With the XPS 2.0 60 DJ SET, Hercules offers DJ mixing fans a way to easily equip their first “bedroom studio.”  With this speaker system, users can practice, prepare their first mixes, study and select music tracks, and even monitor and verify effects – all at their leisure.

XPS 2.0 60 DJ SET features two compact satellites, crafted entirely of wood, ensuring quality sound. Each satellite includes a tweeter and a 3-inch woofer with a Kevlar membrane, for good bass response. Both satellites also feature dual ports on their front face, useful for gauging bass frequencies.

In terms of connectors, XPS 2.0 60 DJ SET includes an RCA input, a 3.5 mm line input, and a stereo headphones output. All of the controls are practical and easily accessible, on the front of the right satellite speaker: volume, bass and treble. 

Hercules XPS 2.0 60 DJ SET will be available by the end of June 2012, at a suggested retail price of $129.99.

Specs:

RMS power: 30 W (2 x 15 W) / Peak power: 60 W

Frequency response: 60 Hz – 20 kHz

LEARN PRO DJ TECHNIQUES WITH BEYOND BEATMATCHING

A new book from Mixed In Key offers performance, gear, and business advice for DJs; and includes exclusive interviews with Markus Schulz, Sasha, DJ Prince, DJ Enferno, and more.

MIAMI BEACH, May 8, 2012—The creative minds behind Mixed In Key software are proud to announce the release of Beyond Beatmatching: Take Your DJ Career to the Next Level, a book that gets deep into the craft and business of professional DJing. Authors Yakov Vorobyev and Eric Coomes have more than 20 years combined experience in the professional DJ business.  Vorobyev is also president of Mixed In Key, makers of the industry-standard harmonic-mixing software for DJs.

“In this book we cover many advanced DJ techniques,” Vorobyev says. “We want to teach DJs something new, useful and exciting, regardless of their skill level. Most of all, we want to help them become incredible DJs.”

Beyond Beatmatching talks about:

•          Harmonic mixing: Learn basic and advanced techniques in this vital DJ skill.

•          Putting together your set: Discover how to mix a perfect DJ set.

•          Understanding the nightlife industry: Learn what goes on behind the scenes at a nightclub.

•          Getting gigs as a DJ: Get booked at clubs and festivals.

•          Building your brand: Increase your popularity on the club scene.

•          How to build the perfect DJ laptop: How to optimize a laptop for digital DJing, no matter your budget.

•          Assembling your team: Set goals for the future, and find the right people to help you get there.

Other topics covered include how to create mashups; how to develop a unique sound; how to adjust your set to fit the venue and audience; and how to use social media to reach more people, curate your brand, and expand your fan base.

The book also contains in-depth interviews with key DJs, managers, innovators and executives, including Markus Schulz, Sasha, A-list manager Ash Pournouri, talent booker Biz Martinez, and marketing guru Karl Detken.

“We decided to give back what we’ve learned through experience,” Vorobyev adds. “There are many books about how to beatmatch, but what happens after you already know how to DJ? We hope to share advice that will help you get to the next level.”

Beyond Beatmatching is published on the web for free. There are also Amazon Kindle and Digital .PDF versions available for $9.99 (US).   

ISBN-13: 978-0-615-63986-4

Read the entire book at http://mixedinkey.com/book

About the Authors

Yakov Vorobyev is the creator and founder of Mixed In Key, which has grown to become the DJ industry standard for key detection software. Vorobyev grew up in Washington, D.C., where he discovered a dual passion for writing computer code and DJing; while he worked by day at Bethesda Softworks (creators of The Elder Scrolls video game series) and various technology firms, he took to DJing by night at the top clubs in the city. In 2005, he graduated from George Washington University with a degree in Computer Science. He currently lives and works in Miami Beach, where he manages Mixed In Key’s international team of software developers to create new tools for DJs.

Eric Coomes is a forward-thinking DJ, nightlife consultant, event marketer and writer. After graduating magna cum laude from William Jewell College in 2003, he spent six years working at Cerner Corporation in interactive/web design, marketing, and copywriting. In 2009, he left Cerner to pursue his passion for DJing full time. Coomes currently holds DJ residencies at several nightclubs, and he spins at philanthropic events around Kansas City. In 2011, he worked with the LAVO New York marketing team to coordinate events for Sidney Samson, A-Trak, Tiësto, and LMFAO. Coomes is currently one of the copywriters at Mixed In Key, the award-winning DJ software company.

Press release

April 2012, Modena, Italy - IK Multimedia is proud to announce that DJ Rig™ FREE, a free version of IK’s pro-quality DJ mixing app for iPhone, is now available in the iTunes App store.

DJ Rig FREE is the perfect companion for the soon to be released iRig™ MIX portable DJ mixer for iPhone, iPod touch and iPad and together they provide the most portable and innovative setup for mobile DJs and musicians using iOS devices.

DJ Rig FREE offers double-deck DJ mixing with instant song-playing from the device’s music library, with automatic tempo sync and, for the first time on an iOS app: beat matching, allowing anyone to perfectly synchronize any song just like a pro DJ – but with just one touch of a button. 

