Numark NS7 DJ Turntable Controller with Serato ITCH Software Review

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(More customer reviews)Coming from a turntable and vinyl background, I was and still am excited about this product. I purchased it and have been very content. The unit is about 35lbs. and VERY solid. I have to get use to scratching on it compared to turntables. The platter should have been made 9" but I'm taking it in stride. All crossfaders have a quality feel, no static and the scratch curves feel as good or better than my Rane TTM57sl.
My only complaint is that Numark did not future-proof this unit with effect buttons. I find the software (Serato iTch) and mixing is (CURRENTLY) a little more boring than Serato Scratchlive and my 57 mixer. Serato is supposedly working on effects and making iTch's software closer in features to Scratchlive.
I purchased the Numark case with the unit and REALLY love doing mobile gigs now. No more individual TT cases and mixer cases. No more RCA and ground wires and at least 15 minutes less setup time. I'm saving close to 70 lbs. in travel weight too. One bit of advice is to be wary of using PCs with this unit. I have a Unibody Macbook Pro 2.66Ghz but struggled making a Core2-Duo 2.2Ghz 4GB ram PC work "glitch-free" with the NS7 and iTch. It had quirky behavior while tracks were playing, random stops and various audio dropouts. Many PCs will (by default) have IRQ sharing which can hose up USB connectivity (the main source of NS7 communication to your laptop) if there are conflicts.
In troubleshooting, I had to insure bluetooth, anti-virus, firewalls, NIC cards, screen savers, wireless Network cards, on-board video and all sorts of services were disabled on the PC (a TOTAL administrative nightmare!) and still ended up having to run the latency at 5ms or greater for decent performance. My mic had major echo delay with this setting so enough was enough.
I purchased the MBPro and have not had a SINGLE glitch since. My latency is at 1ms AND I can run apps in the background while DJ'ing without problems. I highly recommend the NS7 (with adequately powered MAC) for any mobile DJ.

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Designed in collaboration with Serato, the Numark NS7 DJ Turntable Controller combines an all-metal chassis with adjustable torque, motorized, aluminum-turntable platters, vinyl, and a professional audio interface to deliver a complete performance solution that will satisfy even the most hardcore turntablist.
It offers a full complement of premium faders, knobs, buttons and the new Strip Search virtual-needle-drop control, which integrates seamlessly with the included Serato ITCH software. The NS7 delivers hands-on control of every aspect of Serato ITCH and sends data to the software more than ten times faster than standard MIDI resolution. And because it was designed for ITCH, NS7 setup time is the bare minimum--no tweaking, no mapping; just plug and perform.
The NS7's dual decks flank the mixer section. Its recognizable, professional appearance is supported by clean design in matte and glossy black. The entire unit is housed in a heavy-gauge, industrial-strength metal casing that is ready for the torture of travel.
Key Features
High-resolution controller built for Serato ITCH and compatible with Scratch LIVE libraries
Direct-drive, motorized turntable platters with classic and modern feel settings
Includes Serato ITCH DJ software, fully pre-mapped
Audiophile-grade audio circuitry with mic and line inputs, system and cue outs
Extensive loop, cue, and track-access controls
Strip Search (patent pending) virtual-needle-drop control
Controls most MIDI applications without requiring a mouse or keyboard
Rugged, all-metal construction
High quality, replaceable, customizable CP-PRO crossfader and D-TYPE line faders
Support for Whitelabel.net files in ITCH
Mix using either 33 RPM or 45 RPM speeds

