I seem to spend a lot of time talking about Mixvibes on the site these days. But then, it seems there’s always lots to talk about. So what’s new now? How about a fresh look to the Cross DJ for iPhone and iPad apps? Currently, the apps have a pseudo-skeuomorphic look, which, while handy for beginners finding their way round, doesn’t really make the most of the touch and high density screens.
The new look brings with it some functionality straight from the Android app, namely a tab-like system that lets you swipe different function windows in and out of view for each deck. There’s also the stacked waveform view that helps users better see and control what they’re doing.
And as a quick bonus, they’ve added support for an extra controller, the Numark IDJ Live 2. Here’s what Mixvibes say:
Announcing a new, beautiful Cross DJ 2.0 for iOS
Mixvibes ships today a major version of its iPad & iPhone DJ app, bringing in fresh graphics, a redesigned layout and an all-new waveform view. Each and every pixel has been redesigned with simplicity in mind. Cross DJ 2.0 is up for the task – in the true spirit of DJing.
Beautiful new interface
Cross DJ for iOS new style is graphic and bold:
- new graphics: geometric shapes and clean textures have replaced gradients
- 2 main colors, consistent with Mixvibes graphic identity
- bold elements: bigger EQs, larger pads, full display of artwork on the decks
From a performance standpoint, the new interface brings those benefits:
- faster app runtime
- takes 2 times less space in your device: app size is 50% smaller
- scales harmoniously to iPhone 6 & iPhone 6 Plus’ screens
Hardware-inspired layout
Cross DJ for iOS layout has undergone some changes to offer an experience that is closer to what you can get with traditional hardware equipment:
- mixer is visible all the time (only on iPad)
- each deck is independent, thanks to swipeable separate tabs
- pitch bend zone is bigger – and more accurate – than ever
Introducing Waveform view
Hit the sync meter to access this stunning new view. It allows not only better music visualization, but also greater control with:
- pitch-bend mode for nudging. Turn it off to scratch the waveform!
- ultra-accurate pitch sliders
- beat grid editing made simple: double or halve BPM with 1 button (iPad only)
- Bonus: Numark IDJ Live 2 is now supported!
Pricing & availability
Cross DJ for iPad is 8,99€ / $9.99 / £6.99 Cross DJ for iPhone is 2,69€ / $2,99 / £1.99 Update is free for all current users.
Please note that both apps are available at a promotional price for a limited time only: Cross DJ for iPad is 5,49 € / $5.99 / £3.99 Cross DJ for iPhone is 1,79 € / $1.99 / £1.49
Download it on the App Store:
Cross DJ for iPhone: http://appstore.com/crossdjmixyourmusic
Cross DJ for iPad: http://appstore.com/crossdj
Main features
- 2 decks, 3-band EQ, crossfader, realistic scratch, large pads & controls
- Mix SoundCloud: your SC account, in Cross DJ, for free. Fast loading of tracks
- iTunes integration: sort tracks by BPM, title, artist, album or genre
- Waveform view: parallel waveforms for pitch-bending + advanced beat-grid editing
- Full-featured sampler: 8 pads, 12 sample banks + sample recording thru device’s mic
- Record your mix and share it to SoundCloud, Mixcloud, Facebook & Twitter
- Automix: your tracks are mixed automatically, from any source (playlist, album, etc.)
- Key detection of any track + accurate keylock
- Quantize mode: hot cues and loops are automatically set on the beat
- Separate tabs: each deck is independent
- 14 effects: Hi & Low-Pass, Echo, Phaser, Chopper, Brake, Roll, Delay, Flanger, etc.
- Plays MP3, AAC, WAV & AIFF
- Loops (16 to 1/32), slip loop, 12 large hot-cues pads
- Pitch: keylock, wide pitch range + pitch-bend on waveforms (2, 4, 8%)
- Autosync, Autogain
- Split audio: pre-listen tracks in your headphone
- External mixer: control EQs and crossfader with hardware mixers
- Compatible with most Bluetooth speakers
- Multi-audio for USB compliant multichannel soundcard
- Optimized for Retina displays, iPhone 6 & iPhone 6 plus
- 11 supported controllers (iPad only) : Mixvibes U-Mix Control Pro I & II, Pioneer DDJ-WeGo I, Numark Mixtrack Pro I & II, Numark iDJ Live I & II, Hercules DJ Console RMX 2, Hercules DJ Control Instinct, Hercules DJ Control AIR, Vestax Spin2
About Mixvibes
Mixvibes has been developing DJ apps for Mac/PC, iOS & Android for more than 10 years.
My take
So, just as the Android version achieves feature parity with the iOS apps, Mixvibes bring the iOS apps inline with the design of the Android app. Interestingly, this also brings some new workflow ideas over with it too, namely the swipey-tabby-layery decks letting you change to different functions from sampler to normal deck and effects on each deck independently. It’s a very useful feature that I’m not sure any other app does yet.
The waveform view is takes a leaf out of Traktor DJ’s book, and again, makes the most of the touch interface. It’s such a useful trick that even hardware controllers as far back as the Novation Twitch were adding touch strips for granular control.
You lucky devils…
Here’s a treat for you. Mixvibes have graciously provided ten (10) preview codes for you to grab on a first come, first served basis. There are five iPad and five iPhone codes. Help yourselves!
iPad
- JEP6A4NT6P7F
- PX9KF7XLJRYK
- 4AM7PX7MHHJX
- RMMF7MYRMM3X
- RAY3X4MYTW99
iPhone
- 3XRJHRAJMFHR
- 9FFYXMJFPAJ3
- MHKXKHN4XEPJ
- 66JE9WF4RN6L
- RAYT7LLXPAJ7
Did you get one of the codes? Let us know what you think!