All the controls needed for an inspired mixing experience are included in DJ Rig FREE such as tempo controls for fine tuning BPM adjustments, multiple crossfader curves, a waveform display that can be dragged and zoomed, and an accurate scratch engine modelled on real deck behaviour with IK’s proprietary CloneDeck™ technology for scratching with cut-to-the-beat and a live recorder to capture the full mix performance and export it easily.

Further augmenting the app’s capabilities, DJ Rig FREE also includes a beat-synced effect (filter) with XY touch interface and a sampler machine with a set of 9 sample pads and one sample bank.  These can be used to enhance the remixing performance or record and play your own samples on top of your mixes. More effects (up to 12) and sample banks (up to 15) can be added via in-app purchase by upgrading to the full version of DJ Rig or getting the Pro-bundle pack, which also includes multiple (4) visual cue-points.

Most notably, DJ Rig also includes X-Sync. This feature, when used with iRig Mix, unlocks the full capability of the iRig DJ system.  For the first time it is now possible for anyone to synchronize the app’s audio with any other external audio source.  This can be a second iOS device of course, but DJ’s can now also sync to external CD and MP3 players!

DJ Rig FREE features

Landscape and portrait interfaces

Instant songs and playlists playing from the device music library, with BPM detection, beat analysis and beat map saving

Supports all major digital audio formats including MP3, AAC, WAV, AIFF

Deck controls: Volume, Pitch, 3-Band Kill EQ, Headphones and Crossfader

Tempo Sync and Beat match

Effects with XY touch interface – all beat-synced

Sampler-machine with sample pads

Multiple output configurations for virtually any audio setup

X-Sync mode detects the tempo from external audio sources in real-time and automatically syncs the app audio to external devices (when used with iRig MIX)

Pricing and availability

DJ Rig FREE is now available for download in the iTunes app store.

An upgrade to the full version is available as in-app purchase for $4.99/€3.99 and includes looping, 5 effects (Band Pass Filter, High Pass Filter, Delay, Stutter, Phazer)? and 7 sound banks (Drones, Hoovers, Instrument Hits 1, Stabs 1, Synth 1, Vocals 1, Classic FX).  The regular paid version of the DJ Rig app with all these features already included is also available in the iTunes store for the same price.

A Pro bundle pack is available for the users of the full version as in-app purchase for $4.99/€3.99 and includes: multiple cues, digital deck skin, 6 effects (Flanger, Comp, Fuzzy, Reverb, Auto Wah, Crush) and 7 Sound Banks (Atmo FX, Animals FX, Instrument Hits 2, Instrument Hits 3, Synth 2, Stabs 2, Vocals 2).

iRig MIX is priced at $99.99/€74.99 (ex. VAT) and will start shipping in May.

An iPad version of DJ Rig is currently in development and will be available soon. 

Press release

http://youtu.be/kMLcvU_P48c

 MixVibes is proud to present the most exciting DJing application they have ever created: CrossDJ for iPad. MixVibes brings you a comprehensive iPad DJing experience with a user friendly yet professional and feature rich layout. This application allows all DJs to enjoy performing quality sounding mixes on an iPad.

CrossDJ was developed by the same professional software team who developed ‘Cross’, awarded ‘Best DJing Software’ in 2010 and 2011 the MIXMOVE awards in Paris. MixVibes has been providing DJs with professional solutions for over 10 years. Hence, no other iPad DJing application has ever received such expertise, attention to ergonomics and user feedback in its development.

www.djworx.com: “A decade later, [MixVibes has] fully matured software running on Mac and PC – and now iPad”.

A complete DJing tool, CrossDJ is a fully-fledged DJing controller. It features a full 2-channel mixer with 3-band EQs and Kills, preset Loops, 6 Locators, High-precision audio FX with X/Y control pad and much more. These professional features are what will no doubt make this application a reference in the DJing Market.  Eric Guez C.E.O. of MixVibes commented, “I believe that the iPad is and will become a serious DJing tool in years to come.”

In addition, CrossDJ takes advantage of the iPad/iPhone media management paradigm with fluid, rapid and intuitive browsing and loading. You can easily access all iTunes playlists and browse media using a Dynamic Triple Criteria Filter.

The audio stream can be split in order to be able to monitor tracks with headphones, which is essential for a professional mix.

Clean mixes and clear sound is what you are getting with CrossDJ!

Available from the App Store - Expected Launch Date: 7th May

Special launch price 7.99€ (ends 4th June) 

Normal price 14.99€

iPhone version launching summer 2012

CrossDJ - Main Features

A DJing Controller

Thanks to 10 years of expertise in DJing software, MixVibes brings you a professional iPad application including all the main DJing features you need to perform and control a seamless mix. The mixer section includes 2 players with 3-band equalizers, frequency kills, gains, 2 volume faders, a crossfader and 2 pitch sliders with adjustable range (4%, 6%, 8%, 16%, 32%, 100%).

FX Touch Pad and Vinyl Wheel

The interface features 2 deck views:  The “vinyl record deck” allows precise scratching and the possibility to cue a track as you would with a regular turntable. The “FX view” features a large X/Y control pad allowing you to explore the full extent and potential of the 13 audio FX. The “FX hold” feature allows you to lock down an audio effect on a precise setting point. These features are the gateway to a whole new spectrum of creative possibilities.

