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Gemini FirstMix for budding DJs (hands-on)

Young and broke. That pretty much sums up the DJ chapter in my life. Aside from the handful of celebrity DJs out there, most of us start out with only a few bucks, a love of music, and the goal of someday playing an unforgettable party.

It is with these humble roots in mind that Gemini created the FirstMix. A combination of USB hardware and cross-platform software, the $99 FirstMix system gives newbies an inexpensive entry point into DJ stardom.

As DJ rigs go, there isn't much to it. The hardware is a plastic slab with a toy-like feel, a crossfader, some knobs, and two jog wheel controls dressed up like little virtual turntables. The overall feel is about what you'd expect for the price. The sensitivity and responsiveness of the controls is impressive, though. … Read more

Be a mobile DJ and play that level again: iPhone apps of the week

As we draw closer to the release of the iPad 2, the Apple rumor sites are heating up, with the usual speculation and research into hidden clues about what the new device will be like. Rumors about faster processor speed and front- and rear-facing cameras have been out there for a while, but an article over at AppleInsider breaks down what types of the iPad 2 Apple is banking on selling most.

The first iPad came in Wi-Fi-only and 3G/Wi-Fi varieties. But with the introduction of iOS devices to Verizon, Apple has needed to make some adjustments to the hardware to make sure it works on all carriers.

According to the article, Apple is expected to offer three variations of the iPad 2: a Wi-Fi only version, a GSM/UMTS version for AT&T, and a CDMA/EV-DO version for Verizon.

AppleInsider reports that Apple is producing more of the 3G-enabled models than the others and concludes that the company thinks most people will opt for the 3G version over just Wi-Fi.

It's tough to say what Apple is really planning, but if you were going to buy an iPad 2 at launch, which variation would you buy? Let me know in the comments.

This week's apps include an app that lets you bring two turntables anywhere and a platform game that's so difficult you can't stop playing.… Read more

Mix it up with Virtual DJ

Digital disc spinning has skyrocketed in popularity over the past five years and it's no wonder why. Compared with a full vinyl setup with all the hardware and physical media that requires, an MP3-based mixing station is extremely simple and cheap. There's even free software to get you started, and one of the most popular programs available is Virtual DJ.

Read the full Virtual DJ review.

Mix up digital tunes

Digital deejaying has skyrocketed in popularity over the past five years and it's no wonder why. Compared to a full vinyl setup with all the hardware and physical media it requires, an MP3-based mixing station is extremely simple and cheap. There's even free software to get you started, and one of the most popular programs available is Virtual DJ.

Virtual DJ is often packaged with USB-based hardware mixing consoles from the likes of Hercules and Numark, and, in fact, if you really want to delve into the full array of features, such devices are going to be a … Read more

The 404 649: Where we're too 'Loaded' to start on time (podcast)

Jeff's filling in for Natali Del Conte and "getting Loaded" all week while she's away on maternity leave, so our sincerest apologies to live listeners for this morning's late start.

Luckily, close fran (friend/fan) of The 404 Rana Sobhany drops by for a surprise visit to make up for lost time and tell us all about her new project as an iPad DJ and producer!

We've had Rana on the show before (who could forget the infamous Valentine's date episode?) so we know all about her professional endeavors, but we had no … Read more

Crave 13: Gundam vs. Wolverphant (podcast)

This week, Crave branches out onto our friendly neighborhood tech blogs to bring you a super fantastique, ultra huge, raver-friendly digital turntable thingie...and a bottle opener. Don't be too let down by that second one: it's over-priced and attaches to your bike, so it still has some cache. Also, Donald and Eric get extremely excited over a glorified statue, an electric Datsun leaves a Nissan GT-R in the dust, and a giant robot arm is put to good use. Plus, Jasmine squeals over an elephant with some monstrous dental work, and we take a look at a camera lens cleavage coffee mug.

Subscribe in iTunes SD Video |  Subscribe in RSS SD Video… Read more

Djay app lets you spin iTunes from your iPhone

Algoriddim's Djay is a $49.95 Mac application that lets you spin your iTunes library in a virtual two-turntable setup.

Djay's interface stays fairly faithful to the old-school turntablist tradition, with a crossfader, cue points (which let you mark a record at specific spots so you can move the stylus to the desired part of a song), and virtual "scratching," enabled by dragging your cursor across the vinyl on the screen. At the same time, Djay offers digital conveniences such as automatic beat matching and tempo synchronization. In addition, its Automix feature creates a mix on … Read more

Conduct dance party from iPhone with iHolophone

Amidio creates surprisingly powerful music apps for the iPhone--I've been particularly impressed with Touch DJ, a two-track mixer with effects and beat-matching, and Star Guitar, which is useful for guitar-based songwriters to sketch ideas when they're away from their instrument.

Last week, the company released a new app, iHolophone, which lets you play live melodies over pre-programmed beats. The app ships with 40 "scenes," which are pre-programmed combinations of instrument sounds (you get two at a time, from a choice of 60) and sequenced beats.

You control the melodies by moving your thumbs around two glowing … Read more

The 404 564: Where we're DJing a Broadway musical (podcast)

Last night marked the New York premiere of Green Day's new musical "American Idiot," and no one is happier about a full choir performing "Time of Your Life" than The 404 Podcast. The three of us have mixed feelings, however, about some of the other "alternative musicals" that are popping up. Does the world really need a Broadway show based on a Web-slinging base jumper, or worse--a Harvard-grad prosecutor with daddy's credit card?

Contrary to the title of today's episode, you can't hire us to DJ your next party just yet, but we might know someone who can help you out. Our buddy Rana Sobhany is making headlines as the first DJ with only two iPads and a mixer in tow. Using a collection of free (or very cheap) programs likePianist Pro, Sonosaurus Rex, iDaft, and more, Rana proves that you can throw a fun party for under $2K without assistance from Serato or even actual turntables.

We have to bow our heads to Apple for raising the bar once again, this time with the purchasing of concert tickets. The company recently filed a patent for a virtual ticket kiosk running on iTunes and Apple hardware like the iPhone or iPad. The diagrams show a concept that would extend beyond just buying tickets, too. For example, an app could be used to purchase food, merchandise, and even exclusive audio content with an electronic ticket on a handset.

Most importantly, the patent lifts our spirits knowing that we'll finally have an alternative to Ticketmaster, which could potentially drive down ticket costs. At the very least, we won't have to swallow that awful "processing fee" that sometimes ends up costing more than the ticket itself!

The well of Calls and E-mails From the Public is running pretty dry this week, which means you listeners aren't doing your job! Leave a voice mail at 1-866-404-CNET or e-mail the404(at)cnet{dot}com to get on the show!

EPISODE 564 Subscribe in iTunes audio | Suscribe to iTunes (video) | Subscribe in RSS Audio | Subscribe in RSS Video… Read more