Jazzie B, OBE

Producer honoured

Jazzie B – Soul II Soul head honcho and sound system selecta extraordinaire, has been awarded an OBE.

On 16th May, he was bestowed with the title of Officer of the British Empire from HM Queen Elizabeth, in acknowledgement of his tremendous contributions to black British culture, and his work supporting young people in music and sport.

The central figure of the pioneering Soul II Soul Sound System, which gained massive props and a cult following due their genre-fusing blend of boogie, rare groove and reggae, through the early '80s, Jazzie B led his collective to huge success when they morphed from party rocking DJ outfit to a mould breaking recording act.

Worldwide hits 'Keep on Movin'' and 'Back II Life' are forever ingrained as bonafide classics of pop mythology, and since that time Soul II Soul have tirelessly released hit albums and rocked venues and festivals alike. Garnering Soul Train and Grammy Awards, and regularly hosting the Back II Life festival in Antigua, the funki dred is smashing it – it's about time he got his props!

Ben murphy

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Band to play Go!Zilla birthday

Hugely popular underground club Go!Zilla celebrate their third birthday this Saturday 26th July at London's Cargo, and to make the party swing in fine style, they've invited the live incarnation of Andy Meecham's Emperor Machine project to play.

Previously a studio only enterprise, Meecham has constructed a three-piece band to take his cosmic, spaced-out punk-funk grooves into the live arena. Most known for his part in dancefloor damagers Chicken Lips, he's saved his most esoteric, spaced out ideas for Emperor Machine, albums 'Aimee Tallulah is Hypnotized' and 'Vertical Tones and Horizontal Noise' becoming instant cult classics. Using live guitar, bass and obscure,'70s analogue synths, he merges elements of Krautrock, disco punk, house and the peculiar electronic soundtracks of the BBC Radiophonic Workshop to mesmeric effect. On the eve of the release of their third album, this live performance should be a defining moment.

As well as Mr. Meecham's gang, Go!Zilla regular James Priestley (secretsundaze) will be spinning, fresh from his work with Will Saul's pioneering Simple Records, and there are more DJs and acts to be confirmed. Tickets are £6 before 11pm, £12 after, with NUS concessions £10. Advance tickets can be purchased from www.cargo-london.com.

Ben murphy

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LONG BEACH (November 7, 2007)—Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. Professional Sound and Visual Division, the leader in Pro DJ products and the innovator of the CD turntable, unveiled the latest addition to its family of CD turntables, the CDJ-400. The CDJ-400 combines a sampling of features found in the different levels of Pioneer’s CDJ series with the simplicity of a standard CD turntable, including USB1 integration and MP3 playback, MIDI support, scratching capability, scratch jog effect and a variety of looping functions.

“We’re making it versatile and easy to get more control of digital music mixing by developing products like the CDJ-400,” said Matt Dever, vice president for Pioneer’s Professional Sound and Visual Division. “We’ve made the player very affordable for DJs. The CDJ-400 is packed with features that are ideal for different levels of DJs, from the ‘newbies’ to the professional DJs who want to better manipulate their DJ computer software.”

USB Integration and MP3 Playback
The CDJ-400’s cosmetic design is simple and compact yet elegant with all of its various controls and features located directly on top of the unit. A USB port found on the face of the player allows DJs to play their MP3 music collection from a wide variety of portable music devices such as thumb drives, MP3 players or external hard drives. With the use of a multi-function selector knob/button and its large, bright, dot-matrix LCD display, locating and accessing of files from these types of music devices as well as MP3 music files on CD and CD-R/RW through the CD slot are done with a turn and press of the knob.

DJ Software Compatibility and MIDI Control
With more of today’s DJs utilizing different DJ software for their
performances, the CDJ-400 is also equipped with a PC mode. In this mode, the CDJ-400 is a native controller for software such as Pioneer DJS2 computer software and SERATO® Scratch LIVE3. For example, the movement of the pitch slider on the CDJ-400 can control the pitch slider on the computer software and no timecode CD is required for audio control. The player can also act as a MIDI controller where the user can assign virtually every button on the player to trigger functions of various DJ software programs.