Two Loop Modes

The first mode is the regular loop mode with 8 different lengths of loops varying from 1/8 beat to 16 beats (4bars). The second mode is called “slip” mode. Here, loops are active only when a finger is pressed on the loop. While the loop is active the track keeps playing so that when you release the finger the musical flow is not affected.

Star Features

The BPM analysis algorithm used by CrossDJ has been fire-tested and perfected to the max for the iPad. This analysis is performed automatically the first time you load a track. Once analyzed, the mix is visually assisted with a sync meter and high definition waveforms. Thanks to the “Beatgrid” feature, mixes will be flawless and synchronized automatically. Edits to the beat grid are doable on-the-fly and saved to the collection.

www.digitaldjtips.com: “We think it is a contender for best elastic beatgridding of any DJ software”.

Headphone Monitoring: Split Output

CrossDJ offers the possibility to monitor the mix with headphones using multiple routing modes. The split routing allows monitoring, which means you are performing a mix in actual professional conditions. The default setting plays music directly through the master stream.

Media Management

CrossDJ is stocked with a combination of MixVibes’ multiple award-winning Media Management system and Apple’s intuitive track search paradigm. Media browsing is made through a multi-criteria filter or directly on the full size iPad keyboard. Hence, loading a new track is done in seconds.

www.djworx.com: “Given [MixVibes’] excellence in library management, the iPad version is equally endowed with solid library skills too.”

Sound

CrossDJ is compatible with most popular audio formats including every iTunes compatible format and many more. A pristine sound quality of CrossDJ will be offered through the headphone plug jack and the USB port.

Clean mixes and clear sound is what you are getting with CrossDJ!

ABOUT MIXVIBES

MixVibes is an international DJing solution provider whose headquarters are in Paris, France. This company is a global player in the software and electronics audio/video products market for Home and Professional DJs.

For all media enquiries, please contact MixVibes’ Marketing team at: marketing@mixvibes.com

For Partnerships, Commercial Queries or more please contact Lionel Blanc (Marketing Director): lionel.blanc@mixvibes.com

For images please visit www.mixvibes.com

For videos please visit  www.youtube.com/user/mixvibes/featured

www.facebook.com/mixvibes

www.twitter.com//mixvibes

LOS ANGELES (For Immediate Release) – Nuptial toasts to the bride and groom are as much a part of weddings as cutting the cake or saying “I do.”  No one knows that better than DJs, who are typically involved in hundreds if not thousands of wedding toasts during the course of their careers. Now DJs have a chance to show off their toast mastering skills in the American DJ and American Audio Top Toast Contest, which will be held at the Las Vegas DJ Show September 10-12 at the LVH Hotel (formerly Las Vegas Hilton).

Open to all visitors 18 years of age or older to the Las Vegas DJ Show, the contest gives DJs the chance to offer a wedding toast to an imaginary pair of newlyweds. American DJ’s contest master Brian S. Redd will be videoing the toasts and posting them on a website www.adjnewswave.com/toptoast. The public will be invited to vote for their favorite toast between the time the entries are posted until 4 pm Eastern Time Friday September 28.

DJs whose toasts receive the most votes will win these cool prizes:

• First – Uplighting Package: 4x Flat Par TRI7X, 1x RGB3C, All DMX & Power Linking Cables ($920.00 value)

• Second –Encore 2000: All-in-one CD/MP3/MIDI Controller ($499.99 value)

• Third –Galaxian Gem LED: 2-in-1 Laser/LED Moonflower ($249.99 value)

Who are the “newlyweds” that DJs will be toasting in this contest?  They will be poster-sized photographs of randomly selected couples raising glasses in celebration. Brian Redd will read a brief description of the imaginary couple and how they met. Here’s an example: “Meet Ralph and Bonnie… Ralph is a house painter who was working on Bonnie’s neighbor’s house when he went over to Bonnie’s to ask for a glass of water. That’s when her little Pomeranian nipped him! Ralph didn’t complain though. He came over the next day with a toy for the dog and invited Bonnie to dinner. Now here they are getting ready to tie the knot.”

After hearing these descriptions, DJs are on their own; their toasts can take them anywhere their imagination wants to go — from the funny toast to the philosophical or sentimental one. Any toast of 45 seconds or less that shows off the DJ’s toast mastering skills will be posted on the contest site, provided it contains no profanity, demeaning language, or racially or sexually insensitive material.

“We all know what a creative group of people DJs are,” said Brian Dowdle, Marketing Director of American DJ. “As a company, we like to stage events that give DJs a chance to express this creativity. Our Top Toast contest adds a fun element to the Las Vegas DJ Show, which is already loaded with a lot of very informative seminars, including two sponsored by American DJ, plus conferences and networking opportunities. We’re excited to go to the show and to hold this contest.”

