Hercules RMX Console Released

ercules, the computer DJ entertainment specialist, announces the availability of the new Hercules DJ Console Rmx, a digital audio console designed for Mobile and advanced DJs. The audio console, supplied with a carrying bag for total mobility, retails for $349.00 and is available now at Guitar Center, Sam Ash, Musician’s Friend, American Musical Supply, 8th Street Music and PSSL.com. (www.hercules.com)

The DJ Console Rmx is the most comprehensive digital dual mixing deck in its class. The sleek console includes a number of quality features such as a solid metal casing with non-slip pads guaranteeing perfect stability, broad surface, accessible buttons and knobs, precise and comprehensive controls, a built-in audio interface with 4 inputs, 4 outputs. 
 
“The success of our products has helped spread the Hercules brand throughout the international DJ community. We consulted with over 1300 DJs throughout Europe and US and designed the DJ Console Rmx to their exact expectations,” states François Garet, Development Manager of the DJing solutions range for Hercules. “We are proud to offer this professional solution that provides enhanced performance and precision at an incredible value,” adds Garet.

Elation Unveils Event Panel System

Now you can take your LED colors with you. …anywhere you go, whether you’re stepping outdoors, riding in a vehicle or flying into outer space.  Elation Professional’s amazing new Event Panel System is a revolutionary RGB LED color changing panel that comes with its own battery pack, so it can “power on” wherever you take it, even in places where there’s no electricity available

Equipped with 288 high-output 10mm LEDs (48 red, 120 green, 120 blue), the Event Panel System is ideal for adding brilliant colors to special events and banquets, as well as tricky indoor spaces where electrical outlets are scarce, such as hallways, entry ways and moving scenery.  The unique long-life battery-powered panel also provides an easy way to light up trade show exhibits, runways and retail displays, since you don’t have to worry about connecting to a power source for at least 10 hours of full-power continuous use.  Rental companies, too, will benefit from the Event Panel System, since they’ll be able to offer their customers a totally portable, easy-setup RGB color fixture for applications where it previously would have been difficult – or impractical –to use one.

Not only is the Event Panel System a perfect fit for hard-to-light spaces, it’s also got an array of features that will fit a variety of needs.  It includes 14 built-in programs, a variable strobe effect (1-18 flashes per second) 0-100% dimming, and seamless RGB variable fade rate color mixing.  Featuring flicker-free operation, it’s also ideal for illuminating video and film production sets.

The panel can be controlled remotely from up to 30’ away, using Elation’s ELAR WR Wireless Infrared Controller, which comes included with the Event Panel System.  The ELAR WR Remote gives operators control over the built-in programs, strobing, blackout and RGB mixing, and the IR receiver on the panel itself can be placed by the user into the proper position manually.

As another option, the Event Panel System can be operated with a standard DMX-512 controller, giving users flexibility to create their own programs and conjure up an infinite palette of colors.  The panel can be operated in 2, 3, 4, 7, 14 or 26 DMX channel modes to meet varying user needs. The versatile panel can also be run as a stand-alone unit without a controller in four different modes: Auto Run, which automatically chases through the 14 built-in programs; Programs Mode, which lets you select a program and adjust its different features such as speed and fade time; Sound Active Mode, which chases through the built-in programs to the beat of the music; and Master-Slave, which allows multiple units to be linked and synched together via built-in XLR connectors.

Featuring a 40° beam angle, the Event Panel System has an impressive output distance of 65-85 feet (20-25 meters).  The compact color panel sits on top of a base, which holds its rechargeable battery, and attaches easily via two quarter turn locks. A12V power supply to recharge the battery is included with the system. 

In addition to operating via battery power, the Event Panel System can be connected to an electrical source with an AC cable from 100-240v and can be used independently without the base.  Featuring the energy efficiency of LED lighting, it draws only 36 watts of power.  Another advantage of its LED lamps is their long life – rated at 100,000 hours.

For a fixture with its features and brightness, the Event Panel System is remarkably compact and lightweight, making it easy to use on the go.  The color panel itself weighs only 7.7 lbs and measures 16.7″ L x 10.3″ W x 3.2″ H.  The battery pack base weighs 19.5 lbs. and measures 11.7″ L x 11.6″ W x 4.6″ H.

“The Event Panel System makes RGB LED lighting totally portable,” said Eric Loader, director of sales for Elation Professional. “This battery-powered, go-anywhere system will make it possible to have ultra-bright color mix effects in a whole range of new applications where electricity isn’t readily available.”

