TeCh awaRDS2013 innoVaTiVe new DJ PRoDuCT Every year the innovations just keep coming, which pioneering bit of kit will take the crown for 2013?
PIoNEER xDJ aerO
$1050
NumARk OrbiT
$149
HYPE A feature-packed compact MIDI controller that is wireless and USB rechargeable.
GRIPE While the Orbit can be used as
a wearable MIDI controller it is probably best not to do so.
A truly innovative MIDI controller like nothing else on the market that is crammed full of technological treats and has been crafted beautifully.
TECH VERDICT 8.5/10
NATIvE
INsTRumENTs TrakTOr DJ $19.99
HYPE A proper professional DJing application for
the iPad with two decks, featuring EQs, filters, effects and a new Freeze Mode.
GRIPE It is hard to find fault with this stunning new
product.
Native Instruments have redesigned and reprogrammed the best elements of their Traktor Pro 2 software for the touch-screen interface of the iPad and in the process have created one of the most exciting new products available to professional DJs as well as newcomers to the scene.
TECH VERDICT 8.5/10 WINNER
NovATIoN LauNChPaD S
$227
HYPE New high-powered LEDs, a Launchpad app for the iPad and FL Studio integration brings the Launchpad to the fore once again.
GRIPE The improvements are not
revolutionary and a few features such as velocity sensitivity are still missing.
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.
TECH VERDICT 8/10
mul Ti meDia PlayeR oVeR $900 The ultimate players for the ultimate club experience. These decks can play music from any source — vinyl, CD, digital and beyond. WINNER
DENoN SC3900
$999
HYPE A fantastic deck with spinning platter that is a joy to use and above all loads of fun!
GRIPE The waveform information could
have been more detailed.
A great deck that could possibly rival the dominance of the CDJ2000 as a top-of-the-range player.
TECH VERDICT 8/10
NumARk MixDeCk QuaD
$1199
HYPE Nicely sized for easy transport with high resolution jog-wheels and a decent amount of external inputs and outputs.
GRIPE The build quality and feel of the unit make
it more suitable for those starting out rather than seasoned professionals.
A fully featured mix station in a compact package with enough features and flexibility to keep most people happy, but this unit feels as though it has been built to keep the price down rather than for quality and performance.
TECH VERDICT 7.5/10
djmag.com 091
PIoNEER CDJ2000NexuS
$1937
HYPE A great-sounding deck that covers all bases, which has won it the accolade of the industry standard.
GRIPE Price, it’s not cheap and two
will set you back a whole heap of cash.
The CDJ2000 in conjunction with Rekordbox has replaced the CDJ1000 as the industry standard club CDJ deck. Tight integration with the major DVS systems makes the CDJ2000nexus the ultimate player.
TECH VERDICT 8/10
GEmINI CDMP-7000
$1119
HYPE Large jog-wheels and a CDJ feel add to the flexibility of this controller that can be used as a CD player, DJ controller or a digital vinyl control system.
GRIPE The plastic construction and feel of the
CDMP-7000 are not conducive to a professional look and feel.
A solid all-in-one mix station including CD-style controllers and a mixer for anyone who is looking for features and flexibility without breaking the bank.
TECH VERDICT 7/10
NumARk NS7ii
$1499
HYPE Proper turntable-style spinning platters complete with vinyl and slipmats, along with many features new to this MK 2 version, like the lovely MPC-style pads, make this controller highly desirable .
GRIPE This is an all-in-one workstation
that is big and heavy, which could be an issue for some.
The next generation of Numark’s flagship all-in-one DJ workstation is big and bold. What it lacks in portability is made up for by a plethora of great features and stunning build quality.
TECH VERDICT 8.5/10
AblEToN PuSh
$599
HYPE Stunning and innovative in-key mode, best ‘beats’ mode on any hardware, unrivalled creative control of Live with fantastic construction.
GRIPE No audio editing facilities but
that can all be done in the software.
Push is a great tool to enable quick and easy music production, and is so versatile that it easily lends itself to live performance as well.
TECH VERDICT 8.3/10
HYPE Wi-Fi connectivity to smart phones, PCs and Macs along with killer feature list, great build quality and top-notch mixer.
GRIPE The pitch faders are shorter than
most DJ would like and there are a couple of features that are awaiting a software update to be brought to life.
A true game changer from Pioneer that connects seamlessly with their new Rekordbox software and means DJs can prepare for their club sets using a Pioneer platform that not only won’t break the bank but will also work seamlessly with the CDJ-2000nexus CD players.
TECH VERDICT 8.4/10
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