Korg Mp-10 Professional Media Player

KORG UNVEILS MP-10 PRO PROFESSIONAL MEDIA PLAYER
- All-in-one MIDI instrument and dual-song player for the mobile entertainer -
MUSIKMESSE, FRANKFURT, GERMANY, March 24, 2010 – Korg has introduced the MP-10 Pro Professional Media Player – the perfect musical companion for mobile entertainers, solo keyboardists, singers and amateur musicians. This revolutionary, all-in-one product brings together a reliable and comfortable performance interface with total control over the most essential forms of media required by the modern performer.

As a media player, the MP-10 Pro features two independent media song players; each is able to play both MP3 and MIDI files* directly from the massive 120 GB internal hard drive. The motorized 60 mm crossfader allows creative DJ-style mixing. Songs can be saved into multiple playlists, and the database can be sorted using any criteria. Playlists can be easily imported, or even created “on the fly.” The Browser gives an immediate view of everything available in the selected genre. Using the Find function, the MP-10 Pro will carefully search the entire database for the user’s favorite song. Once found, the song can be immediately sent to either of the two players.
* .mid, .mid+G, .kar, .xf, .mp3 + lyrics, .mp3+G

As a MIDI instrument, the MP-10 Pro can play MIDI files from the song players. The internal sound engine uses the same EDS (Enhanced Definition Synthesis) found in the Korg Pa500 arranger keyboard and can also be played from an external MIDI device. The front panel offers four assignable performance pads for triggering sound effects and musical phrases. Numerous on-board effects are available for the internal players and MIDI engine. For the entertainer, singer or master of ceremonies, the MP-10 Pro is equipped with a TC Helicon vocal processor offering compression, EQ and delay. A pitch shifter for changing keys, a time stretch function for changing the tempo and an advanced vocal remover allow MP3 files to be customized to suit the entertainer’s style.

The MP-10 Pro features Korg’s huge color TouchView^TM display, offering extreme ease of use. A comprehensive set of connections provides the MP-10 Pro with maximum versatility. In addition to MIDI and USB connections, there are connections for a PC keyboard that make naming and cataloging songs very efficient. Two microphone inputs (one XLR and one ¼”) assure compatibility with nearly any mic. The video outputs (S-Video and Composite) allow karaoke style lyrics, chord changes or even full scores to be displayed on an external video monitor. A headphone-based cue system is provided as well.

The MP-10 Pro will be available July 2010 with pricing TBA.

Ask Alfred: Band (and DJ) On The Run

Ask Alfred
Band (And DJ) On The Run, Putting
The Mobile In Mobile Entertainment
Products like the new ADJ LS-80 LED are making it easier than ever for bands and DJs to take stage lighting with them when  they hit the road. Alfred Gonzales, National Sales Manager of American DJ, believes that this development is a good thing for any mobile entertainer who wants to take his or her career
places – like to new heights of success!

So you’re happy there’s more mobility in lighting systems today?
“Yes – obviously, it’s a good thing for us to sell, but it’s also a very positive thing for a DJ or band’s career, because it makes it easier for them to present a professional image when they perform.”

Can you elaborate?
“I think in the past some small bands and DJs might have limited the amount of lighting gear they carried, because there were issues involving space and weight when you transported the lighting, and issues involving time when you set it up. This led some performers to limit what they tried to accomplish with lighting. They would bring a few lights for the dance floor or gobo effect for a wall, but they might skip on lighting the stage. In my view, this is a mistake; you want to light the area where you’re performing if you’re a band or a DJ.”

Why is that important?
“Because you’re a performer and an entertainer, and lighting is an important part of the entertainment experience. As a DJ, you may not want lights on you at all times, such as when there’s action on the dance floor, but there are times when you’re incorporating other elements into your act when you want the light on stage. Now fortunately, there are some great products that make it easy to carry a mobile stage lighting kit wherever you perform.”

Do you have any examples?
“The American DJ LS-80 LED is a prime example. It’s an all-in-one LED par can system that includes a light stand, 4 Par 38 polish par cans – red, green, blue and amber — and a T2OF Chase Controller; and you can link multiple systems master-slave – so it’s very simple to transport and set up stage lighting if you’re a DJ or band going from gig to gig.”

What kind of coverage will the LS-80 LED give you on stage?
“It has a 25 degree beam angle and the light stand extends up to 10 feet high, so it covers a wide area. The quality of the light and color is excellent too so it looks great over any size area. Each par can has 12 1-watt LEDS.”

Since this is an LED fixture it must have an extended life too – correct?
“It has up to a 50,000 hour lifespan. Plus, the fact that it’s LED gives it another benefit that’s important to performers: the fact that it has a low heat emission keeps it from getting too hot on stage.”

If I’m a DJ or a band, do I need an engineering degree to program this light system?
“Absolutely not — The T20F that comes with the LS-80 LED system is a 4-channel chase control pack with 20 built-in programs. Ten of these programs are normal chase programs and 10 are with fade time. So you can just set it up and run a lot of different options with it. Of course, you can work in a DMX operation mode too. The system also has master-slave and sound activated modes.”

