Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Pioneer Dj
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PIONEER CDJ-900
- Multi format playback: MP3, AAC, WAV and AIFF audio files on CD and USB memory devices
- Slip Mode creates smooth transitions when Loop, Reverse or Scratch ends
- Advanced auto beat loop
- Prepared For Any Performance
Adapting to today's variety of media formats, the CDJ-900 enables playback of MP3, AAC, WAV and AIFF audio files from CDs and USB memory devices. A USB port located on top of the turntable enables users to quickly connect an external storage device such as a Tonium Pacemaker™ or a hard drive packed with music files, minimizing the need to bring a laptop computer to performances.
The CDJ-900 turntable includes rekordbox™, Pioneer’s proprietary music management software that organizes and catalogs a DJ's entire music library. When music files are imported to rekordbox, the software analyzes each file and prepares them for use specifically with the new CDJ turntable. Key elements of Pioneer’s rekordbox software:
Analyze
- Beats Per Minute (BPM) Data – BPM / Tempo information for each song is identified and processed into rekordbox for use by the DJ in preparing and performing a set.
- Waveform Data – The waveform of each song is identified and then displayed on the bottom screen for quick data visualization.
- Tag Info & Artwork – Edit and customize the file information to performance needs.
- Hot Cues, Cue Points, and Loops – Prepare and customize cues and loops as well as create and manage hot cue banks.
- Playlists – Create, edit and manage customized playlists for various performances.
- Beatgrid – Utilizing the new Quantizing feature, cue points and loops can be set perfectly on-beat. The Quantize feature ensures cue points are set accurately and automatically, correcting and synching beats during manual looping or a real-time cueing, preventing off beat mistakes.
Pro DJ Link
The new turntables feature Pioneer’s Pro DJ Link that enables up to four CDJ-2000/900s to be connected via the Link Port to share a single music source, whether it is a hard drive, USB and/or SD memory card. Once linked, users have the ability to quickly find, display and choose the music file from a connected source through the CDJ’s built-in display and control knobs. A quick turn of the knob lets users scroll through created files and folders and a push of the knob confirms the song choice.
Advanced Connectivity
The new turntable features a 24-bit/48 kHz sound card and HID and MIDI control compatibility via USB port. Up to 35 controls on the surface of each player can be used to trigger other devices, such as DJ effecters and software by way of HID and/or MIDI. The HID controls were implemented into the player for superior interfacing with software, faster communication speed over MIDI, audio/visual streaming and two-way information on the display. HID enables easy, precise and native control of DVS systems such as Serato™ Scratch Live, Native Instruments’ Traktor series and MixVibes Cross2 without the need for time-coded discs.
CDJ-900 Enhancements
- Slip Mode – When activated, Slip Mode silently continues song playback during a loop, reverse or scratch and continues audible playback at the exact time when the loop, reverse or scratch is ended creating smoother transitions.
- Advanced Auto Beat Loop – The CDJ-900 generates a four-beat loop at a touch of a button creating a customized sound to provide more time for DJs to blend in transitioning music.
For more accurate tempo control while mixing, the player is enhanced with increased frame increments of 0.5 frames that allow the DJ to set a cue point or loop point with more precision. To achieve the highest sound quality, the CDJ-900 was equipped with the audio industry's highly respected Wolfson DAC processor, delivering a very transparent, accurate audio signal resulting in a highly improved signal-to-noise ratio and increased headroom.
Compatible Media: Music CD, CD-R, CD-RW, USB Devices
Compatible Files: MP3, AAC, WAV, AIFF
File Systems Compatible with USB Storage: FAT12, FAT16, FAT32, HFS+
Frequency Range: 4Hz - 20kHz
Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 115dB or higher (JEITA)
Total Harmonic Distortion: 0.003% (JEITA)
USB Ports: USB-A (1), USB-B (1)
Link Port: LAN / 100 base - tx
Audio Output Terminals: AUDIO OUT (RCA) x1, DIGITAL OUT (COAXIAL) x1
Other Terminals: CONTROL (f3.5mm mini plug) x1
Audio Output Voltage: 2.0 Vrms
Power Supply to Use: 120 V ac (60Hz)
Power Consumption: 26W
Maximum Dimensions (W x D x H in inches): 12.01 x 14.78 x 4.55
Unit Weight: 8.6lbs
Monday, November 7, 2011
RA .ONE
EXPECTATIONS
'Humungous' - That's what described in one word the expectations one has from the music of Ra.One. Though this may seem like a simple word, there is a lot that goes behind the expectations here.
