NUMARK PARTY MIX DJ CONTROLLER
EXPECT TO PAY: $159
DISTRIBUTED BY: Electric Factory
RECOMMENDED FOR: This is the ideal starting place for any would-be DJ or simply for those of you who want to bring a bit more life to your iTunes library and have some fun playing all your music.
SOUND AND VERSATILITY
This is a 2-channel control that is only really limited in sound to what you have in your library. It includes an audio interface, so you just need to connect it to your computer via USB and out into your speaker system and it handles all the sound transfer.
USABILITY
This is very easy to get your head around, so you don’t need to be a professional DJ to bring the room down with your mixing skills. With pitch control, EQ, cue points, jog wheels and more on each of the two channels, there is plenty of control without being too overwhelming.
CONSTRUCTION
The faders on this are a little rigid, and the jog wheels don’t track like a real turntable does, but for the price point, this is really well put together, and includes Virtual DJ LE software that is easy to install and very stable.
OVERALL
Now everyone can actually be a DJ. Dinner parties are never going to be the same with this unit and the kids will be able to create their own mixes rather than listening to random playlists. You’re not going to get better at this price, that is for sure.
NUMARK PT01 SCRATCH PORTABLE TURNTABLE
EXPECT TO PAY: $189
DISTRIBUTED BY: Electric Factory
RECOMMENDED FOR: This cool new device is perfect for vinyl enthusiasts, DJs on holidays, hipsters with a penchant for eccentric novelties and anyone who wants to play or record their records at home or out and about.
SOUND AND VERSATILITY
The built in speaker allows you to listen to your vinyl with no added hardware, although it isn’t going to bring the house down any time soon. Being battery operated, you can now take you records to the park and listen to the tunes you want at the next summer BBQ.
USABILITY
USB connectivity allows you to digitize your record collection if you wish as well as including it in your recording software as a means of sampling. The audio input allows you to connect an iPod or similar and then lay down scratch tracks over the top.
CONSTRUCTION
It’s a lightweight, plastic shell, but the drive mechanism and scratch arm seem to be up to the job.
OVERALL
There are plenty of simple turntables available for Christmas presents, but this one brings some added value to your vinyl collection and best of all, it allows you to take your records anywhere and listen.
SAMSON RTE2 BLUETOOTH HEADPHONES
EXPECT TO PAY: $239
DISTRIBUTOR: Electric Factory
RECOMMENDED FOR: With the growing trend of phones coming without headphone outputs, these are going to appeal to just about anyone with a modern iPhone looking for quality sound and ease of use.
SOUND AND VERSATILITY
The RTE2 headphones are designed for music playback in loud environments. You don’t have to stay at home in a quiet room to hear you music, take it anywhere with you and enjoy it with great quality audio.
USABILITY
Not just headphones, these have a built in microphone for use with your phone too. The battery life is around 10 hours, and charging is easily done via a USB connection.
CONSTRUCTION
These are a modern looking, stylish headphone that is not too bulky and sit very comfortably upon the head. Ready for everyday use, they seem to be built well enough to take general abuse and wear.
OVERALL
As wireless headphones are becoming more of a necessity to integrate modern devices, these are spot on for this year’s audio trends and will make a great gift for any tech-savvy friend or family member.
SHURE SE215 SOUND ISOLATING EARPHONES
DISTRIBUTED BY: Jands
EXPECT TO PAY: $165
RECOMMENDED FOR: Sticklers for audio quality who like to listen to music on the go and people looking for a low-cost personal monitoring solution.
SOUND/VERSATILITY
These SE215s seek to bridge the gap between casual listening and professional monitoring. In fact, the very genesis of this technology comes from tried-and-tested professional monitors used by pro musicians. You could find these equally handy on stage as you would catching the morning train into work.
USABILITY
In the age of convenience earphones are a staple for anyone who doesn’t want to be left behind, technologically speaking. The fact that are noise-isolating and tuned well enough to act as a personal monitor system makes them amongst the most versatile in their field.
CONSTRUCTION
These are well-built and light weight. The sound isolating sleeves offer up to 37dB of isolation, meaning that the sounds you’re trying to hear won’t be interrupted by sounds that you aren’t. It features a detachable cable and multiple sleeve sizes so that you can find the perfect fit for your ear. For those of you who are really gung-ho about using these as monitors, custom sleeves are available through a partnership between Shure and Sensaphonics, to give you the most comfortable and best quality monitoring experience possible.
OVERALL
A great product that will suit both the music love and the musician perfectly. It’s also worth noting that Shure have recently released the SE215+, which features a communication pod and microphone, enabling the user to control the playback and make/receive calls without having to rummage for your phone in your pocket or bag.
