Beamz teams up with Virtual DJ on interactive music system, we go lasers-on (video)

Posted on 10/04/2013 by James Trew

Beamz has been firing lasers in the name of gesture-based performance for a few years. Today, it's announced it's working with popular music-mixing software Virtual DJ to provide tighter integration between the device and the program. The controller is the same four-beamed multi-button affair we've seen before, but now with a custom version of the aforementioned DJ application to call its own, and make the set-up a cinch. On screen you'll see two representations of the Beamz controller (instead of decks) with instant visual feedback to let you know which beam is mapped to what. You can configure four different triggers at one time, controlling cue points, looping and so on. To add functionality, you can then use the large buttons at the base of the device to rotate through different mappings. The emphasis, of course, is on performance here with nary a rotary nor fader in sight (we imagine you'd be using your other controller for that, right?). The software and hardware combo are being bundled together as a deal, and if you want in, you can do so right away for $200. Not sure if it'll fit in your workflow? Perhaps head past the break, and see if that video doesn't change your mind.

Filed under: Misc, Peripherals

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Novation announces Launchpad S with better MIDI support, we go hands-on (video)

Posted on 10/04/2013 by James Trew

A couple of years is a pretty good run in MIDI controller-land. It was 2009 when Novation's Launchpad turned the Ableton world onto its simplistic charms. It appears, however, the firm's decided it was long overdue a refresh, so that's exactly what it's done. Say hello to the Launchpad S. What does the S stand for? We're not entirely sure, but it could be for speedy, as Novation has ramped up the refresh rate to give a snappier response when you switch between modes.

It could also be for superior lights, as the brightness has been dialled up in response to user feedback. It's also worth noting these pads are entirely USB-powered, making it trickier than simply sucking down more juice. One other superficial change -- perhaps more to give it its own sense of identity than anything else -- is a change of color. It's out with the original's black, and in with an almost metallic gray. So far so good, but we're really thinking that S stands for "software." Why? Because thanks to standards compliant MIDI implementation, the Launchpad S is now plug-and-play with a whole host more applications, not least core-MIDI iOS apps such as the popular FL Studio Mobile. We took a few minutes to get to know the Launchpad S a little better, which you can see in our video past the break.

Gallery: Novation Launchpad S hands-on

Filed under: Misc, Peripherals

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Numark Mixtrack Edge ultra-portable DJ controller announced, we go hands-on (video)

Posted on 10/04/2013 by James Trew

Just when you thought Numark couldn't invent any more DJ controllers, it's done it again. This time it's MusikMesse at Frankfurt, with the little guy you see above -- the Mixtrack Edge. It's described as "ultra portable" and when you see how big it is -- roughly the size of an iPad -- we're inclined to agree with that. In fact, when you see the device cooped up in its protective case with the lid down, you'd be forgiven for thinking that's exactly what it was (a tablet). But, no... this is another attempt at forging a new DJ controller category. Numark's done small before (like the DJ2Go), but the Mixtrack Edge has a significant trick up its sleeve -- a built-in audio interface. This means no cable splitters, you instead plug headphones right in, and line your audio out to your speakers. Sound good? We went hands on to find out, so plug in after the break.

Gallery: Numark Edge hands-on