NEW COLOUR XONE:92 INSTALLED IN MATTER LONDON

Following the recent decision by British mixer manufacturer, Allen & Heath, to alter the colour scheme of its Xone DJ range, leading London nightclub, Matter, has installed a new storm grey Xone:92 in its main DJ booth.

“The Xone:92 is an iconic product, one that I have been working with it for years. It has never let me down, despite having been in the hands of some really tough DJs,” explains Matter’s head of sound, Roberto Pieroni. “Although very familiar, all the controls on the new colour 92 appear easier to find thanks to a clearer layout and design; for example, the booth level can be more easily distinguished from the mix level. As ever, the sound quality is impeccable.”
The colour change is purely cosmetic, and there are no alterations to the Xone range’s design or performance.

“The best thing about Matter’s new Xone:92 is that the new colour perfectly matches our Technics 1210’s!” concludes Roberto.

www.xone.co.uk

NAMM 2010 – New Toys!

As I expected, a huge number of new toys are on show at the Namm 2010 Show.  Here’s a very basic rundown of what’s new so far…

NUMARK

• Numark NDX-800 – MP3/CD/USB and MIDI controller.  Think of it to be something like the Denon DN-S1200 but with a 7″ platter.
• Numark MIXDECK – The MIXDECK is a junior version of the NS7.  It basically comprises of a pair of NDX-800’s with a little mixer in the middle with the added benefit of an iPod dock.  It comes with, like the NDX-800, Traktor Numark Edition.
• Numark V7 – Ok, now take an NS7 and with a chainsaw cut off one of the decks.  The small bit you cut off is a V7.  A bigger version of the NDX-800 but also an ITCH controller.  It also features the effects and so on found on the NS7.
• Numark X7 - Ideally suited to sit twixt a pair of V7’s it’s basically a 4ch version of the 2ch mixer you see on the NS7 with a few more bits thrown in for good measure!  It’s still currently under development and hopes to set the world alight when it’s released some time later this year.  Will it have the Pioneer 800 owners quaking in their boots?  Probably not, but the V7 and X7 is aimed directly at CDJ owners.

DENON

• DN-X1600 – Take the luxurious DN-X1700 that is crammed with uber-brilliant DJ’ing technology and offload some of it.  Add V-LINK (a kind of MIDI interface for video devices) and ta-daaaah!
• …and that’s it…for now!

BEHRINGER

• VMX1000USB – It’s basically an updated version of the popular VMX1000 although probably (and hopefully) better built.  Click on the provided link to find out what it does…it’s quite feature packed and may tempt those who are currently looking at DENON to replace the X500 with a USB model.

More news as it comes in from our SEDA News Hound in Anaheim.

Akai APC40 Ableton Live controller

Another product which has sparked a fair bit of debate since its appearance at Novembers SEDA ShowNight is the Akai APC40 which is a dedicated Ableton Live controller.  This was demoed by the Numark team  as well as their flagship NS7 during the evening, and got a lot of interest from the DJs who run club nights which shows how diverse the SEDA membership is.  So, here it is in all its glory!

“Ableton Live software is a powerful, flexible environment for creating, performing, and producing music. This unique software demands an equally unique control instrument. Akai Professional and Ableton are proud to present the APC40: the Ableton Performance Controller. Combining the APC40 with Ableton Live transforms your experience from constructing tracks on a computer to fluid, musical creation.

The APC40 is the link between human and computer that perfectly balances analytical parameter control with creative expression. Whether you are an electronic music artist and Live is your canvass, a DJ using Live to mix or remix tracks, or a more traditional musician using Live on stage or in the studio, you will find the APC40 to the intuitive, powerful instrument that directly links your inspiration with Ableton Live.

DIRECT DESIGN
Because Akai Professional and Ableton designed the APC40 specifically for Ableton Live, you don’t need to map its controls to talk to the software. Just connect your laptop to the APC40 via USB and you’re ready to make magic. The APC40 is plug and play, so you don’t need to install drivers. First-time setup is literally three steps: load Ableton Live, plug in and power up your APC40, and select the APC40 as Ableton Live’s controller. That’s it. No mapping, no setup, no hassles.

