NAMM is the biggest convention in the world for audio equipment manufacturers to showcase all the new gear that is set to come out later on in the year. NAMM 2015 just wrapped up in Anaheim, CA and there was a lot of new gear that is set to go on the market. From Pioneer’s standalone Rekordbox controller to Rane’s mixer comeback, there is a lot to look out for so below is a guide to help you stay aware of all the noteworthy gear to come out in 2015.

 

DJ Controllers

 

For mobile DJs and even some club DJs, controllers are the go to solution for total control over their music libraries. Many updated products were featured at NAMM along with a brand new Pioneer controller that is aimed to put a stop to the laptop DJ.

 

 

The Numark NS7 became a household controller for many DJs and it is definitely a fan favorite. This year, Numark is announcing an update to the controller with the NS7 III. The controller features the iconic vinyl, motorized platters, and offers four channels of mixing. The controller also features nicely lit 2 deck screens that can be used for effects control, looping, and displaying track waveforms. This will be Numark’s flagship controller and will truly answer the calls of all the fans of the previous NS7 controllers.

Specs:

• Touch-activated knobs for filters, EQ, and more
• Authentic vinyl feel
• 4 decks of Serato DJ software control
• Serato DJ controller with three high-resolution screens; Visual beat matching
• Screens provide real time feedback of Serato DJ; Laptop can be closed
• Library screen with dedicated navigation control
• 2 variable-torque motorized platters
• Metal Casing
• DVS Control
• Plug and play with Serato DJ (included)
• 16 velocity Akai Professional MPC pads with RGB LED feedback
• 10 pad modes for loops, slicing, hot cues, and samples
• 3-way touch-activated filter knob and iZotope® FX knobs
• Built-in professional 24-bit USB 2.0 audio card
• Zone/booth outputs and balanced XLR outputs for clubs

 

Price: $1499 USD

Availability: Later 2015.

 

 

Coming into the affordable controller market is the updated Numark Mixtrack III series which comes in two styles. The Numark Mixtrack has a light gray finish and is an all in one controller designed for Virtual DJ LE 8. Like the flagship controller, a DJ will find performance pads that are smaller in size but similar in functionality. The Mixtrack III appears to be slimmer than the II and a little bit wider.

Specs:

• Metal jog wheels
• Library Navigation Controls
• Touch Strip for effects control and track navigation
• Filter Knobs on every channel
• 16 performance pads
• Multiple Effect Controls
• Virtual DJ LE 8

 

Price: $199 USD

Availability: First Quarter of 2015

 

 

As for the Mixtrack Pro III, DJs can expect to find a controller built for Serato DJ Intro. Obviously, the controller is similar to the Mixtrack Pro II but the big difference here is that there is a built in soundcard (unlike the Mixtrack III). The DJ can also expect to find 1/4” and 1/8” headphone connections along with better placement of the headphone jack on the side of the unit.

Specs:

• Filter knobs for each channel
• Includes Prime Loops remix tool kit
• Multi-function Touch Strip for dynamic FX control and Track Search
• 16 performance pads
• Serato DJ Intro-not full version but can be upgraded.
• Metal jog wheels
• Hyper-responsive Metal Platters
• Various Effects Controls
• Library Navigation Controls
• Integrated soundcard

 

Price: $299 USD

Availability: First Quarter of 2015

 

 

The Denon MC4000 is a 2-deck controller that is made for Serato DJ. The unit sports two touch activated jog wheels along with hot cue and sample pads for added performance. The controller is road ready in a steel chassis that appears to be up for anything you throw at it. The controller also features 100mm pitch faders and a smart layout of controls that is adaptable to DJs of any skill.

What Denon likes to pride itself on is its soundcards and the MC4000 contains their premium 24-bit audio soundcard that also contains a “ducking” feature for microphones that automatically adjusts the vocal levels to the mix so the DJ doesn’t have to ride the fader while talking on the mic.

