Gemini’s CDMP-7000: Groundbreaking All-In-One Workstation for Modern DJs

Gemini’s CDMP-7000: Groundbreaking All-In-One Workstation for Modern DJs

Anaheim, CA – January 19, 2012 Gemini, an esteemed manufacturer of DJ and Pro Audio equipment, is pleased to exhibit the CDMP-7000, a revolutionary professional DJ workstation that packs playback versatility and comprehensive features into one powerful, portable solution. Bringing an exciting level of innovation to this year’s NAMM show, attendees can check out Gemini’s CDMP-7000 at Booth 5700.

Gemini’s most inclusive standalone DJ workstation features two CDJ decks with outstanding song-shaping tools and full-color touchscreens, so users can navigate tracks, adjust tempos and set effect values with the same controls found on smart phones and tablets. The unit also boasts a 3-channel central mixer section with 3-band EQ and gain control, plus a variety of inputs and outputs.

For total flexibility, the CDMP-7000 employs two slot-in CD drives compatible with Audio CDs, CD-Rs and MP3 CDs, while one-per-side USB inputs and SD slots support direct playback from flash drives and SD cards. Two high-resolution touch-sensitive jog wheels with VFD displays also give users exceptional command over their tracks, while MIDI capabilities ensure the unit can be used as a software controller.

“No other professional DJ workstation delivers so many features and so much innovation,” says Alan Cabasso, President of Gemini. “Full-color touchscreens, DSP effects, high-quality jog wheels, ultra-precise pitch control, a pro-grade mixer and compatibility with all types of media – this is a groundbreaking standalone unit that’s as portable as it is versatile.”

Since 1974, Gemini has designed products that offer value and innovation in the DJ and Pro Audio markets. Today, their portfolio continues to develop in scope and diversity, providing gear for DJs, musicians, engineers, professional installers and general music enthusiasts around the globe. From CDJ media players and digital controllers, to high-quality mixers, monitors and loudspeakers, Gemini has built a legacy with passion for innovation and devotion to their customers.

DJ Tech Enters 4-Deck Controller Market with 4Mix

With the increasing shift to 4-deck functionality in MIDI controllers, the 4Mix seeks to provide the basic functions at an affordable price.

The 4Mix features a full 4-channel mixer section complete with large, direct access to EQs and filters for each channel. Switching between decks A/B or C/D is easy as pressing the dedicated deck select buttons on the device.

The large, illuminated rubber pads provide quick and responsive tactile feedback for cue point juggling or engaging loops. Finally, the 4Mix provides direct access to FX selection and parameters via illuminated buttons and large knobs. With direct access to these features, remixing on the fly has never been easier.

The 4Mix comes bundled with the popular Virtual DJ LE digital DJ software, but is also mappable and compatible with other popular digital DJ programs. Take a step into the 4-deck world of digital DJing with the DJ Tech 4Mix!

DJ Tech is a leading provider of DJ equipment and technology. At DJ Tech, we love sound and believe that it is important to cater to the specific requirements of today’s increasingly evolving DJ. From beginner to advanced, analog or full digital, DJ Tech innovates and develops products for all types of DJs.

Vestax Announces VCI-400 DJ MIDI Controller

 

Tokyo, Japan – October 1st 2011 – Vestax Corporation introduces the VCI- 400, a professional 4-channel DJ MIDI controller with versatile control

functions and premium sound quality. The VCI-400 will make its debut at BPM 2011@NEC in Birmingham, UK, Hall 20, Booth# B27, Oct 1st – Oct 3rd.

 

The VCI-400 is the hardware solution for DJs who have been seeking an instrument that perfectly adapts to their style of performance. Shifting focus from integrity with bundled DJ software to any DJ software has made the VCI- 400 the most versatile and intuitive DJ controller in its league. Along with itʼs excellent potential for customizing control assignments, the VCI-400 and its ergonomic 4-channel lay out provides perfect control for standard DJ software operation such as cueing, pitch control, looping, FX control, track browsing/loading, triggering samples and scratching.

