Vestax Spin

I see that this is already out in the retail world, but you know how we do. We're trying to get our hands on one so that we can give you an honest review of what we think. Here's the generic over view:

Your USB-based DJ-ing options aren't exactly all that limited these days, but there's few rigs out there quite as eye-catching as this new Spin controller developed by Vestax and Algoriddim. Designed for Mac users only, this one packs two touch sensitive jog wheels front and center, along with a full multi-channel audio system complete with the requisite sliders, mic input (and included microphone), audio output, and of course that USB connection, which also eliminates the need for a power adapter. On the software side of things you'll get Algoriddim's djay 3 mixing application, plus some out-of-the-box integration with iTunes to let you easily pull tracks for your mix. Sold? Then you can snag this one right now for $250.

The TTX02-Going Green never looked so cool

Mavizen has unveiled their TTX02 electric race bike today at SEMA, and surrounding the Agni powerplant is a sourced KTM RC8 chassis.
Over-shadowing the 130mph top speed, is the fact that each TTX02 comes with dedicated IP access, on-board web server, and connectivity to a wifi network. A such, each TTX02 can be connected to via a wifi enabled laptop.

Mavizen is calling the TTX02 a “laptop on wheels”, signaling their approach to electric motorcycles via a consumer electronics perspective. According to Azhar Hussain, TTXGP founder and entrepreneur, the consumer electronics perspective comes from the notion that “we are living in a click culture and connectivity is the key, across the board. Our approach was to find how we could make a laptop go racing. We think electric vehicles have more in common with consumer electronics than traditional automotive.”

The consumer electronic notion isn’t exactly a new concept, as Brammo and other manufacturers have taken the same stance in their business plans, but the TTX02 is interesting because it is the first electric motorcycle we’ve seen that incorporates wifi connectivity and an on-board web interface. As Hussain explains, ”by building on the open standards of the internet and the PC, we unlock the creativity and lower the costs of innovation for teams, enthusiasts and riders. TTX02 is a development platform that invites the potential for success previously seen in electronic hardware and software, into the automotive industry. We need to pick up the pace of innovation and make it real fast; TTX02 is a key marker in that journey.”

Again, the idea of motorcycles as a platform isn’t something new to this budding industry, but if nothing else it shows validity in the concept. The TTX02 comes with some other added street-cred, as it is based off the TTXGP winning bike: the Agni X01.
Mavizen, which is the TTXGP’s manufacturing arm, is being provided a set of RC8 chassis by KTM (editor’s note: although, in their press release Mavizen is very careful not to mention the words KTM and RC8, which leads to some interesting conclusions). Mavizen plans on offering a limited number of TTX02’s to potential EV racing participants, which will give them a bike that they can develop into a competitive and unique machine. As Hussain explains:

“The limited production bike, the Mavizen TTX02, gives potential participants a chance to acquire a bike that they can develop themselves to make it competitive and unique to them. Racing is brutal but at least with the Mavizen TTX02, the racers can start with a proven platform. Mavizen is about growing the grid by being an enabler by those who want to take part.”

The Mavizen TTX02 uses the rolling chassis of an FIM homologated and road legal bike. A world class manufacturer is supporting Mavizen by supplying direct from the factory, frames ready to be worked over by the Mavizen engineers.
Every owner will have the option to apply to their national vehicle licensing agency under various single vehicle type approval regimes. The Mavizen TTX02 will be available for delivery in Q1 of 2010, with a limited production of 50 units. Target price for complete bike with a Circuit Pack is $40,000 This will be a complete platform to take part in any national or FIM championship. Interested parties can express their interest at mavizen.com.

Heroic?

I came home yesterday and my wife tells me how she, and our 18 month son, Brandon, went to Best Buy earlier in the day, and right when they got there, Brandon saw the DJ Hero display and beelined straight for it. Stopping short of running into the display, arms bent 90 degrees, hands balled up into fists, he proceeded to bounce to the beat. She said that while they were shopping around the store, at any given moment, Brandon would break, full speed to the DJ Hero and get up on the turntable controller. That's my boy!! It isn't his first time around a turntable. When dad is practicing at home, Brandon is quick to get up on the decks (having me pick him up), so he can explore the platters, cross faders, buttons, knobs, or any switch his little hands can reach. The force is strong in this one.

So when I got a call from DJ CONCISE, inviting me over to see the new pad, explore some music, and check out his newly acquired DJ Hero, I was all about it. I mean if the Prime Minister of Cool,(Brandon), was so heavily drawn, I had to check it out. He also told me that Analog and A1 was going to be there, so I jumped at the opportunity to hang out with my friends, and get some input of the game from DJ's with different styles.

