VTech Kidi Star DJ Mixer

Update: I had this is demo mode for a long time without realizing it until I read an answer to a question on here that said how to get it out of that mode. Now we can play a beat as long as we like without it turning off! It's been nearly two years since we first got this and it still gets regular play and we still love it! Read on for original review:This is the funnest toy we've had in a long time. I got this for my 6 year old's birthday and I must say, even though he and his 7 year old brother love it, I've spent some quality time on it myself while the kids were playing outside.The mixer has 15 different basic samples to choose from and then 15 different layering options per sample. There are also 5 additional "party" sounds per sample and an optional vocal track. You can adjust the tempo to a "slow jam" all the way up to a high energy break beat. There is a scratch wheel that also has 5 different scratch settings. The toy also lets you record your tracks to play back later. There's also an "academy" feature setting which is basically a Simon Says game designed to help you learn different beat layering techniques. I love this toy, but here are my pros and cons:Pros:-easy for age 6 and up to make tracks that sound good and give them confidence- hundreds of beat combination possibilities- genuinely decent sounding samples for kids- good variety of music styles from hip hop to dance-can record tracks for playback later-fun party light-bluetooth connectivity (haven't tried this feature)-scratch wheel has a heavy weight similar to a real one-headphone jack-batteries or plug inCons:-Turns itself off really fast if you're not pressing buttons (6 measures only), so you can't just sit on a beat and listen to it for very long-No manual mode where you can press the buttons and make one sound to create your own beat.-The academy mode is kind of hard for younger kidsOverall, this DJ set far exceeded my expectations for a kid's toy and we're really happy with it.

This was so much better than we originally thought! It has so many sounds and my kids love to pretend they are a DJ. It is very sturdy and my kids have spent hours playing with it!

This was definitely the favorite Easter gift! My teenagers loved it and laughing a lot. Lots of sounds, easy to use, and super fun for all ages! 🙌❤️

Mt son wanted a dj kit. He has not stopped playing with this since Christmas. It has a function where he can record his own music and play it back. Very fun toy

The media could not be loaded. This toy is a hit! It can do so much and pair via Bluetooth. My son has played with it everyday since receiving it for his 4th birthday. He loves everything music and can make and compose different tunes and sounds. It's a little much at first as the instructions need to be downloaded and do not come with the product. It has the option to record beats with seemingly no time limit that I've come across. He will let it play all day if he could.The things that I don't like include battery life, brightness, and loudness.1. The battery life- it is imperative to invest in a rechargeable battery. The Amazon ones hold up okay. It takes 4 AA batteries and this toy will drain it with continued/habitual use. Don't waste time on Rayovac, those didn't even last a full day in this product. Energizer would last a little over a week. Even with the Amazon rechargeable batteries I get about 4-6 days without having to recharge. (Forewarning, the Amazon batteries I received did not come charged, so keep that in consideration.)2. The disco bulb has modes and an on/off switch, but it is VERY bright and motions, I would not recommend if there are any seizure type worries with anyone in the household. It literally looks like rave status and I'm constantly turning it off as it's so bright and basically a handheld toy.3. It is loud, not necessarily a bad thing, but worth noting. I've been in the talks with myself of adding tape to the speaker-- it is directly on the back, so it is possible for those wondering. The turn dial adjusts the volume, but if you have a little DJ like mine-- it's a Miami party everyday. With the Bluetooth feature it's probably good enough to use for parties. Hook it up to a sound system and you're gonna have a good time, but it is still a child's toy so, the aspects of the beats and voices are designed with kids in mind, but doesn't stop mom and dad from dropping a sick beat.**Year Update**He still loves this toy--it is still played with daily, however, the bottom 5 record buttons are shutting off the system which is causing him to repeatedly turn it back on. Doesn't seem to bother him, but it is an inconvenience. I've reached out to vtech for help and will provide feedback once I receive it. I don't remember if there is an option to buy a warranty, but we don't have the original packaging and if there is one offered I would suggest getting a 2 year minimum as the problem has started nearing the year marker. It started out as just the far left button, but has progressed to the others. I'm hoping that it may just be a battery usage issue as the Amazon rechargeable batteries are also nearing a year marker, but I'm too cheap to invest in new rechargeable batteries for the moment. Until I get some clarification at least. In the video it is still prominent with the far left button, but the system has not had much wear in it this day that I decided to record video. I will try to capture as the other buttons do it as well.Support answers back promptly and there is no buyable warranty.. I've included a picture of their warranty timeframe.

I got this for my 9 yr old daughter for Christmas and she absolutely loves it. It is so fun for kids and for adults and the pink color is a big hit. It's got its own sounds. It's got a place for you to Bluetooth in and put your own sounds/ music on it , you can also record your own voice , and the light show is pretty awesome.

This is has got to be the world's LEAST annoying musical toy. Every experiment sounds cool. My 5 & 3 love the light too.

This thing is so much cooler than it looks! My 7 year old is having blast with this and I really want to play with it!