Do you have any other advice for DJ’s regarding mobile systems?
“I would remind DJs that these systems are great investments, because they make it easier to deliver your best performance regardless of how far you travel to reach a gig. Since the LS-80 LED is such an important investment, I strongly recommend protecting it by getting an Arriba AC-150 All-In-One Tripod System case to guard against scratches and other damage. After all any time you hit the road, you pack your bags, well it should be the same for your lights to. If they’re going on the road, they should be protected.”

ADJA Announces Another Industry First!

Well the wait is finally over! The ADJA is pleased to announce yet another industry first! The acknowledgement of your individual acheivements will now be displayed in your ADJA member profile.. The ADJA is the first to create a system of continuing education credits or points. You will be able to get acknoledgement for your having Liability insurance, for attending workshops, Seminars & for belonging to other affiliated groups such as ABC, NACE or others. Taking acting, speech, drama & other creative coursework will now be reflected on your ADJA profile. Once again the ADJA leads the way in recognizing our outstanding members.

So that there is no misunderstanding, we would like to explain however, that the documentation presented must be in the name of the ADJA member & it will only be credited towards their membership. All membership records are individualized & as such track to a specific person. So as you gather up your docuements please remember the above. Items can be submited via fax to 866-310-4676. Please print your name, & Continuing Education credits on your Fax. You can also email to CEP@adja.org.

Also members will get credit for belonging to their local chapter, as well as points for attending local chapter meetings.

Conferences such as Mobile Beat & others will also have a credit value. The ADJA national conference will also integrate a record system of which seminars you actually attended & points will be given out based upon that participation. No more sleeping in & telling everyone you were at a conference. Now you will have to show you attended the seminars.

This is going to be an exciting way for you to stand out & show the world that your committed to honing your craft.

What will happen is that once your materials have been submitted, verified & qualified, your profile will be modified to reflect those additional efforts. Then when somebody searches ADJA.org for a DJ in your area, the list will now show a star in your search result listing. A mouse over will reveal that you have additional qualifications & credentials. When they click to view your profile, it will now display a number of badges & point totals.

There will be acknowledgement of years of continous unbroken ADJA membership, validation that your using a professional pool service will earn you a verified legal music library, your total points are displayed & any approved memberships or badges reflective of completing additional training will be recognized.

This is a work in progress that will be improving & adapting as time goes on. We are pleased & excited to now let the very best & brightest be acknoledged for their efforts. Of course, our hope is that this will spur members to new excitement about continuing their education to hone their craft. Just like college, credits do not last for ever. Most will be viable for 2 years. This is so that our members stay actively engaged in bettering themselves & their business.

Currently there are points & badges for the following items.
1.) Number of years continuous membership. For this badge you cannot let you membership lapse more than 30 days.
2.) Legal Music Library: For this badge you have to present a valid contract from a promotional pool service such as Promo Only with an expiration date in the future.
3.) Liability Insurance. You need to present a copy of your insurance certificate for at least $1M dollars.
4.) Local Chapter Membership This will come from your membership records but you will need to notify the office to include the badge in your profile.
5.) Marbecca Workshops Love Story.
6.) Marbecca Workshops Master of Ceremonies
7.) CPS Certification for Computer Performance Systems.

Additionally other certificates for course work will be given credit points based upon the merits of item presented.
Attendance at various trade shows will also be credited. If you have something that you feel is worthy of credits, please submit it to ADJA for review.
The following association memberships badges can also be displayed by submission of a valid membership certificate from the organization. NACE, ABC, ISES, MPI, Toastmasters, WED. Additional memberships will be added as demand demonstrates a need to do so.

We are very pleased to bring you this exciting enhancement to your ADJA membership.
Please feel free to give us your feedback on where we can improve this system.

Best Regards,

DJ Dr. Drax
National President & Executive Director
American Disc Jockey Association
888-723-5776
“If We Work Together, Imagine What we can do!”

FoamMasters X-Stream Canon Foam Machine “Goes Back In Time”

FOAM CANNON X-STREAM “GOES BACK IN TIME” THROUGH SNOWMASTERS SPECIAL EFFECTS

The debut of the FoamMasters X-Stream Cannon Foam Machine at the 2010 George Lindsey UNA Film Festival’s “Back to the Future” reunion coincided with the appearance of a DeLorean time machine replica.

