DJ Mike Flores explains the basics of how to DJ with a laptop, in this two part video that looks at laptop DJ basics.

Click here to view the embedded video.

via mike71flores

This is the official demo video for Scratch Deck, Numark’s new DJ-style controller for Scratch: The Ultimate DJ.

The video lays it on very thick, but it looks like fun and it can’t be long before this thing becomes a popular bend.

Scratch uses a turntable controller to let players follow along to a Guitar Hero-style rhythm game while simulating common DJ techniques, such as scratching.

via NumarkVideo

OT, but fun: Numark and Genius, Inc. has announced the Scratch Deck – a videogame controller for the upcoming Scratch: The Ultimate DJ for the Xbox 360 and PLAYSTATION 3.

Scratch: The Ultimate DJ combines free-form DJ tricks with rhythm game play similar to top-selling rhythm games, and is expected to be available in Fall 2009.

Description:

Scratch Deck combines two essential elements of the DJ and hip-hop experience – a free-spinning, touch sensitive turntable with a crossfader and 5 Akai Pro MPC-style drum pads. The turntable allows players to add their own style and manipulate the songs in real time, while the MPC-style drum pads give players the opportunity to perform and customize tracks by triggering samples. Samples can either be pre-loaded into the game using 60 unique battle records that will ship with the software, or players can record and upload their own samples using a compatible USB microphone.

In addition to the features created by Numark, Scratch Deck also contains standard game controls found in music rhythm games. The turntable features a realistic surface that feels remarkably similar to a vinyl record. The drum pads and the crossfader also deliver an authentic and realistic music production experience. Left-handed DJs will appreciate that Scratch Deck is designed for use in right or left-handed configurations.

This is an official overview video of the Numark HDMIX DJ system.

via NumarkVideo:

What do you enjoy about being a DJ? Is it the hours of moving heavy racks and cases, running cables, and testing levels, or actually playing the gig that makes DJing fun and exciting? HDMIX gives you everything you need to DJ anywhere. Just add a pair of powered speakers or patch into the house PA, and HDMIX puts everything at your fingertips in a single, rugged console.

DJ Getdown rocks the Numark N7 at Remix Hotel Miami 2009.

via NumarkVideo

Numark has announced that its NS7 premium performance controller will be available worldwide on March 24, 2009. Numark and Serato have jointly developed NS7 to deliver deep DJ software and hardware-control integration.

Numark has also launched a Web site dedicated to NS7 at NS7controller.com.

More details below. If you’ve used the Numark NS7, leave a comment with your thoughts!

The NS7 features two seven-inch motorized, adjustable-torque, aluminum turntable platter controls complete with vinyl, slipmats and 45 RPM adapters. Separating the two turntable decks is a premium DJ mixer with replaceable, digital VCA crossfader and line faders; firm, rubberized knobs; rugged switches and buttons; Strip Search (patent pending) virtual-needle drop controls; and host of other innovative features.

Numark and Serato developed a protocol for communication between NS7 and the computer that sends MIDI data over a single USB cable at more than twice the standard speed. The result is extremely high-resolution control with full MIDI compliance.

NS7 contains a high-quality, 24-bit digital audio interface with mic/line input and headphone and system outputs. A single USB cable carries all audio and control data between NS7 and the computer for simplicity of system configuration and minimal setup time.

The controller carries a U.S. retail price of $1,599.00, and a street price of approximately $1,299.95.

For more information, visit their web site at www.numark.com.

Numark NS7 w/ Serato Itch Overview

via agiprodj:

Numark sent DJ Ty a production NS7 to review last week.

We shot the first of many videos on this Serato Itch controller. This is a hot piece of gear.

WInter NAMM Show: Numark introduced DDS, a Professional Multi-Format DJ Media Player, which is available now. DDS applies a familiar CD-player style of controls to a wide range of media.

DDS is a rack-mount, multi-media control deck for use with hard drives, CD/DVD drives, thumb drives, iPods and USB card readers. DJs can quickly and easily access any track in their library or any connected device, as DDS gives them fast track access with text search using the click knob or included keyboard.

DDS simplifies DJs’ performances with Numark’s Crate system on its large, high-definition, backlit color screen. Crate enables DJs to prepare set lists in advance, on the fly or a mixture of both.

DDS is available from DJ and pro audio retailers at an MSRP of $799.99 and an estimated street price of $499.99.

