It’s official. Panasonic has finally confirmed our worst fears. Production of the famous Technics 1200 is finally coming to an end. CDJ’s killed the turntable rockstar?

DJ Forums and the entire music loving turntable yielding internet worldwide have been sickened by the recent news that Japanese giant Panasonic is finally set to discontinue production of the legendary Technics series of turntables, the SL-1200. The “ultimate death of vinyl” and the “end of an era” can be heard being from DJs on roof tops everywhere as Panasonic confirms this fact. However, other models, like the Technics MK2 and Technics MK5, appear to still be listed as being available on the Panasonic website

In an exclusive breaking post, and direct from the founder and Chairman of DMC, Tony Prince, the OFFICIAL statement from Osako, Japan reads as follows:

Panasonic reactive statement – Production of analogue turntables has ceased

Panasonic has confirmed that it ceased the production of its Technics-branded analogue turntables this autumn.

After more than 35 years as a leading manufacturer of analogue turntables, Panasonic has regretfully taken the decision to leave this market.  However, Panasonic will continue to sell headphones under the Technics brand.

We are sure that retailers and consumers will understand that our product range has to reflect the accelerating transformation of the entire audio market from analogue to digital.

In addition, the number of component suppliers serving the analogue market has dwindled in recent years and we brought forward the decision to leave the market rather than risk being unable to fulfil future orders because of a lack of parts.

Panasonic employees who have been working on the analogue turntable range have been redeployed elsewhere within Panasonic – many of them continuing to work in Panasonic´s Audio Video Business Unit.

Tony Prince himself has announced in response:

“DMC have finally received the official statement from Technics Panasonic in Osako, Japan which we now pass on to the DJ world. It feels like a funeral…. but we won’t be burying this baby for many years to come”!

So there you have it. The Technics SL1200 is no more – at least in regards to new units coming off the production line. But hey, the legacy will live on. There are thousands of SL1200′s in the world right now, Mk2′s, MK6′s, MK whatever..and they will continue to shape our musical world. Consider that the probable life span of a well cared for deck is probably twenty+ years (hell, mine are 12+ years old and are still in almost perfect working order!) so I don’t think we will be consigning them to the rubbish heap just yet. The art of turntablism, hands touching vinyl, the gorgeous torque felt beneath the fingers, the sheer unadulterated beauty of the SL1200 itself and the passion for ‘that’ sound – a tiny metal fragment carving a journey through virgin and ‘worn’ grooves alike, we still need all of this in our lives. And, whether as the ‘real thing’, or a digital emulation translated from it (Serato anyone?), the SL1200 will actually never die.

Technics SL-1200 History- With timescales and images
Frequently asked questions on Hyperreal on the Technics SL-1200MK2/SL-1210MK2 TurntablesThe Technics SL1200 on Wikipedia

As a saluting salvo I present to you 466 free jazz club samples to use in your projects. You were probably expecting some Blues samples eh? The samples are supplied in four construction kits, each of which is tempo-labeled. Inside the main folder for each of these you’ll find drums, guitar, bass and keys samples.

All the samples are supplied as 24-bit WAV files which can be imported directly into your DAW or sampler of choice. Because they’re royalty-free, you’re welcome to use the samples in your own music in any way you like, just don’t re-distribute them for sale. Enjoy and Never Forget!

Jazz Club samples (460MB)
Download Here!

Bloglines touts itself as a “FREE online service for subscribing, creating and sharing news feeds, blogs and rich web content. With Bloglines, there is no software to download or install …… (and it) shields you from the confusion of news feed standards — RSS, Atom, and others.”

For years, I’ve used their services to assemble aggregated online information and news from various online sources; primarily blogs related to politics, electronic music and web or graphic design. Bloglines has saved me countless hours digging through innumerable websites for information related to those things that most interest me. Though I know that I am somewhat of an anomaly amongst my friends and peers, by consuming mass amounts of information and news on a daily basis, the value of RSS (Really Simple Syndication) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RSS cannot be denied. Or according to Steve Gillmor over at TechCrunch, was an indispensable tool.