Specs:

• (2) balanced mic inputs with 2-band EQ, Ducking Feature
• RCA Aux input
• Compatible with Traktor 2 and Virtual DJ 8
• Intuitive control layout
• 2 Deck controller for Serato DJ (Intro included)
• Hot Cue and Sampler pads with LED feedback
• Dedicated EQ and effect controls on every channel
• Balanced Main and Booth Outputs

 

Price: $399 USD

Availability: Later in 2015

 

 

With the release of the Native Instruments Kontrol S8 last November, it was clear that we would start seeing a lot more competition in controllers with built-in screens. Then at NAMM, Pioneer released a total game changer that is meant to oust the laptop DJ. The XDJ-RX is a standalone Rekordbox unit that features a high resolution 7-inch display with dual waveforms. Sharing design features of the CDJ Nexus 2000s, this unit is basically the solution for controllerists wanting to go Pioneer. You can watch a detailed introduction video below.

Specs:

• MIDI Compatible with Traktor
• Features 44.1 kHz, 24-bit soundcard
• Master Out (XLR x 1, RCA x 1)
• Can be used as external mixer
• Phono/Line Inputs (RCA x 2)
• Headphone In (¼” x 1, Miniport)
• Mic-In (1 x XLR/¼’, 1 x ¼’)
• Record mixes directly to USB

 

Price: TBA

Availability: TBA

 

Mixers and Soundcards

 

Rane made a comeback at NAMM as one of the most talked about manufacturers putting out mixers in 2015. The company that once pioneered the way for mixers is now back with two brand new mixers that will definitely catch some attention and turn some heads. Denon is also coming up in the game of soundcards with the first ever third-party soundcard for Serato DJ.

 

 

The TTM57 is held as one of the best mixers in the digital world and is held up to that standard by many Serato DJs. Mobile DJs and club DJs alike sounded off on the mixers' quality and superiority. However, when Scratch Live went away and Serato was introduced Rane decided it wasn’t worth investing more into this mixer. Then at NAMM the company announced the revival with the MKII which has the look and feel of the original with updated technology and two soundcards. The soundcards are compatible with all computers and allow for seamless transitions from DJ to DJ. The mixer is also fully functional with Serato DJ and features RGB buttons for hot cue points within the software.

Price: MSRP $2199

Availability: End of March 2015

 

 

A rotary mixer is one of the biggest surprises to come out of NAMM this year. Rotary mixers may look foreign to most DJs but these mixers held their place in tech house and early electronic music a long, long time ago. The unit is beautiful with a steel chassis and wood side panels that give the mixer its own unique style. The mixer features dual USB soundcards that support 10 playback and 14 recording channels each. DJs can find three band isolators and three way sweep filters (LP, HP, or combo). The mixer can be used as a standalone unit or used digitally with Serato DJ, which makes the unit extremely versatile.

Price: MSRP $3,499

Availability: End of January 2015

 

 

This is HUGE news in the world of Serato and soundcards. Obviously, Rane and Serato have a close relationship which is why any DVS system is compatible for use with the Rane soundcards. The DS1 marks the first third-party soundcard to come on the market for Serato. The unit mimics the SL2 by providing 2 inputs and outputs for Serato. The playback quality is studio level 24 bit sound with 44.1kHz, 48kHz, and 96kHz sampling rates. This will most likely be an introductory unit for DJs looking for a DVS solution but is definitely worth picking up for any DJs who want that old vinyl feel with their digital crates.

Price: $299.99

Availability: Spring 2015

 

NAMM 2015: A Year of Surprise

 

Many manufactures came out with surprises this year at NAMM, with updates that many DJs have been waiting for. It is important to understand all the features of the gear coming out, early on because it is easy to forget as the year goes on. NAMM shows the DJ what to expect and any DJ looking for an upgrade should be excited. There were a lot of improvements in controllers and Serato which is great news for the software. Serato is really stepping up its game to compete with Native Instruments and since NI doesn't showcase at NAMM, we will have to wait later on to see their response to the developments. What is certain is that 2015 is going to be a great year for DJ gear with many firsts and many updates so a close watch is definitely recommended.

Dean William can be found gallivanting about the clubs of San Francisco. He's on Twitter: @deanithon.