Perfect Feel The NS7 has two seven-inch, motorized, high-torque aluminum turntable platters, and the turntable controls feature modern and classic settings that alter the feel to model the feel you prefer. Seven-inch, legit vinyl records with 45 RPM adapters sit on real slipmats--no simulation.
Solid, rugged, rubberized buttons and knobs compliment a high precision, replaceable CP-PRO crossfader and D-TYPE line faders for an unquestionably high-quality feel. The CP-PRO digital-VCA crossfader has a solid feel that is smooth and rigid. Like the crossfader, the D-TYPE digital-VCA line faders are replaceable. The crossfader offers contour adjust and reverse adjustment, enabling you to customize its operation.
System Simplicity Forget the mouse and the keyboard. The NS7 renders ITCH software perfectly simple to operate, with its click knob and large, backlit buttons navigating though your music library. You'll spend less time looking at the screen and more time enjoying performing thanks to the visual feedback you get from NS7's more-than 100 LEDs and more-than 100 hands-on controls.
A single USB cable between NS7 and your Mac or PC is all you need to send audio and data back and forth. The NS7 has onboard audio outputs so it's the only piece of gear you need to connect to the PA system or powered speakers. It outputs 24-bit, 44.1 kHz digital audio to the sound system on XLRs and RCAs. The front panel contains mic input, RCA line input, and both 1/4" and 1/8" headphone outputs with volume control.
The NS7 comes with an integrated laptop stand that supplies safe, secure mounting for your laptop. You can use an ultra-small space because NS7 elevates your laptop off the table.
Precision Control The NS7 sends control information over USB at more than ten times the standard MIDI rate. This innovative communication technique yields extremely high-precision, low-latency control.
There's nothing like dropping the needle on a record for quickly locating a point in the track, and with Strip Search--the unique virtual-needle-drop touch strip--you can locate a point instantly within the track using the on-screen waveform
Five hot-cue-assign buttons on each deck digitally mark your cues on the track. These marker points are recallable in ITCH and Scratch LIVE, and you can load Scratch LIVE cue points in ITCH.
Each deck offers an extensive Serato-style loop section, and you can choose between manual and auto-loop functions and an automatic BPM analyzer further assists loop makers. Creating automatic smart loops of any measure length is a breeze, and you can mutilate and modify to heart's content with a variety of controls such as Doubling, Halving, Shift, and manual controls.
Audio Quality The NS7 contains a host of professional audio connectors and a multichannel, 24-bit USB digital-audio interface. The high-definition post-mix analog audio output features a minimized circuit path with containing only one audiophile-grade bipolar capacitor. This optimized design maximizes phase coherence, ensuring that audio is tight and punchy.
Serato ITCH Software IF you use Scratch LIVE, you'll become quickly familiar with Serato ITCH. Because ITCH doesn't require a timecode interface, your system can be as simple as, say, NS7 and your computer. Since ITCH makes timecode a thing of the past, you won't need to worry about needles skipping or vinyl wearing out. You can load your Scratch LIVE crates, loops, presets, and cue points seamlessly in ITCH. The NS7 also works with most other MIDI DJ software and supports iTunes.
ITCH handles audio processing and mixing including channel fading, EQ, crossfading and track trim are processed for outstanding control and management of your tracks, ease of recording your set, clip-proof gain management, and BPM calculation using the power of your computer's processor.
The History function in ITCH keeps a comprehensive record of every track played and exports sessions from your history to 'txt', 'csv', or 'm3u'. ITCH also has a Loop Roll function that provides a looping effect where the playhead jumps back to normal time when you release the loop. Built-in key support ensures that ITCH reads key tags from MP3 files and displays them in the 'key' column in your library.

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M-Audio ProFire 2626 High-Definition 26-in/26-out FireWire Audio Interface with Octane Preamp Technology Review

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(More customer reviews)A few months ago, i decided to update my MOTU 828 mkii firewire interface with something that has better DAC converters, so i did some research and i decided to purchase the M-Audio Profire 2626.
When i plugged this unit in my studio and listened to it, i was taken by the clarity of the DACs, i also did some testing of the preamp mics, and they are clean sounding and uncolored.
So, I thought i had a great deal.. a 192/24 firewire 8x8 interface for around $500. Unfortunately, as i started using the unit more and more in my studio, i realized the many problems m-audio has been infamous for: bad drivers and unreliable software.
1-The biggest problem with the unit is that the latest ASIO M-Audio 2626 Windows XP drivers will blue screen some XP workstations when changing the audio resolution from 96k back to 48k or 44k in a DAW or some other program that uses the unit's driver. There is a thread in the M-Audio's forum about this, and quite a few people are experiencing this problem. As of January 10th 2010, the problem is still unresolved.
The funniest and saddest thing of all, is that when i use the free ASIO4ALL drivers with the Profire-2626, they do not crash Windows when switching audio resolutions. This should tell you how bad M-Audio drivers are.
2-The marketing literature for the M-Audio is basically incorrect and will lead you to believe the digital mixer offers true mixing flexibility (like MOTU's CueMix software) of all inputs and outputs.. which is FALSE. You can use the digital mixer's faders to control the analog inputs coming into the unit, ONLY if the inputs are connected to the preamps via XLR plugs.. if you use TRS 1/4" jacks to connect to inputs 3-8, the signal bypasses the mic preamps and cannot be controlled in the digital mixer. How stupid is that?
I had to go out and order 1/4" to XLR adapters to connect some of my synths to be able to control their input in the digital mixer
My older MOTU 828 mkii unit never had this inconvenience...
3-Want to use the 2626 inputs and outputs to send digital signals from your DAW to an analog box and back into your DAW?
Good Luck.. it took me a while to figure out how to do it (nevermind i used to do this in the MOTU 828 mkii all the time) and then i wasn't able to monitor the return signals without listening to the return signal mixed with the send signal!
Yep.. you can't monitor return signals without going through the mixer unless you are using the XLR inputs.. because if you use the TRS inputs you cannot control or mute the signal!!
2010-02 UPDATE
4-About 10 months ago, a user in the m-audio forums discovered that the Profire 610 and the Profire 2626 are not sample accurate when recording. What does this mean? it means if you want to record a band playing together, the tracks are going to be out of sync with each other, and you will need to synchronize them by hand in your DAW.
M-Audio confirmed this was a problem with their drivers, but after 10 months of waiting a fix hasn't been released yet.
All this problems with M-audio's unreliable and poorly written software have lead me to eventually replace this unit with something that offers better software and hardware quality, like the RME fireface 800.. the thing stopping me is the price.. the RME Fireface goes for about twice the price of the Profire 2626.. and for a good reason.
The experience with the profire 2626 has taught me a lesson: Don't buy another M-Audio product ever again.
But, don't just take my word for it.. point your browser to M-audio's profire forums and you will see all the problems users are having with this unit..