Lexington, AL March 25, 2010 – With a stainless steel body similar to that of the DeLorean automobile made famous in the “Back to the Future” trilogy, the FoamMasters X-Stream Cannon Foam Machine is built to withstand the test of time. This foam machine produces 4,000 to 4,800 cubic feet of foam in 8 to 10 minutes (that’s a maximum of 480 cubic square feet per minute). The foam cannon fills a 20 to 40 ft area with foam 5 feet deep and lasts 40 to 50 minutes per one gallon of High Dilution Foam (FG-HDF) concentrate, using a premixed solution in the foam machine’s 25 gallon reservoir. The cannon shoots twenty to thirty foot streams of foam and its stainless steel construction includes a swivel base with locking wheels for adding some fun and frolic to your party, you can take aim and redirect the foam. The foam machine is made in America and available in 110V or 220V. The X-stream comes with a lifetime limited warranty and 24 hour technical support. Foam Masters Labs constantly invents and reformulates solutions in order to improve the rich foam production for its foam machines. There are also many different foam scents available such as bubble gum, vanilla, cherry, and more; foam can also be tinted blue, green, yellow, and pink. There are many ways to contain the foam such as with inflatable foam pits, construction of a containment area, or if used outdoors, by just by finding a suitable grassy area.
After years of perfecting illusionary snow fall at SnowMasters Special Effects, FoamMasters has applied that technology to create the top of the line foam party machines on the market. Since the SnowMasters snow is comprised of dry suds, it was only logical to evolve the technology into foam. FoamMasters’ easy-to-use machines produce mountains of foam for kids parties, nightclubs or auditoriums. Foam products are available as non-toxic, hypoallergenic, non staining, and environmentally friendly. Foam solutions also include a moisturizer for the skin. Systems are available for sale or rental. FoamMasters also provides complete onsite performances. Now you can throw your own foam party right at home anytime. Foam can be used to create unique experiences at church events, children’s birthday parties, Bar Mitzvahs, summer camps, night clubs, and even fund raisers. Every one of all ages loves to play in foam and this machine requires little to no maintenance.
About SnowMasters Special Effects
Whether on land, sea or in the sky, SnowMasters makes special events and occasions unforgettable. From white weddings, cruise ships, hotels, casinos, department stores, theme parks, sporting events to Los Angeles area film productions – their special effects machines and services are used worldwide. The company has expanded its products into over 20 countries, including France, China, Japan, Singapore, Mexico, South Korea, Austria, United Kingdom, Netherlands, Germany, Italy, Spain, Chile, Lebanon, Israel, South Africa, Australia and Canada. Building upon the success of the invention of Evaporative Snow®, their Flogos (Flying logos) are becoming ever increasingly popular as forms of sky-vertising. With superb warranties on products and impeccable customer support, the SnowMasters Special Effects line of products and team are setting new industry standards.

www.snowmasters.com for more information!

March 2010 Mobile Beat is at the Press!

MOBILE BEAT – MARCH 2010 – #127

The Gear Book, Remixed

No, the Gear Book is not dead, it’s just been transformed into a different kind of useful DJ tool. Instead of product lists, it now focuses on helpful “how to” style articles to help you get the most out of your technology. This time around, we talk about sound system basics, passive speakers, power conditioning, LED lighting and trussing. We also get the scoop on some new gear from the winter NAMM show.

The other major focus of this issue is our recent Las Vegas trade show and conference, MBLVX. Make sure your subscription is up to date to see what all the fuss is about at this not-to-be-missed yearly DJ shindig. We also take a look at some other recent trade events, the DJ Cruise and the first Canadian Disc Jockey Association show.

We talk with a driving force in DJ technology, Karl Detken of Pioneer Pro DJ, who was inducted into the MB Hall of Fame at the Vegas event. Other profiles in the issue include Jim Paetschow of Michigan’s Sound Productions and DJ JonCarlos who spins aboard one of the world’s largest cruise ships.

Reviews include some gear that saw heavy action at the Vegas show: B-52 Professional’s new ACT-PRO active speaker line and the new X2 wireless mic system from Line 6

PLUS: Why clients buy; running a local association chapter; the music of the 1980s; why just having a website isn’t enough; and a whole lot more!

Articles Online:

Celebrating the 80s by Jay MaxwellPLAY SOMETHING WE CAN DANCE TO! Celebrating the Eighties LOOKING… 

Adding That “Something Extra” That Sets You Apart By Stu ChisholmTHE COMPLETE DISC JOCKEY Chops ADDING THAT “SOMETHING EXTRA”… 

Elevating Your Lights-and Your Image-with TrussingElevating Your Lights-and Your Image-with Trussing BY KEN KAHN If…

Celebrating the 80s by Jay Maxwell

PLAY SOMETHING WE CAN DANCE TO!

Celebrating the Eighties

LOOKING BACK AT A DECADE OF INDISPENSABLE DJ TRACKS

BY JAY MAXWELL

This isn’t just the start of a new year, but the dawn of a new decade. It’s interesting that we view so much of our culture in terms of decades rather than in mere years. For instance, I look at myself as a child of the ’70s since I “grew up” during that time (although many people-including my wife-would debate this). It was during this decade that I was a teenager, graduated from high school and set out to become independent from my parents by joining the Navy. When asked what my favorite music is to listen to when I’m not performing, my reply is always “the ’70s.” But, as 2009 drew to a close a few months ago and a new uncharted decade was about to unfold, I ceremoniously tuned the satellite radio channel up one decade to “the ’80s.” It seemed that every song brought back memories from the decade where Jay Maxwell was “born.”