Unfortunately the Bloglines service will officially close on November 15, 2010(*updated*). And via the Ask.com blog, their reasoning boils down to the fact that they want to shift their focus onto other more lucrative web strategies. Honestly, I am more inclined to believe Steve Gillmor and say that Social Media, particular Twitter.com and Facebook.com, has significantly diminished the importance of RSS, along with many online discussion forums. With the amount of user and business driven online media clamoring for the attention of the almighty web consumer, it’s practically impossible to maintain loyalty towards any particular online information resource. That is, unless you’re the almighty Twitter or Facebook.

Twitter users who are knowledgeable about marketing and the web recognize that its primary purpose is to drive Twitter users to their respective 3rd party websites where they can provide you with a quality online experience filled with helpful and pertinent information. It has gotten to the point that even though I still receive an unfathomable amount of email; mostly email from various RSS feeds, I have begun to substitute these RSS feeds for Twitter because most of those website RSS feeds I’m subscribed to are also on Twitter.

Anyway, I’m losing focus here and need to get back on track. You clicked on this blog bc you want to know how to transfer your RSS feeds.

Because the Bloglines service is closing next week I want to make it as easy as possible to transport your feeds to another RSS aggregator (Google Reader specifically). Below are some simple instructions explaining how to export your RSS subscriptions from Bloglines and import your RSS subscription feeds into Google Reader.

First you must export your RSS subscriptions into an OPML file. Outline Processor Markup Language (OPML) is the typical format that RSS aggregators use to import and export subscription feed lists.

Click on the Feeds tab on the front page after you’ve signed into Bloglines.

Scroll past your feeds to the bottom of the pane and click on Export Subscriptions.

Save the OPML file to your desktop.

Now is the time to import your OPML file into Google.

Login to Google Reader.

Click Manage Subscriptions at the bottom of the left hand pane.

Click the Import/Export tab button and select Browse.

Browse for your OPML file, click Open and click Upload.

You will see the following displayed until it is done:
“Your subscriptions are being imported…”

All your Bloglines RSS feed subscriptions are now imported into Google.

Click the Subscriptions tab to see your imported RSS feeds.

Happy reading and ask any questions in the comments below.

http://www.bloglines.com/
http://blog.ask.com/

Twitter recently updated the Twitter.com user interface, which dramatically changed the appearance of Twitter profiles.  The new Twitter.com now offers an enhanced user experience over their current interface. Nevertheless, the new interface comes with a hitch; (branded) background images and information are now sharply limited. This is because the new Twitter.com platform utilizes more of your computer screen than it did before, to accommodate for its updated features.

Twitter backgrounds are valuable and offer a unique way to incorporate your creative prowess and branding. Previously the vacant left hand margin of the Twitter background proved to be a popular area in which to share additional information about yourself using a customized Twitter background. Since the vast majority of viewers use a screen resolution (width) of 1024 or 1280, most old Twitter backgrounds will now look less professional on the New Twitter.

One of the first things you’ll notice about the New Twitter user interface is that there is far less available space in the margins. The left margin has been reduced considerably leaving only 110 or less pixels in each margin on a 1024 or 1280 display, which means it’s time for some innovative background redesigns. Though the overall width of the sidebar and Twitter.com website has been expanded to make room for more relevant information, only at higher resolutions will more than 40 pixels appear along the left side margin.

1024 x 768
At a 1024×768 screen resolution you have a minimal area to place any background images and information. You have about 40 free pixels on the left side margin, only 30 pixels on the right side, and a meager 21 pixels on the top margin, just right above your profile picture. The right panel area has a subtle 75% opacity you can experiment with though.

1280 x 1024
The next resolution, in terms of the number of people who make use of it on their computer screens, is 1280×1024. At 1280×1024, you have a total of 105 pixels on the left side margin, approximately 103 pixels on the right side margin and still only 21 pixels for the top margin. The Twitter user interface is much more proportioned at this resolution and I recommend it to most folks.

The new larger avatar (profile picture) is a welcome change to the previous one, so I deleted most of the images from my original background. No need for redundant images afterall. You can view my original Twitter background below:

Fortunately, you’ll notice that on the new Twitter profile interface that the right side region is slightly transparent, which is useful because we can now use that transparent area of our profile to our advantage.

