CES: Tonium’s Pacemaker 2.0 offers pro DJ skill at your fingertips
January 27, 2009 2:01 am
Everyone knows that CES brings together the best in the world has to offer in terms of all things tech. Yet among all the flat screen TVs, computer accessories, and mobile gadgetry is a small section devoted to music, wherein one of the most innovative, advanced new toys makes its appearance. This is Tonium’s Pacemaker 2.0, a pocket-sized DJ device that pares down two turntables, a mixer, and an entire record collection into a 5-inch product.
The Pacemaker 2.0, the second generation of the pocket-sized device, offers 60 GB of storage (as opposed to the 120 GB first-gen model) for amateurs and pros alike. While the basic purpose of the Pacemaker is to allow two tracks to be played simultaneously, the technology involved allows users to emulate world class DJ’s at the touch of a finger with automatic beat-matching and mixing functions. The touch-based crossfader lights up as users slide a finger back and forth, demonstrating a sleek yet cohesive aesthetic. DJ’s and music aficionados, who have spent years perfecting their skills, would be hard-pressed to scoff at the Pacemaker’s intuitive interface and functionality.
Considering the Pacemaker is primarily geared towards electronic music fans, one of the major testing points for the product will be to see how it works with alternative genres such as rock or vocal-centric music. In either case, the Pacemaker did win the coveted CES Innovation award, and not without merit. The Pacemaker is expected to hit store shelves in Spring 2009 at around $500.
