Cross is Mivibes’ newest DVS program for both Windows an Mac. The box includes the Cross program disk, 2 control cds, 2 7″ control records, quick start guide, and keyboard stickers. (The Cross pack contains the addtional Mixvibes U46 Mk3 Soundcard)

Installation:
The initial installation was straight forward, the normal insert cd and follow directions with no tricky business.

Intial Thoughts:
Upon launching, I noticed the layout was alot different than DVs7, Not sure how I feel about the giant wav form bar on the top, however I think more may like that there. I loaded in some mp3s into the collection and started clicking around to get a feel for the program. The bottom buttons make it easy and quick to switch between your collection, playlist, explorer and itunes. Itunes music alsoloaded in fairly quick also. A few notes about the bottom section to point out;

Collection: Alot of information on your tracks can be displayed if you want. Name, Artist, Album, Duration, Genre, Comments, Year, Rating, Counter (times played), Last Plade Date/Time. BPM Track, Remixed by, Producer, Label, Key, Grouping, File Type, Bitrate, Location, Date/Time Added, Date/Time created, filename. The information can be easily edited by double clicking on it. You can save multiple collections as well.
Info: A card layout summary of the track.
Playlist: Multiple playlists are set in tabs, so they can quickly be scrolled through. You can also save multiple collections. Here is also where you can also select auto play in program player mode, I can’t say I am a fan of this feature in any program.
Explorer: A quick file explorer where you can drag and drop files into your collection or playlist.
Itunes:  Pretty self explanitory, it loads extremely quick also.

Usage:

Standalone Player:
I connected my U46 MK2 and started mixing for a bit. As a standalone program it functioned well, I was able to cleanly mix through a few tracks.The pitch adjustment percentage can be adjusted in the preferences. I kept it to the defaults. I quickly tried some looping, its pretty spot on. After awhile of point and clicking it was time to give it a run as a DVS.

DVS:
After a bit of tinkering with the settings I got it working with the SL1 box I have connected. ( I really like the fact that I don’t need to switch boxes to use multiple dvs’) I added my last beatport folder and I began to explore the dvs functionality. It was very responsive, did not feel there was any lag. I ended up shutting of the security mode, as I constantly change my mind about what tracks I want to use next. One thing I did not like was the light grey color choice of the font for the time played of the track. I felt from a distance it did not stand out enough especially since my laptop is not directly infront of my mixer. I also quickly swapped the 7″ records for the 12″ records from my other Mixvibes, I felt the 4 minute timeframe was a large disadvantage since most of my tracks are well over that.

Overall:
In what I could see with my sessions with Cross, it seemed responsive and close to no latency. I did not try the record feature ( didnt see it, maybe next time I should probably read the manual 1st.) The stability seemed decent. I will post up a long term usage soon.

Pros:
Fairly simple to use and figure out.
Well Priced.
Media management is excellent.
Direct Itunes support

Cons:
I felt there could have been some minor tweaks to the interface
- the grey on grey track time bugged me
- Also use of a track time or time left of the track in the top right/left corners would have been great
7″ records lack of an 33rpm side (nothing 12″ time code vinyl wont fix)

Features:
High quality audio engine and time stretching algorithm
High accuracy timecode control
Time code CD’s and 7″ vinyl records included.
Phono preamp (RIAA) emulation
Multiple routing mode
Lead IN and lead OUT adjustment
Aboslute and Relative control modes
Flexible mode enables stopping time code while continuing playback without interruption
High precision time code for CD player for short loop and Hot Cue.
Cue point memory saved with each track
Master Tempo with Hybrid mode to avoid digital sound while scratching
Auto Beat Loops
Auto Sync and Auto Match functions
Up to 100% pitch range
2 channel mixer with gain, 3 band EQ, kills, cue selector
Play regular vinyl through the software mixer using line input switch
Record your set: Create audio files for deck A and B separated and/or mixed.
Advanced media management with multiple tabs, cover art and more
Multiple display modes
Full iTunes® integration: Drag and drop tracks and playlists or load tracks direct form iTunes®
MIDI support for VCI100, VCM100, CDJ400, and Total Control
ASIO, Direct X, and Core Audio compatible
Security mode and end of track warning
Keyboard shortcuts mapping
AIFF, WAV, MP3, FLAC, OGG and AAC audio file support
Mac and PC
Instant import from external hard drive or folder
Sort by genre, BPM, artist, key, rating, and more
Fast search filter
Preview deck with scroll bar
Shuffle and automatic playlist with crossfading
Multiple tracks tag editing
Info tab including cover art and song rating
Missing tracks management
Simple and intuitive user interface with colored waveforms
Hide and show various windows using Function keys
Resizable window to fit your display
Extreme waveform Zoom to set up your location and cue points precisely
Beat matcher screen with peak synchronization display

Minimum PC Specs
Windows XP SP2 or Windows Vista
Pentium 4, 2 GHz (or equivalent)
512 Mo RAM
Screen 1280×800

Mac OS X 10.4
Intel Core Duo, 1.83 GHz
512 Mo RAM
Screen 1280×800

Recommended Configuration
Windows XP SP2 or Vista
Intel Core Duo 2, 2 GHz
1G RAM

Mac OS X 10.4
Intel Core Duo 2, 2 GHz
1G RAM
Manufacturer Link: here

** Images coming soon