Latest Advancements in Tech Equipment
The days when the mainstays of DJ equipment were no more than a mixer and something to mix have long since passed. These days, having DJ equipment with the best technology is one of the most important parts of becoming a successful DJ, and if a you don’t keep up with the pace, you are likely to end up as obsolete as an eight-track player.
As it turns out, one of the most important advancements in DJ equipment in recent memory may be an item that was only just recognized for its use as DJ equipment at all: the Apple iPad. Using an extension of the interface Apple created with the iTouch and iPhone, the iPad is just what its name suggests: a tablet-shaped screen with dimensions slightly smaller than a piece of paper which that the user interacts with via a touch screen.
As a piece of DJ equipment, the iPad has the functions of several items that DJs already use. It naturally contains mp3 functions, which have long since replaced the CD as most DJs’ primary sources of music. There are also applications for the iPad that act as mixers, allowing the DJ to create the freshest of beats with just a touch of a finger.
Perhaps most excitingly, the iPad has an application that replaces one of the most antique, yet perhaps most important pieces of DJ equipment: the turntable. While there are computer programs that can create the same effect as a turntable, the iPad’s touch screen allows DJs to interact with the music in a way that is much more comparable to real turntables than can be found using a mouse on a laptop. Thus, armed with an iPad, a DJ can scratch out a funky sound on a device that has a feel similar to a real set of turntables without the trouble of having to lug them around. And this is to say nothing of the money saved by not having to destroy in the music played process of scratching it.
More specifically-designed pieces of DJ equipment are also becoming more and more digital, chief among which is the mixer. For example, the Sixty-Eight mixer, developed by Rane, is the first mixer that can sync together two laptops using Scratch Live, one of the turntable-emulating programs mentioned above. While this may not seem like much, this advance in DJ equipment makes this digital alternative to real turntables that much more appealing, because it lets a DJ create the kind of complex beats that can only be made using two units at once. The Sixty-Eight also features four USB ports, which makes it much simpler for multiple DJs to use the same mixer by simply unplugging their laptops when someone new takes over.
Another piece of DJ equipment that has made recent advances is headphones. For example, the HDJ-2000, produced by Pioneer, offers extremely high-quality and high-fidelity sound while also being comfortable enough that DJs will not be distracted by itching ears in the middle of a set. While headphones might not seem like an especially important piece of DJ equipment, their ability to let a DJ sample different tracks as clearly as possible in a very noisy environment is a key consideration for anyone striving to be a top-tier DJ.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5103359
ShareMaintaining Your Gear
DJ Equipment is expensive. Turntables, mixers and other DJ Equipment is made up of a lot of mechanical parts, computer chips, circuitry and motors that are definitely vulnerable to wear and tear. Take a few preventive measures to make sure your DJ equipment keeps working for the long run.
1. Maintain Your Wires
The wires are the veins of the DJ equipment. If you have frayed and damaged cords, it doesn’t matter how powerful your mixer is, what kind of speakers you have, or how great your records or CDs sound. All your listeners will here is the annoying buzz of a bad connection or the blast of static when a cord shorts out. Keep wires rolled neatly but not too tightly. There should be some slack in the cord at all times. A cord should never be supporting the weight of a device.
2. Carrying Cases
After purchasing an expensive set of DJ Equipment, it may be hard to justify spending any more money on expensive carrying cases. But if you take your DJ equipment on the road, it is only a matter of time before it bounces around in the back of a vehicle, takes a dive off a table, or even worse. Having hard shell carrying cases is definitely worth the investment. They also protect your equipment from moisture, extreme temperatures and dust while travelling.
3. Cleaning Slipmats
Your turntables have to move smoothly. If dust and dirt begins to collect on the slipmats, it can even damage your records. Use a vacuum cleaner with the brush attachment to get dust off the slipmat. You can also use a cloth with water and alcohol to remove dust. Be sure to let the slipmat dry before using it again.
4. Cleaning the Needle
Cleaning the needle and cartridge is a delicate process. Use a small brush to dust away dirt and grime from the needle. This dry cleaning method should be done monthly. Use a non abrasive clothe with half water and half isopropyl alcohol to clean the needle more thoroughly.
