Everyone is doing end of year lists now, so we'd figure we'd get in on the action and let the world know which products made our hearts thump this year.  We got all of our staff in Sydney and Melbourne to choose their favourite product and write a bit of a review on why that's their number one.  All of the products are available to purchase from DJ Warehouse and from now until Christmas, will come with free shipping!

 

Mo – Reloop IQ2 Mixer

 

Wow, what a mad mixer. Easily the best value for money 2 Channel mixer on the market. Normally, 2 Channel mixers don't excite me due to the lack of effects and so forth, But the Reloop IQ2 not only has master effects, but three really cool crossfader effects, allowing you to use the crossfader as a dry wet. Couple of crazy loop cutting effects, wicked echo's and delays and a massive reverb. The large LED display makes life very easy when changing effect parameters. For around $650, it is by the far the most fun 2 Channel mixer in the shop right now.

 

Rich – Launchpad Ableton Live Controller

The Launchpad gets my nomination for product of the year. Sporting 64 backlit buttons, the ability to launch clips from a grid, play drum racks, control effects and more importantly, keep your hands away from the mouse and avoid looking like DJ YouTube. The Launchpad is by far the favourite part of my Live rig.

Steve – JBL LSR2328 Studio Monitors

I'm really loving the sound of the JBL LSR2328, the massive frequency response they have means you can easily set them up in your room without needing to add a sub. They are nice and detailed in the mids and highs which means you can deliver quality accurate mixes every time. These speakers are easily the best value under $1500

 

Bella – ER20 Earplugs

I know that I still want to be using my ears when I’m old and grey and I also know that ear plugs aren’t the coolest accessory on the dance floor. The ER20s totally kill two birds with one stone. They will keep my hearing intact and not have me looking ridiculous in the meantime. They’re small, reusable, comfortable and barely visible. They cut out 10dbs without cutting any sound clarity. I know it might sound boring to love ear plugs, but these are going to keep me enjoying live music for a long long time.

PS – at Stereosonic The Crookers played a mad set. Half way through the audio peaked and killed everyone’s ears. Not mine. I barely noticed the sound change, except from the crowd around me wincing in pain and covering their ears. Suckers.

 

Ryan – Audio Technica PRO700 DJ Headphones

I've been using these for years. At first I didn't know too much about the different products that Audio Technica do, so I took a chance to try out these headphones that looked funky, and since then I've recommended them to everyone looking at comparable headphones. I've had 2 pairs of these in the last couple of years and use them all the time from general listening to playing out. The deep bass reproduction is due to the 53mm driver which can output 106db, which is easily enough for you to find the perfect mixin front of any PA system, as well as standing out from the crowd with some cool coloured headphones!

 

Nick – Novation Nio Soundcard

The Novation NIO is my pick of all the NIO sound cards we sell. Bang for buck is it unbeatable. Basically, if you're an aspiring DJ or a production enthusiast the NIO is perfect for getting the simple jobs done simply! I use mine to record high quality DJ mixes as well as rout audio through my computer to enhance overall sound quality. If you own a DJ midi interface such as the BCD2000 or the VCI-100 the NIO is a great portable soundcard for headphone cueing.
When I bought my first set of turntables I used to try and record my mixes through the built-in soundcard on my PC. Understandably, they sound quite shite (and that was just the audio). After taking the NIO home I never hesitate recommending one of these bad-boys to people wanting to record a great sounding mix or just take home an easy to use, fail-safe soundcard.

 

Mark – Audio Technica AT618 Disc Stabiliser

I’m really particular about having the best sound possible when I’m Djing, which is why I still play vinyl and why I take a couple of AT618s to every gig. Without fail I always get people coming up who are fascinated by these things! Basically they weigh your records down so they stabilise the vinyl and reduces unwanted bass vibrations and improves the overall sound quality. Don’t bother with these if you’re a scratch DJ, but if you’re still playing vinyl and you care about sound quality, grab a pair of these quick smart.

 

Rommel – Rane TTM57 mixer

The TTM 57 mixer is by far the ultimate mixer for Serato DJ’s that enjoy a fast paced, quick style of mixing with perhaps a dash of scratch transition magic. In true Rane tradition, the 57 is built like a tank and you can confidently smack a fader or rip out eq’s without fear of mixer parts ending up on the floor. World famous Rane magnetic faders are on duty and are without a doubt the smoothest, fastest and most indestructible faders ever built and are sure to satisfy the inner scratch demon/nerd in all of us.
Another awesome thing about the 57 is its connectivity and convenience. On the back of the mixer you can switch all inputs to either phono or line, and on the top panel you can switch between digital and analogue so you never have to fiddle with cables when switching from Serato to regular vinyl or cd. On the Serato interface controls side of things its customization heaven; where you have the flexibility of assigning every knob, button and joy stick to whatever the hell you want!
Finished off with a dateless colour scheme of black, greys, white and a dash of red once you get this baby home, you won’t know whether to mix with it or make love to it. The TTM57 is definitely bringing sexy back!

 

Kyle – Serato SL3 Digital Dj System

Its real simple, if you want something reliable for performance based djing, chose this. This is the SL1200 for DVS systems, it will work night after night, free updates on software with visual information that you need and nothing else that you don’t. What is lacks in extras that some other products have, it makes up for in its pure simplicity and rock solid performance. I know when I use Scratch Live it will work. I could not recommend this product more.

 

Shaun – Ableton Live 8 Software [out of stock, but we've got plenty of training courses!]

When I’m performing in a club Ableton Live gives me the ability to blur the line between DJing and Producing. I enjoy its flexibility and dynamic functions while using a seriously stable piece of software. One function I appreciate particularly is its I/O or routing abilities, allowing me to send and receive audio and midi in multiple ways getting some pretty cool outcomes. Live has taken my performing to a new level, not limiting me by the amount of information that can be played at any one time.

 

Wayne – JBL EON515 Speakers

The JBL EON Speaker is in a league of its own. It is the only speaker system on the market which consistently provides a professional level of sound reproduction, yet maintains a portable profile like nothing else. The flagship model, the EON515 15” powered speaker weighs only 14kg, yet carries enough power to blow the heads off your guests at your family BBQ!

 

George – Alchemy Pike Bag

I thought I’d choose to review something that has been close to me for the past 6 months. The Pike bag by Alchemy is unlike any other bag you’ve seen. Made from recycled inner car tyre tubes and other recycled pieces such as the tube valve used as a zipper pull and an old seatbelt as a carry strap. The end result is a one of a kind bag that is hard wearing and tough. Six months on it doesn’t look a day older and grabs everyone’s interest when they see it. I love bags and have dozens usually loosing interest in them soon after I buy them. This one’s still going strong, probably cause I haven’t seen to many of them around. Made in Seattle it sits fine with the “grunge” image you’d expect.

PS: it also has a really weird squishy feel, thanks to the rubber tyre....its good thing, just hard to explain.

 

Laura – Headliner Multimedia Bag

I would firstly like to say that I don’t use the Headliner Bag for djing (serato) I am a designer so I carry around my 15”macbook pro, my trusty scanner, wacom (drawing pad), a sketch book along with my headphones and all the other cords and gadgets that I use. The headliner bag is the best ever, I have had it for 2 years now and it has not torn or frayed at all there are so many useful padded sections inside so you can be so very organised plus it is so comfortable the stapes and back are padded so there is no strain on your back at all... Plus It looks cool because It is black (or pinstriped) without any lame attachments.
Rating 1 million stars