Here’s my new background on the new Twitter:

At 1024×768 (Click Image to See Larger Size)

At 1280×800 (Click Image to See Larger Size)

At 1280×1024 (Click Image to See Larger Size)

You no doubt observed how I added a few social networking url’s along with a few social network icons (that are unfortunately only visible when viewing my Twitter profile using a 1024×768 screen resolution) in the right side panel. This transparency apparently works only in Firefox, Safari and Chrome but not Internet Explorer, but I haven’t tested it in IE9.

---

Nonetheless, for easy customization of your Twitter profile, there’s no need for you to be a designer, as there are numerous websites that offer options to create personalized Twitter backgrounds. Here are few of them, which I hope will help you create a personalized Twitter profile.

http://www.mytweetspace.com
It provides both free and paid service for customizing your Twitter background. You can download free templates or add your image, text, URL, badge etc.

http://www.twitter-images.com/
Twitter images offers a lot of attractive Twitter backgrounds which you can customize according to your wishes and upload it to your Twitter profile. There are varieties of categories available like 3D, abstract, vehicles, fantasy, etc.

http://www.twitbacks.com/
This is free service which you can use for customizing your profile by adding images, text and url’s. You can even use a self portrait as a Twitter background. There are more than 80 templates available to choose from or you can also create your own.

http://www.artweet.com/
This service allows you to generate custom backgrounds according to your specific requirements. It provides you an easy way to add information about yourself and customize the colors, image or background of Twitter. This web tool is free to use.

http://www.freetwitterdesigner.com/
Free Twitter Designer is a free and easy to use web app to create a customized Twitter background. You can add your own creative image or choose one from the given template and you can also add text, icons etc. to give personal touch to your Twitter background.

http://www.tweetygotback.com/
TweetyGotBack has an amazing collection of Twitter backgrounds. You just need to login into Twitter, select the background from given attractive templates and then apply it to your Twitter profile. It is fast and easy to use but it doesn’t add your image or name in your Twitter profile.

---

Hopefully this post has helped you recognize the adjustments you’ll need to make between the old and the new Twitter.com user interfaces, particularly the new background dimensions. As an added bonus I’ve provided you 5 custom .PSD Twitter templates (for download below) to help you create your new Twitter background. Enjoy and share this post and templates with your colleagues. Further, if you have any suggestions please leave them in the comments below.

Propellerhead Reason is a great digital tool for making music. To create good music with Reason you need Reason Refills that offer you new sounds and ideas for producing music. Below are 3 Reason Refills and expect more to be released in the future.

These instrument refills were made using various Propellerhead Reason synths and effects. Overall there are over 500 patches here ready for you to use in your own music.

Have fun and use any of the patches in your own music for free.

http://www.zshare.net/download/80682821b1163799/

Native Instruments Announces TRAKTOR KONTROL S4
Integrated DJ system combines advanced hardware with powerful new TRAKTOR software to provide a new level of functionality and control!

In Berlin, August 16th, 2010 – Native Instruments had announced TRAKTOR KONTROL S4, an integrated DJ system with state-of-the-art performance capabilities and intuitive tactile control. Based on ten years of digital DJing expertise, TRAKTOR KONTROL S4 combines a special version of the TRAKTOR PRO software with an advanced hardware controller, both developed in unison to give DJs of all genres unparalleled creative possibilities with supreme work flow and ease-of-use.

TRAKTOR KONTROL S4 represents a entire new level of software and hardware integration that makes DJing more versatile, more intuitive and more fun. The full-featured controller combines a four-channel mixer section with ergonomically laid-out high-quality control elements and an integrated 24bit audio interface, all designed to professional specifications. All relevant functions including looping, cueing, effects control and track browsing are immediately accessible on the robust and portable hardware, while dynamic multi-color backlighting, LED status displays and comprehensive level metering allow DJs to focus on their performance rather than on the computer screen.

