We recently recieved a pair of White Reloop RHP-5 headphones in the mail for review and I was excited to give them a listen because they looked so cool. They have a nice durable rubberized coating that really feels like it could save some potential damage when taking these with you everywhere. When I first took the headphones out of the box I was surprised that these headphones were being marketed towards DJs because they seemed so much smaller and lighter than what I’m used to. I’ve used Sony MDR-V700 headphones for the past 8 years or so and I’ve grown very accustomed to the way they feel and sound. They Reloop headphones didn’t feel nearly as durable or heavy as I was used to so I initially doubted that they could work their way into my DJ bag as a regular accessory.

I went to my computer, unplugged my Sonys, plugged in the RHP-5s, and loaded up FL Studio to start a new track. I was immediately impressed with the low end these little headphone put out. I switched out among 3 different pairs of headphones, the Sony V700s, Sony V500s, and Reloop RHP5s while playing the same bassline and found that the Reloop headphones volume level seemed to be a little bit louder than my other two headphones and that the bass was definitely louder than it was on both pairs of Sonys. Now the Reloop headphones do have a microphone and volume slider about 10 inches down the cord and I had the volume up as high as it would go so that accounts for some of the volume difference. I turned the volume down a bit so that it was equal to the Sony headphones and the bass was still sounding loud and proud. After the bass test I listened to some House, Techno, and Dubstep and all genres sounded great across the spectrum. It did seem as if the low end frequencies may have been pumped up a bit which would make these headphones great for listening to Dance Music and even DJing but not for studio work where a flat frequency response is essential. Now these headphones never claimed to be Studio Quality so I can’t hold that against them.

Over the next few days I took these headphones with me on a roadtrip and stashed them (they fold up nice and neatly) in the front pocket of my backpack easily. They came home with no noticeable wear. I have yet to try these headphone while DJing out in a loud club or warehouse party, but I’m not sure that I would for several reasons: The mircrophone/volume slider looks like a set of commercial headphones, they are smaller than most DJ headphones and therefore look cheaper (which they are), and the headband feels as if it could snap with the right kind of pressure on it. The specs for the headphones claim the headband is made with an extremely sturdy aluminum bar and double headband casing which sounds great but I have seen DJ headphones broken in every which way possible and I would just have liked to see the headband being a little wider. It would give me more confidence in the durability. After using the RHP-5s for several days I am very interested in giving the bigger brother to the RHP-5s, the RHP-10s a good listen.

I feel that these headphone would be great for a DJ as a second or back-up pair of headphones in your gig bag. I really haven’t heard any headphones this small sound this great. With the addition of the microphone these headphones would be perfect for use in an airport, hotel, bus, train, at the computer, by the pool, on the beach, etc. Paired with an iPhone or other smartphone it would be ideal so you don’t miss a call while listening to tunes. I am currently using these headphones when I’m working so I can listen to music without bothering those around me and still answer phone calls when they come in.

In review I would say these headphones are just as good if not better sounding than my Sony V500s but I still prefer the wider headband on the V500s. I do really love the rubberized coating, and this added durability makes them great for travel and ideal for use with the iPhone. Definitely give these headphones a listen if you get the chance.

Check out the press info and tech specs below:

Reloop is proud to present the RHP-5 series DJ headphones with integrated iPhone® control. Compact and lightweight, these headphones deliver a surprisingly robust sound without burning a hole in your wallet. The RHP-5 features rotating ear cups and a collapsible design for easy storage and maximum portability. These stylish headphones also include a microphone and an answer/mute button and work with all smartphones with 3.5mm jack including iPhone® and BlackBerry®. It also includes a volume slider and a convenient shirt clip. Perfectly right for travelling, trend-setting DJs. The RHP-5 boasts high quality drivers that deliver a full, rich sound with crisp highs and deep bass comparable to much more expensive models. Sleek aesthetic design features include a smooth rubber finish, aluminum inlays on the ear cups, and nine eye-catching color options, including Black, White, Cherry Black, Ceramic Mint, Purple Milk, Flash Black, Gold Rush, Solid Chrome, and Chocolate Crown. Mix and talk with the new Reloop RHP-5 headphones.

Available in the following colors: Black, White, Ceramic Mint, Purple Milk, Cherry Black, Chocolate Crown, Flash Black, Gold Rush, and Solid Chrome.

