Tag Archives: best record pool

The Pros and Cons of Pre-Made Sets

By Tony Fernandez:

So let’s talk about music. I know we’ve discussed different things and different aspects of music, but this time around, I’d like to bring attention to a particular aspect of our DJ music world — the sets or blocks of music that DJs seem to be constantly looking for, specifically, pre-made sets.

Allow me to put a finer point on it: I don’t mean sets, in the sense of theme. We ALL do that. We can be at any number of events and we can rifle through a set of 70’s, 80’s. 90’s, 00’s, classic rock, country, Top 40, Rap, etc. That’s part of our job. What I do mean is when you’re in your flow, you ALWAYS play Song A, Song B, Song C, and Song D, in THAT order, EVERY time.

I’ll admit right up front, I don’t get it. I don’t see the necessity or advantage of discovering, creating, and then utilizing pre-made sets for the next dozen gigs, or years, it seems.

On one hand, I do get that we are creatures of habit. We discover a chain of songs that when linked together create a great response from our floors. Then we may recycle that same “set” again if we get into a pinch. “It worked last week, so let’s give it another run…”   I even get that (usually) there are a new group of people, so the same set you ran last week, is new to the current group of people.

On the other hand, what I don’t get is why are DJs asking other DJs for their pre-made sets? Aren’t you supposed to be figuring out the music for EACH of your events/crowds? If we treat each event we do as a unique and singular event, then having pre-made sets kind of defeats the purpose of being a DJ.

While all of these other DJs are sharing their sets, why would anyone think someone else’s set would work for your crowd?

I have to concede to the fact: I realize and recognize that DJs are individuals. As such, their experience, knowledge, and skill level is going to be vast and wide. I’m sure not trying to filter these thoughts and questions through my personal filter. I don’t expect others to be as big of a music nerd as I am. I sure don’t expect people to mix and program the way I do. Nor do I expect others to just do it THIS way because that is the ONLY way.

On a slight tangent…that is one of the beautiful things about being a DJ. There is no ONE WAY to spin. I love reading DJ’s play logs and listening to other DJs spin a set to get ideas and inspiration. Not to mention maybe picking up a dope track or three that I may have slept on.

My point is this: Don’t be complacent. Be proactive in your music knowledge and your programming. Practice. Listen. Put yourself into scenarios where instead of doing homework, (no one likes doing homework) you’re opening your artistic side of your brain to new musical possibilities. The more you do this, the easier the ideas will come.

I have seen DJ friends and colleagues that became apathetic and unindustrious. They suffered over time because they became stale and predictable. They aren’t working. Don’t become the complacent DJ. Don’t be lethargic in your approach to discovering music. You may just elicit a creative side in your repertoire, and that would be a beautiful thing.

Keep ‘em spinning.

Based out of Richmond, VA, DJ Tony Fernandez has been a DJ, Remixer, Producer, Musical Soothsayer and Audio Gear Oracle since 1980. Find him on facebook. Email djtonytf@gmail.com

The True Cost of Music Piracy

By Glen Ervin:

As convenient as the interwebz has made getting the music you need, the low-cost and invisibility of the ‘net has led to an explosion of too good to be true offers from websites masquerading as legitimate record pools. Think of them as the modern day version of that guy in the alley selling “real” Rolexes out of the trunk of his El Dorado… with access to your hard drive.

Fortunately there are a few of ways to tell which sites are operating in the shadows; the easiest is to keep an eye out for those selling legacy releases. The labels don’t allow it (why give away your best sellers?). Hence, any site offering unlimited access to a legacy catalog is not partnered with the labels or paying the artists or labels who provide their music.

Why should you care? 

The Institute of Policy Innovation estimates that global music piracy causes $12.5 billion of economic losses every year. That breaks down domestically to 71,060 music industry jobs lost since the days of Napster — a loss of $2.7 billion in workers’ earnings that accounts for $291 million in personal income tax and $131 million in lost corporate income and production taxes.

That’s $422 million dollars that could be going towards schools, roads, libraries and more – gone.

Let’s put that in terms every mobile operator can understand…

Economic losses on a scale that’s followed by nine zeros impacts everything from how much you charge for a wedding to how much time you get to spend with your family (instead of wearing all the hats required to run your business) to the car you drive — not a problem, by the way, for the $19.99 all you can download guys who keep all your money and drive Range Rovers.

Which brings us back to our friend in the alley and his deals on wheels…

If it seems to good to be true… it is.

Give your money to some hustler looking to turn downloads into dollars at the artist’s expense and you’ll just be feeding the dog-eat-dog world that keeps us all working for less than we deserve.

It’s up to you to decide what’s need and what’s greed.

After being turned out to pasture following a 16-year club residency, Glen Ervin finds himself gainfully employed as Promo Only sales manager, media consultant and staff writer.

Fitness Matters

By Mike Walter:

So last month I wrote my first blog for Promo Only and when it was published I was very excited and I proudly shared it on social media. Only to have the first comment bring me crashing down to earth. Someone wrote “I don’t get it. This is about running.”

