Miami Bass reissues are the shit right now. We already carried the amazing and somewhat obscure best of "Cut It Up Def" compilation, and now you are about to be truly educated on the King of Bass - DJ Magic Mike. Magic...
expand review Mike, originally from Orlando, started producing back in '89, and the first album he put out (titled "DJ Magic Mike & The Royal Posse") sold over a million copies, skyrocketing to platinum status. He then made history by releasing "Bass Is The Name of The Game" just one year later, which was the first all instrumental album to go gold. He then went on to make 5 more gold records. That's damn impressive for a dude whose tracks never got much respect or play above the Mason-Dixon line, nor west of the Mississippi River. Back then the Roland 808 was the machine of choice, and sampling issues didn't exist, so Mike heavily chopped up many an Ultimate Break, and was flippin' well-known samples long before they were re-made again by Northern hip hop producers. He was especially into the James Brown funky drums, and be sure that every single track on here has serious low-end, sometimes inaudible unless heard on a boomin system. The other key thing to mention here is how FUCKING ILL this dude could scratch. With most of these tracks clockin' in over 125 bpm, Mike was rapid fire cutting it up on-time, and funky as hell, before the adjustable crossfader and crab / flare scratches even existed. When you hear the clicking of the phone/line switch, you will bow your head in respect. Even DJ Craze admits how big an influence he was on him.
It's really a shame that no-one else who's big in turntablism these days pays homage to this guy. Hopefully now, with this release, bass and scratch nerds will recognize. You pretty much get it ALL here; the albums:
"DJ Magic Mike & The Royal Posse," "Bass Is The Name of The Game," "Back To Haunt You," "Ain't No Doubt About It," and "This Is How It Should Be Done,"
plus 3 EPs, including one of my all time favorite records, "House of Magic." I put this track, among a few other Mike classics which you also get here, on my Boomin' Booty Breaks mix. Go add that joint to cart while you're at it! Since I rarely write reviews anymore, I'm puttin the HIGHLY RECCOMENDED stamp on this one. Over 100 tracks, on 2 CDs, all high-res 320K mp3s. -SABO
OVERVIEW
The redesigned Microtrack II adds even more professional features to the extremely popular original (the best professional level, portable recorder we've encountered). This updated model adds an extended input gain range, analog input limiter, faster file transfer rate, seamless recording of files...
expand review beyond 2GB in size and more to the already robust design making it the best portable option for recording DJ sets and live performances. It's as easy as plugging the mixer output into the inputs and hitting record. Once you are done recording, simplys drag and drop to get your files onto your PC or MAC with the ultra-fast USB 2.0 connection. And for those who like to capture live samples via microphone (noises or vocals), the Microtrack also includes high fidelity mic pre-amps with phantom power (now at 48v), enabling you to use everything from a high-end studio mic or the included mini mic.
USES
- record dj sets
- record vocals
- record audio samples
- listen to files
ADDITIONAL FEATURES
For file management and computer connectivity, the Microtrack is heads above DAT machines (the popular choice for mobile recording). You can record both in WAV (up to 24-bit/96kHz) and MP3 formats (320kbps/48kHz). The Microtrack records onto CompactFlash and Microdrive cards (sold separately), and when plugged into your computer, the Microtrack appears as a hard drive for easy file management. The USB connection also charges the internal lithium battery (power plug also included).
The list of features continues with a large digital screen with an interface similar to the iPod (which can be dimmed for discreet use in dark rooms). There are both RCA and 1/8" outputs for monitoring. Connect the RCA outputs to an amp and use the Microtrack for playback, or plug in the included headphones and use it like an iPod. There are separate left and right level controls with peak indicators, and dedicated buttons for record, hold, play, etc. Extras included: earbuds, t-shaped stereo mini-mic, usb cable, usb power supply, protective carrying case and mic pouch as well as editing software.
OUR OPINION
The MicroTrack is small, easy to use, and most importantly, it seamlessly integrates with your computer. Record your DJ set, save it as an MP3, and publish it on your website; or record a live vocal or sample, save it as a WAV, and use it in your production. And with the version II updates, M-Audio just made a good thing even better. Recommended. -the mgmnt
quick audio picks: 1234
Dancefloors across the globe lookout! The Lab's own Sabo is back with Uriel (aka B.N. Loco from Mexico) for the 6th installment in the best selling Sol*Selectas series, and it might just be the best one yet. Divided into two distinct sides...
expand review ("Side Gringo" and "Side Latino"), this EP contains a diverse batch of styles - all of which kill. Side Gringo starts off with the funked-out breakbeat monster "Release The Beats(1)" which takes the infamous "Robot Rock" sample and totally electrofies it up for maximum body movement. Next is a tasty disco re-edit of France Joli's "Feel Like Dancin'(2)" which cuts out the cheese and leaves in and extends all the juicy bits. This one's definitely getting played on my disco night. Flip the record and check the ill Latino vibe. "Yo Oigo Yo Bailo(3)" features Turntables On The Hudson's Nappy G rocking complete drum and percussion mastery over a midtempo salsa/samba hybrid. Hot stuff that'll make 'em dance for sure. And lastly, peep the chunky hip-hop cumbia action on "Estrella(4)." Apparently this is a "rare cumbia track with tons of drum editing" and a fat hip hop beat thrown over for good measure. Sounds good to me! All these tracks seriously sounds like they could have been released on their own single sided 12", but you're stoked to get 'em all on one slab of vinyl. Limited to 750 copies. Recommended for sure. -snackmaster
quick audio picks: 12345678
First off, props to Philly's Flamin' Hotz on release #10! Things seem to have come full circle - their very first release was the (long out-of-print) Sou Funk EP and on #10 they've assembled another gang of baile bangers for Funkeiros e...
expand review Progresso. The obvious jam here is Cabide DJ's funk remix of "My Neck, My Back(1)," but if you're not afraid of some Portugese, try Beto De Caixa's minimal "Blindao(2)" or Cabide's "Que Delicia(3)." There's also breaks galore on Zezinho's "Battle Break Funk(4)," DJ Edgar's soulful, female vocal'd "Aperta Um Quebe(5)" and funk superstar Mr. Catra with "Eu Fui de Todas Elas(6)." Green vinyl with great design from Bustbright as always. -Larri Byrd
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