Dj TechTools meets up with MSTRKFT to find out what they have hiding in their dj bag!

via eangolden:

The XD-53’s incorporate a circumaural isolation design, providing high level isolation from ambient noise, which make them the ideal product for DJ’s requiring immersive listening in loud environments.

Comprising 53mm diameter drivers – the largest drivers currently available – with high power neodymium magnet design, 1500 mW of power handling, and high SPL capacity, the XD-53 headphones deliver excellent sound reproduction. They also have rotating earpieces for easy one-ear monitoring, a coiled cable with convenient one-side exit, and a folding design for compact portability.

“The Xone range of DJ mixers has a staunchly loyal following and many customers were asking if we could design headphones to complement their audiophile set up, comments head of Xone design,” Andy Rigby-Jones. “We’ve bought the same design ethos to the XD-53 headphones as we use for our mixers – they sound fantastic with tons of power, and a sturdy construction.”

The XD-53 headphones will be available from May 2007, SRP £122 (ex VAT).

NAMM: beyerdynamic introduced the Headzone, a portable surround mixing system.

Using DSP technology, Headzone provides headphone-based 5.1 surround sound reproduction and is ideal for a variety of applications including studio, mobile recording and post-production.

For use with Headzone, beyerdynamic has added “Headtracking” technology to its popular DT 800 PRO headphones. This ultrasonic-headtracking system locates the orientation of the listener’s head with respect to the source material and adjusts the audio accordingly. An engineer recording with Headzone can move around while the source material remains fixed in position as if they were in a 5.1 control room.

“Headzone’s portability and small size offers an affordable, flexible and space-saving alternative to mix surround sound in live situations,” explains Paul Froula, Pro Audio Business Manager. “It eliminates the need for six or seven speakers set up in the proper locations in a room in order to do a live surround mix. You just connect the Headzone to your Mac, PC or analogue inputs and instantly are ready to monitor in surround.”

The system features a 5.1 digital firewire input and 6 discreet analogue inputs. In addition to being compatible with Logic and Pro Tools, Headzone also comes equipped with an advanced room simulation software, which allows the users to create an ideal auditory space within which to monitor the surround audio and, therefore, provide the optimal “sweet spot.” Users can adjust the parameters of their room for size, ambiance level and distance their head is away from the loudspeakers. The software also allows for adjustment of the surround channels and overall mix.

Specifically intended for professional monitoring and mixing applications, the ATH-M50 headphones feature a collapsible design for easy portability and convenient storage. Employing Audio-Technica’s proprietary 45 mm large-aperture drivers with neodymium magnet systems and CCAW voice coils, the ATH-M50 headphones have exceptional power handling and very high SPL capabilities while delivering clear, natural, accurate sound with deep resonating bass and high-frequency extension.

The ATH-M50 also features a closed-back cushioned earcup providing exceptional clarity and superior isolation in high volume listening situations. In addition, the circumaural earpieces swivel a full 180° for easy one-ear monitoring.

The ATH-M50 has a lightweight and adjustable cushioned headband for maximum listening comfort. A coiled OFC litz wire cable at the left earpiece terminates to a gold-plated 1/8″ connector with included professional screw-on 1/4″ adapter.

The ATH-M50 will be available February 2007 with a U.S. MSRP of $199.00.

The ATH-ANC7 QuietPoint headphones employ a miniature microphone in each earpiece that monitors ambient noise (such as airplane cabin or traffic noise) and creates a sound-canceling signal that reduces distracting background noise by up to 85%.

Ideal for use with MP3, CD, DVD and in-flight entertainment systems, the ATH-ANC7 QuietPoint headphones provide maximum comfort in a closed-back, streamlined design; they feature propriety large-aperture 40 mm drivers with neodymium magnet systems for deeper bass and extended treble, and have a wide frequency response of 10-25,000 Hz.

The noise-canceling electronics for the ATH-ANC7 QuietPoint headphones are fully integrated in each earpiece, with no need for bulky external modules. The headphones fold flat for easy portability, are powered by a single AAA alkaline battery and can operate in passive mode without the battery. The ATH-ANC7 QuietPoint headphones come complete with a 5.2′ (1.6 m) detachable cable (remove for noise-canceling mode without audio) terminated with 1/8″ (3.5 mm) mini plugs; a 1/4″ (6.3 mm) stereo adapter; a specialized airline adapter for connecting to in-flight entertainment systems; and a carrying case with attached accessory pouch.

The Audio-Technica ATH-ANC7 QuietPoint active noise-canceling headphones will be available Spring 2007 with a U.S. MSRP of $219.95.

Ideally suited for reference-quality monitoring and high-definition playback formats, the ATH-A700 headphones feature propriety large-aperture 53 mm drivers with neodymium magnet systems and CCAW (copper-clad aluminum wire) voice coils, as well as a unique closed-back Double Air Damping System (D.A.D.S.) for superior sound reproduction and extended frequency response. Furthermore, Audio-Technica’s unique total ear fitting design, plush ear pads and self-adjusting 3D wing support mechanism offer an extremely comfortable listening experience, while maximizing noise rejection and minimizing sound leakage in critical playback environments.

