Using Scaffolding at Events

The best thing we have done with our school dances is buying scaffolding. We bought the portable Bil-Jax system. It’s not always easy, nor fun, to pack and load, but it has saved our backs!

Even with low-lying crank stands, you still need a chair to reach up to the truss in a comfortable position. Rather than getting up and down every two feet (which strains your back and knees and can wear you out quicker), the scaffolding can hold you and a few lights. Not to mention that you can grab the trussing and use it to push your scaffolding alongside it. You can already imagine how much time this will save as well.

Buy tote bags for your extensions (especially the 5′ DMX) and hang them on the sides of the scaffolding so you have easy access to your cables, tie wraps, tools, etc.

As a bonus, you can use the Scaffolding as a cart. Set it at a low level and you can bring your speakers and most of your lights in one trip! This has reduced our overall load-in time by half and setup time by almost 25%!

You can even use two scaffolding rigs in lieu of speaker stands. Drape the scaffolding and place your tops on it (securely) and you have instant speaker stands that are more secure. Please do not place the speakers ON the poles of the scaffolding; I’m talking the flat surface itself. Make sure to paint the scaffolding black so it blends better. While I’ve only done this a handful of times, I’ve seen many other DJs do it, including my good friend, Johnny Dee of Ambassador Entertainment in the NE region.

We use BilJax scaffolding. It’s easy to set up and break down, it’s durable as it’s taken a lot of abuse, and it’s easy to maneuver. The wheels roll smoothly and they lock. All it takes is two out of four wheels to be locked to keep it from moving around if you’re going to stay stationary for a bit, but once all 4 wheels are locked, it’s not moving anywhere at all.

I’ve often thought about putting two together for makeshift staging. I just need to find out how much weight it could handle. This stuff is so versatile, you could use it for several parts of your setup! Scaffolding has MANY purposes, so explore as much as you can!

Keep in mind that this is not going to fit in a minivan, but if you’re doing school dances, you will need something bigger. If you have a trailer or a cargo van, the the load in will be much easier.

Remember: SAFETY FIRST! Follow all instructions and warnings. Pay attention to the weight limit and always give yourself 20% headroom. Make sure that the beams are LOCKED in or your scaffolding WILL collapse! Just like anything else, this is 100% safe until you cut corners.

NPM 100 speakers now available from Numark

NPM100 DJ speakers are complete active speaker systems with built-in amplifiers, perfect for bars, practice studios, and small to medium-sized setups.

Cumberland, R.I. (Sep. 29, 2011) – Numark, the world’s leading manufacturer of mobile DJ technology, announces that NPM100 professional DJ monitors are now available at pro audio retailers. These active DJ speakers, which offer quality monitoring in a compact form factor, were announced earlier this year as an ideal sound solution for DJs.

Numark’s NPM100 is a complete active speaker system with a built-in amplifier that’s perfect for bars, practice studios, small to medium-sized setups or anywhere that premium quality sound is required.

NPM100’s 100W RMS (200W peak) extended-range dual 5” drivers accurately reproduce pro-quality sound for DJs, musicians, and composers. NPM100 DJ speakers work with virtually all music gear thanks to a standard stereo RCA line input. The built-in gain control allows for quick adjustments and the quarter-inch / XLR combi-input allows unbalanced or balanced inputs. A sensitivity switch toggles between +6dB for use with mixers and -45dB for direct connection of a microphone, ensuring that no matter what the gig might hold, NPM100 DJ monitors can handle it. A convenient red LED indicator provides instant notification whenever a signal is clipping, so levels can be adjusted accordingly.

“The NPM100 is perfect for mobile DJs and musicians alike,” said Chris Roman, Senior Product Manager, Numark. “Setting them up or transporting them is incredibly easy and the sound quality is fantastic for a wide variety of uses, from bedroom DJs to small venues.”

NPM100 is available now at pro audio retailers with a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price of $249.00 and an estimated street price of $149.95.

DDJ-Ergo controller coming soon from Pioneer DJ

Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. Professional Sound and Visual Division today unveiled its ultra-compact controller, the DDJ-ERGO, giving any music enthusiast the ability to make their own unique music mixes. Bundled with the Virtual DJ Limited Edition software by Atomix Productions, the DDJ-ERGO controller enables consumers to be creative with their music collection as soon as they take the unit out of the box. The new controller also incorporates MIDI functionality, making it possible to be used with other MIDI compatible DJ software.1

The stylish controller is designed using contoured edges with black, white and gradient colors and a large 115 mm platter for increased operability. The system also features “Pulse Control” that illuminates various areas of the controller to assist in the mixing process.