Features:

• Compact DJ headphones with deep, powerful sound
• Rotating ear cups and a collapsible design for easy storage
• Classy rubber finish and Climabsorb net nylon headband
• Aluminium inlays on ear cups
• Flat-comfort construction: compact and light ear cup housing (diameter of only 70 mm) for comfortable wearing for hours
• Powerful, deep, finely resolvent sound for perfect listening pleasure
• High-quality headband with sturdy aluminium bar
• Double headband casing: water-repellent, artificial leather (upper) and sweat-absorbing Climabsorb net nylon (lower side)
• One-sided cord routing with integrated remote and shirt clip
• Phone control incl. smartphone answer, mic and volume control for all current mobile phones with 1/8″ mm jack, for example iPhone, Blackberry & other compatible smartphones
• All connections gold-plated, includes 1/4″ adapter

Technical Data:
Headphones:
- Frequency range: 10 Hz – 22 kHz
- Impedance: 32 ohm
- Acoustic pressure: 96 dB/1 mW (at 1 kHz)
- THD: <0.5% (at 1 kHz)
- Rated input power: 20 mW

Microphone:
- Directivity: omni-directional
- Frequency range: 50 Hz - 20 kHz
- Impedance: 2200 ohm
- Sensitivity: -65 dB ±3 dB (at 1 kHz)
- S/N ratio: -58 dB

- Connections: 3.5 mm jack, 6.3 mm jack adapter
- Cord: 1.3 m (helix cord incl. smartphone control unit)
- Weight: 136 g (without cord)
- Ear cup diameter: 70 mm
- Incl. gold-plated 6.3 mm jack adapter

More Information: Reloop RHP-5 Homepage

Related posts:

1. FL Studio Mobile Available Today for iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch
2. TechnoBox: Finally a Useable iPhone App for Making Music

Xone delivers a top of the line DJ controller to put all others to shame. Check it out:

After weeks of speculation and buzz around the industry, Allen & Heath and Serato Audio Research have announced the launch of the Xone: DX, a new Plug’n'Play DJ controller, the result of close collaboration between the two companies. The DX, another development in Allen & Heath’s Xone: D range of controllers, is a 20-channel USB soundcard and features total integration of the brand new 4-deck Serato ITCH software.

Boasting the ability to send up to 168 individual MIDI control messages, a 20-channel 96kHz/24-bit USB 2.0 soundcard, two dual layer deck simulators, and RIAA/phono inputs for external decks, as well as the central 4 channel mixer section which directly manipulates the DSP mixing within the computer, the Xone: DX is the most versatile, high specification professional DJ controller to date. A full version of the new Serato ITCH software is supplied with the DX, providing unique 4-deck control, and a comprehensive set of digital DJ FX, as well as looping and time-stretching.

“Serato has always been an admirer of Allen & Heath’s DJ hardware and we’ve watched the development of the Xone: D series of controllers with keen interest. In our opinion, Allen & Heath design some of the best music production software controllers in the professional field,” explains Serato MD, Steve West. “Rather than a partnership to simply bundle our products, we wanted to collaborate with A&H at the drawing board stage, and design a product that would fully manipulate the new version of ITCH.”

The Xone: DX is also fully compatible with other leading DJ software brands, and has Allen & Heath’s customary pro modular design build and high quality components. It also has bi-colour LED feedback layer assignment, UV light sensitive legend, mix outputs on RCA and balanced XLR, a separate booth output, and measures 50mm deep to fit conveniently in a laptop bag.

“Ever since we launched the MIDI-enabled Xone:92 in 2003, followed by the multi-media Xone:3D in 2005, we have strived to design controllers that would fulfil a digital DJ’s wish list. The Xone: DX is the next step in this journey, with a versatile and wide-ranging set of features in a compact package,” comments Xone designer, Andy Rigby-Jones.

Suggested retail price is £999 shipping in November 2009.

More info at Xone Website

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1. The Flashy New Eks Otus Controls 2 Decks with 1 Controller
2. Numark Stealth Spotted at NAMM

Here is another video of JohnBeez with his Controller One and a Loop Pedal…

Related posts:

1. The Flashy New Eks Otus Controls 2 Decks with 1 Controller
2. Xone DX DJ Controller with Bundled Serato ITCH

Numark has announced at NAMM that it’s displaying Stealth Control, a professional DJ controller that comes with Native Instruments Traktor LE and MixMeister Fusion Live software. With a design based around Numark’s previous control devices, it provides the same two decks and a mixer layout that allows users to jog, scrub, or scratch. Stealth Control sends MIDI information to control the software and can be used with any application that supports MIDI. A USB cable is used to connect the controller to the computer.

