The Radius 1000 lets you play digital tracks directly from your computer without using a mouse, giving you a real hardware feel.

In addition to functioning as an 8-channel MIDI controller for music playback software, the Radius 1000 also plays CD, CD-R and MP3 discs. There’s also a Dual Mode that allows you to play a CD or MP3 disc and control your computer software at the same time.

There’s a nice side benefit of this: In the event of a computer crash during a gig, you can switch over to playing discs on the Radius 1000.

Details:

The Radius 1000 is compatible with popular DJ software programs, including Tracktor and Serato (software not included with unit). When in the MIDI mode an external soundcard is required (not included).

The deck comes with 9 onboard digital effects: Scratch (Digital Scratch and Beat Juggle modes), Filter, Echo, Trans, Skid, Phase, Flanger, Pan and Bop. Time & Ratio Adjustment is available for all effects, and a Digital BPM Counter keeps them locked in sync with the beat of the music. The Radius 1000’s big 6-inch jog wheel operates in 3 modes — Normal, Scratch and Auto Cue Scratch, which is ideal for Beat Juggling.

The Radius 1000 features a super-cool design that not only boosts functionality but also looks great in the DJs booth. A bright display shows track and artist ID tags for quick reference, and a red LED visual marker rotates around the jog wheel to show you what point within the track the CD or MP3 is currently playing.

The Radius 1000 offers Seamless Loop, Advanced Track Search, 10-Second Anti-Shock Memory, Fader Q Start, 3 Flash Start Buttons, Digital Output (S/PDIF), Tempo Lock and Instant Start. For DJs who prefer larger, more sophisticated audio setups, a Flip Flop function lets you relay playback between two Radius 1000 CD/MP3 players.

The Radius 1000 measures 10.5″ x 14″ x 4.25″ and weighs 8 lbs. It carries a suggested retail price of $599.99

2008 Summer NAMM Show: Numark intro’d the DDS80, aka “the world’s only future-proof CD player for the DJ.”

“The world’s only future-proof CD player for the DJ” features USB ports for connection of thumb and hard drives, iPods, MP3 players; and an included 80GB removable/upgradeable hard drive.

While Numark’s marketing catch-phrase may be a little over-the-top, the DDS80 looks like it offers state of the art digital DJ technology in a all-in-one package. 

DDS80 features:

• CD player with integrated hard drive
• Large backlit, full-color display
• Key lock for maintaining key (pitch) while shifting tempo
• Seamless looping, pitch control, and scratching capability via jog wheels
• Text search, letter-pick scrolling, and on-board playlist creation
• Three USB ports for connecting iPods, thumb drives, and hard drives
• Enables music to be played from two devices simultaneously, including two songs from the same iPod
• Users can scratch with MP3, WAV, and AAC (unprotected) files
• Pitch control from -100% … +25%
• Beatkeeper™ technology for seamless integration of samples and loops with tap override
• Searches via two large jog wheels and uses skip peak searching in profiles
• Two front-panel USB ports for easy expansion and connection
• 5RU total, or 3RU + 2RU, fits standard 19-inch equipment racks

More info is available at the Numark site. 

Numark has introduced a new turntable, the X2, that combines CD & vinyl functions into one hybrid unit.

The X2’s CD player offers full MP3 playback capability as well as the ability to scratch, loop, manipulate and pitch adjust both audio and MP3 data CDs. Since both the CD and turntable can be played simultaneously, this hybrid turntable is, according to Numark, “a bridge between the comfort and control of vinyl and the expansive capabilities of digital music output.”

The X2 Turntable retails for about $1,000.

Features:

Features:

• 3 Fly Cue Points
• 2 eight second Sampler Banks
• Seamless Loop capability
• Instant Reverse
• Variable pitch control range of +/- 4%, 8%, 16% even up to 100%

Fully audio CD, CD-R and CD-RW compatible with easy MP3 text and folder search ability, the MPX-40 also boasts 10-second Anti-Shock Protection, +10 track selection, large blue backlit LCD display, coaxial RCA digital output, a BPM counter and a Key Lock button that allows the tempo of the music to be adjusted without affecting the pitch.

MSRP of $499.95 (street price approximately $300.00)

Musikmesse: Stanton DJ introduced the new S.300 Tabletop CD Player w/ MP3 along with the complete DJ DIGIPAK.MP3 package that includes two S.300s, an SMX.211 mixer, a custom road case, and cabling.

The Stanton S.300 is a professional quality tabletop CD player with MP3 compatibility and anti-shock buffer memory.