I know this may sound confusing-that I was born a decade after I grew up. It was in 1982 that I first performed as a mobile DJ and also gave it another try as a radio personality (my first try was in 1977) and that’s when I “gave birth” to the DJ name of Jay Maxwell. The ’80s saw a short lived career for me as a radio and club DJ, but looking back nearly 30 years, for me, the ’80s was the decade that saw the beginning of a mobile DJ career that I still love.

’80s REWIND

When I changed the station to the ’80s I was pleasantly surprised to hear the same disc jockeys-Mark Goodman, Alan Hunter, and Martha Quinn-that I first heard on MTV in the early ’80s. One of the best bits of trivia is that MTV debuted with “Video Killed The Radio Star,” a song that only went as high as number 40 on Billboard’s Top 40 chart in late 1979, but helped launch a cultural revolution in how music was presented. The first time that I watched MTV was when I was home for just a few days on leave from one of my first patrols aboard the nuclear submarine, John C. Calhoun. Of course, on a submarine when you are underwater, there is no television, so we missed the birth of MTV, but it seemed as though all my friends were glued to the same channel during those few days and the only thing we talked about for days once we returned to our boat was the excitement of an entire station dedicated to only showing music videos. During meals and breaks we would try and remember each video, describing it in detail in case one of us had missed a particular clip.

Based on two recent bookings, I am confident that the music from the ’80s could see a huge revival in the current decade. On the day before the end of the last decade, I performed at an event where almost every song requested was from the ’80s. Another recent wedding reception was booked solely on the fact that the bride wanted to ensure that I had plenty of ’80s music. When a bride comes to the office for her initial consultation, we usually conduct the meeting in a room with only a couch and table. For this bride, I knew the best way to seal the deal was to “allow” her to enter the room with all the music – including an entire wall with vinyl albums. The majority of these albums were from the ’80s and she was nearly speechless that she was able to hold many of her favorite albums in her hands; some she had never seen on vinyl before since she is only in her late twenties. As soon as she would ask if I had a particular LP, I was pulling it off the shelf for her. Not surprising, she booked before leaving our office.

BIG SCREEN CONNECTION

Though the typical party usually doesn’t have just one decade of music requested, most every party has a fair sampling of music from 20 to 30 years ago. At nearly every party we play a song or two from the best-selling album of all time, Michael Jackson’s Thriller, a masterpiece of nine songs where a remarkable total of seven were released as singles. In all, Michael had 16 top ten songs in the ’80s, with exactly half of those going to number one. (Oddly enough the single “Thriller” didn’t make the top spot, peaking at number four.) Other artists that ruled the charts in the ’80s and are still popular today at mobile events include Prince (“Kiss” and “1999″ both have timeless beats), Madonna (“Material Girl” and “Like a Virgin” are classic), Whitney Houston (if only she could come up with another hit like “I Wanna Dance With Somebody”), Bruce Springsteen (the entire Born in the U.S.A. album rocks) and AC/DC (of course, “You Shook Me All Night Long”).

One reason that many songs from the ’80s have become timeless hits at parties is their inclusion on movie soundtracks that are classic in their own right. Movies such as Purple Rain, Flashdance, Urban Cowboy, Dirty Dancing, and Footloose were all in part about dancing, which helped create soundtracks that were mandatory for every DJ’s collection. I’m sure we have all played “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life” from Dirty Dancing to close out a show, or have lifted “Take My Breath Away” from the Top Gun soundtrack for a couple’s first dance. One of my favorite soundtracks from this decade only had one dance hit on it, but I nearly wore out my original copy of the Risky Business record (thank you Tom Cruise) playing Bob Seger’s “Old Time Rock & Roll.”

ESSENTIAL SONGS

At first, I wanted to simply have a single Top 40 list of the best party hits of the ’80s, but quickly decided that there were far too many essential hits that needed to be included. That’s why I expanded the selection to include four different categories-Dance, Classic Rock, New Wave, and Slow Songs. There were other categories that could also have been included, but I incorporated all the best tracksinto these four. It’s hard to imagine the handicap we would have if we were not allowed to play songs from the ’80s at an event. Some songs are more popular now than when they were first released such as “Pour Some Sugar on Me” and “Don’t Stop Believing.” Though both the Def Leppard and Journey hits were top ten singles, I rarely played them at parties in the ’80s, but play them at almost every event now. Be thankful for the ’80s. Without party starters like ‘Celebration” and “Love Shack” or favorites like “Super Freak,” “Push It,” and “It Takes Two” we would have to really use our imagination to get certain crowds out of their chairs and onto their feet as they’re yelling, “Play something we can dance to!”
1980s: Dance