- Ra.One boldly claims itself to be the biggest movie ever made in the country
- Shah Rukh Khan is returning to the big screen more than year and a half after his last big screen outing
- Due to two reasons above, music has to be in line as well
- Vishal & Shekhar are synonymous with new sound especially when it comes to biggies. The stage is all set for them to justify the trust and confidence shown in them to deliver goods.
- Music of films made by Anubhav Sinha has more often than not always worked. Remember Dus, Cash, Tum Bin?
Simply put, there is no margin of error and with the kind of grandeur that the film promises; music has to be in accordance too. With expectations of a loaded experience ahead (Ra.One has 10 unique tracks with five remixes to further boost the prospects), one plays on Ra.One.
MUSIC
Expectedly, the album begins with 'Chammak Challo' which was 'leaked' a few months ago and has been in news ever since then. Well, the song more than lives up to the huge hype that has been built around it, courtesy Akon who has been dragged into the Bollywood music arena. A grand song by all means with huge production values that would be assuring enough for Akon to believe that this one can compete at an international level, 'Chammak Challo' is a fantastic amalgamation of Indian, Middle East and Western sound that gives it a distinguished appeal. Written by Vishal Dadlani and Niranjan Iyengar, the song is not just about Akon, as Hamsika Iyer lends him good support as well in the later parts of the song.
A huge winner all the way that Akon would certainly want to introduce in his international tours as well, 'Chammak Challo' arrives in an astonishing five 'remix versions'. Does one feel like being treated to an overdose of 'Chammak Challo'? Not at all as whether it is the regular 'remix', 'Punjabi mix', 'Club Mix' or 'International version' (where Akon goes solo), the impact is only accentuated as one is treated to a repeat play of this highly foot tapping number.
As one comes out of the euphoria of 'Chammak Challo', Vishal-Shekhar bring on a much sober and melody inclined 'Dildaara - Stand By Me' which is written by Kumaar. Now this is the kind of number that one always expects in a Shah Rukh Khan starrer and it is pretty much out there on a platter with Shafqat Amanat Ali doing quite well in bringing on a romantic number. While the start by itself is impressive, the song takes a different dimension altogether once the key word 'Dildaara' arrives. A love song which is a good fusion of modern day sound and Bollywood ethos, 'Dildaara' has Shafqat seeing good support coming from Vishal Dadlani, Shekhar Ravjiani and Clinton Cerejo as well.
It is back to Akon with 'Criminal' which is a surprise because all this while one had expected 'Chammak Challo' to be his sole outing. This time around Akon sounds more like the way music lovers have been used to hearing him for last few years. However, what impresses most is the way Vishal-Shekhar go on to give 'Criminal' an altogether different dimension as from a peppy Western outing, it moves ahead as a high paced quintessential dance number, only to turn into a full-blown Hindi film song with the arrival of Shruti Pathak. Also, as a singer Vishal Dadlani does well to fuse his lines along with that of Akon, hence giving 'Criminal' a unique appeal. Written by Kumaar and Vishal Dadlani, 'Criminal' isn't a song about crime but is instead about a man wooing his lady love! The 'remix version' only adds on to the appeal.
There is a surprise in store though with the arrival of 'Bhare Naina' which turns out to be a shocker of an outing. Reason being that the soundtrack completely changes track with Nandini Srikar making it a semi-classical outing, courtesy her rendition which is filled with pathos. The song starts off rather slowly and just when one felt that it would take an out and out classical approach, Vishal-Shekhar bring in a fusion sound with Western elements coming in play as well. In the later portions of the song, they can also be heard faintly in the background as back up vocalists hence lending a haunting appeal to this sad song. Written by Panchhi Jalonvi, 'Bhare Naina' may not attract one's attention instantly but has in it to create a cinematic appeal when heard as a part of the film's narrative.
It is a much safer outing though with the arrival of Anvita Dutt written 'Right By Your Side'. A peppy feel-good song by Sidd Coutto which is about living life to the fullest and celebrating an all around bonding filled with happiness, it is good but seems a rather ill-placed in Ra.One. The kind of number which is more suited for a I Hate LUV Storys or a Break Ke Baad or an Anjaana Anjaani - all being Vishal-Shekhar creations, it may just find itself lost in the crowd in an album like Ra.One since the film comes with an altogether different theme, subject and genre.