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Building on a legacy of award-winning FireWire audio interfaces, the M-Audio ProFire 2626 brings next-generation performance to your PC or Mac host-based recording system. This powerful interface delivers 26 x 26 simultaneous I/O, complete with an onboard DSP mixer sourced from up to 52 audio streams. It features every kind of connection you needincluding award-winning Octane preamp technology on all eight analog inputs, ADAT, S/PDIF, word clock and MIDI. Critically acclaimed JetPLL jitter elimination technology ensures pristine audio quality and reliable synchronization all the way up to high-definition 24-bit/192kHz resolution. In addition, ProFire 2626 offers easy FireWire connectivity, extremely low latency, dual headphone outputs, front-panel instrument inputs and standalone operation. ProFire 2626 is compatible with most major audio software, including Pro Tools M-Powered.* * Compatible with Pro Tools M-Powered 7.4 with downloadable update. Please visit m-audio.com for update availability. 96kHz and 18 x 18 I/O maximum with Pro Tools M-Powered.

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M-Audio Solaris Multipattern Condenser Microphone Review

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(More customer reviews)Happy with product, only took about a week. It actually came with a shock mount which that wasn't list to come with it. Thanks

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The Solaris is a large-capsule condenser microphone that sounds as good as it looks. Beneath the stylish exterior lies the best-sounding solid-state electronics available at any price. Vintage design principles merge with incredibly tight manufacturing standards to yield no more than +/-1dB of deviation across the entire 20Hz-20kHz frequency range. The industry-thinnest evaporated gold diaphragm also delivers incredible sensitivity. Multi-pattern architecture provides flexibility that makes it ideal for just about any miking situation--included capturing vocals, guitar, piano, drums and live events. It's like having three mics in one.

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MOTU Audio Express 6 x 6 FireWire/USB2.0 Audio Interface Review

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(More customer reviews)The Audio Express is solid and sturdy, and comes with adapters so you can mount it on a rack shelf. I'm still learning how to configure it; my first session with the AE took a very long time, the next one went more quickly.
The USB/FireWire interface works well, and the unit will power itself off bus power while on FW, but needs the included audio adapter when using USB.
The front panel is difficult to figure out, and am only now starting to get used to it after using it for a few weeks; a lot of functions are accessed by pressing the pots in to cycle through different modes.
A nice touch is the locking connectors for the combo XLR sockets; no more pulling a mic out accidentally, at least not out of the Audio Express. (This'll put my mind at ease a bit when using phantom power.)
Recommended tentatively, since I'm still leraning the unit; I'm also undecided on whether I should have spent the extra money on the MOTU Ultralite or the MOTU 828mk3 Hybrid Firewire Audio Interface, although the Audio Express's small size makes it far more portable. However, coming from an M-Audio FireWire 410 4-In / 10-Out FireWire Mobile Recording Interface, this unit is a vast improvement.

