioned building a "finger-powered record player." Kid Koala, also known as Eric San, certainly remembers -- buy the Limited Edition of his recently launched 12 Bit Blues album and you'll get your own functional, build-it-yourself cardboard gramophone along with a playable disc. The only further requirements are a sewing pin and some hand power. It's cheaper than tracking down the real thing, and a nod both to San's turntablist style as well as the back-to-basics nature of the music. We call it clever and potentially inspiring; just remember that you'll want some proper equipment before you DJ any house parties.
Pioneer CDJ-2000nexus updates the flagship DJ player, brings WiFi and slip mode (video)
Pioneer's CDJ-2000 took the spot at the top of the firm's CD turntable range a couple of years back, and has enjoyed a decent spell as the club standard. To ensure that its reign continues unchallenged, a new iteration in the form of the CDJ-2000nexus (no relation) has just been announced. The vast majority of the DNA remains the same, but there are some key new features such as WiFi (as we saw in the XDJ-AERO) for use with the rekordbox app, Beat Sync, Wave Zoom and Slip (a much wanted feature first seen in the CDJ-900). In total, you can now load tracks from CD, DVD, USB, SD, networked machines, and WiFi, meaning the player has essentially outgrown its "CDJ" labeling, becoming a true multimedia player. If you fancy taking one for a spin, you can do so starting from some time this month, for the upbeat price of $2,399. Laidback Luke demo video on rotation after the break.
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.
Denon launches MC2000 DJ controller, invites prospective spinners to 'own the party' (video)
Load and start track A. Load, and start track B on the next down beat. Adjust pitch / speed of track B to keep in time with track A. Now you know the very basics of DJing, you might want some hardware to practice it on. Fortunately, for you beginners, Denon has just released the MC2000 DJ controller. An entry-level device that should get you (and your tracks) up to speed. Along with the plug and play USB device, you'll get a copy of Serato's DJ Intro mixing software (for which it was specifically designed) to get you started. If that's not for you, or perhaps you've already earned your spinning stripes, and are looking for something compact, no problem -- full MIDI output means this can work with other software options too. There's a basic two-channel mixer snug between the pair o'wheels, and all the usual buttons for hot-cues and loops etc. As is fast becoming standard, the audio interface is built-in, making the hook-up at parties and gigs a much simpler -- and less computer-bothering -- affair. If has ticked your boxes, it'll be available from October, commanding an estimated £269 / €325 / $299 out of your record budget when it does so. In the meantime you can cue-up the promo video after 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.
Pianocade synthesizer lets DJs practice their shoryuken skills
Tired of the same-old DJ equipment or chiptune gear? Then may want to consider this new and unique piece of kit from Toronto-based Portmanteau Devices. Dubbed the Pianocade, it's a synthesizer and MIDI controller that, as you can see, is disguised as an arcade authentic joystick (albeit one with quite a few extra buttons). Naturally, it's also designed to be fully hackable and customizable (both the hardware and software are open source), and it even includes some strap mounts so you can wear it like a keytar. Sadly, the one thing it can't be used for at the moment is an actual USB joystick, although Portmanteau hopes to add that feature before it ships, or roll out a firmware upgrade later failing that. Those interested can get their pre-orders in now for $250 or $325 Canadian for the one and two octave models, respectively, with shipments are expected to go out 8-12 weeks after the end of the pre-order period on September 14th. An electronics only package is also available for $100 if you'd prefer to build your own. Head on past the break to check it out in action.
Pioneer's new WiFi-enabled XDJ-AERO controller says goodbye wires, hello dancefloor (video)
The advent of digital DJing removed the jumps and skips of vinyl, while introducing a bad case of cable spaghetti, as spinners bring their own kit to the party. Pioneer saw that, and has finally cut them free with the new XDJ-AERO. The WiFi-enabled DJ controller lets you load up the next Moombahcore banger direct from a smartphone, tablet, laptop or PC -- with support for four connected devices at once. This also means that the audience can get involved in the track selection -- a la Nexus Q -- but you might want to keep that fact quiet. The XDJ-AERO is designed to work with Pioneer's own rekordbox application, but can also be use as a MIDI controller for other popular software. On the actual hardware-side of things, there's a built-in 24-bit audio interface, two-channel mixer (which can be used standalone) plus the usual array of cue-point triggers, FX and filters we've come to expect. What price does the cutting of cables command? £869 (about $1,399), and the beat can begin some time later this month. Can't wait 'til then? Drop past the break for the ridiculously cool video (and slightly less cool press release).
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%
IK Multimedia iRig MIX review: a mobile mixer built for iDevices
Accessories, iOS has them. Not many devices can boast the same rich and dazzling array of add-ons that the iPhone or iPad enjoy -- from keyboards to docks, arcade cabinets to battery packs. Today's offering? A mobile mixer. The iRig MIX from IK Multimedia, to be precise. It's essentially a mini DJ tool, designed to work with such iGadgets, and brought to you by the same serial audio-accessorizers behind the iRig MIC Cast and AmpliTube. If you think you've seen this fella before, then you likely have, as this got its first glimpse of sunlight back at CES. Now it's here for real, auditioning for your affections as if it were on "American Idol." While it's easy to dismiss some of the more ambitious accessories as as trying to push the limits of iPad / iPhone functionality to the extreme, it's also worth remembering that accessory X isn't always about replacing object Y. No one ever bought a USB webcam thinking it'd turn them into Spielberg, now did they? But, they might have gotten one thinking it would give their PC some skills it never had before. So it's with this short, preemptive missive in mind that we turn on the iRig MIX, plug in and rock out. Hopefully.%Gallery-158921%
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.
AIAIAI takes its TMA-1 headphones out from the DJ box, into the Studio (video)
You pretty much can't say (or read) AIAIAI's name without feeling happy and performing a dancey hand gesture -- or maybe that's just us? It's fair to say we're fans of their work. So when we heard the Danish firm had released some new TMA-1 "Studio" cans, our ears perked up. Where as the original TMA-1s were all about the DJ, the new pair are for... well, the studio. So what's different? Mainly that 40mm titanium driver, which has been tickled to make it more transparent, and better for referencing. Those cushions now go fully over-ear for comfort and isolation, along with some more padding around the headband. You can grab them with or without a mic -- we assume for Skyping on the road, not singing a capella -- priced at $249 and $269 respectively and up for pre-order now.
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%
Denon teases new SC2900 DJ controller and media player, hopes to get heads spinning (video)
As the world of digital DJing offers those who spin increasingly individual configurations, there's still a dedicated crowd who like to keep it strictly "ones and twos." Denon hears this, and is hoping to snag some of those faithful with its latest SC2900 DJ media player. From the tease video (after the break) it looks like it's pitting itself against Pioneer's CDJ900 and CDJ2000 models. There's a 7-inch platter (Denon's first without a motor,) jazzed up with LEDs for cue and marker points. This can be used to get hands on with CDs (audio and MP3,) USB drives, music direct from the companion "Engine" software (i.e. hosted on a Mac or PC,) and shared media from other compatible networked players. Other goodies include four hot cues, native support for Traktor (and other) DJ software over MIDI, a "slip mode" made popular by the CDJ900 for keeping tracks in the mix even when scratching, and library browsing via iPad (though we're not sure if it's anything more than that). Pricing and availability should get played out soon, in the meantime you might want to start boning up on those old DMC routines.
