Information and news about software, dj tools and music instruments.

English musician Brian Eno revives his color-changing neon turntable for the second time, along with its acrylic LED lights and rhythmic shifting colorscapes. The launch of Turntable II by Brian Eno goes hand-in-hand with a chance to see it in person at the Paul Stolper Gallery in London. Just like the last time, the new Turntable II is limited to 150 units across the globe. No longer just a turntable, Brian Eno’s neon design doubles as a sculpture when it doesn’t play a record, creating an atmospheric vibe wherever it is placed, just like his musical works.

H/T Design Boom.

The Stanton STX portable scratch turntable gives you instant access to your full turntablist skillset, allowing you to share your skills with the world, whenever and wherever you’d like. The STX is the only portable turntable that comes with a buttery-smooth factory-installed mini Innofader Nano crossfader. Designed to last over 4 million cycles, this smooth-as-silk fader can be easily swapped between left and right positions to accommodate both left-handed and right-handed scratch styles. The independent crossfader Cut-In and Curve knobs allow for an unrivaled level of crossfader customization, allowing you to precisely calibrate the crossfader to your preference for the absolute cleanest cuts possible. Read more.

H/T Stanton.

Musicians can control expression using breath with hardware. AirMotion Lite is a compact and portable MIDI Breath and Motion controller that can be easily configured via Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) through a smartphone or tablet. It allows musicians to send up to 5 MIDI CC messages to their instrument or computer DAW software, providing a wide range of creative possibilities.

AirMotion Lite comes with a user-friendly app that allows musicians to adjust the sensitivity and offset of the breath sensor and MIDI CC messages for the breath and motion sensors. This app can be downloaded for free on both iOS and Android devices. AirMotion Lite was made with a passion for detail and a strong focus on durability, this cutting-edge design goes far beyond what is technically possible with other controllers available on the market. Read more

H/T AirMotion.

Technics has announced a new limited edition SL1200MK7 turntable in collaboration with streetwear brand, Supreme. Technics SL-1200 series DJ turntable. Features coreless direct drive motor, vibration damping platter, 78 RPM speed with wider pitch adjustment, reverse play function and removable cables. Hingeless dust cover with printed logos. Inset metal badge at base and printed logos on slipmat. 17.8”x6.7”x13.7”. 21 lbs. Cartridge not included. Turntable will be available from 17th August in very limited numbers. Read more

H/T Supreme.

Ableton Push 3. Push gives you independence from your computer so you can be fully in the moment with your music. Connect your gear. Sculpt your sound. Play in a style that’s recognizably yours. An upgradeable instrument with replaceable components and an ever-evolving bond with Ableton Live, Push is designed to sit at the heart of your setup for years to come. Shape your sound with pads that respond to the slightest movement of your fingers. Bend, slide and shift between different notes, sounds and articulations. Push invites you to disconnect and be fully in the moment with your music. Send your Live sets to Push to work without a computer, then back again. Plug your instruments into Push’s own audio interface to record straight into your set. Plus, send CV and gate signals to your modular setup. Read more

H/T Ableton.

V-Moda make the headphones, you make them yours. Take your creativity and studio brand to a whole new level by choosing custom shields for your M-200 headphones. Wear your own designs with laser engraved or color printed customization on a variety of aluminum shields. With even more space than the Crossfade series’ shields, M-200 gives you all the more room to express yourself. Custom shield kits to customize your M-200 professional studio headphones with color printed or laser engraved shields and #EndorseYourself to the full. Read more

H/T V-Moda.

To mark the 50 years anniversary of the SL-1200 series, this limited edition model is available in sevencolours, inspired by the street culture created by DJs. Each colour features a gold tonearm along with aspecial badge inscribed with serial number. SL-1200M7L comes with a limited edition Technics sticker, a control vinyl sticker the same colour as the turntable itself, and a slipmat featuring a gold Technics logotype. Read more

H/T Technics.

The Ortofon DJ cartridges are tailored uniquely to the unrelenting demands of modern turntablists and portablists. There are 5 Moving Magnet cartridges in the Concorde MK II series: MIX, DJ, CLUB, SCRATCH and DIGITAL – a clear product range for five applications and technological improvements for better performance. Read more

H/T Ortofon.

