Xone:3D puts MIDI controls on DJ  Add your News

The Xone:3D is a unique performance DJ controller that for the first time enables the seamless integration of computer-based digital media into the traditional DJ workspace. Combining a fully featured, high specification professional analogue DJ mixer with a comprehensive MIDI control system and a high end multi-channel USB soundcard, the Xone:3D has been designed in conjunction with some of the world’s most cutting-edge DJ/producers.

Mixer:

• 4 multi-input stereo channels: RIAA preamps for turntables on 4 inputs
• 3-band total kill EQ: +6dB to off
• 2 FX sends: pre/post selection (internal on FX2)
• 2 stereo returns
• Headphone monitor with mix/cue control: 3.5mm and ¼” sockets
• 2 analogue VCF filters: low-, band-and high-pass, resonance frequency, and filter ‘on’ switch
• Assignable LFO with depth control
• Mic input: On XLR connector; gain control and 2-band EQ control available
• Power supply: High performance internal switch-mode supply
• RIAA: for THREE turntables (four via internal jumper link)
• Dual Rail VCA Cross Fader
  

USB SoundCard:

• 24-bit stereo Analogue to Digital converters and Digital to Analogue converters (not lower spec CODECs)
• Sample rate can be set to either 44.1kHz or 48kHz
• Interfaces to any digital audio source up to 192kHz
• Soundcard fed from main mix, FX1, or direct from channels
• 8 channels - (6 channels from a PC and 2 returns or 4 channels from a PC and 4 returns)
• Sends - mix, FX, or individual analogue channels may be routed to PC or digital outputs
  

MIDI Controller:

• Mappable MIDI controls
• 105 MIDI control messages available
• 8 x 60mm linear faders
• 16 x detented rotary pots
• 10 rotary encoders, 50 switches, 2 custom jog wheels with micro switches
• 8 illuminated push switches
• Multi-function jog wheels with switched navigation control
• Xone:3D is compatible with any PC software that has MIDI assignable functions:
  for instance, lighting controller or visual effects programs.

Allen & Heath Launches First Universal DJ Controller

A significant leap forward has been taken in DJ technology with the launch of Allen & Heath's pioneering mixer/controller, the Xone:3D, at the 119th AES Convention (booth #237). The unique design is the amalgamation of a high performance DJ mixer, a top spec multi-channel USB soundcard, a comprehensive MIDI control surface, offering a performance workstation that integrates all the tools of the modern DJ.

The mixer section is derived from the industry-standard Xone:92 and Xone:62 designs, featuring four multi-input stereo channels, 3-band total kill EQ, a comprehensive cue system, two stereo returns, headphone monitor with mix/cue control, and high quality dual rail faders. 3D contains the Xone range's trademark VCF filters, offering low-pass, band-pass, and high-pass selection; resonance and frequency filters; plus there is an assignable LFO with depth control. The master section has two effects sends with pre/post fader selection, and there is a VCA crossfader.

The USB soundcard has eight channels, arranged in stereo pairs, which can operate in two modes - six channels from a PC and two returns, or four channels from a PC and four returns. Using individual professional audio standard 24bit stereo converters with an audio sampling rate of 48 kHz, the card's design guarantees the best possible sound quality from laptops and PCs. The soundcard can be fed from the main mix, FX1, or direct from the channels, and features a SPDIF optical and coaxial interface. Also, the USB connection sends and receives both audio and MIDI data to and from the PC, and can be used to update firmware and set mixer configuration data.



There are dedicated MIDI control sections either side of the mixer, with a total of eight dedicated control faders, 16 rotary controls with centre detent, 10 encoders, 50 switches, and two custom jog wheels with micro switches, which can be mapped for use as navigation controls for DJ software such as Ableton Live and Traktor. Xone:3D can send a total of 105 different MIDI control messages from the dedicated control sections, audio channel faders and crossfader, to the 3D's MIDI out socket and via the USB interface to the PC.

An automatic beat detector synchronises the MIDI clock to the main mix, the FX2 mix buss, or can be disabled to allow the beat to be manually tapped-in. The 3D also has connections for a footswitch controller and a gameport socket for a standard analogue joystick that can also be used as a second MIDI output.

The progressive DJs, Chris Liebing and Richie Hawtin, have been consultants and beta testers during development of the Xone:3D.

"Technology is leading us into a very exciting and new form of DJ'ing," comments Chris Liebing. "Allen & Heath's Xone:3D is a huge step forward into that future. More fun for the DJ, more fun for the crowd!"