The real fun begins from this point though as one gets to hear the real sound of Ra.One with five tracks in a row that turn out to be theme/background pieces that truly define what the film stands for. First to arrive is 'Raftaarein' which is a killer of a track, courtesy some true homage paid to R.D. Burman with an old world 70s style sound of an action thriller. Vishal (who also writes the song) as well as Shekhar go totally uninhibited behind the mike and come up with full throated rendition to make 'Raftaarein' a high energy number that should turn out to be adrenalin pumping and quite high impact when seen on the big screen.
Fun continues with 'Jiya Mora Ghabraaye - The Chase' which, as the title suggests, is created for a chase sequence. The moment this near five minute long track begins, one is reminded of another supremely well orchestrated 'Adrenaline Nitrate' that Vishal-Shekhar had created for the theme of Dus. This time around the production is far grander with Sukhwinder Singh and Vishal Dadlani coming together with a fusion mix that ends up creating a trance effect. The song also sees Anubhav Sinha stepping in as a lyricist with Vishal Dadlani chipping in as well. Yet another track which is made for the big screen!
Next three tracks that follow last close to 100 seconds each and are actually the same musical pieces about which much has been said and written about the 200 piece orchestra that was put together by Vishal-Shekhar in Prague. International in appeal and pretty much fitting into Hollywood scheme of things, 'Comes The Light - Theme' is the first to come which is just what one would have expected from a gargantuan superhero flick like Ra.One. 'I'm On' pretty much takes the album forward with the sound of 'Raftaarein' presented in a contemporary manner instead of being set in the 70s mode. Last to arrive is 'Song Of The End' which has a sad feel to it and reminds one of the sound from Titanic. All said and done, these are the theme tracks that would have made acclaimed Hollywood composer Hans Zimmer stand up and notice.
OVERALL
Ra.One has brilliancy written all over it and is clearly a huge winner all the way. It isn't just the grandest score of the year but is also one of the hugest ever that has come out of Bollywood. Music here not just meets the huge expectations but also surpasses it at various junctures, hence making it a satiating experience for the listener. Not just that as it also promises a major cinematic outing once big screen comes calling. A definite choice of the season.
OUR PICK(S)
Chammak Challo, Dildaara - Stand By Me, Raftaarein, Criminal, Jiya Mora Ghabraaye - The Chase, I'm On
'Humungous' - That's what described in one word the expectations one has from the music of Ra.One. Though this may seem like a simple word, there is a lot that goes behind the expectations here.
- Ra.One boldly claims itself to be the biggest movie ever made in the country
- Shah Rukh Khan is returning to the big screen more than year and a half after his last big screen outing
- Due to two reasons above, music has to be in line as well
- Vishal & Shekhar are synonymous with new sound especially when it comes to biggies. The stage is all set for them to justify the trust and confidence shown in them to deliver goods.
- Music of films made by Anubhav Sinha has more often than not always worked. Remember Dus, Cash, Tum Bin?
Simply put, there is no margin of error and with the kind of grandeur that the film promises; music has to be in accordance too. With expectations of a loaded experience ahead (Ra.One has 10 unique tracks with five remixes to further boost the prospects), one plays on Ra.One.
Expectedly, the album begins with 'Chammak Challo' which was 'leaked' a few months ago and has been in news ever since then. Well, the song more than lives up to the huge hype that has been built around it, courtesy Akon who has been dragged into the Bollywood music arena. A grand song by all means with huge production values that would be assuring enough for Akon to believe that this one can compete at an international level, 'Chammak Challo' is a fantastic amalgamation of Indian, Middle East and Western sound that gives it a distinguished appeal. Written by Vishal Dadlani and Niranjan Iyengar, the song is not just about Akon, as Hamsika Iyer lends him good support as well in the later parts of the song.
A huge winner all the way that Akon would certainly want to introduce in his international tours as well, 'Chammak Challo' arrives in an astonishing five 'remix versions'. Does one feel like being treated to an overdose of 'Chammak Challo'? Not at all as whether it is the regular 'remix', 'Punjabi mix', 'Club Mix' or 'International version' (where Akon goes solo), the impact is only accentuated as one is treated to a repeat play of this highly foot tapping number.
