KRK Unleashes the Rokit in White

KRK has become a standard in the monitor industry. Their speakers are well powered, sound beautiful, and have a sleek look that has, in some ways, revolutionized the look of most monitors that you see today. With a right price to boot, it's no wonder that these babies have become a common name in the DJ and music industries.

At NAMM this year, KRK knew that they have something epic. There's no point in reinventing the wheel, but there's definitely a point to making it look cooler. New to the market from KRK is the Rokit models in an amazing white. For those that love the look of white, there's no reason not to grab a couple of these and stash them in your studio or bedroom. Priced the same as the current black Rokits, these puppies are serious eye candy to any collection.

Gemini Introduces the GMix Series

Before there was Pioneer, before there was Numark, before there was Reloop, there was Gemini. While Gemini isn't bringing the top of the line club gear to the industry, they're still serving a crucial step to the DJ industry. This year, they've continued to do so with the Gemini GMix series.

Competition is healthy, and while every DJ thinks everyone else is a DJ, it's what keeps the game fresh. This "problem" is the exact reason that some DJ's shine while others struggle. If you're on the latter end of that fact, it's just another reason to work to improve your persona, your talent, and your image.

Gemini's rank in the market may have been affected by the increased competition, but that doesn't mean they don't make a great product. Gemini has long served as a launchpad for DJ's. Low-budget, high-quality gear allows the competition to keep flowing in. Their innovation combined with their knack for price point keeps us and our customers coming back.

The GMix series is another step in the right direction for Gemini. These 2-Channel Virtual DJ controllers come with USB capabilities, so you aren't restricted to just your software. Throw in the XLR outputs, some great pads for loops, hot cues and samples, and top it off with a butter jog wheel and you've got a stellar product. At $299 for the GMix this is another amazing price point for a great build. The GMix Drive throws some sugar on top with CD Player capabilities for just $399 (guessing!).

For the DJ that's looking for a sturdy compact unit that's not rough on the wallet, go for the GMix. It's a rockin piece from a company that we've backed for years, and will continue to do so for years to come. Oh yeah, did we mention we love their jog wheel?

Akai Completes Your Studio with the RPM Series

As if your studio wasn't decked out enough with Akai, the production giant has recently unleashed the RPM series. Currently comprised of the RPM500 and the RPM800 these sleek, stylish, and sweet sounding studio monitors can brighten any Akai fan's day.

We'd never tell you to pack up your previous monitors and move on, but if you're in the market, these things are certainly worth a look. With up to 120 watts of power, proximity filters and acousting pads, these speakers are sure to help you get the sound that you've been looking for that you may not have found quite yet.

Akai isn't one to be known for speakers as it stands. However, the following behind Akai Professional's entire line of MPC and MPK products is nothing to joke about. Akai has relentlessly stayed on top of the market, and these monitors will make a sweet addition to any studio that could use a little bit of thump.

Allen & Heath Never Lets You Down

Whether you're about their headphones or their mixers, Allen & Heath has always been a godsend for DJs who know of the brand. Their mixers are certainly no joke in the industry, and their build and design is a cut above the rest.

The new Allen & Heath XONE:23 packs a lot of punch into a small mixer. This 2+2 Channel mixer gives you the capability of running 4 inputs into this little piece. Looking for a decent rear end? If you're at NAMM, this is what you look at.

The back features XLR master outputs, RCA booth outputs, AND a second RCA output for recording. Not that we all need it, but it's definitely a cool feature to have.

For the guys that are rocking an FX unit, the mixer comes complete with and send and return FX Loop.

Tack on a few bonuses like the touring quality build, and XLR mic input and 3-band total kill EQ, and you've got a recipe for delight. Need some seasonings? This bad boy runs only $299. Expected to be out by April.

Reloop's RP-8000 Turntable Can Turn Heads

Technic's folks, have a seat...let's chat.

We know that you're die hard. We DEFINITELY know that there hasn't been much on the market lately that could ever replace such a timeless piece like the 1200. But once in a while, there comes a time to think about making the move to something different. While Technics will last forever, those that don't have them pay top dollar for em. Those that do have to become experts in the world of repair.

The new Reloop RP-8000, without seeing it, might be regarded as just another turntable. But after seeing this baby in action, there might just be an alternative.

Claimed to have torque 350% stronger than Techs, the RP turntable definitely shows something stellar. We can't say for sure if that number is accurate, but it's strong....REALLY strong. The power behind the engine can easily be felt in the deck with a few strokes of your hand.

That built in MIDI controller (on the 8000 only), yeah that rocks too. Toss your Dicer and utilize this epic feature. Worried about your tonearm stability? Don't. The controller is built on a separate chassis, preventing you from bumping the tonearm while rocking out after 5 Red Bull and vodkas.

At $799, it might be more than what you'd pay for a single deck on your local Craigslist (The RP-7000 with no controller is $599). But the investment is well worth it. It's beginning to ship now, and we have no doubt that you'll enjoy what the RP-8000 has to offer no matter how rookie or veteran you are on wheels of steel.

Numark Steps Up the DJIO Audio Interface

Audio interfaces haven't always been at the forefront of NAMM technology. With soundcards being built into most DJ controllers these days, the need for an Audio Interface isn't the biggest thing on the mind of DJs these days. However, the DJIO from Numark has long been one of the best selling DJ Audio Interfaces on the market. The downside to the DJIO was that it required software to work properly with your computer. That's all about to change.