Conventional analogue turntables have problems with degradation in sound quality caused by factors such as minute speed vibration during rotation and rotation irregularity called “cogging.” In the SL-1200G, the use of a newly developed coreless direct-drive motor with no iron core eliminates cogging. Also, the twin-rotor construction reduces the bearing load while maintaining high torque and also reduces minute vibration during rotation. These factors enable reproduction of the warm, exquisitely detailed sound etched on analogue records.

High-precision Motor Control Technology.
The application of motor control technology developed for Blu-ray devices and switching the drive mode depending on the operational status of the motor achieve a high-starting torque and high-speed stability.

Three-layered Turntable Platter.
The turntable has a three-layered construction with a rigidly combined brass and aluminium die-cast platter. With a deadening rubber covering its entire rear surface to eliminate unnecessary resonance, thereby achieving high rigidity and vibration damping. This delivers smooth rotational stability and inertial mass surpassing the SP-10MK2, the direct-drive turntable standard used by broadcast stations worldwide, as well as having more than twice the inertial mass of the SL-1200MK5.

High-level Balance Adjustment.
When the weight distribution of the turntable is uneven, excess vibration or noise occurs during rotation, which causes degradation in sound quality. Therefore, the balance of the turntable is adjusted at the factory by using specialized high-precision balance adjustment equipment for each and every item after the turntable is assembled. Turntables that have undergone adjustment are labelled with a sticker reading “BALANCED” to indicate that adjustment has been done.

High-sensitive Tonearm.
The tonearm employs lightweight magnesium which has a high damping effect, with cold drawing improving the characteristics of the material and achieving the high-precision required. In addition, high initial-motion sensitivity is attained by employing the traditional Technics gimbal suspension construction with horizontal rotation axis and the vertical rotation axis intersecting at a single central point, as well as high-precision bearings using a cut-processed housing.

Four-layered Cabinet Construction.
A hairline-processed, 10-mm-thick top panel of immaculate aluminium has been added to the previous three-layered construction of aluminium die-cast, BMC, and heavyweight-class rubber on the SL-1200MK5. This four-layered construction combines high rigidity with a high-quality finish and feel.

High-quality Terminals.
The use of brass-milled, gold-plated phono terminals and ground terminals prevent degradation in sound quality while enabling the easy attaching and detaching of cables. Also the use of metal shielding construction inside the case reduces the effects of external noise. Read more

H/T Technics.

(NEW) 3 MAG FOUR faders with reverse, contour and cut-in adjustment *
(NEW) External and internal crossfader tension adjust controls.
(NEW) Toggle Instant Double / Silent Cue / Sync Controls *
(NEW) Dual DVS inputs – Aux or Phono/CD *
Solid steel construction for non-stop, heavy-duty use.
4.3” Touchscreen for moving wave display, FX control, song selection and user customizations.
Dual Flex FX engines, one for each channel.
Advanced Serato control: chain-integrated Software Effect plus one internal Flex Effect per channel.
Dual USB connections for DJ handoffs.
16 Akai MPC-style performance pads, independent mode controls per deck.
Two microphone inputs – combo Neutrik, on/off, tone, mic/line level switches.
RCA session Inputs/outputs, balanced XLR, Main Out, balanced 1?4”, Booth Out.
USB controller inputs.
Serato DJ Pro DVS license, Pitch n Time plus Serato DVS Vinyl included.

DVS/USB MIDI Control for Serato DJ Pro, Traktor, and Virtual DJ.
OLED Screen, Control Selection & BPM display.
Navigation control: Scroll/Load, Back & Instant Doubles.
Plunger-style Start/Stop button.
Full 12″ motorized platter to control playback.
Traditional, familiar turntable layout.
Dual Mode Strip: Track Search and 8 Hot Cue triggers.
5.0 kfcm high-roque motor with Hi/Low torque adjust for more traditional setups.
4 decks of controls.
3,600 tickets of platter resolution for precision & seamless performance.
MIDI interface via USB that can connect to the Seventy-Two MKII or your computer.
RCA output for DVS audio signals.
33 1/3 and 45 rpm platter speeds.
8/16/50% pitch with precise dual resolution slider.
Top panel rotary and traditional Motor Off switch for traditional wind-down effects.

H/T Rane.

