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June 25, 2009 11:41 AM PDT

Top tech for real DJ heroes

by Donald Bell
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photo of the Allen & Heath Xone 4D mixer

The Allen & Heath Xone 4D is some serious tech for DJs who mean business.

(Credit: Allen & Heath)

With the upcoming release of the video game DJ Hero set to retread the path of the Guitar Hero phenomenon, you can bet on seeing a surge in amateur DJing. But unlike guitars, most people are pretty clueless when it comes to DJ tools. Strings, frets, and whammy bars are one thing, but crossfaders, EQ kills, and cue points are a different beast.

Local music stores have been doing a brisk business selling electric guitars and drum sets to ambitious Guitar Hero and Rock Band prodigies, but the game-to-reality upgrade path for DJ Hero isn't as cut and dry. Two turntables and a mixing deck is a nice start, but most DJ Hero graduates will want to launch samples, create loops, and see their music library in the familiar context of a laptop screen.

Fortunately, digital DJ rigs have really hit their stride in recent years, offering tons of cool features at increasingly affordable prices. Some of these digital systems are meant to retrofit analog turntables, while others replace turntables altogether using jog wheels or imitation vinyl.

Hit up our slideshow for our top digital DJ picks.

April 4, 2009 5:52 AM PDT

Numark NS7 is God's gift to DJs

by Donald Bell
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Over the years, thousands of DJs have made the transition from turntables to laptops, lured by the idea of carrying less equipment, and cramming huge music libraries onto their hard drives. Along the way, though, the physical act of DJing--cueing, scratching, beatmatching--became about as dull as pointing and clicking through a spreadsheet.

To solve the problem, manufacturers and DJs have been struggling to find the perfect recipe for blending the advantages of digital audio with the feel and spirit of analog DJ gear. The results have been a Doctor Moreau-esque island of misfit hybrids, ranging from retrofitted analog turntables (a la Final Scratch), to flimsy plastic USB controllers with dodgy software. Nothing ever quite got it right. That is, until now.

After years reviewing digital DJ gear (and years more spent selling it) the Numark NS7 digital DJ system blew away my expectations of what laptop DJing could be. Of course, it also blew away my expectations on how much a DJ controller could cost ($1,300).

To find out why I'm so crazy for the Numark NS7, you can read my full report over at CNET Reviews.

The following product mentioned is available.

On Sale Now: $1,249.95 - $1,299.00
View the latest prices for Numark NS7

September 27, 2008 6:00 AM PDT

Crave: The Brian beef begins!

by Brian Tong
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It's all the things you Crave! Brian invites Ariel Nunez to talk about iTunes 8, DJing software from Serato, the ultimate pro gaming table, and Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe. Plus, Brian has a special "Do not Crave."

Related stories:

Desk fits it all for geek who has it all

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About Crave

The name says it all. Crave is our blog about gorgeous gadgets and other crushworthy stuff. If you would like to contact Crave with a tip or comment, please write to: crave@cnet.com

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