Rated at IP20, the Event Panel System is not intended for permanent outdoor installation, extended outdoor use, or operation in rain or inclement weather.

The MSRP of the Event Panel System, including the Panel, Battery Base, and ELAR WR Wireless Infrared Remote Controller, is $1,099.95.

American DJ: Media Operator MP3 Offers More Control

The Media Operator from American Audio is the ideal solution for playing  and controlling MP3 tracks in retail locations, buildings, restaurants – any installation where an easy, reliable way to manage digital music is needed.  An all-in-one, simple-to-operate professional MP3 player, the Media Operator can play digital tracks from both SD cards and USB sticks/drives

Great for mobile entertainers too, it features full playback control, similar to most professional CD players.  Its pro features include Seamless Loop, Tempo Lock, Pitch Control (+/-4%, +/-8%, +/-16%), Pitch Bend, Repeat Mode and an Auto BPM Counter.

The Media Operator is equipped with both an SD Card slot and a USB 2.0 slot.  The SD slot is designed to read SD cards up to 4GB and does not accept SDHC cards (SDHC cards can be read via the USB reader).  With a 1GB SD Card having the capacity to store up to 1000 MP3 tracks, the Media Operator makes it possible to play and manage a vast library of digital music from one compact, easy-to-use unit.

“Everybody loves the convenience of being able to store and carry around thousands of songs on a thumb-sized device like an SD Card or USB stick.  The Media Operator makes it equally convenient to play, manage and control those tracks,” said Tom Freret, national sales manager for American Audio.  “You can pop a whole night’s music into the SD or USB reader, and just play it as is or add some of the easy-to-use professional control functions.”

Folder and track search knobs make it quick and easy to find the MP3 track you’re looking for.  A bright, user-friendly LCD display on the front of the unit shows MP3 track listings, as well as Single/Continue and Time viewing.  The Media Operator also features American Audio’s Advanced Cueing, with track searching done by the frame rather than by the second for greater pinpoint accuracy.

The Media Operator includes Master Volume Control, as well as a microphone input (XLR/ ¼” combo).  Additionally there are two line out options, XLR and RCA.  “You can plug the unit directly into powered speakers or an amplifier through the balanced XLR outs, or go to a preamp mixer from its RCA outputs,” said Freret.

A rack mountable unit, the Media Operator measures 19”L x 5.5”W x 1.75”H and takes up 1 rack space.  The compact player weighs only 4 lbs., making it easily transportable for mobile use.

The Media Operator is extremely affordable too, with a suggested retail price of just $299.95.

For more information, contact American Audio at 800-322-6337 or visit www.americanaudio.us

LED It Sparkle: American DJ’s New Sparkle LED

There’s great news for everyone who loved the original Sparkle effect from American DJ. The company has transformed this classic DJ favorite, a multi-beam all-white moonflower, into a high-tech LED fixture. The new and improved Sparkle LED 3W is powered by one super bright 3-watt LED, giving it more “sparkle” than ever before!

Featuring high output and new lens technology, the Sparkle LED 3W creates multiple white moonflower beams that are razor-sharp when projected onto walls and dance floors. Its wide beam spread covers a large area, so users get plenty of effect for their money. Like its popular predecessor, the Sparkle LED 3W can be operated in 2 different modes — continuous rotation and static — which are controllable via an easy-access effects switch. Whether spinning or stationary, the resulting clusters of glittering white beams have a classy look that’s great for weddings and other DJ gigs that call for a familiar, timeless and all-around pleasant effect.

“The time-tested Sparkle effect has always enjoyed a big following among DJs and clubs,” said Scott Davies, general manager of the American DJ Group of Companies. “With the introduction of our new upgraded LED version, we expect to generate a lot of excitement in the marketplace. End-users will love how the Sparkle LED 3W brings a classic working DJ’s lighting effect into the high-tech world of LEDs — at an incredibly affordable price!”

For an MSRP of under $120, DJs not only get a Sparkle on steroids, they’ll also enjoy the many energy-saving and operational benefits of LED technology. The Sparkle LED 3W shines with the same intense brightness as a 250-watt traditional halogen lamp, yet it draws only 10 watts. Such a low power-consumption means that DJs will be able to connect more units together on a single power circuit at the gig — and clubs will save on their energy bills. And since LEDs generate no heat, the Sparkle LED 3W can run cool all night without any need for duty cycles. Its long-life LED lamp is good for about 100,000 hours of moonflower power, so you’ll probably never need to purchase or install a replacement.

