In the age of all flash and no substance in DJ Headphones, the TMA-1's with their tactile, matte-rubber finish, are no flash and all substance.
>>> FULL REVIEW
djay 3 is the latest incarnation of Algoriddim's living room DJ software and it hits a new high water mark for ease-of-use, simplicity and depth...
>>> FULL REVIEW
Sign up now for our Newsletter! We'll keep you updated on the lastest music news, releases, events and other important issues facing electronic music (plus we send you
free stuff if you include your mailing address!) >>> FutureMusic Direct
../ TestDrive: NuForce Icon HDP Review
At $449 retail, the NuForce Icon HDP is not for everyone. That said, it does pack a lot of punch into its small enclosure, sounds fantastic and provides an excellent headphone amp... >>> NuForce Icon HDP Review
../ TestDrive: 4midiLoop Review
Expensive as hell, but it does everything you want — and then some — if you can bear to part with those antiquated jog wheels... >>> 4midiLoop Review
../ TestDrive: Zoom Q3HD Video Camera Review
The Zoom Q3HD video recorder addresses sound quality, a feature that every other pocket video manufacturer has neglected to date... >>> Zoom Q3HD Video Camera Review
../ TestDrive: Algoriddim djay 3 Review
djay 3 is the latest incarnation of Algoriddim's living room DJ software and it hits a new high water mark for ease-of-use, simplicity and depth. djay's
core attribute is that it doesn't try to be the end-all, be-all of DJ software, it simply allows anyone, from first time DJs to true professionals, to mix tracks from their iTunes library... >>> Algoriddim djay 3 Review
../ TestDrive: AIAIAI TMA-1 Review
The TMA-1's are the antithesis to every existing DJ-targeted headphone currently on the market. No prominent logos, no gold, silver or aluminum accents,
nothing that comes out and say: "Hey Everyone! I'm a DJ!!" In the age of all flash and no substance, the TMA-1's with their tactile, matte-rubber
finish, are no flash and all substance. >>> AIAIAI TMA-1 DJ Headphones Review
../ TestDrive: Vibesware GR-1 Guitar Resonator
For any guitarist who's looking to add distinctive electronic flavor to their compositions without having to lose the soul of the instrument, look no further than the Vibesware GR-1. In a word, outstanding. >>> Vibesware GR-1 Guitar Resonator Review
../ TestDrive: Tascam DP-008 Review
Portastudio. The name invokes a flash flood of memories for anyone who wanted to do a little "home" recording in the era of cassette multitrack recorders.
But the DP-008 is not your father's Portastudio. No sir. Tascam has taken the Portastudio concept and infused all the wiz-bang technolgy that the new millennium
has to offer. We may not have flying cars yet, but, thanks to Tascam, we do have a full-on 8-track studio the size of a paperback book. >>> Tascam DP-008 Review
../ TestDrive: Reason 5 & Record 1.5 Review
We can't imaging using Record/Reason without the new functionality and devices. Nearly every update and addition to both programs is well thought out, very usable
and will give you the tools to craft even better tracks. There is no question that these updates are directly targeted to the Hip-Hop, beat crafting audience, but
I am sure that producers of all styles will find the new functionality to be outstanding. >>> Reason 5 & Record 1.5 Review
../ TestDrive: Novation Launchpad Review
Novation recently released a dedicated Ableton Live Controller to compete against the Akai APC range for the fervent Live user base. Although both share the grid paradigm, Novation took a slightly different tact in their Launchpad design that we feel paid off during our long term test. >>> Novation Launchpad Review
../ TestDrive: Audio Technologies, Inc. ADAC-2 Review
Audio Technologies, Inc. recently released a 24 bit / 192kHz, two-channel sample rate converter with three independent A-D, D-A and SRC
signal paths. ATI is trying to enhance their industry reputation by developing versatile audio utility products that will appeal to studio owners on a budget. >>> ATI ADAC-2 Review
../ TestDrive: Livio Radio Review
For $199, the Livio Radio is certainly not cheap, but you get what you pay for here: a good-looking, easy to use product with solid build
quality that we can easily recommend to our readers who like their Internet radio not tethered to a computer. >>> Livio Radio Featuring Pandora Review
../ TestDrive: Dangerous D-Box Review
The D-Box is another quality product from the Dangerous team. Combining professional monitoring and switching, analog summing, and talent recording capabilities
in one compact, elegantly designed unit, Dangerous has another winner on their hands with the accessible D-Box, and we can't recommend this versatile summing box enough... >>> Dangerous D-Box Review
../ TestDrive: Violet Wedge Review
The Wedge is somewhat of a departure for the company with a provocative new design concept that is meant to appeal to engineers who are looking
for a hyped condenser Ñ a popular sound right now. Unfortunately, for an $800 microphone, our testers found that the Wedge often fell short in
critical situations at that price point. >>> Violet Wedge Microphone Review
../ TestDrive: Akai APC40 Review
We recently had the opportunity to spend some quality time with the APC40, and have determined, for the most part, the controller lives up the hype.