Traktor Kontrol S4 lets you connect with your tracks in entirely new ways: Not only do its motorized jog wheels spin and react to nudging, scratching, pitch-fading, and backspins, they transmit cue points, loop markers, and more direct to your fingertips. And with RGB LED rings and high-res color displays keeping all the info you need front and center in the booth, everything you need is right where you need it – so you’re free to focus on your mix.

• We’ve re-envisioned what jog wheels can do, and what you can do with them. They’re now motorized, and provide you with haptic feedback. It’s a new way of connecting with your tracks in three different modes.

• New all-hands-on deck design, including 16 RGB pads for Hotcues and samples, and new Mixer FX. Keep track of transport information, Stems, and Remix decks, with two high-res screens.

• We’ve included the best version of our flagship DJ software yet. With an improved audio engine, a brand new user interface that makes things easier to see in the club, one-touch Mixer FX, and loads more.

• You can instantly see which deck you’re on when playing across four channels, with color-coded light rings and deck buttons. Visualization of track tempo, play mode, and nudging makes your mixing plain to see.

4-channel Dj Controller With Haptic Drive™.
Mix your own way with versatile motorized jog wheels that transmit cue points and more direct to your fingertips. Intuitive visual feedback from RGB LED rings and high-res color displays. Integrated pro-grade audio interface with external inputs on each channel, headphone outs, mic inputs, and DVS support. Seamless integration with included TRAKTOR PRO 3 software.

Something you’ll want to touch: Meet Haptic Drive™ – new, motorized, touch-sensitive jog wheels that give you haptic feedback. They spin like vinyl, so you can nudge, stop, and spin them back however you want. Adjust the start/stop time and torque to match them to your mixing style. Read more

H/T Native Intruments.

The Phoenix Professional DJ Mixer is an all-round type 4CH mixer, created through careful design and tapping the abundant development/experience history and knowledge-base of its sound equipment master-craftspersons. It is manufactured using the highest technologies.With the integrated enhancer effector, it enables an unique sound outline finish correction, and offers effects which can produced analog-circuits and “Made in Japan” to the highest manufacturing, technology, and quality-control standards.

• A first step in the return of real sound, sound with personality begins with the Hou-ou [PHOENIX] professional DJ mixer. Designed from the ground up with controls satisfying to use, easy to see and robust enough to evolve with your own creativity.

• Decades of DJ mixer know-how of DJ are contained in the Hou-ou [PHOENIX] which used discrete circuits to realize analogue sound and is powered by an original large, ever spec transformer to produce unique sound with personality.

• Full, rich analog sound is produced that could not be gained with a digital mixer through reviewing the techniques of DJ mixer production history, as well as using original large toroidal transformers, specially-selected parts, and adapting advanced discrete circuitry.

• Encorporates professional VU meters for all channels, including a master channel, in order for ease of accurate level-matching which is essential in the pursuit of high sound quality.

• Consists of 4 channels to support 3 phono inputs and 9 line inputs. In addition, it is equipped with an independent 1 MIC channel, separated AUX stereo send-return function and master loop function.

• Each of the 4 channels has a TRIM, LR balance control, and a high-quality 3-band equalizer that has been fully tested for effectiveness. In addition, the ideal 60mm vertical fader is built in to offer solid curve control.

• The cross fader is an all genre type which can support long-mix play with longitudinal fades, to scratch play performance with sharp cuts, by adapting the latest technologies for non-contact type fader and curve control.

•  Equipped with a Phono direct-out jack, and does not require replacing the record player cable when connecting the interface – in order to support DVS with binary control. Read more

H/T stpVx (Ex Vestax).

Pioneer The PLX-1000 is precision engineered for the booth, drawing on 50 years’ experience of making high-end turntables. The result is a familiar layout with some next generation improvements, including a high-torque direct drive system, multi-pitch control, club-grade build and sound quality, and detachable power and audio cables. It’s solidly built for excellent vibration damping and ultra-precise, high-grade audio playback.

Simply add your choice of cartridge and stylus to the PLX-1000 (not included) and combine with your mixer for an ideal setup for turntablists. An ideal match for DJs is the handmade PC-X10 (sold separately).

Turn the tables.
The high-torque direct drive ensures stable rotation and exceptional control – and it reaches 33⅓ rpm in just 0.3 seconds thanks to a starting torque of 4.5kg/cm (or more).