It’s true. My first blog was about running. And movement in general. And how staying active can help with your overall fitness. And so this commenter was perplexed as to why a blog on a DJ focused website would be about running and fitness. And to that I reply:

Because it matters!

Let’s start with the part that is universal for any occupation. Generally, the fitter you are the healthier you are. And the healthier you are the better off you are. I say “generally” because you can take care of yourself every day and still wind up with a bad disease or cancer. But barring those exceptions, staying fit helps guarantee you’ll be healthy. And being healthy has tons of advantages: more energy throughout the day. You feel better. You look better. And you’re likely to have more confidence as a result. Oh, and you’ll probably live longer too.

Those are the benefits that everyone achieves when they are healthier, whether you’re a toll taker or a brain surgeon or any other occupation.

Here’s the part that is essential to us as DJs (and I am aware that this is likely to piss some people off but hey, don’t shoot the messenger): Some clients base their decision of who they want to DJ their event on aesthetics . It may even be a subconscious decision but some clients will pick the leaner, fitter DJ if all else is equal.

This was never more obvious to me than a number of years ago when I had to reassign some events here at Elite Entertainment. We had a DJ, I’ll call him Bill (because that was his name) who had played college football. He was blond, tall, good looking and in very good shape. But he had to leave the state unexpectedly and I was forced to call about twenty brides and inform them that their first choice of DJ was no longer available. When I asked them all what they liked about Bill (so I could recommend a similar replacement) some were vague with their answers and others just came right out and said, “he’s hot!” Almost bride had booked him from one of our showcases where, quite frankly, he wasn’t nearly the best or most experienced MC on staff. But they’d selected Bill because they liked his look (whether they admitted it or not).

I witnessed something similar first hand. In my late 30s I was starting to pack on the pounds and my bookings were dropping. Some of my other DJs were getting requested far more than I was. I was chalking it up to my age but then as I approached 40 I decided it was time to clean up my act and get in better shape. All of sudden my bookings picked back up. It seems it wasn’t my age but my shape that was turning some brides off.

When I see DJs on Facebook bitch and moan about losing business I’ll click on their profile sometimes and if I see someone who is out of shape I shake my head in disbelief. There are a lot of factors that are out of our control in this industry, but how we look and present ourselves to our clients and to the guests at their events is something we can control.

And whether we like it or not, it matters!

Mike Walter is the proud owner of Elite Entertainment, a Multi-System DJ Company in New Jersey that was recently selected by TheKnot.com and WeddingWire.com as a top Entertainment company in the country.

Pioneer DJ’s DM-40BT/DM-40BT-W desktop monitor speakers with Bluetooth® wireless technology

Pioneer has upgraded their popular 4-inch active desktop monitor speaker, the DM-40, adding Bluetooth® wireless technology to offer versatile connectivity in the DM-40BT (black) and the DM-40BT-W (white).

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The DM-40BT/DM-40BT-W active speakers create a versatile home set-up, producing a rich, balanced sound that’s ideal for producing and DJing. Drawing on our professional speaker technology, we’ve packed the compact speakers with Bluetooth® wireless technology, support for the high-quality Qualcomm® aptX™ audio codec, and AAC support.

 The Groove Technology inherited from our highly-reputed active monitor speakers delivers a smooth bass response, while the DECO1 technology gives a wider sweet spot and allows clear audio quality and rich bass sound at the same time, despite the speakers’ compact desktop size.

The DM-40BT/DM-40BT-W active monitor speakers are available now at an MAP of $199 per pair.

Find out more about the DM-40BT/DM-40BT-W.

KEY FEATURES OF THE DM-40BT/DM-40BT-W SPEAKERS

  1. Bluetooth® wireless technology, support for Qualcomm® aptX™ high-quality sound reproduction and AAC

In addition to Bluetooth® technology, allowing you to play tracks from smartphones and tablets wirelessly, Qualcomm® aptX™ and AAC support lets you enjoy even higher quality sound reproduction.

  1. Front-loaded bass reflex system with grooves for uninterrupted, rich bass

4-inch fibreglass woofers output bass from the front, and the bass ducts feature grooves to reduce air friction so you’ll feel a tight, punchy bass even if you put the speakers close to the wall.

  1. Soft dome tweeters with convex diffusers deliver a 3D, high frequency sound

Pioneer has fitted the ¾-inch soft dome tweeters with convex diffusers that use DECO technology from TAD2 Labs. The diffusers channel high frequencies left, right and up – so you’ll enjoy a wide sweet spot and 3D stereo sound wherever you sit or stand.

  1. Class AB amp and time alignment ensure balance across the frequencies

The tweeter and woofer are carefully positioned to eliminate crossover and ensure a well-balanced response across the frequencies, while a Class AB amp ensures perfect clarity with low distortion and no loss of quality.

  1. Curved front edges reduce resonance for a clean sound

The cabinet’s curved front increases its rigidity and reduces external diffraction – as well as looking good in your home set-up.