5. Cleaning Turntables and CD Decks
Whether you use CDs or Records, you need to keep your turntables clean. Again, the alcohol and water with a cloth that does not leave any residue is the best way to keep your decks clean.
6. Post-Gig Cleaning
Residue from smoke machines, cigarette smoke and other airborne contaminants can settle on your equipment during a gig. Give everything a quick wiping after a gig before these residues have time to settle in and harden on your devices.
7. Cleaning the Cross Fader
The cross fader and it’s slot are a natural collector of dust. Most cross faders can easily be taken apart by removing a few screws. Clean the crevices inside the cross fader with a can of compressed air. This will blow out dust and debris without getting any liquid on the sensitive electronic innards.
8. Cleaning Records
Cleaning records is very important to maintain their quality. Make sure you have sleeves for all your vinyl. Numerous record cleaning kits are available, but you can also use a light mixture of water and dish soap to remove stubborn gunk.
9. Looking after CDs
CDs are more durable than records, but they can still scratch and be affected by moisture. It is worth purchasing a good CD case both for organization and protection of your music. Your DJ equipment isn’t worth must without some good tracks coming through it.
10. Road Hardening
If you are a serious DJ and take your DJ equipment on the road constantly, you may benefit from getting your equipment road hardened. This involves removing any computer chip components from their socks and directly soldering them onto the circuit boards. This means they are less likely to come loose in transit and can survive more impact than normal DJ equipment.
ShareSpeakers
One of the most important requirements of a good disco setup is a pair of quality DJ Equipment Speakers. However, contrary to popular belief, you do not need lots of money to get your hands of an extremely effective pair of DJ speakers. It is common for people to opt for two extremes when buying speakers and that is they either go for dirt cheap DJ speakers that are second hand or spend lots of money unnecessarily on the top range JBL DJ speakers. The secret here is to allow a mid range budget for a pair of quality disco speakers from a good DJ outlet and to make sure that they are a well known model from a known manufacturer such as Peavey, Alto or Citronic.
All the mid range speaker manufacturers produce cabinets that will be very capable of giving all the sound requirements for most mobile discos and medium sized venues including night clubs. The most commonly overlooked aspect of choosing good disco speakers is not the speaker itself but the amplification required to drive the speaker/s at optimum levels for maximum efficiency.
As a summary the following are most common speaker options currently available:
2 Way Speaker Cabinets – These units include both a treble and bass cone and an electronic crossover providing sound distribution based on frequency to the individual speaker cones which generally provide a good balanced full range sound output.
Bass Bins – Individual bass cones, usually 12 or 18 inch, that provide solely bass frequency output which you can often feel rather than hear. These bass speakers require relatively large amplification to get the best possible output within their limited sound frequency range.
Active Speakers – These can include both 2 way speaker cabinets and single speakers but primarily the active definition means that they include inbuilt amplification rather than having to hook them up to an external amplifier.
Passive Speakers – Speakers that require external amplification and these are best suited to larger venues or where you already have amplification available.
As you can see there are different speaker options available, based on budget and requirement, but as a general rule most disco or DJ equipment setups include a pair of Passive 2 Way Speaker Cabinets plus a 300w to 600 watt external amplifier. There are some really good DJ speaker packages available at the moment, many including free DJ speaker stands, so you can haggle and get a good speaker package deal that will not break the bank and unlike buying second hand many reputable DJ suppliers will offer solid guarantees and warranties for added peace of mind.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3841332
Looking for Cheap DJ Equipment
Are you looking for Cheap DJ Equipment? When looking for cheap DJ equipment you need to make sure that you’re considering the quality of the equipment. Unfortunately a multiplicity of junky DJ equipment and DJ software is marketed all over the internet. If you’re not diligent in your research, there is a good chance you may buy something that will break or won’t work how you expected it to work.
Cheap DJ equipment is usually synonymous with knockoffs (equipment made by sub-par manufacturers attempting to copy a device made by a superior company), devices that break easily, or bare-bone devices missing important features. You are probably looking for the best possible DJ equipment that fits into your budget.
