Numark 5000fx Review

The Numark 5000FX is a 5-channel DJ mixer with sampling, scratching, and effects. It features high quality
analog mixing and sophisticated digital functionality in a 14´´ by 12´´ tabletop design. Ideal for club or
remix DJs, the 5000FX offers live audio and sampler scratching, plus 30 seconds of high quality sampling
with pitch adjustment and “smart loop.” Loops can be automatically synced to audio via beatkeeper technology.


Digital effects include chop, echo, delay, isolate/kill/vocal kill, distortion and sonar. An interactive
scratch/effect/pitch wheel allows responsive scratching, smooth effect transitions and precise pitch adjustment
for locking samples to the tempo of incoming music. Other slammin’ features include dual BPM meters, http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
18 seconds of audio buffering, fader start and a replaceable crossfader with adjustable slope for tight
cuts or gradual crossfades.


The flexible configuration of the 5000FX includes five channels with three phono,
nine line (three switchable to phono) and two mic inputs-including a top-mounted Neutrik jack that accommodates
both XLR and ¼´´ connectors. Each of the five channels includes independent bass, mid and treble EQ controls with
frequency kills, as well as pre-fader level meters. Outputs include XLR balanced and RCA unbalanced master, zone,
booth, record and S/PDIF digital.

All in all a great buy for anyone who loves mixing with no fuss.


- Matt Zimmer

Behringer BCD2000 Review

The BCD2000 features a full-speed USB 4-channel audio interface plus http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifhigh-resolution 24-bit A/D
and D/A converters. It perfectly complements the included BEHRINGER B-DJ software or most other
DJ software.

And don’t let the cutesy looks fool you: this is an integrated, full-fledged audio
mixer with a premium quality mic preamp, 3-band kill EQ per channel, ultra-precise faders, super-
smooth crossfader and talkover function. The BCD2000 is packed with 2 state-of-the-art phono preamplifiers, http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
one of which is switchable to a CD player.


Its sophisticated headphone section includes PFL Mix, Split
options and direct listening to master output mix. Play, Pause, Cue, Loop and Pitch Bend functions are
regulated via dedicated controls for intuitive Djing, and 4 user-assignable controls and buttons are available
for an integrated FX section. Take advantage of the enormous processing power of modern PCs and mix,
scratch and manipulate digital music in real time—regardless of the format!

- Matt Zimmer

Yamaha AW16G Review

When it comes to digital audio, Yamaha like to keep things moving, with new products being released in quick succession. The baby brother of the family,http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
the AW16G, has been designed to compete with the likes of the Korg D12 and Zoom MRS1044, although it does offer a full 16 tracks of audio.

The AW16G provides a 16-track digital recording environment, with a maximun of eight able to record at one time.
Included are two multi-effects processors, an independent stereo track for mixdown, four-band EQ and dynamics processing, a
sampler facility, and a CD-RW drive for backup or for burning audio CDs.

In comparison with the more expensive units, there are a number of obvious differences in the key features of the AW16G.
All audio is at 16-bit/44.1 kHz. The LCD display is very smooth and easy to navigate, making it a pleasure to use.

It's a great combination of specification and performance at this price. The quhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifick Loop Sampler offers extra creative options,
and without stealing recorder playback tracks.

It's possible to synchronise the AW16G with the playback of an external device such as a MIDI sequencer via MIDI Time Code or MIDI Clock.
All of these settings can be configured from within a single set of screen options accessed via the Utility button.

Technology truely has come along way since the days of the four track recorders, which would cost ten times what you will pay for the AW16G.
I find it remarkable that a whole recording studio can be packed into something the size of a pizza box!

Pioneer CDJ-350 Review

Having been familiar with the other high
end Pioneer products, I found the CDJ-350
to be right up there with the best.

For the price you’re getting a whole bunch of
extra features that are sure to make your
experience on stage or at home, more
intuitive and free flowing. One edition is
the USB input which enables you to play
multi format files from one device,
this means no more lugging around of heavy
bags loaded with hundreds of cds, and no
more worries about backing up. The folder
navigation is extremely simple and it breaks
it down into files and folders in a logical
way. You can also create and save playlists,
analyze and export your music, all to one
flash drive if that’s the way you choose to
go.


