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Novation Launchpad Controller for Ableton Live

  • lab recommended
  • lab staple item

innovative USB controller custom designed for Ableton performance

lab price:
$199.00
list price:
$249.95
free domestic us shipping
available:
yes
item #:
eq-811
file under:
all - digital djing / dj equipment - new arrivals / digital djing systems
OVERVIEW The LaunchPad is an innovative USB controller custom designed for composition and performance in Ableton Live. With it 8x8 multi-color 64-button grid and dedicated scene launch buttons, Launchpad is purpose built for triggering and manipulating clips in Live. Empowered with Novation's unique ...   expand review  Automap software, it can work to control almost any music/production software. It even includes a special "LaunchPad Edition" of Ableton Live 8 providing everything you need to start producing and performing in Live.

FEATURES
LaunchPad features a 64 button lighted grid and dedicated scene launch buttons that mimic the clip layout of Live. There are also volume, pans, sends, track aiming, solo, and muting available for all 8 channels at one with bi-directional communication between the unit and Live software via USB. The automap feature makes setup easy and also allows you to connect the LaunchPad to other software. You can even link up 6 LaunchPad units at the same time for 384 buttons of control! In addition, the unit comes packed with a special "LaunchPad Edition" of Ableton Live 8 providing all the essentials you need to compose and perform, plus 1GB of Loops from Loopmaster, 500MB of high quality drum samples from Mike the Drummer so you can get jamming right away.

OUR OPINION
The LaunchPad is an excellent controller for Live users. It's simple and intuitive layout works perfectly with Ableton's workflow and it comes at a very competetive price (much more affordable than many other options). It is also considerably smaller than popular units like the APC40 making it easier to transport to gigs. Recommended. -snackmaster

Technics Kingston Record Bag - Green

limited edition slim 12" bag

lab price:
$35.00
available:
restocking
item #:
bag-879
currently unavailable
add to watchlist to
be notified of restock
file under:
record bags + equipment cases / dj equipment - new arrivals
Slim record bag with shoulder strap and velcro closure. This sturdy bag can hold up to 25 12"s or LPs and features reflective "Tec" logo across the front flap. Limited city edition (this one says "KINGSTON" at the bottom) from Technics and ...   expand review  DMC. -the mgmnt

Technics Chicago Record Bag - Red

limited edition slim 12" bag

lab price:
$35.00
available:
restocking
item #:
bag-880
currently unavailable
add to watchlist to
be notified of restock
file under:
record bags + equipment cases / dj equipment - new arrivals
Slim record bag with shoulder strap and velcro closure. This sturdy bag can hold up to 25 12"s or LPs and features reflective "Tec" logo across the front flap. Limited city edition (this one says "CHICAGO" at the bottom) from Technics and ...   expand review  DMC. -the mgmnt

Technics Manchester Record Bag - Silver

limited edition slim 12" bag

lab price:
$35.00
available:
yes
item #:
bag-881
file under:
record bags + equipment cases / dj equipment - new arrivals
Slim record bag with shoulder strap and velcro closure. This sturdy bag can hold up to 25 12"s or LPs and features reflective "Tec" logo across the front flap. Limited city edition (this one says "MANCHESTER" at the bottom) from Technics and ...   expand review  DMC. -the mgmnt

Technics Paris Record Bag - Blue

limited edition slim 12" bag

lab price:
$35.00
available:
yes
item #:
bag-882
file under:
record bags + equipment cases / dj equipment - new arrivals
Slim record bag with shoulder strap and velcro closure. This sturdy bag can hold up to 25 12"s or LPs and features reflective "Tec" logo across the front flap. Limited city edition (this one says "PARIS" at the bottom) from Technics and ...   expand review  DMC. -the mgmnt

Technics Tokyo Record Bag - Black

limited edition slim 12" bag

lab price:
$35.00
available:
restocking
item #:
bag-819
currently unavailable
add to watchlist to
be notified of restock
file under:
record bags + equipment cases
Slim record bag with shoulder strap and velcro closure. This sturdy bag can hold up to 25 12"s or LPs and features reflective "Tec" logo across the front flap. Limited city edition (this one says "TOKYO" at the bottom) from Technics and ...   expand review  DMC. -the mgmnt

