Ultimate EarsTM

M-Audio®, a division of Avid Technology, Inc., a leading provider of creative tools for computer-centric musicians, is proud to announce the availability of the new IE-40 high-definition professional reference earphones. Featuring patented Ultimate Ears^TM triple-driver technology, the IE-40 reference earphones build on the success of M-Audio’s popular IE^TM series by continuing to make Ultimate Ears reference earphones technology accessible to a wider audience.

The IE-40 professional earphones deliver the finest audio fidelity available. This superb fidelity is achieved through the use of three separate high-definition, precision-balanced armature drivers for high, mid and low frequencies. Armature drivers-the same technology used in Ultimate Ears’ premium custom earphones-deliver extended high frequencies, clear, precise mid-tones and superb natural bass. In addition, they are significantly smaller and more accurate than comparable dynamic drivers. The IE-40 reference earphones’ audio crossover network routes each frequency to the appropriate high, mid or low driver-exactly the same principle used in the finest studio monitor design.

The IE-40 professional reference earphones also incorporate Ultimate Ears’ proprietary dual-bore design to deliver a wider sound stage through separate acoustic canals for high and low channels-thus allowing the sound to mix naturally in the ear itself. In contrast, multi-driver, single-bore designs mix the highs and lows inside the earphone, which narrows the sound, creates audible turbulence and ultimately lowers musical fidelity.

The IE-40 earphones provide 26dB of sound isolation. This greatly diminishes outside noise to deliver a purer listening experience-without the loss of sonic detail that occurs with noise-cancellation technology. Sound isolation also helps protect the ear by allowing the user to hear critical musical nuances at lower volumes. The included universal fit kit features an assortment of foam and silicone tips, allowing users to customize the fit to insure optimal isolation and comfort for hours of listening. The replaceable 46″ cable enhances the longevity of this precision instrument and features professional, shapeable over-ear loops that help prevent cable snags. The IE-40 professional reference earphone package includes a ¼” adapter, protective metal carrying case, flexible attenuator/limiter, cleaning tool and user guide.

As with the entire M-Audio IE line, the IE-40 professional reference earphones employ patented Ultimate Ears technology to deliver an unparalleled personal listening experience. With the same triple-driver architecture, dual-bore design and sonic signature as Ultimate Ears’ renowned custom monitors, the IE-40 earphones provide a premium solution that fits any ear at less than half the price.

“Through our partnership with Ultimate Ears, M-Audio has brought professional quality and tremendous value to reference earphones across a wide range of budgets,” says Adam Castillo, M-Audio’s marketing director. “Thanks to their triple-driver, dual-bore design, the IE-40 reference earphones raise the bar once again, delivering simply the best fidelity available in this type of product short of investing significantly more in custom models.”The IE-40 reference earphones are currently shipping and carry an USMSRP of $499.95.
About the M-Audio IE Series
M-Audio offers a complete range of IE professional reference earphones, all based on the same patented Ultimate Ears technology used by professionals around the world: The IE-10 reference earphone ($129.95) is a single armature driver unit that serves as an excellent upgrade to standard earbuds. The IE-20 XB reference earphone ($249.95) uses high-range armature drivers paired with low-range diaphragm drivers for bass-rich music that is normally monitored with subwoofers. The IE-30 reference earphone ($299.95) employs dual precision-balanced armatures and patented dual-bore design for professional monitoring of all audio content. The new IE-40 reference earphone ($499.95) uses triple-armature, dual-bore design to deliver the highest fidelity available in off-the-shelf professional reference earphones.

About M-Audio
M-Audio, a division of Avid Technology, Inc., is a leading provider of innovative tools for today’s computer musicians and audio professionals. Founded with the goal of democratizing music creation, the company’s products deliver the latest production and performance technology at accessible price points. M-Audio has received numerous industry accolades, including Music Trades’ “Company of the Year” and “Fastest Growing Company” distinctions. The company’s award-winning and comprehensive product line includes PCI-, FireWire- and USB-based audio interfaces; USB/MIDI keyboard controllers; stage pianos; microphones and preamps; reference monitors; and DJ tools. M-Audio was acquired by Avid Technology Inc. in August 2004 and is now part of the Avid audio division along with Digidesign and Sibelius.