The APC40 comes pre-mapped for instant use with Ableton Live software, so if you’re new to it, you’ll find using the APC40 to be easy to get around on. And if you’re an experienced Live user, you’ll be happy to note that you can custom-map every single knob, button, and fader on the APC40 to completely customize the controls for the way you like to work.

VIRTUAL VIEW
The APC40 talks directly to Ableton Live and Live talks directly to the APC40. This bidirectional communication makes the APC40 an advanced controller in that it can receive feedback from the software and display it on its clip matrix of 40 triggers and on LED rings surrounding each knob. The clip matrix gives you an instant view of clip status: what’s loaded, what’s playing, and what’s being recorded. Each state displays on the matrix in a different color so you can get a quick picture of clip state. You can shift your clip focus and get an overview of the clips you have loaded for your set. The APC40 has 16 knobs, each surrounded by a ring of LEDs. These LED rings make it easy to see your settings on dark stages, indicating the currently selected parameters’ values.

PREMIUM FEEL
Ableton selected Akai Professional as its partner in developing the APC40 because of Akai Pro’s leadership position in great-feeling controllers that are rock solid, rugged, and precise. From the legendary MPC series that changed the way music is made to the industry-standard MPD and MPK controllers, Akai Professional is revered by musicians, DJs, and producers everywhere for creating the feel that powers their creativity. The APC40 is built with a rugged, metal chassis and slip-proof rubber detailing. All of the knobs and faders are solid and precise for pinpoint performance. It even features a high quality, replaceable crossfader for transitioning between clips and loops assigned to “A” or “B”.

CREATIVE CONTROL
The APC40 comes Ableton Live Akai Professional APC40 Edition software, which is fully functional for performance and production. Owners of standalone editions of Ableton Live 7 or 8 can also work seamlessly with the APC40. Live 7 with the latest automatic update has full support for the APC40 and all versions of Live 8 are APC40-ready.

The APC40 has two banks of eight knobs. The first set controls Global parameters so you’ll always have instant access to your main sends, pans, and other essentials. The second bank of eight knobs is dynamically reassigned to the Track you select. You can control eight track parameters at a time, and as you switch channels, the Track knobs follow your focus. For example, you might be working with the Beat Decoder on track two. When you switch to track four, the eight Track knobs that you had been controlling the Beat Decoder with are now controlling the Flangeverb on track four. You’ll even notice that the settings for each knob load on the light rings so you’ll immediately see each knob’s status.

The APC40 also enables special clip-status views and feedback that only the APC40’s matrix can display. The matrix is not limited to only 40 clips: you can scroll and shift, enabling you to access, control, and perform with an unlimited number of cells.

The APC40 has a wide range of controllers. The eight Global knobs can access four banks of controls; the eight Track knobs control nine different track parameters each. This gives you a massive total of 72 controllers that are dynamically reassigned each time you switch tracks. Channel faders, bus faders, and a crossfader give you smooth control of key values. You have even more control power with special controls including Tap Tempo, Tempo Nudge, record enables, solo/cues, and two assignable footswitch inputs.

Designed in partnership with Ableton, the APC40 is the most advanced Live controller for the most advanced performers. The APC40 is Ableton Live performance… perfected.”

For more information, visit the Akai website and Ableton website.

Ryger Footlight USB-DMX thing!

Following the visit to the SEDA ShowNight in November 2009 from Ryger UK, a few DJs have asked me what the controller was that was being demoed.  It was of course the Footlight USB DMX which runs either standalone once programmed, or with Daslight which was extensively covered by the DMX Workshops and seminar provided by SEDA for its members by Will Perkins.  So, here it is:

“The FOOTLIGHT USB-DMX is the first in our range of brand new dual PC based & stand alone step sequencing controllers.

It has six big red foot buttons, each of which can hold one pre-uploaded show.  These can then be used in stand-alone mode WITHOUT the need of the footlight having a PC connection. This is THE ideal controller to use with L.E.D. Par-cans! Finally at last! A ‘simple to use’ DMX controller that gives you the ability to control your light show the way you want it!

