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October 17, 2006 ../ MusicTrends: DJ MIDI ControllersThe DJ MIDI controller market has been simmering for the last couple of years with several boutique manufacturers stealing the majority of the business, and the buzz. However, two small events in the last week have raised the eyebrows of several industry watchers who feel this segment will come to a boil by early January.
While Native has been quite mum about a DJ product, its been obvious that they've been developing such a product for some time. NI is set to release an update to their Traktor DJ software in early November that will include support for MacTel computers and probably include enhancements aimed at their own controller which could debut at the NAMM show in California. The question mark is what will become of Stanton's involvement with FinalScratch? According to a recent press release, Stanton aims to continue to support FinalScratch. "Stanton will continue to update and support FinalScratch2, and any future product endeavors will be fully compatible. Be prepared for exciting new development announcements from Stanton in January 07!" Whether Stanton has specific products in the pipeline or is just doing damage control after being dumped by Native will be answered at NAMM. Native will continue the FinalScratch Support forum on their website until December 31, 2006 when they will probably direct the current users to sign up at a new forum established by Stanton. For fans of the Stanton lineup of gear, they can only hope that the company steps up to the plate and delivers some groundbreaking products. Not much has come out of the company in 18 months, and their rebranding effort of just two years ago now seems dated.
Unfortunately, for the boutique controller makers, M-Audio and Native Instruments play tough. Both have savvy and strong marketing departments, and will stop at nothing if they smell money. Small concerns like FaderFox, Feena and others now must work even harder to stay ahead of the heavy hitters, and even then have to hope their dedicated users don't jump ship at the lower price points. The real winners will be consumers. When the big boys come out to play, features swell and prices drop. Even dedicated users of Serato and FinalScratch, not to mention vinyl stalwarts, will be tempted to dip their toes into the warm waters of purely digital DJing. The Future: So what exactly does NI have cooking? Well, let's have a look at the necessary ingredients. If they want to continue with the FinalScratch paradigm, they're going to need their own ScratchAmp. And if they want to create the ultimate Traktor MIDI DJ controller, they're going to need an ergonomic interface with lots of knobs, buttons, pads, etc. Now add some Kore seasonings for a built-in high-resolution audio interface and mouth-watering effects. Purée, pour in an easily portable pan, and bake till January 17, 2007. Serve hot 'n' fresh at NAMM.
Copyright © 2006 Futuremusic® All Rights Reserved. |
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