  1. Other features
  • Volume control dial is on the front panel for ease of use
  • RCA and stereo mini jack inputs
  • Headphones output

1 Diffusion Effectual Convexity by Olson (DECO) is a TAD proprietary technology for improved directionality.

2 Technical Audio Devices Laboratories (TAD Labs) is a Pioneer sub-brand preferred by professional studios since 1978.

DM-40BT/DM-40BT-W specifications

 DM-40BT-K_prm_rear_low_0929-848x610

Model 2-Way Active Speaker
Tweeter (HF driver) 3/4 inch (19 mm) soft dome
Woofer (LF driver) 4 inch (102 mm) cone
Amplifier output Lch : 21 W/4 W, Class AB
Rch : 21 W/4 W, Class AB
Terminals Input RCA × 1, 3.5 mm stereo mini plug × 1
Output Headphone × 1
Version Bluetooth® Specification Ver. 4.2
Output Bluetooth® Specification Class 2
Supported Codec SBC, AAC, Qualcomm® aptX™, Qualcomm® aptX™ Low Latency
Frequency response 70 Hz – 30 kHz
Input impedance 10 kΩ
Power consumption 35 W
Power consumption when waiting (standby status) 0.3 W
External dimensions

(W x D x H)

Lch 146 mm x 223 mm x 227 mm
Rch 146 mm x 210 mm x 227 mm
Weight Lch 2.7 kg
Rch 2.2 kg
Accessories Power cord x 1

Audio converter cable (3.5 mm stereo mini plug to RCA) x 1

Speaker cord x 1

Bottom cushion x 8

Pioneer has designed a new standalone DJ sampler: the DJS-1000

Pioneer has designed a new standalone DJ sampler that enables you to create unique sounds and phrases using an intuitive DJ-friendly interface: the DJS-1000.

Many of today’s professional DJs use electronic instruments and production gear in

live sets to help make their performances creative and unique. With an easy-to-use interface, 16 multicolored step input keys, 16 multicolored Performance Pads, a host of inputs and outputs, plus various other performance features, the DJS-1000 is the ideal musical instrument to take into the booth and propel your sets to the next level.

Add the DJS-1000 to your DJ set-up and you can intuitively create unique sounds and phrases in advance of your set, or on the fly, then sequence and loop them as you wish. Improvise a new groove by syncing and mixing with tracks playing on other equipment such as CDJs using the Beat Sync1, tempo slider and nudge features. At a glance, the 7-inch full-color touch screen gives you all the information you need to perform, thanks to easily recognizable sequence patterns and instrument icons assigned to the Performance Pads.

Other features installed on the DJS-1000 include Live Sampling, which enables you to easily sample input sounds and immediately use them as independent tracks or as FX to add to your mix.

The DJS-1000 will be available from late October 2017 at an MAP of $1,199.

DJS-1000_prm_top_low_0926

Watch the introduction video or find out more about the DJS-1000.

KEY FEATURES OF THE DJS-1000

  1. Intuitive user interface

Step sequencer

Easily create a new groove by tapping the 16 large, multicolored step input keys. You can keep an eye on sequence information on each track thanks to the keys’ changing colors.

Multicolored Performance Pads

Use the 16 large rubber pads to trigger the tracks you’ve assigned samples and loops to. Each one is equipped with multicolored illumination and highly accurate velocity detection, so you can increase or decrease volume with the amount of pressure you apply.

Touch strip

By simply touching the strip, you can quickly change the pitch when using the pitch bend feature, or play a drum roll by using the note repeat feature. Customize parameters for even more creative options.

  1. 7-inch full-color touch screen

Tap the LCD display to instantly access the screen of your choice:

  • Home screen: View information on the sample assigned to each track thanks to the instrument icons and colors which are linked to the pads.
  • Sequence screen: View the sequence pattern currently playing.
  • Mixer screen: Adjust the volume balance of each track.
  1. Accurate syncing with various external devices and systems

In addition to clock synchronization with MIDI devices, the DJS-1000 includes the Beat Sync function which can synchronize a performance by beat/bar with a track playing on a CDJ-2000NXS2 or XDJ-1000MK2 set-up using PRO DJ LINK. Use the tempo slider and the nudge buttons to quickly adjust tempo and beat position manually, just like you would on a turntable.

  1. Powerful performance features

Live Sampling

Easily sample input sounds and immediately use them as individual tracks. The sampled sounds are automatically synchronized with the current sequence to play in a loop, so they can be dropped straight into a live remix. You can sample any input source, including audio from a turntable, via your mixer.

FX

Add various FX to tracks with ease, changing the tone on the fly. You can apply FX such as echo, reverb and filter to individual tracks, a group of tracks, or all tracks.