It also allows the user to mix and match different manufacturers par-cans that use alternative DMX channels for the RGB output.  Although perfect for L.E.D. Parcans – this DMX controller is completely universal with any DMX light fitting, with over 170 different manufacturers (almost 6000 different fixtures)in it’s library.  Moving heads, DMX strobes, dimming packs, scanners, moonflowers, colour floods, stage blinders etc can ALL be controlled by this unit – all at the same time.

The software also has a ‘scanlibrary editor’ to create any new fittings that may appear on the market.   It is fully compatible with the DASLIGHT software which makes it a very easy DMX controller to use.

The FL USB-DMX is such a versatile unit making it a perfect choice for the novice or the expert light-jock.
Also it is ergonomically designed to stand on the floor by the feet of a guitarist or drummer enabling them to control a bands DMX light show completely hassle free.

With the use of a DMX dimming pack it will also integrate conventional filament Parcans & light screens alongside newer L.E.D. systems enabling your show to function all together as one coherent package rather than as fragmented separate pieces of equipment.

This excellent unit has the ability to control up to 512 DMX channels and a huge amount of steps of programming when used in stand-alone mode – When used as a slave controller remaining attached to your PC you have access to many other functions including using DMX Universe to control other DMX controllers ie: daslight 512 Eco. This gives the user a huge channel capacity.

Should you require more control over your lighting simply run this attached to the PC and you can gain access to each individual part of your lightshow LIVE.  When being operated through a PC using the daslight software the scenes can be triggered by a midi signal from sound processors (Cakewalk/Sonar 7 etc).  Also when attached to a PC you have Sound activation and ‘Tap’ triggering of the patterns using the Daslight audio analysis. ”

For more information, please visit www.rygeruk.com.

Traktor Kontrol X1

Traktor, who are probably best known for their DJ software of the same name, have recently announced their first fully fledge software controller for the DJ market.

Designed for use with any DJ software, although it comes with Traktor LE. Whether you are a DVS timecode or software DJ, you can connect the TRAKTOR KONTROL X1 to a computer and gain instant control of your decks and effect parameters. Robust rotary knobs with a heavy-duty feel and backlit buttons provide precise visual and tactile status feedback- letting you delve deep inside TRAKTOR without having to touch your computer.

The TRAKTOR KONTROL X1 features a total of 30 buttons, 4 push encoders and 8 knobs. Optimised for use with the Traktor software they are arranged in the following sections:

1. EFFECTS SECTION
8 high resolution potentiometers and 8 buttons make up the effect section of TRAKTOR KONTROL X1. This section allows control of all the parameters of 2 TRAKTOR effect units simultaneously. In Chained mode, this means simultaneous control over 3 effects per deck. The effects section buttons are programmed to give direct access to 3 of your favorite effect presets.

2. BROWSE SECTION
One push encoder per deck is dedicated to browsing through play lists and loading tracks. Simply turn the push encoder to find the track you want, and push it to load it into the corresponding deck. Once the track is loaded the same encoders seek through the track, using tempo sync’d beat jumps to remain in time.

3. LOOP SECTION
This section allows for intuitive control of TRAKTOR’s loop function, giving clear visual feedback about the loop status via LEDs. The section offers first level access to auto loops and manual loops as well as loop editing functions such as loop size and loop position, both coarse and fine.

4. TRANSPORT SECTION
This section provides direct access to basic playback controls as well as shifted access to 8 secondary functions for each deck. All buttons for industry standard workflows (Play, Sync, Cue + Cup) are located here. Switch to hotcue mode and you get another 16 buttons for controlling the 8 hot cues or hot loops per track. Plus, the CUP button flashes in time with the deck’s BPM as an added visual mix aid.

You can find more information on their website here

00VJ

Well, Christmas is coming and the goose is getting fat, please Santa put a 00VJ in your big red sack!  Those will be the cries of hundreds of digital DJ’s across the UK when the 00VJ hits the market later this year.

Designed and built by Valeway Technology (they represent both PCDJ and OtsAV here in the UK) who have an excellent pedigree in these sorts of things the 00VJ is to replace the ageing 00DJ that has been the talk of many a DJ forum over the years.

Is it a laptop?  Is it a desktop squeezed into a case?  What is it exactly?

Well, it’s a bit of everything really and the guys at Valeway have taken all the good things out of the DJ, zapped all the bad things and created MORE good things!

