Sonic Walker

Faderfox is expanding their line of affordable and compact midi controllers with two new models, specially - but not exclusively - designed for Ableton Live users.

The micromodul LD2 is a custom-made, pocket-size controller for the usage with Ableton Live. It was designed as a supplement to the LV2. Whilst the LV2 offers all faders, encoders, keys and a joystick, the LD2 has a lot of push-encoder functions for controlling different track and FX parameters. All this is achieved with 16 encoders, 9 keys and 36 LED’s.

The micromodul LC2 is a pocket-size, custom-made controller for Ableton Live. Lots of different control elements are integrated into this controller. This combination is the real strength of the LC2. This inexpensive controller unifies faders, encoders, buttons and joystick in a very compact form. You can use the programmable button row (6 buttons) to control various LIVE functions like scene launch, fx control, mute, solo, track control and slot launch. Parameter feedbacks from the application are indicated by LED’s. The four push-encoders (endless pots with switch) are perfect for ‘jump-free’ controlling. Important functions like track select, slot/scene-scroll and slot/scene-launch are fast accessible on the encoders by simple activating the main function. As of Live version 4.1, you can use the LC2 immediately by using different setting files which are shipped with the controller - without the time consuming process of programming each separate control element.
LC2 is very suitable as supplement for the LV2 because you can control 12 tracks simultaneously and have a crossfader for DJ’ing.

The LD2 and LC2 models will be available by the end of January 230 Euro incl. 19% VAT.

For More information please visit http://www.faderfox.de.

Traktor Scratch is a DJ system allowing you to spin your digital track collection on vinyl or CD turntables.

The Traktor Scratch system consists of a special version of Native
Instruments’ TRAKTOR software, the new AUDIO 8 DJ hardware
interface, a pair of “Instant Connect” multi-core cables, and a
set of time-code vinyls and CDs. The system utilizes a new high-resolution
timecode technology optimized for maximum responsiveness and precision,
with separate timecode versions for vinyl and CD guaranteeing optimal
performance in any environment.

The included AUDIO 8 DJ hardware interface connects to the computer via
USB 2.0, and connects the system to the DJ mixer, turntables and CD
players. The interface provides pristine audio quality due to studio-grade
24bit/96 kHz audio conversion, and allows for true low-latency operation
with extremely short response times. AUDIO 8 DJ offers four stereo inputs
and outputs as well as microphone input and MIDI I/O, enabling a wide
range of stage and studio setups.

Audio 8 DJ will be available in March/April from €399 / $449 or bundled with Traktor Scratch for €599 / $669, shipping in April (North America in May. A competitive crossgrade offer for users of FinalScratch 1 or 2, Serato Scratch Live and Traktor 3 will be available for €399 / $449.

More information about Traktor Scratch

More information about Audio 8 DJ

Update: I dated this post back from December to October since it is really not a newsitem for December any longer.

A new DJ tool from M-Audio has recently been presented:

The X-Session Pro USB MIDI DJ Mixer controller is the easiest way to bring traditional DJ mixer-style control to the world of computer DJing and live performance. With a single USB connection, you get dedicated tactile controls for volume, pitch, EQ, cueing, transport and a crossfader. As a class-compliant USB MIDI controller, you can use it to control applications like Ableton Live, Traktor DJ Studio or any software that supports MIDI Learn, enabling you to bring DJ-inspired crossfades and filter sweeps into your live performances as well as studio productions.

Features

• 4 MIDI sliders
• 12 MIDI knobs
• 10 MIDI buttons
• MIDI crossfader
• DJ mixer-inspired layout
• powered via USB
• class-compliant with Windows XP* and Mac OS X
• on/off switch

More information

At the Musikmesse 2006 in Frankfurt/Germany, Numark has presented a hole range of interesting new devices for the digital DJ.

