12 minute read
Gear
TRUE COLORS
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Users of the V-MODA M-200 headphones can now access new ways to customize their gear with the M-200 Custom Shield Kit. The shields can be customized with laser-engraved or color-printed designs, and they are available in six different color options: Atlas Blue, Rust Orange, Moss Green, Laser Red, Titan Gray and Brushed Black. Each M-200 Custom Shield Kit contains two customizable aluminum shields in one of those colors, along with 12 screws and a tailored screwdriver to easily attach the shields to the headphone.
SOUNDS OF SILVER
Pioneer DJ has released the DDJ-SB3-S, a limited-edition, pure-silver version of the DDJSB3 2-channel controller. Like the original unit, the DDJ-SB3-S unlocks Serato DJ Lite (you don’t need a license key or subscription) and the controller’s intuitive interface is ideal for learning basics and moving onto more advanced techniques. The USB bus-powered unit includes the following features: Pad Scratch for easy, professional scratch performances; FX Fade for smooth mixing; built-in soundcard for plug-and-play by connecting to laptop using a single USB cable; mic input circuit for clear audio; and grab handles on both sides for easy carry.
READY SET GO
American Audio’s APX12 GO BT is a portable audio system that is fitted with a pair of wheels, a retractable handle, two side handles and a tripod mount. It features a 12-inch, 2-way battery powered 200-watt active loudspeaker, as well as a 12-inch woofer with a 1.5-inch voice coil paired with a one-inch high frequency driver. The unit also includes an internal Class D module that provides 65 watts RMS of amplification for a peak power output of 200 watts. The APX12 GO BT is powered by an internal 700mA 12V battery that can run up to eight hours on a single charge.
COLORS EVERYWHERE
Chauvet DJ 5200 NW 108 th Ave Sunrise, FL 3351 (954) 577-4455 www.chauvetdj.com
Chauvet DJ has released the COLORband Q3BT, a full-size, linear quadcolor (RBBA) wash light that’s fitted with three zones of control. The unit features DMX, plus Bluetooth wireless technology, and users can control the COLORband Q3BT with a free BTAir app from any smartphone or tablet – no additional hardware needed. Quad-color LEDs allow for vibrant and warm color mixing. Users can access built-in automated programs via Master/Slave, DMX or optional IRC-6 remote. Multiple units can be power linked to save time running extension cords.
SENDING OUT AN SMS
RequestNow www.requestnow.io
RequestNow allows DJs to interact with their audience via SMS, facilitating social distancing. RequestNow’s messaging system gives the DJ a dedicated local phone number through which guests can text their requests directly to the user’s account. RequestNow’s algorithm then finds the song, adds it to a list the DJ can read at their convenience, and automatically replies with a customizable text to let the guest know their request was received. DJs can send a thank-you message back that includes their booking info as well.
MEET YOUR HITMAKER
Hitmaker: EDM is a new collection in IK Multimedia’s Hitmaker series of sound libraries. The collection is designed for all versions of the SampleTank 4 music creation workstation, which is available for Mac, PC, iPad and iPhone. The collection includes more than 100 new instruments, 1.6 GB of samples and 50 MIDI loops, featuring bassdrums, leads, synths and pads, as well as more than 400 original vocal samples that can be used in the production of dance music. According to the company, “all samples were created and processed with high-end studio gear to add warmth and punch.”
PEAS IN A PODCAST
American Music & Sound 925 Broadbeck Dr. #220 Newbury Park, CA 91320 (800) 431-2609 www.AmericanMusicAndSound.com
THE KING AND AI
algoriddim GmbH Königinstr. 33 80539 Munich, Germany www.algoriddim.com
Algoriddim’s djay Pro AI is an update to djay for iOS that allow users to mix individual components of music live using artificial intelligencebased real-time music separation. The update includes the company’s Neural Mix technology, which is able to leverage the Apple Bionic chip for real-time playback by providing ultra-low latency sound quality. A new full-screen view allows users to interact with individual waveforms for drums, harmonic and vocal components per track, side by side. Additional features include Intelligent Automatic Mixing and on-screen intuitive sliders and controls.
The Reloop Spodcaster Go is a professional USB podcast microphone that comes with a matching USB cable and a functional carrying bag. The microphone sports a cardioid polar pattern that cancels out much of the ambient noise and feedback. Compatible with both PC and Mac, the unit features a 3.5 mm jack connector, 48 kHz A/D converter, volume buttons and a large mic mute button. There is also a tabletop stand that is pre-mounted on the underside of the microphone. It can be removed or folded for easy transport.
