Hey Mr. Deejay, mix with your iPod
Numark this week announced its iDJ two-channel mixer, which can turn an everyday dual-iPod owner into Sir Digital-Mix-A-Lot. But in doing so, the company triggered an online debate about deejaying between the vinyl purists and those more apt to embrace technology.
"Digital turntables are just stupid. If you're going to DJ digitally, just bring a laptop. If you can't scratch, what's the point of having turntables?" wrote one Engadget reader.
"Spinning with vinyl does not make you a purist, it just means you're stuck on some outdated romantic vision of what DJing is," retorted another. "Most 'big name' DJs spin mostly CDs these days, so don't think it's just for tools."
As for the iDJ itself, the biggest complaint for Ilounge readers was that it doesn't have pitch control.
The iDJ features, among other things, two docking stations that accept all model iPods with a bottom connector, a dedicated microphone input with tone and level control, USB connectivity and a turntable spindle receptacle.
It won't ship until September and has a suggested price of $399. At least one retailer, however, IDJnow.com, is already selling it for $249.
Michelle Meyers is an associate editor who tracks online happenings in media, entertainment, and politics. E-mail Michelle. 
