Have you checked out Melodyne? It’s audio manipulation software that’s touching on the ability to break down recordings into their component parts and edit single notes within chords or harmonies individually.

I also remember when you did a set on my Vextax tables you didn’t like the feel, which is understandable ’cause it’s different than 12s, but man! once you get used to using the 100% pitch bending it’s hard to go back. It’s an obvious problem of standardization.

Bottom line is that people need to use what’s comfortable. 12s and DJM600 mixers became club standards, and now Serato too. That’s my fave setup ’cause it’s what I’m used to.

I agree that 12s will still be around in 10 years but I think the overall DJ gear landscape will look a lot different.

i know a whole batch of ‘next generation’ DJs who embrace serato only — new tech hybridized with ‘classic’ interface.

in NYC, Serato has become a kind of Technics 1200s — club standard — you can expect certain venues to have it hardwired into their deck setup

Serato is extending the life of the turntable; even as less vinyl get sold, folks will want to use 1200s as their main DJ interface for a long time to come.

One other thing is that Technics are so great b/c of the quality of construction, and this in turn will help keep them spinning for awhile to come. Me, i bought mine 2ndhand from Bruno @ Biscuithead like 12 years ago… and they´ve never broken or given me any problems whatsoever.

That smaller Vestax controller looks really nice but people like me who are used to playing with wheels will be sad that it doesn’t have them.

I hadn’t seen the EKS OTUS before. That looks sweet, but without the mixer component built in it’s kind of like a traditional CDJ minus the CD part. I’m also curious about the jog wheel; weather it’s touch sensitive for vinyl simulation.

Those two together might actually be pretty dope!

The Numark NS7 has mic and aux inputs, in addition to high-torque 7-inch spinning platters, which I assume feel a lot like standard turntables.

It looks like it’ll be a real nice solution except for the drawbacks — size and price.

It’s true that unit doesn’t have a built in hard-drive or LCD screen, but I don’t mind bringing my laptop ’cause I want a large screen to work with anyway.

There is the iDJ2 which lets you DJ using and iPod and/or an external USB hard-drive/flash-drive, and it has a built in monitor. I have a feeling the OS is not easy to use when DJing though, so I’ll stick with the laptop.

I agree with DJ Bylamplight about the search interface. There was something about flipping through vinyl for “the one with the blue cover.” Serato will show you a small image of the “cover art” and allows you to color the virtual labels of specific tracks, but I do think Cover Flow-style searching would be helpful. In terms of organization though, it’s all about setting up playlists/crates that work for you.