World’s First Scratch Jog Effect
A highlight and an advancement of the CDJ-400 is its scratching capability. In addition to traditional “vinyl” mode scratching, Pioneer implemented the World’s First Scratch Jog Effect. Three highlighted buttons, each assigned to a special effect, Bubble, Trans and Wah, creates unique scratching sound effects that can be enabled by the DJ on the fly. A “hold” button was also added to retain the different effects throughout the session or until its release, which can also be triggered at any point of play.

Additional features in the CDJ-400 include:

• Digital Loop functions: A variety of loops can be created for additional audio effects.
• Beat Loop: Automatically creates four beat loop based on the beats per minute (BPM) of music currently being played.
• Loop Divide: Rhythmically divides the loop in halves to create different patterns.
• Hot Loop: Restarts the loop seamlessly from its entry without interruption of the music.
• Digital Jog Break: In CD mode the CDJ-400 contains three effects, Jet, Roll and Wah, which further enhances the audio by simply rotating the jog dial. The same buttons for the Scratch Jog Effect are assigned to the Digital Jog Break which are accessible at any point of play.
• Tempo Control: Four tempo modes, ±6%, ±10%, ±16% and WIDE4, provide additional speed control with a resolution of 0.02% in the 6% range.
• Cue/Loop Points: Up to 10 cue/loop points per disc, for up to 920 discs can be stored in memory.
• Jog Indicator: A break in the red halo illumination around the jog wheel provides instantaneous feedback to the DJ.
• Customizable Jog Wheel: The top of the jog wheel can be removed enabling the user to add their own customized image.
• Digital Output: A digital output is available for a direct connection for clearer sound to a connected mixer.
• Resume Function: The function takes effect if a CD is ejected accidentally. Once the DJ re-inserts the disc, it automatically starts playing from exactly the point where it stopped.

The CDJ-400 will be available in January 2008 with a manufacturer suggested retail price of $750.00.

www.pioneerprodj.com

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LONG BEACH (July 20, 2006) – Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. yet again takes the DJ community by storm with the introduction of its next generation DVJ turntable, the DVJ-1000. Pioneer’s DVJ-1000 video turntable combines the function, operability and layout of the CDJ-1000, the most popular digital turntable in the market, with the revolutionary visual performance capability and power of the very first video turntable, the DVJ-X1.

“Pioneer doesn’t follow the trends, it helps create them. Moving beyond audio, the DVJ-1000 enables DJ/VJs to create performances with sounds and visuals from DVD,” said Karl Detken, director of product planning for DJ products at Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc.

By incorporating the key features and controls found in Pioneer’s CDJ and DVJ products, the DVJ-1000 becomes the “must have” equipment for today’s advanced audio and video jocks. Implementation of features from Pioneer’s CDJ series, such as large jog-dial controls, enables precise control of the audio and video data, various loop, hot cues, and reverse functions. Pioneer also enhanced the video features from its first generation DVJ product by adding a one-track seamless loop to instantly loop an entire video track to a session, perfect for short visual tracks.

The advancement of the DVJ-1000 also leads to a smaller physical footprint with a 30 percent decrease in size, closer to the dimension of the CDJ-1000 turntable. The change allows the player to fit in the same application of the CDJ players making it easy for DJs to upgrade to video.

The DVJ-1000 audio features include:

- MP3 Playback from DVD-R/RW, CD-R/RW: Allows playback of MP3 files recorded onto DVD discs (record about 1,500 MP3 songs depending on bit rate and compression technology used).
- MP3 Navigator: Viewing of MP3 folder / track name on the preview screen of a monitor. Navigate the folder hierarchy, showing seven lines worth of information for quick song selection.
- Hyper Jog Mode: Increases the response of the jog-dial by four times for a quicker response on jog-dial motion for audio and video.
- 4-Beat Loop: Pressing the button while playing automatically sets a seamless four-beat loop.
- Back & Forth loop: Creates a loop repeating playback and reverse-playback in turn with the specified loop.
- 24bit/96kHz Digital Out: The audio output for DVD provides a connection to a Pioneer digital mixer (DJM-1000, DJM-800) that retains the signal path entirely in the digital domain for a cleaner sounding mix with less noise and distortion.
- Preview Monitor: A preview screen shows a range of information without the need to switch display modes, including: track number, time, track name/artist name/album title, wave display, playing address, hot cue point data and cue point data.
- Cue / Loop Point Navigator: Display memorized cue / loop point information on the preview screen of a monitor (12 points per page) for quicker navigation and callback of stored data.
- Jog Feeling Adjustment: DJs control the resistance of the jog-dial to tailor the tension jog to their liking.
- On Jog Display: The display at the center of the jog-dial allows quick viewing of rotation or current playing position similar to an analog record. Additional hash marks have been incorporated for better referencing of the playback position during scratch performance.
- Super-fast Search: Search through a track at a very high rate of speed which varies according to the rotation applied to the jog-dial by holding the search button while rotating the jog dial.
- Wave Display: The display resolution of the DVJ-X1 was doubled so the audio levels offer a higher degree of display for the track dynamics, from low to high passages.
- SD Memory Card: SD cards in addition to MMC cards can be used to store memory, cue points and wave data.
- Resume Play: A resume play feature starts the disc at the exact time a disc is ejected eliminating the need to start playback from the beginning of a disc. The feature is especially helpful when a CD is ejected accidentally.
- Legato Link Conversion Pro: Enhances the audio for a richer, more natural sound.

