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Reloop are a proudly German company, thus their presence at MusikMesse has always been large, loud and equally proud. And this year was no exception with a handful of new (well improved mostly) stuff and some DJs to keep their usual noise levels high.

I already showed you what was going to be on the stand at MusikMesse, and due to my terrible planning and a constantly busy stand, I had but the briefest amount of time to play with this stuff. One thing that wasn't announced but did make it to the show is the new all media slinging RMP-3. It works with CD plus a plethora of USB devices, and is a MIDI controller to boot. Here's the Reloop words:

Reloop RMP-3

Across the media formats' jungle: The Reloop RMP-3 is Reloop's first true crossmedia player. Whether CD, MP3, memory stick or hard disk drive – it does not matter where the sound is coming from or how it is coded, the RMP-3 submits it to the DJ's control. As the new premium player is not only multi but crossmedial it is not only possible to mix, scratch and juggle music, but also to control any software.

Thanks to the Reloop RMP-3's complete MIDI compatibility all of the 48 control elements can be applied as MIDI control device. This way the RMP series' flagship becomes the perfect controller for mixing software. As via the shift button all controls can be double assigned with MIDI commands it even becomes possible to control two virtual decks with only one RMP-3. The assignments can be saved as MIDI presets for various applications.

Whatever the RMP-3 controls – due to the large touch-sensitive jog wheels the control feeling always remains oustandingly vinyl-like. Its new micro pitch with a resolution of up to 0.05% facilitates pitch adjustments with the highest precision. Via the auto loop function the fastest mixing tricks can be looped-in in no time and with seven different bar lengths. Furthermore the new bearing of the device's feet lets the RMP-3 always keep its balance.

As a combination of CD/MP3 player, USB mass-storage media player and MIDI software controller the Reloop RMP-3 is up to all requirements of the DJ business. The SUV among media players.

features:
MIDI compatible crossmedia player for DJs
All control elements are MIDI compatible (45 buttons, 1 turning knob, 1 push encoder, 1 fader, 1 jog wheel), double assignment via shift function
MIDI preset memory
Several RMP-3 can be connected for MIDI control
USB 2.0 port for the connection of hard disks, USB sticks, etc.
Auto loop function with 7 selectable bar lengths
Seamless loop function / reloop function
DSP effect unit (Filter, Skid, Echo, Flanger, Trans, Phase, Pan, Break plus Hold) with ratio and time parameters
Automatic and manual beat counter
Effect link with BPM counter
Effect modulation via jog wheel
Touch-sensitive, two-part jog wheel
High-end scratch simulator with return-to-cue function
4 independent 5 sec. sample banks (pitchable)
4 independent cue point banks
ID3 TAG support and CD text
Track and folder search
Especially bright DotMatrix VFD display for all functions
Especially long pitch fader (can be switched off)
Micro pitch +/- 0.05 - +/- 100% (with pitch lock and master tempo)
Pitch bend up to +/- 100%
Auto cue
Frame search
Instant start via 1 bit technology (8 fold)
Playing address
10 sec. anti-shock memory
Elapsed/remain time display
Sleep function
Slot in loading mechanism with illuminated display
New, shock absorbing feet bearing
Instant playback from cue point
Relay play
Fader start play
Digital output
Headphones output

No word on price just yet, but we're in line for a demo unit just as soon as possible.





I spent just a moment with Spin!2 and the genius new interface with built in MIDI controls. I really didn't dig too deeply into who makes it, but seeing as Mixvibes made v1, and v2 looks like MIxvibes, it's a pretty safe bet that it is Mixvibes. It's really hard to say too much from the very short play that I had. DVSs outside of Scratch Live and Traktor Scratch Pro kind of morph into a blob for me, as I really don't use them for any length of time. It's only when I get into the nitty gritty that the details will emerge.

I'm not alone in thinking that the interface with built in MIDI controls is extremely clever. I know you can get external controllers to do the same thing, but this interface takes over a good deal of the things that you might ordinarily lean across to the laptop for. So instead of a box that you just need to find space for, it becomes an integral par of your setup.

One last thing - the green carts seen in the bundle are Ortofon Digitracks, rather than some cheaper variant. So that's good news for a package that is likely to be quite a bit cheaper than the big 2. Oh wait... I forgot about Traktor Scratch Duo.

Spin!2 is due in June with a demo unit coming our way before that.