Beat Tools: MPE (MIDI Polyphonic Expression)
I’m going to ask you to do something today: spare a thought for the old keyboard. Whether at school, in the living room or at a music store, everyone at some point in their life has plopped themselves in front of one and struck a note. Intrinsically, we know how they work. On acoustic pianos […]
Gibson Southern Jumbo Review
The Gibson Southern Jumbo was introduced in 1942 as a more “deluxe” version of the J-45. Of course, the Southern Jumbo has gone through some changes since its introduction in the early 1940s. I got the chance to try Gibson’s 2020 iteration of this classic model for myself. Read below for my thoughts, and listen […]
Comparing iRig Audio Interfaces for Streaming on iOS Devices
It’s easy to “go live” with your iPhone or iPad. But to deliver pro-level audio on your livestream, you’ll need an audio interface that lets you connect microphones, instruments, or the stereo output from your mixer. IK Multimedia makes a variety of iRig audio interfaces that connect directly to the Lightning port on your iOS […]
The LinnDrum: Shaping a Generation and Beyond
The iconic LinnDrum sound revolutionized the way music was made in the 1980s. The ability to have drums-on-demand over 40 years ago was no small feat, not to mention the fact that it shaped the percussive elements and bottom of nearly every song it was used on. How did the LinnDrum come to be, and […]
Rane Seventy-Two MKII Performance DJ Mixer
The Rane Seventy-Two MKII performance DJ mixer is customization heaven. This two-channel mixer features 3 MAG FOUR faders, dual USB connections, dedicated USB ports for two Rane 12 MKII controllers, and 16 Akai MPC-style performance pads for cue points and performance. The crossfader has adjustments for reverse, contour, cut-in adjustment, and also an adjustment for […]
Pioneer DJ XDJ-700 Video Demo
The Pioneer DJ XDJ-700 is the compact footprint version of the Pioneer DJ XDJ-1000MK2 Professional DJ Multi-Player. The XDJ-700 was designed in the style of the full-size CDJ NXS 2 and matches its club layout. It also has the features and connectivity of the NXS2 series, but condensed and made more affordable. You can connect […]
PreSonus Atom SQ Review
From trackers like Renoise to DAWs like Ableton Live, Bitwig Studio, Logic and more, I believe I’ve seen/used enough tools to understand how most work. So, truth be told, I both admit to: A: Never using PreSonus’s entry into the digital audio workstation world, the Atom, three years ago, and B: Jumping at the chance […]
Rane Twelve MKII Video Demo
The followup to the already versatile Twelve DJ controller, the Rane Twelve MKII features a few major updates that make its usability even better. To start, an OLED screen displays the mode the decks are in and the BPM of the song. Run the decks in DVS mode, or in USB/MIDI and control Virtual DJ, […]
Casio CTS-200 Casiotone Demo
“A lot of music for a little cash.” Those were the words to describe the Casiotone — Casio’s revolutionary first portable keyboard — in 1980. Outfitted with built-in preset tones, full-size keys, a built-in speaker, and battery operation, it set the stage for Casiotones as they evolved over the years, eventually featuring auto-accompaniment, lessons, built-in […]