Details:

DDS has convenient USB ports that enable DJs to connect most any USB device for flexible compatibility with many media formats. They can play, mix and scratch CD audio with a connected drive as well as MP3, WAV and AAC (unprotected) files from hard drives, thumb drives, data CDs, SD cards and iPods. Three USB ports give DDS wide-ranging connection options that are ever further expandable using standard USB hubs. Once connected, DJs can play two tracks simultaneously, including two songs from the same iPod.

DDS can also help DJs transition from CD to hard drive. DDS can rip music from CD straight to hard drive, even while it’s playing. DDS contains Beatkeeper technology that helps DJs achieve effortless, perfect beat mixing. It has a visual display that assists DJs in aligning and matching tempos and beats for less time spent in headphones.

DJs can pitch-shift any track over an extremely wide range from -100% up to ±25%. While pitch shifting, they can engage Key Lock and be able to alter pitch and key independently of each other. DDS also gives DJs seamless looping and stuttering, allowing for a host of creative performance possibilities.

DDS has a click knob, enabling DJs to quickly search by artist or track name; the system comes with a USB keyboard so musicians can alternately type the name of the artist or track they seek.

“DDS has the transport controls DJs are used to, and connects them to a whole new world of media,” said Adam Cohen, Director of Business Development, Numark. “It has the feel and intuitive operation of a CD player, the high-tech power of a high-definition color screen and USB connectivity, and the promise that no matter where new media goes, you’re covered.”

This is Numark’s overview of their presence at the 2009 Winter NAMM Show.

At the 2009 Winter NAMM Show, Numark announced Stealth Control, a new professional DJ controller that comes with Native Instruments Traktor LE and MixMeister Fusion Live software.

Stealth Control is based on Numark’s other popular control surfaces, such as Total Control and OMNI CONTROL. Its layout mirrors traditional “two decks and a mixer” setups, and it’s housed in a heavyweight metal casing, so that it will stay in place on virtually any surface.

Stealth Control ships with Native Instruments Traktor LE 3 and MixMeister Fusion Live DJ software.

According to Numark’s Chris Roman, Stealth Control “puts our best-selling Total Control layout into a heavy duty form factor, capable of handling some serious abuse.”

Stealth Control is available from DJ and pro audio retailers at an MSRP of $399.99 and an estimated street price of $299.99.

Yo yo yo yo-yo yo-yo yo!

2009 NAMM Show: Numark has announced that Omni Control, its professional DJ control surface with built-in audio interface, is now shipping.

Omni Control is a complete, professional computer-DJ system consisting of a hardware controller with built-in audio I/O. Omni Control is designed to plug directly into any sound system and perform. A built-in 24–bit computer audio interface feeds audio to two stereo outputs and headphones. The Omni Control features low latency 44.1kHz and 88.2kHz audio ASIO drivers. 

“Omni Control builds on our successful Total Control, adding upgrades that customers requested,” said Gregg Stein, Director of Marketing, Numark. “We took our popular USB hardware-control surface, tweaked everything for higher performance, added in a computer audio interface, and bundled it with a copy of Traktor LE 3 and MixMeister Fusion Live.”

Omni Control is now shipping, with an MSRP of $549.99 and an estimated street price of $349.99

You can preview the Omni Control with the videos embedded above. Let me know what you think!

This is an promo video from Numark demonstrating the NS7 Controller – a dedicated controller for Serato ITCH. It ships with Serato ITCH and comes ready to control the DJ software of your choice, including Serato ITCH and Numark’s CUE DJ software.

Two high-torque, motorized 7″ standard platters with a genuine vinyl interface provide pinpoint response with the look and feel of standard turntables. Illuminated controls let you perform in any lighting conditions.

2009 NAMM Show preview: Numark is now shipping the HDMIX uber-DJ mixer. 

HDMIX isn’t just a DJ mixer, though: it’s also a CD player with standard controls, an iPod and USB-device mixing station, and a computer that plays MP3 and other digital files from its removable, upgradeable hard drive.

HDMIX has been designed for mobile DJs and club owners who need a complete, portable system. HDMIX features an internal hard drive and an internal CD/DVD drive that plays CD, MP3-CDs and MP3-DVDs, and allows field-ripping music from a disc into the hard drive.

HDMIX is now available, with a list price of $1,299.00.

