1. Posted: Feb 13 2008

   My son wanted this for Christmas really bad. It looked good, but when it arrived one of the turntables didn't work at all. We wanted to try to exchange the product to give it one more chance, but I can't get Amazon to return my email to them. This item didn't show up as a purchase so I couldn't use their "easy to return" policy. Apparently they know I purchased it since I've been asked for a review. I really would like to exchange it and try again, but because of the difficulties I've encountered, my advice would be to not purchase electronics from Amazon or you could get stuck with a piece of equipment that doesn't work!

2. Posted: Aug 18 2007

   First off, I would just like say that I was COMPLETELY SATISFIED with prompt delivery status of my turntables. I ordered them online one day, then in just 5 SHORT days, it was in my hands! I will continue to search, navigate, and purchase on amazon. I thank you for you assistance.

3. ( 1 of 1 found this review helpful ) Posted: Mar 30 2007

   It's very easy to use. All the controls are very simple and are ideal for the beginner Disc Jockey. This is a must buy from Numark for anyone that wants to jump start their DJ career or hobby. Fantastic!

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1. Posted: Apr 13 2008

   I was reluctant to make this purchase after reading so many negative reviews; however, I am now very pleased that I went against what I believed to be my better judgment. I have been dedicating about six hours each week to this product for the last four or five months. When I began, I possessed only the most limited of knowledge with regard to sight reading, keeping time, and rhythm. I now have to admit, though I still have much to learn, that I can play the piano because of this product (although playing well will inevitably take some time). This system worked wonders for me and was much cheaper than the alternative of paying weekly for lessons, yet I must encourage you to read the following. WARNING: - Children should not be subjected to this product, as they might experience severe boredom if product is applied directly (some instances of secondhand boredom have been reported in children under 16 that have even come into indirect contact with this product). That is, the lessons are far from engaging and should not be expected to keep a child's attention for even one moment. This might be particularly true when the child has no actual interest in learning how to play the piano, other than appeasing mom. - The software (and hardware) is, in fact, flakey. This being said, the software and keyboard have always worked for me, even if it did require a few additional steps from time to time. I discovered that one of the primary issues with the keyboard is that it will not work if the latest QuickTime update has not been installed. Considering the speed at which new QuickTime updates are made available, it is easy to see why this might require an update check quite frequently. At one point I also had to visit the company's website to download the latest drivers, since which time I have experienced no further issues. I have also realized that the keyboard will not communicate properly with the program if it is not turned on prior to opening the learning modules. If all else fails...rebooting has always worked. Even with these seemingly significant drawbacks, my own results with this product prevent me from doing anything other than singing its praises. The cost/benefit ratio, in my opinion, appears to have worked out in my favor. If you are an adult that seriously (serious enough to sit through monotone instructions and no-frill lessons) wishes to learn how to play the piano, I would recommend this product. I would also recommend utilizing these modules with a (not necessarily the one provided in this bundle, although it's not terrible) MIDI controller/keyboard, as there is great benefit to be had from the controller/software interaction and feedback.

2. Posted: Feb 5 2008

   Bought it for the good review. It never worked even with the online support help. The SW never talked to the HW. The support blame the Windows-XP-SP2 missing drivers. I did reload the Windows-SP2 and still does not work. Save your money and buy a real midi keyboard. This one never really got tested under customer hands.