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Behringer B2030A Active 2-Way Reference Studio Monitor (Set of 2) Review

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(More customer reviews)I purchased these with the assumption that I was not going to get the quality sound I wanted as opposed to KRK monitors (WAAAY overpriced) for my small studio. Boy was I wrong! The sound quality is better than expected to say the least. They're HEAVY, thus you won't be too worried about knocking them over (like the smaller KRK's or M-Audio Studiophiles I've seen). Took these over to a friends house for mixdown of video's he's been working on, and adjusted the settings for his video editing hardware and room dynamics. He then changed his mind after about some 5 hours of video editing. Not the best, but I'll be putting my money into what I can use rather than a name (KRK, JBL, Tannoy, Genlec are just TOO much. . .even for just one monitor). And it'se never about what you got, it's what you do with it.
There are going to be reviews bashing them, but when I have audio engineers telling me "good choice, cuz the KRK's are sometimes WAAY too bassy", I feel I've done my job and research into finding what I can afford.
Just a quick note. . .do give these "burn in" time. meaning give them some time to run before going all out on those mixes. Similar to tube preamps for guitar heads/cabs. . .burn em in slowly so you can get the full effect later. I haven't had these long enough, but I can say they are the best part of my studio.

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PreSonus Eureka Pro Recording Channel Review

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(More customer reviews)The Eureka has gotten a lot of buzz. The box feels solid and substantial. It comes with gain, hard/soft compression, three band parametric eq, and master volume. The patch order of the eq and compresion can be switched, depending on your needs. Other useful features include phase inversion, variable impedence, and a saturation knob. A backlit analog meter can display incoming signal level or gain reduction. Inputs and outputs are both TRS and XLR. An effects insert point is included. An optional digital output card is available.
I bought the Eureka on the recommendation of a trusted music salesperson (yes, they exist) to power my Royer 121 ribbon mic. There were no preamps anywhere close to this price that he would consider recommending. As it turns out, he did me a great favor. The Eureka does a very solid job with the Royer mic (although I haven't heard the Royer on anything else, so I can only speak to the pairing of the two). Better yet, it gives me new options for almost every other piece of gear I own. I have an inexpensive Precision bass that really benefits from this box - the compression and preampe give it the fullness of a better instrument, while the eq helps to control the noisiness and unevenness between strings. The variable impedence allows users to try those DIY tricks on Shure SM57 mics without pulling out a soldering iron. Other budget-to-midrange mics also benefit. I run my Mojave tube mic through the Eureka to control peaks with good results. I haven't found anything that doesn't benefit at least a bit from the Eureka. I have even heard of mixes being run through the Eureka (one side at a time) to remove the dreaded "digital chill". Between the quiet operation and the versatility of the Eureka, it is no wonder that it is quickly becoming a "best kept secret" among many home recordists and even sine professionals.
Downsides: The knobs are close together and seem vulnerable to being bent. Three sweep eq's with no shelving eq are less than I'd prefer, but they do their job. The optional digital card can take signals from two Eurekas run in tandem, but the signal from the second Eureka must pass to the card in the "analog domain" before it is converted to a digital signal. As with any analog gear, favorite settings must be written down instead of being saved to memory for instant recall. None of these issues is a deal-killer - they just illustrate how hard I had to work to come up with any complaints at all.
If you're looking for a way to bring your home recording quality up a notch, or a way to give old gear a new lease on life, the Eureka may be just the ticket. Its quality sound, versatility and bang-for-the-buck put it in a niche that will make many bugdet-minded recordists very happy.

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M-Audio Studiophile BX8a Deluxe 130-watt Bi-amplified Studio Reference Monitors Review

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(More customer reviews)I picked up a pair of BX8a Deluxe speakers on Amazon for a great price. I did some reading online and read about speakers randomly dying after purchase, but the price was just too good and I decided to roll the dice.
Well, 2 months in, my right speaker went bad and never would work properly again. When I would turn it on, the woofer would pop, go full throw, and emit a 60Hz hum. Very bad stuff. I looked at my return / repair options and found I had to return them to M-Audio to get it repaired.
I looked at the M-Audio forums and read quite a bit more about M-Audio speakers failing, and decided I'd take my chances and crack open the speaker to see if I could figure out what was wrong instead of suffering through a potentially long and painful RMA cycle.
3 hours later I had discovered the problem: a short circuit on the main amplifier board, underneath the tweeter's power amplifier chip. The amp is a TDA2052 made by STMicroelectronics. You can look at the datasheet here: http://www.st.com/stonline/products/literature/ds/1585.pdf
The short was between pins 4 and 6 of this chip, so it was connecting the negative power supply voltage to the audio input pin on both the tweeter and woofer amplifier - very bad! This explains why I could hear 60Hz power line noise on the speaker every time I turned it on.
I was about to start probing each pin on the TDA2052 to see if I could figure out what wire on the circuit board had a problem when I discovered the short between pins 4 and 6. I carefully removed the solder flux and other debris between the two solder pads and plugged the circuit board in, and the problem was gone. You can see a picture of my circuit board and the location of the short here: http://img212.imageshack.us/img212/3357/img0054un5.jpg
As to why the short-circuit suddenly occurred 2 months after purchase - I can only speculate. One possibility is the dreaded "tin whiskers" problem that has been plaguing electronics manufacturers for years. You can read about it here: http://nepp.nasa.gov/WHISKER/
Since lot's of people are reporting random failures of these speakers, this is a possibility. There are a couple ways to remedy this, but they all involve tweaking the manufacturing process of the circuit board, and this might not be an option because it would impact the cost and profit margin on these speakers. The other possibility is that the assembly quality control is not good enough on these circuit boards and they are not adequately stress tested / verified before being put into the finished product. Again there is a cost issue and I'm just speculating.
Overall I must say the speakers are an excellent value for the price. The speaker box construction is solid, the speakers are decent, and the electrical design is good enough - simple and effective. I am impressed with this product, and it is unfortunate such a great product is subject to such a high failure rate from what looks like a manufacturing/quality issue and not a design problem. I just hope M-Audio can remedy the issues long term as I'd like to see them continue to develop quality products.


