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Denon has released the DN-S3500 CD/MP3 Turntable, a DJ mixing tool that negates the need for that most precious of item to any self respecting DJ, the vinyl. CD alternatives for DJ's are nothing new per se and have not swayed mixologists from their trusty old 1210s. But maybe that is set to change.
This offering from Denon actually looks like turntable, with a traditional layout and solid build quality. While CD's themselves will not allow some of the flexibility of vinyl - scratching, rewinding and no load time - they do allow a number of extra features which set them apart that could never be replicated by conventional record based mixing.
To start with it combats the load time issue and not being able to easily start the track at specific points with a 12-pole Direct Drive brushless motor, which is able to emulate the power vinyl turntables on the market. There is also mp3 support with a special memo system, which can save cue points hence eliminating the need to scroll through the whole track to reach a certain point. But this isn't what will attract people away from vinyl…
The DN-S3500 has a number of effects built in; these include a Flanger, a Filter, Echo, Echo Loop, Brake, Dump and Reverse. All effects can be tweaked in realtime, feature full parameter adjustment and utilize a separate control for the wet/dry effects mix. There is a sampler, 15sec memory to facilitate fast disc changes without sound loss and some interesting loop effects.
The death of vinyl has been long been postponed by the DJ community, could this kind of development turn the old faithful?
See the Denon DJ website for more information.
