TURNTABLE LAB

Alesis
M1 Active 320 USB Monitors (Pair)

compact speakers with built-in interface

OVERVIEW
The Alesis M1Active 320USBs are the first monitor spearkers with a built-in interface. This means you can play and record audio coming in thru your speakers (via 1/4", RCA + 1/8" inch inputs located on the back of the speakers) into the computer - no special drivers required. This is the most affordable way to get a pair of powered speakers (no amp or receiver required) AND a digital interface into your studio.


FEATURES
The M1Active 320 USB's are powered speakers (no amp or receiver required) with a USB 1.1 audio interface built in. They feature two 1/4" inputs, stereo RCA inputs, and 1/8" TRS mini-jack input which allow you to plug in your mixers output, turntables, keyboards, guitars, mics, or CD player into the M1Active and record and play directly into your computer at 16 bit/44.1-48kHz via USB. No special drivers required! The speakers also feature a helpful bass boost feature, switchable power supply, and magnetic shielding for placement near TV or computer monitors. Their lightweight and portable design which makes them very easy take along with you on the road.


OUR OPINION
If you are a dj or producer in the market for desktop monitors and an interface, you can't really beat the M1Active 320 USBs. The price is about as much as desktop monitors alone, but with the inclusion of a digital interface the value is incredible.
reviewed by the mgmnt

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Alesis
M1 Active 520 Monitors (Pair)

OVERVIEW
Alesis has redesigned their famous M1 series of monitors, and introduced the 520 and 620 versions, featuring the same outstanding mix of performance and price point that has made the M1s a home & project studio mainstay for years.


New improvements over the old Monitor Ones include three rear-mounted eq switches for controlling high, mid and bass response. There is also a new "acoustic space" switch which allows you to tailor the sound to the size of your control room. Other than that, these monitors continue the M1 tradition of unparalleled accuracy for this price range. They boast a very loud output with a bass response which is specifically tailored for artists working in bass-heavy situations (hip hop, house, techno, almost any dance music).


Studio monitors are mainly used as a gauge for mixing recorded tracks, and the first thing people will tell you to look for when shopping for monitors is a flat response. The less "color" or distortion a monitor adds to your mix, the better a gauge it will be for how your tracks will actually sound outside of the studio. The main reason that the M1's have been so popular over the years is for their professional grade sound reproduction, heralded by nearly everyone as the flattest, best sounding monitors you can find anywhere near this price point.
reviewed by the mgmnt

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Audio-Technica
AT-SP21 Compact Portable Speakers

Super lightweight and compact speakers for your portable needs. Stylish and affordable, these folding speakers require no batteries or power plug, just connect them to your computer or ipod. Please note, that because these require no power, the sound level with not be as loud as a powered system. These are intended for travel and ease of use.
reviewed by the mgmnt

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various objects / monitors + speakers

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Chill Pill
Chill Pill Mobile Speakers

smartly designed portable speakers

Wired's "Best Mobile Gizmo" of 2008. Chill Pill speakers are highly portable, pocket-sized speakers that can be transported in "pill" form (ingeniously held together by magnets). When you want to play music, simply pull apart the pill and untwist the tops to release the mini-subwoofers. In addition, all the needed cords (stereo plug, USB input) are built into the speakers with their own coil system.

For its size, the Chill Pill offers loud and clear sound. I plugged in my iPhone and the sound filled a medium sized room. The manufacturer boasts that the quality of the sound is better than standard desktop computer speakers. The Chill Pill also expands to reveal mini-subwoofers for enhanced bass.

The Chill Pill is powered by a rechargeable battery. You can recharge them either by plugging them into your computer's USB port or the power adaptor (sold separately).

- enclosed in rugged matte black case
- works with all portable devices that have stereo out including iPods, iPhones, etc.
- when in "pill" mode, measures 2" x 4"
- built-in 1/8" stereo plug input cord
- built-in USB recharging cord
- volume control
- rechargeable lithium battery provides up to six hours of playing time
- can be charge via USB port of your computer or power plug (sold separately)
reviewed by the mgmnt

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Chill Pill
Chill Pill Mobile Speakers - Blue

smartly designed portable speakers

Now in blue!

