We’re live from NAMM 2013 in Anaheim, California!

Posted on 23/01/2013 by Billy Steele

It's been just over a week since we departed chilly Las Vegas, and now we've descended on the much warmer Golden State for the music industry's annual winter gathering. That's right, we're here in Anaheim, California for NAMM 2013 to fondle all the latest musical gadgets and attempt to make it through the week with our eardrums still intact. For keeping up with all of the happenings, be sure to take a gander here for all of the latest newsy bits and hands-ons that we'll encounter over the next few days.

Check out our full coverage of NAMM 2013 at our event hub!

Filed under: Announcements, Peripherals, Software

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Numark refreshes iDJ Live, NS7, Mixtrack Pro DJ controllers, intros new Orbit wireless option

Posted on 23/01/2013 by James Trew

Many a DJ's first footsteps into the craft has started with a box labeled 'Numark.' At This year's Winter NAMM the prolific firm has updated three of it's existing controllers, and added a new hand-held wireless line -- called Orbit -- into (ahem) the mix. First up for the refresh treatment is the sequel to the iDJ Live iPad DJ controller -- the iDJ Live II (of course). What's new? Well this time around there's USB connectivity, which opens the functionality to a much broader range of software. The design has also been revised, with the platters most notably being much lower profile. Controls-wise, it's still back to basics with the essentials covered (EQ, crossfader etc), but the lack of onboard audio interface means you're still relying on an audio splitter for cueing. If you need a little more control, or a dedicated audio interface, the second revision on the list -- the Mixtrack Pro II -- might be more up your street. Head past the break to read more.

Once again the design has been given a makeover, plus there's 16 drum pads, hot cues, back-lit platters and all the usual effects -- there's also Serato DJ Intro software bundled in to get you going. The Mixtrack Pro II will cost $299 when it launches sometime this month. Last of the existing hardware revisions goes to Numark's popular motorized-platter controller the NS7, with the NS7 II. This is aimed at those DJs who like to trick their sets out a little bit, and this is made all the easier by the inclusion of 16 MPC-style pads, borrowed from the sister brand Akai's famous sample player line. The pads also have MIDI-assignable RGB backlights, letting you get creative with the color-scheme. The 3,600 'tick' resolution, plus slipmats definitely make this the digital-turntablist's choice (if that's a thing) from the new recruits.

Last, and possibly most interestingly, is the entirely new Orbit controller. This -- so claims Numark -- is the world's first wireless handheld DJ controller. The game-controller-esque design evidently hopes to bridge the gap between DJing and performance. The low-latency 2.5GHz wireless will bring the artist closer to the audience, for sure, but if you're a little more traditional, or like a longer, power heavy performance, you can still cable-up. There's four selectable banks of 16 pads (eight either side) plus four virtual knobs and a control wheel for adjusting parameters in real time. If that's all a little vanilla, there's also a two-axis accelerometer which can be set to control two different parameters (fader frequency or volume, for example) which is activated by shoulder buttons -- ideal for those extra-active performers -- and reminiscent of controllers we've seen before. For more info head over to the PRs, or check our ongoing NAMM coverage for hands-ons as we find things.

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NUMARK INTRODUCES iDJ LIVE II

iDJ Live II offers expanded mixing capability and an all-new design.

Cumberland, R.I. (January 24, 2013) - Numark, the world's leading manufacturer of DJ technology, announces iDJ Live II, a new mobile DJ controller that offers versatile control over a wide variety of computer-based and mobile DJ platforms. Numark will unveil iDJ Live II at Booth 6700 at the 2013 NAMM show, January 24-27 in Anaheim, California.

An updated and enhanced version of Numark's iDJ Live controller, iDJ Live II features an updated low-profile design and USB connectivity, allowing it to perform with both laptop-based and mobile DJ platforms. iDJ Live II features a standard layout of DJ controls, including a crossfader, EQ knobs, and capacitive touch-activated platters. The design of iDJ Live II has also been slimmed down with redesigned platters that are now illuminated and low-profile. A headphone/speaker splitter cable is also included.

"iDJ Live II enhances and builds upon our original vision for iDJ Live-give anyone and everyone real DJing capability in a compact, comprehensive, and fun package," said Chris Roman, Numark Product Manager.