The DVJ-1000 will be available in September 2006 with a retail price of $2,999.

www.pioneerprodj.com

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CDJ-1000MK3 and CDJ-800MK2 refined with new features including MP3 capability

LONG BEACH (February 22, 2006) – Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. today introduced the CDJ-1000MK3 and CDJ-800MK2, a new generation of high-end digital turntables that puts more control into the hands of DJs. Step-up features include jog feel adjustments, hot looping / re-looping, improved track and wave data display and MP3 compressed audio playback, providing DJs enhanced mixing and scratching capability to sharpen their craft. Suggestions from previous generation CDJ owners were taken into account in developing the new turntables, to add better feel, precision and performance. DJs will find the Pioneer CDJ products to feel as close to a vinyl turntable with the great benefits of a digital player.
“The input we received from leading DJs who used the previous CDJ models helped in the development of the next generation products,” said Karl Detken, product planning director for DJ products for Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. “Adding MP3 playback to the CDJ-1000MK3 and the CDJ-800MK2 was a natural progression based on the growing use of MP3s. MP3 adds convenience and immediacy, making it easier for DJs to transport and access their music.”

Both new turntables will be available beginning in March 2006. Suggested price for the CDJ-1000MK3 is $1449 and the CDJ-800MK2 is $849.

CDJ-1000MK3

Club owners and DJs will appreciate the robust build of the CDJ-1000MK3, with its familiar high-quality polished look and clean layout. The new features make it easier to transport music as well as simplify cueing, looping, scratching and stretching of tracks.

- MP3 Capability – The player accepts playback of MP3 music including VBR files. A direct folder search button was added to allow DJs quick access to files within folders on an MP3 disc.
- JOG Wheel Feeling Adjust – The CDJ-1000MK3 includes a unique JOG feeling adjust letting DJs modify the resistance of the non-slip metallic jog wheel to meet individual styles. The wide tempo range (+100% to –100% with CDDA and +70% to 100% with MP3) also gives greater control.
- Multicolor Fluorescent Display - The display on the wheel was improved with a brighter, fluorescent display for quick visuals to music information. The larger cue marker and angle marks make it easier for scratch DJs to time their effects. The track display area was doubled in resolution to accommodate WAVE data and playing address details so users can see a track’s entire length at a glance.
- Hot Loop / Hot Cue Button – The player utilizes a single button to perform hot loop and hot cue storage, holding up to three loops per track. Orange and green illumination differentiate hot loop and hot cue tasks.
- Resume Play – A resume play feature starts the disc at the exact time a CD is ejected eliminating the need to start playback from the beginning of a disc. The feature is especially helpful when a CD is ejected accidentally.
- Gold RCA Connectors – Ensuring the highest level of sonic purity, the players use gold RCA connectors to minimize audio signal resistance.

The CDJ-800MK2

The CDJ-800MK2 retains the same key design themes found in many of Pioneer’s CDJ products, with a stylish new silver metallic finish and metallic buttons. It employs additional features for outstanding performance.