“The DDJ-ERGO is the ideal gear for consumers who want to explore the experience of being a DJ,” said David Arevalo, senior marketing manager, Professional Sound and Visual Division for Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. “It’s compact and lightweight and can be transported virtually anywhere. Plug it in with a music-filled laptop and off you go, playing your music and mixing like a pro. It’s easy and extremely fun to use, ideal for all skill levels from the absolute beginner to the more experienced home DJ.”

Creative Features of DDJ-ERGO

Pulse Control – The integrated Pulse Control of the DDJ-ERGO provides users with visual prompts via various types of illuminations on its buttons and platters. The controller utilizes a new “Pure Platter” jog wheel that helps guide the user during performance with the movement of lights in accordance with the pitch, beat, and effects of the music as well as when a song is being loaded.

Mix Pulse – The mix pulse mode shows the difference in pitch of songs currently playing through the light of the jog wheel. As the pitch of songs begin to match, the intensity of the light increases. In conjunction with the music, the pulse of lights increases beat matching skills.
Beat Pulse – The embedded LEDs in the channel faders illuminate along with the beat of the current song playing. The illumination intensifies and weakens based on the output sound level.
Launch Pulse – Triggers a red light to illuminate on the jog wheel to signify a press of the track load button.
FX Pulse – The effect being applied to the currently playing song will be represented not only audibly but also via the light movements on the Jog wheel.
Laptop Dock Design – Like Pioneer’s other DDJ controllers, the DDJ-ERGO is designed to accommodate the placement of a laptop computer below the unit to help save room and bring the screen closer to the user. The controller also features removable legs, enabling it be used in angled or horizontal positions.
DJ Software – The DDJ-ERGO includes a copy of the “Virtual DJ Limited Edition” software by Atomix Productions that offers a broad range of functions for mixing songs, such as making loops, adding effects and creating samples, as well as the ability to mix up to 4-channels and even perform video playback.
MIDI Compatibility – The DDJ-ERGO is compatible with Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI), allowing up to four-deck control and use of the controller’s dedicated sampler button. The unit is also compatible with various MIDI compatible DJ software such as Native Instruments’ TRAKTOR (not included).
USB Power – The DDJ-ERGO utilizes power from USB connections found on most computers, eliminating the need for an external power supply.
High Quality Audio – The unit employs the same audio technology used in Pioneer’s professional DJ mixers for clear, powerful audio output.
Other features
Employs a P-LOCK Fader Cap locking mechanism to prevent the channel fader knobs and crossfader knob from slipping.
Built-in audio interface for high quality sound input and output.

The DDJ-ERGO will be available in November 2011 with a suggested retail price of $699.

ADJ’s Come Play in the Uk blog goes online

Have you checked out American Dj’s coverage of DJ Mikey Mike’s trip to the Uk and the Bpm Conference yet? Click on the below to visit!

Chauvet new product at LDI

SUNRISE, Fla.– CHAUVET®, a leading manufacturer of LED lighting, plans to showcase new LED fixtures ideal for the mobile DJ and club environment at LDI 2011 http://ldishow.com/LDI11/Public/Booth.aspx?IndexInList=4&FromPage=ExhibitorList.aspx&ParentBoothID=&ListByBooth=true&BoothID=1083522.

These fixtures, which include headliners such as COLORrail™ IRC http://www.chauvetlighting.com/colorrail-irc.html , LFS-5 http://www.chauvetlighting.com/lfs-5.html, MotionDrape™ LED http://www.chauvetlighting.com/motiondrape-led.html and MotionFacade™ LED http://www.chauvetlighting.com/motionfacade-led.html, will be displayed at booth 175 during the 2011 LDI tradeshow taking place October 28 – 30 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando.

COLORrail™ IRC http://www.chauvetlighting.com/colorrail-irc.html is a powerful linear wash/effect light which achieves color mixing almost instantaneously by using 320 tightly packed and evenly distributed 10mm RGB LEDs. Nearly identical to its COLORrail™ http://www.chauvetlighting.com/colorrail.html counterpart, COLORrail™ IRC http://www.chauvetlighting.com/colorrail-irc.html can be controlled wirelessly with an easy-to-use infrared remote control and doesn’t have to rely on DMX. The user also has the option to use DMX to control color in up to eight different sections or implement over 30 captivating automatic or sound-activated programs, which include chase and runway effects.