Features:

• Single table top CD player with MP3 playback
• Anti-shock Buffer Memory
• 10 Key Quick Search
• Instant Start and Auto Cue
• Digital Output
• Fader Start
• Selectable Pitch Control [+/-8%,12%,16%]
• Pitch

The new DJ DIGIPAK.MP3 package is a complete and affordable solution for CD-based DJs that includes two Stanton S.300 CD players w/ MP3, a SMX.211 mixer, and custom road cases with all cabling. The SMX.211 includes a Crossfader Start, two line and two phono inputs, two-band EQ and Gain control per channel, cue section features, cue level and cue pan, mic input with two band EQ, user replaceable crossfader, and a compact size.

Namm Show Update: Denon Professional unveiled the DN-C640 Slot-in Network CD Player.

Housed in a compact 1 rackspace enclosure, the DN-C640 offers a large variety of playback format options using untapped system resources found in many of today’s standard audio, network and computing devices. The unit enables audio data-file playback from both CD and DVD discs and easy access to network playback capabilities. It is well suited to serving as a fully networked audio playback control center, and was designed with audio professionals’ needs in mind.

The DN-C640 is compatible with most standard audio data file formats including CD-DA (.cda), WAVE (.wav), MPEG-1/2 Layer III (.mp3), MPEG-1 Layer II (.mpg) and Windows Media Audio (.wma), allowing for up to 20 hours of MP3 or similar audio playback from a single CD, CD-R or CD-RW. Additionally, the unit breaks new ground by reading these files directly from a data DVD, with its greatly enhanced storage, thus increasing continuous single disc playback to nearly 6 days of uninterrupted audio.

For those requiring the fidelity of uncompressed WAV audio files, this allows a new, convenient disc playback unrestrained by the normal 80-minute CD-R time limit. As an added benefit, various file types may be combined on the same disc to accommodate different source formats of program material.

The DN-C640 incorporates the latest in network integration for streaming audio playback from personal computers, servers, or other network resources. This affords nearly endless file storage and continuous playback while allowing direct access to files from the unit’s front panel/remote or an internal web browser-based GUI complete with transport controls and customizable program playlists, accessible from any web-enabled computer on the network. Standard 25-pin Contact Closure (GPIO) and 9-pin RS-232C Control connections are included.

DN-C640 Audio Outputs:
2 Analog Unbalanced Outputs:
1 set – RCA L/R Fixed Level
1 set – RCA L/R Variable Level (Remote Controllable)

1 Analog Balanced Output:
1 set – XLR L/R Output with Trim Control

2 Digital Outputs:
1 – RCA AES/EBU or S/PDIF Format
1 – XLR AES/EBU or S/PDIF Format

1 Headphone Output w/LC
1 – 1/4″ Headphone Output (front panel mounted)

DN-C640 Control Options:
RS-232:
1 – DB9 Bi-Directional connector

GPIO:
1 – DB25 Contact Closure

Infrared:
1 – IR receiver (front panel mounted)

Ethernet/LAN:
1 – RJ-45 Used for control, device setup, and streaming media over the network

The Denon Professional DN-C640 Slot-in Network CD Player will be available February 2007 with a U.S. MSRP of $899.99.

The DN-X500 is a professional 4U 19″ rack-mountable analog matrix mixer that has eight line and two phono inputs which can be freely assigned to any of four channels. Four smooth 60 mm VCA channel faders provide level control, and a responsive 45 mm VCA crossfader offers contour adjustment. Independent PFL channel meters help DJs to optimize and match levels for each source, ensuring a smooth transition between sources when crossfading.

Each channel has a 3-band equalizer with independent EQ kill switch (high-mid-low), and there’s also an independent EQ off switch. Any channel, including the Master, can be pre-monitored through the Booth Output in the same manner as with headphones, including volume control. A powerful, clean headphone output is also provided.

The channel faders and crossfader can supply 5V pulse triggers for starting playback with any compatible Denon DJ CD/MP3 player. Independent 3-band Main and Aux Mic EQ is supplied, as well as independent Cue for all channels. There is also a Mic Talkover Function with Sensitivity Adjustment.

Outputs include Master Out, Booth Out, Record Out and Subwoofer/Lighting output with frequency adjust, which is ideal for driving powered (or un-powered with amplifier) subwoofer cabinets or as a signal feed for lighting systems.

An Effects Send/Return Control is multi-channel assignable, and has a wet/dry control knob for setting the balance between processed and unprocessed signals. Effect On/Off switching is included, as is pre and post Effect Cueing.