The included TRAKTOR PRO S4 software offers the full feature set of TRAKTOR PRO, further expanded through powerful new performance functions and an optimized user interface that offers superior usability under all conditions. Two flexible Sample Decks can add up to eight simultaneous one-shot samples or beat-synced loops to the mix, opening up creative remixing and mash-up possibilities that go far beyond conventional DJing techniques. The unique Loop Recorder also allows DJs to capture and overdub audio loops from the live mix, cue signal or an external input on the fly, and drop them back into the mix at any time.

The dual touch-sensitive jog wheels on the KONTROL S4 hardware offer extremely precise and responsive deck control due to a new patent- pending electromagnetic technology, complemented through Native Instruments’ high-resolution NHL protocol that provides superior performance over conventional MIDI. The integrated low-latency 24bit/96kHz audio interface is based on the acclaimed AUDIO 4 DJ, and provides professional signal quality to match the most high-profile club systems. External time-code control via turntables and CD decks will be enabled through a future software upgrade. To accommodate touring DJs, a professional flightcase that doubles as an adjustable performance stand will also be available as an accessory for TRAKTOR KONTROL S4.

---

Live mixset recording of Above & Beyond at Electric Zoo 2010.
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=CVANJKG5

---

Live mixset recording of Afrojack at Electric Zoo 2010.

Afrojack Electric Zoo 2010 Tracklist:

1. Afrojack – Bangduck (Original Mix)
2. Larry Tee Feat. Roxy Cottontail – Let’s Make Nasty (Afrojack Remix)
3. ID w/ Sidney Samson – Riverside (Afrojack Remix)
4. Steve Angello – KNAS w/ Oliver Twizt – Polkadots (Acapella) w/ Major Lazer feat. Afrojack & Vybz – Pon De Floor
5. Afrojack Feat. Eva Simons – Take Over Control (Extended Vocal Mix)
6. BEP – Gotta Feeling w/ Congorock – Babylon
7. ID
8. Steve Angello & Laidback Luke – Be w/ Afrojack – Pacha On Acid
9. Benny Benassi – Satisfaction 2010 (Afrojack Remix)
10. Afrojack & Bobby Burns – Bungee w/ Afrojack & David Guetta – Louder Than Words (Acapella)
11. Daft Punk – Aerodynamic w/ Silvio Ecomo & Chuckie – Moombah (Afrojack Remix)
12. Lil Wayne – A Milli (acapella) w/ Rune – Calabria (tool)
13. Afrojack – Zeggie
14. David Guetta – Memories (ID Remix)
15. Laidback Luke & Steve Aoki Feat. Lil Jon – Turbulence w/ Swedish House Mafia – One (Congorock Remix) (loop)
16. Swedish House Mafia – One (Congorock Remix) w/ Swedish House Mafia – One (Original Mix)

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=63Y4ZL1K

---

Live mixset recording of Armin van Buuren at Electric Zoo 2010.

Armin van Buuren Electric Zoo 2010 Tracklist:

1. Armin van Buuren feat. Susana – Desiderium 207
2. Armin van Buuren – Mirage
3. ID
4. Armin van Buuren feat. Sophie Ellis-Bextor – Not Giving Up Of Love (Dash Berlin 4AM Remix)
5. Markus Schulz feat. Justine Suissa – Perception (Super8 & Tab Remix)
6. W&W – Alpha
7. Armin van Buuren vs. Ferry Corsten – Minack
8. Armin van Buuren feat. BT – These Silent Hearts
9. Armin van Buuren – Rush Hour
10. Sied van Riel & Radion 6 – Radiator
11. Armin van Buuren – Full Focus
12. Gareth Emery ft. Lucy Saunders – Sanctuary (Sean Tyas Remix)
13. ID
14. Pascal Feliz & Nenes – Platinum (Ben Gold Remix)
15. Daniel Kandi pres. Timmus – Symphonica
16. Jon O’Bir feat. Fisher – Found A Way (Joint Operation Centre Remix)
17. Armin van Buuren – Orbion
18. Push – Universal Nation (Remix)
19. Andy Ling – Fixation (Airwave Remix)
20. ID
21. Cirez D vs. Armin van Buuren feat. Sharon den Adel- On Off Of Love (Armin van Buuren Mashup)
22. Encore: Swedish House Mafia – One

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=T9WFQSFG

---

Live mixset recording of Axwell at Electric Zoo 2010.
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=HKVEU2YL

