TECH

It is no secret that the Japanese are obsessed with miniaturisation and Korg are a company that reflects this trait, having gone from producing truly gargantuan synthesisers in their early days to now producing pocket-sized analogue synths like the Monotron series. In-keeping with their recent philosophy of creating pocket-sized analogue monsters Korg have released the Volca range of analogue synthesisers complete with built-in sequencers, a move that is destined to keep synth-fetishists' mouths watering.

Towards the end of last year DJ Mag gave the world the exclusive scoop on Native’s new production powerhouse, the Maschine Studio. We were so impressed with what we saw in a private showing at Red Bull Studios that we were itching to get our mitts on it.

Eddie Richards has had a hand in almost every phase of UK house culture. From adopting the new form back in ’88, recording as Jolly Roger and spinning early tracks at Camden Palace, to helping create tech house, showcasing the sound on his Fabric compilation a cool decade before the term became ubiquitous, a deep knowledge combined with a love for new music have kept his career alive and relevant.

Hot Creations boss Jamie Jones – not content with redefining house music in the UK and Europe – is now carving a similar path through the USA.

Yesterday he posted a picture on Facebook of his ‘temporary’ LA studio, and producers worldwide wept with envy.

“So to provide a little backstory on the album... 'Life in Black + White' started out as a private side project that I would go to whenever I had the time. At that stage I was producing a lot of music, mainly big stuff for the dancefloor and I felt myself drifting away from those dynamics. Making the album was the natural and organic process that manifested itself out of those feelings.

More news from NAMM this time it’s Allen & Heath who are dropping some pretty tasty news. Allen and Heath are back with an all new mixer the Xone:23.

This year's NAMM music conference in sunny LA was a hot bed for manufacturers to show off their wares and gives a perfect insight for what is in store for the masses during 2014. These are the top 5 releases that had everyone talking!

How have you developed as an artist during your production and DJing career?

DJs are at heart music lovers. Dedicating your life to sharing and mixing a superior taste in tunes suggests a serious passion for sound. Most demand the very best equipment when they play out. But how about in the home? What do DJs and dance fans use to listen back to mixes and tracks — especially when they're short of space?