Korg’s KAOSS PAD

Korg’s KAOSS PAD dynamic effect/controller allows realtime control over digital effect processing for any audio source. The X-Y pad design controls the way effects are applied by modifying separate parameters horizontally and vertically. Instead of using knobs or sliders, the user scrapes or taps the X-Y pad to control the effect sound. The KAOSS pad offers 60 effect programs and a sampling function that allows the unit to sample a five-second external audio source and then apply effects to it using the pad. The MIC IN jack allows voices to be sampled, as well. The unit can also be used as a MIDI controller for synthesizers, samplers, effects and other external devices on stage or in the studio.

A new line of phono cartridges from Shure includes one new design and three revived classic models. According to Shure, the M44-7, a battle needle, is designed for tracking forces of 1.5 to 3.0 grams. The M44G, on the other hand, is for showcasing, and maintains a balance between skip-resistance and accurate sound reproduction. Both the M44-7 and the M44G use Shure’s Type S cantilever design. The newly-designed M35S cartridge is made for mixing applications, which tracks at 3 to 5 grams. It uses Shure’s Type 1 cantilever design. All four models have a flat frequency response between 20 and 20,000 Hz.

A Digital Audio Mastering Editor for MacOS, Spark from TC Works represents a new approach to stereo-based audio editing, real-time processing, and mastering, according to the company. The editor includes a Browser window, Wave editing capabilities, and project file management. The Browser View is used to edit a file or build a play list, while the Master View displays Master Faders with PPM level meters, a phase correlation meter and built-in dithering, and a real-time "FXmachine" with routing capabilities. Spark includes TC Native CL, a VST-compatible single-band compressor and limiter plug-in. Spark’s time stretch processing can be performed in real-time without affecting the pitch. Other functions include an info line for seeing sample rate, bit depth, zoom factor, and time correction; a tool box for monitoring, scrubbing, drawing, and editing a waveform on the sample level; and processing functions such as normalize, reverse, fade, crossfade, time stretch and pitch correction.

High End Systems has introduced its Powerline range of automated lighting products. Geared for club installations and mobile DJ setups, the range includes: the Power Scan 150 automated luminaire; the Power Scan 150R automated luminaire with rotating gobos; the Power Star 150 effects luminaire; the Power Color 150 color changer; the Power Flash 50 strobe; the Power Haze 100 DMX hazer; the Power Fog F50 DMX fogger; and the Power Cue 256-channel DMX lighting controller.

The UX Series of UHF wireless microphone systems from Gemini Sound Products is designed for DJs and musicians, as well as for broadcast and touring sound applications. Three receivers are available in the series: the single channel UX-801, the true diversity UX-810, and the UX-820 dual channel. All three models offer auto-mute circuitry that reduce noise and popping while out of range, plus Auto Frequency level control and adjustable squelch control. The dual channel unit includes two ¼-inch output jacks, while the 801 and 810 each have one. The UX Series includes a choice of three belt-pack transmitters: the UB-82L with lavalier mic, the UB-82H with lightweight headset mic, and the UB-82G for electric instruments. The UH-82M handheld transmitter rounds out the line.

The Opti-Colour programmable lighting source from MAD Lighting has been designed to illuminate glass and polymer fiber optics. Programmable from an on-board controller or an independent light desk, the unit offers 11 main colors and 33 color shades via two color shifters. The optic system is fitted with an infrared and ultra-violet filter unit for maximum protection while an integral cooling filter ensures low operating temperatures.

Roland’s new DJ-2000 mixer marks the company’s first foray into the DJ-style mixer market. The four-channel mixer offers BPM counting and MIDI capability, plus built-in effects based on the company’s digital signal processing technology. In addition to basic EQ channel controls, the mixer has an onboard three-band "Isolator" that can boost or cut low, mid or high frequencies up to 12 dB. Isolator EQ settings can be triggered on the fly using the unit’s Grab switch. The DJ-2000 can be used for syncing and mixing music from turntables and CDs to any MIDI Clock-compatible devices. It can also start and stop these devices for live performance control. Connections include five pairs of stereo RCA-type Line inputs, three pairs of RCA-type phono inputs, two dedicated mic inputs, stereo ¼-inch effects loop jacks, RCA-type sampler outputs and ¼-inch and RCA-type master outputs.

Catch Some ZZZs

Rane Corporation has updated its X Active Crossfader mixers with three new Z versions. The MP 24z no loss crossfader offers unity gain in the middle. The MP 22z offers contour control on the crossfader, with a choice of conventional crossfade, overlap, tight scratch or settings in-between. MM 8z also has contour control, adding Pre and Post assignments on channels 1 and 4. The user can bypass the crossfader to add drumbeats and samples, or add another mixer without affecting the crossfader signal.

Lyte Quest, distributed by Gemini, has introduced a number of new lighting effects, including the Kamala LQ-225. This triple-derby, multi-colored beam effect is sound-activated with sensitivity control. The LQ-105 Mini Pinhead and the LQ-110 Mini Apollo each have a reversible, 360-degree rotating ball. The Mini Pinhead offers a white light effect while the Mini Apollo has 60 multi-colored beams. The fan-cooled L-123 Super Twister has 19 multi-colored lenses, a 38 multi-colored beam effect and is sound activated with sensitivity control.

American DJ Audio has introduced the Q-2221 Q-Deck mixer, a professional preamp scratch mixer with "fader cue start." Designed for use with the company’s DCD-PRO300 and DCD-PRO400 dual CD players, the mixer’s Fader "Q" Start function lets you crossfade directly to a pre-programmed cue point on a compact disc. Ten different cue points can be programmed on one disc. The Q-Deck includes a replaceable Alps Feature Fader, a Fader Curve Switch, separate gain controls for each channel, two headphone inputs and soft touch rubber knobs. The Q-221 is the first in American DJ’s series of professional preamp scratch mixers.