Key Features

• 17″ Touch Screen
• High Definition Video
• Automatic Cooling System
• Red illuminated keyboard
• Audio / Video / Karaoke compatability
• Quick side access connectors

It will be available in a plethora of configurations, hard drive sizes and of course DJ Software.  Current packages include the current PCDJ line and OtsAV.

Pricing?  Don’t expect it to be cheap, but remember, this is not just a laptop in a fancy case, this is a custom designed and built, rugged, splashproof desktop featuring a high-end sound card, decent sized hard disc and other custom components.

Pre-orders are already being taken and we sincerely hope to put one through it’s paces when they arrive in the UK and bring one to a ShowNight in early 2010.

Click here for the official blurb and check out the pictures below.  They aren’t the finished article however…

ALLEN & HEATH LAUNCHES NEXT GENERATION DJ CONTROLLER FOR SERATO ITCH

ALLEN & HEATH LAUNCHES NEXT GENERATION DJ CONTROLLER FOR SERATO ITCH

After weeks of speculation and buzz around the industry, Allen & Heath and Serato Audio Research have announced the launch of the Xone:DX, a new Plug’n'Play DJ controller, the result of close collaboration between the two companies. The DX, another development in Allen & Heath’s Xone:D range of controllers, is a 20-channel USB soundcard and features total integration of the brand new 4-deck Serato ITCH software.

Boasting the ability to send up to 168 individual MIDI control messages, a 20-channel 96kHz/24-bit USB 2.0 soundcard, two dual layer deck simulators, and RIAA/phono inputs for external decks, as well as the central 4 channel mixer section which directly manipulates the DSP mixing within the computer, the Xone:DX is the most versatile, high specification professional DJ controller to date.  A full version of the new Serato ITCH software is supplied with the DX, providing unique 4-deck control, and a comprehensive set of digital DJ FX, as well as looping and time-stretching.

“Serato has always been an admirer of Allen & Heath’s DJ hardware and we’ve watched the development of the Xone:D series of controllers with keen interest. In our opinion, Allen & Heath design some of the best music production software controllers in the professional field,” explains Serato MD, Steve West. “Rather than a partnership to simply bundle our products, we wanted to collaborate with A&H at the drawing board stage, and design a product that would fully manipulate the new version of ITCH.”

The Xone:DX is also fully compatible with other leading DJ software brands, and has Allen & Heath’s customary pro modular design build and high quality components. It also has bi-colour LED feedback layer assignment, UV light sensitive legend, mix outputs on RCA and balanced XLR, a separate booth output, and measures 50mm deep to fit conveniently in a laptop bag.

“Ever since we launched the MIDI-enabled Xone:92 in 2003, followed by the multi-media Xone:3D in 2005, we have strived to design controllers that would fulfil a digital DJ’s wish list. The Xone:DX is the next step in this journey, with a versatile and wide-ranging set of features in a compact package,” comments Xone designer, Andy Rigby-Jones.

See the Xone:DX unveiled at the BPM show, NEC, Birmingham, 3-4 October 2009. Suggested retail price is £999 and shipping will commence in November 2009.
www.xone.co.uk

Turbosound Milan MI5

As I was walking around my back garden, I saw wafts of smoke coming from the Partridge Green area of West Sussex.  I pulled out my Smoke Signal Decoder 1000 and translated the signals into something truly amazing.

On the 1st October, 2009 – Turbosound will be launching a brand new product aimed at the Mobile DJ market.

Here’s the blurb…

For almost three decades Turbosound has enabled the passion, energy and emotion in live music to be enjoyed by vast numbers of people around the world. Now get yourself some of that in-your-face Turbosound attitude in a great-sounding, portable, durable and stylishly attractive powered loudspeaker that will raise your live sound to a new level: introducing the Milan MI5.

Milan stands out from the crowd: its integrated 450w Class D amplifier gives the most output from a compact package, while the sophisticated DSP provides frequency-dependent limiting for maximum audio quality and drive unit protection. The two-channel mixer accepts both mic and line inputs on jack/XLR to easily balance all your instruments and music sources, and the Mix-Out function provides the versatility to daisy-chain to further Milan cabinets to expand your system.

