Running Skratchworx is hard, often frustrating and demoralising to the point of jacking it all in. And then I get something in my inbox that instantly restores my faith in humanity and gives me that same feeling I had when Skratchworx first with the internetwaves. Today I present Vestax's future vision for the scratch scene - we're talking PMC-08, Melody turntable and some really outside the box freaky stuff too. Would you expect anything less from Vestax?
These products may or may not appear at NAMM, but you can believe that they exist in some form somewhere - and this is an officially sanctioned release - not just some images that were sent to me anonymously.
low res:
http://www.skratchworx.com/images/Vestax/NAMM2005/web/ai12_small.jpg
hi res:
http://www.skratchworx.com/images/Vestax/NAMM2005/web/ai12.jpg
Starting at the top, we've got am image of the Dave Doubledecks style DJ console that we've seen before on Skratchworx . Not of too much interest to us as it stands but I feel a little work on the design (perhaps 2 QFO's with an 06 welded in between) might well make this a viable scratch product.
low res:
http://www.skratchworx.com/images/Vestax/NAMM2005/web/CDR07_small.jpg
hi res:
http://www.skratchworx.com/images/Vestax/NAMM2005/web/CDR07.jpg
This is the CDR07 - a small twist on the CDX-05. Looking like it's following the iPod trend (as there's a good reason for this later), this is a recordable CD version allowing you to record yourself in action. Can't wait to see how that's going to work.
low res:
http://www.skratchworx.com/images/Vestax/NAMM2005/web/melodyTT_small.jpg
hi res:
http://www.skratchworx.com/images/Vestax/NAMM2005/web/melodyTT.jpg
A little while back I reported about a PDX2000 with a footpedal for pitch control. We all went oooh and ahhh and craved one for our very own. That's like soooo yesterday my friends - here is the next level shit. This is the often rumoured but never seen chord and pitch pedal Melody turnbtable. I'm not even going to guess how this might work - I'll let you all download the hi res and start to discuss how this would be used. But with this, the turntable truly becomes a musical instrument.
low res:
http://www.skratchworx.com/images/Vestax/NAMM2005/web/pmc081ver_small.jpg
hi res:
http://www.skratchworx.com/images/Vestax/NAMM2005/web/pmc081ver.jpg
How long have we lamented the demise of the PMC-07 and the conception of the PMC-007? Well lament no more. Building on the legacy and reputation of the 07, the PMC-08 goes all digital in a very big way, and in a step toward the true digital age, you can plug an iPod directly into the front. Oooooh...
Read this but forgive the translation:
"PMC-08 - The total performance mixer
• Due to a diversified arrangement of effects, EFFECT SEND AND RECEIVE have both been reinforced to match it's needs.
• Featured is a 25mm effect send fader to each channel
• The point where signals are sent can be selected with a switch in two ways with the pre-input fader or post cross fader.
• Independent channels for effect receive. Up until now, sounds for an effect return were limited throught the master outs, but with the 08 and gaining a return channel, sounds through an effector can be assigned and controlled by the cross fader,EQ, PAN, and other sources to allow more expansion in your mix, scratch, and music. Also, you are able to use the line-in auxillary input channels
• A mixer capable of handling an assortment of effectors with an unique port. Using a Phono Jack featuring a Stereo>Mono out (Send) -20db, Mono>Stereo in (Receive) -20db, allowing the 08 of handling several forms of samplers and effectors.
• Main circuitry is a digital board allowing dual performance as the mixer has Equalizer and Isolater ability, changeable with a flick of a switch.
• The operating section utilizes an analog volume fader while the main control process uses an A/D (Analog/Digital) hybrid, new generation technology. Planned on the 08 is a USB 2.0 or better port to support further digital potential.
• A NEW AND IMPROVED, PERFECT concept FADER CURVE adjustment. The cross fader curve control has been totally revamped allowing the most precise in fader cut-in/out time in the current mixer/fader market. Vestax has allowed the user to adjust the gap in cut-in/out time rather than working on how close the fader can be adjusted to have a sharoer cut-in. This technology is the first and found with no other.
• Electrical current source for the 08 has been upgraded to the industry maximum in performance to an uncomparable AC20. Allowing more headroom, equals better power, and quality sound.
• iPod feature With an iPod dock located in the front panel of the mixer allows djs to add an extra sound source to your entire mix or scratch. The end user can sample their new beats and sounds, or replay their library in their iPod, collaborated iPod technology with a CD or turntable source.
dock connector
a) Analog Audio signals sent through session in with volume control allowing to fully mix in.
b) start/stop, next, back control buttons set on the left top of the mixer allowing remote control capability.
c) offering iPod power supply
d) actual digital data will not be used"
So what you have is an 07 with digital bells, whistles, knobs and dare I say it gizmos. Again, download the hi res, dissect and discuss.
low res:
http://www.skratchworx.com/images/Vestax/NAMM2005/web/stage01_small.jpg
hi res:
http://www.skratchworx.com/images/Vestax/NAMM2005/web/stage01.jpg
Now this truly is next level beyond the next level. Looking like spaceships, Vestax appear to have looked at how DJ's work and come up with something entirely new. As you can see, no tonearms but a platter design utilising a Tascam TTM1 style wheel. So simple yet so effective. I'm not quite sure how the hell you'd fit this in a flight case but these things are worth looking at if only as a concept. It's your constructive feedback that makes these things take shape. So think before hating.
low res:
http://www.skratchworx.com/images/Vestax/NAMM2005/web/PMC05ProSLVCA_small.jpg
hi res:
http://www.skratchworx.com/images/Vestax/NAMM2005/web/PMC05ProSLVCA.jpg
There's also a slightly revised 05ProSL with a VCA tag. I wonder if that's incorporating the new fader that's in the new 08? Andy?
So there you have it. Mind blowing volumes of information for you. Looking forward to your comments - I reckon this could be a looooooog thread...