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Feb 21

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.

Filed under: Tablets

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Source: Native Instruments

Feb 17

Become A DJ At Any Moment With This Svelt Splitter

Posted in: Today's Chili

The boyscouts pretty much nailed it when they coined the motto “Be Prepared to DJ.” And Swedish headphone manufacturer Urbanears wants to make that possible with Slussen, an audio jack splitter and app combo. More »

Jan 26

Numark NS7 II Serato DJ controller hands-on (video)

Posted in: Today's Chili

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.

Gallery: Numark NS7 II hands-on

If you ever got your hands on the original NS7, you’ll know that it is quite the machine. Big, heavy, covered in controls, and most famously, sporting fully motorized 7-inch platters. It’s this curious mix of new and old methodology that pretty much sums up the Serato DJ software it is designed to work with. With the NS7 II, it’s basically more of the same. The hardware is built like a tank, the platters feel authentic enough to bring back nostalgia (even if it’s in smaller, 7-inch form). The MPC buttons look and feel great too. Intense mashing and finger / thumb abuse? These look more than capable at taking it by the bucket load. The color effect is pleasing to the eye. We’re not sure how important it will be in real world application, but if you like to mark out your triggers and samples, this will let you do that. And what the heck, it just looks pretty sweet — never a bad thing. As for the touch-enabled rotaries? Well, sadly we’ll just have to imagine how they work, as there was no connected software for us to test them out. We’re imagining it to be a handy feature, none the less. The same applies to the four deck functionality. We were unable to test it, but it’s utilitarian enough that we welcome the addition. Each of the two hardware platters has a pair of buttons beneath it letting you switch between decks easily. These buttons are again, solid and firm, letting you get carried away without damaging your new pride and joy.

Prospective buyers will be pleased to know that as Numark has done before, the unit also contains a full independent mixer. This means you can plug in CDJs, turntables and more and bring them into your set without problem. That mixer is also somewhat larger this time around, thanks to the extra two channels it sports for the four decks. This also serves to enhance its chunky, no messin’ look and feel. We’d love to have spent some time actually using it, but alas it wasn’t to be. We did manage to grab some video of the hardware though, so head south to take a look of that, while we patiently wait for price and availability information.

Billy Steele contributed to this report.

Filed under: Misc

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Jan 26

PDJ Portable Disc Jockey is a complete DJ system that fits in your pocket, we go hands-on (video)

Posted in: Today's Chili

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.

Gallery: PDJ Portable DJ system hands-on

At about 286 grams, the PDJ is light to hold, but sits in the hand comfortably. Your thumbs naturally find their place hovering above the virtual decks, but the unit it plenty light enough that you can hold it with one hand, while using the other for more dexterous performance manoeuvres. The rotaries and crossfader in the middle section are plastic, but feel solid enough. This is, after all, a lightweight portable device. The LCD touchscreens let you get hands on with your music, as DJs are wont to do, and it’s responsive and intuitive enough. Thankfully, most of the key functions (cue, volume, fade, loops etc) have hardware controls too. To reach the extra functionality (more in depth EQ, sample player and so on) you swipe the screen to the left or right accordingly to bring up the relevant screen. It’s in these cases when the dual-mode (rotate and click) Function A/B rotaries come in handy, and the interface for controlling these extra tricks is surprisingly natural / responsive.

The PDJ makes the usual claims about being able to scratch and so on. And you can. But as with all these smaller, touch-digital devices, it’s more of a party trick than anything else. No biggie though, as the meatier features are the beat sequence and music-pad sections. These let you bring your own audio into your set, trigger samples and build beats and jams on the fly — much more suitable to a digital device such as this. While we only spent a short time with the PDJ, it’s easily one of the most fun devices that we’ve seen here at NAMM. Purists might malign the constant attempts to shrink and gameify DJing, but we say you’re thinking about it too much. Throw one of these in your bag, and the next time you’re on the train and want to mix in headphones, or find yourself at a party, the PDJ will suddenly make a lot more sense. How much and when you say? Well expect to pay about $600 for the privilege sometime around late spring or summer.

Billy Steele contributed to this report.

Filed under: Misc, Peripherals

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Jan 23

Numark Orbit wireless MIDI DJ controller hands-on (video)

Posted in: Today's Chili

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.

