GEMINI FIRSTMIX PRO DJ MIXER

I've been a professional club deejay for the last 17 years. When I first started, I used to carry about 200 CDs to clubs. That's why I actually released my own album (80s Pilgrimage) back in 1997. At least then I had 18 good club songs on one CD and it cut down the pile a little. A few years later technology improved and we all started burning our own CDs for club use so that from a full box, it was cut down to a flip file of CDs. But the amazing thing with technology is that it advances so quickly. In 2012 most of us no longer use CDs at all. We now use computers using virtual CD players on the screen. Having said that, most of us don't mix directly on the screen, but use a separate controller that attaches to the computer, either in the form of CD players using time coded blank CDs or a console that has 2 players and a mixing desk. There are top of range systems out there and I use the Denon MC3000 which retails for about R8000. The good news is though, if you're an aspiring deejay, a model has just come out that is much more affordable and works just as well! The Gemini FirstMix Pro USB Controller will make a great Christmas present for yourself!

It plugs directly into your laptop and works with CrossDJ software that comes with the controller. This software pulls in all the songs on your laptop and creates a song list. You simply drag the song into the "CD player" and you're ready to go! Here's a snapshot of my screen:

I've been playing with it for a couple of days and it works phenomenally well. You can loop tunes and create different cue points. It also does much of what the more expensive controllers do as well, such as pitch control and syncing (matching the beats of songs). Most importantly, as a professional deejay I want an instant response. In order to beat mix properly I don't want a lag when I hit PLAY. I honestly thought there would be one… but there isn't. It responds instantly. In fact, when I review a product I always try and balance the good with the bad. This is probably the first time I can't think of a single negative point. The Gemini First Mix Pro DJ Mixer has just been released and will be at Musica and other leading music shops in time for Christmas. The top of the range one featured here will retail for about R3495. There are scaled down versions (that run on the same software). The First Mix goes for R1495 and the First Mix IO sells for R2495. If you are an aspiring deejay, the Gemini First Mix DJ Controller is a must! Audiosure very kindly gave me one to give away. If you would like to win it, simple email me your details and I'll randomly pick a winner in the first week of December.