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Numark's iDJ2 mixes two tracks from one iPod
When you're tearing it up at the local club, sending droves of sweating dancers into a primal frenzy with your cannon-like beats and thunderous sub-bass, the last thing you want to do is be squinting at two tiny iPod screens for track info. Luckily, the folks over at Numark have heard your cries for help and have answered with the iDJ2 -- a follow-up to the company's iDJ that improves upon the earlier model by utilizing a single iPod to mix two streams of music, and can display track information on a full-color screen in the center of the device. The new system also accepts input from other media via USB, and allows you to organize and cue songs through its on-screen Crate feature. The mixer allows mixing and scratching of MP3, WAV, and unprotected AAC files, can control pitch to plus 25 and minus 100 percent, automatically sets tempo, can visually track through songs, and accepts external keyboard input. Available this September with a list price of $799, and street price of $599.[Via Playlist]
Alesis unveils the iMultiMix 9R rack mixer with iPod dock
Take a look behind the sound board at most small-to-medium size concert venues lately and you'll probably find the sound guy is playing the pre- and post-show tunes from an iPod jacked into the mixer -- a trend Alesis is hoping to capitalize on with its new iMultiMix 9R rack mixer with built-in iPod dock. While we've seen a lot of mixer / iPod dock combinations in the past, this is the first we've seen targeted at the pro market, and it shows in the lack of chintzy features -- in fact, apart from the iPod dock, you're looking at a pretty standard seven-channel rack mixer: five mic preamps with phantom power, two line inputs (one switchable from the iPod dock to the external input), three band EQ with bandpass controls, and an effects loop. Interestingly, the unit also features a composite video output, which presumably will allow videos to be played right from connected video iPods. Expect these to start shipping later this year for around $299.[Via iLounge]
Bird Electron's micro mixer DJ-4 sports retro look
While not quite as wildly popular as iPod sound systems, you shouldn't have any trouble locating an iPod mixer these days, but Bird Electron is aiming to give you yet another interesting option. The retro-styled micro mixer DJ-4 sports a minuscule stainless steel enclosure, a couple of electric guitar volume knobs, two 3.5-millimeter auxiliary inputs, and a 3.5millimeter stereo output. Of course, the iPod inclusion is more of a marketing gimmick than anything, as the company itself admits that any audio source can be used without issue. Regardless, this nifty (albeit limited) device should hit the Japanese market next week for ¥9,600 ($79).[Via Impress]
Hercules Mobile DJ MP3 mixes it up sans wires
While it's not like we really needed another ho hum digital mixer to go along with all the others, Hercules' Mobile DJ MP3 does manage to differentiate itself from the (oftentimes far superior) competition by cutting the proverbial and literal cords. The somewhat chintzy looking machine is designed to be highly portable in nature, as it features a lightweight shell and gets power from a pair of C batteries. Specs wise, you'll find "two decks for mixing, scratching, and synchronizing the MP3 or WAV files stored on the PC," twin LCD screens for track information, built-in loops / "special effects," and wireless functionality thanks to the included dongle that plugs into your laptop or desktop. Essentially, the unit assumes your sound system is wired up to the corresponding computer, and any mixing you do gets beamed back to the PC and subsequently blasted out to the four people who actually showed up for your shindig. Nevertheless, Hercules can get your next party started without fancy cabling and a whole lot of dough, as the Mobile DJ MP3 will set you back just £59 ($119).[Via Gearlog]
iMultiMix 8 USB with iPod recording
According manufacturer Alesis the iMultiMix 8 USB is the "first mixer to fuse together professional quality mixing, 3 band per channel EQ, guitar/line inputs, built-in FX and iPod recording in a single, intuitive package." The cool thing is that once you've completed your recording you just sync the iPod as normal and your new masterpiece is automatically added to your iTunes library, where you can find it for further editing, etc. The recordings are made in stereo at 44.1 or 48kHz either direct to iPod or to your Mac via USB. Anyway, for the budding musician or multi-channel podcaster this looks like it could be a great piece of kit. The Alesis website lists the iMultiMix 8 USB as "coming soon," but according to iLounge it "is scheduled to ship in Q3 2007 for $499."[via Infinite Loop]
Rockstar and Timbaland present: Beaterator
Two years ago, Rockstar Games had a version of Beaterator on its website. Today, Rockstar and famed R&B producer Timbaland have announced they would be teaming up to bring a full-fledged version of the music title exclusively to the PSP handheld system. Beaterator will feature a music mixer, and a collection of original music and rhythm games. "Music has always been a hugely important part of everything we do here," said Sam Houser, Founder and Executive Producer of Rockstar Games in today's press release. "I've always been a huge fan of Rockstar and love playing their games," said Timbaland. "I'm thrilled to be partnering with them and making music for Beaterator. I cannot wait to get this in the hands of our fans!" Beaterator will be available on PSP this summer. Play the original Beaterator by visiting Rockstar.