LFS-5 http://www.chauvetlighting.com/lfs-5.html is a compact, easy-to-use framing spotlight, which projects a hard-edged white spot and is powered by a 23-watt white LED. This lightweight fixture utilizes a 16- to 24-degree zoom and internal framing shutters you can easily size and mask light off unwanted surfaces with precision. A single gobo slot houses one of four included gobos, as well as a custom-made or print-at-home version. Achieve nearly any color with its removable gel frame.

MotionDrape™ LED http://www.chauvetlighting.com/motiondrape-led.html is an animated, 9.8-by-6.5 foot backdrop drape powered by 176 high output, tri-colored SMD LEDs for full, color-mixing capabilities and wide viewing angles. Ideal for any mobile performer, this drape features 30 eye-catching motion graphics, ranging from a multicolored rain effect to a graphic equalizer effect, and includes dimming capabilities. MotionDrape™ LED http://www.chauvetlighting.com/motiondrape-led.html has grommets on all four sides to make hanging a breeze.

MotionFacade™ LED http://www.chauvetlighting.com/motionfacade-led.html is a perfect companion to MotionDrape™ LED http://www.chauvetlighting.com/motiondrape-led.html. MotionFacade™ LED http://www.chauvetlighting.com/motionfacade-led.html is an animated, 6.5-by-3.3 foot front board drape system powered by 66 high output, tri-colored SMD LEDs.
MotionFacade™ LED http://www.chauvetlighting.com/motionfacade-led.html has the same great built-in motion graphics as the MotionDrape™ LED http://www.chauvetlighting.com/motiondrape-led.html, which are accessible in standalone mode or via DMX for a synchronized show. This drape includes grommets, hanging loops and Velcro® for multiple mounting options.

Both drapes include automatic and sound-activated programs and provide you with control over the speed of patterns as well as their static color selections. Operation is a breeze with the included controller, and custom shows are easily created using eight channels of DMX. Crafted from certified flame retardant velour, each drape includes a free bag to simplify storage and transport.

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About CHAUVET®
CHAUVET® is a leading manufacturer of professional luminaires fulfilling the needs of various industry sectors, from DJ/club to architecture to production/tour. CHAUVET’s strategy is to pursue every market segment where it has a competitive advantage in terms of value, innovation and performance, with an emphasis on LED technology. For more general information, please visit www.chauvetlighting.com.

American Dj Come Play In The Uk Winner’s Dream Come True

American DJ Come Play In The UK Winner
Mikey Mike’s Dream Comes True At BPM Show

LOS ANGELES — (For Immediate Release) – Mike Susca (DJ Mikey Mike) is traveling over 8,600 kilometers from Los Angeles to the BPM Show in Birmingham. It’s doubtful that many DJs traversed a greater distance to get to Europe’s largest DJ show, it’s almost certain that none earned their passage to the show in such a novel way.

The California DJ won his trip to BPM from American DJ in its Come Play In The UK Contest. The contest invited DJs to submit a short video that described which European DJ or musician they would like to meet. Mikey’s 2 minute and 39 second production, built around a rap version of Yellow Submarine and featuring cameos by the Royal Family and Beatles selected DJ Simon Fletcher as the must-meet star. Click here to see the winning video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aE46709WBQw

Looking at his trip to BPM, Mikey can only describe it as a “dream come true.” Last year, American DJ ran a contest in Europe that offered DJs a chance to win a trip to the Mobile Beat Show in Las Vegas and attend the American DJ Customer Appreciation Party, which featured a performance by Naughty By Nature. By sending Mikey to BPM, the company has completed its trans Atlantic DJ bridge building. For more information visit www.americandj.com.

School dance Top 30 Safe Songs 9/27/11

Thanks to the many DJs who have commented on our new School Dance Network website.   The new “DJ Hot Talk” section of the site was created just for School Dance DJs who visit the site.  Our goal is to provide relevant and interesting posts that relate to DJs both for school events and elsewhere.  This week we’ll feature an interview with the Austrian DJ who will set a worlds CLUB DJ Marathon of 150 hours this weekend in California.  This guy sounds like Schwarzenegger with an accent on steroids.    We are also building a friendly community of  DJs on Twitter  @schooldancenet .  Okay enough SDN hype.  (Hey, I’m excited)

 

