Allen & Heath Launches Next Generation DJ Controller For Serato Itch

After weeks of speculation and buzz around the industry, Allen & Heath and Serato Audio Research have announced the launch of the Xone:DX, a new Plug'n'Play DJ controller, the result of close collaboration between the two companies. The DX, another development in Allen & Heath's Xone:D range of controllers, is a 20-channel USB soundcard and features total integration of the brand new 4-deck Serato ITCH software. Boasting the ability to send up to 168 individual MIDI control messages, a 20-channel 96kHz/24-bit USB 2.0 soundcard, two dual layer deck simulators, and RIAA/phono inputs for external decks, as well as the central 4 channel mixer section which directly manipulates the DSP mixing within the computer, the Xone:DX is the most versatile, high specification professional DJ controller to date. A full version of the new Serato ITCH software is supplied with the DX, providing unique 4-deck control, and a comprehensive set of digital DJ FX, as well as looping and time-stretching. "Serato has always been an admirer of Allen & Heath's DJ hardware and we've watched the development of the Xone:D series of controllers with keen interest. In our opinion, Allen & Heath design some of the best music production software controllers in the professional field," explains Serato MD, Steve West. "Rather than a partnership to simply bundle our products, we wanted to collaborate with A&H at the drawing board stage, and design a product that would fully manipulate the new version of ITCH." The Xone:DX is also fully compatible with other leading DJ software brands, and has Allen & Heath's customary pro modular design build and high quality components. It also has bi-colour LED feedback layer assignment, UV light sensitive legend, mix outputs on RCA and balanced XLR, a separate booth output, and measures 50mm deep to fit conveniently in a laptop bag. "Ever since we launched the MIDI-enabled Xone:92 in 2003, followed by the multi-media Xone:3D in 2005, we have strived to design controllers that would fulfil a digital DJ's wish list. The Xone:DX is the next step in this journey, with a versatile and wide-ranging set of features in a compact package," comments Xone designer, Andy Rigby-Jones. Visit the Xone:DX product page at. http://www.xone.co.uk/ The Xone:DX will be on display at the NAMM Show, booth 6474, in Anaheim, CA Jan 14 - 17.