As soon as I got there, Analog was at the controller, A1 was on his laptop, Concise was on his laptop, and Concise's brother was on the computer in the other room upping his music files. But the first thing I noticed was the sound coming from the 5 speakers connected to the 52" tv mounted on the wall. On a 1200, Analog is a master chef. Cutting, scratching, juggling, these are all things that come second nature to him. So seeing him playing the game, and playing it well, was no surprise at all. Concise, a well seasoned dj, who's style of dj'ing is completely different than Analog's got on the controller next. As he was playing he went over the basics with me about what certain things on the screen mean in terms of game play. After he finished a set, I got up on the controller, and for the first try, I must say...I SUCKED!!! As each song in the set went by, familiarity to the controller started to set in, and less and less mistakes were being made. What's this I'm starting to feel...is that my good ol' buddy FUN????

My main objective was to see how handling a real turntable and mixer was translated in the game. Here's what I found out. At the level I was playing at, MEDIUM, it doesn't. If anyone thinks that they can take the skills that they've acquired from this game, and apply them to two turntables and a mixer, they're going to be very disappointed. When I asked Analog and A1 how they felt about the translation, Analog said "The buttons on the platter, that doesn't matter to me." The way that the cross fader interacts with the actual scratch, non existent. A1 said, "If this game is any indication of my dj skills, I shouldn't be dj'ing"(probably because the game isn't advanced enough to understand A1's flares). The part that makes full sense though is the cross fader going full left of full right. For anyone to try to compare it to "real dj'ing"(whatever your definition of that is), is absurd until you get into the upper levels of the game. The makers of this game had to find ways to incorporate a game format into a turntable/mixer controller.

According to Concise, only when you get to the higher levels such as HARD and EXPERT, you see more of a correlation of directional scratching and patterns. There is more doubling up, and the pace moves much faster, so the HAND/EYE, or should I say EAR/EYE coordination is more apparent and "realistic". And even then, it's limited at best. But here lies the problem, where is the creative freedom? The true nature of a DJ is to be able to tweak, filter, scratch, and manipulate in order to express his own creativity. With DJ Hero, we must follow the patterns given. If there were a FREEPLAY mode where it would actually express what you were doing, I think we'd have a different beast on our hands.

Analog, the technician, put it best by saying "It's a game", and with that I agree 100%. Once I stopped comparing it with the true technical ability and freedom one needs to rock sets like these, as a game, DJ Hero is a success. HIGHLY ENTERTAINING, FUN, ADDICTIVE even. Conscise told me "I'm addicted to this game. I'm losing sleep because of it." And I can see why. The Mashups in it are well worked.(And believe me, this is NOT Concise's preferred genre) The skills taken to put the music alone together from a DJ standpoint is phenomenal. You can definitely hear the signature sounds of Z-Trip, Shadow, and Jazzy Jeff to name a few. At one point, A1 found a site where Z-Trip was selling the records of the songs for the game. For anyone out there that is dreaming to be THE DJ, this game is for you. Complete with big clubs and large crowds.

I will admit that even before playing it, I was judgemental of it, but after playing it, I will not turn down the opportunity to play again! I suggest you do the same and check it out for yourself. Concise's address is hAHHAAHA jk!

Final thoughts:

"Moral: we can kill it on real time dj'ing, but we still suck at DJ Hero. But it's still fun. hahaha"-Concise

My Take: Fun Fun game. It will definitely be a great party game. And if you want to be comptetive in that arena, it will behoove you to have it. If you don't have turntables and a mixer at home, this is a great substitute for fulfilling that inner dj that yearns to be heard. Who knows what kind of ideas or energies it will spark?

On a personal note....I'll get it for Brandon if he wants it, but I won't buy it for myself. If I have time to play, I have time to practice, and I'd rather get on my tables every time.

Miles for your Earhole

They say that the Miles Davis Tribute Jazz Headphones are designed and precision tuned with Miles and the unique acoustic tones of jazz in mind. Also, with the sonic accuracy of Tributes, you’ll discover all of your favorite music, even beyond jazz, all over again. You’ll hear details in the music you’ve never heard before. New Monster technologies in headphone design make it possible.

Like a limited pressing, Miles Davis Tribute Headphones will not be available to everyone. Each box is numbered, and packaged in a special case reminiscent of Miles trumpet case Tributes is the best in-ear headphones for jazz available, and a rare keepsake celebrating Miles’s career and the music that has meant so much to us all.

If anyone out there has a Monster connect, as an audiophile, I'd love to review this product personally. But at 499.95, I guess we'll have to take their word for it.