SOUNDBYTES
MONSTER BEATS Now that the association with Dre has officially ended, Monster continue their range of headphones with the new NCredible N
Pulse DJ headphones.
VERDICT BUILD QUALITY
EASE OF USE FEATURES
8.0 8.0 8.0
VALUE FOR MONEY 8.0 SOUND QUALITY
HYPE New high-powered LEDs, a
GRIPE The improvements are not
N/A
Launchpad app for the iPad and FL Studio integration brings the Launchpad to the fore once again.
revolutionary and a few features such as velocity sensitivity are still missing.
PRICE £149
CONTACT
uk.novationmusic.com
The Launchpad S is the evolution of the original Launchpad, and while the improvements are subtle, they do bring a lot to the table in terms of overall functions, especially considering the modest asking price.
8.0/10
For a lot of people, the original Launchpad was thought of as an Ableton controller, which of course it was. But being a MIDI controller, it was also possible to put it to use with a huge amount of other software, too. This flexibility has been further extended with integration into Fruity Loops Studio’s performance mode, which enables the Launchpad S to get the most out of the new powerful performance zone features by using the buttons to sketch out beats with drum racks, or assign them to other functions.
Novation’s Automap software is included with the Launchpad S and works seamlessly with a huge range of software to give hassle-free, hands-on control without the MIDI mapping headaches that can plague other controllers.
Ableton Live Lite is supplied free of charge with the Launchpad S, as well as another rather tasty free treat in the form of Novation’s classic analogue mono-synth, the Bass Station, which can be used with Ableton, FL Studio and most other DAW software available on the market. And the free software doesn’t end there either, as there is also a sample pack included from Loopmasters, with over 1GB of loops including drums, FX and artist content.
The Launchpad S has managed to keep all of the winning features that won the original Launchpad so many adoring fans, as well as introducing new features that ensure that this controller can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with today’s modern controllers. The portability, build quality and great value for money have all been transferred to the Launchpad S, which is also even more versatile and useful thanks to the Launchpad app and Automap, all no doubt ensuring that this controller will be flying off the shelves.
STAND
AND DELIVER UDG, makers of rather nice DJ bags and luggage, have spread their wings to another handy DJing peripheral: DJ stands. Their new stand is ideal for any DJs or producers looking to create extra space in often cramped DJ booths. The lightweight aluminium stand packs away flat and is adjustable to suit the majority of DJ needs, and comes with a rather nice carry pouch.
£149
udggear.com
PACKS A PUNCH Mackie have introduced their new DLM speaker range for club installs, functions and mobile DJs. The DLM range features an 8” or 12” main speaker that can be coupled up to their 12” sub woofer to provide
some serious sounds. These speakers pack a hefty punch and can easily hold their own, even in the most challenging of dancefloor environments.
www.djmag.ca mackie.com 85
Featuring cool DJ specific features, the N Pulses look similar to the old Beats, but with an updated vibe. Gone is the ubiquitous B symbol, replaced by the company’s own subtle M, in the shape of a headphone logo.
£179.95
monsterproducts.com
News TECH
Dear DJ Doctor, I have an iPad 2 as well as an iPhone 5 and I am looking for the best DJing app out there. I am looking for something that I can use to mix at home and at friends’ parties, but I am also looking to break into clubs, so if there is an app out there that is professional enough to use in a club, that is the software I will go for. Richard Olmstead
DJ DOCTOR
There has never been a better time to get into DJing with the iPad or iPhone, thanks to the huge range of apps that are available. The obvious advantage of using your iPad is foregoing the need to buy CD players and a mixer or a hardware controller, and instead taking advantage of the lovely touch-screen on the iPad. The biggest news in the iPad app world when it comes to DJing is the release of Traktor DJ, which brings many of the features of Traktor to the iPad. It’s also possible to integrate into Traktor running on a computer if you wish to upgrade later on. There are also other good DJing apps available; check out Algoriddim’s dJay. But if you want the most professional piece of software, my recommendation would be Traktor DJ. While you can get up-and-running on Traktor DJ with just a cable, for a proper DJing set-up, you will want to add an audio interface (the iPad has many compatible options to choose from) to give stereo outputs as well as a separate stereo headphone output.
GOT A BURNING QUESTION?
TECHTALK YOUR SELF-HELP FROM THE FORUM
After staying with me for longer than any of my girlfriends, my headphones have finally died. I want a good new set that will last the distance, give a good, loud performance so I can hear them clearly in loud DJ booths, and have a good sound quality, so I can use them in the studio. Joe Richardson, Putney
I love the Pioneer DJ headphones. The more you spend, the better they sound, but all of them more than do the job. Hugh Duncan, Portsmouth
I personally rate V-MODA headphones very highly, I had the Crossfade LP2s, which I absolutely loved, before upgrading to the Crossfade M100s, which are absolutely stunning. All V-MODA’s headphones sound great, the build quality is amazing and they come with a hard-shell carry case to make sure they stay in pristine condition. Patrick Duffy, Dublin
I love the Urban Ears style of budget
headphone, and having that many colours to choose from is pretty awesome. But if you are looking for something a little nicer, my choice would be AIAIAI. Frank Tan, Birmingham
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