  1. Perfect fit in the DJ booth

DJS-1000_set_A-2_low_0926

The DJS-1000 is designed to fit perfectly alongside the CDJ-2000NXS2 and DJM-900NXS2, creating effortless unity in the DJ booth.Other features

  • Support for USB devices – manage your projects and samples easily
  • Over 2,500 on-board Loopmasters samples – start performing with the DJS-1000 straight out the box
  • Support for DJS-TSP Project Creator2 easily create projects and SCENE3 files on a PC/Mac
  • Support for project files created on the TORAIZ SP-16

*1 Beat Sync works with compatible DJ systems when playing tracks that have been analyzed by rekordboxTM

*2 To be released on the Pioneer DJ website in mid-October

*3 Information on how the 16 samples are assigned to a track on the DJS-1000

DJS-1000 Specifications

DJS-1000_prm_rear_low_0926

Playable media USB Storage device(flash memory/HDD, etc.)
Playable file WAV、 AIFF (16 bit / 24 bit、 44.1 kHz)
USB storage support file systems FAT、FAT32、HFS+
Input ports INPUT x 1 (L/MONO and R、 1/4 inch TS jack)
Output ports OUTPUT1 x 1 (RCA)
THRU / OUTPUT2 x 1 (1/4 inch TS jack)、
PHONES x 2 (1/4 inch stereo jack、 3.5 mm stereo mini jack)
Other ports USB (Type A) x 1 、 USB (Type B) x 1
MIDI IN (5P DIN), MIDI OUT / THRU (5P DIN)
LINK x 1 (LAN 100Base-TX)
Power requirements AC 110-220V (50 Hz/60 Hz)
Electricity consumption 20 W
Max external dimension
(W x D x H)
320.0 mm x 421.6 mm x 110.1 mm
Weight 5.4 kg

 

 

Pioneer releases limited edition CDJ-2000NXS2-W and DJM-900NXS2-W

Pioneer is releasing exclusive new versions of their flagship multiplayer and DJ mixer in a brilliant white finish. A strictly limited run of 1,200 CDJ-2000NXS2-W decks (200 for the USA) will be produced, along with 600 DJM-900NXS2-W mixers (100 for the USA). Each unit will be stamped with a distinctive plaque featuring a unique serial number.

The CDJ-2000NXS2-W and the DJM-900NXS2-W will be available from October at an MAP of $2299 and $2299 respectively.

Find out more about the CDJ-2000NXS2-W and the DJM-900NXS2-W.

KEY FEATURES OF THE CDJ-2000NXS2-W

CDJ-2000NXS2-W_prm_angle_low_0825-848x658 

  • Next-generation high-resolution audio with support for FLAC/ALAC files
  • Full-colour touch screen with fast browsing and detailed track information including Wave Zoom, Needle Countdown, Phase Meter and more
  • Multiple performance features for almost endless creative possibilities
  • Pro DJ Link enables even more features
  • See full rekordboxTM track information including colour-coded Memory Cues 

KEY FEATURES OF THE DJM-900NXS2-W

DJM-900NXS2-W_prm_angle_low_0824-848x625

  • Highest quality audio components for a warm, detailed sound
  • Smooth curves on the EQs and channel faders for precise, seamless mixes
  • Detailed control of a wealth of FX plus an independent send/return
  • Two USB ports, four phono inputs and DVS support for total flexibility and seamless DJ handovers
  • Pro DJ Link via LAN or USB for even more scope and flexibility

CDJ-2000NXS2-W SPECIFICATIONS

CDJ-2000NXS2-W_prm_top_low_0825-848x1071

Playable media iPhone/iPad/iPod touch, Android phone, etc.

USB storage devices (flash memory/HDD, etc.)

Computers (Mac/Windows PC), Audio CD, CD-R/RW,

DVD±R/RW/R-DL, SD card

Playable files WAV, AIFF, FLAC, Apple Lossless

(Sampling rate: 44.1/48/88.2/96 kHz, Bit depth: 16/24-bit)

 

MP3

(Sampling rate: 32/44.1/48 kHz, Bit depth: 16-bit)

 

AAC

(Sampling rate: 16/22.05/24/32/44.1/48 kHz, Bit depth: 16-bit)
* rekordbox for iPhone: MP3 and AAC only

USB storage support file systems FAT, FAT32, HFS+
Frequency response 4 Hz to 40 kHz
S/N ratio 115 dB (JEITA)
Total harmonic distortion 0.0018% (JEITA)
USB ports USB A port x 1, USB B port x 1
Audio output ports Audio Out (RCA) x 1, Digital Out(Coaxial) x 1
Other ports LAN (100Base-TX) x 1
Audio output voltage 2.0 Vrms
Power requirements AC 110-240 V, 50/60 Hz
Max external dimensions

(W x D x H)

320.0 mm x 414.4 mm x 113.2 mm
Weight 5.7 kg

rekordbox dj SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

Compatible OS

(Windows)

Windows 10, 8.1, 7 (the latest service pack)