The CDJ-350′s can of course still use
ordinary cds, and as if that wasn’t enough,
they can be used as midi controllers
with your favorite software. This means that
you can make use of a huge range of extra
features provided by available mixing software.
Overall these are a great addition to the Pioneer
line-up, be it for the aspiring at home dj or
the experienced club performer.


- Mark Ackermann

Numark M2 DJ Mixer Review

Numark returns with another cost effective and stylish mixer,
the Numark M2. Delivering everything you'd expect from the brand
in one stylish package. It's a 2 channel mixer, each channel
comes standard with a 3 band eq for broad control over the
frequency ranges, and dedicated gain controls on the switchable
line/phono inputs.

Whether you require this mixer for wedding functions or for
intricate scratch mixing, this unit will do the trick. The
simplistic design with crossfader reverse and slope controls,
ensure that the Numark M2 will give you loads of opportunities
with regards to scratch.

This is a reliable and easy to use mixer at an an
affordable price point.


- Mark Ackermann

Washburn WR120 Review

The Washburn WR120 is a great entry level guitar
for anyone looking to get into guitaring. It's
light weight body and design ensure ease of play,
and the slick design is easy on the
eyes for sure.


The Washburn WR120 has a full sound
and I found that it stays in tune for ages, so no
need to sit and tune the guitar every time you use it.


- Matt Zimmer

Oscar Schmidt Ob45 Bass Guitar Review

The Oscar Schmidt Ob45 Bass Guitar is a fantastic
piece of equipment to have in the studio. Rich,
present sound with enough definition in the mid
range to keep it nice and clear in the mix.

These guitars have longevity and seem to keep on
going and going. I have also witnessed the Oscar
Schmidt Ob45 live on stage and have to say that
they sound fantastic in a live environment.


- Matt Zimmer

Stanton T50 Turntable Review

With straight tone arm for superior tracking
the Stanton T50 stands head and shoulders http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
above the rest in it's price range. 35 or 45
RPM, 2 RCA outs and switches for mix or battle
mode, ensure the Stanton gives smooth play and
reliable playback.

I found the Stanton T50 a joy to mix with and it's ease of
use translated into ease of creativity in a
shorter time span.


- Matt Zimmer

Wharfedale DM3.0 Microphone Review

The Wharfedale DM3.0 is a super cardioid dynamic microphone, designed to
handle very high levels of gain with no distortion and to minimize feedback.

I was impressed by the internal pop screen which proved to be very effective and
the solid cast zinc alloy body with shock mounting also did a great job of minimizing noise.

The Wharfedale DM3.0 is a solid mic at a great price and definitely worth checking out.

- Mark Ackermann

Sennheiser H202 Headphones Review

When it comes to headphones I want to hear the best quality that I possibly can.
The Sennheiser H202's I bought based soley on Sennheiser's reputation for uncompromising quality and attention to detail. After taking them on a global tour to perform various gigs, I have to say that I was totally blown away with the quality of these phones. They deliver a full, crisp yet pumping sound while staying soft and true to the ears.

They are comfortable to wear and are completely detachable which proves useful at the most unexpected times. I would recommend the Sennheiser H202's to any dj looking for an affordable, quality set of headphones.

- Mark Ackermann

‘So you think you can mix?’ winning DJ's

‘So you think you can mix?’ winning DJ's
After an overwhelming number of entries and a lengthy selection process the two winners of DJ equipment in this popular Cape Town competition ‘So you think you can mix?’ were chosen. Learn more about the winning DJ’s in this article.

You thought they could mix – Now see them prove it!

Mid-August saw the start of Heart 104,9FM’s “So you think you can mix” campaign. With the climax of this competition only days away, contestants are gearing up to take home the DJ equipment, supplied by Cash Crusaders. Find out more about this exciting competition in this article. You thought they could mix – Now see them prove it!