Along with its LED makeover, the Sparkle LED 3W has been given an all-new futuristic-looking case design, so it looks as high-tech on the outside as it performs.  It comes with a sturdy hanging bracket for easy and secure mounting.  The unit measures 7.5” x 6” x 5.25” (191 x 150 x 132mm) and weighs only 5 lbs. (2 kgs). The MSRP of the Sparkle LED 3W is $119.95.

Guitar Center: Going Green

As part of its efforts to protect the environment and earth’s resources, Guitar Center, the world’s largest musical instrument and professional audio retailer, has made major changes to its operational procedures, already yielding significant results. This ongoing “Green” initiative reduces the company’s carbon footprint and conserves fuel and wood resources.

In 2007, Guitar Center halted the use of wooden pallets when shipping product from its Distribution Center to all 214 Guitar Center Stores, and instead began floor-loading all musical instrument and audio products. This simple change in policy has wide-reaching environmental benefits.

First, it eliminates the need for 211,812 wooden pallets yearly, equaling over 8,000,000 pounds of lumber. Secondly, the elimination of shrink-wrap reduced more than 70 million square feet of plastic from GC’s supply chain. That is enough plastic to create a four foot-wide path from New York to Los Angeles.

Finally, this decrease in pallet usage allows GC’s trucks to be packed more efficiently, resulting in more product being shipped per truckload and effecting a reduction in outbound truck usage overall. For example, in 2007, GC saw only 4,604 outbound truckloads from the Distribution Center, less than 50% of the 9,471 loads in 2006. This eases road congestion and reduces total miles traveled by more than 2,000,000 miles per year (enough to circle the Earth 83 times or make four round trips to the moon!). In addition, this “green” initiative conserves 383,950 gallons of diesel fuel yearly, thereby significantly reducing GC’s emission of Carbon Dioxide and other greenhouse gases.

Bill Deeney EVP – Guitar Center Chief Logistics Officer stated, “Earth Day is the perfect time to take stock of what we are all doing to protect the environment. Guitar Center is committed to optimizing our supply chain and reducing environmental impact. Eliminating over 50% of our outbound transportation has a huge impact on reducing both fuel and packaging. It’s a real “win-win” for our customers, employees and the environment.”

About Guitar Center
Guitar Center is the leading United States retailer of guitars, amplifiers, percussion instruments, keyboards and pro-audio and recording equipment. Our retail store subsidiary presently operates more than 200 Guitar Center stores across the U.S. In addition, our Music & Arts division operates more than 100 stores specializing in band instruments for sale and rental, serving teachers, band directors, college professors and students. We are also the largest direct response retailer of musical instruments in the United States through our wholly owned subsidiary, Musician’s Friend, Inc., and its catalog and Web site, www.musiciansfriend.com. More information on Guitar Center can be found by visiting the Company’s Web site at www.guitarcenter.com.

Shure Micro Bodypack is Smaller than Small

This year’s National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) marked the industry debut of the new Shure UR1M Micro-Bodypack. Offering superior wireless audio in an ultra-compact package that is about half the size of most standard bodypacks and weighing just three ounces with two AAA batteries, the UR1M is designed to be easily concealed and worn comfortably by actors, performers, musicians, and public speakers.

Operating with the premium Shure UHF-R® wireless microphone system using the latest version of the Shure Wireless Workbench software, the subminiature device uses the patented Shure Audio Reference Companding technology to deliver crystal-clear audio and a 60-75 MHz tuning range (region dependent)—twice that of any other bodypack on the market. Tunable in 25 kHz increments and providing a sum total of up to 3,000 selectable frequencies, the UR1M additionally offers:

• selectable 10mW or 50mW RF power
• up to nine hours of battery life
• audio level metering
• a backlit LCD display

During the manufacture of each UR1M, the circuit board is specially treated to greatly enhance the sweat resistance and durability of the device, allowing it to be worn close to the skin. As easy to use and setup as any other UHF-R Series product, the miniature bodypack complements its list of functional features with a choice of TQG or Lemo-3 connectors and selectable alkaline, lithium primary, or NIMH battery curves for accurate power metering.