Intel® processor Core™ i7, i5, i3

Intel® processor Core™ 2 Duo 2.0 GHz or above

4GB or more of RAM

Compatible OS

(Mac)

macOS Sierra 10.12 (updated to the latest version),

Intel® processor Core™ i7, i5, i3

Intel® processor Core™ 2 Duo 2.0 GHz or above

4GB or more of RAM

Hard Drive 250MB or more of free space (not including space for storing music files, etc.)
Sound Audio output to speakers, headphones, etc. (internal or external audio device)
USB port A USB 2.0 port is used to connect a controller or a mixer, and export track files to a USB storage device such as a flash drive and a hard disk drive
Playable music file FLAC, ALAC, WAV, AIFF, MP3, AAC
Internet connection An internet connection is needed to create a rekordbox user account and to download and activate the software
Display resolution 1280 × 768 or greater

 DJM-900NXS2-W SPECIFICATIONS

         DJM-900NXS2-W_prm_top_low_0824-848x1024

Number of channels 4 x audio channels, 2 x Mic channels
Input ports Digital In x 4 (Coaxial), Line x 4 (RCA), Phono x 4 (RCA), Mic x 2 (XLR & 1/4-inch TRS Jack x 1, 1/4-inch TRS Jack x 1)
Output ports Master Out x 2 (XLR x 1, RCA x 1), Booth Out x 1 (1/4-inch TRS Jack), Headphone Monitor Out x 2 (1/4-inch Stereo Phone Jack, 3.5 mm Stereo Mini Jack), REC Out x 1 (RCA), Digital Out x 1(Coaxial)
Other ports Send x 1 (1/4-inch TS Jack), Return x 1(1/4-inch TS Jack), USB (Type B) x 2, USB (Type A) x 1, Link x 1 (LAN 100Base-TX)
Sampling rate 96 kHz
D/A converter 32-bit
A/D converter 24-bit
Frequency response 20 Hz to 40 kHz (LINE)
Total Harmonic Distortion ratio 0.005% or less (LINE-MASTER1)
S/N ratio 105 dB (LINE)
Max external dimensions

(W x D x H)

333.0 mm x 414.2 mm x 107.9 mm
Unit weight 8.0 kg

Disclaimer:

* rekordboxTM is a registered trademark of Pioneer DJ Corporation.

* Mac, Mac OS and OS X are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the US and other countries.

* Windows® is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the US and other countries.

* Intel® and Intel Core™ are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation in the US and other countries.

* The names of companies, product names, and technology names mentioned herein are the trademarks of their respective owners.

 

Website: http://www.pioneerdj.com/

DJs and Streaming

By Tony Fernandez:

Alright kids, it seems to me that it’s been a little while since I’ve been on my soap box or have had a rant, so strap in, we’re all due. Let me begin with a small disclaimer… I’m not looking to kick a hornet’s nest or start a moral, much less a legal tirade. I’m coming from an angle of trying to understand the rational of streaming… and hopefully illicit some chuckles in the process.

Let’s begin….

The Internet is a splendid thing. There is no doubt about that. Wi-Fi and being untethered has opened up countless possibilities and opportunities. Advancements are made monthly at such a pace that what was just simply amazing last month, heck, last week is commonplace today.
Maybe I am a bit too old school. I came from a place where DJs actually have their music. I mean that quite literally. You physically have the music you’re going to play. In the current state we are in, I do understand “having” music means that you have music on a hard drive. But the point still remains: you have access to that file on demand. Because it lives on your hard drive.

So why is streaming a “thing”? I don’t get it. Like most people on the planet, a good chunk of my life is wrapped up in my cell phone. Having said that, I find myself not having the best signal everywhere I go. And I still experience the randomness of dropped calls. I get that cell phones signals are different than Wi-Fi signals, but I still surmise that if I can’t get a SOLID cell phone connection, why should I assume that my Wi-Fi signal is stable? And don’t tell me about hot spots. Again, no cell signal and your hot spot is a paperweight.

I also get that a good number of venues do offer Wi-Fi connection to vendors. Are you really ready to rely on a network that you’re not 100% certain is robust enough to handle the load? Is the network also open to the public? If that is the case, how does it work when you have 15, 25, 45 people on public Wi-Fi and you’re trying to download, much less, stream content and use said content in real time? I would assume not too well.

And this is where I begin to scratch my head….

With as much technology, CPU processor horsepower, RAM, etc., that hardware can harness, you’re placing your success on an unknown variable that offers you ZERO control. Think about it: You are trying to download, stream and play a decent size music file in REAL TIME.

We ask a lot of our computers and software. Granted, they are marketed as being able to handle pretty much anything thrown at it. But we know that’s just not true. When you turn on your computer and it’s just sitting there, it’s really running 20, 30, maybe even 40 other programs in the background. Some you can’t turn off. Then you launch your DJ software. So now you want the computer to run the OS and the DJ software, plus you want the system to manipulate chunks of data and convert those chunks of data from 1’s & 0’s to analog audio. All the while providing you a GUI and audio feed to monitor all of the manipulation in REAL TIME.

Now you want to open up a network connection, get on the internet, log into a service, search a data base, download/stream the content you found and integrate that content seamlessly in real time to the gig you’re DJaying.