Excellent sound design.
The PLX-1000’s heavy-mass, die-cast zinc chassis prevents resonance and vibrations. The lower part of the unit is reinforced with 8mm-thick resin, plus 9mm-thick, vibration-damping material at the base. Plus the rubber-insulated tone arm reduces howling effects, while rubber and springs on the dampening parts of the insulator absorb external vibrations.

Pick up the pace.
Multi-tempo control lets you instantly pick up or slow down the track to ±8%, ±16% and ±50%, while a simple reset button instantly reverts to ±0%.

Flexible connectivity.
Interchangeable power and audio cables can be easily connected and replaced, and pro-grade gold-plated RCA jacks ensure low impedance and an amazing sound quality. Read more

H/T Pioneer DJ.

Allen & Heath The Xone:DB4 is a truly ground-breaking mixer and by far the most advanced product that we have designed. Every feature has been meticulously researched with a view to offering DJs ultimate creativity.

Based on the iLive pro-touring FX system, we developed FX algorithms with BPM conscious parameters and tight spectral control, customised to perfectly fit the DJ environment. As the loops and FX are automatically synchronised to the tempo of the track, it is very easy to build some amazing grooves and soundscapes without problems of latency, low fidelity and the general hassle often associated with using software and laptops.

The flexible input matrix allows any audio source to be selected on any or all of the channels. Different processing can be applied to the same track on separate channels and you can fade between them, or a phrase sampled in the looper of one channel can be added to the mix later in the track. Our digital design team has done an incredible job to ensure that this is one of the most innovative and exciting DJ mix tools to date.

Quad Fx Core.
The heart of the Xone:DB4 is the powerful Quad FX Core DSP engine, enabling each channel to have its own FX bank and BPM detection system, which automatically adjusts all time-related FX and loops to the tempo of the music. There are 5 studio quality FX types optimised for DJ use – delays, reverbs, modulators, resonators and damage – plus each FX type has a patch library of different effect variations. Each FX bank has a dedicated expression control and a rotary pot to set the wet/dry level, whilst further tweaking can be performed using the global controllers in the FX master section.

Pro-x-fader Option.
Retro-fit Pro-X-Fade option kit for Xone:DB4. Pro-X-Fade uses 100% conductive plastic tracks and a wider stem for extended fader life. Pro-X-Fade also allows the DJ to adjust both the feel of the fader and the cut-in point to suit their personal style. Speak to your approved Allen & Heath dealer or distributor for purchasing and fitting information.

X:link.
X:LINK uses a standard RJ45 connector and distributes power and data allowing connection to X:LINK compatible devices, saving USB ports on your computer.

Looper.
Each channel has a built-in looper, with selectable loop length from 1/16 beat to 4 bars. DB4 will always record the full 4 bars, so the loop can be expanded or shrunk at will.

Filters.
DB4 comes equipped with the Xone dual filter system.

Source Select.
Each music channel can select any of the available stereo music sources: Analogue Line 1-4 (switchable to Phono on 2-3), Digital 1-4 or USB 1-4.

Eq / Filter.
Each music channel has a 3-band EQ that can be configured as standard asymmetric EQ (+6/-26dB), Isolator (+6dB/OFF with a 24dB/octave slope), or reconfigured as a High-Pass/Low-Pass filter system with adjustable resonance. EQ knob pointers change colour to show which type of equalization is active.

Mic / Line Input.
The Mic/Line input has 2-band EQ, gain, cue and mix level. This can also be routed to all main input channels overriding Matrix analogue input channel 1 for adding FX and accessing the loopers.

Integral Soundcard.
A built-in, high quality (24-bit / 96kHz), multi-channel, fully patchable USB2 soundcard allows replay and recording from audio software for 4 stereo sends and 4 stereo returns.

USB.
User-defined settings such as meter mode, BPM range, USB audio routing scheme and display brightness can be saved to a USB key for recall on another DB4.

Midi Control.
All controls (except Mic and Phones level) send MIDI data and the mixer can double up as a MIDI controller via the MIDI shift button, allowing the Loop and FX selection controls to send MIDI data without changing the mixer settings. DB4 can generate internal MIDI clock which can be used to control the tempo of a connected DAW via USB and the ability to change the mixers MIDI channel.

Output Patchbay.
Booth, record and phones – source selectable and level trim. Booth and main – phase and level trim controls.

