Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Pioneer Shakes Up The DJM Series with the DJM-750

Pioneer has just announced the all-new DJM-750 four channel mixer. With built-in 24bit/96 kHz USB sound card and Boost Colour FX, this mixer, available in silver or black.

The DJM-750 is loaded with features  to inspire creativity. The new Boost Colour FX adds a second effect to the Sound Colour FX in play, and lets DJs control the parameters of both FX with just one knob. The mixer boasts 13 Beat FX -- including the new VINYL BRAKE -- with a dedicated Level/Depth knob for tactile control of the wet/dry mix.

The DJM-750 is set to hit the streets sometime in June. Our early guesses would probably put the price of this mixer somewhere in the $1299-$1499 range.

Make sure to stay on the lookout for the Pre-Order opportunity on http://www.planetdj.com
 







Tuesday, March 19, 2013

The Right Time to Buy a DJ Controller

It's an all too often thing that we see happen around here. You've got the latest and greatest controller. You've got full midi mapping, ridiculous features built right into the controller, it almost seems like it can't get any better. And just when you think you've got it made, the next best thing comes out. It can completely kill someone to see that as they get their hands on a new DJ controller, that something sneaks up on them by surprise.

Don't Wait For Controllers to Get Cheaper
We've seen people "wait it out" for the price to drop on their controller. The problem is that if you wait for a price drop, you'll also be waiting for a support drop. While tech support will still be available from manufacturers, things like firmware updates will be a thing of the past. That controller has most likely dropped in price for a reason. Always investigate the reasoning behind a price drop before buying for that reason.

Don't Wait For NAMM Announcements
If you're in a hurry to get an upgrade to your DJ controller, you may wait until the end of January and see what's hot. The problem is that once you see what's hot at NAMM and make your decision, you're most likely waiting another 3-6 months before that top notch DJ controller comes out.

Go With What Your Instincts Tell You
You've more than likely gone ahead and checked out all the specs on a controller that you've got your eye on. You've got the research down and could probably conduct a seminar on it...all you need to do is get it. Speculating that something better is about to come out is a loss of time for you to get moving with you DJ career.

DJ Controllers and Computer DJ Gear are like computers and cell phones, there will always be something better coming out. Get what's hot now, and it will give you plenty of years of happiness.   

Friday, February 1, 2013

Chauvet Now Shipping the BEAMbar

The inside joke in the industry is that NAMM stands for "Never April, Maybe May". However, Chauvet, on the heels of the announcement of more than 30 new products, has informed us that the BEAMbar is now shipping and ready for order. This aerial effect consists of 5 cool white LEDs that shoot razor-sharp beams as far as 40 or 50 feet. You can daisy chain the BEAMbar to show off automated programs, program it in DMX mode, or even enjoy the convenience of pixel mapping with Chauvet's ShowXpress Pixels.

To say that the BEAMbar looks epic in person is simply an understatement, but we've tried to capture it in all it's glory at NAMM 2013. We're more than stoked to see this one come out, and as for the other 29 products that Chauvet showed off, we're anxiously pacing our showroom plotting our layout of these amazing lights.

Check out the video below and drool over it's awesomeness. When you're done, you can check out the BEAMbar here.


Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Why You Need an InnoFader

The crossfader is at the very heart of the DJing experience. So why do so many mixers come with faders that feel like an afterthought? The feel of the crossfader is as important as any other feature of your mixer, so you deserve to have the best at your fingertips.

 The Audio Innovate innoFADER has been designed to completely change the way you feel about the crossfader. Having studied the habits and requirements of today's DJs, the innoFADER series offers unparalleled levels of quality and adjustability that you just don't find in other crossfaders.

We recently had the ultimate pleasure of speaking with Elliot Marx, the man behind the innoFader, on how it works and why so many DJs have come to know and love this replacement crossfader.


Electrix Tweaker is a Work of Art - NAMM 2013

Last year, we shot video of the Electrix Tweaker, which wouldn't come out until Q4 of 2012. This year, the Tweaker has clearly received an upgrade, which looks unbelievable compared to the prior prototype. Check it out the video below, then grab your own Electrix Tweaker, because this bad boy is shipping!


Alto Stealth is Going to Stick Out - NAMM 2013

To say that Alto did a great job with their new Stealth Wireless Speaker System is certainly the understatement. All too long, people have been searching for a ZERO latency wireless transmitter and receiver. Believe it or not, even a few milliseconds can make all the difference at your gigs. The stealth system is small, works on 2.4Ghz, and can transmit a signal as far away as 200 feet, making it the perfect tool for almost any venue.


Add wireless audio connectivity to any active loudspeaker. This self-contained kit can quickly add wireless connectivity to any installed or temporary sound system—with no compromise in fidelity—replacing or eliminating the need for lengthy and unsightly console-to-system cable runs of up to 200 feet that may otherwise interfere with the dance floor, patrons, or staff of the venue. It can transmit a signal as far away as 200 feet, even through walls, making it the perfect tool for almost any venue.


To further up the ante, the receivers are easily mountable, coming with either velcro to mount up, or a universal rigging system that will hook the receiver onto any speaker. The initial pack of the transmitter with two receivers will be $399, while expansion packs of two additional receivers will be $199. Can't wait for this to show up.

 

Monday, January 28, 2013

Vestax's SPIN2 Is An Epic iOS Solution - NAMM 2013

Check out the SPIN2 from Vestax, with full audio and video capabilities for any iOS device!