Numark will display and demo iDJ Live II at Booth 6700 at the 2013 NAMM show.

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NUMARK UPDATES AND IMPROVES THE WORLD'S #1 DJ CONTROLLER

Mixtrack Pro II unveiled at NAMM 2013 and available in stores immediately

Cumberland, R.I. (January 24, 2013) - Numark, the world's leading manufacturer of DJ technology, announces Mixtrack Pro II, an enhanced and updated version of Mixtrack Pro, the world's best-selling DJ controller. Numark will exhibit Mixtrack Pro II at Booth 6700 at the 2013 NAMM show, January 24-27 in Anaheim, California.

Mixtrack Pro II features a new streamlined design and a new expanded layout of professional controls, including 16 backlit multifunction drum pads and illuminated touch-activated platters. Hot cues, looping, and effects controls are all onboard, along with a built-in professional DJ audio interface. Building upon Numark's longstanding partnership with Serato(R), Mixtrack Pro II comes with Serato DJ Intro. DJs can also easily use Mixtrack Pro II with most popular DJ software, and it also comes pre-mapped for an optional upgrade to Serato DJ, the latest state-of-the-art professional software from Serato. Serato DJ includes a wide range of all-new features and capabilities, including stunning new effects powered by iZotope(R), ultra-flexible and intuitive MIDI mapping, and the ability to set and trigger up to eight cue points.

"When we first released Mixtrack Pro, there was nothing else like it-it set the bar and gave DJs and aspiring DJs everywhere truly professional capabilities," said Chris Roman, Numark Product Manager. "Mixtrack Pro II is the next step of that evolution-the bar just got even higher."

Numark will also be showing Mixtrack II, an all-new version of Mixtrack, which shares all of the same professional updates received by Mixtrack Pro II.

Mixtrack Pro II will be available in stores in January 2013 with an estimated street price of $299.

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NUMARK ONCE AGAIN DEMOLISHES THE BOUNDARIES OF DJING WITH THE INTRODUCTION OF NS7 II

Incorporating exclusive technology from Akai Professional, NS7 II offers DJs the most responsive control surface ever created with virtually every inch filled with advanced touch-sensitive controls.

Cumberland, R.I. (January 24, 2013) - Numark, the world's leading manufacturer of DJ technology, announces NS7 II, a dramatically enhanced and updated version of the industry's most advanced and best-selling motorized DJ controller, NS7. NS7 II features four channels, 16 backlit RGB velocity-sensitive MPC(R) pads from Akai Professional, expanded effects controls-including a full array of capacitive touch-activated knobs and filters-and the most comprehensive integration for Serato DJ available. Numark will exhibit and demo NS7 II for the first time at Booth 6700 at the 2013 NAMM show, January 24-27 in Anaheim, California.

For more than 20 years, Numark has set the pace in the world of digital DJing, empowering DJs with cutting-edge technology that has continually advanced the art form. In 2007, Numark and Serato(R) released NS7, a controller that blends different eras of DJing so completely it makes them virtually indistinguishable from each other. Since then, the powerful experience offered by NS7 has defined the top tier of DJ performance, setting the standard by which all other controllers are judged.

Now, with NS7 II, Numark is pushing the modern DJ's performance capability even further, incorporating iconic technology from Akai Professional, the world leader in music production technology and creator of the legendary MPC. NS7 II's 16 MPC pads can be instantly assigned to control five dynamic performance features in Serato DJ: Cues, Loop, Roll, Sampler, and Slicer. In addition, each pad features RGB illumination, allowing for a virtually endless amount of color variations assignable via MIDI. Vinyl platter control has never felt more familiar with its high- and low-torque motorized platters with real slip mats and real vinyl sitting on 3,600 ticks of resolution. NS7 II's four-channel mixer works with or without a computer and includes a full array of external device inputs. Capacitive touch-activated filter, gain, EQ, and effects knobs are other features incorporated from Akai Professional, which turn the knobs themselves into control surfaces. DJs can use them for instant-on parameter control, blending effects, and instant frequency kills. "NS7 II is an interactive playground," said Chris Roman, Numark Product Manager. "It's built to squeeze every ounce of capability out of Serato DJ and push your creative limits. It's born to perform and to empower DJs with maximum live-performance creative capability."