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Recording professionals around the world trust M-Audio Studiophile reference monitors for exceptional sonic accuracy. The new Studiophile BX8a Deluxe system builds on this legacy with new waveguides and enhanced driver integration for greater high-frequency clarity and refined sound. The magnetically shielded monitors feature 8-inch curved Kevlar low-frequency drivers plus high-temperature voice coils and damped rubber surrounds for durability and fidelity. The 1-1/4-inch natural silk, waveguide-loaded tweeters deliver a high end that's both clear and easy on the ears. Custom-tuned crossovers distribute 130 watts of bi-amplified power for optimal frequency handling by each driver.

Deluxe Edition The Studiophile BX8a Deluxe monitors update the best-selling M-Audio BX8a system with a variety of enhancements. The new waveguide delivers a cleaner sound. Custom amplifier tuning enhances the integration between the high and low frequencies, delivering refined spectral balance and a smoother response. An elegant new industrial design completes the package.
Kevlar Low-Frequency Drivers To insure a lifetime of service, we constructed the BX8a monitor's 8-inch low-frequency driver from woven Kevlar. Kevlar's high mechanical and thermal resilience makes it ideal for use in speaker cones. Our engineers also created a curved conical design that improves room dispersion. High-damping reliable rubber surrounds provide percussive musical bass, and insure that the cone reaches its optimal excursion for accurate reproduction. And our high-temperature voice coils reduce power compression, guaranteeing that your monitors will deliver full performance hour after hour.
Silk-Dome, Waveguide-Loaded, High-Frequency Drivers Our high-frequency domes are made from natural silk to counter the high Q ringing that is inherent in the poorly crafted metallic materials often found in other monitors. In addition, our new waveguides refine the high-frequency response. M-Audio's FerroFlow technology uses ferrofluid liquid cooling to dissipate heat for maximum efficiency and extended usage.
Bi-Amplified Efficiency Active monitors have a distinct advantage over unpowered monitors because the built-in power amps are specially designed to work with the drivers and crossovers in a tuned system. Bi-amplification further refines the concept by dedicating separate power amps to the highs and lows. Combined with a finely tuned crossover, this design insures that both the high- and low-frequency drivers are asked to deliver only the frequencies they are most efficient at reproducing.
Rear-Ported Cabinet Design The Studiophile BX8a Deluxe monitor's cabinet is integrally designed with its other components for optimal performance—right down to rounded corners for reduced edge diffraction and superior imaging. Custom rear-port design audibly reduces the turbulence and resulting distortion caused by poorly designed ports.
Magnetic Shielding Unchecked, the electromagnetic waves emanating from your speakers can wreak havoc with your computer's video monitor or a nearby TV. The BX8a Deluxe is magnetically shielded so that all of your electronic equipment can coexist without interference.
What's in the Box Two BX8a Deluxe Speakers, Two Detachable AC Power Cords, User's Manual

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Yamaha HS10W 10" Powered Studio Monitor Review

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(More customer reviews)speaker did a great job until today where it seems to be blown. is there any type on manuf. warranty on this?

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M-Audio Prokeys Sono 88 Review

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(More customer reviews)I bought it for my wife,alas it didn't work.I suppose, because it was packed not enough secure and also it has very light weight and therefore fragile.I 've sent it back and had my money back but not the shipment money

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M-Audio Sputnik Multi-Pattern Large Diaphragm Vacuum Tube Condenser Microphone Review

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(More customer reviews)I'm more then happy with my new M-Audio Sputnic. A great mic and a great price

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M-Audio's Sputnik mic signals the end of microphone envy. Based on a classic vacuum tube design and manufactured in modern facilities to exacting standards, this multi-pattern, large diaphragm studio condenser delivers the lush, classic sound normally associated with rare and expensive vintage mics like the Neumann U47 and AKG C12. Sputnik's combination of military-grade vacuum tube, ultrasensitive evaporated gold Mylar diaphragm, solid brass construction, and multiple polar patterns makes it ideal for a wide variety of voices, instruments, and applications--especially putting that signature sound in the spotlight. Engineered from scratch, we designed Sputnik with input from top recording industry studio engineers--and it's an instant classic in their hands.