- MP3 Capability – The unit’s MP3 playback capability includes a “Folder Search” and “Text Mode” to provide artist name, track title and file name for quick access to music files.
- JOG Wheel Adjust - The feel of the JOG wheel is tweaked to mimic that of the CDJ-1000MK2. The jog wheel retains the non-slip metallic finish of the CDJ-1000MK3 as well as the same features on the JOG Display (brighter, larger cue point and 45° marks).
- Track Data Display – Track information through a higher resolution display is extended to show the complete track.
- Resume Play – Much like the CDJ-1000MK3, the unit resumes CD playback at the time a CD is ejected.
- Auto Beat Loop - DJs can create 1/8th beat loops with a new auto beat loop command with a quick hold of the loop-in button.

www.pioneerprodj.com

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The cover of Lars Fenin’s second album for Shitkatapult looks alarmingly like the promotional shots of Burial that came with Untrue, with a silhouetted Fenin set against a cloudy Berlin sky amidst puddles of rain. But rest assured, this is no fanboy homage, nor even particularly moody or urban. In fact, while dubstep may have played a part in shifting Fenin’s sound further away from its dub techno origins, you couldn’t say Been Through is even really a dubstep album. Dub there certainly is, but Fenin is going for more song-based electronics, something like labelmate Apparat’s Walls from last year, only more compelling and less sentimental.

Perhaps the closest sonic analogy might be late '90s post-rock of the City Slang and Soul Static Sound variety, which Fenin’s earlier Shitkatapult 12” ‘Thrill’ also hinted at. There are guitars on ‘Miles and More’, for example, and the scratchy rhythms of the single ‘A Try’ could easily find themselves on to a To Rococo Rot album. ‘Elephants’, meanwhile, is abstract pop with clear dancefloor leanings and synthy pop beats.

Been Through is occasionally tense and brooding, such as on opener ‘Dub Eraldo – Intro’, made with Italian avante garde musician Eraldo Bernocchi, which is all dub pressure pulses and wobbleboard bass, or on the closing track ‘Years Ago’, which pairs a metronomic tin beat with dense hypnotic keyboards. In between, the mood is lighter: ‘Breakin’ is almost happy sounding, lifted up by it’s infectious (or infuriating, depending on your point of view) one finger keyboard melody and shuffling percussion.

Ghanaian-born Berliner Gorbi, who provided the vocals on several early Fenin singles, also adds to the retrospective dub flavour on four tracks. Unfortunately, his vocals on the single from the album ‘A Try’ and the electro pop cut ‘Colorfields’ follow almost the same melody line in parts, which undermines the effect. Gorbi is at his best on the cover of Neil Diamond ‘Red Red Wine’, which is transformed into an electronic roots reggae cover that is thankfully closer to Tony Tribe´s rocksteady version than the UB40 hit. Robert “Scorcha” Williams almost outdoes Gorbi on his one appearance with some heavy vocals on the sound system-esque ‘Complain’, but Gorbi is again in form on the excellent ‘I Guess’ where he lets himself get lost and loose in the hypnotic percussive maze. Importantly, Fenin seems to be content not to over-process any of the vocals, leaving them vulnerable, but also steering them well away from the clichéd dub territory of too many echoes and filters.

The albums greatest quality overall is its intelligence and control. No track is overly long and yet each has its own strong melodic current and well designed structure that develops as the track goes on –many even have short, elaborate codas. These details may give Been Through a weaving flow that adds interest, but overall there is a certain restraint to the record, which combined with the absence of a single binding idea leaves the album just short of being classic electronica.

Tracklist: Fenin - Been Through

01 Dub Eraldo – Intro
02 A try
03 Breakin
04 Colourfields
05 Miles and more
06 So weit so gut
07 Complain
08 Elephants
09 Red wine
10 I guess
11 Years ago

Chris Mann

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And the big new sound of the year is…BOOZECORE.

Nôze come lurching in to the big time with their debut album release on Get Physical and it’s a cocktail of slurred vocals, jolly pianos, sloppy rhythms and maudlin sentiment. In contrast to the prevailing spring break/frat party vibe of maximal music in 2008 or the cultural studies seminar of ‘serious techno’, this album is like you, your friends, some tequila shots and the back room of a pub.

Musically the main inspiration seems to be European folk music, particularly the raucous Balkan variety and an emphasis on genuine instruments (or synthesized approximations of the same) creating loose, easy grooves.

And that looseness is one of the two things that makes Songs on the Rocks so great. This stuff is just easy to dance to because the rhythms feel human and natural not tight and constricted – the beats are somewhat backgrounded instead of imposing themselves on the songs so tracks like ‘Danse Avec Moi’ are perfect for gently bobbing around, beer in hand, as well as more committed dancefloor perambulations. Even more stripped-down beaty instrumentals like ‘Ethiopo’ have woozy brass or off-time strings to move them away from a strict rigidity into something more informal.

