Allen & Heath Xone:3D
The Xone:3D combines the best attributes of a traditional analog DJ mixer with a comprehensive MIDI control system and a high end multi-channel USB soundcard, allowing DJs to integrate computer-based digital media into their live performances. The mixer section features four multi-input stereo channels, as well as VCF filters, resonance and frequency filters, plus an assignable LFO with depth control.

The USB soundcard has eight channels, and can be fed from the main mix, FX1, or direct from the channels; and features a SPDIF optical and coaxial interface. The USB connection can also send and receive audio and MIDI data to or from a laptop. The dedicated MIDI control sections on either side of the mixer section offer eight faders, 16 knobs, 10 encoders, 50 switches, and two custom jog wheels for use with popular DJ software. –JL
www.allen-heath.com

Cortex HDC-1000
This USB-compatible controller gives DJs the power to cue, play, manipulate, and even scratch digital music files. The Cortex HDC-1000 also allows users to search their music databases by artist, title, genre, words, or phrases, so finding the right track, right now, is easy—even with increasingly massive music catalogs.

The HDC-1000 can also be used to play and control audio and data discs with any compatible USB CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive. The unit even allows users to connect and recognize multiple storage devices simultaneously, so DJs can mix regular CDs with files from iPods or other MP3 players. –JL
www.cortex-pro.com

Denon DN-X1500S
The DN-X1500S offers club DJs a host of sophisticated features, including eight-channel input matrix control, parametric EQ, and fader start on all channels. Denon’s flagship mixer also boasts individual PFL input meters, 45 mm faders, and the manufacturer’s proprietary Flex Fader crossfader.

Onboard DSP gives DJs the ability to slice and dice tracks on the fly with digital effects like delay, echo, filter, flange, and auto pan. The integrated, eight-second digital sampler can be utilized with audio from any of six mixer sources, with edit options including single playback, loop, reverse, and reverse loop, with overall pitch control adjustment of up to +/- 100 percent. –JL
www.denon.com

Ortofon Digitrack
The DigiTrack cartridge is designed specifically for playing the coded vinyl “records” that are used to control digital DJ applications like Serato Scratch, FinalScratch, Virtual DJ, PCDJ Scratch, but it can also be used to play traditional 12-inch singles. This allows DJs to scratch and mix digital tracks with real records, without having to stop and switch needles in the middle of a performance.

The Ortofon DigiTrack combines optimum output (8mV) of coded information with reliable tracking and minimal record wear. Thanks to the unit’s spherical stylus, DJs get a clean signal for controlling MP3 files, and their precious (and expensive) coded records last longer, too. If they decide to throw some 12-inches into the mix, they don’t have to worry about swapping cartridges, aligning needles, making tracking force adjustments, or trimming audio output levels on the fly. And the DigiTrack’s full 20-20,000 Hz frequency response ensures that those records will sound as good as possible, too. –JL
www.ortofon.com

Soundcraft Urei 1605
The UREI 1605 offers many features that will appeal to club installers and sound engineers. The rear connector panel, for example, can be rotated for either tabletop or rackmount installation, and the input and output gain controls can be set to accommodate almost any conceivable sound system.

The 1605 also gives DJs the features they want, too, such as convenient top panel aux input connectors, three-band isolator EQ, and EQ on the headphone output. The mixer boasts seven stereo channels, aux sends on every channel, and a variable response VCA crossfader. Club owners will appreciate the mixer’s external mute function, which silences all of the music channels, but leaves the booth microphone on, allowing the PA to be used for emergency announcements. –JL
www.soundcraft.com