High Visibility Display.
The OLED display is clearly visible, even in bright sunlight, and displays channel FX selection and current BPM, as well as being an easy interface for the Menu setup functions.

Lightweight Chassis.
DB4’s lightweight aluminium chassis is designed to make touring with the console easy. Read more

H/T Allen & Heath.

With their rugged yet lightweight build, the HDJ-1500-S are perfectly designed for the rigours of professional use. High-quality sound components means they deliver perfectly balanced sound across the frequencies, and the exclusive soundproofing chamber eliminates outside noise so you can easily monitor the beat in loud venues. Plus the urethane memory foam ear pads hug the ear for maximum comfort even during the longest sets. Read more

H/T Pioneer DJ.

Tuned to take musicians and producers straight to the sound, the M-200 delivers crystalline audio so clear and neutral that picking up on subtle nuances and flaws is as easy as it gets.

Featuring 50mm drivers with neodymium magnets, CCAW voice coils and fine-tuning by Roland engineers, the M‑200 faithfully reproduces frequencies up to 40kHz to create a sound so detailed and accurate that it’s Hi‑Res Audio certified by the Japan Audio Society (JAS).

The closed‑back design provides optimal noise isolation and fit while the adjustable headband makes M‑200 ideal for accurate single ear monitoring and studio recording. The new, single‑sided balanced cable reduces signal‑to‑noise ratio to produce a cleaner, more spacious sound with transparent clarity, all to get you closer to perfection.

Your best studio session yet, no pressure: crafted for unparalleled comfort and durability, the strong yet flexible core meets a broad headband design for improved weight distribution and hours on end of pure comfort. Combined with the premium sweat resistant PU leather exterior and large, detachable magnetic memory foam cushions, the M-200 will feel like it’s barely there.

Pack up and protect your headphone via the CliqFold hinge, folding the M-200 into the re-designed Exoskeleton case included. Featuring smoother lines and more space to include accessories, all you have to do is clip it to your bag with the carabiner clip to take your show on the road.

Large earcups mean an extensive canvas to customize your look. Endorse Yourself with custom full color or laser engraved shields: with a variety of new aluminum shield colors, and the ability to upload your own designs, make M‑200 completely yours.

The M-200 comes with the new, single-sided balanced cable for a cleaner, more spacious sound when listening and producing, and the SpeakEasy™ 1-Button Mic Cable for crystal-clear calls when life takes you places.

Want more? Choose from our optional extra cables (not included): CoilPro Cable features TwistLock technology and extends listening reach for audio professionals, producers and DJs. BoomPro Microphone ensures crystal clear communication and a next-level gaming experience. Speakeasy DAC/AMP Lightning Cable allows for studio-quality sound from your iOS devices without the 3.5mm headphone jack. Audio Only Cable removes remotes from the equation, going straight to your instrument for pure analog sound. Read more

H/T V-Moda.

TMA-2 HD has a highly detailed and precise sound representation and ultra soft over-ear cushions with Alcantara and memory foam for music making or the optimal listening experience. The high-end S05 speaker unit with Bio-Cellulose delivers a clear and highly detailed sound representation. Combining the H04 headband and the E08 over-ear Alcantara earpads providing high isolation, results in super comfortable headphone with high-end audio, suitable for long and critical listening sessions.

The speaker unit contains a diaphragm that is precision-grown from NAC Audio bio-cellulose, making it stiffer, lighter and stronger than regular PET speaker units, and allowing the sound-producing diaphragm to vibrate without the levels of distortion found in other speakers. Each of these qualities results in more accurate and detailed sound from the speaker with the ability to retain clarity of sound at high volumes.

Ultra soft with alcantara.
Alcantara® is a highly innovative material offering an unrivalled combination of sensory aesthetic and functional qualities. With its extraordinary versatility, Alcantara is the choice of many leading brands in fashion, automotive and tech products. These features, combined with a serious and proven commitment to sustainability from AIAIAI, make Alcantara the choice for those who want an extreme comfort for sustained listening experiences while respecting the environment.

High End Triad Cable.
With individually-coated interior cabling, end spring and robust black anodized metal plug, the cable helps reduce interference when needed or desired.

Sustainable Modular Design.
The TMA-2 Modular Headphone System is the unique opportunity to upgrade individual parts, or change between different combinations, extending the use cases and longevity of your product. Read more

H/T Aiaiai.