The XP10 is a controller for digital DJs, with a “high precision” wheel for cueing and scratching similar to those found on many scratchable DJ CD players. Coupled with the included Bison software for your computer, it can act as a DJ mixer for MP3s, with OGG support in the works. (Currently, the software only […]

While we’re on the subject of scratch controllers, I love my Mixman DM2 USB controller. I use it on Windows to control VJ applications (and occasionally scratch audio samples in performance, too). After all, why should the DJs get to have all of the fun? The ring doesn’t feel terrific exactly — sure, I’d love […]

Missing in action: The PSmaX Max patch / standalone app for translating PlayStation controls into MIDI. I’m investigating what’s happened to this file; stay tuned. If you have any information about the whereabouts of this terrific tool, please drop me a line.

CDM’s report on spinning tech continues . . . New York David Ellis doesn’t treat turntables the way some of us do. His turntables get wired to custom electronics, installed in tree trunks, and shown in galleries: Opening at Feigan Contemporary [Single-eYe-twiligghT; scroll down] All of this is possible through the magic of Ms. Pinky, […]

On the CDM Grubby Hands Radar, we’re able to track what new stuff is getting into people’s hands. I mean, I know how much you guys enjoy reading the Harmony Central press release, but if you like using the stuff even better, we want to know when that box will arrive. SONAR 5, the latest […]

Theremin fans, there’s no reason to sit at home with dusty records with plenty of new Theremin performance to hear: Singapore’s Sheuh-li in Texas Our friend Sheuh-li, Singapore’s grand diva of the Theremin, writes us to say her Xenovibes show has its last Texas performance Saturday October 1. (Flyer after the break or see her […]

CDM has a special monthly feature in Computer Music, written by yours truly, “downsampling” the contents of the site into thematic subjects. Online, I’ll monthly post a companion piece full of links — get the coffee! -PK The theme of Downsampled #3 for Computer Music was one dear to my heart: building your own custom […]

Well, if you were depressed to hear that, despite supporting great, original music and being a terrific place for a composer to work, Cyan was shutting doors, you’ll appreciate this news. Cyan is not dead yet says Dean Takahashi in a Mercury News blog. (See Brent’s interview earlier this week with Musical Man of Myst-ery, […]

Okay, music lovers. I’m readying a report on the major subscription services for Windows users. (Napster, Yahoo! Unlimited, Rhapsody) The concept is terrific, and much as I love iTunes and the iPod, the ability to have unfettered free access to music is great. Unfortunately, the service I really love is Yahoo, because of its player’s […]

The line between hardware and software is still, let’s face it, confusing and inconvenient. On one hand, you’ve got your hardware control surface keyboards that work well with software, but without booting your software they don’t make any sound. Worse, you often have to manually assign knobs and faders to your software synth. On the […]