• HDMIX
  DJ performance system with built-in hard drive
  • User replaceable 80 GB HD
  • A three-channel professional mixer with EQ & Gain on each channel
  • CD drive for ripping and CD playback
  • One display area controls all of your music
  • Support for MP3, WMA, WAV formats
  • Large jog wheels for pitch and scratch control
  • Beatkeeper™ technology with auto-synchronization of loops, effects, and MIDI devices
  • Track search by artist, album, song, genre, and BPM
  • Automatic track identification and naming through the onboard Gracenote ® Music Recognition Service
  • Record to hard drive while performing
  • Create custom playlists while performing
  • Mac/PC compatible (no special software required)
  • Large jog wheels for pitch and scratch control
  • Keyboard included for fast searching
  • XLR and analog RCA line outputs
• iDJ2
  iPod mixing console with scratch and pitch control
  • Integrated iPod slot with adjustable mount
  • Seamless looping
  • Pitch control
  • Large backlit display with revolutionary user interface
  • Ability to scratch music
  • Real-time visuals include Track Profiles and Waveforms
  • Record to an iPod or other connected USB media
  • Facilitates mixing with three or more USB Hard Drives or Apple iPod’s with USB hub
  • Many USB ports to plug in iPods, memory keys and hard drives
  • Play music off two iPods simultaneously, play two songs off same iPod
  • Formats supported: mp3, ogg vorbis, FLAC
  • Pitch control with multiple ranges up to +/- 100%
  • Beatkeeper™ technology with TAP override function
  • Scratch and search ability via two large jog wheels
  • XML playlist support
  • USB Keyboard support
• Virtual Vinyl
  DJ hardware and software package
  Virtual Vinyl is Numark’s premier DJ hardware and software solution that lets you scratch, mix and sample digital audio and video fi les using your computer and any analog turntable or CD player. Using a traditional turntable or CD player (sold separately) and included control vinyl or CDs to control digital media content, Virtual Vinyl provides in-depth features including; master tempo, seamless looping, instant pitch-matching, automatic beat-matching, BPM-aware effects, hot-cues, sampling, and more. The software includes two independent zero-latency virtual decks, seamlessly controlled by traditional 12” records that are familiar to DJs. Virtual Vinyl can play any digital audio file including; MP3, MP3Pro, WAV, AIFF, direct CD, WMA, Ogg Vorbis, MP4, iTunes (non-DRM), and more. Virtual Vinyl is compatible with music subscription services such as Yahoo! Music Unlimited, Virgin Music, Napster Music, and
  others.
• iCDX
  CD, DVD, mp3 and iPod player/controller
  • USB port for connecting mass storage class iPods, hard drives and memory sticks
  • USB port for interfacing with HID compatible software
  • Illuminated slot-load drive with support for CD/CD-RW/DATA DVD
  • Touch-sensitive scratch wheel
  • Large, backlit LCD display for system information including MP3 ID tag information
  • Integrated DSP effects include Phaser, Filter, Flanger, Echo and more
  • Key Lock (± 100%)
  • Large pitch slider for controlling music playback speed
  • Automatic BPM counter
  • Hot starts, seamless looping, scratching with sampling, Full support for MP3 playback
  • Digital outputs

Prices and availability are not known yet and considering Numark’s reputation and the fact, that all images are just 3-d renderings, I would not expect to see them in the stores too soon. Unfortunately it is a common practice in the musik industry to announce early and deliver late but together with the CDX, HDX and the x2 Hybrid, Numark has proven to be an innovative company with interesting and modern DJ equipment.

Today Pioneer introduced the next generation MP3 compatible CDJ-1000MK3 and CDJ-800MK2 CD Decks.

With the best quality audio complemented by intuitive precision vinyl emulation, the CDJ-1000MK2 is established as the world’s standard CD deck: performance that’s evolving with the CDJ-1000MK3. The new deck provides full MP3 compatibility, a HOT LOOP feature, ‘JOG feeling adjust’ and improved presentation of track and WAVE data. With refinements to the CDJ-800MK2 also headlined by MP3, the new decks round out a Pioneer CD/DVD DJ range that’s fully digital and MP3-ready.
‘The CDJ-1000MK2 became the industry standard CD player through input from leading DJs across the world and they’ve again advised us on the new modifications that will advance digital DJ’ing,’ comments Jason Pook, Product Planning Manager, Pioneer Europe. ‘We have evolved the standard with the “MK3” by improving the presentation of track data, adding features like “JOG feeling adjust” and including MP3 compatibility. DJs seeking the ultimate sonic performance will use audio files. But with MP3 we’ve added convenience and immediacy - music is easier to transport and access via a growing number of MP3 download sites such as Djdownload.com and Beatport.com.’