---

Live mixset recording of Boris at Electric Zoo 2010.
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=TKDCPJWM

---

Live mixset recording of Chuckie at Electric Zoo 2010.
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=MM9ORAAG

---

Live mixset recording of Cosmic Gate at Electric Zoo 2010.
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=2EZC8VOS

---

Live mixset recording of D Ramirez at Electric Zoo 2010.
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=8Z5LZD3X

---

Live mixset recording of Diplo at Electric Zoo 2010.
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=MA44C0JC

---

Live mixset recording of Dirty South at Electric Zoo 2010.
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=SBE0KK0Z

---

Live mixset recording of Fedde Le Grand at Electric Zoo 2010.

Fedde Le Grand Electric Zoo 2010 Tracklist:

1. Phunk Investigation vs. Stardust – Music Sounds Better With You 2009 (F-Man Edit)
2. Fedde Le Grand & Funkerman – 3 Minutes To Explain w/ The Prodigy – Breath w/ Justice – We Are Your Friends (Acapella) (F.L.G. Bootleg)
3. Rage Against The Machine – Killing In The Name (F.L.G. Remix)
4. Fedde Le Grand vs. Empire Of The Sun – Walking On Amplifier (DJ Goodwill Bootleg)
5. Nicky Romero – My Friend
6. Funkerman vs. RHCP – Otherside 2010
7. Wippenberg – Pong (Tocadisco Remix)
8. Ned Shephard & Sultan – A Fine Balance (Jerome Isma-Ae Remix) w/ Moby – Natural Blues (Acapella)
9. Denis Koyu – Grunge
10. Swedish House Mafia – One
11. Mumbai Science – Ancova
12. Afrojack – Pacha On Acid w/ Fatboy Slim – Star69 (Acapella)
13. Steve Angello – KNAS
14. Fedde Le Grand vs. Fatboy Slim – Praise You 2009
15. ID (haven’t heard this one before!)
16. Zombie Nation – Kernkraft 400 (Laidback Luke Bootleg)

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=8ECXIK7X

---

Live mixset recording of Funkagenda at Electric Zoo 2010.
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=CMWVISP7

---

Live mixset recording of Gareth Emery at Electric Zoo 2010.

Gareth Emery Electric Zoo 2010 Tracklist:

1. Maurizio Gubellini Featuring Mia Crispin – Getting Personal (Avicii’s Italectronic Instrumental Remix)
2. Super8 & Tab Featuring Jan Burton – Empire (Kyau & Albert Remix)
3. Gareth Emery – Global
4. Rank 1 vs. Jochen Miller vs. John O’Callaghan Featuring Sarah Howells – Find The Great Escape (John O’Callaghan Mashup)
5. The Thrillseekers – Savanna
6. Lange, Andy Moor, Komytea & Tiesto – Lethal Stadium Four (Gareth Emery Re-Edit)
7. Gareth Emery – Citadel
8. Gareth Emery Featuring Lucy Saunders – Sanctuary (Club Mix)
9. ID
10. Gareth Emery vs. OceanLab – On a Metropolis Day (Myon & Shane 54 Mashup)
11. Gareth Emery vs. Motorcycle – As The Exposure Comes (Gareth Emery Mashup)
12. Nenes & Pascal Feliz – Platinum (Ben Gold Remix)
13. Gareth Emery Featuring Lucy Saunders – Fight The Sunrise
14. Dustin Zahn – Stranger To Stability (Len Faki Podium Mix)
15. Faithless Featuring Dido – Feeling Good (Ferry Corsten Remix)
16. Pendulum – The Island Part 1

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=809XS8D1

---

Live mixset recording of Joachim Garraud at Electric Zoo 2010.

