Sunday Synth Jams: Edison’s latest jam:

• all one shot sounds…
• no loops running….
• 64 buttons
• 64 noises….
• shot on 2 HD cameras, 720p, 1 live take…..
• with audio captured right to camera…..

Check out Edison on Myspace.

We do our best to avoid “cute kitty with music gear” photos at Synthtopia. You can only get so excited about another shot of somebody’s cat peaking out of their Buchla modular synth or sleeping on their Korg OASYS.

Jaded as we may be, though, this is the cutest kitty DJ in the world.

Ohhhh, kitteh so cute!

We’ll try to redeem this post by linking to the source of this photo, the blog of Ryan Gruss – a drummer who says that “the world has been overrun by shitty producers with their 808 samples and re-mixed Ableton Live schlock.”

Gruss is drummer on a mission to put more groove in your mix, and he’s doing it by blogging a free professionally recorded drum loop every day. He includes MP3 previews, but also multitracked Logic sessions and mixed down WAV, AIFF and REX2 files.

They’re Creative Commons licensed, so you can slap it up, flip it and rub it down as long as you give Gruss credit.

Special Secret Groove Sauce: Gruss’s RSS feed has MP3 enclosures – which means it’s a podcast and you can subscribe to it with iTunes and get the free loops delivered to your ears automatically.

In iTunes, navigate to Advanced – Subscribe to Podcast and paste in his feed URL: http://feeds2.feedburner.com/ryangrusscom

DJTechTools has just announced a new MIDI controller inspired by classic video game systems, MidiFighter.

MidiFighter is an ready-to-assemble MIDI controller that features 16 game-style buttons and 16 programmable LEDs. It can be customized and expanded, too.

MidiFighter MIDI Controller Details:

• Release Date: November 30th
• Price: TBA
• Plug and Play compatible device compliant midi controller
• USB powered
• Must be assembled (no expertise required)
• 16 programable buttons
• 16 programable LEDS
• Expandable to 20 programmable buttons and 4 analogue controls
• Limited Edition 200 piece run in this configuration (black PCB with white LEDS)

This thing looks like it’s going to be pretty insanely fun.

MidiFighter is a DIY kit – but it’s not hardcore DIY – it’s funcore DIY:

The Midifighter kit comes in a flat box that can be personally assembled in 5 minutes. Entry level moders can select the arcade button colors they want when ordering and assemble the kit into a custom configuration that fits their personal style or mapping. The arcade buttons snap into place thanks to our hand made clips that require zero soldering. Just screw together the frame using a simple allen wrench, snap in the arcade buttons and your custom controller is assembled and finished.

The finished controller is plug and play with super high quality low latency drivers and will work with all midi compatible software.

Because it’s a kit, you can customize it. Use color-coded buttons. Use the extra analog and digital input ports toadd mod wheels, joysticks, sliders and knobs. And if you want to get hardcore, the kit is totally open source so you can hack the firmware.

Pricing is TBA, but we should know soon, because they plan to release this November 30th.

Anybody interested? Leave a comment!

Amidio announced that Touch DJ (App Store link), described as the first full-featured DJ MP3 application on the iPhone platform, has been approved and is now available.

Touch DJ offers realtime independent manipulation of 2 MP3 files, including scratching, looping, positioning, equalization, effects and and pitching.

Touch DJ gets around the limitation of one set of stereo outputs by focusing on “visual mixing” – the graphic display of the track waveforms next to each other. The low-bass (kick) parts are detected and rendered in different color compared to the rest sonic frequencies, making beatmatching as easy as adjusting the tracks position and pitch so that the kick parts become visually matched.

As an alternative for users who prefer to prelisten to tracks, Touch DJ also offers a second “Split” mode of mixing which requires the usage of a special l/r splitting adapter.

Other features include LP filter FX for each track, vinyl Spin and Break effects, onboard sampler with 3 sample slots (accepts .WAV files) and the ability to record samples via the microphone.