NS7 II will be unveiled at Booth 6700 at the 2013 NAMM show on January 24th.

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NUMARK INTRODUCES THE WORLD'S FIRST WIRELESS HANDHELD DJ CONTROLLER

Orbit offers DJs unprecedented wireless control with 16 backlit pads, large aluminum control wheel, built-in 2-axis accelerometer, belt clip, and 8 hours of personality on a single charge.

Cumberland, R.I. (January 24, 2013) - Numark, the world's leading manufacturer of DJ technology, introduces Orbit, a first-of-its-kind wireless handheld DJ performance controller. Numark will unveil Orbit at and around Booth 6700 at the 2013 NAMM show, January 24-27 in Anaheim, California.

Numark's Orbit is the next step in the evolution of the performing DJ. Made to be held in the hands, strapped to your body using its built-in clip, or placed on the table, Orbit packs an unheard-of amount of control into an ergonomic game-controller-on-steroids design, which has every inch, inside and out, tailor-made for live performance. Orbit can be used wired via the included USB cable, which also charges it, or wireless using 2.4 GHz ultra-low-latency connectivity. Orbit features 4 selectable banks of 16 backlit pads, 8 on each side, for adding and blending effects, launching hot cues and samples, and more. Located in the center of Orbit are 4 bank selection buttons, 4 virtual knobs, and a large aluminum-faced touch-sensitive control wheel, which controls the selected virtual knob for instantly tweaking effects and filters.

"If you want to be a serious DJ these days, you need the guts and the gear to get out on the stage and perform," said Chris Roman, Numark Product Manager. "Orbit embraces that reality to its core, empowering DJs with performance capabilities that will need to be seen and experienced to be believed. It's intuitive, operating like an extension of the DJ-not to mention it's the most fun you'll ever have on stage."

Orbit's live-performance design extends even to the inside of the device, where it has an embedded 2-axis accelerometer, which can be assigned to 2 different parameters per bank and activated instantly via 2 shoulder buttons. All of Orbit's controls are fully mappable, so DJs will be able to customize their settings for effects control, transport control, volume control, or any other MIDI parameter. Numark will demonstrate Orbit for the first time at Booth 6700 at the 2013 NAMM show.

Filed under: Misc

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IK Multimedia outs iLoud and iLoud Mini speakers, supplies mobile jam sessions

Posted on 23/01/2013 by Billy Steele

If you've been looking for a wireless speaker that is capable of outfitting your music gear, IK Multimedia is looking to oblige with it's latest offerings. The company has announced the iLoud and iLoud Mini Bluetooth speakers ahead of the official start of NAMM 2013. In addition to that wireless connectivity, the duo sports rechargeable batteries for supplying jams on-the-go and a 1/8-inch jack for connecting those trusty peripherals the good ol' fashioned way. Boasting big volume in rather small frames, the larger unit touts 40W RMS of power and the smaller clocks in at 12W RMS. The larger of the two units, the iLoud, tacks on a full-sized 1/4-inch jack complete with iRig circuitry for connecting that axe should you feel the need offer up your best Stevie Ray Vaughan. While both are set to arrive sometime in Q2 of 2013, the iLoud will sport a $299.99 (€239.99) price tag and the iLoud Mini is set to dock wallets for $199.99 (€159.99).

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IK Multimedia Announces iLoud, the First Portable Speakers Designed for Musicians
The range of portable speakers that sound like studio monitors

January 23, 2013 - IK Multimedia is proud to announce iLoud(R), the first portable stereo speakers designed for musicians. IK leveraged its 16 years of pro-audio engineering expertise, and its experience as the leading developer of mobile music-creation apps and accessories, to design battery-operated speakers that combine superior power, pristine frequency response and amazing low-end in an ultra-portable form factor that make them the perfect alternative to studio speakers for music creation and composition on the go.

The iLoud line consists of two models, iLoud and iLoud MINI, both of which provide musicians with sonic accuracy that's on par with professional studio monitors, making it possible, for the first time, to compose, record, and mix from a mobile speaker system.

