I am thrilled to introduce a brand new weekly series aimed at our campus' audio heads. For people who take music seriously - whether they're guitarists, DJs, producers, or simply avid listeners - it's all about the gear. By starting this series of reviews, I want to help bring music lovers on campus the thirst for gizmos that we seem to share in the music biz. Headphones, guitar amps, microphones, studio equipment, DJ interfaces and just about anything that turns electricity into sound will be reviewed by yours truly. And of course, with the average student's budget in mind, I will try to find devices for the frugally inclined.
Product: XDJ-Aero
Company: Pioneer
Price Tag: $1,999.99
Use: All-in-one WiFi DJ System/DJ Controller
Sync-up with Pioneer's new WiFi-enabled XDJ-Aero.
Pioneer released an innovative idea in controllers that removes much of the messy connections involved in DJing by disappearing the need for laptop-run software altogether. The XDJ-Aero is the world's first DJ system with the ability to sync with laptops, smartphones and tablets, or a combination of up to four of these devices, using its very own private wireless network. This means less time setting up and more time to settle into the party.
The XDJ-Aero can be connected normally via MIDI or HID for use with software such as Tracktion or Virtual DJ. The main feature that will soon make the systema DJ's best friend is the ability to drag songs onto the Aero wirelessly from a smartphone using Pioneer's free application, rekordbox.
If a DJ wishes to step out of the booth to get a bit closer to the crowd while on auto-mix, they have the ability to change a track right on the dance floor.
Also, with four possible devices on the wireless network, the crowd can participate by downloading the rekordbox smartphone app and loading tracks to the controller - that is, if they're given the password. The app also allows management of playlists on the go with a few tools like beatgrid adjustment to prepare for a set while blocks away from a computer.
The controller comes with a few of the common effects and filters, such as flanger, echo, trans and roll, sample launch and a new feature that turns the jog wheels into touch-sensitive sample pads. Behind this is a built-in 24-bit audio interface and a two-channel mixer thatcan be used standalone. It also has a USB port for one-button recording in .wav, and another USB port for storage device uploading.
The main buzz online about this nasty slice of DJ pie is the price tag being a bit too high. But as the first DJ controller with wireless capability, the features may seal the deal for some. It also removes the need to purchase software, which can cost well over $300. Most DJs will agree having one less step between set-up and dubstep is worth the price.
Email: arts@ubspectrum.com