Brian Redd will be holding the contest at a special “ADJ Wedding Chapel” set up near the company’s booth at the Las Vegas DJ Show.  DJs will be able to submit up to three toasts. Toasting will be done at designated times posted at the American DJ booth. No advance appointment is necessary to enter. Only videos made during the Las Vegas DJ Show will be eligible for consideration.

To register for the Las Vegas DJ Show, visit http://thelasvegasdjshow.com/registration/. For more information on the Top Toast contest and official rules, visit http://www.adjnewswave.com/toptoast/rules.html.

Press release

Version 1.2 for Stanton’s popular Scratch DJ Academy MIX! software is now available. Developed along with Scratch DJ Academy, the world leader in DJ education, this latest version of MIX!, offers more than 10 new features. MIX! was designed for music fans who want to mix tracks from their personal digital music library, as well as for professional DJs who need a song analysis tool to refine their game.  Version 1.2 brings powerful new capabilities for beginner and pros alike. 

This version of the MIX! software enhances the elements important to all DJ’s, by adding preset fade in and fade outs, enhanced BPM and key match detection, and automation. 

MIX! Automation

MIX! V1.2 adds advanced automation of DJ mixer controls. With the update, DJ’s can now build mixes and draw custom automation curves for track volume, overall tempo and three EQ bands.  Each curve is color coded so that DJ’s can visualize and edit their mixes quickly and easily.

Cross Fade Curves

MIX! now contains seven predefined fade in and fade out curves for different styles of mixing. The cross fade curves can be seen as red lines on the waveforms in the arrangement view, making it easy to see and edit the cross fades.  Fades can be linked so that the “fade in” curve is the reverse of the “fade out” curve on selection, allowing a faster workflow.

Independent Mix Settings

Mix settings in the playlist can also be edited independently of the settings in the library. For example, different occurrences of a song in the playlist can have different start offsets, or a song in your playlist can use a “double time” tempo to better beat match to other songs in your playlist, without changing its analysis in the library. 

Customizable Workspace and Improved Visual Display

MIX! also now offers a vertical resize bar between its mix controls and the arrangement, which allows users to expand the waveform view or list views giving a larger working area for playlist creation, or mixing. Stanton and Scratch DJ Academy have also made updates on how track information in the MIX! software is viewed. The time-counter section of the transport screen has been enhanced to display the playback time down to the millisecond. Also, the current playback tempo is now displayed to the hundredth of a beat per minute as well as a display of the current musical measure, beat and thousandth of a beat.

Prioritize Analyzation

With the new version of Scratch DJ Academy MIX!, users can now prioritize which files get analyzed. In the library view, simply right‐click on a song waiting to be imported and select “Prioritize Analysis” to move it to the top of the analysis queue.  

Scratch DJ Academy MIX! is compatible with both Microsoft® Windows® and Apple Mac OS X® platforms. Version 1.2 is available as a trial download from the Stanton website (http://www.stantondj.com/mix-software.html). 

For additional information on Scratch DJ Academy MIX! or other Stanton products, visit the company online at http://www.stantondj.com.

Press release 10th April 2012

Every DJ knows that a spectacular set requires high-quality headphones. Enter the HDJ-1500s, the pro-DJ headphones that deliver flawless sound reproduction and impressive durability in a seriously stylish package. 

The latest addition to Pioneer’s professional headphones range, the HDJ-1500s owe their crystal-clear sound quality to increased output levels, a lower impedance and an exclusive soundproofing chamber specially developed by Pioneer. 

The HJD-1500s’ copper-clad aluminum wire voice coils guarantee accurate reproduction of deep base notes and superbly balanced sound across all frequencies. And the exclusive soundproofing chamber eliminates outside noise so DJs can easily monitor the beat –even in the loudest of venues. 

Ruggedly built, with lightweight but durable magnesium alloy parts, the HDJ-1500s are perfectly designed to endure the rigors of frequent professional use. And the urethane memory foam ear pads hug the ear for maximum comfort even during the longest sets. 

Available in two stunning colors – classy chrome black and sleek deep silver– the HDJ-1500s look good in every venue, while the included carrying pouch means they’re perfectly portable.

Key features of the HDJ-1500

Superb sound quality

With high-quality components, the HDJ-1500s deliver perfectly balanced sound across all frequencies. The headphones feature copper-clad aluminum wire voice coils, large 50 mm driver units, rare earth magnets and 38μm-thick diaphragms, guaranteeing accurate reproduction of deep base notes and clear delivery of other low to medium frequencies, such as kicks and snares. Output levels are 1 dB greater than Pioneer’s HDJ-1000 headphones, and a lower impedance offers even greater sensitivity, so DJs get pristine sound reproduction every time, regardless of what device the HDJ-1500s are hooked up to. 

WORLD EXCLUSIVE: groundbreaking soundproofing component

Monitoring tracks on a heaving dance floor is a breeze with the HDJ-1500s, no matter how rowdy the party gets. Sound insulation around low and medium frequencies (300 Hz to 1,300 Hz) has improved by an impressive 4 dB compared to the HDJ-1000s thanks to the innovative sound-isolation chamber on the bass reflex port, which eliminates background noise. 

