Articles in ‘DJ Gear’

Traktor Kontrol X1- First ‘hands on’ video

by Paul Dakeyne, in DJ Gear, No Comments

traktor kontrol x1 synergy portmanIt can occasionally be a bit of a bummer living a considerable distance away from our great metropolis, proven by the fact that I sometimes miss ‘exclusive debuts’ of gear such as the super cool Traktor Kontrol X1 which was premiered in London yesterday. Ben Scully of DV’s Synergy Music Computer team however, didn’t and took down a video camera to film Traktor Pro  being stroked and teased by the Kontrol X1 - and thence followed the ‘oohs and arr’s’ from the assembled masses. A quick email quote from ‘Synergy Ben’ describes … continue reading ‘Traktor Kontrol X1- First ‘hands on’ video’

Traktor Kontrol X1 - DJ Performance Controller announced

by Paul Dakeyne, in DJ Gear, No Comments

ni traktor kontrol DJWell, the news is out. Shrouded in mystery and with nothing other than a dodgy Ritchie Hawtin YouTube video to get tongues waggin’, Native Instruments today reveal the Traktor Kontrol X1, DJ Performance Controller. Designed for both software and DVS timecode DJ’s, this new unit aims squarely at the Traktor Pro user but being also full midi capable, allows integration with Serato Scratch et al too.

This stunning new kid on the block enables you to … continue reading ‘Traktor Kontrol X1 - DJ Performance Controller announced’

Allen & Heath Xone:DX scratches the itch

by Paul Dakeyne, in DJ Gear, No Comments

ah_xonedxShipping in November ‘09, Allen and Heath have teamed up with Serato to introduce the new Xone:DX DJ controller. This latest offering into what is already a crowded gear pool sees the convergence of two market leaders in DJ hardware and software.

The Xone:DX is very much designed for use with Serato’s four deck version of the acclaimed (and supplied) Itch DJ program. This includes a comprehensive set of … continue reading ‘Allen & Heath Xone:DX scratches the itch’

New Native Instruments Traktor Controller?

by Paul Dakeyne, in DJ Gear, No Comments

new native instruments traktor controllerAha! Naughty Native Instruments, slipping this teaser video out and not telling us anything about it. Richie Hawtin is your DJ, and what’s that he’s using with DJ mixing software Traktor Pro in his latest live gig? Well, the innovative Maschine for sure, and we know all about that thanks very much.. But wait, there’s a pair of controllers with the NI badge on. Don’t they look the ‘dogs’ B’s?! … continue reading ‘New Native Instruments Traktor Controller?’

Pioneer CDJ 2000 - Evolution in Revolution

by Paul Dakeyne, in DJ Gear, No Comments

pioneer cdj 2000Occasionally, just very occasionally, a pro-audio product comes along that literally brings on the dawn of a new era in its genre, and today DJ Equipment gets such a product. From Pioneer Pro-DJ (d-e-r-u-m roll please), all hail the unbelievably magnificent CDJ 2000. Today on Twitter, Facebook and online forums, DJ’s are getting gooey eyed and dripping with anticipation at the latest deck in the world … continue reading ‘Pioneer CDJ 2000 - Evolution in Revolution’

EKS Otus DJ Control Gets Bagged!

by Paul Dakeyne, in DJ Gear, No Comments

EKS otus plus bagFirst, a quick heads up on this one for fellow Digital DJ’s.. Otus, probably the coolest looking DJ controller on the planet, now comes with a free, official EKS leather gig bag (usually around a £ton)! Wonder if EKS will back date this offer..Hmmm?

I know, I know.. I’ve waxed lyrical before about this fantastic, operationally excellent and beautifully tactile DJ controller over at DV Forums (full review) and this very same blog. Primarily operating Traktor Pro, I’ve enjoyed using the Otus both for studio ‘mixtapes’ and of course for live DJ gigs over the past few months.

Don’t however think the Otus is a one trick Traktor pony. It’s a fully fledged MIDI capable device with huge possibilities for the user to map just about any control parameter handshake to work with DAW’s and virtual instruments alike. The dual stereo analog audio outputs also make this a true 100% pro interface, making Otus doubly invaluable for … continue reading ‘EKS Otus DJ Control Gets Bagged!’

When DJ’s take the biscuit!

by Paul Dakeyne, in DJ Gear, 6 Comments

hobnob suspects finalIt’s not often I come across some new and useful advice about equipment care whilst DJ’ing, but today, I’d like to raise awareness of what happened to this fellow DJ and customer.

All those who find themselves hungry on the job can avoid a similar peril by taking note of “DJ Cytron’s” recent email to DV247 Towers!!

hi there, my name is dj cytron…. … continue reading ‘When DJ’s take the biscuit!’

Numark NS7 - DJ Delight

by Paul Dakeyne, in DJ Gear, No Comments

ns7_pdk_optzTechnology for digital DJ’s just gets better and better. New kid on the block is definitely this rather dope, bad-ar*e, sic (or whatever the current term is for ‘bloomin’ excellent!) hardware and software combo showcasing … continue reading ‘Numark NS7 - DJ Delight’

EKS move Otus into Pro-DJ World

by Paul Dakeyne, in DJ Gear, No Comments

otus2Finnish manufacturer, EKS, really seem to be getting their aesthetically pleasing, efficiently functional, and uber-cool DJ software controller, the ‘Otus’  into  the hands of some ‘name’ artists. Darude, responsible for the massive world-wide dance hit ‘Sandstorm’ in 2000, has recently given his praise..

… continue reading ‘EKS move Otus into Pro-DJ World’