Joachim Garraud Electric Zoo 2010 Tracklist:

1. Joachim Garraud – We Are The Future
2. Coldplay Versus Olympic – Joachim Garraud Booty Rmx
3. Joachim Garraud – Street’s Sound
4. Shm – One
5. Fierce Rulling Diva – Rubb It In
6. Joachim Garraud – We Are Back ( Rockstarz Rmx )
7. Gorillaz – On Melancholy Hill ( Joachim Garraud Rmx )
8. Sonic C – Stickin’
9. Joachim Garraud & Afrojack – Moi Y’Aime Bien Moa-Mashup Rmx
10. Karim – Mika Acid Trip
11. Joachim Garraud – Are U Ready?
12. Joachim Garraud – Area 555
13. Dahool – Meet Her At Loveparade ( Joachim Garraud Rmx )

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=SZSJ2ST8

---

Live mixset recording of Kaskade at Electric Zoo 2010.

Kaskade Electric Zoo 2010 Tracklist:

1. Kaskade – Angel On My Shoulder (EDX’s Belo Horizonte At Night Remix)
2. Kaskade, EDX, Haley – Don’t Stop Dancing
3. ID
4. Sgt Slick – Everyday (Digital Lab Remix)
5. Kaskade – Sorry (Dirty South Mix)
6. Meck feat. Dino – Feels Like A Prayer (Michael Woods Remix) w/ Madonna – Like A Prayer w/ ID acapella
7. Kaskade feat. Dragonette – Fire In Your New Shoes (Sultan & Ned Shepard Mix)
8. Kaskade feat. Haley Dynasty (Dada Life Remix)
9. Kaskade – Be Still (ID Remix)
10. Kaskade – Be Still vs. Benny Benassi – Satisfcation (Kaskade Mashup)
11. Wolfgang Gartner – Undertaker w/ ID Acapella
12. Steve Angello – Knas w/ Tristan Garner & Gregori Klosman – Fuckin Down (Original Version) w/ ID acapella

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=M7XQTUTZ

---

Live set recording of Laidback Luke at Electric Zoo 2010.
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=0UTQCV2K

---

Live mixset recording of Markus Schulz at Electric Zoo 2010.

Markus Schulz Electric Zoo 2010 Tracklist:

1. Moguai – Oyster (Michael Woods Remix)
2. ID
3. Mr. Pit – Sky Traffic
4. Pobsky – Final Cloud (Markus Schulz Edit)
5. Hammer & Bennett – Language (Phynn Remix)
6. Paul van Dyk Featuring Hemstock & Jennings – Nothing But You (Super8 & Tab Remix)
7. Markus Schulz – Rain (Remix)
8. Markus Schulz Featuring Jennifer Rene – Not The Same (Remix)
9. W&W – Mainstage
10. ID (Track 11 from GDJB World Tour Budapest Set)
11. Swedish House Mafia – One (Markus Schulz Big Room Reconstruction)
12. Lentos – Forget About Us (Barnes & Heatcliff Remix)
13. Markus Schulz Featuring Justine Suissa – Perception (Super8 & Tab Remix)
14. Markus Schulz Featuring Dauby – Perfect (Agnelli & Nelson Remix / Markus Schulz Big Room Reconstruction)
15. Rex Mundi – Opera of Northern Ocean (Phynn Remix / Markus Schulz Big Room Reconstruction)
16. Jan Johnston Meets Tenishia – Flesh 2010 (Markus Schulz Big Room Reconstruction)

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=2TXI15O1

---

The PLP taster is a sampling of the many different genres we have to offer. Sign up and verify your email address. A download link will be sent IMMEDIATELY after to your verified address. This is a two part download containing two zips each being quite large so make sure your internet connection allows for it. PLP and Tradebit have teamed up to bring you this promotion. They are providing us the bandwidth , that is all. Your email address will not be shared with Tradebit. It will go into the PLP database only. Genres include Hip Hop, Rock, Trance, Electro House, Deep House, Chillout, Trance, Techno, Dj Scratches, Industrial, Ambient, and more. SIGN UP: CLICK HERE

350 Loops in 16 & 24 bit 44.1kHz Stereo, and all you need to do is provide Peace Love Productions with a valid email address where they can send your download links to.

Files are in three formats; ACIDized wav, Apple-looped aiff, and Recycle Rx2.

http://www.tradebit.com/softlinks/165842-Plp_Taster_Part_1_Download_Free_For_Signing_Up.zip

http://www.tradebit.com/softlinks/165846-Plp_Taster_Part_2_Download_Free_For_Signing_Up.zip