Wired's "Best Mobile Gizmo" of 2008. Chill Pill speakers are highly portable, pocket-sized speakers that can be transported in "pill" form (ingeniously held together by magnets). When you want to play music, simply pull apart the pill and untwist the tops to release the mini-subwoofers. In addition, all the needed cords (stereo plug, USB input) are built into the speakers with their own coil system.

For its size, the Chill Pill offers loud and clear sound. I plugged in my iPhone and the sound filled a medium sized room. The manufacturer boasts that the quality of the sound is better than standard desktop computer speakers. The Chill Pill also expands to reveal mini-subwoofers for enhanced bass.

The Chill Pill is powered by a rechargeable battery. You can recharge them either by plugging them into your computer's USB port or the power adaptor (sold separately).

- enclosed in rugged matte black case
- works with all portable devices that have stereo out including iPods, iPhones, etc.
- when in "pill" mode, measures 2" x 4"
- built-in 1/8" stereo plug input cord
- built-in USB recharging cord
- volume control
- rechargeable lithium battery provides up to six hours of playing time
- can be charge via USB port of your computer or power plug (sold separately)
reviewed by the mgmnt

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monitors + speakers / dj equipment - new arrivals

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Chill Pill
USB Power Adapter for Chill Pill & iPods

This AC adaptor allows you to recharge your Chill Pill speakers in a standard wall socket. It also works with iPods (you will need the USB cord).
reviewed by the mgmnt

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JBL
Control 1 Pro Passive Monitors (Pair)

The definition of an industry standard. The Control 1 Pro monitors are like the Technics 1200s of compact bookshelf speakers. They are built to last with a rugged metal casing (these things are heavy), and the sound quality has garnered superlatives in audio reviews and the average listener. Add the ridiculously low price range, and the Control 1 Pro get our recommendation.
reviewed by the mgmnt

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JBL
Control 2P Compact Powered Reference Monitor (Pair)

compact powered monitor speakers

OVERVIEW
JBL's Control 2Ps are compact powered reference speakers that are perfect as monitors for DJ booths, electronic instruments, AV presentations, entertainment installations and much more. These are powered, you do not need an amp (plug directly into your mixer outs) and since they weigh only 10 lbs each, you can take them with you if you need monitors at your gig.

FEATURES
The CPs offer studio quality transducers for accuracy, and rich bass, a frequency response of 80 Hz - 20 Khz, and 35 watt per channel power amplifier and high sensitivity drivers for exceptional output (115dB max per pair). Balanced XLR, 1/4" and unbalanced RCA inputs allow connection too a wide range of signal sources while the internal peak limiter and overload protection circuit protects the system from damage caused by continuous over-driving. Also features ergonomic side-mounted volume control (simultaneously control L and R speakers), high frequency adjust control allows the user to contour HF response, stereo headphone jack, and wall mount capabilities with optional MTC-2P mounting kit. Includes snap-on pedestals for optimal listening angle or desktop applications. These are a great value for the price. Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

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monitors + speakers / dj equipment - new arrivals

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Lacie
Firewire Speakers

LaCie's stylish firewire speakers not only look nice on your desktop, but also deliver quality, FireWire-powered sound from your Mac, PC or MP3 player. Featuring a frequency response of 90Hz-20kHz, these little guys add way more thump than your built-in computer speakers. Plus, the built-in FireWire cable makes them extremely easy to use. Just plug and play - that's it! No need for bulky AC adapters or batteries. Another impessive product from LaCie.
reviewed by snackmaster

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various objects / monitors + speakers

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Lacie
Power Supply for Lacie USB Speakers

This power supply allows you to use Lacie USB speakers without plugging into your computer; just plug your iPod or MP3 player directly into the speakers (using a standard stereo cable). In addition, the power adaptor increases the wattage of the speaker for louder sound.
reviewed by mgmnt

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monitors + speakers / replacement parts

