It’s the BPM Show 2012 in the UK this weekend, and the first product we’re bringing you is the new Vestax Spin2 DJ Controller for Algoriddim’s popular djay and vjay software. It’s the first DJ controller ever to allow users to spin both music and video files, on their choice of Mac, iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch. Fully certified by Apple, it is also the first controller to offer true dual stereo outputs for iOS6 devices, meaning proper stereo headphones cueing and stereo master outputs no matter what device you choose to DJ from. The tight integration with Algoriddim’s software and Apple’s OSX and iOS operating systems brings benefits.
It means that users can browse, preview and buy tunes from iTunes within djay and vjay while DJing, and that iTunes Match users can immediately sync cue points and meta data to the cloud for use on their other devices. iTunes Match users can also buy on one device and immediately see their purchases appear in the djay / iTunes libraries on all other devices.
Vestax Spin2 features
Following on from the spirit of the original Vestax Spin, the unit itself is a simple two-deck controller with a basic feature set, although the inclusion of a touchstrip for quick track search is an unusual addition at this price point. The choice of a 24-bit/48kHz four-out sound card to deliver the full stereo cueing and master outputs for iOS6 iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch users is an advance on the original Spin too. A legacy “splitter” mono cue/master mode is availalble for previous iOS versions. The Spin2 will ship with a mains adaptor for use with iOS devices, powering the DJ controller and keeping your iOS device charged, and it is planned that it will come with an iPad stand too for the rear. djay4 for Mac is in the box, but you’ll have to purchase the iOS apps separately.
First thoughts
The Vestax Spin2 offers the easiest, neatest DJ system for Apple device DJs yet.
While a consumer rather than a pro unit, for home / party / bar DJs who have any combination of Macbook, iPad, iPhone and iPod touch, the combination of the Vestax Spin2 and djay / vjay is a powerful and innovative one. If you choose to use iTunes Match too, it’s also going to be a really simple way of having all your music and cues with you, all the time, whatever device you bought and prepared that music on. That’s pretty cool. And of course, offering true dual stereo outs via the multipin connector into the Spin2 is a complete world first, and something iOS DJs have wanted for a long time. We are looking forward to getting a proper look at it. • Suggested retail price is US$349 / €329 / £269, and the unit will be available December 2012.
Video
Want to know more? • See our Vestax Spin2 photo gallery on Facebook • Read the official Vestax Spin2 press release on our newswire • Get the lowdown on the Vestax product page
Are you a djay/vjay DJ who’s excited by this controller? Are you pleased to see full stereo cueing finally on an iOS device? Do the cloud music features and in-app music purchases excite you? Please share your thoughts in the comments.
Phil Morse