The DN-X900 has the same feature set as the analog DN-X500, but adds numerous digital enhancements. In addition to eight analog line inputs and three phono switchable, the DN-X900 offers four digital inputs on coaxial connections. Two digital outputs are also provided in S/PDIF coaxial and TOSLINK formats.

A Track Mark feature (Track ID) allows DJs to make a new track on a CD burner without ever removing hands from the mixer. A Zone Output with volume adjust is also provided.

Both the DN-X500 and DN-X900 are compatible with the optional ACD-46 Rotary Knob Kit, enabling a rotary control to be substituted for any channel fader. Any or all four of the channel faders may be replaced with rotary controls, making the DN-X500 and DN-X900 perfect choices for either fader or knob-style DJs.

The Denon DJ DN-X500 is available with a U.S. MSRP of $499.99, and the DN-X900 is available at a U.S. MSRP of $699.99.

More information is available at the Denon site.

NAMM 2006 Winter Show: Denon DJ

The core interface of the DN-S3500 utilizes Denon’s all new proprietary 12-pole Direct Drive brushless motor design, delivering instant full rotation speed with a powerful 2.5 kg/cm of start-up torque within 0.5 seconds for true turntable reaction and response. Selectable platter speeds of 33.3 or 45 rpm offer analog manipulation suited to the user’s preference. Seven onboard effects — including four superb built-in effects such as Flanger, Filter (High-Mid-Low), Echo, and the world’s first Echo Loop — are available for realtime performance control and feature full parameter adjustment and a unique wet/dry mix control for the effects. Three platter effects — Brake (adjustable in real-time), Dump (reverse sound without losing true forward time) and Reverse (with new reverse platter spin action) — allow DJs to interact with their CDs, CD-R/CD-RWs and MP3 files as if they were on a analog turntable.

Like other highly acclaimed Denon DJ CD/MP3 player turntables, the DN-S3500 features full MP3 playback support for complete control over today’s most popular musical formats. MP3 functions include Frame Search, MP3 Hot Starts and Seamless Looping with B point trim, ID3 tag display for Artist, Title and Album, support for constant bit rate (CBR) and variable bit rate (VBR) decoding up to 320 kbps, and a powerful MP3 File Search System that can quickly and easily locate hundreds of files in various folders. Also available is a new MP3 Memo system that saves the user’s cue points and loops to internal memory, as well as the world’s first ID3 BPM tag, which automatically recalls the BPM metadata of a given MP3 file. Furthermore, once a track is chosen using the convenient parameters knob, Denon DJ’s Next Track Function with Crossfade — another world’s first — allows the user to search for the next track to be played, then set the unit to crossfade seamlessly at the conclusion of the current track. This provides non-stop mix action using tracks on the same disc, and applies to CDs as well.

The DN-S3500 also includes many powerful sample and loop functions for extended mixing capabilities. In conjunction with the 15 second on-board sampler, the world’s first Seamless Loop to Sampler Copy function allows even further creative possibilities during a performance, such as exchanging the disc during sample playback and overlaying CD scratches using the sampler. The world’s first Two Way CUE Search System features both Denon and Pioneer® cueing methods to give further customization towards the DJ’s stylistic preference. A convenient Forward/Both directional lever controls the output of the user’s scratch strokes. Two Hot Starts and seamless loops with B point trim can be set on the fly, as can further Key Adjustments and Cue Stutter points. CD Text support provides scrolling display of track names when used with many commercially available discs or with the user’s own CD-R/RW compilations. Deep pitch resolution of .02% and .05% for the ±4/10% range is available for DJs who require critical beat mixing and precision. Full pitch control is available in increments of ±4%, ±10%, ±16%, ±24%, ±50% and ±100% for CDs, with MP3 pitch adjustment in the range of ±4%, ±10% and ±16%. Shockproof memory is provided for both CD (20 seconds) and MP3 (100 seconds). Three-way pitch bend is controllable using the scratch disc, pitch bend buttons or the traditional finger-pressure along side the spinning platter.

Additional CD manipulation features include Pitch On/Off, Key Adjust On/Off, Seamless Loop, and a Memo function which can store Cue Point, A and B point data, BPM, Playback Pitch and Range for later recall. Up to 5,000 track points can be saved to internal memory and shared with others Denon players. The instant start (0.02 seconds) integrity and high quality player mechanism assure further confidence and control in performance applications.