Right…

I know I’m not going to stop progress and I’m not trying to. Nor am I trying to be a harbinger of technology potentially gone awry. Each DJ will find their own level of technological prowess and embrace it. Speaking for myself, I know I’m NOT going to tax my computer any more than I have to. Nor am I going to set myself up for relying on a cell/ Wi-Fi signal that may not be there when I REALLY need it.

Till next time DJs. I’m still waiting for the Wi-Fi here to come back on line so I can pay for my pizza and go home. Gotta love technology.

Based out of Richmond, VA, DJ Tony Fernandez has been a DJ, Remixer, Producer, Musical Soothsayer and Audio Gear Oracle since 1980. Find him on facebook. Email djtonytf@gmail.com

I Like To Move It Move It!

By Mike Walter:

My wife Kelly and I were in Seattle a few years ago and we decided to hike Mt Rainier. On the bus ride out we started chatting with a woman named Hannah who was traveling by herself. She told us she was an epidemiologist (which I found out means she’s a doctor who studies diseases).   Half-jokingly, I asked her what disease was going to kill all of mankind and without missing a beat she said, “Inactivity.”

I have to say I was relieved to hear that because I consider myself a pretty active person but I also have to admit that there have been times since then where I wanted to skip a run or workout or even a walk with my dogs but Hannah’s succinct, one word, spontaneous answer has echoed in my head and got me moving.

When you think about it, almost every major invention of mankind’s has made us more sedentary. We invented the wheel and we domesticated wild animals to help us move things. We created engines to move us even faster. We’ve made everything from Egg Beaters to escalators all in an effort to make our lives easier. But in doing so we’ve triggered a gene inside most of us that loves to relax. And, believe me, there’s nothing wrong with relaxing, but only after you’ve earned it through some hard work and motion.

We as a society, and definitely we as an industry, need to move more. We need to do more. We need to avoid the disease of “Inactivity” and all myriad health issues that come along with it.

Many people know I like to run. It’s my favorite healthy activity. I’ve done sixteen marathons in my life and while I’m not quite in marathon condition anymore, I still love to lace up my sneakers and head out, whether it’s for a short, fast run or a leisurely long jog. Knowing this, many people have asked me how they should get started if they too want to run. Here’s my simple advice: get off the couch. Don’t set too lofty of a goal early on because it’s impossible (and dangerous) to go from couch potato to marathon runner in a few weeks. If you’re currently overweight and inactive my advice would be to seek your doctor’s approval first and foremost and assuming you’re given the green light, go for a walk. Day one, make it a ten minute stroll. Day two, add a minute or two. If you have a track near your home, it’s an ideal place to head. Tracks are softer on your joints and if you get too tired, you’re never too far from your car.

And when you’re ready to speed it up a bit, fear not! Because, here’s the thing about running: you already know how to do it. It’s in your DNA. Remember, before mankind invented all those things to make us sedentary, we moved. We hunted and chased our food down, often after miles and miles on our feet. Or we were the hunted, and those who survived were fast enough to avoid the mountain lion or mastodon that wanted to make us dinner. So once you go from walking to jogging, don’t over think it. Just go a little faster and a little longer each and every day and soon you’ll be logging miles, shedding pounds and most importantly, avoiding all the detrimental side effects of inactivity.

Here’s one of the misperceptions of our industry: events don’t burn that many calories. Sure it’s better to be up and moving on a weekend night than sitting around in a the Lazy Boy flipping channels, but I think too many DJs do an event and think they’ve burned so many calories they are entitled to eat all night and then hit the drive-through on the way home. You’re wrong. Even if you’re a dancer, even if you move around a lot at your events, it’s very doubtful that you’re getting your heart rate up to an aerobic state and burning some real calories. So be careful equating one of your gigs to an increased amount of food and thinking you’ll be even.

My wife and I do a lot of little things to keep ourselves active. Kelly wears a Fitbit and she always strives to hit her 10,000 daily steps. When we go shopping, we usually park as far from the store as possible. We walk our dogs a lot. When we go to the beach, we often take a stroll along the shoreline. These are just a few of the many things you too can probably do just to be a little more active. The pay off in the end is well worth it and when the “sacrifice” is stepping away from the boob tube for a little while and getting some fresh air, it’s even better.
Mike Walter is the proud owner of Elite Entertainment, a Multi-System DJ Company in New Jersey that was recently selected by TheKnot.com and WeddingWire.com as a top Entertainment company in the country.

Introducing the DJM-750MK2

From Pioneer DJ –

A new 4-channel mixer is joining the Pioneer DJ series: the DJM-750MK2. For practice mixing at home before stepping into the club booth with confidence, the DJM-750MK2 makes the perfect addition to any DJ’s set-up. It inherits various features and design elements from the club-standard DJM-900NXS2 and partners perfectly with XDJ-1000MK2 multi players to create a professional-style set-up that you can hone your skills on.

