Become an iDJ with your iPod

Just when you though that everything that could possibly ever be created for iPod was, think again! Now you can even mix songs between two iPod units. Don’t believe us? Check this iDJ unit out by Numark.

iDJ for iPod
Basically this is a lavish way to mix songs on your iPod and make them all fancy. It features a cross fader and a line fader, two of each, one for each unit, and it does require that you have two separate iPods, both containing MP3’s for it to work. You can also use this mixer on any turntable as it is compatible for that, but why in the heck would you? You get a very standard, three-range, mid-swept EQ with all of the essentials. There is a microphone control panel and headphone control, each with that has its own standard settings. Of course the unit has two RCA inputs and is equipped with USB outputs for docking to any computer. And yes, it is compatible with all iPod models. If you are fancying mixing your own songs, with the obvious limitations of course, then you will be happy to know that you will only have to shell out about: $159.00 to get this unit online.

Features & Specs:
• Two universal iPod docking stations will accept all model iPods with bottom connector and charge while connected
• Large iPod navigation controls
• 3-band EQ with gain control on both channels
• Dedicated microphone input with tone and level control
• Phono/line inputs for adding additional devices on both channels
• USB connectivity (PC and Mac) enables iDJ to function as a music-loading base
• iPod’s recording capabilities supported by iDJ for voice memos, etc.
• Turntable spindle receptacle enables placement of the iDJ on a turntable
• Zero tolerance precision switches/knobs for a tight, precise feel
• Docking Interface: USB 2.0 standard size slave
• Mic Controls: Gain, Tone Mic Input 1/4 inch
• Headphone Control: Gain, source select
• Headphone Output: 1/4-inch, 1/8-inch stereo
• Inputs: (2) stereo line (RCA) with phono – preamp switch and ground lugs 1 mic
• Channel Controls: Gain, Bass, Middle, Treble, Source Select, Line Fader
• EQ Rang:e ±15 dB
• Gain Range: Infinty ±10dB
• Line Faders: 60mm
• Crossfader: 60mm
• Outputs: Stereo Master (RCA), Headphone (1/8-inch and 1/4-inch), S-video, Record
• iPod Navigation Controls: 5 button, 1 wheel per channel
• Docking Connector: Standard Apple Connector, with Numark insert
• iPod Models Supported: All Generation 2 and newer except Shuffle
• Power: 9V, 2.8amp

The Bottom Line
While we are certainly impressed by this newer iDJ unit, which allows you to successfully mix songs from iPods, there are some notable drawbacks. One it’s a fairly costly unit, placing it in the hands of most teens, which are the predominant users of iPod, is unlikely. Secondly, it requires two iPods to mix, and the features and functions for mixing do not add up for the bucks.

In end, no self respecting DJ would ever waste their wad on this white hulk, when they can easily stop by the local Guitar Center and get a real DJ mixing board for close to the same price. And to further this notion, there are dozens of open source programs that can be found online that offer free DJ mixing software for all digital formats, which you can then download into your iPod, for free. They have more features and did we say they are free? So while nifty, this one unfortunately does not make our cut. And that’s the bottom line.