Don’t think of Milan only as PA speaker. It’s also a great keyboard amp or powerful wedge monitor. Its 43° wedge angle is derived from the world’s most popular monitor wedge – the TFM-450 – and is optimised for stability and best coverage.

Milan benefits from Turbosound’s advanced acoustics technology: the Converging Elliptical Waveguide provides great intelligibilty and excellent coverage over a wide audience area, aided by the ingenious dual angle pole holder which provides an additional 12° downward tilt.

Get the whole Milan package at www.turbosound.com on October 1st.

Technical Blurb…

• Two-way digitally self-powered loudspeaker
• 15″ neo LF, 1″ neo HF compression driver
• 131dB peak, 23Hz – 22kHz ±10dB
• 90°h x 60°v
• 720h x 470w x 400d
• 22kg

Now, we are hoping to get Turbosound in early next year (probably March) to showcase the MI5.  I will be getting a couple of units in the coming weeks to try out on the road so I will be posting the review here and of course hopefully it will be printed in Pro Mobile for all to see.  I should have a verbal review ready by November ShowNight all being well, so it should give you something to look forward to.

For more information, check out www.turbosound.com or download the Milan MI5 brochure here!

Pioneer CDJ-2000

Well, the secret is finally out, and here it is!  This is the brand new CDJ-2000 from Pioneer.  A hybrid of the best the CDJ-1000 MK3 had to offer and everything the MEP-7000 has to offer.  Pioneer also launched a brand new replacement for the CDJ-800, named the CDJ-900, a baby brother to the one above, but more about that later.

So…what does it do?  Well, first of all, pop over to DJsounds.com where some of the biggest names in the industry will show you exactly what this unit is capable of.  Several SEDA members are lucky enough to make it to the official launch tonight at the Ministry Of Sound in London, so whilst we wait for their official report, here are a few videos for you to watch.

Here’s another picture for you to drool over…

Full report and pictures from the launch party….TOMORROW!

Pioneer announce new DJM-5000 ‘mobile DJ mixer’

PIONEER’S DJM-5000 IS WORLD’S FIRST 96KHZ/24-BIT DJ MIXER WITH DEDICATED ZONE OUTPUT, ADVANCED TALK OVER, SOUND CARD AND BUILT-IN SOUND MAXIMIZER

Pioneer knows mobile DJs need more these days: more flexibility, more compatibility, more possibilities and more punch. These requirements are now met by the latest addition to the trusted DJM mixer family – the DJM-5000. This four-channel mixer today launches with several standout innovations that place a premium on DJ dynamism, usability and professional style.

The ideal companion for Pioneer’s MEP-7000 media player, the DJM-5000 delivers 96kHz/24-bit sound and is also fully MIDI-enabled. Its built-in sound card for the laptop DJ guarantees quick and convenient PC/Mac connectivity, while three microphone channels together with four mic effects and an Advanced talk over application allow meticulous control over MCs, announcements and vocals. It also offers a dedicated Master/Zone output facility, enabling one DJ to manage two separate outputs across two different locations. Adding to its knockout credentials, the DJM-5000 includes a new Sound Maximizer function that boosts EQ dynamics to suit play in any environment and breathe new life into MP3’s.

“The DJM-5000 is an advanced digital mixer and 24-bit sound card that delivers countless benefits, especially in terms of creativity and functionality. The result of extensive research into what DJs really need, to accurately orchestrate an event with ease, this mixer progresses Pioneer’s vision for the mobile DJ/installation market,” comments Martin Dockree, Sales Product Manager, Pioneer GB Limited.

KEY FEATURES
96kHz/24-bit unbeatable studio quality digital audio
Borrowing its technology from the DJM-1000, the analogue signal from the media player is digitised at 96kHz/24-bit, so it reaches the digital mixing stage in the best possible state. Mixing is then carried out by 32-bit digital signal processing with minimal deterioration of sound quality.

Three-way USB audio interface permits direct input from a PC*
There is no excessive wiring, no extra sound card and no nonsense. Since the mixer employs a six-channel (three stereo pair) USB audio interface, it’s possible to play music directly from a PC via the USB connection – without the need for an additional external sound card.
* Compatible with Windows and Mac. Three stereo outputs can be assigned under Windows only when used with ASIO compliant software.

