wacom nextbeat wireless controller for djs: from tablets to turntables to the dance floor

March 15th, 2009 comments (1) stumble it! digg it! by: technabob

Wacom, known almost solely for their pen-based graphic tablets and touchscreens has made the jump into an entirely new market – DJs. Maybe dance clubs are more recession-proof than graphic designers? Who knows?

wacom_nextbeat

The new Wacom nextbeat is a music controller which lets both professional and casual digital dee-jays finesse their tunes in about any way imaginable – even from the middle of the dance floor. That’s because the nextbeat features a unique docking wireless control pod which lets you roam and control sounds loaded onto the nextbeat base station.

nextbeat_undocked

The nextbeat contains everything you need to rock the party now. Packed inside the box is a pair of digital audio players, a mixer, sampler and effect units. Just plug it into your sound system, and you’re ready to go.

wacom_nextbeat_2

In keeping with Wacom tradition, the nextbeat incorporates a variety of touch-based sensors on its control pod, but they were smart enough to also include a number of knobs and buttons for places where tactile feedback is a must.

Wacom plans on releasing the nextbeat DJ system in Europe and Japan in Summer 2009. No word on price or a North American release date, but you can check back for more information over at the nextbeat preview site. It’ll also be on display at the Winter Music Conference from 24-28 March 2009 in Miami Beach, Florida, USA, and Musikmesse from 1-4 April 2009 in Frankfurt, Germany – if you happen to be there.

[via MacWorld UK via flyflyf]

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