 

The symmetrical intuitive control surface consists of iconic Vestax features such as the high-resolution JOG wheels with torque & sensitivity control. The option to adjust each parameter enables DJs to tailor the functionality of the JOG wheels to the most suitable for their style. The large aluminum Filter knobs are also a distinctive Vestax feature that has been inherited from previous Vestax quality hardware. The highly responsive multi-mode transport section triggers layers of controls instantly, which is perfect for finger drummers and controllerists. All buttons are backlit with high-intensity LEDs, and along with the built-in LED Meter input faders, the VCI-400 provides excellent visual support for DJs in any environment.

 

The integrated audio interface uses a studio-grade asynchronous USB streaming system, to provide low-latency, bit-perfect audio at 24-bit / 48 kHz resolution. This newly designed audio system combines a dual-core digital processor with carefully selected analogue components, to deliver clear and powerful sound.

 

The VCI-400 is bundled with Serato DJ Intro and Virutal DJ LE 4 Decks for immediate DJ experience out of the box. A blank overlay for DJs who seek to customize MIDI assigns and create their own layout is also included. MIDI maps for a variety of software including TRAKTOR PRO 2, MixVibes, TORQ 2, Deckadance and more will be available from vestax.com.

 

Professional quality controller available to djay 4 users.

Professional quality controller available to djay 4 users.

Pioneer DDJ-ERGO-V to support djay 4 for Mac by Algoriddim

18^th January 2012: The Pioneer DDJ-ERGO-V controller now benefits from native plug & play support built into Algoriddim’s djay software. This collaboration provides instant pairing of Pioneer’s high quality sound and intuitive operability to the popular and ever sophisticated djay 4 for Mac OSX Lion.

“We were blown away by the new version of djay and felt it was a perfect fit for the DDJ-ERGO-V,” said Jason Pook, Product Development Manager for Pioneer Europe. “djay packs powerful and innovative features such as Harmonic Match™, enhanced audio FX, and a visual key match wheel.”

Since its introduction in September 2011, the DDJ-ERGO-V controller has been lauded for its sharp design and portable dimensions. Like djay 4 for Mac, the DDJ-ERGO-V places the same emphasis on the DJing experience – bringing simplicity to both set-up and performance without compromising on features or sound quality. The native integration of the DDJ-ERGO-V with djay enables direct access to all key features via dedicated controls, mirroring djay’s graphical user interface. Ensuring a seamless and easy user experience, the unique DDJ-ERGO-V Pulse Control gives a visual representation of pitch, beat and decks in use.

“We are thrilled to pair djay with a controller as sophisticated and fun to use as Pioneer’s DDJ-ERGO-V,” said Karim Morsy, CEO of Algoriddim. “We have always believed in making djay a tool for all levels of DJs. Supporting the DDJ-ERGO-V allows professionals and enthusiasts alike to enjoy this elegant and simple combination of hardware plus software.”

djay 4 has a stunning and efficient visual interface that pros and beginners alike can appreciate for its ease of use while delivering forward-thinking features. Harmonic Match™ is a perfect example of djay’s seamless integration with the Mac platform and features the iTunes browsing interface built in. djay automatically registers the key of each playing song and matches it to songs of the same key in the iTunes library. For users of djay for iPad or iPhone, djay automatically syncs cue points and other metadata created while using djay over-the-air via Apple’s iCloud service to be readily available when performing live.

DDJ-ERGO-V controller is available at a suggested retail price of 499 Euros including VAT.

djay for Mac with DDJ-ERGO-V compatibility, is available today on the Mac App Store for $19.99: http://www.Algoriddim.com/store/djay-mac

DDJ-ERGO-V firmware must be updated to the latest version before using with djay for Mac.

Download the latest firmware for free: http://pioneer.jp/support/download/dj-e/ddj-ergo-v

djay for Mac instructions and quick start are available at www.pioneerdj.com/support

 

EDJ Workshop: Rackmount vs. Laptop – By Richard McCoy

Electronic DJing (EDJ) has evolved into an integral part of the modern DJ performance. The technology is developing at the speed of light; new hardware with advance capabilities is being introduced by all the major manufacturers on a regular basis. Software companies are constantly updating their products to keep pace with the new hardware. Almost all new EDJ products now have a computer interface to increased functionality. My 45 years as a disc jockey and electronics engineer have taught me much about our industry and its technology. I hope to share this knowledge with you.