The convenient Power On Play feature allows for unattended playback on power up, and unattended Relay Play is possible between two DN-S3500’s for smooth uninterrupted playback when the DJ requires a short break. The unit is also compatible with all Denon DJ mixers for Fader Start Control directly from the mixer’s interface. Convenient Play Lock and Eject Lock features prevent unintentional track change or disc eject during a live performance. Furthermore, customizable paper slip mats can be applied under the removable clear scratch disc for platter personalization. A large fluorescent tube display provides ample at-a-glance recognition, with extra visual cues such as the EOM function which flashes the status time bar to alert users that the current track is about to end, and 3-way BPM counter. Features include a digital output and CD-ROM upgradeable internal software to round out this complete digital DJ turntable solution.

The Denon DN-S3500 Professional Direct Drive CD/MP3 Player is available with pricing of $699.99 MAP and MSRP of $879.99.

More information is available at the Denon site.

NAMM 2006 Winter Show: Numark

With 4.7kgf-cm of torque, Numark’s X2 benefits from the industry’s highest torque direct drive motor—providing the stability and durability professionals demand night after night. Featuring adjustable pitch control and support for both 33 and 45 RPM vinyl records, this exceptional turntable employs an ultra-precise aluminum tonearm with cue, height, and anti-skate adjustments, and accepts straight or S-shaped tonearms by means of its interchangeable tonearm system. With its 12-inch anti-drag aluminum platter designed specifically to reduce friction and its solid core construction that fights vibration and unwanted noise, the X2 is designed for years of trouble-free operation.

For the utmost precision when working with CDs and MP3 CDs, the new X2 provides a special 12-inch vinyl record with spindle locking capability, so no needle is required—facilitating true vinyl “feel” when scratching discs. The X2 also offers adjustable start and brake speeds, along with forward/reverse toggle with Bleep for CD.

As a CD/MP3 disc player, the X2 excels. With full functionality for both standard audio CDs and MP3 CDs (data discs), this unit provides Anti-Shock buffer technology for uninterrupted playback, scratching, seamless looping, and pitch control functionality. The X2 also incorporates key lock capability at any tempo up to ±100%, two hot stutter starts, a 3,000 cue point memory, and includes Numark’s Beatkeeper automatic beat calculation technology .

The unit’s CD transport mechanism features an illuminated slot for easy loading under low light conditions, and there’s a bright Vacuum Fluorescent Display that shows MP3 song titles, BPM, time, and unit status. And with its dual “battle-style” start/stop controls, the new X2 is pleasure to work with. Additionally, the X2 includes anti-vibration height adjustable foot design, a removable aluminum target light, and is user-upgradeable via Internet downloads.

“Numark’s X2 Professional Turntable / MP3 CD Player is an incredibly capable performance tool that offers a long list of features professionals demand—all of which is packaged into a compact form factor that occupies minimal space. For DJs who prefer working with real vinyl and want that same vinyl ‘feel’ when controlling CDs, the X2 is the right tool for the job,” said Numark CEO John O’Donnell.

The X2 Professional Turntable / MP3 CD Player is expected to ship in Q2 of 2006. Numark did not announce pricing.

More information is available at the Numark site.

“With support for a wide variety of media formats, the highest torque direct drive motor available, a full size platter, and TTX turntable styling and control, the new HDX provides today’s DJ with the ultimate in true vinyl scratch capability while offering the benefits of random access only a hard drive can provide—eliminating any need for compromise,” notes Numark CEO Jack O’Donnelll.

The new HDX includes a removable 80 GB hard drive in a rugged, extruded aluminum caddy, and additional caddies are available from Numark. In addition to supporting CD playback, the hard drive supports playback of MP3, WMA, WAV, Ogg Vorbis, and FLAC (lossless) media formats—ensuring the broadest file compatibility. With support for these compressed media formats, DJs can now dramatically reduce the volume/weight of the music library they transport—making their work easier.

Adding further convenience, the HDX features an onboard Gracenote CD database to automatically recognize and tag audio CDs. The unit’s enhanced search capabilities facilitate easy file location by artist, album, genre, track, plus BPM. The HDX includes support for keyboard connectivity—enabling searches and navigation through the menus via the included keyboard. And with high-speed USB 2.0 connectivity providing full access to the hard drive for both Mac and PC, updating content has never been faster.

The new HDX features an industry maximum 4.7 kgfcm torque direct drive motor, aluminum platter, dual “battle-style” controls, and forward/reverse toggle. Additionally, this exceptional player incorporates a superior Vacuum Fluorescent Display (VFD), provides extensive DSP functionality, and the slot load CD transport is CDR compatible.

