yizzle

very nice mate. i know how pumped you are to have those bad boys. they will be some super loved gear

the 'thanks' option is more aimed towards helping someone with a problem they are having issues with on the forum. Not so much for giving an ADJF mate a nudge in the right direction. But hey, im pretty open minded

have not had time to listen yet. but nice track selection you have. ill listen on the weekend

Bingo Players‘ Paul Baumer went absent from the duo’s schedule this summer and was diagnosed with cancer in July. After battling the disease for four months, Maarten has delivered the unfortunate news that the artist had passed away last night. He notes that he fought his battle against cancer with strength until the end. Since the summer the dance music world has kept Paul in their prayers, even paying homage at events to the fighting Bingo Player, and the news of his passing comes as saddening to all fans and peers alike. Here is Maarten’s letter to their fans as of this morning: "Dear All, I’m deeply saddened to tell you that Paul passed away last night after his battle with cancer. He fought strongly until the end. We want to thank you all for your support over the past few months. Needless to say, all upcoming shows for the rest of this year have been cancelled as we’re going through this loss with family and friends. We’ll post a longer update shortly with more information as well. Paul, we will miss you. - Maarten" Source: dancingastronaut.com

A new firmware update to Pioneer’s XDJ-Aero controller brings the ability to wirelessly control some of the standalone DJ setup’s features using the iOS or Android Rekordbox application. XDJ-Aero users have always been able to load tracks remotely off of their smartphone or tablet via a wireless connection, but the new update means that basic transport and effects are unlocked, including: • Cue / Play / Pause controls • Loops (1/32 to 32 counts) • FX unit for both decks with XY pads: controls timing/depth of the effect + filter It would stand to reason that Pioneer may follow this up with a similar feature on other units with wireless Rekordbox integration, like the Aero’s CDJ-enhanced sister unit, the XDJ-R1 standalone DJ console. No word yet on what latency is like on this wireless control – although the video does claim that the app has an “instant” response. Download + learn more about this firmware update on Pioneer’s product page. Source: djtechtools.com

Traktor Updates To 2.6.6, Maschine Control For Remix Decks. Native Instruments has released the latest iteration of Traktor Pro, version 2.6.6. Aside from finally fixing metadata synchronization between Traktor Pro and DJ (which broken when iOS 7 came out), the new update has added Remix Deck mappings for Maschine when using it as a controller. On the NI forums, Community Manager Kier notes that the update also includes “Various other fixes”, but the only one that’s listed on any of the changelog information is a crash associated with selecting a custom Root Directory location – not an especially common action for most regular users. Download the update in the NI Service Center application or log in here for a list of all the updates available if it doesn’t show up yet. Source: djtechtools.com