Take USB 2.0 as an example of change. It has become the standard EDJ hardware to computer interface. However the limitations of USB 2.0 have been reached, and a new USB 3.0 is available for use. Faster and with higher power ability, USB 3.0 is just one example of the continually advancing computer industry. There is also a SATA600 for faster disk access. Are you going to be ready for the new technology?
Portability at What Price?

The majority of EDJ’s use a Laptop for all their entertainment and control applications. Laptops are small, very portable and self-contained. Just plug-and-play. Unfortunately, laptops have an inherent problem limiting their flexibility when it’s time to advance the technology. It is very difficult to “upgrade” a laptop and many come with a lot of bundled software that can interfere with EDJ functions and operation.

Common upgrades are adding more memory or the installation of externally USB devices. All this puts additional stress on the power supply by increasing the thermal properties of the unit. Laptop cooling pads are now becoming a required piece of equipment to maintain operation. Most low to medium-priced laptop have a slower, 500GB hard drives and “shared” video memory for limited external screen resolution. Laptop CPUs are designed for minimum power usage and not performance. Just remember that loading on more functions, memory, video, HD speed and USB devices requires more power. Power also produces more heat. In addition, different audio, video and karaoke formats require various amounts of computing power to translate and convert.

NOT LOCKED IN A TOWER

There is no question that the portability, along with ease of use and set up are the main reasons why most EDJ’s prefer a laptop computer, seeing the only alternative being a typical tower-style home PC, which would never make it on the road.

But wait, there is a more powerful alternative! Rackmount computers can be configured and modified to adapt to any performance requirement, while maintaining an upgrade path as technology develops. I’ve been using a 2U rackmount computer for six years. Each year I may “rebuild” the entire system to keep current. I can changes motherboards, CPU, memory, video card, disk storage and other functions as newer and better components become available. I keep the case and change the components.

This level of workmanship does require more than basic computer knowledge, but it’s not beyond the capability of many EDJs. I currently have 4TB of removable RAID* One disk storage, two 1-GB video cards, DVD burner/player, wi-fi, 12 GB of RAM (64 Bit OS), 500W power supply, illuminated wireless keyboard/mouse, USB 3.0, fans and a shock mount chassis. All of this is prewired in a single case that also includes a mixer, CD/DVD/CD+G player (backup), Hercules RMX controller, two wireless microphones, power conditioner and monitor holder. I can reconfigure my system any time I wish. And the best part is that no one can pick it up and walk away with it!

Here are some typical laptop and rackmount configurations and their cost.  [ Ed. Note: See the January 2012 issue of MB for the full comparison chart. ]

The rackmount system is custom-built and designed for maximum performance, but it can be configured at a reduced cost by using more economical components. A less expensive version may cost about $600 to build (no keyboard or monitor). The main advantage of a rack system is the ability to change and upgrade as technology advances. The case itself can be used again while the boards and card are replaced.
comparison

Using Virtual DJ (Ver. 7.0.5b) software as a test bed in Four Player mode, for the Rackmount High Performance system, I discovered that there is no noticeable performance impact decoding any audio, video or karaoke formats, or while loading VERY large video files from disk. On the other hand, the Performance Laptop did show signs of slow video and MP3 loading but continued to output quality audio and video signals. The Low Cost Laptop did not perform well in the Four Player Mode and was limited in the two player mode. There was “stoppage” in the video output due to the slow disk and CPU speed, but none with the audio. Large files will always cause slower loading time.

IN CONCLUSION

If you are a serious EDJ who insists on providing your clients with the best performance and reliability for Music, video and karaoke, then a rackmount system is the way to go. The higher capabilities of a top-quality system will only enhance your show. You will be able to add games, graphics, PowerPoint, internet music/video search, audio/video recordings, cameras and DMX lighting controls, not to mention a full-size keyboard and monitor to your system without impacting your show. And I’ll mention it again: This system is NOT something that a person can pick up and walk away with.

If a rackmount system is beyond your budget or personal capabilities, make sure to purchase a high-end laptop that will serve you for a long time. A good one should work well for 3-4 years before advancements make it “outdated.”I STRONGLY RECOMMEDND that all EDJs stay away from the low cost laptops just to save a dollar. It is not worth the problems.