Technics Berlin Record Bag - Blue

limited edition slim 12" bag

lab price:
$35.00
available:
yes
item #:
bag-820
file under:
record bags + equipment cases
Slim record bag with shoulder strap and velcro closure. This sturdy bag can hold up to 25 12"s or LPs and features reflective "Tec" logo across the front flap. Limited city edition (this one says "BERLIN" at the bottom) from Technics and ...   expand review  DMC. -the mgmnt
lab price:
$42.00
available:
yes
item #:
bag-878
file under:
dj accessories / record bags + equipment cases / dj equipment - new arrivals
Keep dust and grime off your turntables when not in use with these official Technics/DMC deck covers. The covers are constructed of sturdy, durable camo material and Will fit on any turntable (including USB turntables). Comes as a pair. -the mgmnt
lab price:
$2.50
available:
yes
item #:
acc-721
file under:
various objects / dj accessories / technics - replacement parts / replacement parts / and more
The classic Technics sticker now in black and silver foil. -snackmaster

Sue Kwon Street Level: New York Photographs 1987-2007 Book

  • lab recommended

street photography of the five borroughs

25 percent off:
$30.00
lab price:
$40.00

list price:
$45.00
available:
restocking
item #:
bk-1358
currently unavailable
add to watchlist to
be notified of restock
file under:
music + culture books / lab recommended / photography books
Beautiful black and white photographs of the streets of NYC circa '87 to '07 from Sue Kwon. The title Street Level prefectly suits this book, as it covers the city's people in their natural environment - on the street. No frills, ...   expand review  just real people doing their thing in the best city in the world. Photos of your average sidewalk citizen are paired up next to the world's biggest stars (like Jay-Z, the Beastie Boys, Kanye, Meth, Alicia Keys, Flavor Flav, etc), but they all look equally interesting when placed in front the unbiased lens of Kwon. In addition, the city's rich cultural diversity is well captured in this fantastic book which is divided into geographical sections from Times Square, LES, Chinatown, Little Italy, and Coney Island to Bronx, Brooklyn, Harlem, and Queens. Hardcover, 222 pages deep. Recommended. -snackmaster
lab price:
$169.00
free domestic us shipping
available:
yes
item #:
ob-914
file under:
all / watches
Hot new limited collaboration between LRG and G-Shock for the former's 10th anniversary. Comes in BRIGHT yellow with green trim, and packaged in a cool mini-flight case. Of course, it features all the regular G-Shock functionality, like the 200M water ...   expand review  resistance, alarm, stop watch, timer, etc.

- Shock Resistant
- 200 Meter Water Resistant
- EL Backlight with Afterglow
- Flash Alert
- 1/100 second stopwatch
- Countdown timer
- Countdown range: 24 hours
- Multi-function alarm
- Hourly time signal
- Full auto-calendar (pre-programmed until the year 2039)
- 12/24 hour formats
- Battery CR2016
- Approx. battery life: 2 years
- Module 1289 -Hires

Daniel Joseph Pretty / Ugly CD

quality indy rap from Jersey

lab price:
$11.00
available:
yes
item #:
cd-3284

audio picks


Full length for the indy hip-hop heads from Daniel Joseph on Highwater Music. Things are kept really real on Pretty/Ugly, with raw, intelligent raps from Mr. Joseph and top notch soulful, but equally bangin' beats from the Akai Pros. The opener "And ...   expand review  I(1)" sets the bar pretty high (both beats and raps wise) and Daniel is able to keep it up throughout with head-knodders like ESTILLME(2), "Off Course(3)," "Coffee And Cigarettes(4)," "Moonlight(5)," "Understand(6)," and "For You(7)." When it comes to recent indy rap shit, this is way better than your average. 12 tracks total. -snackmaster

Glass Pyramid Glass Pyramid: Unreleased Archives 1979-89 CD

  • lab recommended

lost unreleased boogie funk restored

lab price:
$9.00
available:
yes
item #:
cd-3280

audio picks


Special expanded CD version. 14 tracks of unreleased 80s funk and soul from... Oklahama City?! Believe it! Check out the incredible synth funk on these lost jams like "Who's Girl Are You(1)," "Time To Party(2)" and "Country Cowboy(3)," plus vocal 80s R&B ...   expand review  groovers like "Better By The Minute(4)," "Really Want to Be The One(5)," and even smooth as silk slow jams like "Love Song(6)" and "Back To Lover(7)." Thanks again to the vinyl and tape excavators from PPU for unearthing these gems that would have never seen the light of day. These tracks were actually remastered from the original cassette tapes, but sound just fine on this crispy CD. Cool Digipak cover too. Recommended. -snackmaster