pro tip

very cool dude

very lucky. i have read about quite a few bugs

In the last five years, we’ve seen a number of individuals and small companies build digital instruments that allow for unique ways of playing music in the electronic age. Going beyond traditional controllers, these devices all have features tailored particularly for live performances that make them uniquely playable by musicians and DJs alike. Ztar Clipper Type Of Instrument: Wireless Ableton Live Controller (MIDI) Price: $1295.00 Availability: Built to order Manufacturer: Starr Labs Finally, Ableton Live users can look like rockstars! The Ztar Clippers are fingerboard controllers with a full fretboard’s worth of velocity-sensitive keys that have RGB LEDs underneath each one. The keys can be used for clip triggering, or instrument/drumpad performance, or a combination of both. There’s additional expression pads, knobs, a slider and a joystick on the body for all kinds of control. The unit is wireless (range of up to 250 feet), and a built-in battery that powers the controller for up to 8 hours. Watch it in action in this performance vid (starts at 1:07) Dualo-Du-Touch Type Of Instrument: Portable Controller / Synthesizer / Sequencer Price: €890 / ~ $1223 Availability: Preorders available, shipping April 2014 Manufacturer: Dualo Dualo is designed to be an all-in-one device, with a unique 5 octave chromatic keyboard that rocks three color LEDs behind each of the 116 keys. The hardware also has three touch sliders and a gyroscope to detection motion of the unit. It can trigger its own internal synthesizer (112 instruments, 4 percussion kits, 8 effects, pitch, modulation, and an onboard sequencer) or act as a wired/wireless MIDI controller for computer software. The battery lasts for 8 hours, and it has a built in soundcard with stereo + headphone out. Watch it in action in this demo video: Alphasphere Nexus Type Of Instrument: MIDI Controller Price: $699 (street price) / £768.90 Availability: Available now Manufacturer: Nu-Desine You’ve likely seen the Alphasphere appear in coverage of music technology conventions over the last four years. Having been under development and released at a more expensive price, this year the team at Nu-Design released the Nexus model, which brought the price down significantly and allowed for international distribution. The orb-shaped controller has squishy pressure-sensitive pads that allow for polyphonic MIDI aftertouch. Watch it in this performance video from Koven: O-Bow Type Of Instrument: Laser-based MIDI Bow Controller Availability: Still in development Designer: Dylan Menzies The cleverly-named O-Bow was born out of frustration. Designer Dylan Menzies wanted to take up violin, but couldn’t quite get the hang of the fingering and vibrato side of playing instrument. Having more than a passing an interest in music technology, he built a better solution – a laser sensor bow MIDI controller. It’s still a prototype, but the O-Bow can track bowing speed and horizontal angle at high to create different sounds based on both parameters. It doesn’t require a real bow, either – just any object with a grained surface. Artiphon Type Of Instrument: iPhone MIDI controller Price: $799 Availability: In beta testing – units available to reserve Designer: Mike Butera The Artiphon takes the idea of plugging a MIDI controller into a mobile device and inverts it – instead, an iPhone 5 is plugged into this MIDI controller. The beautiful hardwood Artiphone can be used with any MIDI accepting iOS application, and has a strumboard and fretboard on either side of the phone cradle. Change the instrument setting (violin, guitar, bass, banjo, and custom) on the device and the MIDI data changes to reflect. Drum Pants Type Of Instrument: Pants-attached MIDI drumpads Price: Start at $99 Availability: Kickstarter underway Designer: Tyler Freeman These Bluetooth-ready drum pads are designed to be worn – particularly under pants (not included). Designed in our own San Francisco, they’re currently seeking Kickstarter funding for these wearable velocity sensors. A typical kit includes four velcro-secured sensors to be worn on your legs and slapped with your hands, and two sensors to put in your shoes to act as foot pedals. We were skeptical at first, but drummers seem to really be enthused on the project – and since it sends MIDI, you can use it to control any sound you like. Pants not included: Crystall Ball Type Of Instrument: MIDI Controller with optical sensors Price: €499 / ~ $686 Availability: Available now Manufacturer: Naonext Desgined in France, the Crystall Ball has five optical sensors that detect distances between 2 – 13 inches that allow for quick modulation – and since they’re laid out right next to each other, you can move your hand around the ball and manipulate different parameters rapidly. It also has a keypad underneath – making it look like a cross between a gaming controller and, well, a crystal ball. Eigenharps Type Of Instrument: Mega MIDI controller with breathpipe Price: £459 / £1955 / £4950 (Pico / Tau / Alpha) Availability: Available Now Manufacturer: Eigenlabs The Eigenharps are MIDI instruments that focus around bringing breath control to the software world. All of the models have a breathpipe used for manipulating different elements of the playing sound. The high-end Alpha model sports 120 keys, a built-in sequencer/looper, and two touch strips on either edge of the unit, all coming out via USB to a computer. It’s a MIDI controller that looks like it’s straight out of the Mos Eisley cantina – see it in action in this cover of Moby’s “Extreme Ways”: Vectr Type Of Instrument: 3D modular Eurorack control interface Price: $350 Availability: Kickstarter underway Manufacturer: Hackme The Hackme Vectr allows modular synth enthusiasts a chance to have real three dimensional control over their kit, with a sensor that detects your hands X, Y, and Z position overtop of it and outputs signals for each. The unit has red and blue LEDs that change intensity based the input it is receiving. It also features some pretty awesome gesture control capabilities, including gesture looping similar what the Korg Kaoss Pads have – watch the Kickstarter demo to get an idea of how it all works. HONORABLE MENTIONS • Choppertone - Midi Fighter-inspired mashup controller by a Nick Francis • Slapperoo - Electric percussion stick made for slapping • Pocket Piano MIDI - Fun, simple keyboard synths and MIDI controllers from Critter & Guitari • Wavedrum - Percussion synthesizer pad from Korg Source: djtechtools.com

its an awesome name. nice and to the point

ah ok

idgi

nice mate. dont you already have a coffin for your gear though?

welcome

done

its not wrong in regards of thread title.. Concept Controllers That Didn’t Take Off.

