Last but not least in the protracted BPM coverage is nextbeat. We first saw it at MusikMesse and got a full demo of just what it was about and can actually do. Subsequently, the odd demo video has arrived, but now the crowd at BPM was treated to an actual demo from one of the DJs behind the concept - RLP. And I was there to capture in in all its untethered glory.
As the video shows, nextbeat is actually capable of making a good set and provides all the tools you need in an extremely compact takeaway unit. In fact, Judge Jules took a look at the nextbeat for the UK's Gadget show and loved what he saw.
So what I can't fathom out is why there is so much bad feeling for this unit. In these technology led times, the DJ metaphor is changing with each new release, and the restrictions on ergonomics are being removed because the reliance on having Technics sat either side of a mixer is eliminated.
Yet people call it a toy. Why is this? Don't you feel that you can mix on one of these units? That's patently untrue as nextbeat offers everything you need to mix and beatmatch - and then some. Is it simply an image thing? Do you feel like you're somehow not a real DJ if you used one of these? My response is this - it's you and not the gear that's the problem here.
While the unit itself is extremely capable of making a set just like any other piece of DJ gear out there, I'm really not sure about the whole wireless element of it. Does a DJ really want to come out from behind the decks and awkwardly dance around? Perhaps this is where some of the ill feeling comes from, especially as the handheld unit has no display or headphones.
The fact however remains that while it might not be your cup of tea, nextbeat is a very capable DJ unit that allows you to leave your laptop at home. And those who think otherwise might want to check their DJ skills before assuming that the gear makes them a great DJ. And for those who insist in simply stating "it's a toy" without saying why, I'll be quite happy to delete those pointless comments unless you can justify your opinion of view with reasoned argument. Let's talk about it and give Wacom some critical feedback.
I've asked for a review unit. And until I've played with it at length and formed a detailed opinion one way or another, I'm giving nextbeat a reserved thumbs up. Who knows - I may hate it, but my open-minded positive nature welcomes those willing to take a risk and try something new.
18 comments to this story
On October 13, 2009, HAlleBy commented...
Would be rather nice to have, but it just isnt worth the money for me at the moment, but who knows maybe some day
On October 13, 2009, Sheeno commented...
I cant see where the market for this is? Why would you ever feel the need to step away from the decks and prance around like a rock star?
Even the guy demoing it looks embarassed...
Cringe factor 10/10
On October 13, 2009, Dj Phat B commented...
main things i don't like is: -can't select a new track on the wireless unit -only storage medium is a memorycard. -to much money
On October 13, 2009, Mudo commented...
...
Expensive. Not vinyl compatible (yes there are still people who uses these olfashioned media... and some of them think that turntable is a interface itself, not only a player...)
Hate, of course not... seems a good startpoint but touchscreens (and softpots) have "pros" and "cons".
...
On October 13, 2009, Rusty commented...
What happens when the battery runs out in the handheld unit when you are prancing about on the dancefloor? On the plus, providing this doesn't happen, it would give you more time to go the bar and order a drink ;o)
On October 13, 2009, aRKei commented...
"the DJ metaphor is changing with each new release"
LOL that's what those marketing reps are maybee thinking. I'll wait for the review.
In my world/opinion a DJ is using Vinyl-Discs. So either there's a new title for these multi-media-masters-of-cermony or they gotta accept, that there will always be criticism (It's like in the watchmaking world, where you got the profession "Horloger-Rhabilleur" and "Horloger-Microéléctronicien" and both claim to be the real watchmakers).
But I'll judge the unit once it's reviewed from a neutral standpoint.
On October 13, 2009, rs commented...
My main concern with it, from a gigging perspective, would be that it's wireless.
rs
On October 13, 2009, Kevin Basher commented...
I can't see any advantage of using the mobile unit.
-If you can't use headphones with the mobile unit you need to go back to the booth everytime you want to sync tracks (or having the whole club listening to your attempts to beatmatch) -You can't see what you're playing (lack of a display) -You're probably exposed to a lot more song requests
Above all the unit does not look like beeing heavy-duty and the price tag way too high.
FAIL!
On October 13, 2009, pone commented...
reminds me of tone loc's dj walking around with his turntable around his neck,only this looks like a toy from star wars.
On October 13, 2009, jandoe commented...
I don't see any benefits in using touch pads instead of real faders, potis and turntables (or rotating platters emulating a turntable). I'm curious to be convinced of the opposite. What's better when it comes to haptics, feel etc?
On October 13, 2009, sinjintek commented...
i've been to shows where djs have created sample loops and stepped away from the decks to pick up a guitar or bass and add to the loop...the crowd went nuts. these days audiences love to see this kind of stuff. even the more typical djs who have little to no interaction with the crowd have people standing there staring at them, not dancing at all (kinda creepy IMO).
i'm pretty sure wacom isn't making users sign any contracts forcing them to walk away from the booth, but the opportunity is there...so what? i can't see any reason to hate on something you don't have to do.
let's all face the fact, mixing songs is a simple concept: increase/decrease speed of tracks until they are tempo matched. anything that supports at least 2 channels and gives you the frequency control you desire should be adequate. bearing these things in mind, i can't fathom how so many people start saying "toy, toy, toy" when they haven't any hands on experience with a product. you don't know the build quality, you don't know how it works, and you haven't tried mixing on it.
personally i can't say i have any use for this piece of kit, but i always have high hopes for new products that intend to push the envelope. also, i doubt i'll find this unit at any local shops in the near future, so i'll be awaiting gizmo's review.
On October 13, 2009, DK commented...
It looks goofy to me. I think its important to look cool as a DJ. This looks like a cheap plastic kids toy. I would't pay more than $150 for it.
On October 13, 2009, SpazzMatic commented...
It's comes across as a faddish, in the moment type device that, 5 to 10 years from now, we look back and reminisce about it how corny that was.
On October 14, 2009, SpazzMatic commented...
As a matter of fact, can you imagine going to a car race and the drivers are sitting up in the stands controlling their vehicles with a remote. I know that's a little far fetched, but just trying to make a point.
On October 14, 2009, Antwon commented...
I don't know about this one. A nice concept, but only in the same sense as the already mentioned Tone Loc's Dj and his portable 1200.Or the whats-that-called, the portable keyboard-slash-guitar -thingy. Hardly a breakthrough product even though you see them in an 80's music video every now and then. I think there's an actual word for this: a gimmick.
But I don't understand all the hostility towards this unit, it can actually be useful for some entertainers.I can picture this being used more in live gigs rather than strictly dj sets.
On October 14, 2009, Wicked commented...
I don't get it.. why would I want it to be wireless? I don't leave the booth unless I have to piss..
On October 15, 2009, sherz commented...
"....I think its important to look cool as a DJ."
Why?
On October 18, 2009, WhiteWulfe commented...
If it's anything near the build quality of some of their other products (the criticized "Cintiq" tablet costing over $2k CAD comes to mind), I'll more than likely be taking a look into the device. Sure, the pricing may seem expensive, but I've noticed their products have a tendency to survive abuse and last for quite some time.
So the product (compared to the more traditional turntables/mixer setup) seems fairly left field, but isn't progress and having a variety of options on the market a good thing?
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On October 13, 2009, HAlleBy commented...
18 comments to this story