Pioneer DJC-WeCAi — bridging controllers and iPads

The gap between laptops and iPads continues to be eroded. For a while, it seemed like controllers were going to be shackled to clunky old computers meaning you’d still have to drag that great mass of metal ultrabook along to every gig. What a chore. But now Pioneer have come up with a revolutionary idea that aims to kick unwieldy computers to the kerb — a cable. The DJC-WeCAi wins 2 awards — the simplest solution to a problem, and the worst name ever.

I’m quite sure that it doesn’t need an explanation, but here goes:

Leave the laptop at home: DJC-WeCAi cable lets DJs use the popular DDJ-WeGO and DDJ-ERGO controllers to perform with Algoriddim’s djay app for iPad

 * camera connector kit not included

4th April 2013: Pioneer’s popular WeGO and ERGO controllers are now even more portable, with the release of the WeCAi cable – allowing DJs to use the WeGO/ERGO’s tactile controls to mix and mash up tracks on their iPads.

The WeCAi cable lets aspiring DJs connect to Algoriddim’s djay app to access music direct from their iTunes library, or get to grips with video mixing using Algorridim’s vjay app.

The WeCAi cable will be available from May at an SRP of EUR 29/GBP 20, including VAT.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE DJC-WeCAi

Intuitive control of Algoriddim’s djay and vjay apps for iPad
DJs simply use the WeCAi cable to connect the WeGO/ERGO to an iPad (1) running Algoriddim’s djay app, and get hands on with mixing, scratching, Hot Cues, loops, samples and effects. Or connect to Algoriddim’s vjay app to enjoy mixing and scratching video, music and pictures stored on the iPad.

USB power supply for WeGO/ERGO
The WeCAi includes a USB connection for supplying power to the WeGO/ERGO via a standard USB power adaptor or a USB mobile battery (2) so DJs can play out even where traditional power sources cannot reach.

Enjoy all the WeGO/ERGO features including Pulse Control
As well as intuitive DJ controls and innovative effects, both the WeGO and ERGO boast Pulse Control lights, which add a visual element to performance by showing when tracks are loaded, which effects are engaged and more (3).

DOWNLOAD INFORMATION

• The latest firmware updates for the DDJ-WeGO (ver1.08) and DDJ-ERGO (ver 1.40) are required for iPad control, and can be found at http://pioneerdj.com/support/
• DJs will also need to purchase/upgrade to the latest version of the djay app (ver 1.6.4) or vjay app (ver 1.1.2) from the App Store

MAIN SPECIFICATIONS

Connector  type	USB  A  x  2,  USB  B  x  1
Connectabledevices	USB  A:  iPad  (iOS  6)USB  B:  DDJ-WeGO,  DDJ-ERGOUSB  A  (power  only):  USB  power  adapter  or  USB  mobile  battery (minimum  voltage  output:  5V,  minimum  current  output:  500mA)
Length	0.8m  (device  connection  side),  1.8m  (power  source  side)

* Apple, iPad and iTunes are trademarks or registered trademarks of Apple Inc. in the US and other countries. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc.

* iOS is a trademark on which Cisco holds the trademark right in the US and certain other countries.

* Other company names and product names stated herein are the trademarks of their respective companies

(1) Connection to iPad requires Apple Camera Connection Kit or Lightning to USB Camera Adapter (sold separately).

“vjay” works with iPad2 or above.

(2) Power supply does not charge iPad

(3) djay and vjay do not support MIX PULSE

A blisteringly simply idea, implemented via the joys of Apple’s USB connection kit. From what I can gather, Apple simply tolerate use of the connection kit, and if so chose could disable it with just a few lines of code. It’s meant for consumer camera use, but has found its way into the audio industry as a way of repurposing devices that otherwise would find themselves in the unconnectable wasteland.

To clarify — you’ll need the DJC-WeCAi, firmware upgrades for your ERGO or WeGO, the Apple USB connection kit and just released v1.6.4 of djay to make all this work.

It’s a smart move, as it now means that more or less any device, if supported by algoriddim’s djay and vjay, can be used with the iPad. For this is iPad only — no love for lesser iOS devices or Android with the DJC-WeCAi (jars just to type it).

Now if they can just figure out a way to power the iPad at the same time (because it doesn’t), and DJ sets will be able to last for more than an hour. Somewhere between this and Vestax’s VMIDI is the solution. But I suspect that DJ companies will have to fudge solutions for a good while longer until Apple are a little more flexible with their ins and outs.

Coming out in May, the DJC-WeCAi (last time) will set you back 20 quid or 29 euros.