Let’s talk about perception for a minute when actually doing a search for cheap DJ equipment. If I searched for cheap controllers to control my audio files on my laptop, I would find a variety of laptop controllers. The cheapest one I may find is the ION Audio ICUE Discover DJ system for about $85.00. This is cheap compared to the Numark NS7FX Motorized Dj-Software Performance Controller With Serato Itch selling for about $1500.00. The ION Audio is definitely cheap and would be fine for a hobby DJ or someone looking to learn how to DJ, however the device is too basic for the serious DJ in training. For the real feel and experience, someone taking DJ’ing to a professional level would consider the Numark NS7FX, but it’s not cheap. These 2 laptop controllers are of the extreme. The ION Audio ICUE Discover is basically for just playing and cross-fading audio files on a laptop. The Numark NS7 is much pricier but can do just about everything except make your morning coffee. The ION Audio ICUE is good for playing files at home and messing around at house parties while the NUMARK NS7 is used by pro DJs at hot night clubs and big weddings.
Are there other options? There are many options, sometimes too many. Let me suggest some other cheap (in price, not sacrificing quality) DJ laptop controllers.
* Hercules DJ Console RMX
* Behringer BCD2000 B-Control Deejay
* Pioneer SEP-C1 Software Entertainment Controller
My guess is that you’re pretty smart and only you know what you truly need. I understand how difficult it is looking for cheap dj equipment and it can be very overwhelming. My job is to make your life simpler with the best options available. Some advice as you continue in your search for cheap DJ equipment is that don’t skimp when it comes to your laptop controller. This is the heart and soul of your DJ system. Stick with the name brands and make sure the device you choose has everything that you want it to do
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4996542
SharePurchasing New Equipment for Beginers
When one looks at the Internet today, it’s sometimes difficult to comprehend that little more than twenty years ago it was in its infancy – not just in its infancy, but as naïve as a new born could be. Of course today’s generation takes it all for granted – indeed for someone new to the World Wide Web, it could have been there forever. Online stores have been a relatively new addition to the Internet, but they have suddenly made items such as professional dj equipment accessible to more people than would ever have been possible twenty years ago.
Browsing through a few online sites that sell professional dj equipment makes a very interesting pastime, especially to the layman who knows little about the subject. There are jockey interfaces, traktor controls, samplers and synthesizers, smoke and bubble machines, lasers and – Thud Rumble Hee Haw Breaks, whatever they are. The world of the professional dj is obviously a world filled with technical jargon, but it’s all there on the Internet in those online shops, and there’s little doubt that that’s the place to go to not only find it, but to get a good deal.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4348474
ShareA Rave on Technics Equipment
Are you an up and coming DJ looking to get the best brand in DJ equipment? If so, I’m going to tell you about one of the best brands out on the market today. Technics is a brand of the Panasonic Corporation which has been used by DJ’s all across the globe. Technics DJ equipment has been trusted by DJ’s for years now, this isn’t some brand that has just hit the market.
Their collection started with turntables which are still used by DJ’s today. Now they have everything from mixers, to amps; I just want to talk to you for a little bit on why Technics DJ equipment is the best brand to go with if you plan on becoming the best DJ to touch the streets.
If you were to ever look at some Technics DJ equipment you would see right off the bat that it could get pretty expensive in purchasing some of their items. But let me tell you the price doesn’t compare to the quality you will be getting. There are thousands of brands out there to choose from but when you’re looking to get a crowd moving and keep the gigs coming in I would advice choosing Technics.
They have really stepped there game up also, by providing all types of products now. They make home DJ setups, headphones, DJ mixers, and much more. It used to be just limited to turntables. I know back in the day that’s all a DJ needed to get the crowd going, but as the world evolves, we have to have a way to have more crisp sound.
I’m going to tell you why I’m so inclined to push Technics DJ equipment. I started off just buying used DJ equipment, I was getting a few gigs here and there paying me chump change, and everything I was earning I was saving to get better stuff. I always use to go and watch other DJ’s to see what they’re doing and what their using. I must say about 85% of the DJ’s I saw where using Technics. The ones that weren’t you can actually hear the difference in sound.