SONG
ARTIST
YEAR
BPM
1
CELEBRATION
KOOL & THE GANG
81
122
2
THRILLER
MICHAEL JACKSON
84
118
3
BILLIE JEAN
MICHAEL JACKSON
83
118
4
BUST A MOVE
YOUNG M.C.
89
121
5
SUPER FREAK
RICK JAMES
81
132
6
GET DOWN ON IT
KOOL & THE GANG
82
111
7
KISS
PRINCE
86
112
8
YOU DROPPED A BOMB ON ME
GAP BAND
82
126
9
BEAT IT
MICHAEL JACKSON
83
140
10
FUNKY COLD MEDINA
TONE LOC
89
118
11
I WANNA DANCE WITH SOMEBODY
WHITNEY HOUSTON
87
120
12
PUSH IT
SALT-N-PEPA
88
130
13
RASPBERRY BERET
PRINCE
85
122
14
WILD THING
TONE LOC
89
126
15
MATERIAL GIRL
MADONNA
85
138
16
1999
PRINCE
83
120
17
GIRLS JUST WANT TO HAVE FUN
CYNDI LAUPER
84
121
18
SHE’S A BAD MAMA JAMA
CARL CARLTON
81
114
19
EVERYBODY HAVE FUN TONIGHT
WANG CHUNG
86
117
20
ALL NIGHT LONG
LIONEL RICHIE
83
110
21
APACHE (JUMP ON IT)
SUGARHILL GANG
82
114
22
IT TAKES TWO
ROB BASE
88
112
23
LIKE A PRAYER
MADONNA
89
113
24
IT’S RAINING MEN
WEATHER GIRLS
83
138
25
ROCK WITH YOU
MICHAEL JACKSON
80
114
For the rest of this list and three other essential ’80s song lists, pick up a copy of Mobile Beat #127 – March 2010, or subscribe to get online access to the complete issue.

Adding That “Something Extra” That Sets You Apart By Stu Chisholm

THE COMPLETE DISC JOCKEY

Chops

ADDING THAT “SOMETHING EXTRA” THAT SETS YOU APART

BY STU CHISHOLM

In much of the discussion about how today’s DJs can survive and even thrive in a down economy, most pundits advise us to focus on “what makes you unique.” At first glance, this might seem like a “eureka!” moment, yet upon further reflection, exactly what is it that you think of as unique to yourself? For instance, I’ve always been proud of my verbal and vocal abilities, and work hard to maintain a level of aptitude so that I can be ready for any situation, such as a call to do a voice-over job for a commercial project, or the narration for a local video production. Yet for all my work, I can name several people who, in my opinion, are better. They inspire me to up my game. They also illustrate that this attribute isn’t truly “unique.” No matter how great my voice or delivery might be, nobody will be interviewing me on Good Morning America because of it. Or, more realistically, hiring me over a good DJ charging far less cash for their performance.

UNIQUE SIMILARITIES

A comprehensive look at your business and, in particular, your performance, might reveal that there is nothing that you’re doing that other DJs are not. Most of our “uniqueness” is wrapped up in putting our own spin on all of the traditional activities that mobile DJs have been doing since the dawn of the industry. A fun twist on the bouquet and garter toss, or a well-choreographed grand entrance are all good things, but none of that will ever put you in the “world class” category. That cool, new light that everyone is talking about will soon be in every DJs arsenal.

In our search for that “something extra,” many of us have bought all the latest books and DVDs, such as Peter Merry’s The Best Wedding Reception… EVER, Scott Faver’s famous DVD series on games, or maybe even a little book called The Complete Disc Jockey. All of these are jam-packed with excellent information, but as you study them, you must realize that hundreds-even thousands-of DJs across the country and in your own town are also reading or watching them! All of this information is external, available to every other entertainer. Yes, they are important, but they only go so far!

HAT TRICK

Being a great entertainer, and a unique one, does not require you to be the Einstein of the industry; you don’t need to invent “the next big thing.” In chapter one of The Complete Disc Jockey, I outline how you can make the most of your own unique gifts and talents. The only truly unique features we have are our personalities. They’re as individual as faces. I’ve heard some people say, “Well, I don’t have a very strong personality,” or “My personality doesn’t really stand out.” From the time we’re little kids, we hear the much-repeated mantra that “Some have it and some don’t.” But this is a myth, much like when we were told “You’ll catch your death of cold!” (The common cold is a virus, and has nothing to do with temperature.) Whether you realize it or not, you not only have a personality, but it is as distinct as your fingerprints!

People in theater know that, when you’re on the stage, movements need to be exaggerated; voices need to be projected. Inflections and expressions simply must be bigger, so that people in the seats can follow the story being presented. The same holds true for your personality; you need to draw it out and make it “bigger.” In short, simply use what you’ve got to its fullest potential.

Which brings me to another book: Personality Radio by Dan O’Day. Originally written for radio air talent, I’ve found it invaluable for my mobile career. Not only does Dan view the personality as something innate in everyone, but he also thinks of it as a muscle, which will only become stronger with exercise. People who have what they once thought of as weak personalities have gone on to become famous actors, sportscasters, TV personalities, broadcasters and, yes, even top-shelf mobile DJs. (Look for Dan’s book online, now available as a digital download.)

INVESTING: LESS GEAR, MORE YOU!

I agreed to help a colleague promote his DJ service at a recent bridal show, since he’d done the same for me some months earlier. It was a small affair with only three other services. Since I wasn’t stuck in the booth the entire time, I got a chance to meet with and study each one. One thing immediately became clear: they were all saying (and selling) the same thing. They talked about their gear; they talked about their music selection; they talked about their lighting… but none of their faces stood out. Except for my friend, none had truly unique attire-every tux looked like the last. The only area where they were truly different and competitive was PRICE. They seemed intent on racing each other to the bottom of the price barrel!

