This year at NAMM, Casio announced two new pieces of DJ hardware for the Digital DJ era:
Trackformer XW-DJ1 DJ Controller and XW-PD1 Groove Center.
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| Photo by Adymus |
XW–DJ1 DJ Controller
The XW-DJ1’s interface has a very unique symmetrical ‘Millennium Falcon’ shaped design that includes a 7-inch scratch for an old-school turntable look and feel, with filter controls and cross faders to get you started mixing and scratching on the fly.
The Controller is compatible with Algoriddim's djay2 apps for iTunes, which were chosen as an Apple Design Award winner. It also works with the most popular DJ and VJ Apps, can play music directly from your iPad, and can even stream it from Spotify which allows you to mix any of your favorite music and videos, apply FX, and record in real-time.
With Casio’s XW-DJ1 DJ Controller you can perform classic turntablist DJ styles when mixing and creating tracks. The symmetrical design and Left of Right scratch modes accommodates both Left and Right Handed people, allowing you to simply flip the console over and scratch in whatever way makes you comfortable.
The XW-DJ1 integration with djay2 allows real-time controls for cue points, tempo sync, effects, extendable and divisible looping and more allowing fully aesthetic DJ experience all in one convenient piece of hardware. The XW-DJ1 is designed to be portable, which is why in addition to the standard connections like power supply, USB, and audio out, it includes built in speakers and can run off of batteries. Along with these features and its compact design, you can perform any time anywhere.
XW–PD1 Groove Center
The XW–PD1 is designed to be an all in one Beat making Machine, and much like the XW–DJ1, it also has a unique and portable design that is perfect for those who want to create tracks on the go.
The interface includes a sequencer, sampler, 16 velocity-sensitive pads, 4 knobs, and uses the same sound engine as Casio’s XW series of synthesizers. Jam packed with a variety of over 150 sounds and effects, all you have to do is play the pads to create your own rhythms and phrases, then apply FX on top.
You can compose a Rhythm using the 16-step sequencer, then use the pads to do beats and melodies and then apply effects on top, or alternatively you can input an external sound source into the console, such as the XW-DJ1 DJ Controller, or a Keyboard, Microphone, etc, perform over it with the pads and apply FX.
The Groove Center comes with four banks of samples integrated internally, and DSP effects such as roll, filter, bit crusher, break, and pitch shifter. You will also be able to load in your own samples using a data editor that will be released with the product.
When the XW–DJ1 DJ Controller and the XW–PD1 Groove Center are connected, you can capitalize on the unique features of both products in tandem.
The XW-DJ1 DJ Controller will be available at select retailers nationwide beginning January 2015 for an MSRP of $299.00; and the XW-PD1 Groove Center will be available beginning March 2015 for an MSRP of $399.00. To learn more about the Trackformer series or Casio’s full portfolio of electronic musical instruments, please visit www.casiomusicgear.com.
Written by Adymus
