Learn How To DJ With Digital DJ Gear

June 4th, 2013 Reviews

Vestax HMX-05 DJ Headphones Review & Video

by Phil Morse

The Vestax HMX-05s are a simple, striking and practical design that are especially tempting when paired with Vestax’s own gear.

Looking for some Vestax headphones to match your Vestax DJ gear? The new Vestax HMX-05s are a smart, durable design with streetwise looks – and some decent DJ credentials tucked up their sleeve too.

They’re also practical, with a tangle-free detachable flat straight cable, a simple aesthetic, plus the ability to fold into their headband for easy stashing in your bag. Let’s take a closer look…

Tags: dj headphones, headphones, HMX-05, vestax

7 Comments »

June 3rd, 2013 News & Opinion

Traktor Kontrol Z2 Price Drop Till End Of Month… If You Ask Nicely

by Phil Morse

The Traktor Kontrol Z2, pictured with the Kontrol F1 & X1 on Traktor Stands.

Native Instruments today announced that the Traktor Kontrol Z2 mixer will cost US$599/€599 until June 30, 2013, down from US$899/€799.

Bizarrely, while it is on open sale at this price on the Native Instrumennts website, if you buy from a dealer, you have to prove you’re a “Traktor DJ” by showing proof of purchase of a previous Traktor product.

Tags: Native Instrumnts, Traktor, traktor kontrol z2, y

20 Comments »

June 3rd, 2013 Reviews

Cerwin Vega P1500X Powered PA Speakers Review & Video

by Phil Morse

The Cerwin Vega P1500X is a powered PA speaker, marketed on its power and punch. We put it to the test…

Following on from our guide to PA systems, here is the first review of an actual system, and we’ve chosen the Cerwin Vega P-Series, of which we’re looking at the P1500X powered cabinets today (our review of the system complete with P1800SX sub-woofers is coming soon). We’re going to review this from the point of view of the DJ who will be carrying it to gigs, but also bear in mind that as this is above entry level in both power and quality, it could also equally be used in small venues as an installation system.

The “system” we’re reviewing here is two powered speakers, which bought as a pair would cost you just shy of US$1600. That’s a reasonably considerable investment, but as always you get what you pay for – which in this case is, as it turns out, a really good PA for your money. Read on for the details.

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June 2nd, 2013 Training

Over To You: Which Is The Best DJ Controller For iPad & djay?

by Phil Morse

The Numark Mixdeck Quad works with iPad and djay software, but it’s only one of many choices nowadays.

Digital DJ Tips reader Paul writes: “Please can I have your take on iPad controllers and Algoriddim’s djay software?

“I have the iPad and an thinking of waiting for the Numark iDJ Flex to be launched, just don’t know what to go for. Just want it for house parties and BBQs.”

Tags: djay, ipad

28 Comments »

June 1st, 2013 Training

Controller Clinic #26: Traktor Or Serato After Learning On An iPad?

by Phil Morse

Traktor or Serato – which is it to be for our reader who’s upgrading from iPad and wants nicer waveforms?

37-year-old Digital DJ Tips reader Edelso writes: “I’m upgrading from a cheap Numark iDJ unit that I use with an iPad and Algoriddim’s djay app (this set up has given me the most fun I’ve ever had with $120, by the way!). I’ve got up to $500 to get a new controller.

“My current laptop should be fine for Traktor etc, and all my music is in iTunes. I’m mostly looking for better song analysis, more effects, and a better beat graph to visually confirm beat sync as well as with headphones/ears.

Tags: ipad dj, serato, Traktor

28 Comments »

May 31st, 2013 News & Opinion

The Friday Roundup: May 31 2013

by Phil Morse

Does it really sound better? Why is it so expensive? And is it worth dying for? Vinyl is back in the news…

Last weekend I had the pleasure of DJing at a friend’s wedding, and thanks to a rather loud Cerwin Vega P-series PA I was testing for a future review, it ended up having a certain “club” feel about it come the end of the night! We even had the cooks and the venue owner on the floor as we dropped a Swedish House Mafia tune to end the night. Ah, the fun of wedding DJing…

And while (of course) I was DJing on an all-digital rig, in the meantime, the vinyl vs digital debate has kicked off all over again. This week, then, we’ve got three very different stories for you around the whole analogue/digital question, all of which are maybe not what you’d expect. Oh, and one of them is totally made up. See if you can guess which…

Tags: vinyl vs analogue, vinyl vs digital

23 Comments »

30/05/2013

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