When we were teens, Casio wristwatch was something we were proud of, as well as our Casio keyboard. Now, Japanese electronics company introduced its Trackformer series of new DJ devices, at CES 2015, which we will also be able to be proud of. With two new products, all of us, dance music fans can create, mix and play or produce our favorite tracks on our own.
XW-DJ1 DJ Controller
Designed with a large 7-inch platter that provides the feel of an analog turntable, filter controls and cross fader, Casio’s XW-DJ1 DJ Controller allows users to enjoy the popular ‘scratching’ DJ style when mixing and creating tracks. It is compatible with Algoriddim’s djay2 apps for iTunes, which were chosen as an Apple Design Award winner. The XW-DJ1 integration with djay2 provides direct controls for cue points, tempo sync, effects, looping and more providing users a tactile experience for mixing and performing music. Users can also connect to Spotify, a leading commercial music streaming service, and mix along to their favorite songs. Additionally, the compact XW-DJ1 is extremely portable because it is battery-powered and offers a built-in-speaker for enjoyment anywhere, anytime.
XW-PD1 Groove Center
The XW-PD1 Groove Center is equipped with the sound engine from Casio’s widely-popular XW series of synthesizers, which features preset patterns produced by professional beat makers that cover dance music genres like Trap and EDM. The XW-PD1 design includes 16 velocity-sensitive pads and 4 knobs for fast real-time music production. It features an outer ring containing 16 buttons, allowing the user to check the current rhythm pattern at a glance. Users can create powerful rhythms and phrases with the pads as well as apply DSP effects such as roll, filter, bit crusher, break, and pitch shifter. The XW-PD1 includes drum sounds for a variety of styles such as Hip Hop, Trap, and House.
Since the XW-PD1 is equipped with a synthesizer engine and a variety of effects, it can manipulate various sounds. Pad tap sequences can also be recorded in real time. Moreover, sampled sounds from the mic or music player can easily be played on the pads. The audio output of the XW-DJ1 can be connected to the audio input of the XW-PD1 so the two units can be used in tandem. This allows users to do live remix performances utilizing the unique capabilities of each product.
The XW-DJ1 DJ Controller will be available at select retailers nationwide beginning January 2015 for $299, while the XW-PD1 Groove Center will be available beginning March 2015 for $399.
