housemusic - Kennygrant.ca » dj equipment reviews

New DJ Serato Rane 68 Mixer Announced

Kenny — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 23:54:37 +0000

Earlier today Rane proudly announced its latest dj mixer for the scratch live serato hardware called the Rane 68 (or Rane sixity-eight). The four channel mixer will give djs the ability to que and mix 4 tracks at the same time with 2 computers!!! We were lucky enough to get our hands on some pictures of the new beauty, check them out below:

Here are some quick details on the new mixer:

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Support for two DJs at once.

DJ handover is easy with two USB ports. Easily switch between two laptops without interrupting the music. e.g., DJ A can be playing out channels 1 and 2, and then hand off those channels one at a time to DJ B.

Two DJs can perform in parallel on the same mixer: Two DJs connect, configure which channels they output in software, and then DJ side by-side off the same mixer. eg., DJ A can play out channels 1 and 2, and DJ B can play out channels 3 and 4 at the same time.

Two computers, two USB ports, four decks and a range of effects.

Introducing the first professional DJ mixer with two USB 2.0 High Speed ports with support for real-time connection of two computers. Two DJs can work in parallel and/or seamlessly transition from one DJ to another.

* • Two independent USB 2.0 High Speed ports, each supporting twenty-two, 32-bit floating-point audio channels at 48 kHz.
* • Real-time support for two computers.
* • Support for 2, 3 or 4 Virtual Decks on one or two computers.
* • Direct control of over 30 Scratch Live Library, Cue and Loop functions.
* • Unique FlexFx bus:
o Process a sub-mix of up to six audio channels.
o Six internal effects with seamless on-beat switching between effects.
o External analog insert support for legacy hardware effects.
o USB insert support for computer-based effects.
* • Four full-featured input channels:
o Four stereo Phono/CD inputs of Line, Phono or S/PDIF.
o Four stereo auxiliary inputs.
o Four stereo USB playback options.
* • Two mic inputs: one with phantom power and one with line-level.
* • 3-band full-cut EQ, plus new High-pass / Low-pass Filter.
* • Flexible USB recording options, record from any PGM or output.
* • Internal universal switching power supply (100-230 VAC)
* • Unit size: 14.3″H x 12″W x 4″D (36.4 cm x 30.5 cm x 10.2 cm)
* • Weight: 11.3 lb (5.2 kg)
* • Shipping Size: 7.75″H x 12.75″W x 19.25″D (19.7 cm x 32.5 cm x 49 cm)
* • Weight: 12 lb (5.5 kg)

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Serato Scratch Live 1.9 Beta

Kenny — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 19:28:24 +0000

Rane Serato Scratch Live 1.9 beta has been released and as promised, delivers stunning features to enable DJ’s to new creative possibilities. This free upgrade places a stunning array of features at DJ’s ﬁngertips, enabling creative possibilities never seen before. Major new features include SP-6 Sample Player, LiveFeed, native MEP-7000 support, Loop Roll, enhanced History, and support for Video-SL 1.1.

The new SP-6 Sample Player adds six extra audio players that can be triggered with the computer keyboard or a MIDI controller, turning compatible Rane hardware into a high performance sampler.

Brand new in Scratch Live 1.9 is a groundbreaking feature called LiveFeed, taking live external audio and placing it directly on a Scratch Live virtual deck, all in real time. The DJ has instant control of live external audio with Vinyl, CD or MIDI.

“LiveFeed gives DJs a live stream of audio to mess with, the creative possibilities are really endless,” reports General Manager, Sam Gribben.

The Pioneer MEP-7000 gains plug-and-play native support, joining the popular Pioneer CDJ-400 as a Scratch Live control surface. Control CDs are not required, and song data is shown directly on the MEP-7000’s displays.

Loop Roll adds an interesting new stutter effect, which can also be used in conjunction with the new LiveFeed feature.

The History function now keeps a comprehensive record of every track played, during every gig. This is a real time saver for professional DJs who need to log their sessions.

Album Art is also added to the virtual deck in Scratch Live, assisting with rapid song identiﬁcation.
Scratch Live 1.9 also adds ofﬂine video playback, in conjunction with the Video-SL 1.1 plug-in, also being shown at NAMM 2009. This feature lets Serato Video-SL users manage effects, cue and loop points for their videos without hardware connected. Video-SL 1.1 adds support for the Rane SL 1 and Rane MP 4.

Download Serato Live 1.9 Beta

The beta release has been available for a few weeks now, and has had tremendous reviews. Here are some video tutorials on some of the new features:

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Part 5

What are the best dj headphones?

Kenny — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 09:46:31 +0000

If you are in the market for new dj headphones, you’ve come to the right place! I have listed the most popular ones with some user reviews, specs, prices, and pictures. Headphone technology is constantly evolving and things have changed since the last time I shopped for them. Companies are using new materials, new manufactures are born, and new models are created to compete with competitors. The average dj will go through a set of headphones every 12-18 months, hopefully this guide will help you choose the correct headphones for you’re budget and daily needs.