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M-Audio Torq Xponent Advanced DJ Performance/Production System Review

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(More customer reviews)So after scouring the internet for reviews of the xponent, and having used its cousin the Torq Mixlab and getting down the basics of CPU based DJing, I am proud to say that I couldn't be happier with the Xponent. I got it a few weeks ago, have a Macbook that runs great with it, and have so far had no problems whatsoever. The software is fast and loads my itunes library (over 16k songs) in about 30 seconds. One of the best features of the Torq software is how it figures out (or you can override) the beat of each song and SAVES it. This means that when you're spinning, you can sort by BPM and see the 20 songs that are close in BPM that you have used before. This makes song selection a pleasure!
All the switches and knobs are very responsive, and as a person who basically started DJing (beatmatching, mixing, cueing) a month ago, I feel right at home here. The loop features are easy to use and drop in, and the sampler is very powerful and easy to use. I just spun a big house party with this thing a week ago and it went great! The effects are fun, and using the mouse pad like a Chaos Pad allows for some cool remixing on the fly. I find that scratching is easy to do and there are various settings to determine how sensitive the wheels are.
All in all, this is a great product for a novice or someone who likes to pick music and wants to get into real mixing. If you're the person always holding the iPod at the party but want more control, this is definitely a great place to start (and as far as I'm concerned, finish). As for all the haters of digital DJing, I don't really care, its much easier than bringing vinyl and remembering BPMs and you can plug in someone at the party's ipod and use their music in real time. I find that the Xponent is extremely versatile, perfect for a beginner or seasoned DJ alike, and it and its grandchildren will be leading us into the future of DJing. Hope this helps, there is a lack of people talking about the Xponent and its a truly great device that has allowed me to finally do something I've wanted to do for years, but I've never had the resources to get set up with vinyl and dj lessons.
Cheers!
-DP


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The professional-grade Torq Xponent system seamlessly integrates high-performance DJ software with a fully functional hands-on controller, representing a new era in digital DJ performance and production. The Xponent hardware combines the features of a two-channel DJ mixer with CDJ-style tactile controls, letting you cue, mix and manipulate digital files without touching the host computer. In addition to the essentials, M-Audio Torq 1.5 software delivers a variety of real-time creative tools to take your sets beyond the ordinary--and the Xponent hardware control surface puts all that power right at your fingertips. This integrated solution opens the door to new techniques that are simply impossible with traditional DJ setups.

Rock-Solid Professional DJ Hardware The Torq Xponent hardware/software system delivers everything a professional DJ needs to perform with a computer. Xponent is both an advanced MIDI control surface for Torq software and a four-output USB audio interface that includes two stereo RCA outputs and a standard 1/4-inch headphone output for cueing. Every control on Xponent boasts the same rock-solid construction and rugged feel as traditional DJ hardware. So if you're ready to make the leap to the world of software-based DJing, you'll feel right at home with Xponent.
Get Inside the Mix Torq 1.5 DJ software makes it easy to go beyond basic beat matching and crossfading between tracks. With a 16-cell, tempo-synced sampler, easy looping capabilities and multiple cue points, you can chop up a song--on the fly--and reorder, remix and extend any section you want, all while staying perfectly in time. The QuickScratch feature lets you instantly scratch with any two loaded samples. Tempo Anchors remove tempo variations from your tracks--or cause other songs to adopt the tempo changes--making mash-ups and live remixes a breeze. Tempo Master synchronizes all tracks, samples and effects within Torq, while MIDI clock transmits tempo information to outboard hardware and other computers so you can collaborate with friends. And if you also want to produce, Torq is ReWire-compatible with Pro Tools M-Powered software and other popular applications.
Advanced Effects Processing Torq 1.5 gives you 10 essential effects right out of the box for dynamic manipulation of your tracks. Imagine the possibilities of stacking multiple distortion, filter, repeat, chorus or bit-reduction effects while mixing between songs. You can turn any track into your own original creation--and even record it on the spot with the integrated performance recorder. Torq also allows you to create recallable snapshots of your favorite EQ, effect and mixer settings, and even supports the vast world of third-party VST effects plug-ins.
Dynamic Control Over Torq 1.5 Software The best DJ tools allow you to get your hands on your music--from cueing to beat matching to scratching. M-Audio designed the Xponent control surface with full-size, DJ CD-player-style controls so you can get into the music and engage the crowd during each moment of your set. Xponent features 64 assignable backlit buttons (including Play, Cue, Seek, Loop, Key and Sync controls), two volume sliders, eight assignable knobs for effect control and two 100mm pitch sliders. The built-in touchpad/assignable X/Y controller allows you to control your mouse or the effects in Torq, so you never have to take your hands off the unit in the middle of a performance.
Made to Work Together Torq 1.5 DJ software for Mac and PC automatically configures itself to work with Xponent--every hardware control is pre-mapped to its corresponding function in Torq. It's easy to get up and running with Xponent because all of the hardware controls are located exactly where you'd expect them to be. The transition into digital DJing couldn't be simpler.
Plays Well with Others In addition to VST compatibility, Torq 1.5 software can interface with any ReWire-compatible host application. You can easily route the output of Torq to a program like Pro Tools M-Powered and explore even more performance, production and sound design possibilities. When ReWired to a host application, the tempo of Torq automatically locks to the current session tempo, so you never have to worry about syncing playback between Torq and your preferred DAW. In addition, the Xponent control surface can be MIDI-mapped to other digital audio workstation software including Ableton Live.
What's in the Box Xponent USB DJ Controller and Audio Interface, Torq CD-ROM (Torq Software, Xponent Drivers, and Documentation), USB Cable, 12VDC 1000mA Power Supply, Quick Start Guide