3. Posted: Jul 13 2007

   I've played a few different types of instruments throughout my childhood and early adult years, but never stuck with them for any length of time for various reasons. About a year ago, I got the bug again, and decided "if I'm going to do it, I'll do it right". Whatever instrument I chose, I would devote AT LEAST a half hour a day to practice. I've always wanted to play piano, but my family couldn't afford one, and since no one played, the issue was never broached. Then I saw this product, and gave it a shot. The keyboard you get is a fairly heavy chunk of plastic, which is good since it won't "walk" away on you of you don't have a proper piano stand to play it on (I play on the counter top in a lower room of the house). The keys are touch sensitive, so if you press harder the sound responds in the like. The keys are NOT weighted, so the feeling is different from a real piano or expensive keyboard, but the keys are full size and cover a few different octaves (though it lacks the full 88 keys of a real piano). I haven't had any real software glitches like the other reviewers have had, so I suppose I'm lucky in that regard. If something were to malfunction with the keyboard, the lessons work just as well with another board or full size piano if available. The big advantage with the MIDI-connected keyboard, however, is that it grades your performance. This is great to chart your progress on a song. The lesson plan assumes you know squat about music or the piano, so it truly is for beginners. The songs are mostly familiar tunes or classical pieces, with some traditional songs thrown in. All pieces can be listened to, slowed down, or have certain tricky sections highlighted to concentrate on. Sprinkled throughout are a few brief history lessons that give the composers and the instrument some character. It's quite well-rounded in that regard. The downsides are that the teacher in the videos is fairly dull. While a skilled pianist, she has no presence in front of the camera. That's a shame, because it would have enhanced the experience. Also, some of the songs are dull. It would have been nice to see some more contemporary pieces taught, but I guess they may have cost a pretty penny. Also, the keyboard doesn't come with a pedal. You can buy one separately, but if you've ever glanced at a real piano, there are three pedals. So far in my lessons, the program hasn't explained how to use these while playing, so that aspect of the instrument is still in the dark for me. Hopefully, it will be addressed. At first some of the songs and lessons seem boring or obvious, but they do serve a purpose. Some simple songs are revisited later with accompaniment, and that can change the difficulty. Just remember: baby steps. This is a beginner's tool, and as such, will be replaced with a more advanced and expensive keyboard or piano later on down the line if you find it enjoyable and are making progress. For what it is however, I am very pleased, and highly recommend it.

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1. ( 8 of 8 found this review helpful ) Posted: Sep 25 2005

   These turns are awesome, and better than any other turns out there; yeah they're even better than the latest Technics, which are not much of an improvement over their previous versions. The reason these are better is because Stanton put a lot of research into these bad boys, whereas Technics have taken for granted their status. Now they're paying for it. The high torque adds a real quality feel as you manipulate your records, and I do guess that these will last for a while, unlike many old Technics which you have to push in order to not get that lagging sound. There are also knobs on these turns to adjust the brake and start speeds, just in case you want that lag sound. The platter is very stable, and the entire unit is heavy, which is a positive thing when talking about quality turns (stability). If you like to scratch, these bad boys will not let you skip note, assuming the hole for the spindle is not too large (just put some tape in there to get a tight fit). I would say that these are top notch, but don't pay $499. I paid like $400 or $420, so look around and buy from a reputable company. A+ all the way.

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1. Posted: Dec 11 2006

   I work in broadcasting and have used this mic for various voice over sessions. The talents love the sound and always request this mic. I've heard them whine when my mic is not available...

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1. Posted: May 22 2008

   After using lower priced, lower quality mics on my drums, I finally saved up and bought these. WOW! The difference is amazing. Toms, snare, bass drum, cymbals, guitar cabinet....all recorded crystal clear. There IS a reason these are the "industry standard." Amazing mics!

2. Posted: Jan 19 2008

   I bought this drum mic package to start on drum recording, as I thought it would be a good way to start. A lot of people will want to buy other packages that have 6 mics and include overheads, but are cheaper and less quality. I personally do not recommend this. I use two of the Shure SM57s as overheads for now, and I will eventually invest in two good quality mics for overheads. These mics are recording standards and will be useful for years to come, and not only for drums. The price on amazon is the also the cheapest price you will find. I recommend this for anyone who wants to start recording drums (or guitars/bass as well) with good quality mics at a great price.

3. Posted: Jan 3 2008

   I Recorded a little rudimentary snare drumming with the SM57, and with my pork pie snare, I hear it live with a lot of ring and overtone. However, on the recording, the drum sounds as clean as I have ever heard it! It really amazed me how great of a sound was produced out of these microphones! Be careful when positioning the Beta-52 Kick Drum Mic if you dont have a recording hole in your bass drum, because i got a little too much ring at first. But, when I simply moved the mic back a little, most of the ring was gone. Good Mic.

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