Tascam released a new virtual sampler that is powered by the Giga software. The sampler has many of the features you would expect from a professional virtual sampler. The “interesting” part is that it plugs in to the gigastudio to allow for seamless integration. The limited deployment of the GigaStudio software in the commercial market though makes this news more interesting. As the Gigastudio becomes more enhanced perhaps they can give ProTools a run for their money finally.

The young OXYGENIC can’t decide on which mixer to buy the Numark 5000fx or the Pioneer 500 . The discussion turns around as to why the f*$k anyone would go for the DJM500 when the DJM600 is out with split cue. Other than that the mixers don’t really compete well with one another they are both good quality but the Numark has effects and is more modern.

via djsource

The DXM06 is a starter mixer from Numark that has been on the market for some time. The mixer has a good feature set but there are grumbeling on the net of the crossfader bleeding after minimal use.

On DJ Forums, Shiggy complains:

man, the fader craps out too quick on these… I’ve had the mixer for 3 months, it has been replaced once already and now it’s starting to bleed again, doing automatic and very random crabs

Even more complaints about the poor performance of the mixer are on In the Mix where DJ Fusion says:

And yes, my x-fader is leaking after only about 4 or 5 months as well, but I’m hoping the replacement fader willl be better

While crossfaders can be replaced, this seems a bit ludicrous. Has anyone else had a good or bad experience with the DXM06 ?

Pioneer Production Forums are reporting the HDJ 1000 Headphones all fuggered !!.

brooks writes:

So I’m playing, mixing and having a good time than it happens again. I place my HDJ1000’s on my head and they break right above the earcup the same place the last pair I had broke …

He goes on to explain that these headphones had only been in use for 3 months.

Further posts report much of the same:
djrox:

I hate to tell ya but Im having the same issues with the HDJ1000s. Im on pair #4, 1st pair broke 1 week post warranty expiration and second pair broke 1 week into use , 6 months later, same ish , broken plastic. I think I have purchased my last pair despite the great sound they provide.

pkaulf:

My brother’s HDJ1000s (second pair) have also cracked and broken in the same place.

Toxis:

I just had my 1000’s bust on me tonight exactly the same way

There are many more posts concerning the same issue. The rub is that Pioneer customer service allegedly takes up to 2 monthes to fix these issues. While it is true that if the allegations are true that Pioneer is at fault ( in my opinion ) why would you by the same product over and over expecting a different result ?

Bit of madness for all parties involved there in my opinion. At any rate I’d avoid them, any of you have a pair ? have you had problems ?

The 8th annual Dj Awards were held on the 29th of September at the Pascha club in Ibiza. Pioneer won the award for the best technology for 2005. The honor was bestowed to Pioneer this year for helping push the limits of technology for djs. The European marketing manager, Mark Groetfeld, accepted the award for Pioneer.

• Pioneer forums post about it
• Article on the 2005 DJ awards
• Italian blog entry on the djs that won
• Entry on MSN

The Numark HDX release is going to turn the digital turntable market on its head. The new turntable was announced to have a hot swappable eighty gigabyte hard drive. The HDX also sports a support for mp3, cd, and wma formats. The 80 gig hard drive will allow the turntable instantly recall songs, freeing the dj from juggling media. The HDX is similar to its predecessor the CDX. It simulates the look an feel of a traditional turntable allowing DJ’s to use the skills they use for vinyl on with a new format.

The addition of the hard drive is absolutely a radical change. We think this sweet puppy will turn the market for digital turntables on its head.

• Numark Press release
• regards to engadget

Digidesign released a new version of Pro Tools version 7. The software is a digital workstation that allows for the manipulation of MIDI files and other audio formats to produce music. Owners of licensed versions of the software are eligable for a free upgrade. Also Digidesign offers a free trial version of ProTools to allow musicians to try it out.

Regards to MacWorld for the scoop.

DJ’s sit down, I have some frightening news for you, Technics Turntables are going away.

In the future you will find them but they are going to be the exception and not the norm. Its not going to happen tommorow, or next year but it will happen before the end of the decade.

Why ? You gasp. Quite simple really they are a dieing technology.

There are three primary types of DJ’s that used them. The mobile dj, the mix dj, and the turntablist.

The Mobile DJ’s are primarily concerned with money and portability. For them there is little art or nostalgic pleasure in playing on such an antiquated piece of gear. That means the mobile DJ’s were the first to ditch it and made them the de facto pioneers in new technologies like video mixing, cd’s and now digital ( mp3 ) mixing.

The Turntablist is a specialist and wants to scratch only. There are newer instruments, the QFO mainly and the Stanton STR-8, that are better equipped to allow them to practice their art. The Technics while the first deck used by many turntablist is no longer the preferred table.

Finally the are mix DJ’s that love the Technics are the last holdouts but even they are starting to see the trend. With famous dj’s ( ie Sasha ) experimenting in new mediums it is only a matter of time until other dj’s follow this trend.

Even Technics creator admits the downfall of the equipment by beginning to search for the replacement to the venerable1200/1210 by experimenting with DVD turntables and other new technologies.

What do think will be the next generation ?
Think I am all wrong ( I’m not though ) ?

I have noticed two tactics in the release of pro audio equipment and promotions. The first tactic consists of sponsoring as many events that the company can. The thought being, if the corporate name is associated with the artists that it will help drive sales. The second tactic is the release of a never ending stream of improved products. The idea being musicians will rush to stock their studios with the latest gear.

I have a slight issue with the second track, which I refer to as the treadmill strategy. It relies on disinformation and uncertainty to work. Many times the instruments that they push in the new season are only marginally better than what they are intended to replace.

The moral is be sure that you do your research before replacing or buying your gear.

New Toneworks Signal Processor

Toneworks released a new signal processor using Korg technology at its heart. The processor uses knobs for its manipulation and offers a wide range of preset effects.

Roland Updates 16 Track Recorder

Roland released an updated version of its BOSS BR-1600CD 16 track recorder. The new features include increased base amp models, enhanced realtime vocal-pitch correction, and the ability to synchronize playback with another BR-1600CD.

Shure Launches Grammy Camp

Shure launched a camp for educating teenage musicians. The camp includes courses on the creative process and technical aspects of performing, recording and distribution.