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Lacie
Sound2 USB Speakers

hi-fi USB speakers

The LaCie Sound2 Speakers are a collaboration between LaCie and Cabasse, one of the most respected hi-fi sound-system companies in the world since 1950. With their sophisticated and advanced acoustic engineering, the Sound2 Speakers represent a step up from previous generations of USB speakers, and most importantly, demonstrate that high-quality sound doesn't have to come at a high price. With a Class D Digital Amplifier, magnetic shielding, a bass reflex system, and a 30W total peak system output, the Sound2 Speakers provide amazing sound quality. Cabasse’s own Wide Band Driver comes with the speakers, helping them to provide some of the best performance, at a great value. The Sound2 Speakers' built-in USB cable ensures that you'll never lose it, and when you aren’t using your speakers, you won’t be left with a tangle of wires. In addition, the dual power mode allows you to use the speakers with a USB cable or with the included power supply for optimal quality. Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

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Lacie
USB Speakers

The LaCie USB Speakers provide excellent digital audio for your laptop or desktop computer. With a frequency response of 90Hz-20kHz, they deliver clear, vibrant sound for enhancing your music, movies and games. Created exclusively for LaCie by Neil Poulton, their unique design combines easy usability and modern style. The built-in cables discreetly and conveniently tuck under the speakers for a neat, clean look. The USB interface provides an excellent digital audio stream and bus-power so there's no need for an AC adapter or batteries. Compact and mobile, you can use them at home, at work, or while traveling. Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

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M-Audio
Studiophile AV-20 Speaker System

M-Audio's AV20 Studiophile speakers are not only a super upgrade to you're built-in laptop or computer speakers, they are an excellent choice for djs and producers looking for portable powered monitors with great sound quality at an affordable price. The AV20's feature M-Audio's proprietary Optimage III wave guide components, 2" composite sub woofers, 1" ferrofluid-cooled Mylar dome tweeterd, and an internal Class D amplifier for crisp highs and solid bass. Plus the unique angled wood cabinet that creates an accurate listening environment when your at a short desk. Solid speakers for those on a budget from M-Audio. Don't let their small size and price fool you - these speakers deliver a sound far better than anything else in it's price range, plus their compact size allows you to take them along with your laptop on the road.
reviewed by snackmaster

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M-Audio
Studiophile AV-40 Speaker System

M-Audio's Studiophile AV 40 powered reference monitors deliver the high quality sound in a compact size, suitable for your desktop or home studio. The AV 40's feature 4" polypropylene-coated drivers and 3/4" ferrofluid-cooled silk dome tweeters for punchy lows, crisp highs and a balanced, uncolored response. Custom cabinets with dense wood construction deliver more accurate bass response than other compact monitors constructed of plastic. In addition, the Studiophile AV 40 monitors also feature OptImage III wave-guide technology and a 20 watt-per-channel internal amplifier for the highest possible fidelity. Add to this magnetic shielding (important when working with video or multimedia) and integrated bass boost switch for extra low end, and you have an excellent compact monitoring solution. Also features 1/4" TRS balanced and RCA unbalanced inputs, 1/8" headphone output, 1/8" stereo auxiliary input, and front-panel volume control.
reviewed by snackmaster

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M-Audio
Studiophile BX5a Deluxe Monitors

The BX5a Deluxe updates the popular BX5a's near-field reference monitors, renowned for packing a lot of punch for their size. The new model features new wave guides and enhanced driver integration for a cohesive and refined sound. 5" low-frequency driver cones are crafted from Kevlar, an extremely resilient material typically found in much more expensive monitors. Curved cone design coupled with high-temperature voice coils and damped rubber surrounds deliver incredible fidelity and durability. The 1" high-frequency drivers' magnetically shielded natural silk domes produce crisp top end while still being gentle on the ears. Integral cabinet and electronic engineering work together to deliver improved bass response. 70-watt bi-amped power and expertly tuned crossovers round out an incredible sounding pair of reference monitors with a footprint small enough to fit just about anywhere.

reviewed by the mgmnt

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