Touch DJ uses its own music library, independent of the iTunes music library. The app is shipped with 25 dance tracks provided by DanceMusicHub.com, and you can load up more using a utility available at the Amidio site.

Touch DJ retails for $19.99.

If you’ve used Touch DJ, leave a comment with your thoughts!

Note: DJ apps have been slow to be approved by Apple. There’s a petition you can sign to ask Apple to speed up the process.

Goldie, who was taken out of his comfort zone of drum ‘n’ bass to conduct a classical orchestra for television, is here put back into his own world by Addictive TV. This time it’s the orchestra playing d ‘n’ b.

Who else would like to see their local orchestra take this on?

via VJTV

Current.tv’s interview with Thievery Corporation goes from Washington, DC’s monuments and into the DJ duo’s custom studio, nightclub and restaurant.

Thievery Corporation’s Rob Garza and Eric Hilton show off the school tour version of DC – the White House, the Treasury Department, and the Washington Monument – calling it a “Disneyworld set for people to feel good about.” They also flash back to Operation Ceasefire, an event they DJ’d on the National Mall at the beginning of the Iraq War, which was quickly followed by an IRS audit of the band. But still, they’ve stuck close to home instead of moving to more traditional centers for music and entertainment.

via Current

DJTechTools‘ Ean Golden demonstrates how he uses white noise “to create build ups and drama in your dj sets.”

The event will feature DJs battling and recording music live on their iPhones/iPods, using GrooveMaker and FourTrack apps.

After the iPDJ battle, there will be 3 hour-long DJ sets from Chris Domingo, Scratch-D of Dynamix II, and a special live breaks PA performance from DJ Speechless.

Chris Domingo, Scratch-D and DJ Speechless will be performing live on their iPhones/iPod Touches using one or more of the following apps: GrooveMaker FREE, GrooveMaker House, GrooveMaker Techno, GrooveMaker Trance, GrooveMaker Club, GrooveMaker Hip-Hop, GrooveMaker Electro, GrooveMaker D’n'B and FourTrack.

Venue/Time:
10pm-3am
Voodoo Lounge
111 SW 2nd Ave
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301-1824
(954) 522-0733
www.voodooloungeflorida.com

According to Nielsen Soundscan, sales of vinyl albums in 2009 have already topped the 2-million mark.

This beats 2008’s, 1.9 million, which means that 2009 sales of vinyl LPs are on target to be the highest since at least 1991, when Soundscan began tracking music sales.

Digital music sales aren’t doing too bad, either.

Total purchased album downloads are on pace to top last year’s figure of 65 million.

This is a cool trend. In my book, the perfect music format is Vinyl + MP3; you buy your nice big sexy album and you get a download code along with it.

What do you think about the resurgence of LP sales?

Is this just a vinyl fetish – or do you think vinyl actually offers a better way to get your music fix?

via LATimes

Image: karola riegler photography

Vestax has teamed up with software maker Algoriddim to produce Spin, a $249.95 entry-level all-in-one digital DJ controller that will be sold elusively in Apple stores throughout the US and Canada.

Features:

• Blend your voice into the mix through the integrated microphone input (microphone included)
• Seamless iTunes integration through djay software, allowing easy to mix, beat match, loops to effects for creating your perfect mix tape
• Simple plug-and-play setup
• Touch sensor jog wheel platters give high resolution to experience an analog feel when scratching and mixing
• Multi-channel audio system for high quality monitoring, master output and separate microphone input
• A compact and light DJ All-in-one system
• Seamless iTunes integration
• Easy-to-use drag and drop interface
• Automix and automatic tempo
• Beat detection, beat-matched looping and BPM-sync
• Auto-gain
• Sampler and visual cue points
• Live Microphone with pitch and echo effect
• Audio effects such as speed change, reverse, time-stretching, pitch-shifting and more
• Record mixes for podcasts, photo slide shows and mix tapes
• Export history of played songs as iTunes playlist or PDF
• Cover artwork on virtual vinyl
• Support for all major audio formats such as MP3, AAC, WAV, AIFF, Audio-CD and songs purchased from the iTunes Music Store

Technical specifications

• DJ USB Midi controller
• Touch sensor platters
• Headphone output
• Microphone input
• Dimensions (WxHxD): 14.0 x 9.5 x 1.5 in./35.6 x 24.1 x 3.8 cm
• Weight: 3.2 lbs./1.5 kg (Spin only)

System requirements

• Mac OS X v10.4 or later
• 1.8GHz or faster Intel processor
• 1GB of RAM

What’s in the box?