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You can perform seamless mixes on the DJM-750MK2 thanks to the smooth curves on the equalizers (EQs) and channel faders. The Magvel crossfader, inherited from the DJM-900NXS2, gives a precise response and assured feel during even the most complicated scratch techniques. As well as its build quality and feel, other popular elements that come from Pioneer DJ’s flagship club mixer include four Sound Color FX with parameter control and selected Beat FX with FX Frequency, all allowing you to add creative flair to your performances. Warm, high-quality audio comes through thanks to the DJM-750MK2’s 64-bit digital signal processor which uses dithering technology, plus its 32-bit A/D converter and 32-bit D/A converter.

For the flexibility to connect different types of FX units and create the sounds you want, you can choose from AUX or Insert send/return. You can also use software that supports Inter-App Audio on iOS devices and use apps such as effectors, synthesizers and samplers, and combine them with the DJM-750MK2’s internal FX. Simple connection via a USB cable ensures high-quality sound.

Licences for rekordbox dj and rekordbox dvs are worth a combined $228 and are bundled with the DJM-750MK2, so you can control digital tracks stored on your computer via multi players, or via turntables when you use the dedicated control vinyl (available separately). The built-in sound card means you can connect the mixer to your PC/Mac with a single USB cable.

The DJM-750MK2 will be available from early September at an MAP of $1,199

Watch the introduction video or find out more about the DJM-750MK2.

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KEY FEATURES OF THE DJM-750MK2

  1. Professional layout

Mixing on the DJM-750MK2 feels instinctive thanks to the layout design, which inherits traits from the DJM-900NXS2 professional mixer. You can practice at home, then feel comfortable and ready to perform when you arrive at the club.

  1. Smooth EQs, channel faders and Magvel crossfader

The EQs and channel faders on the DJM-750MK2 feature curves equivalent to those on the DJM-900NXS2, allowing you to perform precise, seamless mixes. You can eliminate each of the high, mid and low EQ bands when you turn their knobs all the way to the left thanks to the isolator feature, and the channel fader curves give accuracy over long mixes. The Magvel crossfader– also inherited from the DJM-900NXS2 – is smooth, accurate and durable for more than 10 million movements and its cut lag has been improved for more assured and responsive performance compared to that of the mixer’s predecessor. If you own a DJM-TOUR1, DJM-900NXS2, DJM-450 or DJM-250MK2, you can update your mixer’s firmware to shorten the crossfader cut lag. The update will be available from our support page soon, along with firmware updates.

  1. Professional FX with detailed control

Add texture and flair to your mixes with professional FX inherited from the DJM-900NXS2.

  • Sound Color FX: Simply turn the knob to apply Dub Echo, Sweep, Noise and Filter. Parameter control lets you get even more creative.
  • Beat FX: Add Delay, Echo, Ping Pong, Spiral, Reverb, Trans, Flanger, Pitch, Roll, Vinyl Brake and Helix in sync with the BPM.
  • FX Frequency: Choose which EQ bands you want to apply FX to; low/mid/high.
  • Independent send/return: Insert send/return replaces the original sound with the effected sound from the external hardware. Aux send/return gives you the option to route the effected sound to a separate channel and mix it with the original sound. Connect an iOS device and use apps such as effectors, synthesizers and samplers in combination with the DJM-750MK2’s internal FX. Connection via a single USB cable ensures high-quality audio.
  1. Professional sound quality

Sound quality is grunted whether you’re playing with digital or analogue sound sources, high-quality sound is created by the 64-bit digital signal processor, dithering technology, 32-bit A/D converter and 32-bit D/A converter.                   

  1. Bundled licences for rekordbox dj and rekordbox dvs

The DJM-750MK2 comes with free license keys for our professional dj performance application rekordbox dj and the rekordbox dvs Plus Pack, so you can play digital tracks from your PC/Mac using multi players or via turntables and the dedicated control vinyl (available separately). The mixer’s built-in sound card means you can connect to your computer using a single USB cable.

 

How to use rekordbox dj and rekordbox dvs:

Buy the RB-VS1-K Control Vinyl from a Pioneer DJ authorized dealer or directly from our website (limited countries only). Visit rekordbox.com to download the latest version of rekordbox for free and enter your license keys for rekordbox dj and rekordbox dvs. Find out more.

  1. Other features
  • XLR terminal – high-quality audio output
  • Two headphone outputs – ¼” stereo jack and 3.5 mm mini jack
  • Signal GND terminal – easily attach ground wires from analogue turntables
  • Gold-plated RCAs – premium sound quality on all connections
  • Independent Mic section

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DJM-750MK2 Specifications

Number of channels 4 x audio channels, 1 x MIC channels
  Input ports LINE x 4 (RCA)

PHONO x 4 (RCA)

MIC × 1 (XLR & 1/4” TRS Jack)

Output ports MASTER OUT x 2 (XLR x 1, RCA x 1),

BOOTH OUT x 1 (1/4” TRS jack),

HEADPHONE MONITOR OUT x 2 (1/4” STEREO PHONE JACK, 3.5mm STEREO MINI JACK)

USB ports USB (B) x 1, USB (A) x 1
Other ports SEND x 1 (1/4” TS JACK),

RETURN x 1 (1/4” TS JACK)

Sampling rate 48 kHz
D/A converter 32-bit
A/D converter 32-bit
Frequency response 20 Hz to 20 kHz (LINE)
S/N ratio 105 dB (LINE)
Total harmonic distortion 0.005 % (LINE-MASTER1)
Maximum dimensions

(W x D x H)

320 mm (W) × 107.9 mm (H) × 387.9 mm (D)
Weight 6.6 kg/14.55lbs
Accessories Power cord, USB cable、Operating Instructions

(Quick Start Guide), License key card

(rekordbox dj, rekordbox dvs)

 

* Disclaimer: specifications and price are subject to change.