Durable design for professional use

The HDJ-1500s’ moving headband and hinges are composed of rugged yet lightweight magnesium alloy to withstand the rigors of professional use. Plus, the single-sided cable can be easily replaced if it gets damaged, further prolonging the life of the headphones. 

Supreme comfort with interchangeable urethane foam ear pads

The narrow ear cup design creates a tight seal on your ear to block out external sound, while the low-resilience urethane memory foam ear pads make sure the HDJ-1500s are easy on the ears even during prolonged use. The included ear pads can be replaced with the HDJ-EP01s –open-cup protein leather ear pads which sit around the ears and are sold separately –so DJs can choose the best option to suit their comfort and listening style. 

Available in two colors: chrome black and deep silver

DJs can coordinate their headphones with the club, the studio, their kit, their set, their clothes or even their mood as the HDJ-1500s come in two striking colors–classy chrome black and sleek deep silver.

Included accessories

The compact carrying pouch means the headphones can be safely transported to the club or the studio in style. The HDJ-1500s also fit perfectly in the slim and lightweight HDJ-HC01 carrying case. Accessories such as USB memory sticks and SD cards can be stored in specially designated pockets within the carrying cases for added convenience. 

Main specifications – HDJ-1500

Description Enclosed dynamic stereo headphones

Impedance 32 Ω

Sensitivity 108 dB

Frequency range 5 Hz to 30,000 Hz

Maximum input 3,500 mW（JEITA）

Drive units φ50 mm domes 

Cable length 1.2 m single-sided coiled cable (approximately 3.0 m when extended – removable type)

Plug φ3.5 mm stereo mini-jack (gold-plated, two-way, screw type) 

Ear pads　 Polyurethane (leather type)

Weight 285 g (excluding cable)

Included accessories φ6.3 mm standard stereo adapter (gold-plated, screw type) and carrying pouch

Press release

Stanton®, part of the new Gibson Pro Audio division, and an industry leader in the design and manufacture of professional audio products for DJs, is please to introduce the DJC.4 Virtual DJ Digital Workstation. A complete solution for today’s digital DJs, the DJC.4 provides control of four decks of audio while offering multiple integration options.

The DJC.4 comes bundled with a four-deck version of Virtual DJ® LE, which allows users to scratch and mix four decks of audio as well as control video. Its built-in audio interface allows users to integrate turntables or CD decks into their performance. The control surface of the DJC.4 features large, touch-sensitive jog wheels, offering users extremely tight scratch and pitch bend control.

Setup of the DJC.4 is easy. Users simply plug in the included USB cable, start up Virtual DJ LE and go. The one-to-one mapping makes for a plug-in-and-play, out-of-the-box solution that eliminates all guesswork. The DJC.4 also includes shift functionality on all buttons and encoders, ensuring future equipment and functionality can be added with ease

“DJC.4 is a great tool for the digital DJ, providing easy setup and ultimate control over even finely nuanced performances through its high-resolution jog wheels and pitch faders,” says Timothy Dorwart, General Manager of Gibson Pro Audio. “This, combined with its rugged steel chassis, long-lasting faders and chassis-nutted pots, means users are going to be enjoying the DJC.4 for years to come.” 

The DJC.4 offers control over four software decks at once. Its browse-control section allows tracks to be loaded to any one of the four decks. Also, its intuitively labeled shift layers allow for direct access to filter, key and other advanced controls, the FX section provides direct access to three FX per deck,  as well as a performance-enhancing Fader-FX control mode. All of these controls can be easily mapped to any DJ/VJ software. In addition, there are two stereo Line/Phono inputs that can be used for Turntable/CD connections, as well as DVS control (with optional discounted Virtual DJ Pro upgrade).

Press release - for immediate release

Berlin, April 2nd, 2012 – Native Instruments today announced TRAKTOR REMIXED – a comprehensive revision of the TRAKTOR range to coincide with the imminent arrival of TRAKTOR PRO 2.5. Due for release on May 30th – the same day as the TRAKTOR KONTROL F1 add-on controller – TRAKTOR PRO 2.5 is the catalyst for many important changes in the TRAKTOR portfolio that aim to simplify the TRAKTOR product range for DJs.Free updates for TRAKTOR PRO 2 and TRAKTOR DUO 2 users

All users of TRAKTOR PRO 2 and TRAKTOR DUO 2 will receive a free update to the latest PRO 2.5 software as soon as it is available. The updated software version introduces the innovative Remix Decks™, which allow DJs to creatively remix and rearrange tracks before and during their actual performance. As of today, users of TRAKTOR DUO 2 and TRAKTOR SCRATCH DUO 2 will receive a free upgrade to TRAKTOR PRO 2.

TRAKTOR PRO 2 software comes free with every TRAKTOR hardware

From today onwards, every TRAKTOR hardware item will automatically come with the latest full TRAKTOR PRO 2 version free of charge, which can then be comfortably updated to PRO 2.5 on its release. This applies to all TRAKTOR audio interfaces, controllers and scratch systems and is especially attractive to new customers. TRAKTOR PRO 2 previously retailed for $229/199 EUR and is now available with the TRAKTOR AUDIO 2 interface, for instance, for just $119/99 EUR.*

Special upgrade offer for old TRAKTOR versions

Users still running pre-PRO 2 versions of TRAKTOR software can upgrade to the latest version, thanks to a time-limited offer. Owners of software-only versions (TRAKTOR 1 to 3, TRAKTOR PRO and TRAKTOR DUO), as well as DJs using TRAKTOR SCRATCH, TRAKTOR SCRATCH PRO or TRAKTOR SCRATCH DUO, can update to the latest version for $44,50/39,50 EUR until April 30th 2012.

