Mojaxx

Tuesday, January 8, 2019

Reloop Announces RP-8000 MK2 Turntable

Reloop RP-8000 MK2

Reloop RP-8000 MK2

Reloop has announced its latest turntable, the RP-8000 MK2, which it bills as “the most advanced turntable of all time.”

Like its predecessor, the RP-8000 MK2 is an official Serato device, enabling control of the software directly from the turntable.

It features seven new RGB color-coded performance pad modes. It also has a heavier design for vibration damping and isolation, more powerful starting torque, and the new MK2 tonearm base, as previously seen on the RP-7000 MK2.

The most exciting feature of the RP-8000 MK2, however, is the addition of Platter Play, which enables the performance pads to control the platter speed.

Platter Play enables DJs to select from 22 musical scales, with the option to create nine custom ones, for advanced turntablism performances. And because the pitch changes are done with the platter, the same controls will work with both Serato DJ and regular vinyl.

Other notable features:

– Reworked control section: more streamlined multi-encoder and intuitive mode section
– Independent pad modes
– Reverse function: switch for forward and reverse operation
– Smart USB link for up to four turntables

The RP-8000 MK2 will be available at the end of January priced at around $699. Get more details at Reloop’s website.

Related: Technics Unveils SL-1200MK7 Turntable

| Music Tech
Reloop,
Thursday, August 9, 2018

Denon DJ Announces SC5000M Media Player

Denon DJ

Denon DJ

Denon DJ has announced the standalone SC5000M, which has the potential to revolutionize the DJ media player space.

The device is based on the SC5000 Prime but adds a motorized platter with real, seven-inch vinyl. The SC5000M promises to provide all of the benefits of laptop-free performance, including playing music directly from a USB drive or SD card, but with an authentic vinyl experience.

The company has also added instant doubles, letting users duplicate tracks across multiple decks for beat juggling and other techniques. Combined with the dual layer function on each player, which provides two virtual decks for each physical player, the instant doubles feature should offer unique creative possibilities.

Key features of the SC5000M:

– Motorized platter with real 7-inch vinyl
– 
Adjustable vinyl tension for slip and scratch control
– 
Two variable torque settings (low and high) 

– Seven-inch HD display with multi-touch gestures 

– 24-bit/96kHz digital audio outputs 

– Dual-layer playback with individual audio outputs 

– Plays uncompressed audio formats (FLAC, ALAC, WAV) 

– Eight multifunction trigger pads for cues, loops, slices, and rolls 

– Customizable RGB color around the platter 

– Three USB and one SD card inputs for music playback
– LAN output to link to up to four players 

– Includes Engine Prime music management software 


The SC5000M will ship this fall with a price of $1,899. Watch a video of Kenny Dope Gonzalez introducing the player below.

Related: Review: Denon DJ SC5000 Prime Player

| Music Tech, Videos
Denon DJ,
Saturday, June 9, 2018

First Look: Allen & Heath’s Xone:96 Mixer

Xone:96

After weeks of teasing, Allen & Heath have announced its new Xone:96 club mixer.

The successor to the much-loved Xone:92, which has been on the market for 15 years, the 96 sticks to the template set by that classic model. However, it includes many new features aimed at integrating it into today’s digital DJ world.

The 96 retains the analog sound, four band EQ, and filters of the 92, but adds a pair of 32 bit 96 kHz soundcards, which are DVS compatible. The mixer is already supported in the latest version of Traktor Scratch.

There is a second independent headphone cue circuit, allowing two DJs to perform on the mixer at the same time, and extra return channels for advanced effects routing.

Crossfader users will be pleased to hear that the 96 ships with a Mini innoFADER, which means the mixer is a lot more usable for scratching than the 92.

The 96 will be available in August with a suggested retail price of $1,999. More details can be found on Allen & Heath’s website.

Watch Mojaxx‘s exclusive first-look at a pre-release unit below.

Related: Review: Allen & Heath Xone:PX5 Mixer

| DJcityTV, Music Tech, Videos
Allen & Heath, Tips and Tricks,
Thursday, May 31, 2018

Pioneer DJ Announces DDJ-SX3 Controller

Pioneer DJ DDJ-SX3

Pioneer DJ DDJ-SX3

Pioneer DJ has announced the DDJ-SX3, an update to its hugely successful DDJ-SX series of controllers.

Designed for use with Serato DJ Pro, the unit expands on the functionality of the previous generation. It adds a second USB port for easy changeovers and back-to-back sets, and a third microphone input, making the DDJ-SX3 a great choice for DJs who work with singers, MCs, and other live performers.

The DDJ-SX3 comes with licenses for Serato DJ’s Flip and Pitch & Time expansion packs and is the first model in the SX series to have dedicated pitch play controls. The mixer section now features four standalone Color FX, Echo, Jet, Noise and Filter, which will be familiar to users of the company’s club mixers.

Available in early June, the DDJ-SX3 is set to retail for $999 — the same price as the previous DDJ-SX2.

Watch Pioneer’s promo video below, which features DMC world champ, Mr Switch, and get more info on their website.

Related: Pioneer DJ’s DDJ-SB3 Controller Scratches For You

| Music Tech, Videos
Mr Switch, Pioneer DJ,
Tuesday, May 1, 2018

Shure Discontinues All Phono Products

Shure

Shure

On what will be a sad day for many DJs, Shure has announced that they are ceasing production of their entire range of phono cartridges and styli this summer.

From the company’s statement:

“For more than 90 years, Shure has been committed to manufacturing and delivering products of the highest quality, reliability, and value. This commitment requires consistency in materials, processes, and testing, as well the capacity to react to fluctuations in demand.

In recent years, the ability to maintain our exacting standards in the Phonograph Cartridge product category has been challenged, resulting in cost and delivery impacts that are inconsistent with the Shure brand promise.

In light of these conditions, and after thorough evaluation, we have made the difficult decision to discontinue production of Shure Phono products effective Summer 2018.”

Shure’s decision means that supplies of their turntablist-beloved M44-7 cartridges and replacement styli should start to dry up soon. If you have a lot invested in the company’s range of cartridges, it’s probably worth picking up a few replacement needles soon, as prices are likely to rise as stocks dwindle.

It isn’t the end of the road for turntable DJs, however. A review of Ortofon’s new Concorde Mk2 range is coming soon to DJcityTV, and the new Phase system will be released in September.

Read Shure’s full statement here.

Related: Jico’s Replacement Needles for Shure’s M44-7 Cartridge

| Music Tech
Shure,
Wednesday, April 4, 2018

DJ TechTools Expands Its Chroma Range to Audio Cables

Cables

DJ TechTools’ Chroma Cables have long been a popular choice for DJs who want reliable, high-performance cables for USB devices. Now, they’ve unveiled a new range of audio cables, the Performance Audio Series.

Launching in three colors — neon orange, blue, and red — the range includes various connection types. There’s RCA to RCA, 1/4″ to 1/4,” and RCA to 1/4.”

The cables are designed to have high visibility so that DJs can color code their connections. They have gold connectors and movable strain relief, enabling them to work with any setup. The cables also come with a velcro strap to help keep them tidy while traveling.

After a successful onstage debut at Ultra Music Festival in March, the Performance Audio Series is now available on DJ TechTools’ website. Prices start at $25 per cable, with discounts for large orders.

DJcityTV’s Tips and Tricks host Mojaxx has been testing the cables in the DJcityUK lab for a while and will be sharing his review soon.

Related: DJ Cable Review: Oyaide Neo d+ Series Class B

| Music Tech

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