Semantik

San Diego Record Show Brings Diggers Delight

It’s going down this weekend for record heads in the San Diego area.  California vinyl junkies can get their dig on with the best of them at the San Diego Record Show.  Head over to the site to see pictures of past events and get prepared to have your fingers dusty. Saturday October 18th, 2008 … Read more

DJ Toomp Talks Propellerhead Reason

Atlanta producer DJ Toomp talks about how he started using Propellerhead Reason as a free demo and how it changed the way he made music.  Toomp emphasizes the speed of sketching ideas, ability to experimentation, and favorite features.

3D Turntable Art – Phonographantasmascope

It’s not exactly production related, but who can resist seeing a Technics 1200 turntable being put to good use.  This funky turntable utilizes Zoetropes principle to produce its animated 3D effects. [via RCS]

VCI-300 DJ Performance System By Vestax

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Vestax has announced the release of their VCI-300 DJ performance system with the ability to control over 90 parameters and functions.  True to their turntablist roots, the unit features a customizable fader curve control for smooth, fast, and responsive mixing and scratching. 

The VCI-300 also features two high resolution platters to provide adjustable resistance for a realistic vinyl feel. The VCI-300 also includes a built-in audio interface with a Mic input, stereo input, and 2 stereo outputs (Master L/R and Monitor L/R).

Check out the video after the jump.

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DJ Shadow Explains Ditching His MPC + James Brown Collection

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Many debates have taken place over who the king of drum programming is.  Solid arguments will always be put forth for J Dilla, but depending on how you classify music and what genres you include, DJ Shadow is another name that’s sure to arise as a contender.  Lucky for us DJ Shadow has returned to his reader Q&A to directly address questions or misconceptions that may plague fans of his work. 

Check it out as he talks samples, collecting James Brown artifacts, and reasons for ditching the Akai MPC 60 and MPC 3000 as his main production tools.

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MPC Drum Machine Ring Shows Production Love

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Designer Bill McMullen indulges the Akai obsession and comes up with a ring based on the famed MPC 2000XL drum sampler/sequencer.  The limited edition MPC Drum Machine Ring is made 14k gold plated sterling silver and arrives in a wooden box.   Available in one size only…  $225+$10 USD gets your own.

[via NFADK]

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88-Keys URB Cover Shoot Video

Producer 88-Keys shows us some behind the scenes action action at a photoshoot for URB Magazine.  Definitely looking forward to The Death of Adam on November 11th.

Timbland’s Production Roots Explored

Sasha Frere-Jones examines Timbaland’s beginnings as DJ Timmy Tim, his revolutionary impact on R&B, and tendency to do the opposite of popular musical trends.  Not a bad way to catch up on a quick history of the Timbaland’s roots along with a bit of analysis of where he his sound is currently headed.