With its ability to rip CDs directly to the hard drive for playback and storage, the HDX makes it easy to build one’s onboard music library. The HDX also records live via its analog inputs and encodes the input signal directly to the hard drive. Recording can even take place during playback —enabling DJs to record their live performances—making the HDX the only device on the market with this capability. Further, the HDX offers an S/PDIF digital output.

Additional HDX features include several modes for scratching and looping, including auto beat matching and smart looping via Numark’s proprietary Beatkeeper technology. Onboard beat-synched digital effects include sonar, slide, filter, echo, plus chop—and effects can be manipulated via a separate control wheel interface. The HDX also offers a pitch slider programmable up to ±100% pitch control, as well as a high quality, 100% key lock.

Numark’s HDX HD/CD/MP3 player will be available Q1 of 2006, and have a suggested retail price of $1,899.

More information is available at the Numark site.

NAMM 2006 Winter Show: Gemini Sound Products

The iCFX comes standard with a special Touch-Sensitive Jog Wheel that responds to the slightest touch. The current track can be controlled by simply placing one’s fingers on the center jog wheel plate, rolling it forward, or rolling it back – just like a piece of vinyl! The Jog Wheel is also capable of switching between Jog Mode and Pitch Bend mode, which is toggled through a convenient button located to the top right of the Jog Wheel and controlled by its outer ring.

“When we introduced the CFX-20, we knew that such a great product needed to be released into the iSeries line,” explained Alan Cabasso, President of Gemini Sound Products, “Its impressive technology was deserving of such an attractive casing, and so the iCFX was born!”

As with the rest of the iSeries product line, the iCFX sports an attractive white glossy casing, chrome backing and a bright red LCD screen with red backlit LED buttons. The iCFX also comes equipped other special features including two 8-second Sampler Banks, three Fly Cue Points, Seamless Loop capability, BPM counter, Key Lock, and up to 100% variable pitch control. Other features include Single Auto-Cue and Continuous Play Modes, three Time display modes, rotary Brake control, and 10-second Anti-Shock protection.

The CFX Professional Touch-Sensitive CD Player has an MSRP of $499.95.

NAMM 2006 Winter Show:

Gemini has fitted the CFX-20 with a Touch-Sensitive Jog Wheel that responds to the slightest touch. Users can control the current track by placing fingers on the center jog wheel plate, rolling it forward, or rolling it back, just like a piece of vinyl.

The Jog Wheel is also capable of switching between Jog Mode and Pitch Bend mode, which is toggled through a convenient button located to the top right of the Jog Wheel and controlled by the outer ring of the Jog Wheel itself.

The CFX-20 also comes equipped other special features including two 8-second Sampler Banks, three programmable Fly Cue Points, Seamless Loop capability, BPM counter, Key Lock, and up to 100% variable pitch control. Other features include Single Auto-Cue and Continuous Play Modes, three Time display modes, rotary Brake control, and 10-second Anti-Shock protection.

The new CFX unit has a list price of $479.99 MSRP

Gemini Sound Products

Equipped with a skip-resistant straight tone-arm system and 5.5 kg/cm high-torque direct drive motor, the CDT-05 delivers all of the premium features you’ve come to expect in a performance turntable coupled with the power of a full-featured CD player which can be controlled through the full-sized direct drive platter. As if this wasn’t enough, the CDT- 05 provides MP3 CD support and features independent outputs for the CD and Turntable, giving you the ability to mix a CD with vinyl or vice versa, all within a single compact design.

“Despite the digital trend, long-time DJs still embrace the feel and control of the vinyl record,” Louis Dorio, Gemini’s Product Specialist stated, “The CDT provides a way for DJs to move forward into the digital age without sacrificing the familiarity and skills they’ve developed throughout their career.”

The CDT-05 also comes equipped with other important features including variable pitch control up to 50% and a 3-speed motor. For the CD playback, this unit comes with 3 on-board DSP effects, pitch bend, 3 hot start points, frame accurate search and cue functions, and seamless loop capability. With all these features and the $1399.95 MSRP price tag, Gemini is entering the premium DJ products market full force with the very first Hybrid Turntable.

NAMM 2006 Winter Show: Gemini

The CDM-500 comes with a fully-featured CD player equipped with Anti-ShockTM protection using buffer memory, comprehensive track selection options with direct select buttons, seamless loop capability, and variable pitch control with a range of +/- 12%. The mixer also features 3-Band EQ per channel with gain control, master, mic, and cue level controls, and Fader Start.

