Archive for April, 2010

RELEASED: Serato Scratch Live v2

Thursday, April 8th, 2010
Some time ago, I worked out that at the current rate, Scratch Live would reach v2 in expansive time of 5 years. Clearly this scared the living crap out of Serato, thus decided to ramp up development and reduce this down to 9 months. Weeeellll… perhaps it was nothing to do with anything I said at all, but v2 is all out of beta and very much ready for you to use. Set yourself aside a quiet moment and read the extensive list of new stuff as well as changes. And it's all for free too.

Spacetek CDJ-2000-ST Released

Thursday, April 8th, 2010

Spacetek LogoHighly acclaimed DJ equipment bracket manufacturer Spacetek have announced the release of their lastest product which has been designed to compliment the recently released Pioneer CDJ-2000.

Spacetek CDJ-2000-ST is a freestanding bracket that holds a Pioneer CDJ-2000 above another piece of equipment such as a turntable, laptop or mixer.

Spacetek CDJ 2000 ST

Spacetek DJ stands are used in clubs and DJ booths worldwide and have become the industry standard being endorsed by a number of top-name DJs.

So, what’s all the fuss then?

Major festivals are using them, famous clubs around the globe are using them and bedroom enthusiasts are using them.

Why use a Spacetek Stand?

The unique 3D bracket technology allows DJ’s to quickly and easily adjust the distance, angle and tilt position of their equipment during a performance, whilst maintaining rock-solid stability.

3d Rotate

The slick designs and high level of manufacturing standards have created a DJ stand that saves space in the booth whilst providing a professional and affordable solution for bringing Vinyl, CD Turntables, DVJ’s, Laptops and Effects Units close together.

They look cool too, with a scratch resistant powder-coated finish in black to the base and bracket.

Height Adjustable

Quick & Easy Setup

Spacetek DJ stands are easy and quick to set up. The only tool needed is the Allen key that is provided. Once assembled they are very stable and will self support the units that are placed on them.

Easy Setup

This page: http://blog.discostudio.co.uk/2010/04/spacetek-cdj2000st-released/

COMPETITION: Win Woody Wear!

Wednesday, April 7th, 2010
As technology marches forward, some choose to stick to their chosen DJ weapon of choice, while others reach the top of their tree but feel the need to be challenged again. One such soul is Woody aka Woody Madera. Having established himself as a key player and many times world champion in the turntablist market, he's now returning to his graphics roots and putting those skills to good use with in conjunction with Serato's Video-SL plugin for his "Turntables in Technicolor" project. And you can win suitably splendid t-shirts celebrating the launch, as well a being the official act for the upcoming UK DMC heats.

Yamaha DTX550 Electronic Drum Kit Launched

Wednesday, April 7th, 2010

Yamaha are proud to announce the release of the new Yamaha DTX550K electronic drum set featuring the award winning DTX-PAD.

The Yamaha DTX550K is positioned in the middle of the DTX range in between the DTXPRESS IV standard set and the recently released flagship DTX900 range. At the heart of the Yamaha DTX550K is the new 10” DTX-PAD for the snare drum, with the revolutionary and unique ‘Textured Cellular Silicone Head’ offering unprecedented dynamic control and feel for players while the inbuilt suspension dampening design absorbs energy away from the hand and wrist for comfort and playability.

Yamaha DTX550K

This 10″ DTX-PAD is a 3-zone type with the pad’s rim divided into 2 zones that lets you play both open and closed rim-shot sounds or any other allocated voices in addition to the voice from the main drum head. The DTX-PAD also features a controller knob which can be assigned to many functions of the DTX500 module including pitch, tempo control and it can also be assigned to altering your snare wire tensioning.

The Yamaha DTX550K comes with 3 x TP65 Tom Pads. These compact 7.5 inch single-zone pads are easy to play and offer a natural rebound and great dynamic response. Both a 13” and 15” 3 Zone Cymbal pad are included with the Yamaha DTX550K, which allows you to play the bell, bow and edge of the cymbals for a truly realistic experience.

To complete the kit the RHH135 hi hat pad, mounted on a Yamaha HS650AHi Hat stand is included  which moves the pad via a traditional Hi Hat clutch for smooth control. The pad is designed with attention to detail and with 2 zones offers greater dynamic realism,  providing the user to foot splash effect.

At the heart of the DTX550K is the brand new DTX500 module which features an excellent selection of Yamaha acoustic drum samples. With input from international Yamaha drum artists, we have programmed 50 great sounding preset kits, built using multi layered samples from our most popular acoustic kits. Oak Custom, Maple Custom, Beech Custom, , as well as a wide selection of ready-to-play kits ideal for any musical situation. Inside the module there is a great selection of 427 high-quality voices that you can use to build 20 custom kits for when you want total creativity.