But, don't call it a controller. What Akai has produced in some ways is really more of an instrument, than merely a MIDI controller. In fact, the
APC40 brings back Live to its roots as a performance application, and not a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW), a moniker that Ableton tried to adopt
in order to shoehorn the dynamic application into a retail product category... >>> AKAI APC40 Review
../ TestDrive: Stanton SCS.3d Review
Stanton is back. After years of lackluster new product announcements, strictly cosmetic product polishing and recovering from
their very public breakup with Native Instruments, the seminal DJ company finally has something to smile about, their new SC.3d... >>> Stanton SCS.3d Review
../ TestDrive: Slacker G2 Radio Review
Certainly not perfect, and their lucrative hardware revenue stream could be in jeopardy, but the G2 is such a huge improvement over their
original model, that we have to give Slacker extra kudos for Comeback of the Year... >>> Slacker G2 Radio Review
../ TestDrive: Arturia Analog Factory Experience Review
After putting Arturia's Analog Factory Experience through one of our longest product tests to date, we have concluded that there is a lot to love
about their economical hardware/software virtual analog solution. Although it is rare to put the words economical and quality in the same sentence
these days, Arturia's Analog Factory Experience can easily be described as such, and at a retail price of $349 this could be one of the biggest
bargains currently on the market... >>> Arturia Analog Factory Experience Review
../ TestDrive: Sony PCM-D50 Digital Recorder Review
Whether or not Sony was planning to debut a more budget minded recorder, or is now responding to this vibrant sector, is unknown, however, the Japanese
company recently launched the PCM-D50, an affordable 24-bit / 96-kHz recorder with built-in condensor microphones and 4 GB of internal Flash memory.
The PCM-D50 also features a Memory Stick Pro HG-Duo slot for additional storage, S/PDIF digital I/O, high-speed USB 2.0 connectivity, and standard AA
battery power, as well as many savvy and sophisticated technical features... >>> Sony PCM-D50 Digital Recorder Review
../ TestDrive: RapcoHorizon LTI-1 Review
Some companies have even developed dedicated emergency kits just in case a cable goes bad, or an adapter is needed for connectivity to the house PA.
However, if your sound card decides to take a dirt nap just prior to showtime, you're reduced to running all your audio action out of your laptop's
minijack output, which just isn't going to cut it with many of today's sophisticated club systems. >>> RapcoHorizon LTI-1 Review
../ TestDrive: Ecler EVO5 DJ Mixer Review
After falling in love with Ecler's NUO4 a couple of years back, you can imagine our reaction when the Spanish concern announced that they would be debuting
a new flagship mixer. Could the new EVO5 top the excellent ergonomics, handsome design and quality sound of the NUO4? >>> Ecler EVO5 DJ Mixer Review
../ Mini TestDrive: Socket Sense Review
One of the biggest problems that project studio owners face is the dreaded "wall wart." These oversized adapters have a tendency to take up two or three plugs on
a surge protector, making them highly inefficent, and creating a tangled web of wires. Enter Socket Sense... >>> Socket Sense Review
../ TestDrive: M-Audio EX66 Monitors Review
M-Audio recently sent over their EX66 nearfield monitors for us to TestDrive. Although the monitors have been around for about a year, the EX66's push M-Audio
beyond their budget monitoring options and into a new price point for the concern. It's obvious that M-Audio wanted to make a statement with the EX66's. Not
only do they incorporate provocative new technology and features, but they also utilize a dual woofer design that has lost favor with other manufacturers... >>> M-Audio EX66 Monitors Review
../ TestDrive: Glyph GT 062 External Hard Drive
After the umpteenth drive of ours decided to wet its bed, we contacted Glyph. Glyph has been around for 15 years providing hard drive solutions for
the audio and video markets, and they claim that not only are their hard drives more reliable than their competitors, but they also put their money
where their mouth is by backing it up with a device replacement and data recovery policy... >>> Glyph GT 062 External Hard Drive
../ TestDrive: Black Lion Audio MicroClock Review
Black Lion Audio, a small concern known primarily for their mods of popular audio interfaces, recently released their first product, an external word
clock dubbed the MicroClock. Black Lion made the decision to develop their own dedicated master clock because they felt that most of the solutions
available were of poor quality and contained features that many project studios never used. When BLA boasted on their website that the MicroClock
"will provide a wide, separated soundstage and add smooth, neutral clarity to your digital conversion," we decided it was time for a TestDrive... >>> Black Lion Audio MicroClock Review
../ TestDrive: JazzMutant Dexter Review
JazzMutant's remarkable Dexter is a compelling digital audio workstation controller that showcases the future of computer music mixing.