“The CDM-500 is the perfect combination of the all primary elements you need.” stated, Jeff Handis, Gemini’s National Sales Director, “As an all-in-one solution, the CDM’s impressive feature set promises not to disappoint users looking for a complete system”

The CDM-500 will have a suggested retail price of $299.95 and is set to begin shipping in Q2 of 2006.

NAMM 2006 Winter Show: Gemini

The new CD player comes equipped with a fully featured CD control panel which can not only be utilized via the unit itself, but also through a special remote control that comes standard with the CD-150, making this an ideal CD Player for home use.

“As a long time producer of quality CD players, we recognize the importance of providing a viable option for customers who aren’t looking for the standard dual-deck solution,” stated Mark Matthews, Gemini’s Product Development Director, “The CD-150 signifies our efforts to meet the needs of those customers while still providing them with the features they’ve come to expect in our higher end CD Players.”

The CD-150 also delivers Anti-Shock Protection, Seamless Loop, +/- 12% Variable Pitch Control, +10 track select, three time display modes, and dual jog mode capability. With a list price of $239.95, the CD-150 Single Deck Rackmount CD player is now available. .

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Stanton

The C.504 is Stanton’s flagship dual CD player. It consists of a two-space CD player and a compact 3U rackmount controller with large jogwheels that provide turntable-style control. A new anti-shock buffer on the C.504 helps eliminate CD “skips”.

The C.504 plays back both standard CDs and MP3 encoded discs (on CD-R or CD-RW format), with the ability to pitch bend and change tempo while using effects. The CD player’s features includes seamless looping, reverse playback, and 10 seconds of sampling per deck. Its pitch control has an adjustable range, and independent pitch and tempo control via Key Lock and Key Shift functions is included as well. Three hot start/cue points are offered for quick cueing and instant playback, while synchronizable effects like filter, flange and delay help pro DJs be at their creative best. More features of the C.504 include automatic BPM detection with Tap key, a handy auto-cue function, fader start and continuous/relay play, and a S/PDIF digital output.

The new C.503 is a dual CD player designed for mobile and club DJs. It presents a more affordable solution for DJs who still require features like scratching, seamless looping, hot cue points, Key Lock (Master Tempo) and anti-shock memory. The C.503 offers an even smaller controller area than the C.504 (only two rackspaces) for compact installations. The C.503 provides anti-shock memory, independent pitch/tempo control, effects, and a digital output, making both the C.504 and C.503 ideal for serious DJ applications.

For more information, visit the Stanton DJ web site.

Features include: 2 sets of seamless loops per track, scratching, sonar, filters, “interlock” auto-beat matching, stutter start, programmable track sequence, advanced slot load CD drives, “key lock” tempo shift, BPM alignment, start/brake speed adjustment, “dead-space” cancellation, MIDI in/out, digital output and user updatable software.

For more information, visit the Numark site.

Numark

This model expands Numark’s line of table top CD players, and offers the user endless performance options. The durable steel encased unit has been meticulously crafted with life-extending features such as a laser shutoff mode and auto-retractable media trays.

For more information, visit the Numark site.

NAMM 2005:

Since the advent of the CD format in the DJ realm, performance DJs have only dreamed of a solution that would combine the classic feel of a turntable with the ability to play both CDs and vinyl. With the release of the Gemini CDT-05, that dream has now become a reality, with the ability to play both vinyl, as well as to play CDs with the hands-on control of a full size direct drive platter.

The CDT-05’s sturdy aluminum platter is driven by a CPU-controlled high-torque direct drive motor, perfectly suited towards vinyl playback or CD manipulation. In both analog (vinyl) and digital (CD) modes, DJs are provided with a variable pitch control, with selectable ranges of 4, 8, 16, or 50 percent, along with pitch bend function as well as master tempo.

Additionally, 3 DSP effects (Filter, Zoom, and Echo) with variable parameter and a forward/reverse switch can be accessed in either mode. During CD playback, the CDT-05 affords 3 hot starts, frame accurate cue, and seamless loop, for ultimate flexibility in the digital domain. The motor can also be disengaged, for DJs that prefer CD decks with a passive, non-motor driven platter. Vinyl DJs will appreciate the removable, virtually unskippable straight tonearm system (sold separately) as well as the versatility of having an all-in-one unit to move forward with the digital revolution, while preserving the legacy of vinyl.

More information is available at the Gemini site.