The UR1M was the only bodypack used during the broadcast of the 2008 Academy Awards, worn by host Jon Stewart with a Shure WL51 cardioid subminiature lavalier microphone. It also was used at the 2008 Miss America Pageant and is currently on tour with Maroon 5. The UR1M has a suggested retail price of $3,198 (UR1M/LEMO3 is $3,298) and will be available globally from authorized Shure dealers in summer 2008.

“There are certainly other miniature bodypacks out there, but the new UR1M is the first that I consider to be part of a superb sounding wireless microphone system,” notes audio engineer Don Worsham, one of the first to put the device to work in the field. “In-back-to-back comparisons we made on the set at this year’s Miss America pageant with a full-size pack, we found that we couldn’t distinguish the difference. The miniature pack offers the same improved frequency response and dynamic range, and performs with identical signal-to-noise and low distortion characteristics. I’m still wondering how Shure managed to cram all of that into such a small space.”

Martin: Magnum 850 Completes Line of Foggers

Martin’s Magnum line of fog effects is now complete with the introduction of the mid-range Magnum 850.

This replacement for Martin’s popular Magnum 800 fogger, upgraded with new electronics and a new design to match the rest of the Magnum family, is Martin’s latest fog solution for small clubs, mobile DJs, bars, bands or any venue where a mid-air projection canopy or atmosphere enhancing effect is needed.

The compact Magnum 850 uses a 750 W heat exchanger together with a high quality piston pump to effortlessly punch out a full 200 m3/min of dense fog. Built rugged yet lightweight and conveniently portable, the Magnum 850 offers substantial cost and maintenance benefits over a long operational life.

The Magnum 850 heats up fast and is continuously operational for a trouble free ‘set it and forget it’ effect with a variety of fluid options available for different applications. The delivery of a continuous and even level of fog and the incorporation of soft-start electronics means that the Magnum 850 operates at a very low noise level. Together with the same machine-saving overheat protection as Martin’s larger machines, the economically-priced Magnum 850 will provide years of maintenance-free operation. Supplied with a hand-held remote control, an optional timer remote is also available.

“This new series of Magnum fog machines has been created with the ambition to capture new technology and solid performance in a new design,” states Martin Smoke Division Product Manager Ulrich Borup Hansen. “To get to this innovative and groundbreaking design we thought outside the black conventional fog machine box. It was important for us to create a fog machine that clearly stands out both design and performance-wise. Furthermore, the extraordinary breadth of the product line allows our customers to choose the exact model to fit their specific need. From the smallest Magnum 650 to the big DMX-controlled Magnum 1800, the Magnums are the natural choice before moving on to our Jem product line.”

Networking For Solo DJs

I’ve gone to a lot of networking functions over time and watched a lot of people botch the whole networking process. People go into “after hours” networking functions, often sponsored by Chambers of Commerce, and bolt right for the food table. They never network, they just show-up and eat. They might as well have just gone through the drive-through.Have you been to any of these functions? Watch people. There’s also a good way to network at these functions. Find the people you want to spend five minutes with and buy them a drink. What you’ve just done is guarantee a few minutes of their time with you.

According to Chien Wang, the self-proclaimed guru of networking, you create a feeling of obligation in someone when you buy them a cocktail. They will stay and talk with you for a few moments while they finish at least half the drink. There’s five minutes you otherwise wouldn’t have spent with someone.

Obviously you won’t want to buy everyone a drink or you yourself will get drunk sharing booze with others at these functions. Carefully pick one or two people who you would like to share stories with and then tell them that you’ve been dieing to hear their stories and are willing to share a drink with them, on you.

Your next step is to ask a few leading questions and let them talk. And talk. And talk.
As DJs we know that people love to talk, because that’s what we love to do. While it’s very difficult for most of us to check our ego at the door and let someone else’s lips flap, you will soon learn that people love you because they think you’re a good listener. Now isn’t that what your girlfriend has been asking of you for all this time?

People’s favorite subject is themselves. If they think you’re interested in what they’re wanting to share with you, they’re going to love you. What they’re really doing is telling you how to market to them. While they talk about their favorite wine, their preferred travel destination or whatever it is about them you secretly are gaining tools to use to market to them in the future.

For example, if that banquet manager tells you how much she loves Sonoma, won’t she be surprised when you send her a travel guide to Sonoma in a year? If another banquet professional talks about her mother’s favorite kind of chocolate you will always be her favorite when you send her a box of the treat on an unexpected occasion, reminding her that it’s for her mom.

