Sonic Walker

Mathias Fuchß is presenting the next generation of his faderfox controllers - the LX2, LV2, DJ2 and DX2.

The micromodul LV2 is a pocket-size, custom-made controller of 2nd generation for Ableton Live. Lots of different control elements are integrated into this controller. This inexpensive controller unifies track- faders, encoders, buttons and joystick in a very compact form. You can use the two independent programmable button rows ( 2 x 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 LV2 immediately by using different setting files which are shipped with the controller - without the time consuming process of programming each separate control element. The LX2 was designed as a supplement to the LV2. While the LV2 offers all faders, encoders and a joystick, the LX2 offers a lot of key functions for controlling tracks, clips, scenes, track select and fx. All this is achieved with 56 buttons and 49 LED’s.

The DJ2 is a small DJ controller that contains everything you need for computer-based mixing in the usual layout of a DJ-mixer. This controller differs from all other controllers on the market in that it is optimized for NI Traktor DJ-Studio. The device offers all important controls for two decks like faders, EQ’s, transport and FX buttons. A joystick is nice to control two FX (filter) parameters simultaneously. Another strength of the DJ2 is the possibility of sensitive pitching by two encoders. These encoders are multifunctional so you can browse in the track list, load tracks, seek/scratch in tracks and either adjust the gain. While the DJ2 offers all main functions, the DX2 complements it with all the additional buttons for loop control, a full FX section (4 pots + 4 buttons) and 5 encoders for pitching/seek/scratch/list/load. Use two devices DJ2/DX2 if you want to play a four-deck-set (Traktor DJ Studio 3.0). It is very easy to chain the devices by midi connections.

The 2nd generation will be available in February/March 2006.

Scratchworx has posted a short review and some exclusive images from the WinterNAMM 2005, showing among others some of the earlier mentioned products. Seems like the Gemini CDT-05 is no longer vapourware. It looks better and obviously actually works. Until now Denon has not announced any new products yet (not counting the silver faceplate of the DN-X1500). After the introduction of the DN-S3500 it is about time for the old DN-S5000 to get an upgrade.

In part 2 of our WinderNAMM news coverage, I will focurs on controllers. Controllers like we use them for music production or laptop DJing. A couple of companies have presented new products and the CME controllers are probably the most interesting. I haven’t seen new special DJ software controllers yet.

USB/Midi Controller

• CME VX5/6/7/8
  Intelligent keyboard controller
• M-Audio Axiom 25
  Advanced 25-key USB mobile MIDI controller
• Korg padKONTROL
  MIDI studio controller
• Korg K-Series
  USB-MIDI studio controllers/keyboards

Some interesting new products for DJs have been presented at the WinterNAMM 2006 show.

DJ Equipment

• Tascam CD-DJ1
  Ultra-Compact Professional Tabletop DJ CD/MP3 Player
• Numark x2 Hybrid Turntable
  A turntable and CD/mp3 player all in one.
• Rane TTM 57SL mixer
  Rane mixer with Serato Scratch LIVE support and USB port
• Pioneer DJM400
  two-channel mixer with In-Loop sampler and effects
• Pioneer DJM800
  4-channel mixer with Auto Harmonic Tuning, digital I/O and Midi

Slim Devices, Inc. today introduced its 3rd generation Squeezebox network music player. “We took the technical lessons of our past products and wrapped them into a cutting-edge design to redefine the network music player category” said Patrick Cosson, VP of Sales and Marketing.
The new Squeezebox, which is available in black or white and wireless or wired-only configurations, is a study in down-tempo, modern design, appropriate for any setting. The contrast of highly polished material against a crisp brushed metal fascia is a fitting reflection of the sophisticated technology held within. Fred Bould (www.bould.com), an internationally renowned California-based designer of cool, modern housewares and home furnishings designed the player. His works enjoy wide distribution nationally and have received numerous awards such as inclusion in the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art Permanent Design collection.
The player includes support for 802.11g wireless, dual internal antennas, 24bit Burr-Brown DAC, digital and analog jacks, and support for SqueezeNetwork, the new service that enables Slim Devices players to connect to Internet radio and RSS feeds without needing a computer.