Top Safe Songs for 9/27/11

		Artist	Title	Notes/info	Prime Cuts #	BPM
3	1	Gym Class Heros	Stereo Hearts	Adam Levine	201125	91
1	2	Bad Meets Evil	Lighters (squeaky clean)	Bruno Mars	201125	90
2	3	Britney Spears	I Wanna Go		201124	131
4	4	Maroon 5/Aguilera	Moves Like Jagger		201132	128
5	5	Cobra Starship	You Make Me Feel		201120	132
8	6	Lil Wayne	How to Love		201123	77
6	7	LMFAO	Party Rock Anthem	Lauren Bennett	201102	131
11	8	New Boyz	Better with the Lights on		201120	112
7	9	Nicki Minaj	Super Bass		201115	127
12	10	David Guetta	Where them Girls at	FloRida-Nicki Minaj	201119	130
10	11	Kanye West	All of the lights	Kid Cudi, Rihanna	201050	71
13	12	Iyaz	Pretty Girls	Travie McCoy	201120	78
9	13	Pitbulll	Give Me Everything	Ne-Yo & Nayer -	201114	129
15	14	Jason Derulo	It Girl		201133	92
14	15	T-Pain	Best Love Song	Chris Brown	201108	81
19	16	David Guetta	Without You	Usher	201136	128
16	17	Chris Brown	She Ain’t You		201114	91
21	18	LMFAO	Sexy and I know it		201133	130
23	19	Afrojack	Take over Control	Eva Simons	201048	130
17	20	Lady Gaga	The Edge of Glory		201120	128
18	21	Bruno Mars	Lazy Song		201108	87
29	22	Alexandra Stan	Mr. Saxobeat		201119	127
20	23	Lupe Fiasco	The Show Goes on		201045	72
30	24	Sean Paul	Got 2 Luv		201129	92
New	25	Foster the People	Pumped up Kicks		201110	128
New	26	Breathe Carolina	Black Out	Use Radio Edit	201124	124
22	27	Beyonce	Best Thing I Never Had		201124	100
New	28	Tyga	Far Away		201121	91
26	29	Black Eyed Peas	Just Can’t Get Enough		201106	94
27	30	Jennifer Lopez	I’m Into You	Lil Wayne	201115	84

DO NOT PLAY  (this week’s additions)

 

“School Dance Network” launches new site for schools/DJs

Press Release
Re: School Dance Network re-launches www.SchoolDanceNetwork.com
Date: 9-23-11
From: Ric Hansen

School Dance Network launches website 2.0

The only on line website dedicated to assisting school administrators to stage safe clean dances has been re-tooled, revamped and re-launched.  Now the new blog-style site promises to be more current, relevant and content rich.  It address the issues of lyrical content in music, inappropriate dancing, plus drugs and alcohol issues.   It will also offer up some new and fun ideas to make school dances more fun, and engaging  and addresses teen trends, and lifestyle issues.

DJ companies can gain access to the large number of SDN school fans through an on line directory.  While other directories look to attract wedding business and private parties, the School Dance Network is the only on-line directory that speaks exclusively to school dance planners.

Originally established as the nations number one resource for schools in 2009 the SDN has gained thousands of fans from schools and DJs coast to coast largely because of its song lists.  School subscribers and DJ members have access to the “Top 30 Safe Song” list each week as well as the National Do NOT play list.  With the new site, there promises to be much more content as it relates to teens and dance, including guest blogs, and interviews with DJs, students, and school administrators.

The SDN sister site created just for DJs,  “DJ Hot Talk” , connects DJs to a broad spectrum of ideas, stories and video content that will enhance their school DJ business and keep them in the loop, like no other DJ blog site will.

DJ’s interested in the school dance business will find their participation as a member in the School Dance Network an important tool to reach their audience and increase their exposure to school administrators and dance planners

Site locations:

www.SchoolDanceNetwork.com

www.DJHotTalk.com

For more information or interviews contact:

Ric Hansen
ric@radioparties.com
800-217-9930

Top 10 Items to Bring to a Gig

by Allan Reiss, Product Manager for CHAUVET® Club/DJ 

It has happened to the best of us: you arrive at your gig and start unpacking all your equipment when you realize you forgot something crucial in order to run your light show. It’s almost a guarantee that the hotel where you’re DJing the wedding doesn’t sell DMX cables in their gift shop and there’s not a whole heck of a lot you can do. Before you leave for any gig, run through the checklist below to ensure you have everything you need to run your show flawlessly.