• Spin (DJ midi controller)
• Microphone with adapter
• USB cable
• djay 3 software with license key
• User manual (Set-up basic guide)
• 1/8- to 1/4-in. adapter for headphone or microphone

Official blurbage below.

Did you notice?

Spin—with its seamlessly integrated djay software—allows you to record your mixes as a high-quality audio file, for use in your latest podcast, movie, photo slide show or to make a classic “mix tape”.

Apple Recommends for…

Beginners and seasoned pros alike who want to mix tracks and playlists from iTunes on their Mac. Or iTunes users and music lovers who want to have fun with their music and explore the world of DJing.

Be your own DJ with iTunes

Spin and djay software let you easily mix all your favorite songs from iTunes. Simply drag and drop, and get creative with your own music.

Touch sensor jog wheels

High-resolution touch-sensitive jog wheels allow you to DJ like in analog mode from scratching to remixing.

Multi-channel audio system

Spin comes with high-quality sound for monitoring, master output and a separate mic input.

Compact and light

A travel friendly unit perfect for the Mac, it comes with a USB cable and djay software so you can DJ anywhere you want.

Perfectly match your music

djay’s on-the-fly beat and tempo detection allows you to easily match two songs for a perfect transition.

Find the right song

Preview and prepare the next song with headphones through Spin before playing it through the main speakers.

Automix your party

One click means hours of fun. Sit back and let Spin/djay mix your favorite iTunes playlists with seamless DJ-style transitions.

Scratch. Mix. Loop.

Discover the world of DJing. Use the featured buttons, jog wheel platters and faders to mix and scratch your songs. Every feature found on the Spin interface will allow you endless opportunities of creative DJing from loops to effects.

Record your mixes

Save your mix—for your latest podcast, movie or photo slide show, or to make a classic “mix tape.” Just push the REC button.

NI’s new Traktor Kontrol X1, up close and personal….

DJ Tech Tools has an interesting scoop on a new DJ controller, the Vestax Spin, which they report will be carried exclusively at the Apple Store.

The Vestax Spin combines a DJ control surface, an audio interface and DJ software for $249.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Features:

• Built-in sound card
• Touch sensitive hi-res jog wheels
• Mic input
• Mix record function
• Discreet headphone outputs
• Automix and beat sync functions
• USB power
• Dimensions: 14”(w) x 9.5” (h) x 1.5”(d)
• Controller Weight: 3.2 lbs

Contents:

• Spin (DJ midi controller)
• Microphone with adapter
• USB Cable
• djay 3 with license key
• User manual (Set-up basic guide)
• 1/8” to 1/4” adapter for headphone or microphone

DJ Tech Tools’ Ean Golden demonstrates a Daft Punk AeroDynamic beat juggling performance and then breaks down his tecnique.

He’s got skills, eh?

See his post at his site, where you can download his demo files, too!

via eangolden:

Here is a routine I developed using “Aerodynamic” from daft punk and the planet rock instrumental. The 2 mp3’s used in this video are available with cue points in this post: The mapping for this controller is also available here:

iPhone Music Software: The Strange Agency has announced the launch of Slice (App Store link), a $.99 beat-juggling app.

Check out how it works in the demo video above.

If you’ve used Slice, leave a comment with your thoughts!

This is a video introduction to Native Instruments’ Traktor Kontrol X1, a new DJ controller designed by the team behind Traktor DJ.

Native Instruments today announced Traktor Kontrol X1, a performance controller designed by the team behind Traktor DJ.