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Mackie Onyx Blackbird Premium 16x16 FireWire Recording Interface with Tracktion 3 Music Production Software Review

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(More customer reviews)For Windows 7 and Windows 64-bit users of any type, I've purchased several pieces of Mackie Onyx gear for a Windows 64 bit environment, and found Mackie's driver support to be non-existent. Check around user boards before you buy any of this Mackie stuff. Everyone is very unhappy. Mackie has no response whatsoever, and is ignoring repeated requests for 64-bit Windows driver support. This goes for Firewire as well as USB interfaces

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Yamaha YPG535 Portable Grand Piano Package Review

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(More customer reviews)Nice keyboard, nice sound, feels like a real piano and it's got all the keys. I like that it includes a nice, stable music rest, keyboard stand, footswitch and power adaptor.
Lots of features too: fun sounds, (drum, maracas, bongos, etc. plus sound effects like phone, ufo, dog barking, etc)
It has a super metronome which you can adjust the tempo of, set the number of beats per measure, adjust volume, etc.
It records your performance which is nice, so my piano teacher can play something she wants me to learn, record it, then I can replay that when I'm practicing.
More features, too many to mention... If you'd like to start with something smaller or something less expensiv, I'd check out a Casio keyboard. Casio CTK4000 Premium Pack with Power Supply, Keyboard Stand and Professional Closed Cup Stereo Headphones, Casio LK100 Lighted Keyboard with Premium Accessories Package (this is the first one I got)

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M-Audio ProFire 610 Firewire Audio Interface Review

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(More customer reviews)I'm a big fan of this audio interface, M-Audio just did everything right here. Very stable, works great on Windows 7 - 64 bit, works wonderful on Sonar 8 and now they finally released proper drivers to make it work on Pro Tools in Windows 64 bit. You have to make sure you download the beta drivers though.


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M-Audio Fast Track Ultra High-speed 8 x 8 USB 2.0 Interface Review

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(More customer reviews)I've been using the Fast Track Ultra for about a month now.
System:
Gateway MC7801U Laptop
Pentium Duo 2 core 2Ghz T5800
4G RAM
Vista 64 Home Premium
Sonar 8 Producer 64 bit
I almost returned the product initially because it was locking up my laptop. After some persistent searching, I found a message buried on the MAudio website that fixed the problem:
[The high-performance mode can be a bit tricky on some systems and what you are seeing is not a surprise. High-performance mode basically misuses the host computer CPU clock. On typical PC systems this allows the driver to increase the performance of the USB bus. On computers that are already tweaked for high performance or have high performance graphics cards or the like, this mode can !!!!cripple the operating system. It works best with older PCs!!!...]
AHA! I had enabled "high-performance mode" and that appears to have been he cause of the system lockup.
After uninstalling / reinstalling the driver AND LEAVING "high-performance mode" OFF, the unit has been performing flawlessly. I have enough confidence in it now that I will shortly be placing it into service in live performance for a weekly contemporary worship service.
It would be beneficial if MAudio would update their documentation - or even provide a pop up confirmation / warning when the high-performance mode is enabled - to advise users of the dangers of "high-performance mode".
1 star deducted for not documenting this "feature".

