When and how did Jesse Dean Designs come about?

I started modifying and developing audio gear in 2008 officially. But honestly, I have been messing with audio stuff since I was a kid.

What did you do for a living before Jesse Dean Designs?

I was a Pro Audio Manager at Guitar Center Palmdale, Ca store.

What was the first modification product you created and what inspired you to create it?

First DJ modification/customization, was a set of Technics SL1200-MK2 turntables. I was Building and customizing cars at this time. So, I thought it would be cool to take some of these custom things on cars and put them on turntables.

The JDD Portable Fader really opened the market for PT01 modifications, what / who inspired you to create your line of JDD Portable Faders?

I had some friends that were toying with the portable turntable. They are avid turntablists. So, they approached me and asked if I could make a fader for them. I made a couple prototypes and gave these to them. They loved them and started to tell all their friends.

What is your best-selling product?

The JDDX2RS-A Contactless Fader for the Numark PT-01 Scratch.

The 2021 DMC championships featured a Portablist category. What are your thoughts on this?

It is good to see that the DMC organization has recognized Portablism as a legitimate form of DJ/Turntablism.

Where do you see the portablist scene going in the next 5 years?

Hopefully Progressing forward and the Portable turntable advancing to an advance and accurate player. With schools and educators now using portable turntables to teach musical classes, hopefully it will become more accepted as a musical instrument.

What’s on the horizon for Jesse Dean Designs? Can you give us any sneak-peaks at any products you’re working on?

We are making a new detachable tone arm for the RANE ONE controller. So, people can play their 7” records on an all in one player. The original concept was released at NAMM show 2018 on the RANE TWELVE.