It’s important to note what is good for me, might not be good for you and I would strongly recommend trying them out at your local record store (HMV, Virgin, or electronic store) before purchasing such an important tool.

Technics RP-DJ1210
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Retail Price:
$149.95
Lowest Price:
$114.59 – amazon.com
Pros: These headphones are tanks and very well priced. I’ve personally used and abused these headphones for 5 years, and only recently have they started to diminish in the functionality and cosmetic departments. The best feature about this headphone is the pivot lock feature. It allows you to move the headphone in different positions and lock em. This is super handy if you like to dj with the headphones resting on your neck vs wearing the actual headphones. They are loud and sound clear at high levels – perfect for club environments. Available in two colours, black and purple or black and silver.
Cons: Small headphone cups – some people like the larger headphones to cover the entire ear (I still found these headphones blocked outside noises very well). Some people don’t like the purple design.

Sony MDR-V700DJ
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Retail Price:
$149.99
Lowest Price:
$89.88 – buy.com
Pros: The cups fully cover your ears. They do a very good job of blocking out external sounds. On a recent plane ride, the headphones successfully defended us from nearby passenger’s and baby cries without forcing us to crank the volume. This is an industry fav.
Cons: Large cups, they might feel too big and might not feel right for every person. They are known as an industry favorite but these headphones are known to break and crack at the swivel joints making it near impossible to wear them (no longer enough support to hold the headphone in place).

Pioneer HDJ-1000
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Retail Price: $200.00
Lowest Price: $129.99 – amazon.com
Pros: Pioneer is a well established brand with quality dj products such as the CDJ series and DJM mixer series. They look and sound awesome.
Cons: Lots of people have problems with cracked joints and the headband becoming detached from the earpiece after 1 year of use. These headphones are still my fav to mix with, and I would encourage anyone to go for them, but if you do.. you have to accept that if you use them a fair amount they will have a pretty short lifespan.

Pioneer HDJ-2000
Rating: 1 out of 5 stars
Retail Price: 299.00 Euros inc VAT
Lowest Price: $290.66 USD – ebay
Pros: Pioneer is a well established brand, these headphones are the predecessor of the popular HDJ-1000s.
Cons: Price, way way way too expensive. Someone needs to tell Pioneer about the current economy struggle the world is facing. New product, limited reviews and overall uncertainty if product can withhold everyday wear and tear of dj abuse. Not too thrilled about the look, pioneer product usually have a sleek wow finish, something that is lacking here.

Sennheiser HD280s
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Retail Price: $199.95
Lowest Price: $99.90 – buy.com
Pros: The sound quality is stunning and all the parts are replaceable. Good price.
Cons: Ear cups can get a bit warm with extended use amd the headstrap is weak and cracks after a few months of use, its obvious these are likely the best sounding headphones on the market, but they will break very easily especially if you are careless and throw your headphones about.

AKG 181
Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
Retail Price: $279.00
Lowest Price: $159.00 – djdeals.com
Pros: Very comfortable and looks sharp. The mono/stereo option, detachable three-pin cable and (maybe) even the cheesy, left & right earcup “large/small club ambiance” [bass boost] switches might prove useful for some.
Cons: Doesn’t live up to the AKG name. Lackluster and pricey given the middling audio detail resolution, muddy bass response and flat soundstage imaging. Check out the much better-priced and better-sounding AKG K-81 (as seen within this review) if seeking a great sealed-design, portable-application headphone with solid audio performance.

AKG K 81 DJ
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Retail Price: $99.00
Lowest Price: $69.00 – djdeals.com
Pros: Typical AKG top notch sound quality at an amazing price! The K-81DJ’s mid-sized, supra-aural earcups rest on top of the ears with nicely plushy pleather-covered earpads that rotate 180 degrees, perfect for fast-paced DJ mono mixing with one ear or for just keeping your head on a swivel when you need to remain aware of your surroundings.
Cons: Headphone cables and overall quality would suit this as great headphones for the house or in the studio, but might not be the best option for clubland.

Again, the price and quality depends on the individual user and their requirements. Use this guide as an educational and unbiased reference with reviews from myself, friends, and other djs. The headphones I included within this review are the most popular headphones within the industry. If you feel I’m missing a model or would like to contribute your own person review, add your comments and let me know.

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Pioneer SVM-1000 > the future of DVJing

Kenny — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 21:22:27 +0000

I came across a few video clips of Sander Kleinenberg showing the latest pioneer dvj mixer, the SVM-1000. It’s obvious he’s pushing the envelope and the future of djing has been re-invited with a tool that will allow people to create an enhanced experience with audio and VIDEO. These videos give a quick overview of the mixer and might serve well for those that don’t know the unlimited possibilities with the dvj’s and SVM-1000 in tandem.

Part 1: Sander Kleinenberg introduces the SVM-1000
Part 2: A SVM-1000 EQ tip from Sander Kleinenberg
Part 3: Sander Kleinenberg demonstrates the SVM-1000
Part 4: Sander Kleinenberg on the future of DVJing

Additional links:

Pioneer SVM-1000
Pioneer DVJ-1000
Sander Kleinenberg official website

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pioneer dvj