Just try it; if you’re looking to be a great DJ you have to do these types of things anyway. The sound is more crisp and clear, and you can just feel it. After looking at the different brands and actually testing them you will hear and feel the difference trust me
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3618785
ShareDJ Tool Box 101
Whether you’re interested in becoming a club DJ who spins the decks at the hottest clubs, or wish to go the mobile DJ route, playing weddings and events, you need to get yourself kitted with the right equipment. Although DJ’ing is, to a large degree, about skill and practice, a DJ can only be as good as the equipment he works on, so it’s essential that you get started on the right foot.
Whilst DJ equipment is an ever-developing and evolving topic, we can split it up into three main groups:
1 – Input Equipment
Here I refer to whatever equipment is involved in actually providing the source signal (the music). This could be a turntable, a CD player (commonly referred to a “CDJs”) or even a laptop or desktop computer. If you enjoy a hands-on approach to the art, you’ll probably want to go the route of turntables or CD players. This sort of gear gives you the most “hands-on” feel of each and every song. If, however, you prefer things to be as organized and as easy to use as possible, you may want to consider using a laptop or computer setup. Both of these have their respective pros and cons, and are common subjects of what I call “DJ debate”. Ultimately, it all boils down to application: If you’re planning to go the “Club DJ” route, then you want something that allows you to be as artistic and interactive as possible (turntables, CDJs). If, on the other hand, you are going to be playing for weddings all the time, you’ll probably want something that can hold a wide variety of music at all times, and is easy to use (such as a laptop with DJ software).
2 – Mixing Equipment
Here I refer to the mixing desk (or mixer). The mixer’s task is to give you control over the volume of each source so that you can create a smooth flow between tracks. Mixers come in all many different shapes and sizes for different applications. If you only plan to use a basic setup, such as two cd players and a microphone, all you need is a simple two or three channel mixer. If however you plan to have multiple sources, a five channel “club” mixer or even a mixing desk would be better suited. Once again, this all boils down to application.
3 – Output Equipment
Here I refer to the equipment that actually makes the sound, namely the speakers. There are two options when it comes to speakers – powered and unpowered, otherwise referred to as active and passive systems (respectively). Active speakers have a built-in amplifier which is perfectly matched to the speaker. Passive speakers on the other hand, are purely speakers, and require a separate amplifier in order to work. You will usually find that mobile DJs prefer active speakers, as this equates to less equipment to carry around, whilst clubs and bars use passive systems, as they never need to move any equipment. Once again, both systems have their pros and cons, and deciding on what suits you best is a question of application.
And that sums up the basics of DJ equipment. Of course, there are other types of equipment, such as microphones and headphones, but I’ve stuck to the basics here. When starting out, I suggest that you rent some equipment from a sound hire company and try it out before buying. This also affords you the opportunity to play around before committing large amounts of money to the cause.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4632791
ShareSecond Hand Gear could be Your Option
When it comes time to buy DJ equipment, many people oftentimes debate whether or not it makes sense to buy brand new, or if it makes more sense to purchase this type of equipment in the aftermarket. There are a lot of advantages and disadvantages to each approach.
For example, you can save a lot of money when you buy DJ items on an auction website. In many cases, you can obtain equipment that has been very lightly used for a fraction of the price it will cost to buy a brand new. The downside to this approach is that you can never really be sure if you’re getting equipment that has been treated well or if you are essentially getting something sent to you that has been smashed around more times than a crash test dummy. Would you want to live with that kind of uncertainty?
Purchasing brand new DJ equipment usually means that you will have a manufacturer’s warranty protecting your investment for a predetermined amount of time. This can actually be very reassuring given the fact that most people don’t like the idea of buying expensive equipment only to potentially have a breakdown and not have any recourse. This is yet another danger when you purchase used to DJ equipment – who can you turn to if there is a problem?