Changes to audio interfaces and scratch systems

The audio interfaces TRAKTOR AUDIO 10 and TRAKTOR AUDIO 6 are now exclusively available with their respective digital vinyl systems. TRAKTOR SCRATCH A10 (renamed from TRAKTOR SCRATCH PRO 2), features the 10-channel interface, and is now available at the new price of $559/449 EUR. Similarly, TRAKTOR SCRATCH A6 (previously called TRAKTOR SCRATCH DUO 2), contains the 6-channel TRAKTOR AUDIO 6 and can now be purchased for $339/229 EUR.**

New pricing for other products

This “remix” of the TRAKTOR range also means permanent new price points for a number of products. The TRAKTOR PRO 2 software can now be purchased at the NI Online Shop for $89/79 EUR (previously $229/199 EUR), while TRAKTOR KONTROL S2 now costs $559/499 EUR.

Additional information on TRAKTOR REMIXED is available at

www.native-instruments.com/traktor

Press release

Serato Video, the revolutionary plug-in, which enables DJs to manipulate video playback with Serato DJ software Scratch Live and ITCH, is out now.

Based on the popular Video-SL plug-in, Serato Video now gives ITCH DJs video mixing tools that Serato Scratch Live DJs have enjoyed for years, with the use of supported ITCH controllers. Scratch Live DJs can use the same tools with their choice of turntable or CDJ control.

With a reworked architecture, Serato DJs can experience an even smoother workflow and greater flexibility when using effects and transitions to amplify video mixes, at home, in the club or on-stage.

DJing legend, Fatboy Slim chooses Serato Video and Scratch Live as his preferred tools for mixing music and videos for his stadium performances, saying:

“Over the years the visual element has kind’ve grown and technology’s just allowed us to do more than just standing there playing records. So the big break through for me was when I ditched vinyl and started using Serato. Introducing the video element was a way of making the show bigger.”

Features

• Manipulate video playback with Serato Control Vinyl and CDs or an ITCH Controller. •Visual effects library of transitions and effects.

•Add your own images and text to your video mix.

•Store effects within each video file for instant recall.

•Choice of configurations for external connections to monitors, screens or projectors.

Scratch Live 2.4.1 and ITCH 2.2 are also out now with support for Serato Video, as well as many performance improvements.

Serato Video is a free upgrade for existing Video-SL customers and available to purchase for US $149 from www.serato.com.

Press release

Hamilton, New Zealand - March 27, 2012:  Inklen is excited to announce the release of MixEmergency 2.0.

Since its first release in 2008, MixEmergency has quickly established itself as one of the leaders in the Video DJing industry - and as the software of choice for many of the world’s top Video DJs.  Now, with MixEmergency 2.0, Inklen continues to lead the way, helping to push boundaries for Video DJs.

“For 2.0, we’ve focused on effects, as well as much needed features for the expanding requirements of working Video DJs.” says Nick Feisst, Director of Inklen.  ”A huge amount of work has gone into MixEmergency 2.0 - I think a lot of Video DJs will regard it as setting the standard for Video DJing software from today.”

MixEmergency 2.0 opens the door for beat-synced effects, transitions, and Quartz Compositions.  These components stay perfectly synced to the currently playing audio beat, thus increasing the impact of visuals and the cohesion between audio and video.  Effect and transition plug-ins, that take advantage of this system, will be released for download over the coming months on the MixEmergency website.

MixEmergency’s new Automatic Border Fill feature allows users to fill any empty areas around their videos with one of several effects.  This means that if a 4:3 video is played on a 16:9 screen, then there no longer have to be empty areas at the sides. Previously, Video DJs would have had to edit their videos to add border effects (which is time consuming), or crop or stretch the video to fit within the screen (which looks bad).

A short promotional video showing the major changes in MixEmergency 2.0 can be viewed here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d5CXrTWYoEI

As a “thank you” to MixEmergency’s supportive community of users, the first version of MixEmergency 2.0 will be available free for all licensed users.

New in MixEmergency 2.0:

- Added Blend Modes for effects.

- Added Grid/BPM control mode for effects and transitions.

- Added automatic border-fill overlays.

- Added MIDI output.

- Added video camera input as an overlay.

- Added effect and transition change notification system.

- Added Advanced Output options (with basic projection mapping and output size control).

- Added pop-up editor for the effect Mapping Graphs.

- Quartz Composition Overlays can now be saved and triggered as presets.

- Added layer/shift modifiers for MIDI controls.

…and much more!

