DJ Tools

So who would use a Korg ZERO4 Live Control Mixer? ...more

Waaay back in the dark ages of the 1980s there was this new fangled thing called a sampler. Samplers were cool. You could record sound into them and play it back whenever you felt like it. ...more

DJs are a funny bunch, and many still prize the vinyl format above all others because of its familiarity and tactile feel, even though technology has now far surpassed it in almost every other respect. Even for avowed traditionalists, lugging huge crates of records around every weekend is simply not fun. ...more

Vestax has generally done a great job of making products with DJ use in mind. Dollar for dollar their mixers mostly have brilliant sound quality, and they were the first to really come up with a viable alternative to the SL1200 turntable a few years back. ...more

It's always fun to get a few new toys to play with, and during the period of putting together our 2005 Mix CD series, it was the perfect time to get three very interesting mixers to aid us. ...more

When these players first hit the market, there was no technology allowing CDs to be manipulated in the same 'hands on' manner as vinyl. ...more

DJs and producers have been able to manipulate their sound live with external effects modules for a number of years now. As a VJ I have been enviously biding my time, waiting for the arrival of a VJ tool that would enable me the same creative freedom with video. ...more

It's been quite fascinating watching the changing attitudes of DJs, particularly here in New Zealand, towards CDs and professional CD players over the past couple of years. ...more

To be perfectly honest, this is the first time I've dabbled into the world of specifically designed DJ effects units. ...more

For a considerable part of his life, 22-year-old Aucklander Gregg Harper has been enthused by hip hop culture. More commonly known around the local club circuit as 'DFORM', Gregg currently plays to capacity crowds every Saturday at Auckland's premier hip hop club 4:20. ...more

The MC-909 Groovebox is the latest in groove related products on offer from Roland, a series begun with the MC-303 four or five years back. ...more

Dform DJs for West Auckland rapper Unique and is the resident Saturday night DJ at Auckland's premier hip hop club 4:20 on K Rd. ...more

The review fairies certainly smiled on me when gear and reviewers were matched up for this issue. My penchants for things vinyl and retro pointed the Vestax Handy Trax right up my alley. Come to Daddy... ...more

Situated in the capital, where music is alive and buzzing, Topknot has been recognised as an outstanding reggae selector for some time now. A resident DJ at Radio Active over the past four years, a founding member of Sounds Almighty Aotearoa and Homebass soundsystems, Topknot has long been associated with reggae music that does not lose its roots, yet is contemporary and always fresh. "My passion for music has led me to become involved in the music industry through many means. This has led me down many interesting roads over the years, from outdoor events, to alleyways, to not so quiet beaches and into the night. The various venues have given me sound experience with a variety of mixers, and from this, I have learnt that having the appropriate mixer is one aspect that can enhance or hinder the atmosphere of an event. Getting to review three mixers is a treat, so no time was wasted. Back to my house, hook them up, away we go. Here is the uncomplicated version. " ...more

Jared McGrath was one of five Kiwi DJs to be selected for the 2001 Red Bull Music Academy in New York City. He plays a wide variety of styles, focusing mainly on downbeat, dub and dancehall, and will be soon relocating permanently from Auckland to Melbourne. ...more