OTR’s 2023 Unwrapped

We feel it’s a good time to do our own version of the unwrapped trend by looking back at the year in terms of new DJ gear and significant industry events.

DJ Gear in 2023

1. Hercules DJ Control Impulse T7- This budget controller received positive reviews upon release with many experts praising it for innovative features and accessibility for beginner DJs.

2. Pioneer OPUS-QUAD– DJs were very pleased with this new controller, especially the standalone 4-deck playback option.

3. Pioneer DJ PLX-CRSS12– The CRSS12 is a strong contender for becoming the industry standard turntable in clubs, thanks in part to options like digital vinyl mode.

4. Pioneer DJ-FLX10– new, state-of-the-art 4-channel controller compatible with both rekordbox and Serato DJ Pro. Features include track separation technology for making mash-ups.

5. Pioneer DDJ REV5– A new battle controller with features like Auto BPM Transition.

6. Reloop Flux– A new Serato Box with lots of USB connectivity options and compatibility with with different software on both Mac and Windows, it even works with DJ Pro on an iPad.

7. Mixstream Pro Go– Another highly recommended entry level controller with built-in Wi-Fi and streaming compatibility with Dropbox, Virtual DJ, and Serato DJ.

Significant Events

Celebrating 50 years of Hip Hop with Pioneer DJ and Linett Kamala at the Tabernacle– This year marked half a century of Hip Hop. Attendees of the special free event at the Tabernacle, Notting Hill, London held on the 10th of Augustwere able to celebrate this milestone with Pioneer DJ, Linett Kamala and a host of performers including OTR head tutor, Terry Ryan.

2023 is the Magic Number– In a year that marked the sad passing of De La Soul member, Trugoy, a perhaps bittersweet moment was the classic ‘Magic Number’ finally coming to streaming sites.

Bandcamp Staff Unionise– Following two acquisitions of Bandcamp by Epic Games, then Songtradr, almost half of the workforce at Bandcamp lost their jobs. This led to the formation of Bandcamp United and legal action against the current and previous owners.

Our Favourite Content- Well that would have to be our interviews with DMC Champs, Prime Cuts and Jon1st which if you haven’t already, you should seriously check out!