One of the biggest arguments against laptop-based DJ setups is that they just aren't as reliable as a conventional turntable rig. For analog gear, the worst thing you have to worry about is a frayed cable or a warped record--unlike digital DJs who live with a constant fear that a software update may invalidate an audio-card driver or cripple their MIDI controller. The more components in the equation (external storage, USB drivers, software authorization dongles), the more you need a computer science degree just to diagnose the problem.
One way to tackle the reliability is to borrow a page from Apple and make a closed system of software and hardware that is deliberately engineered to work together with a minimum of setup or potential glitches. That's exactly what Vestax has done with its VCI-300 DJ bundle, made in cooperation with the audio software company Serato.
The VCI-300 isn't cheap (around $1,000), but it's not a bad value when you add up the cost of buying a hardware interface, 4-channel audio card, and professional DJ software as separate components. You're still paying a premium for the VCI-300's emphasis on reliability, but it's a small price to pay for some extra peace of mind.
You can read my full review of the Vestax VCI-300 DJ system over on CNET Reviews.
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The Akai MPC40 looks like the love child of a DJ mixer and a disco dance floor.
(Credit: Akai)Hot on the heels of CES and Macworld, the 2009 NAMM showcase (National Association of Music Merchants) kicks off Thursday, offering musicians and audio professionals heaps of new gear to drool over.
The first eyebrow-raising announcement comes from Akai, manufacturer of the MPC series of audio samplers and sequencers that have become a cornerstone of hip-hop music. As reported on the Create Digital Music blog, Akai has unveiled its design for the APC40, a stunning live-performance MIDI control surface designed specifically for use with Ableton Live's popular music software.
The APC40 is designed as a plug-and-play device that connects to your computer over USB with no drivers required. Once connected, you can set up the APC40's multiple buttons, knobs, and faders to control whatever virtual buttons, knobs, and faders appear in your software.
While USB MIDI controllers are nothing new, the Akai APC40 differs from most by including an 8x5 grid of buttons (upper left corner) that correspond with Ableton Live's unique grid sequencing software and support multiple on/off states reflected by different colors. In other words, if you or someone you know is way into making music with Ableton Live, but is tired of creating music by pointing and clicking through the software on their laptop, news of the APC40 should elicit squeals of joy.
Unfortunately, Akai's APC40 announcement doesn't include details on pricing or availability. But that won't stop me from dreaming.
For the full specs on the Akai APC40, check out Create Digital Music.
DaScratch is more than just a USB trackpad for DJs.
(Credit: Stanton)DJing with your laptop has loads of advantages, but emulating realistic DJ scratching can be tricky. Some people solve the problem with Wiimotes, but the most common workaround to get vinyl-like control of your DJ software is to convert your old turntables into digital-MIDI controllers using expensive systems such as Serato, Torq, or Traktor Scratch. Now, if you want to get all touchy-feely with your digital-DJ software without breaking the bank (or your back), Stanton is offering a new option called DaScratch.
DaScratch is a USB-powered MIDI controller that offers touch-sensitive control over your DJ software. Stanton includes integrated-software support for popular applications like Traktor and Serato, as well as advanced MIDI support for more musical apps, such as Ableton Live.
DaScratch does more than just give laptop DJs scratch control over their MP3s. The trackpad at the center of the system responds to multiple gestures, which can control EQ settings, effects, crossfade, and even trigger samples or cue points. A selection of buttons placed around the DaScratch touchpad offer some standard playback controls for those times when multigesture touch control is too much for your brain to process. You can see a video demonstration of DaScratch at the end of this post.
The DaScratch system has a retail price of $299 and is due out in October.
The USB-powered DJ Console Rmx is tough enough to survive a gig at the Thunderdome.
(Credit: CNET Networks)Being a DJ can be an expensive and confusing proposition. Going the traditional route of turntables and vinyl offers simplicity and street credibility, but it also means back-breaking record crates, an investment in turntable needles, and the constant fear of warped or scratched records. A laptop-based DJ rig solves these problems, but with the movement still in its infancy, there's lots of confusion over what products to buy, and each choice comes with its own set of hurdles to overcome.
There's no perfect solution for every digital DJ, but we were impressed by the Hercules DJ Console Rmx's unique combination of professional features and entry-level price. The DJ Console Rmx isn't for tech sissies, however, since you'll want to replace its bundled software right off the bat. Still, for $350, you get a four-channel USB audio card, microphone input, RCA and quarter-inch inputs and outputs, dual jog wheels, and an all-metal construction that could survive more than a few tumbles in the DJ booth.
To learn more about the Hercules DJ Console Rmx, check out our full review.
Old school vs. new school. I just couldn't help wondering what the Tenori-On would sound like with my old TB-303 bass-line synth. Yes, this is my idea of a fun weekend.
