Jon Turi
Articles by Jon Turi
Pioneer DJ debuts DDJ-REV series of battle-style controllers
Pioneer DJ debuts DDJ-REV series of battle-style controllers. The high-end DDJ-REV7 and entry-level DDJ-REV1 are built for cutting and scratching.
Shokz OpenRun Pro bone conduction headphones bump up the bass
Shokz, formerly known as Aftershokz, launches its new OpenRun Pro bone-conduction headphones that deliver more low-end than ever before.
Serato Studio’s long-needed recording feature is finally here
Serato Studio 1.6 rolls out to the public today, including the ability to record audio directly into the app, changes to the audio track tools and the addition of a built-in Virtual Audio Driver.
Rane packs high-end tech into its first single-unit DJ controller
Rane, a well-known name in DJ hardware, has finally announced its first one-piece DJ controller: the Rane One. It is available starting today for $1,499.
Djay Pro AI for iPad now has touchless gesture controls
An update to Algoriddim’s djay Pro AI is now available and its most notable feature is a touchless Gesture Control interface for iPad Pro and iOS 14.
Pioneer DJ’s new controller supports Rekordbox, Serato and a few new tricks
Pioneer DJ's new DDJ-FLX6 hybrid controller lets you use either Rekordbox or Serato DJ Pro. Plus it has a set of unique effects tools, all for $599.
Djay Pro AI for Mac's latest update takes advantage of Apple's M1 chip
Djay Pro AI for Mac leverages Apple's M1 chip to enhance its Neural Mix audio separation tools with effects, crossfading and more.
AfterShokz OpenComm is a bone conduction headset for the Zoom generation
AfterShokz’s OpenComm bone conduction headset seems an ideal accompaniment to the world we live in today. It's a communications-focused product by virtue of its boom mic, good for today’s busy home or mobile workspace in the age of endless Zoom calls.
Algoriddim spins off its AI audio tools into the standalone Neural Mix Pro app
Algoriddim launches its AI audio tool Neural Mix Pro, which can extract stem-like instrumentals, acappellas, drum tracks and more from your existing music collection.
Djay Pro uses AI to turn songs into acapellas and instrumentals on-the-fly
Algoriddim leveraged AI for an update to its djay Pro software a couple years back, improving its Automix capability. It seems the company has been developing some more interesting uses since then with today’s launch of Neural Mix, as part of the new djay Pro AI.
Serato DJ's computer-only mixing tools are free for a limited time
During the month of May, DJs can grab the Serato Play expansion pack for free. It offers an enhanced standalone DJ experience on your computer, without the need for external hardware.
Pioneer DJ's Rekordbox software now syncs with Dropbox
Pioneer DJ's Rekordbox, one of three main options in the DJ software realm alongside Serato DJ and Native Instruments’ Traktor, has joined the pack today with a new version 6 release and Rekordbox for iOS 3.0.
Serato Studio's latest update includes a limited free version
The full version of Studio is always available with a 14-day trial, but the software’s latest update (1.4.4) includes a totally free version for cash-strapped creators.
Algoriddim's djay app adds Tidal music and video streaming
Streaming has changed how most people consume music and DJ apps are no exception. Today, Algoriddim announced the addition of both Tidal and SoundCloud streaming services to its djay app. Along with the existing Spotify integration, this makes for a truly comprehensive lineup of services. You'll need djay for iOS or djay Pro to get started, but SoundCloud Go+ or Tidal Premium/HiFi accounts will also be necessary to access those vast streaming libraries. Both Serato DJ and Rekordbox already offer access to some of those, but there are a few key features to djay's recent additions worth noting.
Engadget giveaway: Win a Google Pixel 3a courtesy of TurboTax!
It's tax time again, and while Intuit's TurboTax has free filing options, it also offers online services with premium support from credentialed CPAs, tax attorneys and advisors. If you're curious about going beyond a basic W2-and-done filing and would like to leverage informed assistance without office visits, TurboTax Live could be a helpful option. The service can save you a lot of research and also guide you towards maximizing your income, especially if you're self-employed. You can scan and upload documents, file from your computer or mobile device and chat with tax pros on-demand or at scheduled times. If you're not that chatty, there are even expert offline reviews via email. This week, Intuit has offered us a Google Pixel 3a for one lucky reader, along with a TurboTax Live code to enjoy filing and credentialed support to help you cruise through this year's taxes with confidence. The Pixel 3a continues to be a solid smartphone with an especially good camera for taking everyday snaps or capturing your W2 in a click to save yourself some data entry. All you need to do is head to the Rafflecopter widget below for up to four chances at winning. Good luck and get those taxes done! Winner: Congratulations to Art M. of Breckenridge, CO!
