The iRig Mix

Now this is getting interesting. Imagine, two iPads, or one iPhone with an iPad, or two iPhones, being used as DJ tools. Found this little snippet of information at IK Multimedia. According to their website:

iRig MIX allows DJs to use a traditional setup with two devices (one plugged into each of the independent channels) OR a single iOS device. For the single iOS device setup, the output of the single device is split into dual-mono and sent to the individual channels. Additionally – for the first time on any DJ mixer – iRig MIX can be used for mixing any type of audio source (coming from mp3 players, CD players, etc.) with an iOS device using automatic tempo matching and beat syncing. This is accomplished with X-Sync, a feature that works in combination with the DJ Rig free app from IK Multimedia that is included with iRig MIX.

Interesting isn’t it? But then again, it assumes that you have at the very least one iPad and one iPhone. Both must be loaded with MP3s to use it. I would rather have a snazzy controller hooked up to an iPad with all my tunes. I tote my IBM x61 laptop with my Hercules controller when I do gigs. If there was a controller for the iPad, I would get one. It would be so much smaller and compact!

But I suspect what I just described is just around the corner… hey, you never know nowadays!

Stereo Y-Cable

Every DJ should have this stereo Y-cable in his or her box of tools. You never know when you need it. There was once when I had to break out my trusty Android phone and download a requested song for a customer while at a party. Luckily I had one of these cables in my bag. I promptly hooked it up to my mixer, on a spare channel and plugged the stereo mini-jack into my Android phone. Played the song for the customer who was impressed that I had it. I can also use this cable to plug into my Hercules DJ controller as it has a mini-jack output. many people have iPhones these days. It can be used for instance, when a client wants to plug his or her iPhone, iPad or laptop into the system for say, music for a presentation. Being flexible will get you more clients in the future. They are not that expensive and can save your ass.

New XENYX iPad mixers from Behringer

I had to do a double-take when I saw this on Engadget. Phew. Looks like Behringer is taking this iPad integration seriously. I do not have too much info on this right now but according to the press release on the Engadget website:

Behringer Introduces Revolutionary iPad Mixers XENYX iX3242USB, iX2442USB and iX1642USB

Three Premium Small Format Mixers with iPad® Docking Station Expand the Renowned XENYX Series

January 18, 2012 Bothell, WA – Just in time for the 2012 NAMM Show, BEHRINGER unveils three small format premium mixers that directly interface with the ever-popular iPad. Drawing on the power of the most ubiquitous mobile digital device, the XENYX iX Series mixers are designed to handle live performance and provide state-of-the-art tools to create professional recordings. Users can also sync performances to video by utilizing the iPad’s video out capability.

iX1642USB
The new XENYX iX Series, which include the XENYX iX3242USB, iX2442USB and iX1642USB, feature a built-in iPad docking station designed to send signal to and from the iPad with a wide range of routing options.

The innovative feature set included in the new XENYX iX Series USB mixers makes it possible to record and mix on a professional level thanks to the built-in, stereo USB audio interface. Connect these mixers directly to a PC or Mac computer via a single USB cable to record any signal source connected to the mixer.

All iX mixers include the new dual-engine KLARK-TEKNIK FX processor with 32 editable, studio-grade presets such as reverb, chorus, flange, delay, pitch shifter and multi-effects. In addition to literally thousands of apps, the iX mixers use the iPad to control the new KLARK-TEKNIK FX Processor App, enhancing the mix by allowing the user deep control of EQ’s, compressors and reverbs and a full spectrum analyzer.

iX2442USB
The iX series mixers also feature high performance XENYX mic pre amps, which represent a major step in the evolution of audio technology. Comparable to far more expensive, stand-alone mic preamps, XENYX preamps offer a staggering 130 dB of dynamic range, with a bandwidth that extends from below 10 Hz to 200 kHz for transparent, crystal-clear performance.

XENYX mixers’ 3-band channel EQ is based on the same circuitry used in British consoles that allows users to create signals with incredible warmth and detailed musical character. Additionally, “one-knob” compression is available on all mono channels. Dial in the perfect amount of compression for instruments and vocals, creating powerful mixes with punch and clarity.

“The new XENYX iX mixers demonstrate the innovation that stems from our massive investment in Research and Development,” says Mark Wilder, VP of Marketing Communications. “These are the first of many more ground-breaking products to be announced at NAMM 2012.”

This is gonna get exciting!

Apple iPad problematic after less than a year

I bought an Apple iPad for my wife in December last year when she had to go to Japan on business. The funny thing is, the iPad only lasted less than a year before it started to go all topsy-turvy. I was very lucky that I took the advice of my friends and bought the AppleCare warranty. I would advise all of you contemplating getting Apple products to do the same. It will get you the protection you need when your device ever goes bonkers. But I am still perplexed. I mean, I paid a premium for this Apple products. How come the darn thing only lasted for less than a year before it had to be exchanged? Heck, my Dell computer is more than three years old and still ticking!

Best Buy asks HP to take their TouchPads back

Sad isn’t it. According to this article in Information Week, the HP TouchPad has not been enjoying brisk sales. It seems that they have 270,000 TouchPads in stock and only managed to sell about 25,000 of them. Looks like people are just not used to some other brand making tablets, other than Apple. HP TouchPads are using the WebOS operating system, something they modified/developed when they bought Palm some time ago. The thing is, HP is asking Best Buy to give them a chance and apparently some big-shot from HP will be going to Best Buy’s HQ to try and do the gentle art of persuasion.

Maybe it is snob appeal. People would rather buy Apple iPad tablets because, well, its Apple after all. HP slashed the price of the TouchPads and maybe people are not buying it because they hope the price will fall further. Well, with the US economy in the literal doldrums, people are checking what they spend on very carefully, and this will hurt sales. But I must say that the TouchPad looks pretty good, for the money you pay for it.