There is a lot more that can be said about EDJing and the systems we use. In future articles, I will be addressing many issues confronting computer music users and how to make systems run better and easier.

* RAID = “redundant array of independent disks”
With his company A Sound Spectrum, Richard McCoy has been providing pro DJ services to the California Bay Area since 1966. He has served as a national officer of the ADJA, was a founder and officer of the ADJA’s Northern California chapter, and is the founder and past president of the Bay Area Mobile Music Association (BAMMA). Rich is also a member and major contributor to the Institute of Electrical & Electronics Engineers (IEEE).

BBE Maximizes Your Ipod!

BBE SOUND LAUNCHES THE WORLD’S FIRST HD-QUALITY MUSIC PLAYER APP FEATURING PATENTED SONIC MAXIMIZER® TECHNOLOGY.

SONICMAX™ PRO restores the warmth, clarity and definition that musicians and audio professionals have been craving from their iPhones and iPads.

Huntington Beach, CA, November 22, 2012 — BBE Sound, Inc., a leading developer of advanced soun

d technologies today announced their first app release for the iOS—SonicMax™ Pro, an extension of their critically acclaimed Sonic Maximizer® professional audio gear. Designed to be a musician’s preferred music player, SonicMax Pro delivers a superior HD-quality audio experience from any earbuds, headphones, dock or speaker.

“We’ve taken our detailed, impactful concert sound technology that musicians have come to rely on and engineered it to fit in the palm of the hand.” Explains David McLaren, Executive Vice President, “With SonicMax Pro, BBE isn’t going to change how people listen to music. We’re going to change their expectations of how great music can sound—with the simple tap of a button.”

The mobile phone has become the most common way to listen to music, yet it is the least sophisticated in terms of music quality. BBE’s Sonic Maximizer technology has been adapted to rack systems, stomp boxes and studio recording software. The iPhone was the next logical step.

“For 25 years, BBE has been helping musicians sound their best in the studio and on stage. With SonicMax Pro, we can make their music sound its best on-the-go, too.”

SonicMax Pro includes several features from BBE’s HD-audio technology suite: Lo Contour, BBE Process, iSet, Sound Field Expansion, and Mach3Bass. The app comes preprogrammed with audio presets optimized for today’s most common listening devices — earbuds, headphones, docks, and external speakers. These presets can be fine-tuned by the listener to suit his/her personal taste. SonicMax Pro also provides three additional presets for users to customize.

The app is perfect for musicians who care about their craft and want to share their finely tuned mixes with their fans. Because every note and instrument is clear and defined, SonicMax Pro also makes learning songs by ear easier, too. SonicMax Pro is the only music player app capable of delivering that level of nuance and subtlety.

Pricing and Availability

SonicMax Pro is available at the iPhone App Store for $4.99. For additional information and to receive a copy of the app to review, please contact David McLaren, dmclaren@bbesound.com

About BBE Sound, Inc.

BBE Sound, Inc. develops advances audio enhancement technologies for the professional audio and consumer electronics markets. Music and sound experts depend on BBE Sound’s advanced hardware products and High Definition audio technology to ensure that their full creative and musical expression reaches the ears of their audiences. The BBE brand is synonymous with the finest in sonic accuracy. Headquartered in California, BBE Sound has offices around the world. BBE Sound can be contacted at 714-897-6766 or visit www.BBEsound.com

Digital 1 Audio: PCDJ DEX and PCDJ RED Mobile: Setting The Record Straight

Digital 1 Audio: PCDJ DEX and PCDJ RED Mobile: Setting The Record Straight

Digital 1 Audio, Inc (http://www.pcdj.com) is setting the record straight. “The report of my death has been greatly exaggerated!” Mark Twain. Just like in the novel “Tom Sawyer”, other companies are trying to say we paint their fence. The “exaggeration” refers to our PCDJ DEX and PCDJ Red Mobile offerings; well suffice to say our PCDJ DEX and PCDJ Red Mobile titles are in constant development and are performing well.

“Our task is to continually introduce new and improved features requested by our users, while maintaining our user-friendly GUI” Says Ryan Sherr, PCDJ Sales & Marketing Director.

Just to be perfectly clear, and to clear up any possible confusion in the marketplace, PCDJ did not sell any of its titles including PCDJ DEX and PCDJ Red Mobile to any competitor, domestic or Foreign.

