Music Tech

Reloop’s original RP-7000 turntable offered the perfect combination of simplicity and high performance at a great price. Does the RP-7000 MK2 live up to its predecessor? Find out on this episode of DJcityTV’s Tips and Tricks.

Related: Review: Denon DJ VL12 Prime Turntable

Mojaxx recently noticed that his MacBook Pro wasn’t performing as well as it used to. His system was glitchy and running very hot. He knew it was running too hot because he has a free app called SMCFanControl, which, along with letting you adjust your fan speed, shows the temperature of your laptop.

Suspecting that his fan might be clogged, Mo opened up his laptop and cleaned it out. The trick worked: Mo’s system was running smoothly again at a normal temperature.

Watch him go through the process on this week’s Tips and Tricks.

Related: How to Avoid ‘Laptop Face’

Ortofon’s range of Concorde cartridges have been around for a couple of decades and haven’t seen any many major changes. However, the company has redesigned them from the ground up. And it’s good timing, with the recent news that Shure has discontinued all of its phono cartridges.

Will Ortofon’s new MkII series ease the pain of grieving Shure devotees? Mojaxx finds out on this week’s episode of Tips and Tricks.

Compare the sound of each model
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Related: Shure Discontinues All Phono Products

SoundSwitch. (Source: Facebook)

Denon DJ has acquired lighting software and hardware company, SoundSwitch. Released in 2016, SoundSwitch enables DJs to integrate custom and automated lighting into their DJ set. The product is currently compatible with Serato DJ and Virtual DJ 8.

“SoundSwitch is a fantastic addition to the Denon DJ portfolio of pro-level DJ performance products,” said Jack O’Donnell, CEO of Denon DJ in the press release. “The SoundSwitch software will continue to bring even more creative options to our DJ customers’ gigs and shows, bringing a more exciting and vibrant experience of lighting, visuals and sound.”

Zak Meyers, CEO of SoundSwitch added:

“Becoming part of the Denon DJ team is a great outcome. With Denon DJ’s support, SoundSwitch will be able to further expand on its vision in both the software and hardware fields at pace. The SoundSwitch team is excited to explore the synergies between the two companies and develop the next generation of lighting products alongside Denon DJ’s impressive hardware.”

Check out Denon DJ’s Facebook page for more info.

Related: SoundSwitch 1.2 Released

In March, Technics assembled an orchestra of 30 DJs to perform a routine in celebration of Japan’s LP Record Day. The historic ensemble included world-class turntablists like DJ QBert, D-Styles, DJ Kentaro, Mr. Switch, and DJ Swamp.

After watching the video, fans asked DJcityTV host Mister Remix about the equipment that was used in the performance. All of the DJs were equipped with Technics SL-1200 turntables, but their mixers were less recognizable. One of them was the Technics SH-EX1200, a two-channel mixer that was popular in the battle scene from the ’80s to mid-’90s.

Watch Mister Remix examine the SH-EX1200 on this episode of Classic DJ Gear.

Related: Classic DJ Gear: Vestax PMC-06 Pro

DJ Woody has launched the Grind Strip, a device that gets mounted onto the edge of a turntable platter to perform “grinding” scratch techniques.

The idea first started in 2004 as part of Woody’s concept plans for Vestax’s Controller One turntable, which he helped develop. Vestax didn’t end up using it, so Woody has now brought it to life.

Woody tells us how it works:

“If you swipe over the Grind Strip with part of your hand as you move the record, the movement will be broken up as so will the sound, like a fader click. For example, swiping over one button will break the sound into two parts (like a tear), swipe over two buttons and you get three sounds, three buttons give you four sounds and so on.

The more pressure you apply with the swipe, the more defined the sound. This all allows for some very intricate and controlled faderless scratches. And the beauty is that it’s all using just one hand, so you still have your fader hand free for extra fader clicks, cue points, mixer effects or whatever you like. There’s tons to be explored (if you’re as geeky as me!).”

The Grind Strip is available for preorder now on Woody’s Woodwurk Records website. It comes in two sizes, one for a 7″ and one for a 12″ platter, and retails at roughly $22 and $25 USD respectively, plus shipping.

Watch a demonstration below and stay tuned for a review by Mojaxx on Tips and Tricks.

Related: DJ Woody Scratches Over ‘BocaWoody’ Single, ‘Freeze’

German manufacturer ADAM Audio recently entered the affordable studio monitor market after years of making mostly mid- to high-end speakers. The company did it with their new
T Series range of studio monitors, which is comprised of the T5V and the T7V. Released in April, they were designed to compete directly with KRK’s Rokit series and Yamaha’s HS series.

But do they match up? And was ADAM Audio able to pack their award-winning sound into their budget-friendly line? Mojaxx certainly thinks so.

Watch his review of the T Series above on a new episode of Tips and Tricks.

Related: Exclusive First Look: Phase Wireless DJ System

There are many vinyl display cases on the market, but finding one that’s both stylish and reliable can be a frustrating task. That’s why Los Angeles-based company Art of Records has created the CLRCASE.

According to the company, the CLRCASE “offers a crystal clear view of records and covers, protects from damage and dust, and offers easy access to play vinyl in seconds.” It was invented by vinyl enthusiast Adam Kawasawa, who had grown tired of the inconvenience and damage caused by traditional frames.

“Record lovers appreciate quality and a tactile experience, and that’s what CLRCASE celebrates,” Kawasawa said in a press release. “I felt it was important to make a record display case that showcases the craftsmanship of vinyl, while keeping it fun and simple to operate….”

Kawasawa’s design is not only elegant, but it’s also safe and functional. The case contains a reversible patent-pending adaptor that enables users to display either the vinyl or its cover. It also includes a quick-release tab for easy access inside and is made out of a sturdy clear acrylic casing.

The project began in 2012 and has taken Kawasawa thousands of hours of design and nine prototypes to complete. He was inspired by his hard-working grandfather Don, who pressed vinyl for Columbia Records for over 30 years.

CLRCASE is still in Kickstarter phase, having only launched on Tuesday, May 1. Impressively, Art of Records’ campaign was completely funded its first day. Those looking to get special rewards can still pledge funds until May 31 however.

Learn more about the CLRCASE on Kickstarter and watch a promo video below.

Related: Introducing the Spinbox, a DIY Portable Turntable

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 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

DJcityTV’s Mojaxx recently traveled to Paris to get an exclusive first look at the highly-anticipated Phase wireless DJ system.

The device, which premiered in January to great acclaim, enables turntable DJs to control tracks from their DJ software without using a cartridge and control vinyl. It is now available for pre-order.

During his examination, Mo was joined by DJcity France director, DJ Stresh. The former Red Bull Music 3Style France champion put Phase to a scratch test.

Phase is set to ship in September. It costs $349 for the Essential Pack (one receiver and two remotes) and $549 for the Ultimate Pack (one receiver and four remotes).

Watch Mo’s first look above.

Related: Watch: Turntablists Put New Phase Technology to Test on DJcityTV’s ‘Cutting Room’ Series