Finally got round to reviewing this thing. I've hardly been off it since I bought it two weeks ago, and I am now in a position where I can really talk about what this product does and what's good about it.
The fader curve is the main plus for me. You can set the curve for cutting so finely that it makes crabs and flares a breeze. I'd always felt inhibited with scratching, especially crabs and flares, but the fader curve has given me a lot more confidence and I'm getting a lot happier with my scratching in general.
Obviously another factor that contributes to that is the fader I am using, not the original, I am using a Pro-X fader, and it glides so smooth. The clicks when you cut are really clear and I find that really helpful when practising.
It's really easy to switch channels for hamster style scratching, without switching wires at the back. You can do this with the flick of a switch - easy!
It has your standard Treb Mid Bass levelers for each channel, 2 mic ports, 1 headphone port.
The interface is nicely spaced out, leaving room for quick cutting with any of the faders. This is a battle mixer, what it's designed for really.
Another cool feature is the balance on each channel, balance meaning the balance between the left and right speaker. This is good if you want to perform a scratch that moves from left to right, or vice versa.
It has two outputs, which I really value. It means I can play it through my speakers, while at the same time recording into MAGIX Audio cleanup on my laptop. The laptop doesn't play the sound it records so would be effectively useless without the mixer having the second output. It runs on a seperate line as well, so I can play as loud as I like through the speakers, while making sure the sound will not be too loud and therefore distorted on the recording.
Saturday, 30 May 2009
Technics 1210 MKII
Well, I managed to have a decent go on the Technics, and they are flawless. The difference in quality is just amazing. I really didn't think there would be much that could make a turntable better than another, it's just a spinning platter, but this really does make a massive difference.
I feel a lot more free with my scratching and juggling, there is no lag when releasing the record. The needles just will not skip even under high pressure scribbles. I'm using Shure M44-7 needles by the way.
I can finally see why the pros always go for Technics, so much more robust, and way more torque on the direct drive. They are a lot heavier than I expected, but this is no disadvantage as it adds to the stability.
Now I have the equipment there's no reason why I can't think about entering DMC next year, a lot of people think it's a dying art, and I'd agree. Something needs to be done to revive it and I want to contribute.
I feel a lot more free with my scratching and juggling, there is no lag when releasing the record. The needles just will not skip even under high pressure scribbles. I'm using Shure M44-7 needles by the way.
I can finally see why the pros always go for Technics, so much more robust, and way more torque on the direct drive. They are a lot heavier than I expected, but this is no disadvantage as it adds to the stability.
Now I have the equipment there's no reason why I can't think about entering DMC next year, a lot of people think it's a dying art, and I'd agree. Something needs to be done to revive it and I want to contribute.
Friday, 29 May 2009
Technics 1210's
This is it, the biggie, been waiting a long time to actually go out and do it, but today I am acquiring two Technics 1210 mkII turntables.
This will make my set complete, and I can really start to put more work into my battle DJing.
When I met Skully I was lucky enough to have a go on his turntables, exactly the same model, and the difference was incredible. Not just the quality of materials but the torque of the direct drive, the way the needles were relentless. A massive contrast to my current ION ITT03A's.
I will of course write a detailed review on them, as well as the mixer, in the future.
Peace out hip-hoppers
This will make my set complete, and I can really start to put more work into my battle DJing.
When I met Skully I was lucky enough to have a go on his turntables, exactly the same model, and the difference was incredible. Not just the quality of materials but the torque of the direct drive, the way the needles were relentless. A massive contrast to my current ION ITT03A's.
I will of course write a detailed review on them, as well as the mixer, in the future.
Peace out hip-hoppers
Sunday, 17 May 2009
New Mixer, New Joy
Indulged myself and bought a new mixer this weekend, a Vestax PMC-07, but not only that, it used to belong to DJ Skully.
I was lucky enough to go to Skully's house and have a little cut/juggle with the DMC UK Champion. It was really interesting to spend time with the guy and gain tips and tricks when making your own routine.
I am absolutely loving this mixer though, it has a Pro X-fader in it and it glides so well. It makes cutting and scratching so much easier. I'll put some photos up when I get chance.
He also gave me some vinyl, and a couple of his mix CD's so all in all a really good day. I'll review the mixer when I've had more of a chance to play with all the settings.
I was lucky enough to go to Skully's house and have a little cut/juggle with the DMC UK Champion. It was really interesting to spend time with the guy and gain tips and tricks when making your own routine.
I am absolutely loving this mixer though, it has a Pro X-fader in it and it glides so well. It makes cutting and scratching so much easier. I'll put some photos up when I get chance.
He also gave me some vinyl, and a couple of his mix CD's so all in all a really good day. I'll review the mixer when I've had more of a chance to play with all the settings.
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