As one comes out of the euphoria of 'Chammak Challo', Vishal-Shekhar bring on a much sober and melody inclined 'Dildaara - Stand By Me' which is written by Kumaar. Now this is the kind of number that one always expects in a Shah Rukh Khan starrer and it is pretty much out there on a platter with Shafqat Amanat Ali doing quite well in bringing on a romantic number. While the start by itself is impressive, the song takes a different dimension altogether once the key word 'Dildaara' arrives. A love song which is a good fusion of modern day sound and Bollywood ethos, 'Dildaara' has Shafqat seeing good support coming from Vishal Dadlani, Shekhar Ravjiani and Clinton Cerejo as well.It is back to Akon with 'Criminal' which is a surprise because all this while one had expected 'Chammak Challo' to be his sole outing. This time around Akon sounds more like the way music lovers have been used to hearing him for last few years. However, what impresses most is the way Vishal-Shekhar go on to give 'Criminal' an altogether different dimension as from a peppy Western outing, it moves ahead as a high paced quintessential dance number, only to turn into a full-blown Hindi film song with the arrival of Shruti Pathak. Also, as a singer Vishal Dadlani does well to fuse his lines along with that of Akon, hence giving 'Criminal' a unique appeal. Written by Kumaar and Vishal Dadlani, 'Criminal' isn't a song about crime but is instead about a man wooing his lady love! The 'remix version' only adds on to the appeal.
There is a surprise in store though with the arrival of 'Bhare Naina' which turns out to be a shocker of an outing. Reason being that the soundtrack completely changes track with Nandini Srikar making it a semi-classical outing, courtesy her rendition which is filled with pathos. The song starts off rather slowly and just when one felt that it would take an out and out classical approach, Vishal-Shekhar bring in a fusion sound with Western elements coming in play as well. In the later portions of the song, they can also be heard faintly in the background as back up vocalists hence lending a haunting appeal to this sad song. Written by Panchhi Jalonvi, 'Bhare Naina' may not attract one's attention instantly but has in it to create a cinematic appeal when heard as a part of the film's narrative.
It is a much safer outing though with the arrival of Anvita Dutt written 'Right By Your Side'. A peppy feel-good song by Sidd Coutto which is about living life to the fullest and celebrating an all around bonding filled with happiness, it is good but seems a rather ill-placed in Ra.One. The kind of number which is more suited for a I Hate LUV Storys or a Break Ke Baad or an Anjaana Anjaani - all being Vishal-Shekhar creations, it may just find itself lost in the crowd in an album like Ra.One since the film comes with an altogether different theme, subject and genre.The real fun begins from this point though as one gets to hear the real sound of Ra.One with five tracks in a row that turn out to be theme/background pieces that truly define what the film stands for. First to arrive is 'Raftaarein' which is a killer of a track, courtesy some true homage paid to R.D. Burman with an old world 70s style sound of an action thriller. Vishal (who also writes the song) as well as Shekhar go totally uninhibited behind the mike and come up with full throated rendition to make 'Raftaarein' a high energy number that should turn out to be adrenalin pumping and quite high impact when seen on the big screen.
Fun continues with 'Jiya Mora Ghabraaye - The Chase' which, as the title suggests, is created for a chase sequence. The moment this near five minute long track begins, one is reminded of another supremely well orchestrated 'Adrenaline Nitrate' that Vishal-Shekhar had created for the theme of Dus. This time around the production is far grander with Sukhwinder Singh and Vishal Dadlani coming together with a fusion mix that ends up creating a trance effect. The song also sees Anubhav Sinha stepping in as a lyricist with Vishal Dadlani chipping in as well. Yet another track which is made for the big screen!
Next three tracks that follow last close to 100 seconds each and are actually the same musical pieces about which much has been said and written about the 200 piece orchestra that was put together by Vishal-Shekhar in Prague. International in appeal and pretty much fitting into Hollywood scheme of things, 'Comes The Light - Theme' is the first to come which is just what one would have expected from a gargantuan superhero flick like Ra.One. 'I'm On' pretty much takes the album forward with the sound of 'Raftaarein' presented in a contemporary manner instead of being set in the 70s mode. Last to arrive is 'Song Of The End' which has a sad feel to it and reminds one of the sound from Titanic. All said and done, these are the theme tracks that would have made acclaimed Hollywood composer Hans Zimmer stand up and notice.OVERALL
Ra.One has brilliancy written all over it and is clearly a huge winner all the way. It isn't just the grandest score of the year but is also one of the hugest ever that has come out of Bollywood. Music here not just meets the huge expectations but also surpasses it at various junctures, hence making it a satiating experience for the listener. Not just that as it also promises a major cinematic outing once big screen comes calling. A definite choice of the season.
OUR PICK(S)
Chammak Challo, Dildaara - Stand By Me, Raftaarein, Criminal, Jiya Mora Ghabraaye - The Chase, I'm On
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
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