* rekordboxTM is a registered trademark of Pioneer DJ Corporation.

* Mac, macOS or OS X are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.

* The names of companies, product names, and technology names mentioned herein are the trademarks of their respective owners.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5 MORE Tips To Guarantee A Great Event

By Brian Buonassissi:

I may have misspoken at the end of my last post. I had said that the first five tips were the foundation and made it sound like these aren’t as important. After thinking more about my own process, they all carry equal weight and I pay just as much attention to #10 as I do to #1. With that in mind, here’s the rest of my playbook for a great event.

Tip #6: CAN’T STOP, WON’T STOP…Never put your event on auto‐pilot or take a time‐out. From the time it starts until the time it ends, make every moment, every song, every announcement count. I often hear how some DJs will play the same cocktail hour for the season or they’ll put on a mix for dinner while they go eat — or worse play the same dance sets at every event. The longest wedding I’ve ever had was 8 hours but generally they are between 4‐6 hours. That’s a relatively small amount of time to be “on.” You owe it your clients to stay completely engaged the entire time. You ask your clients and their guests to be engaged for the full event. Shouldn’t you be leading by example?

Tip #7: JUST EAT IT? The pushback I get for not eating at the event is that you get hungry (especially if you follow one of my first tips of arriving super early). For me, the cocktail and dinner music I play is critical and if I do it right, it makes the dancing portions easy. Every event is different and even if I know the couple extremely well, I am constantly tweaking in real time what I’m playing based on the dynamic of the room. The guest count, weather, time delays, energy/mood of the crowd all play a part in what selections I chose. I can’t afford to take one song off to eat. The other pushback I get is that the client paid for your meal and it would be rude NOT to eat. Here’s what I do – I eat a protein filled lunch and then an energy bar 10‐15 minutes before the event begins. Not only do I stay full but it keeps me away from eating non‐ healthy foods. If the main course looks amazing, I’ll ask the catering staff to make me a “to go” plate. I’ve never had a caterer not offer to do that for me. Bonus: I get an amazing meal the next day.

Tip #8: I’LL BE THERE FOR YOU…I’m referring to your vendor partners. Make sure you support them as much as possible. Never let anything happen (you control the mic, right?) without making sure they know what’s happening and that you’re about to do something. Also, if you can help them out with something (even outside of your job scope), do it. Help a planner/venue staff move chairs, corral the family/wedding party for the photographer if they ask, be flexible with their requests, etc. DJs have a terrible reputation of being hard to work with, on a power trip and not willing to do anything that is not in their job description. I’m constantly fighting against this stigma and the vendors I work with comment that they love working with me because I consider us all on the same team. Not only will they refer you when asked for recommendations by potential clients, but they generally offer to give you professional images/video to use for self‐promotion, give you an early load‐in time, etc.

Tip #9: YOU’RE THE BEST AROUND…This is the separator between the good and great DJs and has nothing to do with your skills. I call it “surprise and delight.” It’s customer/client service. A week before the wedding, I call both sets of parents to see if there’s anything I can do to make the day extra special for their son/daughter. The morning of I send my clients a quick text (separately) just letting them know I’m thinking of them and excited for their day. At the reception, I bring them mints during dinner because I know they’re going to be talking to a lot of people. I try and snag a quick pic of their first dance and e‐mail them a thank you with it attached immediately after the event. I may create a snapchat GEO filter at no cost to them. Sometimes, those things mean more to clients than what I do DJ‐wise because it’s unexpected and something I don’t telegraph until I do them.

Tip #10: GIVE ME EVERYTHING TONIGHT…This also doesn’t have to do with your skill‐set necessarily. It’s about effort. I treat each event like it’s my last and I leave it all out on the floor. I don’t want there to be any regrets on my part. I am going to use every tool in my arsenal (as the events call for them) to put on the best event I possibly can. A successful event to me is where I’m so worn out that I need the next day to recover. Never short‐change your clients or the guests attending the event. That’s the reputation you should strive to have.

Hope these tips give you some things to think about. Have great events. You can do it!

Based out of NYC, DJ Brian B is a successful internationally traveling DJ/MC specializing in luxury private events. He runs a multicity mobile DJ/event business with offices in Southern California, Destin, FL and New York City. You can check him out at djbrianbofficial.com or bboyproductions.com