Our good friends over at Pioneer DJ spent some time with DJ Blakey in late 2012 in order to get him familiar with the Pioneer DDJ-SX when it was originally announced. The Pioneer DDJ-SX is still one of the best DJ controllers out on the market today for the full Serato DJ software and there is also a new mapping to use the controller with Traktor Pro 2. Be sure to check out our full HD-Video and written reviews of the Pioneer DDJ-SX and watch the cool performance video below for some mixing inspiration.

UDG makes some great hardcases for DJ equipment and for NAMM 2012, they just announced that they will have four new UDG Hardcases on hand for DJ's to see first hand. UDG now has Hardcases for the NI Maschine Mikro, Pioneer RMX-1000, Novation Launchpad, and a Cartridge case that holds up to four DJ cartridges (including Shure, Ortofon, and Stanton). These Hardcases are perfect for DJ's who need a little more added protection when their gear is on the go. Check out the press release and more information inside.

I had so much fun reviewing and performing on the Pioneer XDJ-AERO and using it both as a MIDI controller and as a standalone mixing console with the wireless Rekordbox software. The controls just felt right and the build quality of the XDJ-AERO was also better than the norm. Everything also fit in a nice compact and relatively thin package for easy transport. For NAMM 2013 Pioneer DJ has announced that they are producing a Pearl White version of the XDJ-AERO which will be on sale in March for the suggested retail price of $1400. Check out the press release and video inside.

The Pioneer DJ Division has just announced it's new Flagship Serato DJ controller called the Pioneer DDJ-SZ. The new Pioneer DDJ-SZ retains many of the features and functions of the widely popular DDJ-SX, while adding more real estate for a bigger and more professional footprint, bigger full "CDJ-sized" jog wheels, Multi-Color Backlit Performance Pads, Dual USB Ports for seamless transitions, a magnetic MAGVEL crossfader, and a full-blown DJM mixer section with Sound Color FX and DVS capability.

Mixware.net has just announced two new DJ controller cases from Magma that will be available in the US shortly. The Magma Multi-Format Workstation XL and Multi-Format Workstation XXL are universal road cases designed to fit all the most popular DJ controllers from all the major brands out on the market today. The Multi-Format Workstation cases are perfect for DJ's who may want to protect multiple controllers or for those who wish to update/upgrade their setup without having to different a new case.

I've been personally using Odyssey flight cases for my DJ equipment for over twenty years now! Odyssey always seems to bring out new cases and bags to protect DJ equipment almost as soon as the piece is released to the public. The newly announced Pioneer XDJ-RX all-in-one DJ Rekordbox system was recently released to the masses and Odyssey has already produced new flight cases and bags to accommodate.