This is in sharp contrast to another colleague of mine who never discusses his equipment, unless it’s when he’s alone with other DJs. At bridal shows, he’s physically shaking hands; he’s complimenting the engagement rings of the brides he’s speaking to; he’s dressed in an emerald green tux with a matching bowler hat (or some other stand-out attire) and he’s always quick with a joke or interesting anecdote. Nobody remembers what speakers he uses; it’s all about his relationship with them. He draws them in with nothing more than his personality, and that is what keeps him in high demand. I once asked him what his secret was, and aside from his sharp, quick-witted sense of humor, he swears by his improv classes. He’s also taken some courses in acting. Both of these perform a similar function to Dan’s book, bringing out the most in one’s personality and helping an entertainer think in new, more engaging, and entertaining ways.

GREATNESS RUBS OFF

I’ve always been a night owl. Even though I don’t do much nightclub work anymore, my body clock won’t allow me to change. Because of that, I watch a LOT of late-night TV. One night I was watching The Late, Late Show with Craig Ferguson, and it dawned on me that he was the embodiment of Roy Hanschke’s philosophy. Roy is well known to DJs who’ve attended Mobile Beat shows for his seminar entitled “Entertaining with Your Voice.” Ferguson, I realized, depended less on his stellar guests and more on his own ability to entertain with nothing but talk! In fact, one night I saw him talk so much that one of his scheduled guests had to be bumped to a later show.

All the late night comedians do this to an extent, but Ferguson is in a class all by himself. Despite his “handicap” of having a thick Scottish brogue, he uses his voice and expressions to maximum effect. His inflection is big, his expressions are big, his gestures are theatrical, and he never passes up even the traditional comic stand-bys, such as having an underlying gag running throughout his patter.

Someone once said, “I never pass up the opportunity to watch someone who is the very best at what they do, even if what they’re doing has nothing to do with me.” She understood that it isn’t as much the product as it is the process. If you would be one of the greats, then watch them. Learn from them. Take in their discipline, technique, focus, intensity and everything surrounding the performance. Make it a part of your regimen, or simply use it to inspire.

YOU BE WHAT YOU IS

Ultimately, it is when we combine all of these ingredients that we become something truly unique. Anyone can buy a killer light show, sound system and music library. Anyone who is a music fan can put together a good selection for dancing, and as long as the music selections are strong enough, they don’t even need any real mixing skills to do an average wedding. These are just the trappings of the job. What differentiates us is how we’ve invested in ourselves.

There is also no definitive start and end point. This isn’t like a class, where you sign up and start on one day and finish on another, or a product that, once purchased, is always there. It is an ongoing process. Chops are perishable items! Education and inspiration are the food for our personalities and performances, and like food, must be consumed on a regular basis. So nourish your creativity. Build on your unique gifts and let those gifts shine through. The next time you go out to a comedy club, a night at the theater or just sit down to watch Jay Leno, keep a notebook handy. Jot down what impresses you. Take a class in acting, improv, stand-up comedy, voice-overs and other entertainment fields. And above all, never stop learning!

Until next time, safe spinnin’!

Elevating Your Lights-and Your Image-with Trussing

Elevating Your Lights-and Your Image-with Trussing

BY KEN KAHN

If you’ve been a DJ for any length of time, chances are you’ve amassed a collection of special effects lights. This is a good thing, because professional lighting can really enhance your show. But when you set up for a gig, where do you display this lighting?

For too many DJs, the answer to this question is “various lighting stands,” or even worse, “whatever tables, chairs or counters happen to be available.” If such a makeshift setup sounds all too familiar, then maybe it’s time to take the next step and invest in trussing for your lights.

There are many reasons why it makes sense for DJs to rig their lights on truss. Not only does a truss structure protect your lights (and audience) from accidental bumps, it gives your performance a more polished, professional look, which in turn makes your services more valuable to clients and allows you to charge a higher fee per event. Using trussing also makes it easier to hang your fixtures at the appropriate height and angle for the room, improving the quality of your light show. Plus, you can use your truss setup for things other than lighting, such as flying speakers and other audio gear, to make your workspace neater and more efficient. Trussing is also great for displaying signage about the event you’re emceeing, such as a corporate logo or congratulatory message to a bride and groom. With the addition of screens and truss warmers, trussing can even become an attractive design element in its own right and enhance the visual appeal of your show-but more about that later.

Manufacturers have made it more feasible than ever for DJs to use truss by introducing new, more lightweight, and affordable products. Which brings up a question we often get asked by DJs: “What type of truss setup should I buy?”

As a mobile DJ, you’re going to want the most efficient setup possible-a rig that’s simple to put up, take down and transport. Given the variety of (often less-than-spacious) spaces you work in, you also need something that doesn’t take up a lot of real estate on the floor. And, of course, as a performer you want your truss rig to look good too. At Global Truss, we have addressed these needs with two products designed specifically for mobile DJs: the Arch System 1 and Truss System 1. Both are compact all-in-one systems, they’re lightweight, attractive, easy-to-assemble and very affordable. Plus, they’re sized just right for a typical DJ booth.

