Reviews
Pioneer DDJ-SP1: Giving You Full Access to Serato DJ
Serato DJ’s now pretty much the standard, and if you’re looking for a controller that aligns with this software while providing you with the features you need, the Reloop Neon has been your best bet. That is, until Pioneer debuted the DDJ-SP1, a four-channel sub-controller that’s compatible with Serato DJ [...]
Why the Pioneer DDJ-SZ and DDJ-SX2 are Game-Changing Controllers
When we attended the Winter Music Conference two years ago, we spoke with Pioneer, who promised something completely new and game changing. Not long after, the brand introduced its DDJ-SX model, but from that point, other gear has, frankly, been on par or eclipsed it. Over the past year, that’s [...]
PreSonus Does a Successful Overhaul with Studio One 3 – Review
After its debut, Studio One started to stand out for its strong effects, straightforward interface and usage, and easy audio and MIDI editing. Of course, as anyone will find with a DAW, Studio One had its weaknesses – mainly, a dearth of virtual instruments – and it seems that PreSonus [...]
Serato Remote: All the Features You Know in Mobile Form
Apps specifically for DJing with an iPad have already been around for a few years. Algoriddim immediately comes to mind. Yet, there’s a need for the standard software programs to be effectively translated into tablet (and smart phone) form, and that’s where Serato Remote comes in. The first official Serato [...]
Reloop Terminal Mix 8: Solid Design With Seamless Serato Integration
Coming out close to a year ago, the Reloop Terminal Mix 8 begins where the Terminal Mix 4 controller left off but greatly expands upon the functionality. Reloop’s been aspiring to a more prominent position within the DJ gear market, and this piece of equipment clearly displays those intentions. What [...]
Fostex PX-6 Monitors Offer Clear Sound Quality and Simple Functionality
The Fostex PX-6 appeared around this time last year as an upgrade to the PX-5. Monitors have turned into one of the studio’s most essential pieces of gear, and the PX-6 meets this need, especially in the under-$1,000 price range, with a sturdy design, simple functionality, clear and exact reproduction, [...]
Allen & Heath’s Xone:43C: Quality Analog Mixer With Excellent Digital Features
Back in April, Allen & Heath announced the Xone:43 and Xone:43C mixers. The former is an analog-only mixer built for a range of skill levels, while the latter expands upon this framework with USB functionality, X:LINK capabilities, the ability to handle the Serato DJ Club Kit, and a DVS option [...]
Reloop Beatmix 4: A Good Starter Controller
Even beginner and intermediate-level DJs deserve quality gear, and Reloop, who has been introducing pieces in recent years that compete with Pioneer and Numark, has put out the Beatmix 4 for this purpose. A performance-oriented four-channel pad controller specifically for Serato DJ Intro, the Beatmix 4 presents a layout and [...]
Native Instruments’ Maschine Studio: A Bunch of Features Right at Your Fingertips
Out for nearly five years now, Native Instruments’ Maschine has set a new industry standard as a hardware-software beat-production workstation. Its functionality bypasses Akia’s MPC, while serving as a high-quality studio hub (but not a full DAW) with built-in sequencing, sampling, and loop slicing. Now considered Native Instruments’ top-tier groove [...]
Komplete Kontrol S-Series: Quality Feel, Excellent NI Software Integration
Announced in September 2014, the Komplete Kontrol S-Series, a line of three MIDI controllers, essentially supersedes Native Instruments’ flawed Kore line with an entirely new set of features and functionality. Three sizes – S25 for a 25-key keyboard, S49 for 49 keys, and S61 for 61 keys, all with a [...]