Glass Pyramid Band Unreleased Cassette Demos LP

  • lab recommended

unreleased 80s synth funk

lab price:
$12.00
available:
yes
item #:
fr-2108
file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / funk soul disco - albums

audio picks


Once again Peoples Potential has unearthed some killer 80's synth funk this time from... Oklahoma City?! Yup, it's true - this is a one of a kind blend of boogie and county (heavily leaning towards the boogie side mind you) like no ...   expand review  other that you just gotta hear to believe. Despite the funny lyrics, "Country Cowboy(1)" is just TOO funky (talkin bout a cowboy that turns the city out with his pimp styles!) Here you get it with the vocal version, instrumental, and cool alternate take instrumental. On the flip, check the funk on "Who's Girl Are You(2)," which sounds like some lost Rick James jam, and "Better By The Minute(3)" an 80s style R&B groover. First time on vinyl, mastered from the original cassette demo and it actually sounds great! Comes in a pic sleeve with dope retro logo. Recommended. -snackmaster

Gangstarr Step In The Arena 12"

classic hip-hop single

lab price:
$12.00
available:
yes
item #:
hh-3549
file under:
new vinyl - hip-hop / hip-hop vinyl - new arrivals / middle school hip-hop

audio picks


One of the rarest golden era Gangstarr singles gets the import reissue. This is one of those hip-hop singles that sends a mini-shiver down my spine. The art direction is so striking with the b&w photo and the contrasting red, handwritten type. ...   expand review  And of course, the tracklisting only backs it up. Features the album version of "Step In The Arena(1)," the superior remix(2) of "Check The Technique," and instrumentals for both- plus the bonus instrumental for the non-album track "Credit Is Due(3)." -the mgmnt

Gangstarr Just To Get A Rep 12"

  • lab recommended
  • lab staple item

classic hip-hop single

lab price:
$12.00
available:
yes
item #:
hh-002
file under:
new vinyl - hip-hop / hip-hop vinyl - new arrivals / middle school hip-hop

audio picks


Import pressing with "Just to Get a Rep(1)" and "Who's Gonna Take the Weight(2)" on the same record, this was the 12" that let Gangstarr climb out of their previously mediocre Wild Pitch careers, and put them on the map as one ...   expand review  of the best dj/mc duos of the era. Premier is fucking out of his mind on here. The EVA loop for "Just To Get A Rep" is one thing, but that constant two note wailing on "Who's Gonna" and the way he cuts it on the chorus is boderline genius. Instrumentals included for both and an acapella of "Just To Get A Rep." -the mgmnt

GZA Liquid Swords 2LP

  • lab staple item

classic Wu-Tang circa 1995

lab price:
$22.00
available:
yes
item #:
hh-3513
file under:
new vinyl - hip-hop / vinyl new arrivals / hip-hop vinyl - new arrivals / middle school hip-hop / and more

audio picks


Probably the most-underlooked of the Wu-classics, the elusive Liquid Swords gets the double vinyl reissue. The centerpiece of the album is definitely the title track(1). I have creepy memories of Prince Paul playing this at the Cooler (remember that place?) and a ...   expand review  room of 100 doods yelling along like they were at church. One of RZA's simplest manipulations but definitely one of his most effective. There's several singles with varying degrees of success: "Shadow Boxing(2), Cold World," and "Labels," but the album-only tracks cut deep like the bugged-out "4th Chamber(3)" with Ghostface, or the deceptively smooth "Duel of the Iron Mic(4)." As the years pass, this album will only get more obscure, but larger in stature. -the mgmnt

Spinna Sonic Smash 2LP

dope beats and potent raps from plenty of guest MCs

lab price:
$12.00
available:
yes
item #:
lp-4433
file under:
indy hip-hop / new vinyl - hip-hop / downtempo + electronic - vinyl / vinyl new arrivals / and more

audio picks


Brooklyn's DJ Spinna returns to his rap roots for the Sonic Smash full length. Fans will remember 2006's Intergalactic Soul to be more of a neo-soul affair, but this album finds Spinna reacquainting himself with MC's, many of which he has produced ...   expand review  for back in the 90's. As you would expect, the beats are top notch when a seasoned veteran like Spinna is behind the boards, so be ready for heavy head nodding. Check the big boom baps on tracks like "Elemental(1)" with Sputnik Brown, "Lyrics is Back(2)" with Torae, "New York(3)" with Jigmastas, sick breaks on "Call Me Senor(4)" with Senor Kaos and "More Colors(5)" with Elzhi of Slum Village, and "Guaranteed(6)" with Phonte of Little Brother." 14 tracks total. -snackmaster

Remdog Marabu Series EP 7"

downtempo beats, plus additional free download

lab price:
$11.00
available:
yes
item #:
lp-4436
file under:
downtempo + electronic - vinyl / vinyl new arrivals / new school beats - vinyl / downtempo + electronic - recent

audio picks


Producer Remdog (whom you may know as a relatively famous graf artist) drops this combination 7" and digital download EP. The 7" features two tracks and includes a code for an additional 7 downloadable tracks from the label's website. I like this ...   expand review  concept. "Turquoise Blue(1)" and "Violet Red(2)" are both future-obsessed downtempo tracks. They conjure up images of Blade Runner and evil, sexy femmebots dressed in latex. I'm particularly feeling the good verse evil thing going on in "Blue." Limited 250 stamp-numbered copies. -the mgmnt