A full list of changes can be found in the Release Notes: http://www.inklen.com/mixemergency/releasenotes/

About MixEmergency:

MixEmergency is a real-time video and visualisation mixing application that can also be controlled by Scratch Live (versions 1.9.2 - 2.3.3). Over 120 built-in and add-on effects and transitions are included to allow DJs/VJs to manipulate their visuals in exciting new ways.

The full version of MixEmergency is available for US$199 from the Inklen website.  A time-limited demo of MixEmergency is available for download from http://www.inklen.com/mixemergency/ .

Press release

Mix your beats out of the box 

Reloop Beatmix is the first controller developed especially for the popular worldwide software 

platform, Virtual DJ. Newbies and experienced DJs alike will soon familiarise themselves with this 

intuitive 2-channel controller, and in no time at all, can be up and running in the mix. The newly 

developed, ultra flat, aluminium jog wheel with its 14cm circumference is equipped with 2 jog 

modes for vinyl-like scratching and fast track browsing. A large transport section and the Hot Cue 

panel allows triggering and remixing whilst having a double functionality via a shift layer for all 

control elements. Users can easily select effects and filters to fire them off by means of the clearly 

arranged effects section, and with the dedicated Beat Mash mode, it’s possible to creatively chop 

up a track with a simple push of a button. For even more live remixing possibilities, beat-

synchronous loops of various different lengths can be set up on the fly. The linear arrangement of 

the 2 channel mixer and the popular Trax Encoder with its deck load buttons, simply makes classic 

mixing applications intuitive, comfortable, and fun. Reloop Beatmix comes with an integrated USB 

audio interface to conveniently send the output to a hi-fi or PA system. Additionally, headphones 

and even a microphone can be connected directly into the unit. Needless to say, professional ASIO 

drivers are also on-board to offer ultra low latency for tight track control and responsiveness whilst 

in the mix. 

The focus here is clearly about uncomplicated mixing. Unpack, connect and start mixing 

immediately. Reloop Beatmix: Mix your beats out of the box. 

Features 

-2-deck Virtual DJ all-in-one MIDI DJ controller 

-Integrated 4-channel USB audio interface 

-Plug’n’Play: simply connect your computer and start mixing your MP3s 

-Designed for the worldwide popular DJ software Virtual DJ 

-Extensive transport section with newly developed trigger buttons 

-Flat 14cm XL jog wheels with aluminium platters 

-Ergonomically arranged mixer/CD player design for quick and easy access 

-Classic 2-channel mixer design 

-Smooth-running 70mm pitch fader 

-Mouse-less music library management with Reloop Trax Encoder 

-Versatile controls for effects, smart looping, Hot Cues, Beat Mash and sampler 

-Designated filter dial per deck 

-Fader start feature 

-Smart loop section 

-Hot Cue section with delete button 

Press release

Livid Instruments Announces OhmRGB Slim, the Simpler, Skinner Version of Their Flagship Controller 

March 20th, 2012- Austin, TX - Livid Instruments announced today the release of OhmRGB Slim, the lighter version of their flagship OhmRGB controller. OhmRGB Slim has all of the same controls of the OhmRGB in a thinner, all-aluminum body, with a lower price .

“I love the look of the different woods we’ve used on the OhmRGB, but ever since I made the CNTLR:R enclosure, the benefits of the lower profile became really apparent,” explain Travis Redding, Livid’s Director of Hardware Design. The OhmRGB features most of the features of the OhmRGB such as programmable RGB backlight buttons, high quality faders and knobs, and is housed in an all new aluminum body with a custom finish. Redding goes on to explain, “In order to make it small enough to fit into a backpack we’ve eliminated the MIDI in and out jacks, expansion port and wood end caps. I wanted to give it a unique look, so I created a different body design and a custom gunmetal finish. People looking for a controller that they can hold up to the road are really going to like this design.” 

The OhmRGB Slim is fully programmable and has a wide range of applications and scripts for music, visual, and lighting production. From the Ohm Modes template for Ableton Live, to native support in Arkaos’ Grand VJ, the OhmRGB slim provides an adaptable platform for the performance of digital media. The stylish new design allows for ultra portability without sacrificing quality and design.  

The OhmRGB Slim is handcrafted in Livid’s own Austin, TX facility with a sleek and rugged aluminum enclosure. The OhmRGB Slim has a street price of $549 and is available directly at shop.lividinstruments.com and Livid dealers worldwide.

High resolution image http://lividinstruments.com/media/highres/lividohmslim_angle_highres.png

Press release

djay Users Become the First to Take Advantage of a Retina-Optimized DJ App for a More Realistic, Visually Stunning Mobile Spinning Experience

MUNICH, GERMANY – March 20, 2012

Algoriddim, creator of popular app djay™ for Mac, iPhone and iPad, announced today the optimization of its djay software to support new retina display on Apple’s new iPad device.

As one of the first apps offering native support for retina display, djay for iPad users will now be able to experience a new level of interactivity, realistic display and resolution. The app, named the iPad App of The Year in App Store Rewind 2011 in more than 100 countries and also winner of the 2011 Apple Design Award, has a huge following and is consistently listed as the top DJ-related app and noted by Apple as an “iPad essential” since its launch in 2010.