The DJIO2 from Numark is the latest audio interface from the DJ equipment giant. Aside from a smaller unit, the DJIO2 now features a microphone input, which is something DJ's using an interface have been longing for from Numark. Additionally, the DJIO2 is completely compliant when it comes to integration. Ditch the plugins and drivers and all that good stuff. The IO2 has become completely plug and play.

Add in a $30 price drop to $69 and you've got a pretty sweet deal from Numark.

Alesis Rocks the Little Things with the Miclink Wireless

It's not always about the size of your gear. The Alesis MicLink Wireless has it's own little 8" x 8" space among the massive InMusic booth, but its impact is huge.

Use this baby with any dynamic microphone to create an instant wireless microphone unit. With digital 2.4 Ghz technology, the Miclink works up to 200 feet away from the receiver. The battery can last 6-8 hours on a single charge. Instant pairing gives you set it and forget it convenience. 

The wireless community is going to love this. HOPEFULLY it'll be out by April. $99!!! 

ElectroVoice Wows With The ETX Series

A little R n D never hurt any company, but a lot of RnD makes for an epic product. Sound is everything. You could have a top of the line DJ set up, rockin headphones and the best beats in the business. Cap it off with a Wally World set of speakers and you've got junk. Electro-Voice is a go-to brand for us.We rely on them for affordability and sound.

The ELX series turned heads. The ZLX series made the price junkies look. The ETX series combines the beauty of the ELX with the functionality of the ZLX and throws in some of that ever-so-important RnD to create one of the most beautiful sounding speakers on the market...the ETX Series.

With 10's, 12's, 15's and a couple of subs to boot, the look and info is enough to wow you. The sound is more than enough to make you trip over your jaw.

With 134 dB peak SPL at it's lowest point, we officially want the ETX in our own homes. At a more-than-far price range of $1,099 for a 10" to $1,499 for the 18" sub, you can have a screaming setup. Whether you're a mobile guy or looking for some serious stage sound, we can't tell you how amazing the ETX is. Watch the video and you'll see what we mean.

American DJ Revamps the Showroom

In the day prior to the opening of the NAMM show, retailers like us often spend our time planning. With dozens of manufacturers trying to find an open slot in our day (and vice versa) it's not uncommon that the planning comes down to the wire.

Our pals over at American DJ sent a bus and temptation of In n Out Burgers from LA to Anaheim in an effort to woo us away from the organized chaos. It worked.

With a freshly revamped showroom for both Elation and American DJ we got a sweet peek into the lighting wonderland that ADJ folks check into every day. While it's surely a site to see for yourself, here a few goodies for your eyeballs.

Pioneer Launches the DDJ-SZ Prior to NAMM 2014

Pioneer has recently announced its new controller for the DJ industry. It's become pretty clear that the DDJ-SX was a step in the right direction for Pioneer. With that in mind, the DDJ-SZ has become the new face of the DDJ series, and the looks of it won't disappoint.

Built with Serato DJ in mind, the DDJ-SZ is about 35% larger than the DDJ-SX, and the mixing unit of the controller represents that of the world-famous DJM-900. The platters are substantially larger, meeting the size that you'd normally find on your CDJ-900 or CDJ-2000.

Additionally, the DDJ-SZ comes complete with two soundcards, allowing the club DJs to bypass the nuisance of having to switch out computers while playing their favorite 4 minute megamix.

The price on this controller has been set to a pretty elevated mark at $2,399. Expected to be released in March of 2014, we're definitely not going to say that this isn't worth it...after all, Pioneer gear rules. Does the price tag line up with the benefits that the SZ has over the DDJ-SX? So far, we don't see why not, but we'll be getting a look at this first-hand soon enough.

Chauvet Reveals Two New Products Showing At NAMM 2014

Chauvet, a leader in mobile, DJ and professional lighting is always one of those booths that we flock to when the NAMM doors open. This year, it doesn't look like that's going to change. Chauvet has recently announced two spectacular items to get our mouths watering while we wait another few days to bust the doors open in Anaheim.

EZpin IRC

The new battery powered EZpin IRC  will make it easier than ever for end-users to pin spot centerpieces and other focal points in any venue.  Compact yet ruggedly built, the EZpin IRC has been designed to provide DJs, mobile entertainers and bands with an extremely versatile pin spotting solution. For example, the fixture’s innovative magnetic base makes it possible to affix the pin spot to most metal surfaces without using clamps. 

Intimidator Wash Zoom 350 IRC

The Intimidator™ Wash Zoom 350 IRC is a new moving head wash fixture that also features 20-watt quad color LEDs and IRC remote control capabilities. The Intimidator™ Wash Zoom 350 IRC also includes motorized zoom control for short or long throw applications and built-in, eye-catching auto programs with sectional control.

But surely, Chauvet is just getting us all worked up for the rest of the show that they have in store. They didn't let us down last year, and we certainly see no reason for them to let us down this year.

Planet DJ Presents ADJ At Mobile Beat Las Vegas 2014

Planet DJ is bringing you a trifecta of Lighting, DJ & Pro Audio, and Trussing come February of 2014.

Mobile Beat Las Vegas has long been one of the premier DJ conventions in the country. With countless speakers providing unique discussions, and dozens of the best manufacturers in the world, DJ's have flocked to Las Vegas year after year for this 4-day event.

This year, Planet DJ is proud to be joining forces with ADJ, as we bring you their top lines of gear. Pack your bags and head to Vegas February 3-6, then come visit us in booth #515!



For more details on the show, go to Planet DJ