A new Algoriddim djay controller just reared it’s head courtesy of French company J-Music. Called the J-Music J-PLAY DJ Mix, it’s an ultra-portable touch surface controller compatible with iOS, so you can use the iPad/iPhone version of djay with it, and also a bit of a mouthful to say.
Here’s what they have to say about their new toy:
PRESS RELEASE J-PLAY DJ MIX Pad
J-Music introduces J-PLAY DJ MIX Pad
An Ultra-Portable Controller Designed for Algoriddim’s djay App Bridging the Gap Between DJing and Music Creation
J-Music, a company offering creative tools to make music with ease, introduces J-Play DJ MIX Pad, an innovative controller designed to seamlessly integrate with Algoriddim’s djay app, the award-winning DJ app available on Mac, PC, iOS, and Android devices.
J-Play DJ MIX Pad is a cutting-edge DJ controller that provides a revolutionary bridge between DJing and music production. It enables aspiring DJs to get into music production as more DJs seek to become producers. The J-Play DJ MIX Pad has been designed to cater to this evolving trend. No other DJ controller on the market provides such a direct and smooth transition from DJing to music creation.(1)
As a portable and powerful device for DJs and aspiring creators, the controller enables users to prepare sets on the fly while providing the flexibility to control the djay app across various platforms.
Essential DJing Functions in a Compact Controller: The J-Play DJ MIX Pad packs all the essential functions of DJing. From dedicated stem controls to large effects areas, users can access the full range of DJing capabilities in a portable and user-friendly device.
Multi-Platform Control: The J-Play DJ MIX Pad offers versatile compatibility, allowing users to control Algoriddim’s djay app on their Mac, PC, iOS, and Android devices. DJs can switch between platforms and use the power of the djay app, including its integrated streaming services, to keep their sets fresh and dynamic.
Enhanced Creativity: The Neural Mix technology available in the djay app not only enhances the creative potential of the J-Play DJ MIX Pad but also empowers users to explore new approaches to mixing. The ability to isolate and manipulate individual components of a track in real-time introduces a level of creativity previously unmatched in DJ hardware.
J-Play DJ MIX Pad is set to redefine the landscape for aspiring DJs looking for an ultra portable device for mixing but also to make the leap into music production. The collaboration between J-Music and Algoriddim aims to empower a new generation of creators.
For more information about J-Play DJ MIX Pad and to explore its seamless integration with the djay app, please visit the webpage:
EU: https://jouemusic.com/en/products/dj-mix-pad
US: https://jouemusic.us/products/dj-mix-pad(1) Recent industry surveys say 60% of DJs are regularly producing or want to produce music
https://www.digitaldjtips.com/census-results-2024
About J-Music:
J-Music is a French company that designs creative tools to make music with ease. The brand is on a mission to help everyone, whatever their background, integrate music practice into their daily lives.
About djay:
djay is a winner of multiple Apple Design Awards. Available for desktop, mobile, and spatial devices, it is loved by millions of DJs and music enthusiasts around the world.
Our take
I might be sceptical of touch interfaces, but this is definitely an elegant middle ground. I continue to argue that the Maschine Jam is wonderful bit of kit, not IN SPITE of the touch faders, but because of it. Having touch faders with LED feedback down the side means you can switch the controls to different features and quickly see where they are, and not have to worry about MIDI pickup when changing parameters.
The J-Music J-PLAY DJ Mix features a similar system (sans the lights, I believe) that gives you touch controls, but with an embossed surface so your fingers can find what they are searching for, rather than just a flat screen to fumble over. Looking at the other mats that you can get, there are some with lights in pads etc, so it would be cool to integrate them into the fader strips somehow if they haven’t
It also looks sleek, with a fully wooden back and sides, and black & yellow front control surface. The thing looks just a bit bigger than the Numark DJ2GO2, for example. You can also seemingly swap out the control surface with some of the other J-Music products and use their own mobile production app.
I’m not sure about the random claim of being “such a direct and smooth transition from DJing to music creation”, beyond the ability to swap out surfaces, but it’s always nice to see better accessibility to both disciplines.
The price might be a concern. It’s a lot of money for a touch controller, particularly when you take away the €40 discount that I suspect is only for pre-orders until the launch. It’s worth bearing in mind that this is from a boutique company building their products locally.
MADE IN FRANCE
Production is carried out with suppliers who share our values, most of them are based in France to limit carbon impact.
https://jouemusic.com/en/products/dj-mix-pad
Your take
Does this new controller tickle your fancy? How do you feel about the touch interface?
The J-Music J-PLAY DJ Mix for Algoriddim djay is available from early September, costing €195, with €40 off when pre-ordering.