This year our focus was pretty much exclusively on Apple and its iPad when it came to music apps. We are still in the middle of our iPad and music apps series (part one and two). And we also took a look at the competition of the iPad touchtablet wise. And the conclusion (in short) was that Apple had a big lead when it came to music apps for use in a studio and/or stage environment.
These are the releases we have encountered this week on the Loops and Samples front. Just like the quality of the audio software we use these days the quality of the content we use (loops and samples) equally matches the high standards of this software. Below is this weeks selection.
Sit back and let audio specialists Paul Woolford and John 00 Fleming introduce to you the S-DJ08 & S-DJ05, Pioneer DJ’s first monitor speakers specifically designed for DJ’s. This first video was shot at the final stages of the development process with Space resident and production legend Paul Woolford who is building his new studio with the S-DJ08s. We also get the lowdown from Label boss and globally respected Producer and DJ, John ’00’ Fleming.
After several years of development Elektron are happy to announce the imminent arrival of the Octatrack. They are confident their efforts have resulted in a unique machine with a huge potential and they really look forward to see how you will use and abuse it.
Denon’s new Hybrid MIDI mode adds impressive DVS (Digital Vinyl System) versatility to the DN-S3700 Digital Media Turntable and the DN-S1200 Compact Media Player & Controller with today’s leading DJ applications. World’s First Hybrid MIDI mode generates the required CD/Vinyl control signal (timecode) from within the deck’s DSP allowing for super accurate tracking and spinning platter performance (S3700) without using the CD timecode. Other buttons and knobs can control essential features such as, File Browsing, Hot Cues, Looping… etc. over USB MIDI.
Recently unveiled at the DJ Expo in Atlantic City (last august), Denon has made a few changes to its design, which now can be considered as final. The DN-MC6000 Mixer and MIDI Controller is a four-channel/eight-source standalone digital DJ mixer with MIDI interface and internal sound card. With an astounding amount of features, real-time channel matrix operation, slim tabletop design, state-of-the-art solid steel chassis construction and quality sound, the DN-MC6000 is one of Denon DJ’s flagship controllers. Also acting as an audio interface (with a 2 in/2out stereo soundcard included), the DN-MC6000, when paired with the user’s software of choice, is a turnkey control solution for mobile DJs and party DJs, and a clear centerpiece to any DJ rig.
Below we can present the final design to you as first …
We are excited about this one. The 4MidiLoop controller quite made a buzz already for being one ‘hell of a controller’. It would give the NI S4 Kontrol some real competition. Obviously we were intrigued by this puppy and thanks to the guys in Switzerland we are given the opportunity to have a go with the 4MidiLoop DJ Controller. After some difficulties at the Dutch Customs (*sigh*), we finally got our hands on our review model today. So the fun can begin.
Blip Interactive, Palm Sounds and SoundCloud have teamed to bring to you the Nano Competition. They challenge you to push the limits for mobile music creation and create the biggest track using the smallest studio; the NanoStudio.
Earlier this year Loopmasters came with this new series of tools for DJ’s, appropriately named DJ Mixtools. This series wasn’t the average run of the mill sample and loop packs. Nope, these tools are based on a new concept. Each Mixtool pack contains four complete tracks that are split up in full track stems. This means you can use the complete track in your set or all or any one of the seperate elements of the track, drums, percussion, bassline, synthline, etc. Whatever you want, you decide!
The guys from SourceDistributionTV packed their camera and went to talk to Bernard Butler. Well known as the guitarist of Suede, McAlmont & Butler, and producer of numerous artists including Duffy and The Libertines, he is a user of the Universal Audio UAD2 Quad Card. They headed to Bernard’s little custom studio to talk about how he’s found working with UAD2, his musical processes, the music industry and the state of music, and how he wrote one of his greatest songs…
With the next update for Native Instruments Maschine (version 1.6) the biggest new feature will be hosting of VST/AU plugins. A feature that has been requested by many users from the start. So with this coming 1.6 update you will allowed to use VST and AU plugins as sound sources and effects in your Maschine project. This includes both the whole NI range of instruments and effects as well as any third-party plugin.
Glanzmann has announced that their new DJ Controller is ready for ordering and shipment. In collaboration with FADERFOX, Glanzmann Digital DJ Solutions has developed the new 4midiloop controller which is the first controller allowing an entire and simultaneous control over four decks and four Effect-Slots in Traktor Pro.
KORG iMS-20 is an analog synth studio; a complete recreation of the Korg MS-20 analog synth, an analog sequencer, a drum machine, a mixer, and even Korg’s Kaoss Pad technology. Plus, you can share your songs online via the SoundCloud network! The regular price is US$ 32.99; a special introductory price of US$ 15.99 is being offered until January 31, 2011.
After the iElectribe Korg has developed another app emulating on of their greats! This time the KORG MS20 has been recreated for the iPad with added features like an analog sequencer, drum machine, Kaoss Pad and SoundCloud integration.