Have you ever danced in pajamas? That’s how Nôze feels.

The second thing that makes this great are the vocals. There’s a touch of Gilbert Becaud in the confident moments and more than a little Shane McGowan in the growly emotional ones. It sounds like nothing else around today and means that this is an album that sits quite happily on iPods as well as club systems. Then the lyrics themselves are noteworthy – a mixture of English and French that feels utterly natural for today’s polylingual EU. The songs all focus on bringing to life characters and situations like ‘Slum Girl’s rose seller, or ‘L’inconnu du placard’s Uncle Charlie which give them a fantastical hallucinatory quality.

On the negative side more than a few people are going to find the oompah-oompah groove of songs like ‘Little Bug’ erring too far on the side of cheese. But if like Uncle Charlie you wake up in the morning and have a glass of wine it’s unlikely you’ll feel that way.

Songs on the Rocks is genuinely that reviewer cliché – “a breath of fresh air” (although perhaps “a breath of smoky whisky-flavoured air” might be more accurate). There’s a distinctive and well-realised vision here and it’s a vision that’s both original and more importantly incredibly fun. I’ve got no doubt that Noze’s piano sound, best known on ‘Remember Love’, will soon get ripped off ad nauseam by far lesser artists but that’s just the surface sheen. The ideas that lie below the execution are what makes this shine out as something special.

The album also contains a new contender for anthem status, and a worthy successor to ‘Remember Love’ in ‘You Have to Dance’ (which M.A.N.D.Y. are already closing their sets with). It has a whistles, a reggae-like offbeat stab and most importantly the lyric “You have to dance, you have to dance, you have to dance on this and think about your death / you have to drink, you have to drink, you have to drink all night to remember that you’re alive’. And if that’s not a statement of intent I don’t know what is…

There’s justifiable buzz around this and a strong chance that it will cross over to a more general audience. And even if it doesn’t, everyone should have a place in their collection for an album that straddles pop and techno and that can get the (house) party started even if your guests normally hate electronic music.

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MUCHOS TURNTABLES
NUMBER OF MICROPHONES UNKNOWN

As it celebrates 20 years of chronicling U.S. DJ Culture, DJ Times magazine kicked off its 2008 America's Best DJ contest on March 25th at Miami's Winter Music Conference by announcing this year's top 100 nominees.

Now entering its third year, America's Best DJ (ABDJ) stands to solidify itself as the pre-eminent DJ & nightlife culture-branding event in the nation. Inaugurated in 2006, this exciting prize-packed promotion supports the growth of US DJ & nightlife culture by encouraging dance music fans to get involved and promote their favourite US-based DJ. Previous ABDJ winners include New York club king Jonathan Peters (2006) and Miami trance master George Acosta (2007). A tour, which will culminate with a closing ceremony in Las Vegas, will include 40 events that will entertain over 100,000 dance music fans throughout the United States.

Over the past two summers, participating fans chose from a panel of America's Top 100 DJs (nominated by the staff of DJ Times), casting votes both online at www.americasbestdj.net and in-person at the 40 tour stops featuring showcased nominees at some of America's top club venues.

"We believe that America's Best DJ - the contest and the tour - will continue to bring visibility for DJ culture and strengthen its lasting foundation in the US," says DJ Times Editor, Jim Tremayne.

For the full list of 2008 America's Best DJ nominees and more information on the America's Best DJ 2008 Summer Tour including tour cities dates and participating nominees, log on to www.americasbestdj.net. Voting for the 2008 contest begins May 1.