Dub Traffik Control Bongo Dub / Carlito Cumbia 7"

dubbed out cumbia and latin beats

lab price:
$6.00
available:
yes
item #:
lp-4437
file under:
downtempo + electronic - vinyl / midtempo - vinyl / baile + cumbia - vinyl / downtempo + electronic + bmore + ghettotech + uk + baile / and more

audio picks


The BSTRD Boots series is back again with another fiery 7" for your decks, this time from Dub Traffik Control. Keeping in line with the recent cumbia remix trends (in the same vein as Bersa Discos and Whiskey Barons), the dudes offer ...   expand review  up "King of the Bongo(1)" a bass heavy, dubbed out version of Manu Chao's big track that's sure too get things hot and heated. Afrosound's "La Danza De Los Mirlos(2)" gets a similar reworking on the flip with those irresistable latin guitars, big drums and even bigger bass promising a huge response from the crowd when dropped in your set. Tasty stuff. -snackmaster

4 Reel One Life To Live / Oh Lover 7"

unreleased 80s boogie

lab price:
$7.50
available:
yes
item #:
fr-2210
file under:
funk soul disco - 7" / 45s / funk + soul + latin + disco / vinyl new arrivals / funk soul disco - new arrivals

audio picks


People's Potential returns with another incredible boogie discovery unearthed from the depths. The tenth release on the esteemed label is a two track 7" from 4REEL - a record originally slated for the obscure FEE catalog, but never made the cut. 4REEL ...   expand review  decided to press up a small batch of his amazingly uplifting boogie gem "One Life To Live(1)" and the lovely slow jam "Oh Lover(2)" on his own private label in 1980, but due to limited local distribution, the track (and the artist) never gained any kind of national fame. Now we can all get a piece of the sweet funk thanks to PPU some 30 years later. -snackmaster

Brownout C130 / Nawlins 7"

  • lab recommended

recommended modern funk

lab price:
$7.50
available:
restocking
item #:
fr-2212
currently unavailable
add to watchlist to
be notified of restock
file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / funk soul disco - 7" / 45s / funk + soul + latin + disco / vinyl new arrivals / and more

audio picks


Texas' Brownout is an 8 piece funk band with previous releases on the UK's Freestyle Records. "C130(1)" shows some real finesse and maturity (so many modern funk bands can't get out of burner mode). This gorgeousness features an polished, airy 1976 sound ...   expand review  with the rawness of early 70s funk meshed with larger arrangements and fusion aesthetics of the late 70s. Check those breaks too. On the b-side. "Nawlins(2)" is a sax-led disco funk stomper. A-side gets this: recommended. -the mgmnt

Cedric Brooks Light of Saba 2LP

  • lab recommended

reggae with funk and afrobeat influences

lab price:
$22.00
available:
yes
item #:
rr-591
file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / funk soul disco - albums / reggae albums + comps / funk + soul + latin + disco / and more

audio picks


This is one of those albums where you know you're in for some heavy shit before you even dig the cd out of its lavish packaging. Deep reggae heads will know saxophonist Cedric Im Brooks from his extensive session-playing career as well ...   expand review  as his highly-regarded Studio One work in the 70s. But that knowledge might not completely prepare you for the extra-heavy vibes contained herein. Brooks spent some time in Philly in the late 60s and fell under the spell of Sun Ra while there, attempting at one point to join the Arkestra. After having to return to Yard for family matters, he decided to start his own Jamaican combination of Sun Ra's and Fela's bands (the latter a huge influence as well and you can hear it). The results, as compiled on this stunning double LP, encompass Nyabinghi drumming, Sun Ra, Pharaoh Sanders-style spiritual jazz, Afrobeat, funk and disco, and more, but the results are seamless! Listen to "Bread Collie(1), Sabebe(2)," and "Salt Lane Rock(3)" for examples, although the whole thing is filled with jaw-dropping moments of every kind. "Africa(4)" is also really intense, sort of a Rasta disco hustle boogie; as is their rendition of Horace Silver's "Song For My Father." Other stuff to check for includes their version of the classic "Satta Massa Gana(5)" and "Free Up Black Man(6)." Basically, even if you think you're not really into reggae or whatever, you need to buy this. And if you're still debating, any original Light of Saba stuff is next to impossible to come by and even this compilation probably won't be around long. Highly recommended. -gregcaz