(Credit: Donald Bell/CNET Networks)For all you electronic music fans and lovers of all things blinky, my review of the Yamaha Tenori-On music sequencer is ready for your consideration. The final ruling in a nutshell: the Tenori-On is an awesome tool for performing electronic musicians, but too pricey for nonmusicians and too limited for studio music production.
What a long, strange tease its been since we first caught wind of the mythical Tenori-On music sequencer back in 2005. Now, here we are at the end: you've seen the photo gallery, the unboxing video, my interview with Yu Nishibori, the requisite comparison to the Monome, and finally, the full review.
As a farewell gift to the Tenori-On, I paired it up with the only other device in my life that equals it in blinky, metallic awesomeness: my vintage (slightly modified) Roland TB-303 Bass Line synth. Syncing the two gadgets wasn't easy, considering the TB-303 predates MIDI, and the Tenori-On does a horrible job driving MIDI clock. Still, I was able to capture a decent 30-second video of the two devices working in unison. For those of you who have no idea what you're looking at, the Tenori-On (right) is handling all the percussion sounds while the TB-303 (left) is spitting out a bass line like it's a 1994 warehouse rave.
Enjoy.
Click to view Crave's Tenori-On photo gallery.
(Credit: Donald Bell/CNET Networks)
OK, I have to admit I've been somewhat selfish with Yamaha's Tenori-On music sequencer ever since it arrived at my desk a few weeks back. Can you blame me, really? The thing meets all my requirements for gadget coveting--it's shiny, futuristic, noisy, and expensive.
I still have a few drum machines at home I want to connect the Tenori-On to before finishing up my full review. In the meantime, I suppose I can share some of the shots we took of the Tenori-On in our CNET photo studio. View the Yamaha Tenori-On photo gallery.
I don't easily give in to the gadget striptease of unboxing videos, but it felt a little like Christmas morning when Yamaha's futuristic Tenori-On music instrument landed on my desk today. Besides, with only 60 Tenori-On instruments on sale in the U.S. (only 17 left at the time of this writing), I figure this video might allow deprived electronic musicians to work through their anguish.
Expect a full review of the Tenori-On to make its way on CNET next week. By the looks of my video, I'll need some time to figure this thing out.
For more footage of the Tenori-On in action, take a look at my interview with Yamaha's Yu Nishibori, filmed at Robotspeak back in December.
The Yamaha Tenori-On music sequencer in all its bleepy glory.
(Credit: Yamaha)Yamaha's elusive Tenori-On music sequencer officially goes on sale today in the U.S. Yamaha is asking $1,200 for the Tenori-On, which isn't a bad deal when held up to comparable devices such as the Akai MPC1000.
With only 60 units in stock, and a rabid throng of electronic musicians champing at the bit for these things, we expect Yamaha will sell through its supply by the time you read this. For the rest of you, there's always the T-shirt.
Roland's recently announced FR-2 V-Accordion is the cutting edge of polka technology.
(Credit: Roland U.S.)
Does your mastery of the accordion already have groupies beating a path to your polka nights? Then turn back now, lest you glimpse the power of the most futuristic, and dynamic accordion ever made: the Roland FR-2.
Roland's FR-2 V-Accordion is no mere squeezebox. Announced at January's NAMM expo, the FR-2 charts out the future of the already thrilling world of accordion performance. It has eight virtual accordion sound presets, MIDI input/output, AA-battery power, high-resolution bellows pressure sensors, chorus and reverb sound effects, an integrated digital metronome, and pad triggers for sampled percussion (cowbell not included).
For those of you who haven't yet perfected your accordion technique, the FR-2 V-Accordion also includes a built-in headphone output that allows you to practice your chops to the break of dawn without disturbing a soul. If you lack both the discipline and funds to be worthy of the FR-2, you can always try your hand at Accordion Hero and Accordion Hero II.
The Stanton SCS digital DJ rig gets laptop DJs as close as possible to the vinyl experience without having to lug around turntables.
(Credit: Stanton)The 2008 NAMM expo (National Association of Music Merchants) kicks off today in Anaheim, Calif., and with it comes a treasure trove of slick digital DJ gear. The first cool announcement to hit my in-box has to be the SC series, Stanton's latest take on the laptop DJ interface.
Stanton's SCS.1d virtual turntable controller features a 10-inch vinyl control surface.
(Credit: Stanton)At first glance, the SC setup looks like a traditional analog turntable and mixing board, but in reality it's an all-digital system (look, Ma--no tonearm!) that makes DJing from your laptop a much more physical and engaging experience. The Stanton SC rig comes in two parts: the SCS.1d virtual turntable ($1,499); and the SCS.1m virtual mixer ($999). Both parts of the system are each rad in their own right, so here's the breakdown on features (with photos).... Read more