PCDJ Goes Video

PCDJ announced its VJ package – a video system that works much like the company’s existing audio-only application enabling a performer to provide music, video and karaoke from one computer running one software application. The company says it’s possible to DJ, VJ, and KJ all from one comprehensive interface that’s easy enough to use for the beginner, but with all the features the pros need and want.”With our ultra-accurate automatic beat-mixing, your songs will always stay in sync, allowing you to focus on the other aspects of your mix. The seamless loop engine will let you pump out remixes on the fly, whether you’re mixing Video, Audio, or even Karaoke files. With frame accurate cueing and no-latency playback, you have the most realistic feel possible. Choose your method of control: Keyboard & Mouse, any MIDI controller, Time-code, or a HID device such as the PCDJ DAC-3. Mix, Scratch, and Remix – with PCDJ VJ all your performance needs are at your fingertips.”

Features

Mix Video, Audio, and Karaoke files
Clip Bank for instant load and playback of visualizations
BPM calculation engine works with all types of music
Automatic beat mix tracks
Seamless smart looping
Beat locked video and audio effects
Instant search for tracks
Media-case will automatically sort media types
Set infinite cue points per track
Headphone cueing with I/O soundcard support
Many video effects and transitions to choose from
Send out the video, karaoke, and scrolling text to a second display
Live camera feed – mix live video right from the dance floor
Master tempo and pitch control
Realistic Scratching with mouse, midi control, time-code, or DAC-3
Options

American DJ Mega LED Color Washes

American DJ is helping fuel a “Mega” trend in the lighting industry, with the introduction of its new Mega Series LED washes. The series consists of 3 affordable new LED stage/wall wash-type fixtures — the Mega Bar LED and Mega Panel LED color washes, and the ultraviolet Mega Bar UV50 – all of which employ 10mm LEDs as their light source.

The Mega Bar LED is a 40-inch-long color bar covered with 252 LEDs (48 red, 108 green, 96 blue). The Mega Panel LED is a rectangular color panel containing 288 LEDs (48 red, 120 green, 120 blue). Both models offer the power of RGB color mixing and work great as stage or wall washes. The Mega Bar UV50 is an intense black-light wash powered by 126 ultraviolet LEDs.

Extremely versatile by design, the Mega Series washes are ideal for everywhere from clubs and music concerts, to theaters and stage shows, to indoor architectural applications. The trend toward LEDs is in full swing in all of these markets, noted Scott Davies, General Manager of the American DJ Group of Companies, due to their many benefits – such as long lamp life, low power draw, low heat emission, and RGB color mixing.

“LEDs continue to be the hottest area of the professional lighting market, thanks to the many advantages they offer over traditional halogen lamps,” said Davies. “And nowhere are the benefits of LEDs more pronounced than with stage/wall wash-type lighting. American DJ is leading the charge into LEDs in this market with the introduction of the Mega Series. We developed the Mega Series for lighting directors and interior designers who want to make the move to this innovative, cutting-edge, cost-efficient way to create great stage and wall washes.”

One incentive for the switch to LEDs is the incredible color effects and velvety washes that you can achieve via RGB mixing. Users can rely on the Mega Bar LED and Mega Panel LED to project ultra-smooth fields of bright light with rich palettes of color in literally thousands of different shades. Another major benefit of LEDs is they consume very little power, resulting in lower electric bills for clubs, theaters and architectural installations. They also emit a minimum of heat, so performers can stay cool on stage even under very bright lighting. The LEDs on all 3 new Mega Series fixtures are rated at 100,000 hours, so you can let them run all night, all year long, without ever having to change a single lamp.

Several innovative features contribute to the functional versatility of the Mega Series. The fixtures can be operated in a variety of modes, including Program, Auto Sound-Active, Master-Slave and DMX. Users have a choice of 6 selectable DMX channel modes with the Mega Bar LED, and 7 selectable DMX channel modes with the Mega Panel LED – providing even further freedom of operation. The two color washes are also capable of running a wide selection of built-in programs while in Auto mode.

Multi-purpose mounting hardware comes with each fixture in the Mega Series, so you can position them a number of ways, depending on what the venue calls for. The Mega Panel LED features a cleverly designed bracket that allows the fixture to be mounted on stage trussing or hung from the ceiling. The 2-channel Mega Bar UV50 has special brackets that can be mounted directly to the wall/ceiling or simply set on the floor for ultraviolet wall washing.