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The Fast Track Ultra 8 x 8 audio/MIDI interface takes M-Audio's acclaimed mobile recording line to the next level with high-speed USB 2.0 connectivity, MX Core DSP mixer and four preamps with award-winning Octane technology. Featuring both analog and digital I/O, it allows recording on all eight channels simultaneously with pristine 24-bit/96kHz fidelity--while M-Audio's mature low-latency drivers ensure rock-solid stability and performance. The on-board MX Core DSP mixer processes eight hardware inputs and eight software returns to the eight hardware outputs, delivering flexible routing and monitoring with delay and reverb. Compatible with most major audio software*, Fast Track Ultra lets you record the way you want--in the studio or on the go.

High-speed USB 2.0 Technology The next generation of mobile recording interfaces has arrived--the Fast Track Ultra features high-speed USB 2.0 technology for advanced performance. Like FireWire, USB 2.0 delivers the bandwidth for 24-bit/96kHz audio resolution throughout the recording and monitoring process. The increased data speed lets you enjoy exceptional fidelity on all of your inputs and outputs simultaneously.
Built-in Effects Processing Tired of tracking vocals and instruments dry? Fast Track Ultra features MX Core DSP technology that gives you reverb and delay on the headphone outputs with separate sends for every channel. Adding effects is an easy way to inspire creativity and infuse a performance with new energy--without taxing your CPU resources.
Make the Connection Fast Track Ultra provides a complete recording solution, with six channels of analog inputs and outputs plus 2-channel digital S/PDIF I/O. Unlike most USB interfaces, it features two dedicated inserts on the first two channels, giving you the ability to insert outboard processing before A/D conversion. Easy connection via a single USB 2.0 cable delivers both audio and MIDI communication with your computer. Compatibility with most major audio software, means seamless integration into any studio setup.
MX Core DSP Technology for Sophisticated Channel Routing The Fast Track Ultra makes it easy to create multiple monitor mixes when recording other musicians. The robust MX Core mixer employs an array of eight individual DSP cores to deliver near-zero latency and a matrix for sophisticated channel routing options--accessible via an intuitive control panel that utilizes a separate mixer for each pair of outputs. The mixer expands the total I/O to an impressive 16 x 8 configuration, allowing you to connect synths and outboard gear to any of the interface's hardware inputs, then mix them with the eight audio streams coming from your computer.
Professional Octane Preamp Technology The quality of your recordings is only as good as the initial signal. The Fast Track Ultra features four preamps with multi-award-winning M-Audio Octane technology, creating a premium front end that delivers amazing audio clarity. You get professional, low-noise, high-gain preamplification with enough channels for a variety of miking applications. Features include +48V phantom power for condenser mics, signal/peak LED indicator lights and a pull-out gain knob that activates a 20dB pad for recording at high volumes. See why world-class artists choose the M-Audio Octane preamp.
Dual Headphone Amp Whether you usually track vocals or an ensemble, you're likely to need multiple headphone mixes. Fast Track Ultra has two completely independent headphone outputs so you can take advantage of the DSP mixer's powerful routing options and create the right mix for your performers--complete with reverb and delay.
The Perfect Combination Apple's latest MacBook and MacBook Air laptops don't include FireWire connectivity--the latest models are all about USB 2.0. If you want to make music with a MacBook, the Fast Track Ultra high-speed USB 2.0 interface delivers the perfect solution. Whether you're a musician, producer or DJ, the powerful combination of Apple and M-Audio gives you everything you need to put together a high-powered personal studio.
Bundled Software
Ableton Live Lite Ableton Live Lite delivers much of the functionality of Ableton Live--the revolutionary, multi-award winning music production solution that allows you to spontaneously compose, record, remix, improvise and edit your musical ideas in a seamless audio/MIDI environment. Live brings your acoustic, electronic and virtual instruments--as well as your digital audio recordings and MIDI sequences--together in a single interface with unparalleled ease of use.
inTone | Express Bundle Creative Software Applications for M-Audio Hardware Products. Your M-Audio hardware is compatible with a suite of creative applications that enable you to start making music right away. Designed by leading audio effects provider Audiffex, the inTone series provides a broad array of tools--from guitar and bass stomp boxes to virtual mixers and much more. Each software program lets you arrange channel routing and effects in a variety of ways, so you can develop a sound that's truly unique.

What's in the Box M-Audio Fast Track Ultra, Software/Driver CDs, AC Adapter, USB Cable, User's Manual

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