Gallery: Numark Orbit hands-on

That central dial you see in the middle is designed to be used as a multi-purpose knob, and is big enough for you to comfortably thumb it, while still reaching the side controls. There are four buttons which can be assigned as “virtual rotaries,” and once selected, spin that wheel to modulate whatever you have it assigned to (filters, reverb amount etc.). The other set of four buttons let you expand those 16 pads out to a potential 64, so if you want one bank for controlling lights, one for sample triggering, and another for hot-cues, you can do this all from the one small device. It’s not just the external controls that make this interesting, the internal two-axis accelerometer, which can be assigned to parameters of choice, will definitely add a new dimension to what’s possible. Sadly we weren’t able to try this out, but already we’re thinking of some interesting uses. There’s a micro-USB port on one side for charging and tethered use. We only had a short amount of time with the Orbit, but already we could see its potential for enhancing performance. It’s not meant to replace anything in your existing set-up, rather to enhance it, and given the flexibility of MIDI, this could mean a whole host of interesting uses. The crowd of folk waiting to get a closer look behind us certainly showed that it’s piquing people’s interest. Set to be released in spring for a reasonable $100, this looks like a promising start to 2013 for Numark. Check the video tour below for more.

Billy Steele contributed to this report.

Filed under: Misc, Peripherals

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Jan 23

Numark refreshes iDJ Live, NS7, Mixtrack Pro DJ controllers, intros new Orbit wireless option

Posted in: Today's Chili

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 it’s 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.

Once again the design has been given a makeover, plus there’s 16 drum pads, hot cues, back-lit platters and all the usual effects — there’s also Serato DJ Intro software bundled in to get you going. The Mixtrack Pro II will cost $299 when it launches sometime this month. Last of the existing hardware revisions goes to Numark’s popular motorized-platter controller the NS7, with the NS7 II. This is aimed at those DJs who like to trick their sets out a little bit, and this is made all the easier by the inclusion of 16 MPC-style pads, borrowed from the sister brand Akai’s famous sample player line. The pads also have MIDI-assignable RGB backlights, letting you get creative with the color-scheme. The 3,600 ‘tick’ resolution, plus slipmats definitely make this the digital-turntablist’s choice (if that’s a thing) from the new recruits.

Last, and possibly most interestingly, is the entirely new Orbit controller. This — so claims Numark — is the world’s first wireless handheld DJ controller. The game-controller-esque design evidently hopes to bridge the gap between DJing and performance. The low-latency 2.5GHz wireless will bring the artist closer to the audience, for sure, but if you’re a little more traditional, or like a longer, power heavy performance, you can still cable-up. There’s four selectable banks of 16 pads (eight either side) plus four virtual knobs and a control wheel for adjusting parameters in real time. If that’s all a little vanilla, there’s also a two-axis accelerometer which can be set to control two different parameters (fader frequency or volume, for example) which is activated by shoulder buttons — ideal for those extra-active performers — and reminiscent of controllers we’ve seen before. For more info head over to the PRs, or check our ongoing NAMM coverage for hands-ons as we find things.

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NUMARK INTRODUCES iDJ LIVE II

iDJ Live II offers expanded mixing capability and an all-new design.

Cumberland, R.I. (January 24, 2013) – Numark, the world’s leading manufacturer of DJ technology, announces iDJ Live II, a new mobile DJ controller that offers versatile control over a wide variety of computer-based and mobile DJ platforms. Numark will unveil iDJ Live II at Booth 6700 at the 2013 NAMM show, January 24-27 in Anaheim, California.

An updated and enhanced version of Numark’s iDJ Live controller, iDJ Live II features an updated low-profile design and USB connectivity, allowing it to perform with both laptop-based and mobile DJ platforms. iDJ Live II features a standard layout of DJ controls, including a crossfader, EQ knobs, and capacitive touch-activated platters. The design of iDJ Live II has also been slimmed down with redesigned platters that are now illuminated and low-profile. A headphone/speaker splitter cable is also included.

“iDJ Live II enhances and builds upon our original vision for iDJ Live-give anyone and everyone real DJing capability in a compact, comprehensive, and fun package,” said Chris Roman, Numark Product Manager.

Numark will display and demo iDJ Live II at Booth 6700 at the 2013 NAMM show.

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NUMARK UPDATES AND IMPROVES THE WORLD’S #1 DJ CONTROLLER

Mixtrack Pro II unveiled at NAMM 2013 and available in stores immediately

Cumberland, R.I. (January 24, 2013) – Numark, the world’s leading manufacturer of DJ technology, announces Mixtrack Pro II, an enhanced and updated version of Mixtrack Pro, the world’s best-selling DJ controller. Numark will exhibit Mixtrack Pro II at Booth 6700 at the 2013 NAMM show, January 24-27 in Anaheim, California.