Whatever brand of truss you choose, you should buy from an established dealer with knowledgeable salespeople who can help you choose the right system for your needs and budget, and also provide after-the-sale support and service. You should also make sure the company’s products have been tested, rated and stamped with an industry certification, such as TÜV approval. (TÜV is an international product testing organization.) A manufacturer can claim that their truss can do the job or support a certain amount of weight, but without official certification there’s no way of knowing for sure. Truss manufacturers should be able to show you documentation of industry certification and/or engineering reports.

In addition to the truss itself, you will need accessories to set up your structure and rig your lights, such as pins, R-clips, couplers and clamps. Accessories such as clamps should be certified, too, to ensure they meet safety standards. For example, Global Truss offers aluminum clamps for attaching lights to truss, which are TÜV-certified for weight load capacity – something that’s essential for both safety and protecting your fixtures from damage. Standard C-clamps and O-plastic clamps are not TÜV-certified.

Once you have your trussing and accessories, you’re all set to create your rig. If you’re using a turnkey system like Global’s Arch 1 or Truss 1, which consist of two vertical side pieces plus overhead trussing for hanging lights, you would typically position the truss structure behind you. If, on the other hand, you’re using individual pieces of truss to create “totems,” it’s generally best to put them on the sides of the dance floor.

Wherever you position your truss, you should consider incorporating it into the overall design of your show. Gone are the days when truss was just a utility item to be hidden away. Many entertainers and clubs today value the edgy, industrial look that trussing provides. Truss manufacturers have contributed to this trend by coming out with a variety of attractive products and finishes, such as Satin Aluminum, which fit in nicely with the industrial theme.

Want to make your trussing really sizzle? There are a number of products you can add to turn your truss structure into a standout visual design element that will greatly enhance your show or venue. A fabric truss screen (made of flexible white Lycra) will instantly create an impressive-looking scenic backdrop for your show, such as the Global Screen from Global Truss or one of DJScreen.com’s offerings. The white fabric can be used as a projection screen for video presentations and ambient color light displays.

Truss warmers are products often used to make trussing part of the overall visual experience. Installed inside the truss itself, truss warmers are small colored lights that reflect off the structure’s shiny finish, enveloping it in a glow of color.

When you look at all that can be done with truss these days, you can see it’s no longer just something used for raising your lights-it will elevate your whole performance as well.
Ken Kahn is General Manager for Global Truss America (part of the American DJ Group of Companies).

Sound To Go with American Audio All In One

Sound To Go!
American Audio Introduces PPA-210
All-In-One Compact Portable PA System

LOS ANGELES – American Audio has introduced the ultimate all-in-one PA system for mobile entertainers or anyone who has to take their sound with them. The new PPA-210 is a compact portable PA system with built-in digital effects, graphic EQ and portable playback. A complete turnkey system, the PPA-210, contains all the PA gear you could possibly need, including two 10″ speakers, an 8-chanel powered mixer, dynamic microphone and every cable — including a mic cable and two 20′ speaker cables — required to set it all up.

And when it’s time to pack up, the PPA-210 (which stands for Portable PA System) is a mobile user’s dream. The entire system latches together to form one compact unit on wheels for convenient transport and the highest protection possible. There’s even a storage department for the microphone, accessories and cables. Handles on three sides and the unit’s low overall weight add to portability. Never has it been easier to take your sound on the road!

Convenience is not the only terrific benefit that the PPA-210 offers. With its high quality and many features, the system makes it possible to take great sound with you wherever you go. It includes a 3-band EQ and built-in digital effects on each channel; a 7-band system equalizer with switch; 4 XLR mic inputs; and an internal digital delay effects processor with 16 selections including echo, delay and vocal enhancement. You can customize each of those effects with American Audio’s inclusion of an effects parameter adjustment. To ensure the PPA-210 is always operating at the most optimum level, it provides four performance indicators: Signal, Clip, Power and Protect. The PA system also features a thermal cut off.

Additionally, the PPA-210 is equipped with USB and mini jack inputs for easy MP3 playback. You can connect an MP3 player or a flash drive containing music, hit play and walk away from it. The music will play on and on all night!

“A great benefit of the PPA-210 system is that you can have really good sound anywhere,” said Tom Freret, National Sales Manager for American Audio. “It used to be that portable systems had good sound for the mic/vocal but the music sounded flat, or the music sounded great but the mic sounded bad. Everything sounds good through the PPA-210 system.”

With its great sound quality, portability, and MP3 playback, the PPA-210 lends itself to a wide range of applications. Not only is it ideal for mobile entertainers, karaoke and vocalists, it can also be used by: companies for business presentations; local sports teams as a gameday PA system; car dealers and other businesses that want to provide music on their lots; churches that play music outdoors before services start; and an array of special events.