1. Lights. How can you even think about setting up your light show unless you have the main ingredient? Make sure you pack all of the fixtures you intend to use, even the one you’re unsure about.
2. Controller. Whether you decide to use a control board or software program to control your lights, make sure you bring either the board or your laptop. It would be a real bummer if you spent hours programming a show and forgot your controller.
3. Spare controller. Because electronics can fail, especially at the most inopportune time, it is always a good idea to have a backup controller on hand.
4. DMX cables. If you plan to control your lights with DMX, don’t forget to bring enough DMX cables to daisy chain all your fixtures together.
5. Truss or stand.  You could just stick the lights on your DJ stand and run them from there. Or you could step up your game and bring your portable stands or truss system so your lights are mounted properly.
6. Clamps. When mounting to stands or truss, it is very important your fixtures are properly secured. Clamps are the answer and your fixtures will stay where you position them.
7. Zip ties or electrical tape. Having a bird’s nest of cables lying around is not only unsightly, but a safety hazard. Keep loose cables tied together with zip ties or tape them to the floor with electrical tape.
8. Fog or haze machine. If the venue permits, bring your fog or haze machine. Adding a little of either will drastically enhance your light show by making all of the beams visible. Just be careful not to set off the fire alarm.
9. Extension cord. If you are set up in a location far from an electrical outlet, come prepared. Don’t forget to tape this cord down with your electrical tape.
10. Triple tap. There’s a good chance you will need to use more than one outlet. A triple tap will give you more power options and is always good to have.

Unless you have really cool friends who will be happy to drop their plans on a Friday or Saturday night to bring you a cord, I suggest you run through this list before heading to your next gig. If you forget something, you may not produce the show your client is expecting. Remember, good word of mouth is your greatest (marketing) tool in your arsenal.

American Audio Plays Host To VMS4.1 Launch Party

American Audio Plays Host To VMS4.1 Launch Party

Los Angeles – (For Immediate Release) – American Audio threw a party for a group of So Cal DJs on September 15 to introduce the widely anticipated VMS4.1 Digital Work Station. The temporary stage at “party central” in the company’s headquarters was set up to look like something out of the Academy Award ceremony.

How fitting was that??? The new VMS4.1 is destined for super stardom as an indispensible mobile entertainment tool. A lot of companies hype up the second version of existing products as “new and improved.” But the new VMS4.1 goes miles and miles beyond this hype; it builds on the best its predecessor had to offer, smoothes out a few rough edges and adds some pretty incredible new features of its own, to come up with a tool that will help DJs take their performance to places they’ve never been before.

The VMS4.1 is not only the “next step” in a product series; it’s a giant leap forward into the future. “We’ve taken everything we learned from the VMS4, and taken it to a new level with this product,” said Tom Freret, National Sales Manager of American Audio. “We’re so pumped up by the VMS4.1; it blows us away every time we see – and hear – it in action.”

Apparently, a lot of the DJs in attendance at the Launch Party agreed. Words like “wow!” and “amazing,” were heard about as often as “tax cuts” and “new jobs” are at a political rally. Here is a sampling of the reaction:

“I’ve been one of the biggest VMS4 fans and supporter since day one, so in my honest opinion they took something great, and made it greater! They listened to their DJs and stepped up to the plate… “Johnny Aftershock Mancilla.

“The launch party was very nicely done, well timed, informative without dragging and a very generous goodie- bag and VMS4.1 t-shirts for everyone in attendance… not to mention dinner and beverages! I was honored to be included on the guest list and appreciated the opportunity to learn about all the improvements that were implemented on an already stellar product!” Ken Heath

Compared to its breakthrough predecessor, the VMS4.1 has a completely new internal hardware, four times more output, a larger power supply, brighter LEDs on knobs and buttons, stronger facer mounting, vastly improved sound quality and significantly upgraded mic sound, quality and output. It also has a new, more linear EQ design that works better with Traktor software.

Other enhancements include more advanced cell phone interface shielding, a baked on paint finish and new graphics, plus exclusive American Audio D-Core processing.

The VMS4.1 is using the same Virtual DJ LE software as its predecessor, but this will be updated. When it is, this update will be available at no cost to VMS4.1 owners.

There’s also good news for budget-minded performers in the launch of VMS4.1. The new products is priced at $499.99. The product will be available the first week in October.

For more information, contact American Audio at info@americanaudio.us or call, 323-582-2650.

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