Numarks portable pair: DJ 2 Go and Red Wave headphones
(ShackMan | Posted 2011-01-15)
Okay, so portability is an issue for DJs. With rigs ranging from 50 to 100 pounds, carrying them around and setting up on the spot or even taking something along just for the potential dance party in the middle of campus is completely impractical, and, frankly, unhealthy for most of the muscles in your body. Of course, unless you had something that could be powered by, say, a USB connection to something else portable, for instance, a laptop, and which could power a set of speakers, say, anywhere. That instance? No longer hypothetical. Meet the DJ 2 Go by Numark.
Just grab your laptop that's already loaded with your music library. Toss it (okay, don't actually toss it) in your backpack along with the DJ 2 Go, and maybe some food for the party. You'll probably have room. DJ 2 GO allows you to control your favorite DJ software with a tactile feel that can’t be matched using a computer mouse and keyboard. DJ2GO weighs just 13 oz. but provides a layout familiar to DJs that includes two platters, a crossfader, pitch and level controls as well as Deck A, Deck B, Master and Headphone gain controls. In addition, you can load and assign tracks to either of the two included deck control sections without ever touching a mouse. Sync and headphone buttons allow you to instantly sync two tracks and monitor either deck section.
Included with DJ2GO is a special edition of Virtual DJ software, designed to mate perfectly with the capabilities of the controller, so you can pick up DJ2GO and literally start performing on the spot. Because DJ2GO is MIDI-compliant, it can be used easily with virtually any DJ software by simply re-mapping the controls in the applicable application. You need only to connect the included USB cable to their Mac or PC and install the software to be up and running.
Numark is also releasing a new set of headphones to go with their DJ controllers: the Red Wave headphones. They're designed specifically for the professional DJ experience. They employ a comfortable, closed–cup design for great isolation from outside noise. RED WAVE’s large, 50mm neodymium drivers produce clean, powerful output. Designed by DJs for DJs, these headphones have a convenient, swiveling design on one cup so they're easy to wear one-sided between the ear and shoulder. The ear cups also have breathable protein-leather for DJs to remain comfortable during prolonged use.
They feature a 1/8" plug and come with a carrying case for quick and safe transport. With the sleek red design, you'll want to keep them looking as good as these cans sound.
James Rushin is a bassist, keyboardist, writer, and composer living and working in the Greater Pittsburgh area. He has performed with Selmer artist Tim Price, Curtis Johnson, guitarists Ken Karsh and Joe Negri. His compositions have been featured at West Virginia University and Valley Forge Christian College. He will be spending the Fall and Winter months working on playwright Frank Gagliano's Voodoo Trilogy and Bodoni County Songbook.
Got questions? Comments? James can be reached as ShackMan in the Music Gear Review forums, or you may e-mail him at James.Rushin@MusicGearReview.com.