Mixtrack Pro II features a new streamlined design and a new expanded layout of professional controls, including 16 backlit multifunction drum pads and illuminated touch-activated platters. Hot cues, looping, and effects controls are all onboard, along with a built-in professional DJ audio interface. Building upon Numark’s longstanding partnership with Serato(R), Mixtrack Pro II comes with Serato DJ Intro. DJs can also easily use Mixtrack Pro II with most popular DJ software, and it also comes pre-mapped for an optional upgrade to Serato DJ, the latest state-of-the-art professional software from Serato. Serato DJ includes a wide range of all-new features and capabilities, including stunning new effects powered by iZotope(R), ultra-flexible and intuitive MIDI mapping, and the ability to set and trigger up to eight cue points.

“When we first released Mixtrack Pro, there was nothing else like it-it set the bar and gave DJs and aspiring DJs everywhere truly professional capabilities,” said Chris Roman, Numark Product Manager. “Mixtrack Pro II is the next step of that evolution-the bar just got even higher.”

Numark will also be showing Mixtrack II, an all-new version of Mixtrack, which shares all of the same professional updates received by Mixtrack Pro II.

Mixtrack Pro II will be available in stores in January 2013 with an estimated street price of $299.

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NUMARK ONCE AGAIN DEMOLISHES THE BOUNDARIES OF DJING WITH THE INTRODUCTION OF NS7 II

Incorporating exclusive technology from Akai Professional, NS7 II offers DJs the most responsive control surface ever created with virtually every inch filled with advanced touch-sensitive controls.

Cumberland, R.I. (January 24, 2013) – Numark, the world’s leading manufacturer of DJ technology, announces NS7 II, a dramatically enhanced and updated version of the industry’s most advanced and best-selling motorized DJ controller, NS7. NS7 II features four channels, 16 backlit RGB velocity-sensitive MPC(R) pads from Akai Professional, expanded effects controls-including a full array of capacitive touch-activated knobs and filters-and the most comprehensive integration for Serato DJ available. Numark will exhibit and demo NS7 II for the first time at Booth 6700 at the 2013 NAMM show, January 24-27 in Anaheim, California.

For more than 20 years, Numark has set the pace in the world of digital DJing, empowering DJs with cutting-edge technology that has continually advanced the art form. In 2007, Numark and Serato(R) released NS7, a controller that blends different eras of DJing so completely it makes them virtually indistinguishable from each other. Since then, the powerful experience offered by NS7 has defined the top tier of DJ performance, setting the standard by which all other controllers are judged.

Now, with NS7 II, Numark is pushing the modern DJ’s performance capability even further, incorporating iconic technology from Akai Professional, the world leader in music production technology and creator of the legendary MPC. NS7 II’s 16 MPC pads can be instantly assigned to control five dynamic performance features in Serato DJ: Cues, Loop, Roll, Sampler, and Slicer. In addition, each pad features RGB illumination, allowing for a virtually endless amount of color variations assignable via MIDI. Vinyl platter control has never felt more familiar with its high- and low-torque motorized platters with real slip mats and real vinyl sitting on 3,600 ticks of resolution. NS7 II’s four-channel mixer works with or without a computer and includes a full array of external device inputs. Capacitive touch-activated filter, gain, EQ, and effects knobs are other features incorporated from Akai Professional, which turn the knobs themselves into control surfaces. DJs can use them for instant-on parameter control, blending effects, and instant frequency kills. “NS7 II is an interactive playground,” said Chris Roman, Numark Product Manager. “It’s built to squeeze every ounce of capability out of Serato DJ and push your creative limits. It’s born to perform and to empower DJs with maximum live-performance creative capability.”

NS7 II will be unveiled at Booth 6700 at the 2013 NAMM show on January 24th.

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NUMARK INTRODUCES THE WORLD’S FIRST WIRELESS HANDHELD DJ CONTROLLER

Orbit offers DJs unprecedented wireless control with 16 backlit pads, large aluminum control wheel, built-in 2-axis accelerometer, belt clip, and 8 hours of personality on a single charge.