The Mega Bar LED and Mega Panel LED both include a color strobe effect, electronic dimming from 0-100%, a wide 40° beam angle for great wall washing, and a user-friendly 4-button LCD display on the rear panel. The Mega Bar UV50 features a UV flash from slow to fast, full electronic dimming and a 30° beam angle.

The 30-Watt Mega Bar LED measures 40.5″L x 2.5″W x 3.4″H and weighs 8 lbs. It carries a suggested retail price of $599.95.

ADJ Intros Electra Moonflower LED

American DJ introduced of an LED version of another of its classic moonflower effects – the new Electra LED – a scanning mirror moonflower using red, green and blue LEDs that produce razor-sharp beams.

The Electra LED contains 46 total LEDs, 16 Red, 15 Green, and 15 Blue, which provide amazing brightness and rich, saturated colors that won’t fade. In a visual comparison, the light output of the Electra LED is similar to that of a 250-watt halogen bulb, while drawing much less power and offering all the other benefits of LED technology.

Traditional halogen moonflowers can’t deliver an eye-popping lightshow like the Electra LED. In addition to the brilliance of its LEDs, a glass optical system with new lens technology enhances the sharpness and clarity of its beams, while a wide beam spread allows the fixture to cover a large area. The colorful LED patterns can be projected onto a dance floor or a wall. Sound-active with built-in programs, the Electra LED is virtually ready to go as soon as it’s plugged in.

“LED technology is changing the DJ and club lighting industry,” said Scott Davies, General Manager of the American DJ Group of Companies. “American DJ is committed to making this technology available to working DJs, bands and clubs by creating affordable, easy-to-use LED versions of our popular fixtures. Now users can have classic American DJ moonflowers and club effects with all the benefits that LED technology provides.”

Among the many benefits of LEDs are low heat output, which keeps the Electra LED cool enough to run all night, eliminating duty cycles altogether. Dancers or performers also stay cooler without the lights radiating heat. Additionally, thanks to its minimal heat production, the Electra LED doesn’t need to cool before packing, making it ideal for mobile entertainers. LED technology also provides longer lamp life, rated at 100,000 hours, removing the hassle-and expense-of bulb replacement. And LEDs consume less power, which not only saves money on electric bills, but also allows more units to be connected together in a single circuit.

Lightweight and portable, the Electra LED is perfect for DJs and mobile entertainers. Weighing in at only 5 lbs, the Electra LED can go practically anywhere. The Electra LED measures 17″Lx 8″Wx 9″H and comes with a hanging bracket. It has a very affordable suggested retail price of only 159.95

ADJA to be the “Official” Trade Organization of American DJ Products

The ADJA is pleased to announce one of the most significant partnerships in mobile DJ history. Not since the time Mobile Beat Magazine and ProDJ merged has such an industry related “teaming up” created such significant marketing possibilities to reach mobile DJ’s. For many years, Scott Davies and the entire American DJ crew have been hugely supportive of the ADJA and their efforts to bring their message of unity and professionalism to DJ’s nationwide and beyond.”It’s really a coming together of the Americas” ADJA President Dr. Drax states in jest. “For years the American Disc Jockey Association has strongly supported the “worth” message of Mark Ferrell (Disc Jockey America) at nearly every turn within our organizational and educational efforts. This message has been further supported by the nations leading supplier of professional lighting, American DJ. Whenever there has been an organizational effort, chapter meeting or related industry opportunity where we needed assistance with sponsoring such a message, American DJ has always been right there!”

Under the terms of this newly developed cooperative effort, the ADJA will become the “official” trade organization for American DJ. American DJ will become the “official” lighting and sound effects supplier to the ADJA.

“It’s a win-win situation for our members, American DJ customers and DJ’s everywhere!” says Dr. Drax. “It’s just another great step forward to unite our industry while promoting sound business ethics and the products that are held in such high regard by the great majority of the equipment buying public.”

ADJA literature will now be featured exclusively inside American DJ products. This has the potential of reaching tens of thousands of DJ’s annually. This will offer another strong affirmation of support by a well-established exemplary national equipment supplier. It will represent a significant cooperative effort that promotes the ADJA as a serious, dedicated and determined partner interested in the positive advancement of DJ’s everywhere!