By going to a networking mixer armed with a few leading questions, you’re going to suddenly become a big hit because people think you care. Then when you track this information in a database, you’re suddenly going to be perceived as thoughtful. Now won’t they want to refer someone as thoughtful as you when they know someone wants a quality job at a very special occasion?

Goal Setting Mastery

Anthony B. BarthelThere’s an old adage that says, “those who fail to plan plan to fail.” I’m going to be very honest with you and tell you that I’m terrible and planning ahead. But you shouldn’t be.

If you’re planning to step out on your own, you will need to write a business plan. I’m sure you know a lot of people who have forged ahead without one and have done very well. Since the deck is stacked against your business even lasting a year, you probably don’t know the greater number of people who tried to work for themselves and failed. You don’t hear about all the stories of people who bought lottery tickets and lost, just about the exceptions to the rule where someone took home a few million bucks. The reason people tell you about businesses who succeed without a plan is because people like to hear about exceptions to any rule, like that winning lottery winner.

A business plan is going to help you visualize all the things you’ll need to create a successful business. It’s very easy to sit in your office alone during the week days and hear a great sales pitch from someone selling ads and fall for the pitch, only to find that you’ve wasted a lot of money that could have been better spent. A business plan will help you avoid this.

But you should also be flexible. If a great opportunity comes along, grab it!

If you choose to work for yourself one of the greatest things you can do is become a goal setting master. This means that you should write out your goals, share them with others and focus heavily on achieving those goals. Again, it’s very easy to be distracted when you’re at home alone with an Internet connection. Trust me on this one.

One of the greatest resources you can have for goal setting is a series of tapes by sales trainer Eric Lofholm. His goal setting tapes are exceptional for helping you to set goals and at $39 they’re a terrific deal. For info on these tapes, click here. Lofholm suggests listening to the tapes seven times through with a notepad. Do this. Actually, what I did was convert the tapes to audio files on my computer and then transfer them to an iPod. Then I walk to the beach every day and listen to one segment of the program.

By setting a written goal, according to Lofholm, you not only have an action plan you can follow but also something tangible that you can share with your friends. By sharing this plan with friends, family and others you will also empower them to help you with your plan.

For example, by telling friends about your desire to do more corporate events they might think of you when their company is planning something. How many DJs have the lock-in when it comes to doing spouse’s holiday parties? What about those team building events? By sharing your written action plan suddenly you will create advocates in your friends, who will also help you by encouraging you to follow through with this plan.

There are plenty of resources on writing a business plan and I certainly encourage you to choose a few of them and evaluate them. But I also cannot be more enthusiastic about Eric Lofholm’s Goal Setting program. Or in the process of simply writing down your goals in whatever method works best for you, so you really can share them with your family and friends.

Don’t Do It!

In last week’s Going Solo Mondays I talked about what our objectives with this column are, and promised a few weeks of admonition before the actual tips start flowing. I hate lessons, back stories or any of that. But being an old guy, I have to give you this stuff before I can actually give away the ideas.Somewhere there was a survey done that said that for every dollar someone makes in a traditional job they’re going to have to triple that if they choose to go into business for themselves. That means that if you’re making $45,000 per year painting ceilings in cathedrals, you’re now going to have to make $135,000 per year as a full-time DJ to have the same lifestyle.

As you plan your career and choose to go full-time you’re also going to find friends who work with you or family members who tell you that you’re nuts to even think about working for yourself. As you may remember, last week I pointed out that those people who are working full-time for someone else only have that one customer – their boss. If things change, they’re simply outta luck.

But most businesses fail within the first year and a big reason for that is that they’re undercapitalized. That means there’s not enough money in the bank to cover the expenses of being self-employed.

In next week’s Going Solo Mondays I talk a bit about how to plan for success and provide a great resource for that. This week, what I will suggest is putting all your resources together and reviewing them. You know what these are – all those books you purchased at the Mobile Beat book store during the Conference. All those great notes you took and never referred back to them.

Yes, I know I just busted you. Don’t think I’m much different, to be honest.

Compile any other resources you might have from within the DJ community. And then go out and find resources from similar businesses. Buy some friendly photographers lunch, or maybe visit with a videographer or two. Spend some time talking to others who work for themselves as solo ops, but I might not suggest talking to other DJs. Talk to the people who can refer you and who will give you honest information.

I’m not sure what the other DJs in your market are like, but if you take them to lunch and ask how the market is, their response might be affected by the knowledge that someone else is going to be working harder for the business in the area.

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