The extremely well-built device features several dynamic and provocative methods for working in the digital age, however there are many
areas where the Dexter misses the mark, and that this price point that shouldn't be the case... >>> JazzMutant Dexter Review
../ TestDrive: XtremeMac MicroMemo Review
I've always tried to come up with a snappy slang term for those people you encounter in everyday life who think their "singing" along with their iPods,
but in reality sound more like they don't have a tongue... >>> XtremeMac MicroMemo Review
../ TestDrive: Freaky Beat's Essential Grooves
Freaky has tapped a solid roster of artists including D-Formation, J. Velarde, Sergio Fernandez, David Ferrero and Roman Lieske, to provide musical
material for DJs, producers and remixers. The offerings mainly consist of drum loops, in various tribal flavors, although some of the artists,
such as J. Velarde, also provide melodic episodes... >>> Freaky Beat's Essential Grooves
../ TestDrive: KRK VXT8 Monitors Review
KRK Systems recently sent us a pair of their new VXT8 monitors for a TestDrive. The new VXT line is based on KRK's premium Exposé series
and consists of three models — the VXT4, VXT6, and VXT8... >>> KRK VXT8 Monitors Review
../ TestDrive: Arturia Jupiter-8V Review
So before further ado, let's address the elephant in the room. The Arturia JP-8V does an excellent emulation of the famed Roland Jupiter 8,
albeit a hyper-present and ultra-clean version. However, if that's all you care about, you're missing a big part of what makes the JP-8V a
killer soft synth... >>> Arturia Jupiter-8V Review
../ TestDrive: LennarDigital Sylenth1 Review
LennarDigital's Sylenth1 is a simple subtractive virtual analog synth with delicious warm sound that delivers immediate results once you decide to get your
hands dirty. Sylenth1 is capable of a broad range of sounds, but its obvious from the moment you begin to entertain the over 700 patches, that this synth was
designed from the ground up for electronic music with obvious nods to the Access Virus, Roland TB-303, and a wave in the Minimoog's general direction... >>> LennarDigital Sylenth1 Review
../ Head2Head: IK's Stealth Plug VS. SoundTech's LightSnake
IK Multimedia's Stealth Plug and SoundTech's LightSnake square off in a Sound Card In A Cable battle royale... >>> FULL REVIEW
../ TestDrive: Native Instruments FM8 Review
Devotees of the of the incredibly popular Yamaha DX7 synthesizer, which single-handedly kicked analog synthesis to the curb
in the early '80s, rejoiced when Native Instruments released their original FM synthesis emulator, the FM7. Now Native is
back with FM8, the second incarnation of this unique DX7 emulator, and once again fans have something to cheer about... >>> Native Instruments FM8 Review
../ TestDrive: Slappa CD Cases Review
You'd think in today's world finding a quality CD case that can stand up to the rigors of the road for a working DJ wouldn't be an impossible task. Unfortunately,
that's not the case. If you explore the market, you'll find many mediocre offerings that are extremely overpriced. Several of our readers, feeling the pain, wrote
to us asking if we run across a quality container in any of our adventures. A quick poll of the office came to the same conclusion, none of us owned a CD case that
we thought was the perfect balance of quality and value. Thus, we went on a mission to find the best possible CD case for the money, and then share our findings
with you, our esteemed readers... >>> Slappa CD Cases Review
../ TestDrive: Audio-Technica ATH-PRO700 Review
When Audio-Technica, the esteemed Japanese manufacturer of microphones and headphones, decided to enter the professional DJ
headphone market several months ago, our expectations were quite high. Audio-Technica has developed a number of outstanding
transducer products over the years and we were hoping their new ATH-PRO700 headphones would live up to their reputation. Many
of us expected Audio-Technica to decimate the DJ headphone playing field, and in one product introduction, own the high-end
DJ market with their new PRO700's. Sadly, Audio-Technica decided to imitate, and not innovate... >>> Audio-Technica ATH-PRO700 Review
../ TestDrive: IK Multimedia CSR Review
IK Multimedia, a concern who has made a concerted effort to offer a wider breath of products as of late, has released their own dedicated