For every controller that hits shelves, there are always a few more great ideas that don’t see serious play time. Today we look back at those conceptual products that got us all excited but never delivered the goods. Numark MPC DJ The MPC DJ – not available in stores! Numark has a strong history of debuting prototype controllers front-and-center at the NAMM show – and in 2012, they did exactly that with the MPC DJ controller. The grid of 16 pads actually ended up being distributed around various Numark models – including the Mixtrack Pro 2 and the new NS7 II – but the MPC DJ never made it beyond the protective plastic box on the showroom floor. Poco Poco his Midi Fighter-eque controller engineered in Tokyo first made an appearance on DJTT in 2011. The controller included 16 motorized pads that could be twisted or pressed at any given time – suggesting a new interaction possibility. In our original interview with one of the product designers, they expressed interest in releasing it on a larger scale, but nothing ever came to light. Aurora Open Source DJ Controller We’re a fan of any team that decides they want to do things better than anyone else – and that’s what Matt, Mike, and Maro aimed to do when designing the Aurora controller in 2008. The unit – which is still an opensource project that anyone can download the designs and specs to build themselves – featured unique backlit potentiometers and ambient lighting, both of which were software controllable via MIDI. As with many project controllers, it failed to gain much traction beyond passing interest online. You can still learn more and check out the complete project page here. The Fretless Fader John Beez had an incredible idea for a crossfader that not only moved from left to right on a X axis, but also up and down on the Y axis to provide an additional level of control (in the video, it’s pitch, but it could also control effects and other parameters). The above video from 2010 was the last time John provided an update, just over a year after the original reveal of the project. It still seems like this would be a viable feature from a company like Vestax but so far, nothing has come of it. Midi Fighter Mk2 A physical prototype (left) and concept renderings (right) for the Midi Fighter 3D that wasn’t to be After the success of the Midi Fighter, we explored an expanded Midi Fighter with just one knob and fader. This prototype never made it past the design phase and instead became the Midi Fighter 3D with the analogue control coming from the unique motion sensors instead of physical components. Kenton Killamix Ableton Prototype Controllers These prototype controllers were among the first MIDI controllers aimed at giving Ableton Live users dedicated controllers. UK-based Kenton finished both of these prototypes just in time to show at the Sounds Expo 2006, but only one of them ever made it to market – the smaller Killamix Mini on the left – and even then in only limited supply. Mawzer Modular DJ Mixer The Mawzer (left), with some of the potential modular units (right) Obviously we weren’t the first gearheads (or the last) to consider bringing the modular concept to digital DJing within a single form factor controller. That title is likely reserved for the team behind the Mawzer mixer, which promised the ultimate controller for modular aficionados – and was scheduled to see a complete public rollout in the summer of 2005. But cost (over $1300 just to get a basic setup) and size became a major issue for the unit – so much so that after numerous delays to the release, the project was canned. Pacemaker DJ System There have been a few forays into the world of new standalone DJ systems – and in 2006, the Pacemaker attempted to capitalize on the success of handheld devices like the iPod. The Pacemaker allowed manipulation of two tracks with the one device, with all of the normal mixing and transport controls built into the circular touch pad and ribbon strip just above it. There were major delays on the release of the unit, followed by a major price obstacle at launch (>$700) and of course one major complication: the smartphone revolution. Otto Loop Slicer Essentially the device is designed to allow simple manipulation of loops in a circular pattern around the controller. Using a MaxMSP program, the OTTO visualizes loops on LEDs under the surface of the controller, and then the buttons on the surface allow beat slicing and manipulation of the loop. When we last checked in on the project, we had heard that the designer of Otto, Luca De Rosso, was looking to shop the device around as a potential partner unit in the future. A serious mockup of a controller with this exact design was spotted behind closed doors with a major manufacturer at NAMM 2012… perhaps there’s a future for the OTTO yet. Turntable Rider: Bike & DJ Riding bikes and DJing go hand-in-hand, right? This project was sponsored by a Japanese bicycle sharing service, and while we’re pretty sure that the video was doctored to make it was more impressive, there’s no doubt that adding MIDI control to everyday objects like a bicycle is a pretty cool endeavor but never saw the light of day. Source: djtechtools.com

