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

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I’ve really grown tired of Apple telling me what I can and can’t do with my devices, what kind of software I’m allowed to run, what kind of hardware I’m allowed to use, and which computers I’m allowed to upload music to my phone from. The iPad is just more of the same crap in a pretty case. While I will admit the iPad has it’s uses and I love my I really do enjoy my [jailbroken] iPhone, I find it very hard to tolerate the hardcore limitations Apple places on the users of its mobile devices. I would love to see someone get OSX or even Linux running on the iPad and then we will truly see what something like the iPad could have been capable of.

Enter the HP Slate. This little baby not only looks to be packing some processing power but it is an “open” device. There are USB slots, video output, memory card slots, and it is running a proper full operating system so users can install whatever software they want. Which means we could see users running Ableton Live, FL Studio, Soundforge, ProTools, Serato, Traktor, and so much more. I can just imagine a DJ set using one of these or playing live with 2 of these machines and actually tweaking knobs on a virtual TB-303 with your fingers instead of a mouse. The possibilities are wide open and I can’t wait to see the Slate in action someday soon.

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

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At the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) expo, Akai showed the APC40 MIDI control surface it has developed in conjunction with Ableton, making it the first such device to be ready to run out of the box with the Ableton Live music editing software. As there is no need to load drivers, users simply plug in their notebooks via a USB port and can begin mixing or otherwise modifying their music using Ableton Live. The APC40 is being touted as the simplest, most direct hardware interface with the popular software, yet still allows advanced users to assign the board’s 40 buttons, knobs and fader controls to any virtual controls in the software.

Each control on the APC40 lights up in a different color to give users an instant indication of clip state. Likewise, the 16 knobs are lined by a ring of LED rings that perform the same functions. Akai points out the APC40 makes controlling music at live events much quicker and easier, taking the connected source, most often a notebook or desktop PC or Mac, out of the equation.

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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.

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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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Snip snip…

Now that the laptop has become the new desktop it’s tempting to do everything on the go. But try composing or editing music while enjoying a latte at Starbucks and you’ll find yourself seriously lacking in the tactile input department. There’s a reason why musicians generally need racks of equipment at their disposal… you just cant play music so well with a keyboard and mouse. The new Korg Nano Digital Music Controllers aim to remedy this musical dilemma by providing three different portable USB versions of common musical input devices that fit perfectly with your laptop. The nanoKEY gives you a mini velocity sensitive keyboard. The nanoPAD provides you with velocity sensitive drum-pads and a Kaossilator style x-y control pad while the nanoKONTROL gives you nine faders, nine knobs and eighteen switches for your mixing pleasure.

Basically all three Nano Controllers are USB MIDI devices that can work with various music software that supports MIDI. The nanoKEY comes with a free download for Korgs nice M1 Le synthesizer software with some great classic Korg synth sounds. The nanoPAD has a free download for EZDrummer 1.14 to get you started with some rockin’ beats and the nanoKONTROL gives you a $50 off coupon for Ableton Live music editing software.

Included with all of the models is Korg’s Kontrol Editor software which allows you to customize the exact MIDI commands sent by each key, slider and button.

nanoKEY

* Keyboard: 25-key with velocity and 4 velocity curves
* CC MODE button
* Octave Shift up/down buttons
* Pitch up/down buttons
* Modulation button
* Dimensions: 320(W) x 83(D) x 14(H) mm/ 12.60”(W) x 3.27”(D) x 0.55”(H)
* Includes free download for Korg M1 Le Synthesizer software and Korg’s Kontrol Editor software

nanoPAD

* 12 trigger pads with velocity and 4 velocity curves
* X-Y pad (Like the Kaossilator!)
* ROLL button
* FLAM button
* HOLD button
* 4 SCENE buttons (Allows 4 different MIDI configurations to be recalled instantly)
* Dimensions: 320(W) x 82(D) x 16.5(H) mm/ 12.60”(W) x 3.23”(D) x 00.65”(H)
* Includes free download for EZDrummer 1.14 software and Korg’s Kontrol Editor software

nanoKONTROL

* 9 knobs
* 9 sliders
* 18 buttons
* Transport buttons: REW/PLAY/FF/LOOP/STOP/REC
* 4 SCENE buttons (Allows 4 different MIDI configurations to be recalled instantly)
* Dimensions: 320(W) x 82(D) x 29.5(H) mm/ 12.60”(W) x 3.23”(D) x 1.16”(H)
* Includes $50 off coupon for Ableton Live software and free download of Korg’s Kontrol Editor software

PC Requirements

* Mac OS X 10.3.9, or Mac OS X 10.4.7 or later
* Microsoft Windows XP SP2 or later, or Microsoft Windows Vista SP1
* Available USB Port

via: thinkgeek

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

Diabolical Modified TR707 from Meadows Ling on Vimeo.

Another circuit bent keyboard from DD.

Diabolical Modified SK-1 from Meadows Ling on Vimeo.

Via: Matrix Synth

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After making the rounds on YouTube and various blogs the reacTable synth was spotted by Bjork and later incorporated into her live show which brought a large amount of attention to this unique hands-on synthesizer. The developers are now looking into a short production run of the innovative machine.  We look forward to seeing this in some upcoming shows!

From reacTable: 

The reactable is a collaborative electronic music instrument with a tabletop tangible multi-touch interface. Several simultaneous performers share complete control over the instrument by moving and rotating physical objects on a luminous round table surface. By moving and relating these objects, representing components of a classic modular synthesizer, users can create complex and dynamic sonic topologies, with generators, filters and modulators, in a kind of tangible modular synthesizer or graspable flow-controlled programming language.

The instrument was developed by a team of digital luthiers under the direction of Dr. Sergi Jordà. The “Interactive Sonic Systems” team is working in the Music Technology Group within the Audiovisual Institute at the Universitat Pompeu Fabra in Barcelona Spain. Its main activities concentrate on the design of new musical interfaces, such as tangible music instruments and musical applications for mobile devices.

The reactable intends to be:

• collaborative: several performers (locally or remotely)
• intuitive: zero manual, zero instructions
• sonically challenging and interesting
• learnable and masterable (even for children)
• suitable for novices (installations) and advanced electronic musicians (concerts)

The reactable hardware is based on a translucent, round multi-touch surface. A camera situated beneath the table, continuously analyzes the surface, tracking the player’s finger tips and the nature, position and orientation of physical objects that are distributed on its surface. These objects represent the components of a classic modular synthesizer, the players interact by moving these objects, changing their distance, orientation and the relation to each other. These actions directly control the topological structure and parameters of the sound synthesizer. A projector, also from underneath the table, draws dynamic animations on its surface, providing a visual feedback of the state, the activity and the main characteristics of the sounds produced by the audio synthesizer.

visit reacTable Home

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It’s almost shocking how many companies have announced controllers this year. In fact, NAMM 2007 could be labeled the Year Of The DJ Controller! The good news is that DJs around the world will have a plethora of amazing new products to take their mixing into the digital realm. However, the current rumor circulating is that NI’s product is not merely a controller, but a full-on DJ system. Stay Tuned…

Native Instruments

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