Casio debuts entry level VJ/DJ platform
January 2014, At the NAMM show in Anaheim, Casio introduced their new entry level VJ/DJ platform. The rise in popularity in EDM (Electronic Dance Music) and DJ performance, has driven a need for affordable equipment that is easy to use, yet full featured to be able to both interest aspiring DJs as well as produce high quality results. Casio has addressed this need with their XM-J1 DJ Controller. This unit is targeted at the educational and consumer marketplace with a $349 MSRP.
The unit is an out-of-the-box solution for a complete DJ setup, minus the iOS device with the songs and speakers. The controller connects to the iOS devices through the 30pin connector, which can also be connected to a low latency 30pin to TB cable. The XW-J1 is an ultra-lightweight, slim body that weighs in at only 1.45 kg. The controller is USB bus-powered, no power adapter is required. The device features Plug and Play connectivity, so that once connected to a Mac (via USB) and Windows (via USB) or to an iPhone, iPad or iPod touch (30-pin connector), the XW-J1 takes control of the djay / vjay software or app. Audio connections are just as simple: just connect your powered speakers or stereo system to the RCA outputs and your headphone to the 1/4″ jack output.
Casio XM-J1 DJ/VJ Controller
The controller has two channels of processing with individual filters, effects and volume per channel. The unit also features a studio-grade audio interface, providing performance quality sound with high-quality 24bit/96KHz output. The unit has an asynchronous transfer mode which enables faithful conversion of digital data into analog audio output. These are managed with simple drag and drop controls to and from iTunes.
One of the keys of DJ systems, and a big part of the learning curve is the mixing of the multiple audio and video streams. The Xm-J1 features simple to operate controls for sound blending with EQ and filters. It includes a 3-band EQ and high definition filters smoothly blend one song into another. A unique feature for a product in this price range is the Harmonic Match™ for in-key mixes. The djay software/app automatically detects the keys of songs playing on the left and right turntables and puts them in the same key, enabling seamless blending of songs allowing for the ability to match a song to songs of the same key in your iTunes library. The unit also had automatic Tempo detection. The
Djay app/software on-the-fly song analysis calculates the beats per minute (BPM) and exact location of each beat, laying the groundwork for other features including Auto-Sync and beat-synchronized FX.
These advanced FX include a seek feature to snippets and markers in the songs, as well as saving full programming for a performance. Other features included are Auto-Loop. As a DJ you can use Auto-Loop to continuously loop part of a song or remix it live using Bounce-Loop to mash up your song, all in perfect sync with the auto-sync controlled beat. The unit also has a sampler. The live sampler is used to add short snippets into the mix by recording and replaying your favorite tunes. There are dedicated Sampler Pads to jam along with the tracks that are also available for use. There are 5 banks of samples that can be stored. The most distinctive feature of a dj station is the Scratch jogwheels. These high-resolution, touch-sensitive jogwheels enable you to scatch and remix just like you would with vinyl records with a side touch controlling spin, and top touch controlling stop/start.
Finally, the XM-J1 also supports cue and route of the master mix to the headphone for the DJ to hear. These features are key for when you are creating mashups for both audio and video, and may not be able to see the screen or hear the output from the PA. Most of these audio effects also can be used to provide creative video effects. The unit can be used to scratch your videos with the jogwheels and tweak your audio and video with the Loop, FX, and transition controls.
The units will be available in March 2014.
