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Two Turntables And A Microphone…Also A Couple Of iPhones
A computing and music researcher at Stanford University has created a new way to scratch digital files using a traditional turntable, without the need for timecode encoded vinyl. Instead, Nicholas J. Bryan’s Mopho DJ uses the accelerometer and gyroscope inside a couple of iPhones, or iPod Touches to be exact, to detect and wirelessly transmit the movements of the turntable to an accompanying piece of software running on a MacBook. And like other laptop-based solutions, the software is then responsible for playing back the audio file faster, slower or even scratched.
From the looks of the video included below the setup seems to have minimal latency, though it’s hard to tell without actually playing with it myself. And while the iPod Touches he’s using are sitting atop a clear plastic disc with a rubber pad to keep them in place while the wheels of steel are spinning, I’d be inclined to find a more reliable way to strap them down securely when the party really gets started.
Next Level Beats - Wacom’s Nextbeat 1000 all-in-one DJing device.
Next Level Beats
Wacom are not your usual DJ kit manufacturer. In fact they are one of the leading lights in the computer tablet and touchpad market so it is with interest that we approach the Nextbeat 1000. This is an interesting bit of kit that goes against the current scheme of things when it comes to the whole digital DJing experience. The Nextbeat 1000 is meant to be the “one stop, do-it-all” machine for the performing DJ. It takes its lead from the old two decks one mixer approach that we all love and know so well, albeit stuffed into one very neatly contained box.
But will this capture the hearts of the DJ? The Nextbeat 1000 is unique in that everything is controlled from just one unit. What is on offer are two channels, A and B (effectively your decks), a mixer section that comes with built-in FX, and a sampler, the latter of which occupies one of your two channels. Now whilst it is keeping true to the original DJing ethos a lot of the technology out there in the digital DJing domain now allows up to four-deck mixing as the norm.
The Nextbeat 1000 is quite a compact unit that can fit into any standard record bag. Built into its own carry case, the construction is quite sturdy, and feels like it can take a few knocks. On first look, the Nextbeat appears visually pleasing. Split into two halves the left being the main deck selection area, there is an LCD screen for track selection, and it also displays graphical track waveforms, running time, track info, etc. Also in this section are the loop and sample controls, master volume cue and headphone knobs. Loading tracks onto a channel is pretty straightforward, and anyone who has used any CDJ-type player will be at home with this.