The Yamaha DTX550K can also be used to improve playing ability. With 63 internal songs, which are great for sharpening your rhythm skills, you can mute the drum part and play along with the song, or mute everything except the bass part (Bass Solo function). You can also record your own performance data in real time and then listen back to the playback. If you want to play along to your favorite tracks, then a CD, MP3, or other audio player can be connected to the AUX IN.

Finally the Yamaha DTX550 features an inbuilt metronome for training features which includes a Groove Check function and a rhythm gate function, which only allows notes played in time to be produced. These training functions can be set for easy, normal, and pro-grade level settings to help you excel in your training.

Features:

  • New affordable DTX electronic drum kit featuring the acclaimed DTX-PAD
  • 10″  DTX 3-zone snare pad with ‘Textured Cellular Silicone Head’
  • 3 tom pads, 13″ and 15″ cymbal pads
  • RHH135 hihat pad with HS650A hihat-machine
  • Brand new DTX500 sound module wth 427 voices and 50 kits
  • Performance data recording
  • Auxiliary input to play along with CD, MP3 or other sources
  • Integrated metronome with groove check function

Where to Buy:

This Page: http://blog.discostudio.co.uk/2010/04/yamaha-dtx550-electronic-drum-kit-launched/

Headphone group test – final call

Friday, April 2nd, 2010
After the Easter break (taking next week off), I'll be starting the well overdue overhaul to the original headphone group test. It was going to be a lot smaller, but as I started to plan it out, I realised that if I was going to do this, I should do it to the standard expected by you dear readers. So that's exactly what's happening, and if any manufacturer wants their headphones in this group test, they have 1 week to get a pair to me.

I’m as mad as hell…

Friday, April 2nd, 2010
I like to think that the people who visit here are intelligent readers wanting to offer polite and enlightened comment to news stories. But I'm not alone in noting that recent comments have taken a very negative turn. People randomly feeling the need to unload hate on a particular product - dissing DJs in videos and other posters - all of which is really unnecessary and doesn't add to the skratchworx experience.

Musikmesse 2010: American DJ VMS4 – the video

Friday, April 2nd, 2010
Finally - the server recovered from whatever breakdown it was suffering and I'm now in full possession of the multi-angled American DJ VMS4 demo by Berlin's very own DJ Freshfluke. It starts with some mellow hip hop mixing and kicks into demo mode at around 3.30.

Numark Laptop Stand Now Available In The UK

Thursday, April 1st, 2010

Available, as of today, is the Numark Laptop Stand. Rugged, solid, gig-ready computer support.

The Nuamrk Laptop Stand is the DJ’s computer-elevation station. Every performer who uses a laptop, including DJs with V7,TOTAL CONTROL, STEALTH CONTROL, OMNI CONTROL or MixMeister Control; producers working with an APC, MPC or other production controller; and cutting-edge home studios can appreciate LAPTOP STAND.

Numark Laptop Stand

It is the only laptop stand for DJs that balances solid, secure construction, portable, collapsible, low-weight design and excellent affordability. Numark Laptop Stand is fast to assemble or disassemble and comes with a zippered, protective case for convenience in transport.

  • Solid, easy-to-assemble laptop stand for DJs
  • Secure construction, yet portable, and collapsible with low-weight design
  • Fast to assemble or disassemble
  • Comes with a zippered, protective case for convenience in transport

This Page: http://blog.discostudio.co.uk/2010/04/numark-laptop-stand-now-available-in-the-uk/

Numark NPM5 Speakers – Released

Thursday, April 1st, 2010

Numark says: “Powerful, all-in-one sound”. Today, Numark have released their Numark NPM complete speaker system that’s perfect for practice studios and small setups.

Numark NPM5

Numark NPM5 is a complete speaker system that’s perfect for practice studios and small setups. You’ll enjoy Numark NPM5’s sound that accurately plays the deepest bass and the brightest highs in your music. Numark NPM5 is a self-contained, active speaker system with built-in amplifiers so all you need to do is plug in your system and you’re ready to mix! NumarkNPM5 works with virtually all music gear thanks to a standard RCA input.

FEATURES

  • Active stereo speaker system with built-in amplifier
  • Two-way system with 5″ woofer and 1” tweeter
  • Amplifier built in
  • Easily accessible level, treble, and bass controls
  • Standard RCA input for connection to virtually all audio device

This page: http://blog.discostudio.co.uk/2010/04/numark-npm5-speakers-released/

The Traktor Bag – prolly has more pockets than a Serato one or something

Thursday, April 1st, 2010
Native Instruments are a big company, with some big brands too. Arguably the biggest (at least in our scene) is Traktor, and brand loyalty is strong within the community. Given that at any one time, Traktor is neck and neck sales wise with SSL in Europe (according to my info), you'd understand that the heaving masses of Traktor users might want some branded merch to show off. There has been a small amount of control vinyl released, but a bag has been requested for a looong time. And finally it's here - the Traktor Bag by UDG.