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Numark SCRATCH DECK controller launched

Chris Davies — Wed, 27 May 2009 13:26:51 +0000

Numark have released details on their SCRATCH DECK controller for Scratch: The Ultimate DJ on Xbox 360 and PS3. The controller – which can be flipped around to suit left- and right-handed gamers – comprises of a free-spinning, touch-sensitive turntable and five drum pads, used for triggering either in-game samples or those recorded using a USB microphone.

Numark have apparently given the record deck a coating that feels like traditional vinyl, and the drum pads are similar in touch to those on the Akai Pro MPC. There’s also a cross-fader, and a number of standard game-pad controls.

Scratch: The Ultimate DJ is expected to launch in fall 2009, but it – and the SCRATCH DECK – will be on show at E3. No word on pricing as yet.

Press Release:

NUMARK AND GENIUS PRODUCTS REVEAL SCRATCH: THE ULTIMATE DJ VIDEOGAME CONTROLLER FOR XBOX 360® AND PLAYSTATION®3

Designed by Leading DJ Technology Manufacturer, SCRATCH DECK Gives Players an Authentic DJ Experience Like No Other

Cumberland, R.I. (May 27, 2009) – Numark Industries, the world’s leading manufacturer of DJ technology, and Genius, Inc., released today the first images of the videogame controller for Scratch: The Ultimate DJ for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system. SCRATCH DECK will be showcased for hands-on play at a special event in Los Angeles on June 3, during the week of the videogame industry’s most high profile trade show, the 2009 Electronic Entertainment Expo.

“For decades, Numark has been developing turntables, DJ mixers and digital DJ controllers. We know what professional DJs demand, and we used that knowledge to produce SCRATCH DECK,” said Adam Cohen, Director of Business Development, Numark. “It was critical that we deliver an authentic DJ experience to gamers, whether they be experienced DJs or players who have never put a needle to vinyl.”

SCRATCH DECK combines two essential elements of the DJ and hip-hop experience – a free-spinning, touch sensitive turntable with a crossfader and 5 Akai Pro MPC-style drum pads. The turntable allows players to add their own style and manipulate the songs in real time, while the MPC-style drum pads give players the opportunity to perform and customize tracks by triggering samples using the very same pads that are the cornerstone of professional hip-hop beat production. Samples can either be pre-loaded into the game using 60 unique battle records that will ship with the software, or players can record and upload their own samples using a compatible USB microphone.

In addition to the features created by Numark, SCRATCH DECK also contains standard game controls found in music rhythm games. The turntable features a realistic surface that feels remarkably similar to a vinyl record. The drum pads and the crossfader also deliver an authentic and realistic music production experience. Left-handed DJs will appreciate that SCRATCH DECK is designed for use in right or left-handed configurations.

“Being involved with Hip-Hop for so long, Numark has consistently been the standard for innovation and leadership in computer DJ controllers, their quality is second to none,” said Quincy Jones III of QD3 Entertainment. “We are very excited to partner with them to deliver the most authentic DJ experience for gamers and look forward to letting gamers and Hip Hop enthusiasts get their hands on the controller for the first time at E3.”

Scratch: The Ultimate DJ combines free-form DJ tricks with great rhythm game play similar to top-selling rhythm games. Scratch: The Ultimate DJ is set in distinctive urban environments and will feature songs from the biggest names in Hip-Hop. Scratch: The Ultimate DJ, featuring the Numark SCRATCH DECK, will be available in Fall 2009.

About Numark Industries

Numark Industries is the global leader of professional DJ and audio equipment, and is recognized for providing progressive breakthrough technology. Since 1971, Numark has designed and delivered innovative products and numerous music industry “firsts.” For more information, visit www.numark.com; images are available at http://www.numark.com/media.

About Genius Products

Genius Products, Inc. (GNPR.PK – News ) is the owner of Genius Products, LLC, a leading independent home-entertainment distribution company that produces, licenses and distributes a valuable library of motion pictures, television programming, family, lifestyle and trend entertainment on DVD and other emerging platforms through its expansive network of retailers throughout the United State

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Numark MixMeister, OMNI CONTROL & NS7 USB DJ control surfaces

Chris Davies — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 23:47:46 +0000

If you’re more reliant on your computer for your digital music than Numark’s standalone DJ products would allow, the company has three new control surfaces to offer. The MixMeister, OMNI CONTROL and NS7 all offer varying degrees of hands-on tweaking for use in both studio and live situations. The MixMeister Control is a USB-powered surface that comes with MixMeister’s Fusion software; all 94 knobs and buttons correspond exactly with those on-screen, with Fusion handling the technical side of beat-matching, setting cue points and re-pitching. Power and connectivity is handled by a single USB cable.

The OMNI CONTROL is a combination hardware control surface and audio I/O sound card. Copies of Native Instruments Traktor LE 3 and MixMeister Fusion Live are included, and the OMNI CONTROL connects via USB together with two stereo outputs and headphone output.

Finally, the NS7, which Numark have developed to work with Serato’s ITCH software (included). Two seven-inch motorized, adjustable-torque, aluminum turntable platter controls complete with vinyl, slipmats and 45 RPM adapters take center stage, with a premium DJ mixer with replaceable, digital VCA crossfader and line faders, rubberized knobs, switches and buttons, Strip Search and virtual-needle drop controls.

A single USB cable links a PC with the NS7’s 24-bit digital audio interface with mic/line input and headphone and system outputs. Numark and Serato developed a communication protocol for communication between NS7 and the computer that sends MIDI data over a single USB cable at more than twice the standard speed. The result is extremely high-resolution control with full MIDI compliance, and while designed for ITCH the NS7 will also control any MIDI-compatible DJ software.

The three new control surfaces should be available now; Numark is yet to announce pricing.

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Numark HDMIX & ARC 3 digital DJ systems

Chris Davies — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 23:34:13 +0000

Numark have taken the wraps off of two new digital DJ products, the HDMIX and the ARC 3. The former is a complete DJ system in a single box, requiring only powered speakers to complete the setup; sources include an onboard DVD drive also compatible with MP3 CDs and DVDs, an internal hard-drive in a removable caddy, and connections for hooking up an iPod or a USB storage device. Tracks can be ripped directly from CD to the hard-drive, and setup is straightforward with the full-color display and included USB keyboard.

The ARC 3, meanwhile, is a portable DJ-CD station, with a single 5-inch scratch wheel, analog and digital outputs and a CD drive compatible with MP3 CDs. Twin loop banks are available, and pitch can be controlled ±8% and ±16% using an onboard fader.

Numark will also have a bundle based on the ARC 3, including two ARC 3s, an M1, M1USB or X1USB mixer and PHX headphones. Both the Numark HDMIX and ARC 3 should be available now; the company has not announced pricing.

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