Cumberland, R.I. (January 24, 2013) – Numark, the world’s leading manufacturer of DJ technology, introduces Orbit, a first-of-its-kind wireless handheld DJ performance controller. Numark will unveil Orbit at and around Booth 6700 at the 2013 NAMM show, January 24-27 in Anaheim, California.

Numark’s Orbit is the next step in the evolution of the performing DJ. Made to be held in the hands, strapped to your body using its built-in clip, or placed on the table, Orbit packs an unheard-of amount of control into an ergonomic game-controller-on-steroids design, which has every inch, inside and out, tailor-made for live performance. Orbit can be used wired via the included USB cable, which also charges it, or wireless using 2.4 GHz ultra-low-latency connectivity. Orbit features 4 selectable banks of 16 backlit pads, 8 on each side, for adding and blending effects, launching hot cues and samples, and more. Located in the center of Orbit are 4 bank selection buttons, 4 virtual knobs, and a large aluminum-faced touch-sensitive control wheel, which controls the selected virtual knob for instantly tweaking effects and filters.

“If you want to be a serious DJ these days, you need the guts and the gear to get out on the stage and perform,” said Chris Roman, Numark Product Manager. “Orbit embraces that reality to its core, empowering DJs with performance capabilities that will need to be seen and experienced to be believed. It’s intuitive, operating like an extension of the DJ-not to mention it’s the most fun you’ll ever have on stage.”

Orbit’s live-performance design extends even to the inside of the device, where it has an embedded 2-axis accelerometer, which can be assigned to 2 different parameters per bank and activated instantly via 2 shoulder buttons. All of Orbit’s controls are fully mappable, so DJs will be able to customize their settings for effects control, transport control, volume control, or any other MIDI parameter. Numark will demonstrate Orbit for the first time at Booth 6700 at the 2013 NAMM show.

Filed under: Misc

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Jan 22

Pioneer intros Platinum Edition CDJ-2000nexus, matching mixer and remixer

Posted in: Today's Chili

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.

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PIONEER OFFERS PLATINUM LIMITED EDITION OF ITS FLAGSHIP DJ GEAR – CDJ-2000NEXUS PLAYER, DJM-900NEXUS MIXER AND RMX-1000 REMIX STATION

Pioneer DJ today announced the creation of “Platinum Editions” of the CDJ-2000nexus professional multi-player, DJM-900nexus performance digital mixer, and RMX-1000 Remix Station. The Platinum Edition models will have a limited run of 4,000 units for the CDJ-2000nexus, 2,000 units for the DJM-900nexus, and 2,000 units for the RMX-1000, which will be available at Pioneer DJ authorized retailers worldwide and released in February 2013. The limited Platinum Edition series products will feature an ultra-sleek mirror chrome finish, each with a distinctive plaque engraved with the production run and serial number to indicate its authenticity. A system, which includes two CDJ-2000nexus-M and one DJM-900nexus-M, will be sold as a set with a suggested retail price of $8499, while the Platinum Edition RMX-1000-M will be offered separately with a suggested retail price of $1199.

CDJ-2000nexus-M features include:

o. Users can choose their media source from a USB storage device, SD memory card, CD- or DVD-ROM Disc, DJ software via MIDI/HID or even using music stored inside Wi-Fi(R)1/USB-connected smartphones and tablets
o. rekordbox[TM] music management software for analysis, management, and playback of music files.
o. Pioneer’s PRO DJ LINK2, which enables up to four digital CDJ players to be connected for sharing music files stored on a single USB device and/or SD card
o. High efficiency Wolfson(R) Microelectronics digital-to-analog (D/A) converter for accurate sound reproduction, faithful to source material
o. Slip and Quantize functions, which enable reliable performance without changing the flow of the original track. Using the My Settings feature, the function settings of a player can be saved to an iPhone(R), iPad(R) or iPod touch(R), USB storage device, or SD memory card. For additional convenience, the settings can also be can be made ahead of time on the rekordbox app or software, allowing users switch to their settings when a connection is made to the CDJ-2000nexus.
o. Up to 35 controls on the surface of each player can be used to trigger other devices, such as DJ effectors and software by way of HID and/or MIDI
o. Active Loop function automatically starts loops when playback begins from a specified point
o. Load Previous Track feature provides playback of prior music that has been loaded to the player
o. Rating on the Go function allows users to rate tracks during play for easy reference or sorting
o. Auto Standby function switches power to standby mode when no operation or input is detected for a certain period of time