As the lines between DJ and musician blur, we’re always looking for new ways to perform in front of a crowd. Mixing track A to B just isn’t enough for some, thus interesting instruments pop up that challenge convention and get us to think about how we interact with music and importantly the audience. The AlphaSphere nexus is one such piece, and after hitting the US and Japan earlier this year, the UK-based nu desine is ready to put out a limited run of the AlphaSphere nexus. Here’s the verbiage from nu desine: nu desine have announced the launch of a limited run of the AlphaSphere nexus series which is now available for purchase throughout Europe. After launches in Japan and the USA earlier in the year, it is now Europe’s turn to have a generation of producers and musicians empowered by the creative possibilities of the AlphaSphere. AlphaSphere nexus is the definitive version of the AlphaSphere, and is available through nu desine’s web store or one of their partner sites. The AlphaSphere is a completely new electronic musical instrument. It’s 48 tactile pads allow you to sculpt, manipulate and perform electronic music in an unrestrained, expressive way usually reserved for acoustic instruments. Through the accompanying software, AlphaLive, the AlphaSphere is compatible with all existing DAWs and MIDI software, and it is also completely programmable and allows a series of notational arrangements to be mapped to the spherical lattice pad layout. Rou Reynolds, frontman of post-hardcore band Enter Shikari who recently closed out the Warped Tour UK show at Alexandra Palace, London, with the AlphaSphere front and centre, says, “I love the diversity and control available with the AlphaSphere, and let’s be frank it also just looks plain badass”. Founding Director Adam Place says, “Here at nu desine we couldn’t be more excited about the state and direction of electronic music. We are constantly inspired and amazed by the new sounds coming out of the studios and homes around the world, and hope our product can inspire the masses of new producers and musicians continue their role in shaping this exciting musical movement.” Is the AlphaSphere nexus for you? It would be safe to say that this is more in the realms of pure controllerism that DJing. And in the right hands, I’m sure some really clever Ableton Live based work can be pulled off. But sat in the corner of your local wine bar knocking out top 40 hits? No. Casual inebriated punters will be aching to tap those pads for fun and dares. But the AlphaSphere nexus isn’t for your average DJ, or I would venture DJs at all depending on how sharp or blurred your own line is. I feel that this is as much about visual performance as it is technical abilities. LED lights aside, all but the smallest pads are pressure and velocity sensitive, allowing some pretty complex MIDI based tricks to be pulled off. It’s the kind of thing that you need to play with before really forming an opinion. The AlphaSphere is pretty unique within the field it operates in, and it incredibly challenging to established workflows. I’d love to see how flatter and more linear artists like Jeremy Ellis or AraabMuzik would take to this. It certainly comes across as more subtle and nuanced than all out pad bashing. With nu desine being UK-based, I’ll extend an invitation to the guys to come along and show us what’s what. But for anyone over here who wants one, the AlphaSphere nexus is available with free shipping for £678.90. ($1231.85 AUD) Source: djworx.com

Audio Artery have launched One DJ, a customizable all-in-one solution for DJ-ing, and creating mixes and mashups, with a “revolutionary” Timeline Edit Mode. One DJ also features a fully customizable user interface with smart audio routing. Customizable Timeline Edit: Developers tout One DJ as the first DJ software to feature a timeline for music, previously only found in studio software. Each deck in One DJ can be turned to Timeline Edit mode which also allows on-the-fly mixing and remixing, even while DJing live, and without the need to use a separate software. Decks can be scratched, looped and pitched with minimal latency in Timeline Mode. Projects and mixes can be saved or exported to audio for later use or sharing. Modular Interface: Another unique feature of One DJ is its “fully modular” user interface. One DJ users select their preferred gear and create a custom layout to suit their preferences, without limitations to the number of decks, mixers or FX panels being used. Familiar industry standard DJ software features are included in One DJ, including intuitive MIDI mapping, sync, high quality FX and Z-Plane time-stretch and beat detection. “We wanted to bring something to the DJ software market that really opens up new opportunities for DJs to be creative. When working with digital music files the possibilities are endless, so it felt really restrictive just to have 2-4 decks that copied features from traditional CD players. A static one-for-all user interface on the other hand is something that belongs to the past,” says Sulevi Seppänen, Audio Artery’s marketing director. Pricing and Availability: One DJ Core Edition is now available via the OneDJ website at a retail price of 49 Euro ($74 AUD). There is also a free, fully-functional demo version available for download. Source: synthtopia.com

ill have a crack

just had my first listen. nice work mate