Archive for January, 2026

RMX-Ignite ‘Professional DJ Effector & Sampler’ Designed To Bring DJ Sets To Life


Meet the next-gen RMX-IGNITE effector, made to show DJs’ individuality and spark creativity. Remix tracks freely and deliver a live experience that fuses sound and movement.

Ahead of the 2026 NAMM Show, AlphaTheta has introduced a new DJ-focused effects processor and performance sampler, the RMX-Ignite.

The RMX range was originally established under the Pioneer DJ name in the 2012, with the launch of the RMX-1000. That unit – which was later joined by a smaller sibling, the RMX-500 – proved popular with both DJs and producers for its ability to quickly apply rhythmic and modulated effects to incoming audio.

In more recent years, both models have gained popularity among hardware live performers and ‘DAWless’ musicians, as a means to access software-style effects processing without the need to run through a computer.

Now the RMX range has been relaunched under the AlphaTheta brand. The RMX-Ignite significantly redesigns the format, and represents something of a step up in terms of both capabilities and price point.

In the words of AlphaTheta: “More than a decade after the launch of the RMX-1000 – the model released in 2012 that’s still highly respected by top DJs worldwide – this completely renewed effector combines dynamic sound-shaping control with advanced effects to enable new levels of live performance.”

The Ignite is broadly divided into three sections. To the right hand side of its interface are two effects sections, each of which are split into low, mid and high frequency bands.

The upper section is labelled ‘Lever FX’, so called because its effects are engaged by flipping three chunky paddles. This section can make use of six effect types, labelled Echo, Reverb, Juggle, Reverse, Solo and Stretch, each of which can be refined using a sub parameter knob.

These effects are applied differently depending on the direction the user pushes each level. When pulled downwards, the effects are only applied while the level is held in position and disengage as soon as the user lets go. By pushing a lever upwards, the user can latch an effect so that it’s held until manually disengaged.

The lower section of the effects is labelled Isolate FX. These are engaged using a trio of bi-directional knobs that function much like the Color knobs found on DJM mixers, which let users sweep through effects to adjust the amount or character.

The effects offered by the Isolate section are Tape Echo, Reverb, Drive, Filter, Ducker, and Rhythm. Again, a sub parameter control lets users adjust the character of each.

The third main section of the RMX-Ignite is its sampler, which sits to the left of the control interface. Here users have access to four sample pads, each of which is capable of playing four samples simultaneously. The sample section has a Sample Roll function that triggers samples at rhythmic intervals at different timing intervals. These intervals can be combined to create more complex rolls and patterns.

The sampler has an overdub feature that lets users capture simple single-bar loops. Samples can also be processed using a dedicated Sampler Color FX processor, with Echo, Space, Filter, Pitch, Decay and Swing modes.

The RMX-Ignite comes loaded with a factory library featuring vintage drum machine sounds. Users can easily load their own sample collections via USB or Pro DJ Link, and make use of a dedicated RMX-Ignite Sample Manager application.

The Ignite’s final major feature is its Release Echo function, controlled by a large pad to the right of the interface. This is designed to smoothly reset effects and samples back to the original dry audio, while applying an echo tail to smoothly transition out of any effects.

This works in two ways – dry, which smoothly transitions back into the unprocessed audio, and mute, which mutes all incoming audio while the Release button is pressed in order to create a more dramatic transition.

The RMX-Ignite can process audio via classic analogue connections, with stereo TS jacks for both input and output. The unit can also be hooked up digitally to AlphaTheta’s DJM-V10 and DJM-A9 mixers, by connecting a single USB cable to the mixers’ Multi I/O terminal that will function as a single digital send/return.

The Ignite supports Pro DJ Link for BPM and beatgrid sync to other DJ gear. It’s also possible to load samples directly from USB drives or SD cards plugged into players connected via Pro DJ Link.

AlphaTheta is also touting the jump in audio quality compared to previous RMX units, with Ignite offering 96 kHz/64-bit DSP processing, along with 32-bit A/D and D/A converters from ESS Technology on the input and output.

The RMX-Ignite is out now, priced at £1,039/€1,199 including VAT or $1,299 excluding tax. Visit the AlphaTheta site for more.

 

 

Bandcamp Bans AI-Generated Music


Bandcamp has banned AI-generated music from its platform.

Bandcamp made the announcement on Tuesday (January 13) that it is banning AI-generated music.

The move comes as some streaming services are increasingly playing AI-generated tracks to listeners, instead of musician’s music.

It began: “Bandcamp’s mission is to help spread the healing power of music by building a community where artists thrive through the direct support of their fans.

“We believe that the human connection found through music is a vital part of our society and culture, and that music is much more than a product to be consumed. It’s the result of a human cultural dialogue stretching back before the written word.”

“Similarly, musicians are more than mere producers of sound. They are vital members of our communities, our culture, and our social fabric.

“Bandcamp was built to directly connect artists and their fans, and to make it easy for fans to support artists equitably so that they can keep making music.”


Bandcamp guidelines are quite clear. Music and audio that is “generated wholly” or in “substantial part” by AI is not permitted on the platform. Any use of AI tools to “impersonate other artists or styles” is also strictly prohibited “in accordance with our existing policies prohibiting impersonation and intellectual property infringement.”

Bandcamp also called on listeners to report any music on the platform which appeared to be made “entirely or with heavy reliance” on generative AI, using the reporting tools on the site.

“With this policy, we’re putting human creativity first,” they said, “and we will be sure to communicate any updates to the policy as the rapidly changing generative AI space develops.”

At a time when other platforms are scrabbling to keep up with and cope with the sheer volume of AI-generated ‘slop’ flooding their systems, Bandcamp’s unequivocal stance is striking as well as being an important assertion of who actually counts: musicians, not tech brands.

What do you think of Bandcamp’s ban? Leave a comment and share your thoughts!

Black Lion Audio Introduces MIDI Eight 8-in/8-out MIDI Interface


Black Lion Audio has introduced the MIDI Eight, an 8-in/8-out MIDI interface designed to help manage MIDI I/O for an assortment of devices, with or without connection to a computer.

It includes a powered five-port USB hub and supports three standalone MIDI routing modes.

The MIDI Eight may be used in one of three standalone modes without need for connection to a computer:

  • Pass – inputs are passed to their corresponding number outputs;
  • Thru – MIDI data from any MIDI input is passed to all outputs; and
  • Merge – MIDI data from any MIDI input is passed to MIDI output 1.


Features:

  • 8-in / 8-out 128-channel MIDI interface
  • Interface mode for use with your DAW
  • 3 practical standalone routing modes for use without a computer
  • Bold LED MIDI activity indicator per port
  • Front-mounted Input 8 and Output 8 for quick connection to new devices
  • 5-port powered USB 3.2 Gen 1 hub

The MIDI Eight is available now for $349.