When a group of DJs get together the discussion will inevitably revolve around music and the latest equipment on offer, with each DJ singing the praises of their favourite choice of technology while pouring scorn on those who do not agree.
Big room house DJ/producer Laidback Luke is a hot ticket wherever he plays. He not only produces like there is no tomorrow for labels like Size, Fool's Gold and his own Mixmash, spending every weekend DJing all over the world, he also takes time out to give his expertise back to budding music producers on his forum — a good place to get professional advice on making your tracks sound the best that they can.
Denon return to the fray with the all-new MC4000, a two-deck MIDI controller for Serato aimed at professional DJs. The MC4000 features a host of audio manipulation tools built to the usual Denon high quality, which we've all come to expect. Some of the standout features include precision touch-activated jog-wheels allowing ultimate track control.
£259
Numark are dropping the NS7III on to the DJ masses. The updated deck still has the rotating 7” jog-wheels and controls that made it a firm favourite, but also features three hi-resolution colour screens above the interactive control surface, that will aid DJs in delivering the perfect mix.
Only recently, we reported on how Pioneer’s new XDJ-1000 media player would sound the death knell for the humble CD; now hot on the trail of this rather hot development comes another groundbreaking release in the guise of the all-new XDJ-RX media player.
'Sankofa' is both a word and symbol native to the Akan language of southern Ghana that stands for the notion that it is OK, in fact imperative, to keep looking back at the past as we move forward. After speaking to London-based producers Mumdance and Logos, and understanding how they approach sound and songwriting, DJ Mag is reminded of this term since it applies in many way to their modus operandi.
Numark are calling their new flagship controller ‘The Best Controller Ever Built. Period’. And with good reason, as the NS7ii is packed full of features and includes real vinyl and slipmat-equipped motorised platters - making it a unique option in a market where jog wheels are being eradicated.
When it dropped last year, the Korg Volca Bass synthesiser caused quite a stir among producers. Styled like a miniature TB–303 the Volca is a powerful polyphonic analog synth and loop sequencer. It may be compact, but the Volca packs a solid punch, as you can hear on the video below.
Moon Boots aka Pete Dougherty is one of dance music's most reliable producers, consistently producing killer remixes and releases on one of the hottest imprints around - French Express. His remix of Chvrches The Mother We Share was an instant classic, combining a retro synth touch with beautiful chords and sounds.
As live performance in electronic music matures via mini analogue synths, sequencers and software expanding to support ever-more complex setups, artists like Brodanse are bringing their studio into the booth. While two-decks and a mixer approach isn’t going anywhere anytime soon, the dynamic and modular approach of performing in the booth can lead to new unique and exciting sets.