Martin Announces Magnum 650 Fogger

The Magnum 650 is the latest fogger in Martin’s Magnum line of high quality, high value fog effects. Featuring a new and attractive design that begs to be seen, the Magnum 650 encompasses what the Magnum range is all about; state-of-the-art technology, high quality and ruggedness.

The Magnum 650 repackages the Magnum 550 in a new and smart design. Housed in a compact, professional body, the Magnum 650 is a simple fog solution for the mobile DJ, music professional, bar operator or any venue where an atmosphere enhancing effect is needed. The Magnum 650′s surprisingly powerful 600W heat exchanger works with a high quality piston pump to kick out a stream of dense, white fog.

The Magnum 650 provides a perfect light enhancing atmosphere for today’s more sophisticated intelligent light shows. Housing a 600W ECO-Mass Vaporizing System for economical and even distribution of fog, with fast heat-up time and extended operation, the economically priced Magnum 650 is the clear leader in its class.

Supplied with a remote control and featuring the same machine-saving over heat protection as Martin’s professional range, the rugged Magnum 650 will provide years of maintenance-free operation.

American DJ: New Affordable Green Lasers

The green movement is in full swing at American DJ with the introduction of three new 4.9mW DMX-512 green lasers — the Emerald Sky, Emerald Scan II and Mini Emerald Beam. The vivid emerald beams created by these exciting laser effects will make rival DJs and clubs green with envy – but it won’t cost you much green to get your hands on them.

“Green lasers are what everyone wants right now – their shorter wavelength makes them appear much brighter than red laser beams and they travel farther,” said Scott Davies, general manager of the American DJ Group of Companies. “But unfortunately green lasers are also harder to make than red lasers and require a special diode, which has often put them out of reach price-wise for DJs and smaller clubs.

“American DJ has been constantly working to bring down the cost of green lasers,” added Davies. “These new additions to our ‘Emerald series’ make it more affordable than ever to put on a dazzling green laser show.”

Great for small clubs and entertainers on the go, American DJ’s new green laser models offer something for every need and budget:

Emerald Sky – A twin green laser effect with dual 4.9mW lasers, the Emerald Sky features 16 spinning mirrors that create a variety of amazing “Liquid Sky” effects. Depending on the mood, the vibrant shaft of light beaming above the crowd can create stunning tunnel or wave effects on the ceiling, or conjure up a luminous, ethereal atmosphere. Equipped with 2 DMX channels, as well as built-in stand-alone programs, the Emerald Sky can be operated in 4 modes: DMX, auto, sound active and master-slave. It features an audio sensitivity adjustment knob for sound-active operation.

The Emerald Sky measures 7″L x 12.5″W x 8″H and weighs 8 lbs. It has an MSRP of $539.95.

Emerald Scan II – This is the next-generation model of American DJ’s popular Emerald Scan, a ground breaking effect that combines a 4.9mW green laser with an X-Y mirror moving scanner. Smaller and lighter than its predecessor, the Emerald Scan II features the dazzling geometric patterns and built-in selectable light shows that made the original model so impressive. It is equipped with five DMX channels that allow users to control pan, tilt, pattern, laser on/off, and manual pattern effects. It can also be operated without a controller in sound active or master slave modes. Additionally, it features a ¼” input for an optional remote control (sold separately). Sporting an updated sleek aluminum case, the Emerald Scan II not only looks cool, but makes it one tough cookie when it comes to life on the road.

The Emerald Scan II measures 11.5″L x 6.5″W x 6.5″H and weighs 6 lbs. It has an MSRP of $449.95.

Mini Emerald Beam – A scaled-down version of ADJ’s best-selling Emerald Beam, the compact, highly affordable Mini Emerald Beam offers the exciting effects of its dazzling big brother – at less than half the weight and price! The Mini Emerald Beam’s 4.9mW laser uses eight spinning mirrors to create a myriad of breathtaking patterns, including the popular Liquid Sky effect. Easy to use, the Mini Emerald Beam can be operated in sound active mode or programmed via its two DMX channels. Weighing in at only 4 lbs, it’s perfect for mobile entertainers wishing to travel light.

The Mini Emerald Beam includes a UL and CE approved 100-240V, 50/60Hz power supply. It measures 5″L x 7″W x 12″H and has an MSRP of $419.95.

For more information, contact American DJ at 1-800-322-6337. Fax: 1-323-582-2610. Address: 4295 Charter Street, Los Angeles, CA 90058. Web: www.americandj.com. Email: info@americandj.com.