Announced on March 7, the new iPad boasts its newest, most exciting feature: retina display, which offers twice the resolution (2048-by-1536), 44 percent greater color saturation, and an astounding 3.1 million pixels — four times the pixels than its predecessor. The first among DJ products to be retina display-enabled, djay for iPad users can now have a faster, richer, and visually crisper experience on the new iPad, taking their djay outputs to new heights.

“This is the most visually stunning version of djay we have ever produced,” said Karim Morsy, CEO of Algoriddim. “Users of the new iPad are going to experience a new level of visual detail and display realism with djay that is simply beautiful. djay has always been praised by our fans for the clean interface, and the retina display has allowed us to bring this experience to a whole new level of razor sharp detail that has to be seen to be believed.”

djay transforms the iPad into a full-fledged DJ system, allowing users to mix their iPod music library on a hyper-realistic turntable interface. Perform live, record mixes on-the-go, or enable Automix mode and djay mixes favorite playlists automatically.

With unprecedented ease-of-use and innovative multi-touch mixing features, djay for iPad takes DJing to the next level and offers a unique experience for beginners and professionals alike. To see the djay app in action, click here for a demo video.

djay for iPad is now available for download from the App Store for $19.99.

Web press release

VCI-380 is a 2 channel DJ controller with a built-in DJ mixer, powerful and creative, opening the door to limitless possibilities of controllerism. Mix, scratch, cue, effect, sample, trigger, loop and slice. Every feature of the VCI-380 is optimized to enhance the DJs performance and take a new approach in manipulating music. Designed hand in hand with Serato, VCI-380 is bundled with ITCH, providing an arsenal of musical craft tools with perfect integrity, straight out of the box. 

Controllerism is the art and practice of using musical software controllers (e.g. MIDI, OSC, Joystick, etc) to build upon, mix, scratch, remix, effect, modify, or otherwise create music, usually by a Digital DJ or “Controllerist”. 

The term was coined by Moldover in 2007 and popularized by Ean Golden to describe the process while paying homage to and giving respect to the art of turntablsim. (From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)

EVERYTHING IS AT YOUR FINGER TIPS

The 2 x 8 banks of FSR trigger pads on the VCI-380 are jam packed with creative Performance Modes such as the Slicer, Roll, Sampler, Loop, Hot Cue and Pad FX. With the given features you can trigger cue points, samples, loops, slice up beats, and shoot off Pad FX together. 

Pad FX creates amazing combinations to manipulate music in ways nobody else has before: holding each pad (aftertouch) will modify the FX parameter, along with triggering Performance Mode functions.FX are an essential tool to spice up your performance; in addition to Pad FX, each deck features classic FX controls.The Ribbon control on each deck alters the parameters of Pad FX, swipes, holds and needle drops tracks.

ULTRA-STABLE  PERFORMANCE

The legendary jog wheels from the Vestax VCI series have stepped up in their game with an advanced structure and larger platters for extra stability and smoothness. The platters of the VCI-380 are highly responsive, transmitting MIDI signals with extreme accuracy. The LED needle point embedded in the jog wheel provides excellent visual monitoring, indicating the decks playback position.  The torque of the jog wheels can be adjusted to your preference, and as like all VCI series controllers you can pitch bend the track by touching the sides of the jog wheels. 

STAND ALONE MIXER

The stand alone mixer function of the VCI-380 has great capacity for adaptability. The two hybrid channels are capable of mixing external devices such as CD players, turntables and MP3 players, together with tracks and samples Serato ITCH is playing. Each channel has an RCA Phono/Line input for limitless connection options, and the crossfader and input faders curve can be adjusted like any DJ mixer.  Mixes with the input source can be tweaked with Trim, EQ and in addition, the FX knobs on each channel function as Hi-Pass filters, to add an extra touch to your performance. 

AMAZING SOUND

The built in high quality 24Bit/48kHz audio interface based on technology developed with the critically acclaimed Vestax VCI-400, features BIT-Perfect audio powered by a studio grade asynchronous USB streaming system. This extremely advanced technology provides low latency, premium sound quality and outputs your mix, analog or digital, at its true clarity. Some say seeing is believing. For the VCI-380, listening is believing. 

FEATURES

-2 Channels USB MIDI controller for Serato ITCH

-Built-in 24Bit/48kHz audio interface

-2 x 8 Performance Pads with Velocity & Aftertouch

-5 performance modes (Hot Cue, Auto Loop, Slicer, Roll, Sampler)

-PAD FX function

-Channel FX controls

-Ribbon (strip) control for Pad parameters and Needle Drop

-Large scale 5 1/3 inch jog wheels with needle position display

-2 Channel stand-alone audio mixer with Phono / Line input

-Hi-Pass filter, Trim and 3 band Eq on stand-alone mixer.

-2 Mic inputs with volume control

-Balanced Master output (XLR) & Booth output (RCA)

-19” rackmount kit (optional)

-Robust metal body construction

-CFX-2 (Digital Crossfader) compatible

IN THE BOX

VCI-380

Power Adaptor

User’s Manual

USB cable

Size: 427(W)x304(D)x60(H)mm (knobs included)

Weight:3.5kg

Power: SDC-7 Power Adaptor