America's Best DJ 2008 Summer Tour
April 30 - Philadelphia, PA - Fluid - Josh Wink
May 10 - Tampa, FL - Hyde Park Cafe - Adultnapper
May 10 - Columbus, OH - BoMa (Bar Of Modern Art) - Filo & Peri
May 17 - Atlantic City, NJ - The Mixx/Borgata Hotel & Casino - Roonie G
May 24 - Detroit, MI - Detroit Electronic Music Festival - Moby
May 25 - Columbus, OH - BoMa (Bar Of Modern Art - Micro
May 25 - Detroit, MI - Detroit Electronic Music Festival - Carl Craig
May 26 - Detroit, MI - Detroit Electronic Music Festival - Dubfire
May 31 - Boston, MA - Underbar - Joe Bermudez
June 5 - New York, NY - S.O.B.'s - DJ Rekha
June 14 - Los Angeles, CA - Avalon - Miguel Migs
June 20 - Austin, TX - Sky Lounge - Chris Fortier
July 4 - Las Vegas, NV - The Palms Hotel & Casino - DJ Skribble
July 5 - Las Vegas, NV - Empire Ballroom - Sandra Collins
July 12 - New York, NY - Sullivan Room - Steve Porter
July 12 - Atlantic City, NJ - Harrah's Hotel & Casino - Dennis Ferrer
July 19 - Hampton Bays, NY - Neptune's Beach Club - DJ Theo
September 6 - Las Vegas, NV - Empire Ballroom - Closing party (tba)

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Police have said that no-one will be prosecuted over the death of former Radio 1 DJ Kevin Greening.

A post mortem found that Greening, 44, died from a drug overdose in December, at a time when he had been a presenter on London's Smooth Radio.

A 51-year-old man was arrested at the DJ's London flat and cautioned for drug possession but no further charges will be brought, the BBC has reported.

A police spokesman is quoted as saying: "We can confirm that, following consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service, no charges will be brought regarding responsibility for the death of Kevin Greening.

"A 51-year-old man who was arrested at the time has been cautioned for possession of Class A substances - cocaine and ecstasy - and a Class C substance, cannabis."

Greening was found dead in his Wandsworth flat on December 29th.

An inquest into his death is now due to take place at Westminster's crown court on June 3rd.

www.inthenews.co.uk

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After successfully stimulating the resurgence of affordable hi-fi in recent years, Cambridge Audio has now introduced a turntable to complement its range. The TT50 has been developed in partnership with respected turntable manufacturer Pro-Ject using some key Cambridge Audio innovations to produce outstanding vinyl reproduction at the price. The TT50 will set any record collection free.

The foundation of the TT50’s excellence is its elastomer coated acrylic platter. Developed at Cambridge Audio’s research and development headquarters, this design carefully controls resonance and provides matched acoustic impedance to the vinyl record for maximum detail retrieval. The elastomer paint also allows the platter to ‘grip’ the weighted sub platter which provides the necessary inertia to both provide rock solid timing and act against the forces at the stylus/record interface for retrieval of deep bass. As the platter has an elastomer coating there is no need for the more common felt mat and so any unnecessary influence is reduced.

Cambridge Audio’s proprietary arm and head shell are cast as one piece of precision aluminium, intrinsically reducing resonance with fewer parts involved. The fitted Audio Technica AT95E is a classic design high-specification half-inch mount moving magnet cartridge chosen by Cambridge Audio after extended auditioning as it offers a synergistic clear, dynamic and richly balanced sound.

The TT50 benefits from a magnetic anti-skating bias adjustment which applies a non-contact force to the arm counteracting the natural force applied by the record as the stylus is forced towards the centre of the spiraling groove. Anti-skate also ensures that the average pressure on both sides of the stylus is equal ensuring best stereo separation and tracking ability.

The one speed motor is optimized for both 33 and 45rpm respectively by moving the belt between two pulleys. The motor is isolated to float freely, minimizing vibration as well as producing a more coherent sound.

High quality gold phono/RCA connections are used in the TT50 for the best possible signal transfer and to allow choice of interconnect, without the usual compromised captive arm lead.

The TT50’s chassis is made from MDF with a high gloss finish applied and affords control of noise and resonance, something which is further underpinned by the simple but effective acoustic isolation feet. The TT50 is designed to work with Cambridge Audio’s existing range of products including amplifiers and well regarded phono stages such as the Azur 640P but of course other phono stages and cartridges can be used and the manual gives full details on cartridge replacement, alignment and set-up and includes a protractor to make this process relatively simple. All this gives a firm basis for outstanding playback from a treasured but perhaps underused LP collection!

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In this day of MP3s, turntables have been given a modern update to keep up with the times while retaining that aura from the past. The Vestax Guber CM-02 USB Turntable is drop dead gorgeous, allowing you to convert all your old favorites from vinyl into MP3 format if you haven't yet done so already. There is something about the glossy iPod-white color that graces the CM-02 which makes it all the more desirable. Prices vary from $233 to $499 depending on which side of the pond you're at, so do the smart thing and look it up online for the best deals.

