Details have leaked out about a prototype Numark DJ mixer that can
mix two iPods. I know what you're thinking: Wow, what a scoop! Where
are the lawyers? Is it a fake?
In fact, in a gesture of spectacularly poor industrial secrecy, it
seems Numark showed off an early prototype at the Musikmesse show in
Frankfurt. (see the discussion
at skratchworx that was the source of the 'rumor'; via engadget) Later in the show, head honchos asked that visitors not
take photos, but not earlier in the show; hence we have a couple of
images from German hip hop site WebBeatz.
- Prototype rendering shows some fascinating features, at least in concept, like integrated iPod controls and scratchpad, and a gorgeous design
- Photo of the shown prototype shows the Pods would connect via the dock connector, but the prototype looks to be visual only / non-working
So, what's the mixer itself? It's not clear: it's an early prototype. In one of the photos of the actual prototype, the iPods aren't even plugged in.
Conceptually, though, the idea is interesting, and aside from allowing
basic DJ mixing and crossfading, a buffer could grab audio from the
audio for brief scratching. Apparently pitch control is possible, too,
though limited, and it's not clear how they might fix iPod cueing; in
other words, all the normal limitations of the iPod for DJing apply.
Don't expect this to ship any time soon.
We'll continue to follow this story, including a check-in by CDM's resident DJ, DJ Eldorado.
In the meantime, people continue partying with their iPods, special mixer or no — more Playlist parties in London and Philly are slated for this month.
UPDATE:
Bored by iPod DJing? Check out the opposite end of the spectrum:
Numark's sick new 5-channel digital/analog/sampler hybrid, the
monstrous 5000FX.
Rather use a computer? The new Xone:3D, integrating mixer, control surface with scratching, and audio, might be more up your alley. (More up mine!)
And check out some ideas about how you might use this prototype, if built
New to CDM? We regularly cover everything in digital music making from DJing to far-out interactive technology. Related stories include:
- Diaries of a Digital DJ: Getting Started
- London-based Playlist iPod/Music Player DJing party — interview with Johnny Rocket, behind-the-scenes / Philly party details
- DJ Sasha's custom MAVEN controller, and speculation that it might be based on an open DIY project
- Full coverage of the Winter Music Conference in Miami, including thoughts on going digital and converting from vinyl