Dynamic Duo
Despite their diminutive size, both iLoud speakers are indeed very loud. In fact, they're 2 to 3 times louder than comparable size speakers. The iLoud model offers a blasting 40W RMS of power, and it's little brother, iLoud MINI, a robust 12W RMS.

Both iLoud models provide highly accurate reproduction of a wide range of musical styles from rock, hip-hop and electronic dance music, to more nuanced and sonically demanding genres like classical and acoustic. The speakers are equipped with onboard DSP, for maintaining accuracy and efficiency at all volume levels, and high-quality, custom-designed neodymium loudspeakers. iLoud is equipped with a bi-amped 4-driver array, and iLoud MINI with a pair of full-range speakers. The enclosures feature bass-reflex and passive radiators construction, which helps create their superior bass response, with tilted profile for perfect listening position.

Plug and Play Convenience
iLoud also offers the possibility to connect a guitar, bass or dynamic microphone directly to the speaker and process the sound with a multitude of real-time effects apps. Featuring the same circuitry as IK's iRig - the most popular mobile interface of all time - the input allows users to plug in an instrument and access AmpliTube or other audio apps on their mobile device for practicing, performing and recording. The input also accommodates dynamic microphones, making it possible to run an app such as IK's VocaLive for realtime vocal effects and recording.

Ultra-Portability
In addition to their impressive response, volume, and features, the iLoud speakers are surprisingly small, exceptionally portable, and can be used everywhere. iLoud MINI, the smaller of the two, is only about the width and height of an iPad mini while iLoud has the size of an iPad. Only 6cm / 2.3" thick, either model can easily fit in a laptop bag or backpack. Both iLoud and iLoud MINI are also equipped with a high-performance Li-Ion rechargeable battery with smart power-management features that reduce its power consumption, making possible to go long periods without recharging, an important factor for mobile users.

Wired and Wireless
Both iLoud models support Bluetooth operation, which adds even more to their mobility. Users can stream music to them from any compatible mobile device such as an iPhone, iPod touch or iPad for casual listening. For sound sources like MP3 players that don't have Bluetooth capabilities, the iLoud speakers each have a stereo 1/8" mini-jack input for connecting line-level devices such as home stereos, DJ gear, mixers, MP3 players, and more.

Pricing and Availability
iLoud will be priced $299.99 / €239.99 and iLoud MINI $199.99 / €159.99 (excluding taxes) and they will be available in the second quarter of 2013 from the IK network of music and electronic retailers around the world.

Filed under: Portable Audio/Video

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Source: IK Multimedia

Pioneer intros Platinum Edition CDJ-2000nexus, matching mixer and remixer

Posted on 22/01/2013 by Jon Fingas

DJs and even nightclubs don't always get to choose the decks for gigs or studio sessions. In the event they do, however, they'll likely want a rig to remember -- and Pioneer is more than willing to sate that desire with new Platinum Editions of the CDJ-2000nexus CD turntable, DJM-900nexus mixer and RMX-1000 Remix Station. All three are similar to existing equipment on the inside, but come with an extra-reflective chrome finish that's bound to be noticed, if more by the DJ than the audience on the dance floor. They'll also be harder to find when they're shipping in limited quantities from the outset; the mirror-like treatment is coming to just 4,000 units of the CDJ-2000nexus, and 2,000 each of the DJM-900nexus and RMX-1000. Scratch artists looking for full-on flash will need to buy two turntables and a mixer together as part of a $8,499 Platinum Edition set due in February, although those wanting a small taste of the experience can buy the remixer by itself for $1,199.

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PIONEER OFFERS PLATINUM LIMITED EDITION OF ITS FLAGSHIP DJ GEAR - CDJ-2000NEXUS PLAYER, DJM-900NEXUS MIXER AND RMX-1000 REMIX STATION

Pioneer DJ today announced the creation of "Platinum Editions" of the CDJ-2000nexus professional multi-player, DJM-900nexus performance digital mixer, and RMX-1000 Remix Station. The Platinum Edition models will have a limited run of 4,000 units for the CDJ-2000nexus, 2,000 units for the DJM-900nexus, and 2,000 units for the RMX-1000, which will be available at Pioneer DJ authorized retailers worldwide and released in February 2013. The limited Platinum Edition series products will feature an ultra-sleek mirror chrome finish, each with a distinctive plaque engraved with the production run and serial number to indicate its authenticity. A system, which includes two CDJ-2000nexus-M and one DJM-900nexus-M, will be sold as a set with a suggested retail price of $8499, while the Platinum Edition RMX-1000-M will be offered separately with a suggested retail price of $1199.