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Turntable Features Direct Recording to iPod or Computer

Cumberland, R.I. (Jan. 16, 2008) – Numark, the world’s leading manufacturer of products for the DJ market, announces the TTi turntable. This new turntable includes a Universal Dock for iPod, USB audio interface, a metal platter and pitch control, making it one of the most versatile turntables ever produced.

Legendary Numark turntable performance, USB connectivity and the convenience of the iPod are fused together for the first time in the Numark TTi so users can easily transfer old vinyl collections to an iPod. The included software bundle archives records directly to the user’s iTunes Library for transfer to CD or any MP3 player. The software also reduces noisy pops and clicks inherent on some old vinyl recordings.


Owners of iPod (Classic or 5th generation) and iPod nano (2nd or 3rd generation) can record from vinyl directly to an iPod without a computer. People with other iPod models can transfer captured vinyl recordings to their iPod by using iTunes to transfer the tracks after recording.

TTi's integrated Line-level output allows quick, easy connection and instant playback from an iPod or vinyl record. Included ±10 percent pitch control enables adjustment of playback speed. 33 and 45 RPM playback speeds are supported, and 78 RPM recording is possible using the included software. Line-level outputs also enable easy connection to home AV Receivers, without the need for a Phono input on the receiver, making TTi a great match for home stereo setups or a home office.

The TTi includes EZ Vinyl Converter 2 (PC) and EZ Audio Converter (Mac), the simplest way to record and convert vinyl directly to iTunes. This amazing new software features Gracenote® MusicID technology, which analyzes your vinyl recordings and automatically retrieves album, artist and song information from the Internet. EZ Audio Converter also enables easy entering of track information.
EZ Vinyl Converter 2 and EZ Audio Converter software help anyone digitally archive their record collection with just a few mouse clicks.

Numark’s TTi turntable will be available Q2 - 2008 from most musical instrument retailers with an MSRP of $449.

www.numark.com

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You've got to hand it to Sony -- they've got their sticky mitts in everything, as their newfangled $149.99 PS-LX300USB turntable illustrates. As you might guess (or not) from the model number, this sucker includes a USB connection that lets you transform all of your old Duran Duran, Tangerine Dream and Ozzy LPs into the pristine digital domain. Never mind that analog purists decry the act of converting lush, warm analog fuzziness into brittle, thin and unsatisfying digital audio... that's a battle to be fought another day.

The Sony staffers were obviously at a loss while writing ad copy for this thing, remarking that "the PS-LX300USB USB turntable is also a fully functional turntable that can connect to your current system and playback your vinyl albums..." Uhh, yeah. It offers all the usual home turntable capabilities - a 33/45 RPM belt-driven platter, semi-automatic operation, early 1990s styling, and stereo analog outputs with old-school "greater than 50 dB signal to noise ratio."

Features

Do you still have some classic vinyl? Would you like to transfer those albums to your PC, Walkman® music player or even your iPod® music player? Well now you can bring those albums into the digital world with the PS-LX300USB USB stereo turntable from Sony. Using the USB connection, you can import all that music into your computer and create MP3 files to store on a PC or bring along with you on your favorite portable player. The supplied Audio Studio software makes it easy for you to archive your music from vinyl, optimize the sound, and store it on your PC. The PS-LX300USB USB turntable is also a fully functional turntable that can connect to your current system and playback your classic vinyl albums.

USB Audio output

33 1/3 and 45 rpm Record Playback

Belt Drive System

Supplied Dust Cover

Built In Phono Preamp

No Phono Input Required on Connecting Device

RCA Type Output Jacks L/R

Signal to Noise Ratio

>50dB

Wow and Flutter

<0.25%>

EQ Switch for Non-Phono Input Devices

Fully Automatic Operation

Product Specifications

Weights and Measurements

• Weight (Approx.) : 6 lbs. (2.7 kg)


• Dimensions (Approx.) : 15.7" x 3.9" x 13.5" (420 x 100 x 342mm)

Inputs and Outputs

• RCA Audio Output(s) : 1 (Rear)

Audio

• Signal-to-Noise Ratio : 50dB


• Wow and Flutter : 0.25% (WRMS)


• Audio Recording/Playback System : 33 1/3 and 45 rpm Record Playback

Accessories Supplied

• Dust Cover

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