reverb plug-in, which has been modeled on the classic units of yore. >>> IK Multimedia CSR Review
../ TestDrive: iSoundCap iPod Hat Review
Here at Futuremusic, we're big fans of iPod hats. After getting our meaty paws on the first generation iPod Shuffle, we couldn't help but
notice that a dedicated iPod Hat would be the ultimate accessory for anyone leading an active lifestyle. A couple of snowboarders on staff
here actually designed their own Shuffle hats and took to the slopes, but when the weather warmed up, they're iPod baseball hat designs
were not nearly as inspired. Enter iSoundCap. >>> iSoundCap iPod Hat Review
../ TestDrive: Ecler Nuo4 MIDI DJ Mixer Review
The Ecler Nuo4 MIDI DJ Mixer offers a tremendous value to the modern DJ who wants a mixer that bridges the gap between the analog and digital worlds for only $749.
You'd think that having all this analog and digital action on a DJ mixer would be a total mess, but Ecler did it right. Every one of the DJs who got their grubby
hands on the mixer lauded the company for the mixer's intelligent ergonomics... >>> Ecler Nuo4 MIDI DJ Mixer Review
../ TestDrive: Apple iPod Shuffle 2.0 Review
The second incarnation of the Apple iPod Shuffle hit our offices several days before the national rollout and caused quite a sensation. The
all aluminum chassis, with a built-in clip, looked beautiful and was quite the music fashion statement when each of us sported the digital
player during our individual TestDrives. >>> Apple iPod Shuffle 2.0 Review
../ TestDrive: Sony PCM-D1 Portable Recorder Review
When Sony first showcased the PCM-D1 at the AES trade show, I got a severe case of technolust. The sexy, beautifully designed, unit was
a true digital recorder with built-in mics, a titanium case, and no internal moving parts, save for the tasty analog level meters. As I
wiped the drool from my bottom lip, I couldn't help but think that this was the first Sony product in years that I wanted no matter what
the cost. Unfortunately, after using the unit, I think I'll save the $2000 dollars it costs for owning one. >>> Sony PCM-D1 Portable Recorder Review
../ TestDrive: IK Multimedia Amplitube 2 Review
The sound quality of Amplitube 2 is simply amazing. IK completely revamped the sound engine of Amplitube 2 with a new technology dubbed
Dynamic Saturation Modeling (DSM) which mimics each component's circuit boards, tubes, cabinets, stomp boxes and other attributes to obtain
the most accurate emulations to date. The improvement in aural quality is staggering when compared to the first incarnation of Amplitube,
and opens the doors even wider for electronic musicians to create tantalizing sonic landscapes. >>> IK Multimedia Amplitube 2 Review
../ TestDrive: Ultimate Ears Super.fi 5 Pro Review
Usually the arrival of yet another set of earphones in our mailbox doesn't cause much of a stir in our offices, but the super.fi
5 Pro earphones by Ultimate Ears caused a quite a sensation. I was the first to get my grubby hands on the sleek metal case that
housed the super.fi Pro's and the multitude of accessories that came along for the ride... >>> Ultimate Ears Super.fi 5 Pro Review Ultimate Ears Super.fi 5 Pro Review (English) | Ultimate Ears Super.fi 5 Pro Review (Español)
../ TestDrive: Reaktor 5 Review
For many musicians who have been composing electronic music for several years, one thing is obvious, more than ever, many "new" songs sound
exactly alike. To get off the virtual synth preset train, imaginative writers are turning to sound design programs to distinguish themselves
from the pack... >>> Reaktor 5 Review Reaktor 5 Review (English) | Reaktor 5 Review (Español)
../ TestDrive: Pakatun iPod Beanie Review
When the iPod Shuffle first bowed, we suggested that someone make an iPod Shuffle hat to accommodate the small music player. It seemed like a perfectly
logical idea and a terrific way to manage the headphone wires when working out, snowboarding or engaging in any other energetic activity. >>> Pakatun iPod Beanie Review
../ TestDrive: Ableton Live 5
There's plenty of exciting new action in Live 5 including automatic plug-in delay compensation, a browser search feature, improved track tempo
evaluation, track freeze, and a new time-stretch mode dubbed Complex which was developed for tempo changes during long DJ mixes. The plug-in