Additionally, the Audio-Technica ATH-A700 headphones feature a high quality OFC (oxygen-free copper) cable with a gold-plated stereo 1/8″ connector and 1/4″ adapter for exceptional corrosion resistance, superb conductivity and low noise.

The Import Series ATH-A700 closed-back dynamic headphones are available immediately with a U.S. MSRP of $299.00.

Previously available only in Japan, the Import Series includes 15 models designed for audiophiles, DJs and portable listening applications. Featuring the latest in transducer technology, neodymium magnet systems and rugged construction, each model delivers the highest level of sonic accuracy while providing maximum comfort for hours of listening.

More information is available at the Audio-Technica site.

NAMM 2006 Winter Show: Denon DJ

Designed to provide DJs with the ultimate monitoring tool, the DN-HP1000 headphones utilize a dynamic, closed back design for superior isolation. Additionally, these new headphones employ one of the largest speaker drivers (53 mm) in their class for outstanding audio quality at high volume levels, and feature rich bass with an extended high-end frequency response (5-33,000 Hz).

Based on market input gathered directly from DJs, the DN-HP1000 headphones’ soft padded ear cups are able to swivel a full 180 degrees because of Denon’s dual pivot action, which provides maximum comfort for hours of listening. In addition, the DN-HP1000 utilize a rugged folding design, dual nickel plated adapter (1/4″ [6.3 mm] and 1/8″ [3.5 mm]) and semi-coiled soft insulated cord with reinforced cable strain, and include a stainless steel plate etched with the distinctive Denon DJ logo on each of the headphone cups.

The lightweight (11.28 oz/320g) DN-HP1000 headphones come complete with a leather carrying bag, and are currently available with a U.S. MSRP of $199.99.

More information is available at the Denon site.

SendStation Systems

The compact case (about the size of a jewelry box) has been designed specifically with the iPod earbuds in mind, but can hold many other earbuds as well. It is coated with ballistic nylon and built to withstand 200 lbs. or 90 kg of force. The ABS frame on the inside lets you easily wind up the cable and store everything simply and safely in the smallest possible space.

earBuddy comes in two color schemes: a black & silver version with orange zipper and an all black version.

Source: SendStation

HM54 Four Channel Headphone Amplifier

The Mackie HM54 ($199 MSRP) is a 1U rackmount headphone amplifier that features balanced left and right TRS main inputs, as well as left and right TRS “direct inputs” on each of the four channels. From the front panel, each user can select either the main stereo mix with its own input level control, or the stereo direct input on each of the four available channels. In addition, each channel offers its own dedicated headphone volume control, and a button that allows musicians to switch between their custom-crafted direct mixes and the main mix at any time. The HM54 offers a total of eight headphone output jacks—four on the front of the unit, and four on the rear, so that cables can be hidden away where possible.

HMX56 Tabletop Matrix Mixer/Amplifier

The Mackie HMX56 ($299 MSRP) is a compact tabletop headphone matrix mixer/amplifier with advanced routing capabilities. The unit features stereo main inputs, which are automatically routed to each of the six discrete headphone outputs. Four additional mono source inputs can be combined as needed with the main input feed on a channel-by-channel basis using the on-board 4 x 6 source matrix. And to identify each source input, Mackie provides a selection of pre-labeled magnets with common instrument names that can be affixed adjacent to each input source row. In addition, the HMX56 also features and individual effects send for each mono source input and stereo main mix channel, as well as an effects return control on each of the six channels.

With all this functionality combined, the HMX56 allows up to six musicians to customize their own headphone mix, and allowing the engineer to focus on other responsibilities.

“These HM54 and HMX56 are the perfect companions for any analog or digital mixer, or desktop audio workstation where additional headphone outputs and routing flexibility are required,” comment Dan Steinberg, Product Manager for the HM54 and HMX56. “But they aren’t simply applicable to recording environments. The HMX56, for example, is a powerful tool for any performing musician looking to build, and have easy on-stage access to additional custom monitor mixes—thereby ending the time-honored battles between performer and the FOH or monitor engineer. ”

For more information, visit the Mackie site.

Sennheiser was established in 1945 in Wedemark, Germany. Sennheiser Electronic Corporation (SEC) is the U.S. wholly-owned subsidiary, with headquarters in Old Lyme, Connecticut. SEC represents all Sennheiser products in the United States. It also distributes a variety of other pro audio lines, including Neumann, Turbosound, HHB, Chevin, Rosendahl and Innova-Son.

Their primary products for musicians are:

• Headphones and headsets
• Wired microphones
• Wireless microphone systems

Many of their recent products take DJing into new territory:

• The Numark CDMIX1 is a CD player/mixer system that is designed specifically for professional DJs.
• The Numark TTX1 Fusion Series Turntable features interchangeable tonearms and a digital output.
• The Numark DMX Mixers are scratch mixers for pro DJs that include features like 24-bit processing and digital fx.

AKG headphones are popular, especially for wireless performance. AKG Microphones are popular performance mics, including wireless microphone systems, instrument mics, and vocal mics. Their mics include dynamic and condenser models, miniature and headset mics.

Their site is primarily product-oriented.