DRONE STRIKE
UVI www.uvi.net
UVI released Drone, a dual-layer sample synth with two fullyfeatured sample engines loaded with custom and exclusive sounds. Drone comes with hundreds of purposefully designed long-format samples that can be accessed via standard sample playback and the IRCAM Granular engine. A full range of controls is located on dedicated Edit, FX, Modulation and Settings pages. Additional features include a large X/Y pad, a dedicated feedback loop of effects, dual LFOs, a chaos modulator and a per-harmonic modulator. Drone is compatible with current versions of all major DAWs on both Mac and Windows platforms.
VIRTUAL INSANITY
VirtualDJ www.virtualdj.com
VirtualDJ announced a new updated version of its popular DJ mixing software. The latest version, VirtualDJ 2021, is available now for download on both PC and Mac. Among the key features of the upgrade is real-time stem separation, allowing DJs to work on-the-fly with the various components of their tracks, such as vocals, instruments, kicks and hi hats, to create live mash-ups, remixes and transitions. VirtualDJ is free to use for non-commercial use.
MEGASEG MAN
Fidelity Media, Inc. PO Box 6478 Champaign, IL 61826 (877) 634-2734 www.megaseg.com
A new update is available for the MegaSeg Pro DJ and radio automation system for Mac. MegaSeg 6.1.2 offers 80 new features and improvements, including new MIDI controller presets for the Roland DJ-707M, Traktor Kontrol S8, and Pioneer DDJ-SB3. It also offers 64-bit native support for macOS Catalina, video playback optimizations, streamlined drag-and-drop importing and a flashing play button alert when tracks are ending. The update is also compatible with the new Music.app that replaced iTunes.
EVERYTHING ZEN-CORE
Roland release a variety of new ZEN-Core Sound Packs for the company’s ZENOLOGY Software Synthesizer and ZEN-Core hardware. These genre-specific collections come in two different types: Production Packs and Instrument Packs. The five Production Packs each offer 15 tones and one drum kit that were designed for musical styles such as R&B, deep house, acid house, techno, hip hop and electronica. Five Instrument Packs were also released, including Electro Bass, Analog Plucks, Synth Strings and Pads, Metallic Plucks and Transitions and Risers.
DID I STUTTER?
iZotope 1 Kendall Square Cambridge, MA, 02139 (617) 577-7799 www.izotope.com
The Stutter Edit 2 plugin from iZotope is a collaboration with GRAMMY-nominated composer and electronic musician Brian Transeau (aka BT). Stutter Edit 2 creates the famous “stutter” editing effect with one button, slicing audio into small fragments and sequencing the pieces into razor-sharp rhythmic effects, according to the company. The new version includes an upgraded Distort module, as well as new Comb, Chorus and Limiter modules, a new Reverb module from BT’s personal collection and a suite of 11 effects. There is also a new AUTO mode that lets users add sounds to mixes without routing.
LIMITED EDITIONS
Audio-Technica 1221 Commerce Dr. Stow, OH 44224 (303) 686-2600 www.audio-technica.com
Audio-Technica has released the ATH-M50xPB professional monitor headphones and ATH-M50XBTPB wireless over-ear headphones, limited-edition purple/black versions of A-T’s popular ATH-M50x and ATH-M50XBT models. The headphones feature metallic purple earcups and black accents including distinctive trimming, earpads and headband. From the 45 mm large-aperture drivers to its sound-isolating earcups and robust construction, the ATH-M50xPB serves several audio applications, including recording, live sound, broadcast, DJ and personal listening. Utilizing Bluetooth wireless technology and 45 mm large-aperture drivers with rareearth magnets and copper-clad aluminum wire voice coils, the ATH-M50xBTPB brings the sonic signature of the M50x to a wireless, on-the-go design.
KEEP IT GLASSY
Eplex7 www.eplex7.com
Eplex7 DSP has released Glassy hi-tech darkpsy psycore FX 1, a VSTi and AU Plug-in instrument with 20 multi-octave banks for Mac and PC. The instrument includes “organic-sounding FX sounds, glassy effects, pseudopads and atmospheric alien soundscapes,” featuring a sound quality that is retained in a wide range of tones and octaves ranging from C3 to C7 and more. The sounds can be played in a variety of modes, including polyphonic, Monophonic or Legato with Glide function, and they can be modified by internal parameters like LFO rate/depth (Triangle, Sinus, Saw, Square, Exponent) with Pitch, Expression and Pan modulation.
