Hasta La Gadget!

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.

Continue reading Pioneer cues up DDJ-SX Serato controller, adds performance pads to the mix (video)

Filed under: Misc

Pioneer cues up DDJ-SX Serato controller, adds performance pads to the mix (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 04 Oct 2012 00:08:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pioneer has unveiled another new DJ controller called the DDJ-SX. This DJ controller is built specifically to work with the newest DJ software out there called Serato. Pioneer says that this DJ controller utilizes Serato as the basis for its control layout and ergonomic design. The DJ controller has special trigger pads and controls specific to the software.

Pioneer used larger jog wheels to allow the DJ more precise mixing and scratching, and the controller has multiple inputs for expandability and four-channel mixing capability. The DJ controller features Dual Decks allowing two tracks to be controlled at the same time to allow for scratching or recalling hot cues on both tracks as if they were performed on a single track. The controller also features Slip Mode.

That mode allows a song to be played silently during a performance loop, scratch, or hot cue and resumes audible playback of the song when the other operation ends. The controller also supports multiple FX mode and single FX mode. Other functions for the controller include the ability to set up to eight hot cue points for each deck and a vertical waveform display for tempo synchronization.

The controller has a number of other features and ships with the Serato DJ software. The DDJ-SX has dual CD and phono/line inputs for external devices and two inputs for microphones. It also features two master outputs with XLR and RCA capability. The controller will ship in November at an MSRP of $1199.

Pioneer debuts new DDJ-SX DJ controller for Serato software is written by Shane McGlaun & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.

Pioneer is big in the DJ controller business and has numerous products to its credit. One thing most of those products have in common is that they are far from cheap. Most of the pioneer gear we talk about for DJs isn’t something that the entry-level person just getting into the art is likely to be able to afford. Pioneer has unveiled a new DJ controller called the DDJ-WeGo that it says is the most affordable DJ controller it has ever offered.

The controller ships with Virtual DJ Limited Edition DJ software. That software allows the user to perform with music stored on a Windows PC or a Mac. The DJ controller is available with five different body colors including white, black, red, green, and violet. The device has multicolored LED backlighting on the jog wheel and the user interface of the DJ software included can be color customize to match the DJ controller.

This controller is designed to be easy for beginners to learn and has multiple features. Features include Jog FX to bind multiple effects to the jog wheel. Pulse Control provides visual prompts with a variety of colored lights on the jog wheels with lights for mix pulse, launch pulse, and FX pulse.

The device gets power from the USB connection on a computer so it doesn’t need an external power supply. It features integrated audio ports allowing for high quality input and output of different sounds. The controller also features an integrated soundcard for extended music storage and portability. The design for the controller makes it physically small and weighs less than 4 pounds. Pioneer will launch the controller in September at an MSRP of $399.

Pioneer DDJ-WeGo is its cheapest DJ controller yet is written by Shane McGlaun & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.

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.

Continue reading Denon launches MC2000 DJ controller, invites prospective spinners to ‘own the party’ (video)

Filed under: Misc

Denon launches MC2000 DJ controller, invites prospective spinners to ‘own the party’ (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 29 Aug 2012 18:13:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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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).

Continue reading Pioneer’s new WiFi-enabled XDJ-AERO controller says goodbye wires, hello dancefloor (video)

Filed under: Misc. Gadgets, Home Entertainment

Pioneer’s new WiFi-enabled XDJ-AERO controller says goodbye wires, hello dancefloor (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 09 Aug 2012 06:24:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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