Description:

Traktor Kontrol X1 provides DJs of all styles and genres with a way to control loop, cue, effect, track selection and transport functions of their system. The unit accommodates the two most common digital DJing paradigms – it complements a typical timecode-controlled Traktor Scratch setup consisting of a hardware mixer, turntables or CD decks, and also works as a self-contained controller for DJs who play beat-gridded tracks with Traktor software and mix externally.

Two X1 units can also be combined into a four-deck setup that controls all decks and effect units of Traktor Pro or Traktor Scratch Pro simultaneously.

Traktor Kontrol X1 is equipped with precise buttons, knobs and encoders, complemented by dynamic colored backlighting for additional visual feedback. The X1 integrates with the Traktor software through a dedicated high-resolution protocol, resulting in a level of precision and responsiveness beyond what regular MIDI-based controllers can provide, and allowing for true plug-and-play operation with no setup or specific configuration required.

Traktor Kontrol X1 has been specifically designed for usage in performance environments. Its compact casing is both robust and lightweight for high portability, and the special vertical form factor makes the unit fit seamlessly within a typical club setup. The optional carrying bag for the X1 doubles as a stand that raises the controller surface to match the height of typical DJ mixers.

Traktor Kontrol X1 can be used to control any MIDI-compatible DVS, DJ software or music performance application. The optional MIDI mode of the controller can be engaged on the fly via a dedicated button on the unit.

The X1 also comes with a carefully designed set of parameter assignments for the Serato Scratch Live system, matching the relevant features of the software to the controller without any setup effort. A special Serato Scratch Live overlay for the X1 is also available.

Traktor Kontrol X1 also ships with Traktor LE, software that provides two decks with essential looping, effects and mixing features, turning X1 into an entry-level solution for digital DJing.

Traktor Kontrol X1 will be available in February 2010 for a suggested price of $229 / 199 EUR. The carrying bag / stand for Traktor Kontrol X1 will be available for $49 / 39 EUR.

Free Music Friday: I’ve heard The Monster Mash and Werewolves Of London enough for this lifetime.

So I was glad to hear that DJ Arbiter had put together Hallowrave – a 2009 Halloween mixtape.

“Do your ears a favor and download the mix,” says DJ Arbiter, aka Josh Messer. “It’s chock-full of electro/house/rock/halloween anthems and I know you’ll love it like a tiny child.”

Tracklist:

1. Zombies (Hot Pink Delorean Remix) – Designer Drugs
2. Song 2 (Vengeance Remix) – Blur
3. Hey You (Le Castle Vania Remix) – Kill The Noise
4. Drop Down – Designer Drugs
5. Heads Will Roll (John Roman Remix) – The Yeah Yeah Yeahs
6. Zero Machine (Le Castle Vania Remix) – Smashing Pumpkins
7. Business Man (Black Noise means Business Remix) – Crookers feat. Wiley & Thomas J
8. Thriller (Luis La Roche Remix) – Michael Jackson
9. Get Down The Funk (Disco Villains Remix) – FutureFlashs
10. I’ll Get You – Classixx feat. Jeppe
11. aNYway – Ducksauce
12. The Eastwood Swing – Doogie Houser
13. Next Episode (Will P Remix) – Dr. Dre feat. Snoop Dogg
14. Drfunkenstein – Deadmau5
15. Moar Ghosts N Stuff – Deadmau5

Image: drivenbyboredom

Armin Van Buuren again reigns supreme, with Tiësto and David Guetta following in the #2 & #3 positions.

Here are the Top 10 DJs:

1. Armin van Buuren
2. Tiesto
3. David Guetta
4. Above & Beyond
5. Paul van Dyk
6. Deadmau5
7. Ferry Corsten
8. Markus Schulz
9. Gareth Emery
10. Sander van Doorn

Check out the full list below, and then leave a comment with your thoughts!