Traktor LE 3 is a dual-deck DJ application that provides features such as auto-sync, beat-accurate loops, and a variety of effects, while Mix Meister Fusion delivers timeline-based mixing capabilities. Stealth Control is available now and has been priced by the company at $400 with an estimated street price of $300.

Related posts:

1. NAMM: Akai debuts APC40 an Ableton Live Controller
2. The Flashy New Eks Otus Controls 2 Decks with 1 Controller

While software like Serato is very stripped down, it allows a DJ to quickly and easily perform his/her primary task – beatmatching and mixing music. The first time ever using Serato I quickly figured out how to use it with no instructions. The first time I looked at the user interface for Torq it made me want to cry. This interface is easily the most hideous looking thing I have seen in DJ Software market hands down! Even if M-Audio sent me a free copy I wouldn’t install this on my computer. I’m only reporting this new version of the software for those of you that do use it. I would love to hear some first hand comments about how great this software is so I can learn not to judge the software by the GUI, but I doubt I will hear any. Please let us know if you use this.

From the M-Audio Website

• cue, beat-match and mix digital files > leave your cumbersome records and CDs safe at home
• works instantly and seamlessly with compatible M-Audio hardware > no complex set-ups or conflicts
• organizes digital audio files (including iTunes) into easily searchable database >instant access to your entire digital library
• supports optional third-party VST effects > add your own signature sound
• 16-cell tempo-synced sampler > trigger loops and samples on the fly
• ReWire support > take your performance to the studio
• transmits and receives MIDI beat clock >flexible synchronization with external devices
• compatible with control vinyl/CDs >easily integrates with traditional DJ hardware

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1. M-Audio Torq Xponent Now Shipping
2. Serato and Ableton Announce a Creative Partnership

The Otus from Eks is another new DJ Controller to enter the game, but this one definitely has some features I’d like to try out in person if we can get a test unit in here. A few features that really stand out to me are the ability to control 2 decks with just the one controller and the touch sensitive pitch ribbon. This sleek new DJ controller can be had for 649.00 € via the Eks Website.

From the Eks website:

Functional Design
To meet the needs of professional artists, all the controls are of the absolute best quality. The placement of each control has been optimized for usability and for show factor. All of the key functions are placed closest to the DJ, while effect orientated controls are placed further away. Otus is also designed to fit on top of a standard vinyl turntable. This makes it easy to fit it in any DJ booth. Otus weights 2kg, so it’s firm and sturdy but still retains its portable nature.

Future Proof Control Layout
10 control knobs, 17 low travel buttons and 6 touch sensitive buttons – all controls freely assignable to suit the artists’ personal needs. No mouse or keyboard is needed to perform. The controls are specially designed to meet the needs of the present digital world as well as the challenges of the future.

7,5” Jog Wheel
The heart of Otus is its illuminated, high resolution 7.5” jog wheel with both physical and virtual sensitivity adjustments. The touch sensitive top part of the wheel functions like a vinyl turntable, allowing you to scratch or cue the track by rotating the wheel. The outer rim of the wheel functions as a pitch bender. The LED illumination around the wheel enables two way communication with MIDI software in a configurable manner.

Dual Layer Control Surface
Otus features two layers of controls, which can be easily swapped by pressing the switch button. This enables operating two virtual decks with just one controller. Layer changes are indicated by the change of the LED colour.

Touch Sensitive Pitch Ribbon
The 80mm touch sensitive relative pitch slider with LED visualization enables highly accurate pitch adjustments. The amount of pitch is altered by sliding a finger on the slider, and the accuracy of the slider can be chosen on the fly by pressing the scale button, for example 1x/5x/10x. The LED indicates the pitch value, which is recalled as the user swaps the virtual deck.

Integrated Soundcard with Dual Outputs and A Headphone Jack
Individual professional level analog and digital outputs for both virtual decks. The headphone output enables direct headphone preview.

Touchpad
A touchpad for mouse or user definable X/Y effect control. This makes touching computer while playing unnecessary.

Four Selector Jog Wheels
Each corner of Otus features an assignable jog wheel controller with an integrated select button in the middle – created for optimal file browsing or selecting effects and other features.

LED Illumination
All controls are backlit by colour changing LED’s for easy utilization in a club environment and other poorly illuminated situations.

Works with Your Favorite DJ/VJ/MIDI Software
The advanced MIDI mapper and ASIO drivers make creating configurations for your favourite DJ/VJ software easy and intuitive. The EKS support pages contain downloads and instructions for setting Otus up with different software.

via: Eks Website

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Here is the announcement from the Serato website:
Serato and Ableton are happy to announce a partnership, which will pave the way for the future of Digital DJing.