CDJ-2000nexus-M features include:

o. Users can choose their media source from a USB storage device, SD memory card, CD- or DVD-ROM Disc, DJ software via MIDI/HID or even using music stored inside Wi-Fi(R)1/USB-connected smartphones and tablets
o. rekordbox[TM] music management software for analysis, management, and playback of music files.
o. Pioneer's PRO DJ LINK2, which enables up to four digital CDJ players to be connected for sharing music files stored on a single USB device and/or SD card
o. High efficiency Wolfson(R) Microelectronics digital-to-analog (D/A) converter for accurate sound reproduction, faithful to source material
o. Slip and Quantize functions, which enable reliable performance without changing the flow of the original track. Using the My Settings feature, the function settings of a player can be saved to an iPhone(R), iPad(R) or iPod touch(R), USB storage device, or SD memory card. For additional convenience, the settings can also be can be made ahead of time on the rekordbox app or software, allowing users switch to their settings when a connection is made to the CDJ-2000nexus.
o. Up to 35 controls on the surface of each player can be used to trigger other devices, such as DJ effectors and software by way of HID and/or MIDI
o. Active Loop function automatically starts loops when playback begins from a specified point
o. Load Previous Track feature provides playback of prior music that has been loaded to the player
o. Rating on the Go function allows users to rate tracks during play for easy reference or sorting
o. Auto Standby function switches power to standby mode when no operation or input is detected for a certain period of time

DJM-900nexus-M features include:

o. Multitude of effects options including six types of Sound Color FX and 13 types of Beat Effect
o. Built-in 24-Bit / 96 kHz high performance USB soundcard3
o. Built-in "X-Pad" for controlling multiple parameters with a touch to enhance the user's performance
o. Ability to connect Pioneer(R) digital players that support the PRO DJ LINK feature for highly accurate BPM and beat location information, resulting in precise beat matching4
o. Built-in high performance 32-bit digital signal processor to suppress digital and analog circuit noise
o. Highly durable high-performance channel fader
o. Auto Standby function
o. Gold-plated RCA PIN ports

RMX-1000-M features include:

o. Knobs, buttons and layout of unit ensure intuitive operation and control
o. Remixing options are virtually endless with Scene FX, Isolate FX, X-PAD FX, and Release FX controls
o. Supports VST5/AU6/RTAS(R)7 plug-ins to utilize effects from DJ play for song production
o. Includes special remixbox[TM] editing software, enabling effects and customization
o. High-quality sound design delivers clear and powerful DJ sound
o. QUANTIZE function enables real-time music analysis and synchronization of effects along with the beat of the music
o. AUTO BPM function automatically measures and follows the tempo of music
o. Compact design for portability
o. Ability to be used as MIDI controller via included USB-MIDI standard

Filed under: Home Entertainment

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Source: Pioneer

Moog details Sub Phatty ahead of NAMM, accepts $1,099 pre-orders for March (video)

Posted on 21/01/2013 by Billy Steele

A few days ahead of the music industry's annual soiree in California, Moog Music has outed its latest analog offering. The North Carolina-based outfit has pulled the wraps off of the Sub Phatty: a 25 full-size key, 31 knob synthesizer that wields two variable waveshape oscillators and Moog's new Multidrive circuitry. Multidrive smashes OTA distortion with FET drive to offer a range of sounds from warm depth to growling overdrive. "We set out to design the grittiest Moog synth ever, one that still offers all of the great sound and flexibility that Moog synthesizers are known for, but that also really has teeth," said president Mike Adams. The budget-friendly price tag of $1,100 is sure to temp those who've been eyeing Moog's wares, but units won't start shipping until March. Consult the source link to part with your funds and jump past the break for a walkthrough with synth pioneer Herb Deutsch.

Gallery: Moog Sub Phatty