Numark N4: First Look Overview
Just when you thought it was safe to make your DJ controller purchase along comes another category to throw a wrench into your consideration. The Numark N4 is the lovechild of the popular Mixtrack Pro and the NS6. It features 4 channels and “stand alone” mixer capability in a medium size, lightweight, great looking controller. It is Numark’s entry into this new category of “mid-range” 4 deck controllers and can be used with Virtual DJ LE and Serato Intro (both included). We received our advance demo in at Unique Studios last week and here’s what we discovered.
Numark N4 Overview and Review UniqueSquared
Standard Features
The Numark N4 is a medium size controller. What does this mean? Well, it’s physical size hovers somewhere between “looks like a toy” and “useful at a rave, but not at a club”. It’s balanced XLR outputs, RCA booth outputs, and… Read the rest
Torq Xponent with Traktor Pro 2
The Torq Xponent was designed specifically for use with Torq DJ software (included) and we had the opportunity to get funky with Torq a few months ago and found it to be very cool and quite intuitive. The Xponent controller translates the software flawlessly, has massive touch sensitive jog wheels, and a super clean layout with LED backlit, rubberized pads and buttons. It is a medium sized compared to other controllers, and very lightweight with a durable plastic construction. It is DC powered, with RCA main and booth outputs, MIDI in/out, with foot switch and expression pedal inputs. It’s definitely a good looking controller that works well with both Torq and many other DJ software.
With great controllerism comes great responsibility…with your money. That’s why we put together a blazing hot bundle for those of you who want to get buck… Read the rest
Alesis DM8 Pro Electronic Drum Kit Review
Because the kit is called Pro, we brought in a pro to show us what the latest Alesis electronic kit is all about. Alex Selph is a clinician, studio drummer, and touring performance drummer who plays in Atlanta and throughout the Southeast. We were fortunate enough to have him come in and demo the Alesis DM8 Pro Kit and he gave us some insight into how this kit feels and performs. Here are some specs:
- DM8 high-definition drum module with over 750 Dynamic Articulation sounds
- RealHead 8″, 10″, and 12″ drum pads with tension-adjustable drumheads
- 12″ dual-zone Snare, 8″, 10″, and 12″ Toms, and 8″ Kick, which works with single and double pedals (sold separately)
- DMPad 12″, 14″, and 16″ multi-zone cymbal pads with natural motion
- 16″ 3-zone Ride with choke, 14″ Crash with choke, 12″ Hi-Hat with RealHat continuous pedal
- StageRack with four-post design, integrated cymbal booms, and
Torq 2.0 Review
Avid has long been a player in the DJ software market with the introduction of the then M-Audio Torq about 7 years ago. Torq has always been considered one of the most advanced DJ software of the major players in the market. Torq 2.0 takes it to the next level. Avid adds a producers approach to the new software and envisions a more creative approach to a DJ performance beyond anything we have ever used. We gave it a spin in the studio and went deeper down the rabbit hole.
The Basics and Beyond
With Torq software, automatic beat-detection and synchronization are just the beginning. Four full-featured decks—each with EQ, level control, headphone cueing, and crossfade—give you the power to build complex mixes and experiment in brand-new ways. Use the decks to prepare tracks during your set, then drop them into the mix and create dense, layered soundscapes. Tempo Anchors… Read the rest
Samson CT20 Tuner Review
There are a lot of guitar tuners out there. Everything from rack mounted tuners, stage mounted tuners, and advanced chromatic tuners all meant to keep you guitar at the perfect pitch. Most of these are advanced tuners with a large price tag. Luckily for those of us beginner guitar players on a budget, we have the Samson CT20 guitar tuner.
Samson CT20 Clip-On Tuner Features:
- Full color LCD display
- Integrated clip with 360° movement for easy viewing
- Chromatic, guitar and bass tuning scales
- Built-in mic or clip-on setting for precise tuning
- Flat tuning/transposition
- Real-time response for tuning accuracy
- Pitch calibration rages from A 410 to 490Hz
- Powered by a single CR2032 battery (included)
- Auto power-off and energy-saving functions for maximum battery life
While this tuner may not be as accurate as some of the more advanced tuners mentioned above, it is certainly sleek in design and full of… Read the rest