compensation works great especially when incorporating complicated delays that some of the plug-ins can create. The browser search feature is
just OK and is an area where Ableton's developers can spend some more time. The file browser area could also use a better visual paradigm; a
solution to the problem of file folders that don't get masked by the session window would be a welcome. Live's tempo evaluation algorithm has
also been greatly improved. Now when you load a track Live does a significantly better job of figuring out the tempo. Usually just a slight
manual tweak to the warp marker on the first beat of the 16th bar will make the track's downbeats line up perfectly. >>> Ableton Live 5 Review
../ TestDrive: Best iPod Accessories 2005
The year 2005 saw hundreds of new iPod accessories come to market, many were innovative and significantly improved the
iPod listening experience, while others were severely lacking in quality and functionality. In this special Futuremusic
report, we are going to celebrate the best products of the year. >>> Best iPod Accessories
../ Head2Head: Shure VS. Etymotic
The Shure E5C and the Etymotic ER-4P are some of the very best earphones money can buy. Both contain high-quality components and have
expansive signal to noise ratios that reveal details in music that most never knew existed. These earphones, sometimes called "earbuds"
by the industry, are reserved strictly for audiophiles who demand the very best in listening, and at $499 for the Shure E5C, and $330
for the Etymotic ER-4P, you can see why... >>> Shure VS. Etymotic
../ TestDrive: Alienware Premium Backpack Review
The Alienware Premium Backpack is a high-quality, stylish transport for your laptop and mobile music accessories. This great-looking,
black bag comes with a cushioned interior pocket for shielding your computer from knocks and bumps, and has plenty of storage for your
peripherals. >>> Alienware Premium Backpack Review
When Native Instruments announced a new version of Absynth, their popular software synthesizer, many of us at Futuremusic began
to noticeably drool. When Native Instruments (NI) nails a product from the get-go, like they did with Absynth, each version just
gets significantly better by taking the solid foundation to the next level. Absynth 3 is a must have for any musician with an
interest in creating provocative ambient soundscapes, film scoring and the exploration of dynamic synthesis... >>> Absynth 3 Review
../ TestDrive: Numark DXM06 DJ Mixer Review
The DXM06 is an economical, 2 channel DJ mixer residing in the middle of Numark's DXM Digital mixer line. It incorporates solid performance
features with basic DJ-oriented effects for a package that is definitely worth a look. For the price, the unit sounds surprisingly good and
has a comprehensive toolbox for seamless beat matching and scratching... >>> Numark DXM06 DJ Mixer Review
../ TestDrive: Alesis XGuitar Review
In today's market, there is no shortage of excellent software and hardware available for the guitarist interested in cutting-edge technology.
When the Alesis XGuitar found its way into the Futuremusic TestDrive Studio, I wasn't sure what was in store for me. The XGuitar is not just a
guitar; it's an axe with a bionic upgrade. Is this a parasitic or symbiotic relationship? Let's find out. >>> Alesis XGuitar Review
../ TestDrive: Arturia MiniMoog V Review
With our arsenal, some would say museum, of vintage synthesizers, we were very skeptical when Arturia sent us their MiniMoog V softsynth.
Coupled with my love for our beloved Model D, I was ready to be a hater and give the MiniMoog V a swift kick in its virtual oscillators.
But a funny thing happened on the way to the studio... >>> Arturia MiniMoog V Review
../ TestDrive: Wave Arts Power Suite Review
Wave Arts Power Suite for Mac and PC is a bundle of their five products, TrackPlug, MasterVerb, Multidynamics, WaveSurround and FinalPlug for $499.95 US... >>> Wave Arts Power Suite Review
The TMA-1's are the antithesis to every existing DJ-targeted headphone currently on the market. No prominent logos, no gold, silver or aluminum accents,
nothing that comes out and say: "Hey Everyone! I'm a DJ!!" In the age of all flash and no substance, the TMA-1's with their tactile, matte-rubber
finish, are no flash and all substance.