Master/Zone output allows one mixer to manage two areas
The DJM-5000 features two independent output systems, enabling separate music to be sent to two different areas. For example, one mixer can be the nerve centre for high-energy dance music on the main dancefloor and also play more chilled beats in the lounge. The microphone output can also be selected to transmit individually, so that announcements, MC or vocal performances can be tailored specifically to each zone.

Check 1,2,3… microphone channels, with advanced MC features, and four mic effects
Three easy-to-use microphone channels are honed for improved performance. Two of the inputs have independent microphone channel systems, and volume and three-band EQ can be controlled separately for each. Channel 1 of the DJ section can also be used for mic input, complete with three-band EQ. For extra adjustment of MCs or vocals, four key mic effects are included: Reverb, Echo+Verb, Octaver and Pitch. In addition, the send/return terminals, which are the same as on the DJM-800, present the possibility for yet more connectivity and effects.

Industry-first** Advanced talk over feature
The DJM-5000 offers two types of talk over, with a knob to adjust the ducking level. The advanced talk over function makes it easier to hear exactly what is being communicated over the microphone without reducing the volume of the music. Normal talk over automatically lowers the level of the music across the full frequency, which means an overall drop in volume. However, with Advanced talk over only the mid-range frequency band is lowered. This allows DJs, MCs and vocalists to proceed smoothly without detracting from the atmosphere that has been built in the room.
** For DJ mixers as of 10th August 2009, according to Pioneer research.

Sound Maximizer boosts EQ, in accordance with the environment
The Sound Maximizer makes it easy to optimise the audio to suit the venue. This is done via two rotary knobs: 1) Dynamics, which boosts the low range for a richer, stronger sound, and 2) Clarity, which improves the general sense of separation and emphasises the mid-high range for a crisper, clearer sound, even at lower volumes.

Fully Assignable USB-MIDI function for connectivity and software control
61 different knobs and buttons on the DJM-5000 can transmit control data via MIDI signal over a single USB connection with your PC to any MIDI-mapable DJ software. As such, the mixer can also be used as a MIDI controller to advance flexibility and control.

OTHER FEATURES
– Digital Input: Two inputs for direct connection to digital sources with superior signal quality.
– Peak Level Meter: Each channel features an LED meter for speedy monitoring.
– Three-Band EQ: High, Mid, Low equaliser on each channel (–26dB to +6dB).
– Cross Fader Assign: Easily assign channel output via the cross fader for versatile control.
– Cross Fader Curve Adjust: The curve of the cross fader can be adjusted to three patterns.
– Fader Start Play: Connecting a Pioneer CDJ or MEP player makes it possible to start/cue the player simply by sliding the cross fader or channel fader.
– 19-Inch Rack Mount Ready: The solid rack mount format is simple to install with other equipment in clubs, bars and studios.

Specifications

Number of Channels:     4
Input Terminals:         CD / LINE x 6 (RCA)
______        DIGITAL IN x 2 (RCA)
_____              MIC x 3
(Top panel XLR/_-inch combo x 1, XLR x 1, _-inch x 1)
Output Terminals:        MASTER OUT x 2 (XLR x 1, RCA x 1)
______        ZONE OUT x 1 (XLR)
______        BOOTH OUT x 1 (_-inch)
______        HEADPHONE MONITOR OUT x 1 (Top panel _-inch)
______        REC OUT x 1 (RCA)
Other Terminals:         SEND x 1 (_-inch)
RETURN x 1 (_-inch)
CONTROL OUT x 2 (3.5mm mini-jack)
USB-B Port x 1
Sampling Rate:         96kHz
A/D, D/A Converter:     24-bit
Frequency Response:     20Hz to 20kHz
Total Harmonic Distortion: 0.005% or less
Signal-to-Noise Ratio:     102 dB (LINE)
Headroom:         19dB
Voltage:         220-240V 50/60 Hz
Power Consumption:     33 W
Dimensions:         19in (W) x 8.86in (D) x 4.24in (H)
482.6mm (W) x 225.1mm (D) x 107.8mm (H)
Weight:             15.2lbs / 6.9kg

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