NAMM 2009 awesomeness: Akai APC40.

Yes, it’s that time of year again. As if two big technology shows last week wasn’t enough (CES and MacWorld), we not have NAMM on in Anaheim. As usual, the big brands are debuting some impressive new software and gear. Oliver has a nice little summary over here. But to borrow a bit, here’s something which blew my mind a little lot:

Behold, the Akai APC40. Not only is it Ableton specific, it’s designed in conjunction with Ableton. It was the Vestax VCM-600 which blew my mind last year, with its mixing desk-style design and metal body. But this, this is a cut above. While it looks less like a mixing desk and more like an MPD on steroids, the fact that it’s designed for Ableton is obvious straight away. Finally, an abundance of buttons for launching clips, toggling scenes etc. As well as the usual sliders and rotaries. What’s more, the controller is two-way, meaning it will display feedback from Ableton with blistering efficiency. Finally, with a nod to the digital DJ, it includes a crossfader in prime position — you know this thing wasn’t just made for the home studio.

Of course, it is bound to cost way more than a VCM-600, possible twice as much. But, by the looks of it, it could be worth it. This thing is premium.

PS. They debuted Ableton 8 … looks good.

VCM-600 lands in Australia.

Vestax formidable VCM-600 has finally landed in Australia. You might not remember, but I blogged about this thing when it first popped up at NAMM last year, then again when it surfaced on the Vestax digital DJ site.

Last I heard it had undergone some revisions to the layout (note absence of buttons next to up-faders) and no Australian release date was set.

For some reason, my original post is by far the most viewed page on this site. Hits aside, I’m still excited about this control surface because it seems to suit the Ableton enthusiast perfectly. Even better, it’s made by Vestax out of professional quality components — for example, its got a metal body and metal knobs.

Anyway, StoreDJ now have it in stock for a whopping $1700. DJ Warehouse don’t have it listed at all, and Spank have it as ‘coming soon’, for $1500 mind you. These are exciting developments.

I’m not sure if I’ll shell out now, or wait until the early-adopters report back; but I’m definitely planning on getting one unless something exceptional (and better) shows up.

Vestax finally dish on VCM and VCI goodies.

After my post months ago, featuring the new VCM-600 from Vestax which debuted at NAMM, I have been regularly checking for any sign of further info from either Vestax or retailers on this product. Finally, the the wait is over. Behold, Vestax’s PCDJ website.

A few things of note:

First, there are more products than just the VCI-100, VCI-300 and VCM-600 I was expecting. There’s the VCM-100, which is basically a mobile DJ-style console with soundcard. Notably, it lacks jog-wheels, so it would be somewhat out of place in today’s club. But I love the laptop stand it ships with — wouldn’t it be cool if this was the exact size of a technics 1200 dustcover allowing easy fitment to any analog DJ booth?

Also, there are two soundcards. The VSI-40, which is the 4in/4out soundcard I assume is inside the VCI-300 and VCM-100. There’s also the TUB-20 which is billed as a 2in/2out card, though nothing further is listed. Finally, there is a USB controller called the VAI-80. Described as a ‘USB Audio Workstation’, one can only assume it has basic soundcard and midi functionality — but what could it possibly add to the lineup? It would appear to have two-channel EQ and gain on it so perhaps it’s designed to be a replacement for both audio-interface and mixer for purely laptop DJs and producers. EDIT: check this video on the VAI-80.

Second, the site features a ‘how-to’ section for each product. While this is still under construction, no doubt the plan is to feature video tutorials a la Torq and Serato, maybe a forum will surface?

This site has got me psyched on Vestax’s products again — but, a caveat. There is still extremely little on the one product I’m most interested in: the VCM-600! While it’s apparently shipping overseas, this lack of spec etc. on the site is distressing, the chances of it making it to Australia anytime soon becoming increasingly thin.