The Best Trainees Have Class

I have spent the better part of two months now listing some great careers that you should consider recruiting from. Teachers, sales people, waiters and waitresses all have the potential to make awesome entertainers and great additions to your staff.Today I would like to talk about the area where I love to find good, fresh young talent the most: Schools.

I think students, specifically High School Senior to College Sophomores make the ideal recruit, assuming of course that they fit your mold with the right personality and physical traits.

First, the age for me is ideal. If I can get a person on staff in their late teens who is already attending (or planning to go to) a local College, I can teach them how to DJ and show them this great part time career and I know I’ll have them for a good 4-6 years. They’ll stay with me throughout College and even as their “day-job” gets going and they won’t look to move on until they start a family and/or their fulltime career starts taking off (which could be a few years still). This scenario has played out for me often enough to know it is no coincidence. The timing works.

The next thing that is ideal is their schedule. College students have great flexibility with their classes and can often plan to have Friday afternoons off simply by choosing the right course schedule. Plus, unless they take summer courses (which many won’t) you’ve got them fulltime in the Summer Months when you may need someone on a Tuesday afternoon to go cover that Corporate picnic.

Also, it’s my experience that students learn better. I know that sounds silly but let me explain. When we are students we are in the “learning phase” of our lives. Now, the successful people that I know never leave that phase and are constantly learning but many people, once they leave school, they forget how to learn. They get out of the routine of taking notes, doing homework and rehearsing and practicing. And those are things that I need my trainees to do be doing. Students are already doing those things. I’ve even had trainees who show up for DJ training classes and are using their college notebooks. One section is for Psych 101, the next is for Lit and the next is for DJ Training. There’s a person that is in the “learning phase” of life and I know they are going to be successful in my training because they are fulltime students. I’m just one more course that they are taking and trying to graduate from.

Finally, it’s been my experience that young people are less jaded and more open to new opportunities than people in their 30s or even late 20s. This isn’t universal of course. I’ve met plenty of open minded 35 year olds and I’ve met my share of pessimistic teenagers as well. But overall, I think if you show a young person a fun career like DJing, and show them that they can make some cool part time money working weekends while they focus mid-week on their schooling and their career, they will be appreciative and with that will come a measure of loyalty. The first time they are approached by a competitor who says, “you should come work for me” they are going to shake their head and turn away while someone a little more skeptical might say, “oh really, let’s talk.”
I’ll talk next week about ways to attack the Schools and find potential talent from the ranks of your local High Schools and Colleges. Meantime, if you are thinking of adding to your current roster of DJs, I urge you to consider the College age person as the best possible recruit. It’s worked for me and I know it will for you.

Till next week.

Mike Walter’s emceeing career began in his hometown of Queens, New York in 1984. With an eye towards radio, Mike attended Connecticut School of Broadcasting in 1988 where he was chosen from his class of 25 as “Most Likely to Succeed.” After school, Mike helped to develop a staff of DJs from 12 to over 50 by training new recruits and handling an increasingly complex schedule. In early 1993, Mike felt an increasing desire to venture out on his own and by March of that year he became a partner in a much smaller Mobile DJ company, Elite Entertainment. He quickly had an impact on the Elite staff, imposing his high standards of emceeing and DJing. Mike bought out his partner in 1998 and Elite Entertainment has continued its growth (21 emcees in 2006) and sets the standard for excellence in New Jersey. Mike has always believed in training talent from within and his message has helped show hundreds of DJs from across the country that it is possible to grow their companies without sacrificing quality.

ADJA Announces Exclusive Partnership with Denon

The dream of reaching the many thousands of DJ’s who do not participate in conferences and educational avenues is about to take a quantum leap. The ADJA and Denon are pleased to announce an exclusive partnership that will make Denon the “official” audio media supplier to the ADJA.This alliance was formed by many years of cooperative efforts and professional camaraderie at various industry events. ADJA President Dr. Drax states, “This represents the culmination of a lot of work for our two companies. It is a major opportunity to reach more DJ’s than at any time in the ADJA’s history. The idea that Denon DJ gear will ship with ADJA literature inside is exciting as it will help more DJ’s build and grow their business!”

Denon representative Silvio Zeppieri offers the following statement. ” We are thrilled to be partnering with the best trade association for DJs”

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