iPod DJ Mixing Studio scratches it up for $40
If it's audio related, and can in any way, shape, or form be associated with Apple's gem, it will be. Consequently, we've even seen the turntables so adored by DJs everywhere taken to the white side, bringing us everything from Numark's duo of offerings to some alternatives that we'd probably shy away from. Hitting the low-end level once again is the iPod DJ Mixing Studio, a halfway decent looking creation that connects to an iPod (or any other DAP, to be fair), and allows you to "create your own digital mixing effects." For those into experimenting rather than buying pre-packaged remixes, you can utilize the scratch, "digi-sound," and voice mods via the two rotating discs. You can also toss in background rhythms and drumrolls as well as adjusting the volume and tempo. Per usual, the device can be attached to your Mac or PC for recording purposes, but we're a little wary of how sophisticated this gizmo really is considering the $39.95 pricetag and "four AA battery" operation.[Via BookOfJoe]
Wannabe DJs compete Lumines-style
Who's Junkie XL? I don't know either. But, if you're in the DJ scene, you may be familiar with him, and the Winter Music Conference. Buena Vista Games wants to take you (yes, you!) to this event in sunny Miami, and all you have to do is play with the Lumines II video mixer. Looks a little familiar to me... Even if you don't want to enter the contest, it might be a good way to pass the time.[Via Joystiq]
M-AUDIO busts out Torq MixLab Digital DJ System
If you'd like to dip your toes into the DJ waters without dropping a couple Gs on a bunch of equipment you can't even figure out how to work, you might want to look into M-AUDIO's new $99 Torq MixLab. The digital DJ setup ties in with M-AUDIO's (included) Torq LE software, which allows you mix between MP3, AIFF, WAV, WMA, Apple Lossless and AAC files on your computer. Beat matching can be automatically performed by the software, and the control board can mess with speed, pitch, EQ and a trio of effects. We got a chance to see the unit in action on Tuesday, and while most things were taking place in software, the controls were quite responsive, and everything seemed quite intuitive. Keep on reading for a few action shots.
MusicJam unveils iPod Mixer / karaoke machine
While mixin' it up iPod-style has certainly been done before, MusicJam is looking to combine the simplest of mixer functions with a karaoke machine in its aptly-named iPod Mixer. Essentially, this device allows you to add your own vocals and guitar riffs to the tune currently playing on your iPod, which could definitely bring out the "one man band" in any musician. The mixer sports an iPod dock (presumably compatible with the iPod with video only), microphone / guitar inputs, volume sliders, tone / distortion controls, RCA outputs, and even attempts to replicate that on-stage allure by touting echo / sustain options for your vocs. The company also throws in a microphone, mic clamp, and cabling to get you warmed up, and includes "KaraokeVideos" software to turn any jam into an iPod-compatible karaoke vid. While the quality here is certainly questionable, it looks to be a solid addition to your Korg-infused Les Paul, and hey, getting you fully prepped for that karaoke circuit will only set you back $229.[Via iLounge]
Lumines II video mixer
I'm waiting for someone to comment telling me that this is insanely old, but if you're like me, you probably missed this when it first came out last week. Buena Vista Games has put up a new Flash website that lets you play around with their "Lumines Video Mixer." Essentially, you can drag and drop songs, videos and "moves" to a timeline and see your own personalized Lumines creation. It's not too exciting, but at least it gives you a small Lumines taste before the game comes out this September.[Via AMN]
Gemini launches iTRAX
Move over iDJ (and iDJ2), there's a new iPod DJ mixer in town, and it's only a year late to the game (albeit significantly cheaper). The Gemini iTRAX is finally hitting shelves, and brings the noise to the wheels of, um, polycarbonate with two phono ins, USB pass-through, and iPod (with video) support. They're asking $230 for the thing, but it's already going online for well under $150 (even though distributors don't yet have any to sell), so let's just say the price is up in the air on this one.
BlueBox intros miJam iPod toys
If it wasn't yet clear to you that the age of the DIY mashup is upon us, a new set of toys from a company called BlueBox -- which let even iPod-toting tweens "enhance" their tunes by dropping beats and sound effects -- should remove any lingering doubts. The three members of the new miJam series, which all attach to standard headpone jacks - a guitar, mixing board, and electronic drumsticks -- bear little resemblance to their non-toy counterparts, as all of the effects are triggered by buttons instead of real drumming or thrashing. Even the mixer sounds like it would be a letdown for budding DJ's, delivering canned scratches that will in no way prepare them for the beat-matching they'll being doing in a few years on their Numarks. Still, kids are pretty easily entertained, so the flashing lights and loud noises should probably hold their interest for a few minutes longer than your average gimmicky accessory. Like so many other pre-release products we bring you, we have no idea when these are coming out nor how much they'll sell for.