DJM-900nexus-M features include:

o. Multitude of effects options including six types of Sound Color FX and 13 types of Beat Effect
o. Built-in 24-Bit / 96 kHz high performance USB soundcard3
o. Built-in “X-Pad” for controlling multiple parameters with a touch to enhance the user’s performance
o. Ability to connect Pioneer(R) digital players that support the PRO DJ LINK feature for highly accurate BPM and beat location information, resulting in precise beat matching4
o. Built-in high performance 32-bit digital signal processor to suppress digital and analog circuit noise
o. Highly durable high-performance channel fader
o. Auto Standby function
o. Gold-plated RCA PIN ports

RMX-1000-M features include:

o. Knobs, buttons and layout of unit ensure intuitive operation and control
o. Remixing options are virtually endless with Scene FX, Isolate FX, X-PAD FX, and Release FX controls
o. Supports VST5/AU6/RTAS(R)7 plug-ins to utilize effects from DJ play for song production
o. Includes special remixbox[TM] editing software, enabling effects and customization
o. High-quality sound design delivers clear and powerful DJ sound
o. QUANTIZE function enables real-time music analysis and synchronization of effects along with the beat of the music
o. AUTO BPM function automatically measures and follows the tempo of music
o. Compact design for portability
o. Ability to be used as MIDI controller via included USB-MIDI standard

Filed under: Home Entertainment

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Source: Pioneer

Jan 11

iOS hacker Pod2g launches PodDJ for iPad

Posted in: Today's Chili

If you’re familiar with jailbreaking, then you’re undoubtedly familiar with iOS hacker extraordinaire Pod2g, who’s responsible for the Absinth 2.0 release for iOS devices running iOS 5.1.1 back in May — his most recent endeavor. However, he’s been focusing on a slightly different area of iOS, and that’s app development. Pod2g released PodDJ today for the iPad.

Screen Shot 2013-01-11 at 12.49.33 PM

We’ve seen plenty of DJ apps for the iPad in the past, but Pod2g claims that his app turns the iPad into “the most realistic virtual turntable you have ever seen,” allowing you to mix and scratch any track in your iTunes library. According to the description, PodDJ is the only app in the iTunes App Store “with which you can truly scratch on your iPad thanks to a brilliant touch to sound reactivity.”

PodDJ has been designed to provide you with an interface that’s both powerful and easy to use. The turntables and all the controls have been strategically placed so that your hands can navigate around each feature as quickly and easily as possible. PodDJ also claims to be the fastest scratching app in the App Store, boasting a sound output latency of just 5 milliseconds.

The app also offers zero latency cue points, so you’ll hear sound as soon as you hit the cue button, and it has zero latency key locks, which means that time shifting is applied at the source of the audio chain so you hear it instantly. Other features include transform buttons, BPM detection, turntable emulation, monitor output, and support for an external mixer. PodDJ will be available to download starting tomorrow. It will be priced at $5.99 during the first two days, and will go up to $7.99 until the end of January. After that, though, you’ll have to cough up $9.99.

Jan 11

Ion Scratch 2 Go gives your iPad physical DJ controls, we go hands-on

Posted in: Today's Chili

DJing apps on the iPad are cool and all, but the touchscreen controls leave something to be desired. However, Ion Audio has launched a set of physical controls, such as knobs, turntables, and sliders, specifically for DJ apps on the touchscreen tablet, and it makes the experience way more tactile and realistic.

The company has come up with a small set of suction cup-equipped accessories that turn the iPad itself into a pair of decks and a mixer on the cheap. The unit that we took a look at consists of a slider control, two round discs for scratching, and two banks of three knobs each for all the fine tuning.

The suction cups feel pretty solid. Underneath, the spinners have what looks to be like the tip of a touchscreen stylus. It’s certainly nothing fancy, but it works. I ended up playing around with the knobs and controls, essentially proving to myself why I would be a terrible DJ, but they were fun to use, and were way more handy than just using the flat touchscreen.

Serious turntablists will probably want to steer clear, since it would be best to get an actual deck and mixer, but for those just wanting to have fun and need a little more tactile control, you may want to check these out. They work with a variety of DJ apps, such as Djay, Deej, and iDJ2GO. Ion Audio will sell the kit for only $40 starting in May.

Jan 06

Ion outs its Lightning-compatible iDJ 2 Go Plus, we take a close look

Posted in: Today's Chili

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 for 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.

Gallery: iDJ 2 Go Plus with Lightning hands-on