GOLD STANDARD
Pioneer DJ has released the DDJ400-N, a limited-edition, gold-colored version of the DDJ-400 controller. Perfect for upstart DJs, the unit’s compatible with Pioneer DJ’s pro-DJ application, rekordbox, and users can stream and mix music from Beatport LINK, Beatsource LINK and SoundCloud Go+ with it. These musicstreaming services are also available if you connect to Algoriddim’s free app, djay for iOS, or if you upgrade to djay Pro for PC/Mac. The unit’s layout includes dedicated play/pause and cue buttons, Beat FX, and CDJ-style looping controls.
SPACE ECHO
IK Multimedia has released T-RackS Space Delay for its T-RackS mixing and mastering software workstation. This new vinage tape delay/spring reverb plug-in recreates the detailed character and sound of an iconic tape echo unit heard on countless records and can be used both as a stand-alone plug-in or inside T-RackS 5. IK’s T-RackS Space Delay offers users a chance to enjoy the flexible controls and instantly recognizable organiz sound of the classic Roland RE-201 Space Echo delay unit, modeled with a deep level of detail. Just as on the original, users can enjoy experimenting with three playback heads, the variable speed motor and engage the spring reverb to create everything from subtle space to rich, swelling echoes.
RE-START YOUR ENGINE
Engine DJ, a leading developer of cross-platform DJ software solutions, has released Engine PRIME v1.5, marking the software’s largest feature release to date. The update greatly simplifies the process of transferring music to media devices with an all-new Sync Manager. The update also introduces a significantly improved BPM detection algorithm, track preview, batch editing for track metadata, local collection backup and restore functionality, as well as a number of additional usability improvements and stability enhancements. Engine PRIME v1.5.0 is available for all users as a free and recommended update.
PIXIE CUT
ADJ has released its Pixie Strip Series, a versatile collection of pixel battens that combine vibrant LEDs with intelligently designs housings to create a powerful and versatile system. It can be used to design dazzling pixel-mapped displays for touring and one-off events as well as a variety of permanent installations controlled by the Pixie Driver 2000. Units in the series include: Pixie Strip 120, a 2-meter linear fixture featuring 120 tri-color RGB SMD LEDs; Pixie Strip 60, a 1-meter linear fixture featuring 60 tri-color RGB SMD LEDs; Pixie Strip 30, a half-meter linear fixture featuring 30 tri-color RGB SMD LEDs; and Pixie Driver 2000, a controller for the series.
MAU5 IN THE HAU5
OSC/PILOT www.oscpilot.com
Launched by top electronic musician deadmau5, OSC/PILOT is a bidirectional control surface application built as a performance tool for digital artists and musicians. Interoperability between the applications at the artist’s disposal (Ableton Live, TouchDesigner, MaxMSP, Processing, Bitwig, etc.) allows digital audio and visual artists to control the content of any space with data from any other space. OSC/PILOT aims to provide an easy way to build User Interfaces (UIs) for this control. A large amount of display options gives artists both their choice of canvas and choice of how to drive the content to that canvas.
ATOM HEART MOTHER
PreSonus Audio Electronics 18011 Grand Bay Court Baton Rouge, LA 70809 (225) 216-7887 www.presonus.com
PreSonus has released the ATOM SQ, a MIDI keyboard/pad controller for production and performance apps. With its staggered 32-pad layout that’s familiar to both keyboardists and drum programmers, the unit’s pressure-sensitive pads feature poly aftertouch, enabling expressive performances, and their RGB LEDs make for customizable color-coordination for samples and loops. A built-in arpeggiator and user-configurable touch strip provide even more expressive control. Deep integration with Studio One’s Pattern Editor lets the unit function as a TR-style 16-step sequencer, in addition to playing your favorite virtual instruments.
RANE OR SHINE
In its latest entry to the DJ-battle tools market, Rane has released the Seventy-Two MKII mixer. The unit adds a highly requested external crossfader tension adjust to personalize each DJ’s feel, while the mixer expands DJ-software platform controls to include Traktor and Virtual DJ, as well as Serato DJ Pro, adding independent controls and a redesigned plunger-style start/stop button. Other new features include three MAG FOUR faders, Toggle Instant Double/Silent Cue/ Sync Controls and dual DVS inputs (aux or Phono/CD).