Despite its compact size, the PPA-210 ousts many of its less mobile, more unwieldy competitors when it comes to output. Power output is a healthy built-in 300W (150W 8 ohms per channel) stereo power amplifier with dynamic distortion processor. Frequency Response provides 20 Hz to 20 kHz 1dB (at send output) or 30 Hz to 20 kHz 1dB (at speaker output, with processor threshold exceeded). Distortion comes in at <0.05%, 20 Hz to 20 kHz, 1 dB below rated output. System Signal-to-Noise Ratio is listed at >80dB @ 1w. And Input Impedance (Channels 1-2-3 and 4) is “Mic” 2k ohm.

The PPA-210 has an MSRP of $699.95.

For more information, contact American Audio at 1-800-322-6337, or visit the company’s website at www.americanaudio.us

djay Spin Application for Iphone

algoriddim Introduces the djay Remote App for iPhone and iPod touch: the Power to Mix iTunes on the Move Is Now in Your Hands

Enables iTunes Users to Literally Touch, Mix and Spin Their Music Remotely

MUSIKMESSE 2010 (Booth # 5.1 A48), Frankfurt, Germany – March 23, 2010: algoriddim (http://www.algoriddim.net), a leader in next-generation music software for the Mac, today announced the release of djay Remote, an app that turns a user’s iPhone or iPod touch into a fully-fledged DJ controller. Wirelessly syncing with algoriddim’s djay software on the Mac, djay Remote enables users to mix and play their iTunes music, whether they’re mingling with guests or mixing it up on the dance floor.

Already recognized as the most powerful and user-friendly software for mixing an iTunes collection, djay’s unique features can now be controlled from the palm of the user’s hand via a WiFi connection and an absolutely addictive iPhone interface that lets one literally touch and move their music. djay Remote completely changes the dynamic for DJs at any level – from the party host who can now socialize and mix from her iTunes library at the same time, to the club pro that wants to move from the front of the house and into the audience without missing a beat.

Using ultra-low latency networking technology, djay Remote seamlessly integrates with djay over WiFi and is synchronous 2-ways, so that any changes made on djay are automatically updated live on djay Remote, and vice versa. The remarkably realistic control that sets djay apart from similar software is carried over to djay Remote, including the ability to run Automix on a selection of songs, work two turntables individually, scratch and cue music in real-time and control high quality effects, looping, skipping and cue points – all from the iPhone and iPod Touch’s unique and popular touch screen. The tactile interface of the touch screen perfectly dovetails with the hands-on capabilities of djay Remote to enable users to recreate the feel of a real turntable DJ setup and take their creativity on-the-go.

“After the great success of the recently launched Vestax Spin, the dedicated hardware controller for djay, we wanted to take another huge step forward in making DJing accessible to every iTunes user. The djay Remote is most definitely a leap ahead and is capable of bringing the joy of mixing to the masses,” said Karim Morsy, CEO of algoriddim. “djay’s enhanced Automix feature already lets users walk away from their Macs and still have their music mixed automatically, but now they can be just as creative and hands-on even while moving around the room. djay Remote has all of the features needed to rock the party, with a breakthrough interface that expands the arsenal of the creative performer.”

djay Remote’s unique features include:

· Seamless integration with djay via WiFi (two-way-synchronous)
· Ultra-low latency
· Full access to the user’s entire iTunes library on the Mac
· Automix function, for superior, convenient control
· Multi-Touch enabled mixing in real-time
· Individual control of dual turntables for scratching, cueing, skipping, and other effects
· EQ and volume controls
· An intuitive user interface that mimics djay’s acclaimed design and ease of use, including a timeline with time/artist display, turntables with cover artwork, and rotating vinyl

djay Remote is available for $4.99 from the Apple app store at http://itunes.apple.com/app/djay-remote/id355721990. djay 3 for Mac (version 3.1 or later), which is available as a free trial from the djay web site, is required to run djay Remote. For more information on djay or djay Remote, please visit www.djay-software.com.

About djay
Created exclusively for the Mac, djay seamlessly integrates with your iTunes library and makes it easy to mix your favorite music. Perform live, create and record mixes at home, or let djay mix any playlist automatically with seamless, professional transitions. Unprecedented ease-of-use, combined with powerful and innovative features like Drag & Drop mixing, Automatic Tempo & Beat Detection and Multi-Touch Trackpad Scratching, make djay the perfect tool for beginners and seasoned pros alike. djay supports all major audio formats, including MP3, AAC, WAV, AIFF, Audio-CD and DRM-protected songs from the iTunes Music Store.

About algoriddim
algoriddim is a Germany-based software company that specializes in next-generation Mac audio and multimedia applications. Its mission is to develop software that is accessible to the average consumer while offering the quality and power of professional tools. algoriddim consistently seeks out innovative methods for accommodating the needs of its customers. Its flagship music software, djay, is now serving a broad international audience of music lovers, professional DJs and world-class musicians. djay also exclusively powers the popular Vestax Spin controller currently available through Apple Stores. To learn more about algoriddim, please visit www.algoriddim.net, www.facebook.com/djaysoftware and www.twitter.com/djaysoftware.

Next Page »