The Top 100 DJs For 2009

1. Armin van Buuren
2. Tiesto
3. David Guetta
4. Above & Beyond
5. Paul van Dyk
6. Deadmau5
7. Ferry Corsten
8. Markus Schulz
9. Gareth Emery
10. Sander van Doorn
11. ATB (
12. Infected Mushroom
13. Sasha
14. Axwell
15. Andy Moor
16. Bobina
17. John Digweed
18. Carl Cox
19. Cosmic Gate
20. Steve Angello
21. Roger Shah
22. Aly & Fila
23. Paul Oakenfold
24. John O’Callaghan
25. Sebastian Ingrosso
26. Benny Benassi
27. Laidback Luke
28. Richie Hawtin
29. Fedde Le Grand
30. DJ Feel
31. Lange
32. Hernan Cattaneo
33. Daft Punk
34. Eric Prydz
35. Bob Sinclar
36. Joachim Garraud
37. Kyau & Albert
38. James Zabiela
39. Umek
40. Christopher Lawrence
41. Eddie Halliwell
42. Simon Patterson
43. Offer Nissim
44. Judge Jules
45. Sean Tyas
46. Dubfire
47. Martin Solveig
48. Sven Vath
49. Richard Durand
50. Marco V
51. Kaskade
52. Tydi
53. Erick Morillo
54. Matt Darey
55. Astrix
56. Menno de Jong
57. The Thillseekers
58. Nick Warren
59. Dirty South
60. Roger Sanchez
61. Mark Knight
62. Wally Lopez
63. Leon Bolier
64. Blank & Jones
65. Justice
66. Laurent Wolf
67. Astral Projection
68. Boys Noize
69. Ronski Speed
70. Sander Kleinenberg
71. Ricardo Villalobos
72. Chuckie
73. Sharam
74. Marcel Woods
75. Lisa Lashes
76. Moonbeam
77. Rank 1
78. Sebastien Leger
79. Marcus Schossow
80. Steve Lawler
81. Skazi
82. Super8 & Tab
83. Pete Tong
84. Tocadisco
85. Sied van Riel
86. Tiga
87. Daniel Kandi
88. Mike Koglin
89. Luciano
90. Yahel
91. Myon & Shane 54
92. John B
93. Simon Posford
94. Fatboy Slim
95. Robbie Rivera
96. Antoine Clamaran
97. Nic Fanciulli
98. Gui Boratto
99. Alex M.O.R.P.H.
100. Andy C

Image: BryanSereny

DJMag via InTheMix

This is the music video for The Crystal Method’s Come Back Clean, Kascade Remix.

Activision’s DJ Hero is now available, with an exclusive 93-mix track list, created by a host of legendary DJs, blending hip hop, rock, pop, R&B and dance.

DJ Hero was developed by FreeStyleGames for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, the PLAYSTATION 3 and PlayStation 2 computer entertainment systems and the Wii system from Nintendo. The game is rated “T” (Teen – Mild Suggestive Themes, Lyrics) by the ESRB.

Video previews and more details below.

Click here to view the embedded video.

DJ Hero Educational Trailer

Click here to view the embedded video.

DJ Hero Daft Punk Trailer

According to Activision:

Featuring mixes created by DJ AM, Cut Chemist, Grandmaster Flash, DJ Jazzy Jeff, J. Period, DJ Shadow, DJ Z-Trip and more, spinning over 100 individual songs, highlighted in 93 never-before-released mixes that blend genres of music, including hip-hop, pop, rock and dance, DJ Hero delivers the most diverse and international collection of music ever assembled in a music game.

Created exclusively for DJ Hero, the turntable controller immerses fans into the DJ culture and a sea of music as they utilize and master various DJ techniques including scratching, crossfading and sampling, while leaving room for creative expression with a variety of effects and player chosen samples and scratches, transforming a face in the crowd into the life of the party.

The DJ Hero Renegade Edition includes a copy of the game, a premium Renegade turntable controller, hardshell turntable carrying case that converts to a performance-ready DJ stand, and an exclusive JAY-Z and EMINEM 2-CD pack featuring “best of” and new, unreleased material.