The DJ world, digested weekly. Gear, software, trends. One email.
The Big Story
AlphaTheta Kills the XDJ-RR, Puts CDJ-3000X DNA in a $1,200 Box
The XDJ-AN is the most meaningful refresh at this price tier in a decade: standalone 2-channel controller, streaming built in, cloud sync, and a control layout lifted straight from the CDJ-3000X. But the spec sheet giveth and taketh away — USB-C drives only, no USB-A, no booth output — which creates real-world friction for exactly the bedroom-to-club pipeline AlphaTheta is selling.
via DJ TechTools
Software
Phase goes single-cable HID with rekordbox — free update
Phase wireless pucks now connect to rekordbox via one USB cable to your laptop, no RCA runs to the mixer. Existing owners get it for free. DVS setups just got meaningfully simpler.
via Digital DJ Tips · Jul 13
FL Studio 2026 drops as a free update — rebuilt FLEX synth, cloud backup, AI assistant
Image-Line's lifetime free updates policy continues to be the best deal in production software. The FLEX redesign and new Gopher workflow assistant are the headliners.
via Attack Magazine · Jul 9
Gear
Numark Party Mix III and MixTrack Go ship with Serato Stems at $99 and $149
Stems on a $99 controller. Both units include Serato's new Fade FX. The barrier to entry for real-time stem mixing just dropped to impulse-buy territory.
via Serato Blog · Jul 7
Menura Audio launches MDFX Delay and Reverb on Kickstarter
Compact, tempo-synced delay and reverb units designed to slot into DJ mixer send/return chains. Berlin-based hardware for anyone tired of relying on built-in mixer effects.
via Attack Magazine · Jul 8
The Feed
Jay-Z Rocks Yankee Stadium Till 3 A.M. at Epic ‘Extra Innings’ Show
After overcrowding led to a severely delayed start, Jay put on an unforgettable show, complete with appearances from Beyoncé, Rihanna, Pharrell Williams, Clipse, Usher, and more
via VIBE · Jul 13
Anjunadeep brings Open Air series to New York City’s Central Park
The label’s signature event series lands at the iconic venue on July 18. Photo Credit: Anjunadeep – Official Anjunadeep will bring its Open Air event series to New York City’s Central Park for the first time this summer. The label has scheduled the showcase for July 18th, 2026, using the historic SummerStage venue for an…
via Electronic Groove · Jul 13
Armin van Buuren and Silver Panda remix Depeche Mode’s ‘Enjoy The Silence’: Listen
Watch a video of van Buuren playing out the new remix at EDC Las Vegas
via DJ Mag · Jul 13