On the other hand, there are many people who are looking to get involved in the DJ industry and are working with a very tight budget. To the extent you need to purchase used DJ equipment to get yourself started in this business, that is understandable. However, if you have a little bit of money saved up, it makes more sense to just buy the equipment brand new because it will be significantly easier. You won’t have to spend a lot of time trying to figure out whether or not you’re dealing with a reputable seller on some auction website. Instead, you can focus on getting the very best deal possible on brand new equipment that carries a warranty.
Regardless of where you ultimately choose to buy your DJ equipment, keep all the documentation pertaining to your purchase. There is a very good chance you may be able to take a tax deduction based on the investment you have made. However, you will need solid documentation pertaining to your purchase of DJ equipment for any deductions to be upheld.
Here’s the bottom line: if you really don’t have much money saved up, then you may have to buy used equipment. However, it is highly recommended that you instead buy DJ equipment that is brand new and that carries a manufacturer’s warranty.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6068471
ShareChoosing your DJ Equipment
Choosing the DJ equipment is a difficult task, especially for a novice. Some beginner DJ equipment is very important to learn DJing. There are different types of equipment based on the music format one wishes to spin: CDs for CD DJs, vinyl records for vinyl CDs, and MP3s for digital DJs.
Regardless the type of DJ, an aspiring DJ should have some certain set of audio DJ equipment: two turntables, one mixer, one headphone, one pair of monitor speakers, and one pair of PA speakers. Turntables are the important equipment in the DJ setup, and one needs to remember that the quality of the turntable is directly related to the amount of money spend on it.
All other equipment can be changed or upgraded later, but turntables cannot be changed as it is very costly. Purchasing the quality turntables guarantees the setup to last for a longer time. There are two kinds of turntables available for vinyl DJs: belt driven and direct drive. A few other items that need to be purchased along with vinyl turntables are needles, cartridges, and slipmats. There are two main types of cartridges: concord design and shell mounted.
Today, time-coded systems and midi controllers have been used by many DJs. The main attraction of this new system is the DJ can play songs virtually. In this system, DJs connect their programs to the computer and line up WAVs/MP3s downloaded from the collection. Digital system has now become the first preference for all the new DJs because of the ease of building the large collection of songs on the computer.
The midi controller is very useful in controlling the song mixes with the help of midi devices attached with the computer. These controllers are quite inexpensive, easy to use, and one can easily make the list of songs to play. The mixer is the important equipment that connects the turntables with the speaker. The best way to buy equipment is to seek help from the experienced people.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4035554
ShareIs Using Cheap Equipment a Valid Option
Everyone knows that DJ equipment is normally quite expensive, especially if you want some of the best quality equipment too. Many people will try and go for cheap DJ equipment as you can save money by doing this. However, many experts will tell you that it’s not worth going for the cheap equipment as this will have a bad effect on you in the long run. There are some ways you can get cheap DJ equipment that is also good quality.
If you want to buy some affordable DJ equipment to try and learn with then you should remember that if you become good enough to play in nightclubs then they will have the top quality equipment and you will have to get used to using that too. I would suggest that you try and learn on the best equipment possible so when you do start playing professionally it is an easy progression. You don’t want to turn up at a performance and not be able to use the equipment properly.
If you own a nightclub or bar and you think you can save some money by getting cheap DJ equipment then I would suggest that you don’t. This is because you don’t want equipment that will just break down on you during the night. Your club or bar will look very bad if there is no music being played and you will gain a bad reputation at the same time. Also, if you are hoping to book professional DJ’s to play in your clubs then most won’t be able to use the cheap equipment and some might even refuse to play on it. We all know that in business you should try and limit your costs as much as you can however in this case its worth paying for the very best.
The type of equipment you should look to buy is Pioneer CDJs, Technics Turntables and a Heath & Allen Mixer. These are currently the industry standard and every DJ should be used to using these. You will find that less DJs will be using turntables today and so you should try and see if your DJs are going to be using vinyl and make your decision from there.
If you can’t afford cheap DJ equipment to practise on then see if you can go to a friends or somewhere to practise. It is vital that you get used to the very best equipment if you want to get far in your career.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6201359
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