Serato Studio music production software is now a powerful DJ edit tool
Serato has made its name as one of the top digital DJ platforms available and I've also become fond of its recent Studio software which offers music production tools that are easily approachable. In fact, we've recommended both products in our holiday gift guide this year. If you've been considering either, the company just launched some updates to Studio that sweeten the pot. With Serato Studio 1.4 there's a reduced monthly subscription fee of $10 per month (down from $15). But now there's also the option to buy the software outright for $200, which includes all the perks associated with the subscription. That is, at least until version 2.0 arrives further down the line. Even then you can keep using the current version on its own or pay an upgrade fee instead of a new license to keep the updates flowing (price TBD). More importantly, Studio 1.4 now has a new audio tracks interface, giving you the ability to import and edit complete songs (or acapellas), rather than just limited-length samples. This finally opens up the possibility of making quick and easy edits, mash-ups and remixes of tracks for your next DJ set.
Engadget giveaway: Win a DiskStation DS218+ NAS courtesy of Synology!
If you've been eyeballing data independence, Synology's DS218+ NAS can help you on your way. You can backup your own data, host a cloud server and even stream personal multi-media files all from your own network-attached storage (NAS) device. This two-bay model has 2GB on-board memory (upgradable to 6GB) and lets you add SATA HDD and SSD drives totaling up to 32TB of internal raw capacity. You can use Synology's Video Station software or install Plex Media Server for real-time 4K video streaming at home and on-the-go. If you're business minded, the intuitive software packs help you store, collaborate and backup work files for your team across mobile and desktop environments. The DiskStation DS218+ even offers surveillance camera support for recording and monitoring. If you've been meaning to break free from big-name online storage and management platforms, the DS218+ is a great place to start. This week, Synology has provided us with one DiskStation DS218+ two-bay NAS (drives not included) for one lucky reader. All you need to do is head to the Rafflecopter widget below for up to six chances at winning your own personal NAS device. Good luck! Winner: Congratulations to Josh B. of Lakeland, TN!
The new Soundboks Bluetooth speaker is still massive and louder than ever
Portable Bluetooth speakers usually come in pint-sized pocketable versions or larger tabletop varieties that can push out decent sound to a group of people. The extra-large versions are rarely talked about or seen in the wild, but like exotic animals, they have a visceral impact by their very nature. The Soundboks speakers fall into the latter category for me. The second edition arrived two years ago, and while it costs a pretty penny, the product was a party-inducing powerhouse. Today, the company has announced its most recent upgrade with the new Soundboks. It's still a premium product, both in materials and price ($999). But as you'd expect, there are a few new features, including wireless daisy chaining for up to five units using the TeamUP function.
AfterShokz Aeropex open-ear headphones prove less can be more
I've been using AfterShokz bone conduction headphones ever since I reviewed them in 2015 and they've become an inseparable part of my bike rides. The open-ear design allows me to pump up my soundtrack, while still being able to hear traffic and other goings on around me. Improvements have come incrementally with a few notable leaps, but the new AfterShokz Aeropex model seems to be the culmination of the past years' developments. It's lighter than the previous Air model (Trekz being dropped from the product name), with better sound and improved waterproofing which should keep them from being susceptible to repeated outpourings of sweat. The new AfterShokz Aeropex is available starting today for $159.95. I've had the chance to use them for the past couple of weeks, so I can provide some perspective on how this new model works, especially in comparison to previous versions.
The DJ-inspired production platform Serato Studio arrives today
If you're a Serato DJ user with an unfulfilled desire to make beats and missed the beta for the company's new production platform, now's your chance. Today is the official launch of Serato Studio 1.0 and it's in good form following a little feedback from the initial test group. As we mentioned back in March, Serato Studio is an easy entry point into music production for DJs and novices alike. The software ties into existing DJ hardware for those already invested in mixing tunes, letting you manage many of the on-screen tools right from your controller. It's also chock full of familiar features including colored waveforms, cue points and direct access to your Serato DJ library. Serato Studio 1.0 is available today as a subscription of $15 per month -- or $10 per month billed annually -- and you can test the waters first with a free trial. Subscribers will get regular software updates, along with access to Serato Sounds which provides new audio packs each month. They'll be loaded with instruments, drum kits, loops and FX spanning a variety of styles from sound designers like Decap, Goldbaby, MSXII Sound Design and more.