Introducing BinkyToy: A tool for the computer-based DJ

The idea behind BinkyToy is simple: We want to play sound files on the computer as if they were tracks on a real vinyl record. This way we maintain the hands-on physical contact and subtle gestural control we're used to having when spinning records, yet we're not limited to playing only the material that we can find recorded on vinyl. Furthermore, we're not even limited to playing the sounds in the same way we would play them if they were on vinyl.

BinkyToy allows a turntablist to perform tricks that would not be possible with a standard turntable and DJ mixer. Here are just a few examples:

1) Play one set of sounds when the record is spinning in the forward direction, and another completely different set of sounds when the same record is spinning in reverse.

2) Automatically mute sound when the record is spinning backwards (or forwards). This one can save you some work on the crossfader, even if your skills are unparalleled in the known universe.

3) Automatically raise and lower the sound level based on how fast the record is spinning. This can give you some transform effects using just one hand!

4) Reverse the sense of the turntable rotation so that sounds play backwards when the turntable is spinning forwards, and visa-versa.

5) Record a sample and scratch it immediately.

The list of new possibilities goes on and on...