This is Numark’s video intro to the Numark M Series Tabletop Scratch Mixers.

Numark has introduced the PRO SMX, the most powerful DJ battle mixer it has made to date.

Designed to the exact specifications of the DMC champion French DJ team, Birdy Nam Nam, PRO SMX features a 100% analog audio path, Pro X Fade crossfaders, three inputs per channel and a 3-band EQ.

Numark’s PRO SMX is available now from DJ and Pro Audio retailers at an MSRP of $799.

Description:

The physical height of PRO SMX is optimized for use next to professional turntables, such as the Numark TTX.

A PRO X FADE crossfader, considered by many to be the world’s finest DJ crossfader, employs conductive-polymer technology for long life and low wear. The VCA fader offers adjustable cut-in points, adjustable resistance and reverse, enabling DJs to customize the feel and function of the PRO X FADE in PRO SMX.

Gold-plated rear-panel connectors ensure solid cable connections, and XLR master outputs deliver extra-clean, balanced signal. An entirely analog signal running through high-end componentry results in outstandingly high audio quality.

Three inputs per channel, including balanced 1/4-inch inputs, permit connection of drum machines, samplers and other musical instruments with reliable signal transmission. An auxiliary Session input with volume control allows mixers to be daisy-chained for a collaborative scratch session.

A three-band EQ section is available on each channel, and is switchable between 12 dB for traditional EQing or +12/-INF dB for use as frequency kills. A newly developed effects loop enables use of any external effects unit. Its intelligent circuitry senses the presence of signal and routes audio appropriately to eliminate sonic degradation resulting from phase cancellation.

Numark is now shipping the MixMeister Control DJ system, designed to let you focus less on the computer screen and more on your performance.

Numark partnered with the MixMeister to create a hardware control surface specifically designed for interaction with and control of MixMeister software. 

MixMeister Control contains 94 pre-mapped hardware controls laid out in identical fashion to the software it controls. No configuration or setup is needed, and the single-cable USB connection carries both control data and power from DJs’ Mac or PCs to MixMeister Control.

The software enables DJs to mix complete sets from full-length songs, integrate and edit loops, mix, and produce performance mixes with full Digital Audio Workstation functionality.

“MixMeister Control transforms DJs,” said Mark Frederick, VP Sales and Marketing. “Rather than spending their time focused on getting the beat-matching and song transitions right, MixMeister Control empowers DJs to produce their performances in real time. The result is great performances by great performers who feed off the energy they get from their audience.”

Omni Control is not only a hardware controller for performing with the included software, it also houses a professional digital-audio interface to feed headphones and the sound system.

Features:

• Complete professional computer-DJ package
• Hardware controller with built-in audio I/O
• Includes Native Instruments Traktor 3 LE and MixMeister Fusion Live software
• Heavyweight, sturdy feel
• Extremely clean, high-quality sound card
• Stiff, reliable knobs, faders, and buttons

Includes:

• Omni ControL control surface
• Software CD
• USB cable
• Owners manual

Numark has introduced HDMIX, a DJ mixer that also offers:

• a CD player with standard controls;
• an iPod and USB-device mixing station;
• a computer that plays MP3 and other digital files from its removable, upgradeable hard drive.

HDMIX features an internal hard drive and an internal CD/DVD drive that plays CD, MP3-CDs and MP3-DVDs, and allows field-ripping music from a disc into the hard drive.

Features:

• Professional DJ mixer with CD and expandable playback options
• CD player plays CDs, MP3-CDs, and MP3-DVDs
• 80GB hard drive is replaceable and upgradable up to 1TB
• High-definition color LCD screen
• Three input channels, each with with EQ and gain
• Two USB ports for connecting iPods, thumb drives, and hard drives
• Two mic, three line, and two phono inputs
• XLR master and RCA zone outputs;1/8″ and 1/4″ Headphone outputs
• Scratch with MP3, WAV, and AAC (unprotected) files
• Massively-wide pitch control -100% – +25%
• Key Lock lets you independently shift tempo and pitch
• Jog wheels for seamless looping, pitch control, and scratching
• Text search, letter-pick scrolling, and on-board playlist creation
• Track search by artist, album, song, genre, and BPM
• Create custom playlists while performing
• Keyboard included for fast searching
• Beatkeeper™ technology for auto-syncing loops and samples; TAP override
• Transfer tracks between HDMIX and your Mac or PC via USB

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.