#ipad mixer

The Numark iDJ Pro, which was first witnessed as a prototype at NAMM has finally got the “OK” to be mass produced.  The iDJ Pro is revolutionary because it’s in its own class – and it fills the void that other units only partially satisfy. Using a laptop to replace vinyl records was once considered revolutionary, but it also led to a host of problems like having to mount a screen that blocked the DJ’s view of the audience.  In a way, it disconnected the DJ from the dance floor.  Controllers improved the situation (eliminating the need for a QWERTY keyboard to trigger cues), but still suffered from the need to stick a laptop somewhere in the booth. The iDJ Pro is the first to completely integrate the iPad into the mixer and controller itself.  No more keyboards; and no more mouse clicking.  Everything is at your fingertips and yes, the crowd can now see your face.  There is perhaps nothing as functional at this size being offered on the market right now. http://djworx.com/numarks-idj-pro-is-no-longer-prototype/

In late August, Mackie unveiled their new line of powered loudspeakers, the DLM Series. The event was hosted in Seattle, WA and Unique Squared was there to capture the event on video. In the video, Matt Redman walks us through the features of the new line which include overviews of the DL2 Digital Mixer, their TruSource speaker technology, as well as the 2000 watt, energy efficient power source. With its compact size and portability, this is sure to make many mobile DJs and gigging musicians very happy. Check out the video and post a comment to let us know what you think about the Mackie DLM Series Powered Loudspeakers. If you want to find out more information about the DLM Series, check out the blog we posted after the unveiling. SLAM!!

For all of the possibilities the iPad opens up for you, it isn’t the most proactive device when it comes to tying components together.  Either Apple has failed to see the underlying need to have peripherals connected to their device, or they do, and they want to look at other ways of approaching the problem.  Only have a 30 pin connector (or lightening connector) and a standard audio jack outlet, has been a severely limiting problem with the iPad.  But then again, it was never meant to be used as an active device with inputs, rather, it was meant to be a passive device to looking and listening. Accessory makers like IK Multimedia have honed in on these issues, creating an accessory for just about any need you may encounter.  One such product is the audio dock, which turns the iPad into a physical mixing board, not just a virtual one.  Mackie’s DJ1608 attempts to replace a modern mixing board, but it comes at such a steep price that it might just be better to buy the hardware version.  Now Behringer has unleashed their smaller version of the same mixing board, the iX16, which looks much more portable and wallet friendly. http://www.musicradar.com/news/tech/namm-2013-behringer-ix16-ipad-mixer-dock-570159  

Right about now I feel sorry for the DJs who have been waiting patiently to purchase their first Traktor Z2 mixer.  They probably paid around seven or eight hundred dollars for one, and then a week later the price drops down a few hundred dollars.  I’m sure they’re still happy with their product, but the timing of the price drop couldn’t be worse.  Those who are in the “know” understood this gesture as a business move – they were trying to clear house for a new product, but they could not guess what it was. Well, now it’s here and it seems like the natural direction for Native Instruments to head towards.  Instead of going big into the hardware heavy side of things, they slimmed down their prospect into something more modern.  They basically removed the edges of the z2 mixer and created a portable mixer for the Traktor DJ users.  When I say slimmed down, I really mean slim.  The faders are no longer meant for scratching use and there are no phono inputs for those who want to use an analog source.  Of course, you cannot complain since this was obviously geared towards tablet users and not the vinylists. http://www.digitaldjtips.com/2013/06/traktor-kontrol-z1/

Check out this video to explore all the features it has to offer!