It’s showtime readers, and the industry players are preening their newest offerings ready for the BPM Show spotlight. Pioneer does love to make a splash at BPM, and the new WeGO3 controller is likely to garner much attention. It’s a very stylish update to the last offerings — more pro stylings, and definitely more iOS focussed, but with an eye on djay for Mac, Serato DJ Intro and VDJ users too.

You know how it works now – you read, we write, then we all chat:

No limit: the DDJ-WeGO3 gives DJs the freedom to mix with millions of tracks from Spotify or iTunes using Algoriddim’s djay2 on their iPhone/iPod touch/iPad

2nd September 2014: Aspiring DJs have unlimited musical choice with the DDJ-WeGO3: the tactile DJ console that lets them mix their favourite Spotify and iTunes tracks held on their iPhone/iPod touch/iPad, or with music on their PC/Mac. Plus, the portable DDJ-WeGO3 charges the iPhone/iPod touch/iPad while it plays, giving DJs one less thing to worry about.

The DDJ-WeGO3 liberates DJs from the touch screen to give an authentic mixing and §.

Like its predecessors, the DDJ-WeGO3 is designed with beginners in mind – delivering an intuitive layout and Pulse Control lights to guide them through the performance. Plus the DDJ- WeGO3 is packed with advanced features from Pioneer’s pro-DJ products, including Beat Sync, loops and dedicated buttons for the software’s sound effects and samples.

The latest addition to the DDJ-WeGO series gains a durable, stylish aluminium top plate and is available in black or white. And it is lightweight and small enough to fit in a backpack, so DJs can give spontaneous performances wherever the party takes them.

The DDJ-WeGO3 is available from September at an SRP of EUR 299, including VAT. Watch the DDJ-WeGO3 in action or find out more

http://pioneerdj.com/m4.php?cat=controller&p=ddj-wego3

MAIN FEATURES OF THE DDJ-WeGO3

1. Tactile control of DJ software running on iPhone/iPod touch/iPad or PC/Mac
   DJs can connect the DDJ-WeGO3 to an iPhone/iPod touch/iPad running Algoriddim’s djay 2 app to mix tracks from their Spotify or iTunes accounts. Or they can connect to a PC/Mac and use Virtual DJ 8 Limited Edition software or another software package of their choice.¹
   
2. Intuitive layout and Pulse Control lights
   The DDJ-WeGO3’s buttons and dials are arranged around the jog wheels for easy access, while the Pulse Control lights add a visual element to DJing:Launch Pulse: moves from the Load button to the jog wheel when a track has loaded. FX Pulse: light patterns show which effects and filters are engaged.
3. Multiple power options and charges the iPhone/iPod touch/iPad while it plays
   As well as mains power, the DDJ-WeGO3 can be powered via a USB connection to a PC/Mac or a USB battery pack, for ultimate portability. Plus, when connected to mains power, it charges the DJ’s mobile device while it plays – eliminating concerns about how much battery power is left.
4. Other features
   • Built-in sound card
   • Stand for iOS device doubles as a grip for ease of transportation
   • High quality sound design for clear sound reproduction
   • Two colour options: black or white
   • Stylish and durable aluminium top plate

1 Please see http://pioneerdj/support for download information and system requirements

MAIN SPECIFICATIONS

Supported DJ software	djay 2 for iPad, vjay for iPad djay 2 for iPhone/iPod touch, vjay for iPhone/iPod touch djay for Mac (free to download) PC/MAC: Serato DJ Intro (free to download), Serato DJ, Virtual DJ LE (free to download), Virtual DJ Pro, Traktor Pro 2
Input port	MIC x 1 (1⁄4-inch jack)
Output port	Master Out x 1 (RCA)
	Headphone Monitor Out x 2 (1⁄4-inch jack, Mini jack)
Other port	iOS device connection terminal x 1
	USB B port x 1
Frequency response	20 Hz ~20 kHz
Total harmonic	Max 0.006%
distortion S/N ratio	95 dB
External dimensions (W x D x H)	380 x 240 x 59 mm
Weight	1.8 kg
Accessories included	iPhone/iPad connection cable (Lightning)*, USB cable, AC adapter, power cord, djay for Mac licence key (indicated on the bottom panel), Virtual DJ LE licence key (indicated on the bottom panel) * iPhone/iPad connection cable (DJC-WeCAi30: 30-pin dock connector) is sold separately.

Here WeGO again

You have no idea how hard I tried not to use that line, but writing before breakfast does strange things to me. Be grateful I’ve had a cup of tea. Anyway…

The WeGO3 is a logical and tidy evolution of the original WeGO aesthetic. The first designs really did set the unit apart as being pure lifestyle, and allegedly only kids with skateboards, BMX bikes, or check shirts buttoned up to the top were allowed to buy it, and I note their omission from the video. The WeGO3 however sharpens up the soft lines and gives it the hint of the pro feel found in the rest of the DDJ range, without sacrificing the funky nature of the original.

The garish colours have gone though, and the WeGO3 comes in black or white from the start. Given the price and market, I wouldn’t expect gold or platinum editions either, but the faceplate design does lend itself to skins. Some designer skins would be nice Pioneer. The black is hot though — a real winner in my book.

The video is all about algoriddim’s djay, and given the enormity of their user base, I can see why. It’s not just a numbers thing though — the WeGO3 is small compared to most controllers, and pairing it with an iPad or iPhone keeps it in the realms of go anywhere DJing. And like the Reloop BeatPad, the inclusion of the slot at the back really does hammer home the emphasis of the unit. Interestingly, Pioneer has chosen to include the Lightning connector and make the 30 pin an additional purchase. Speaking of which, what’s with the seemingly proprietary iOS port on the  back of the WeGO3?

That said, the WeGO3 will work with djay for Mac (which is free with the WeGO3), Serato DJ Intro (which is free), Virtual DJ LE (which is free)… oh and Traktor Pro 2, which is not free, and simply serves to hammer home that NI aren’t officially playing with anyone right now. But in all honesty, I can’t see what would be gained by squishing Traktor’s comprehensive feature set into the WeGO3 when the free options will work so well with it. Perhaps a mapping will appear at some point. But the features served on the WeGO3 do make it adaptable to pretty much any software without pandering to specifics of a few.

I’m looking forward to having fun with one of these. It’s available in September for $299/€299/£249. And you’ll be able to lay your hands on one at The BPM Show. Tickets can be bought here.

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