With shared artist rosters from hip-hop (DJ Jazzy Jeff, DJ Nu-Mark, A-Trak) to electronica
(Paul Van Dyk, DJ Sasha), both Ableton Live and Serato Scratch Live are renowned as the premier
performance platforms in clubs around the globe.

While Serato’s Scratch Live excels in vinyl emulation, music library control and lightning quick hands-on scratching, Ableton Live provides the tools for production, on-the-?y remixing and beat creation.

“Ableton and Serato take different approaches to modern musical performance,” says Ableton CEO
Gerhard Behles, “But both companies live by the philosophy that software should be straightforward,
easy to use, and most importantly, reliable and stable onstage and in the studio. Ableton has never had an answer for the DJ who wants vinyl control, and rather than try to emulate what Serato do so well, we simply make sure that our products work well together.”

Serato Audio Research CEO Steve West agrees. “After years of talking together, we’re thrilled to be
working with Ableton. It’s exciting to think about what we can offer to DJs and producers: the ability to go beyond just spinning records and add a personal stamp to the music they play.”

Just where this Serato and Ableton collaboration will take us has yet to be seen but one thing is clear: the worlds of DJing, remixing and production for artists worldwide have changes ahead.

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2. NAMM: Akai debuts APC40 an Ableton Live Controller

Native Instruments unveiled new versions of Traktor Pro and Traktor Scratch recently. Some of the notable features include: 4 decks, built-in effects, Ultra precise beat detection, sync lock, a redesigned browser, crate flick to browse through songs visually like coverflow, and customizable interface.

For more info check out the Traktor Pro Microsite

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Beatport SYNC is a powerful audio player with basic DJ functions developed by Beatport and Native Instruments. Based on TRAKTOR 3 technology. It’s a free program that lets anyone mix tracks like a DJ using two virtual decks, a crossfader and auto beat sync function. Beatport SYNC offers track management, access to DJ radio stations, plus an integrated Browser to instantly buy and download the latest tracks from the Beatport Online Music Store.

Download it Now

via: Native Instruments

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From the Ableton Live website:

Live 7—What’s New

Ableton Live 7 renews the core of Live, with enhancements to the audio engine including 64-bit mix summing, new and improved devices with side-chaining capability, better MIDI timing and hardware integration. We have also included the most-requested features, such as time signature changes, video export, multiple automation lanes and much more. Version 7 marks the arrival of the new “Drum Rack” which streamlines beat production via an easy drag-and-drop interface and offers native sliced audio and REX file support, bringing endless creative possibilities to beat lovers.
 

Version 7 Renews the Core of Live

Enhanced Audio Engine
Live 7′s enhanced audio engine improves fidelity with precision 64-bit summing at all mix points throughout the program, POW-r dithering, optimized sample-rate conversion and other advances.

New CompressorThe new compressor device integrates the compression models of Compressor I and II, and offers a new model based on a feedback design commonly found in the most praised vintage compressors. The new sidechaining feature allows other audio signals to trigger the compressor.

EQ EightEQ Eight sports an improved user interface and a new 64-bit mode for increased accuracy and fidelity.

Improved MIDI TimingThe MIDI engine has been reworked and we were able to significantly reduce timing error (jitter) of recorded MIDI.

Live 7 Brings the Most Requested Features
Time Signature ChangesLive 7 allows the use of multiple time signatures within a single Live Set in the Arrangement View timeline and Session View Scenes.

Video ExportVideo that has been edited or warped in Live can be exported to a new file.

Easier AutomationMultiple automation lanes per track can be displayed and edited at the same time.

Tempo NudgeA new “tempo nudge” function makes it easier to synchronize to live musicians or DJs.

REX SupportREX files can be dragged, dropped and played just like WAV or AIFF files.

Many Other Important ImprovementsLive, Operator and Sampler have received many important improvements and additions based on users’ requests.

Introducing the New Drum Rack
The new “Drum Rack” streamlines beat production via an easy drag-and-drop interface and brings endless creative possibilities. Easy InterfaceA familiar drum pad interface allows dragging and dropping of samples, instruments and effects. Each pad has its own device chain and can be shown as a mixer channel in the Session View. Each Drum Rack also has its own sends, returns and sub-mixes.Slice and DiceThe slicing feature fills a Drum Rack with the individual hits from REX or audio loops. The original sequence is represented as a MIDI clip, making it easy to replace, reshuffle or re-record the events and process them individually.

Ableton Live 7 Beta
Live 7 is currently in beta testing. To learn more please visit the beta page.