Ad: Manage updates with the Download App

dj

Up close with the Stanton T.90 USB turntable

My review of the Stanton T.90 USB turntable has officially posted on CNET.com, and unfortunately it's time to send the T.90 back. I'll be sad to see it go, but honestly, I'm happy to have some desk space again. It's a very fun turntable, and it surpassed my expectations (though I still want a Numark TTX). When all is said and done, the best thing I gained from this review was the opportunity to archive some of my vinyl collection. I even went the extra step and added album cover art into iTunes. … Read more

Stanton announces battle-worthy USB turntable

Turntable manufacturer Stanton recently announced its new T.90 high-torque turntable with built-in USB and S/PDIF digital outputs. Even if you're not an aspiring DJ scratch battle champion, the ability to record your vinyl collection directly into a computer is big convenience. While USB-capable turntables such as the Numark TTUSB have been around for a while, the Stanton T.90 is the first to include features that today's DJ really want, namely digital key locking (the ability to change a song's tempo without changing pitch) and a high-torque direct drive motor that puts an unholy amount … Read more

Start-ups in the city: SFBeta mixer

Webware is a media sponsor of the SFBeta mixer that's on tonight. I'm looking forward to finding some new companies there to cover. Most of the official presenting companies are not new to Webware, so I'm hoping that somewhere in the crowd I'll find the CEO of some tiny, unknown, and very cool start-up. Wish me luck.

The official presenters get demo table space, but there's a changeover halfway through the evening since there are more presenters than tables available. With any luck, there will be a CEO stare-down--or worse!--when the first shift of … Read more

SpotDJ lets users spin tales

Bridging the gap between podcasting and music discovery is SpotDJ, a Web service and iTunes plug-in (download SpotDJ for Windows or Mac) that lets listeners record audio clips, or "spots," about their favorite songs or musical artists.

The site has the grassroots appeal of letting amateur DJs like Greg expound upon the libertarianism of Oingo Boingo while also providing inside information from artists themselves, from The Donnas to Taylor Hicks. I recently was lucky enough to be given a tour of the service by CEO and co-founder Kevin Barenblat.

Essentially, SpotDJ analyzes your iTunes or iPod playlists and … Read more

Sony Muteki DIY DJ systems

Sony unveiled new Muteki do-it-yourself DJ systems that will be available from SonyStyle.com and Sony retail stores.

Sony said in its press release that the Muteki is "perfect for getting any party started," but then particularly adds that it has created the Muteki with the "Latin culture" in mind. The Muteki systems also include a "festive companion for Hispanic fiestas like quinceaneras and Cinco de Mayo."

Why does Sony particularly point out that the Muteki is good for the "Latin culture?" What about all the sweet sixteen parties, block parties, barn … Read more

Annoy the world with this iPod case

Few cottage industries are as hyperactive as the iPod case business. And when you combine one with the irresistible urge for people to make public fools of themselves with their music, you may have a winner on your hands.

The "Blue Beatz" case may have found this unfortunate sweet spot with a protective shell that doubles as an amateur DJ device. As Chip Chick says, you can mix multiple tunes to play simultaneously for some undefined reason.

We speculate that this "feature" was really a mistake that the manufacturer is trying to turn into a marketing … Read more

A laptop for your DJ fantasies

This is one of those products that can either be really hot or really stupid, depending on how it's being used and by whom. We sadly think we'd fall into the latter category, so Fujitsu's "Turn Table PC" will probably remain a concept for us even if it does go into production as promised in the next couple of years.

Still, we can look, can't we? The laptop's unique design, as described by OhGizmo, features a cover that doubles as a touch-sensitive LCD panel that allows you to control your MP3 player. The … Read more