Its beginning to look a lot like Christmas!
Its only mid-November and the stores are all filled with Christmas decorations, the sales for smellies is already here, and the classic buy 2 get 1 free is starting to appear in shops far and wide. But what about if you’re grabbing a present for a Music & Tech fanatic or if you want to treat yourself this festive period? Here’s some bits I have been keeping an eye on [meaning I want them but can’t afford them]:
Native Instruments — Maschine Jam
Native Instruments always make want to spend money I do not have and with this new product I have the exact same feeling again. On first look it looks like NI’s solution to Ableton’s Push and on most levels it is. Its been labelled a ‘Modern performance and production system.
‘Modern performance and production system’
At a reasonable price of £319 it has a built in step sequencer, has smart touch strips in replace of traditional faders, it comes with the Maschine software and a massive 29GB of samples from Komplete 11 Select. This piece of hardware looks amazing and I think many producers would love to have this as an addition to their studio. You can purchase the Maschine Jam from the NI website here
Roland — DJ 808
Roland describe the DJ 808 as:
The DJ-808 is a state-of-the-art DJ controller with a 4-channel mixer, built-in drum sequencing, vocal processing, and the deepest Serato DJ integration available. Going way beyond a typical DJ controller, the DJ-808 is an instrument, with a Roland “TR-S” drum machine that contains the world’s most iconic drum sounds and can even control the Serato Sampler within Serato DJ. The VT Voice Transformer can pitch your voice to match the key of your Serato DJ tracks, while two AIRA Link ports let you connect compatible synths and electronic gadgets, and produce a live remix, with just a simple USB cable. Sound quality is high-end and the hardware is built tough yet easy to carry — ready for inspired sets that push the boundaries of what it means to DJ.
It truly looks like an amazing DJ controller, with some great live performance options, which I love the idea of. I have come from a turntable background but embracing technology in your DJ sets these days is a must and with this controller, the possibilities for live performances along with DJing are endless.
You can find your local dealer which sells the DJ 808 by visiting here
Physical Music
There are some great releases out at the moment that are available to buy physically. I can’t stress how important it is to support the underground music scene when physical music comes out, we all love having that physical product, whether it be Vinyl, CD or even Cassette.
C-Side — Early Days Dub and Cessman Remix
This is a great vinyl to grab, produced by C-Side, the track is amazing and also the artwork is incredible too. It is really a great piece of creative art in all concepts! Grab a listen below and make sure you grab it!
Also buy it here on White Peach
Medison & Ruckspin Feat. Rider Shafique — Life Cycle
Pressed records have done it again and this one is heavy! Again some great art on the inner and the track matches it perfectly another must buy to add to your collection over this Christmas period. Buy it here on White Peach
Stocking Fillers
Where would the fun of Christmas be ay, without some stocking fillers!
Patchblocks
I saw these when they were on Kickstarter a few years ago and since then I have had a feeling of nothing but need for these. I won’t go in to too much depth about these, just watch the video below. They aren’t too cheap and come in at £45 each or £175 for a set of 4. By god do they look like so much fun. You can buy them here
Soundwagon
The little VW Camper van of love! Stick on a record and he will drive around the record playing it out of his little speaker on top! Best stocking filler ever! Go watch the video below of it in action. You can buy them from a lot of online outlets including Amazon.
DIY Synth Kit [Technology will save us]
My good friend KIITE actually got me one of these and they are so much fun! So easy and fun to build too, you can get these from Technology will Save us for £25 here [it also doubles up as a Dub Siren too!]
Theres lots to keep us Music Tech heads entertained and it doesn’t need to be 4/5 figure synths. I for one am looking forward to finding some more great new products this festive period, if you have any great Music Tech products please do let us know in the comments or drop us a message.