AUDIO TECHNICA SR5BT WIRELESS HEADPHONES
EXPECT TO PAY: $369
DISTRIBUTED BY: Technical Audio Group
RECOMMENDED FOR: These are perfect for anyone on the go who wants high quality audio reproduction from a Bluetooth device like a smartphone.
SOUND/VERSATILITY
The SR5BT headphones deliver stunning audio playback even via the Bluetooth transmission, you’d think you were in a studio listening to the tape.
USABILITY
Simple pairing with your device and extended battery life can see you listen for days without the need to charge your SR5BT headphones. Up to 1000 hours in standby mode means you won’t run out of juice when you’re not even listening either.
CONSTRUCTION
A slim arm over the top of the head keeps these neat and tidy with comfortable pads that allow for extended periods of listening without fatigue or unwanted pressure on the ears. Tough enough to get through day to day use, you’d have to really punish these headphones for them to go foul.
OVERALL
Audio Technica have delivered in kind with the SR5BT headphones. These are going to be a very much sought after commodity this year with more iOS devices moving away from wire headphone use.
AUDIO TECHNICA LP5 DIRECT DRIVE TURNTABLE
EXPECT TO PAY: $799
DISTRIBUTOR: Technical Audio Group
RECOMMENDED FOR: This is the turntable that record enthusiasts and vinyl snobs alike can all make the most of. Designed for critical listening when only the best will do.
SOUND/VERSATILITY
Shipped with an AT95EX high performance cartridge specially designed for this turntable, the LP5 offers the best audio quality and listening experience in the Audio Technica range.
USABILITY
Simplicity is the key with this turntable, as it offers only a selection of 33 RPM, 45 RPM and Stop. Other than these three options, the rest is left to the record to tell the story.
CONSTRUCTION
The tone arm on this turntable is brilliant, with perfect balance offered to work with the built in stabilizing to ensure no unwanted resonance finds its way into your playback. The solid chassis also goes a long way to ensuring your get the best quality audio playback and accurate speed on the platter.
OVERALL
This isn’t a toy, far from in fact. This is the turntable to consider when you want to sit back in your listening chair, with a glass of the family estate and truly immerse yourself in some golden oldies. The ultimate listening experience starts with the LP5.
AUDIO TECHNICA LP60 USB BELT DRIVE TURNTABLE
EXPECT TO PAY: $249
DISTRIBUTED BY: Technical Audio Group
RECOMMENDED FOR: This is the ideal gift for someone who has an old collection of vinyl that never gets played, or even someone that wants to digitize the old record collection that never gets played. A simple to use, fully automatic belt drive turntable designed for easy listening and new memories.
SOUND/VERSATILITY
With a built in Phono preamp, the LP60USB allows you to simply connect to any amplifier, or powered speaker and listen to your old or new records right away, with an included AT cartridge, you’ll hear your favourite tracks like never before.
USABILITY
The fully automatic device is very easy to use, with auto-return upon completion of a record; you don’t even need to worry about wearing the needle out if you fall asleep before a record ends. The USB connection makes it easy to hook up to your computer and digitize your old collections.
CONSTRUCTION
This is a lightweight build, with a plastic chassis and isn’t really suitable for anything beyond home use, where a little care is needed to ensure plenty of years of listening to come.
OVERALL
The LP60 USB offers a great value option for anyone who wants to listen to their records without having to get too technical or invest too much money. It isn’t a DJ tool in any sense of the word, but it certainly serves a purpose.
AUDIO TECHNICA LP120-USB DIRECT DRIVE TURNTABLE
EXPECT TO PAY: $599
DISTRIBUTOR: Technical Audio Group
RECOMMENDED FOR: For the vinyl enthusiast who wants to digitize their record collection, or for someone looking to get into DJing the way it was meant to be done, the LP120-USB delivers the goods.
SOUND/VERSATILITY
With a built in AD converter and USB output, you can capture all the tracks on your records and drag them onto your computer for future listening and safe storage. The AD conversion quality is great, with the record’s natural character kept true in the process.
USABILITY
For home users, or for DJs alike, this is a turntable that is easy enough to set up and works well so long as you set the tone arm correctly. The extended pitch range and quartz lock is a nice touch too, especially when mixing between genres.
CONSTRUCTION
This is a sturdy, solid and rather heavy turntable, designed to handle all the punishment a DJ is likely to throw at it. Built to a similar design as the classic silver topped turntables of the 80’s and 90’s, this one will also go the distance.
OVERALL
The LP120 is a great blend between studio device and live performance tool. Great for DJs, producers and home users alike.