This past year PCDJ reached out to its founder for R&D guidance. This is the same man that brought the market the very first DJ software, the PCDJ Digital 1200SL over 11 years ago. PCDJ DEX 2 and RED Mobile 2 were partly built under his guidance and direction, providing PCDJ a new re-designed product more closely aligned with its original purpose “An advanced yet simple to use entertainment control center” for Music, Video and Karaoke: A Mobile DJ’s software. “Our task is to continually introduce new and improved features requested by our users, while maintaining our user-friendly GUI” Says Ryan Sherr, PCDJ Sales & Marketing Director.

“Over the years we’ve allowed our products to become a bit daunting, with too many settings and steps while focusing on features that were simply not all that useful in a live mixing environment.” Sherr continues “What attracted users to PCDJ in the first place over a decade ago was simplicity, and quality features they could trust. DJ’s wanted an easier way than traditional DJ hardware, and we provided that. We’ve made it our goal with the version 2 upgrades for PCDJ RED Mobile and PCDJ DEX, and our PCDJ Karaoki software, to simplify things once again – all while focusing on the features that really matter to the working DJ. We’ve never had an easier to use DJ software product with core features that rival comparable products on the market today.”

Download a free trial of either one of these new and completely redesigned versions of our PCDJ software and see for yourself what the “buzz” is all about, go to http://www.pcdj.com

For marketing or dealer inquiries, Contact:

Digital 1 Audio

611 S. Ft. Harrison Ave., #317

Clearwater, FL 33756

Ryan Sherr

727-799-3828 ext 105

Since 1999, Digital 1 Audio/PCDJ has been recognized as a leading developer and manufacturer of DJ, VJ and Karaoke live performance software. More than 80,000 professional DJs around the world now perform with their computer using one of company’s entertainment products. Unauthorized use of the PCDJ names and brands is subject to appropriate legal action.

Dj Bytes Computer DJ Conference by TriceraSoft and Cheryl Q Productions

Ontario, Canada — TriceraSoft and Cheryl Q Productions is partnering together to bring back the long awaited DJ Computer Show, this inaugural kick off will be debuted as the ‘DJ BYTES’ Summer Computer DJ Conference. The focus of the show will be to educate DJ’s, KJ’s, and VJ’s on repairs, problem solving, and recommendations for Entertainment Computer Systems (known as DJ Computers). Attendees will benefit from face to face exhibits with the manufacturers and educators and be treated to seminars that teach “how to’s”. If you are looking to go digital or already using a DJ Computer, you can’t miss this event!

The DJ BYTES conference will be help on June 11 to 14, 2012 at the B Ocean Fort Lauderdale hotel and resort. Visit www.djbytes.com for show room rates and for contact details. Regsitration for the show is available online and via phone. Call TriceraSoft at (905) 846-8460, contact us by email: gai@tricerasoft.com, or visit the website www.djbytes.com for more contact details and information. Early Bird pricing is provided for attendees who purchase full seminar passes before February 1st, 2012.

About TriceraSoft:

TriceraSoft brings the first All-In-One solutions for Video, Karaoke, Audio Mixing, and Lighting Control beginning as early as 1998. TriceraSoft has branched into the mobile market, automation, and revitalization of the digital entertainment industry. Further, is educating the public on utilizing the computer as a tool for entertainment. TriceraSoft will always be dedicated to releasing quality products that push the envelope of audio visual technology and bring these solutions to the hands of interested users everywhere.

Cheryl Q productions is an award winning entertainment service catering to the Ft. Lauderdale, Homestead, West Palm Beach, Miami, Florida Keys, Key Largo, Key West, Fla Keys and all South Florida areas. Cheryl Q productions is owned and run by Cheryl Quinlan, Certified Professional Disc Jockey.

Tricerasoft Returns To MBLV!

Ontario, Canada — TriceraSoft is returning to Mobilebeat with a bang! Find TriceraSoft at demo room Capri 116 serving FREE Seminars with a repeating seminar twice per hour, starting top of the hour. Each seminar will be 15 minutes focusing on an aspect of the digital karaoke industry with a “how to” instructional break down. Meet us for Q/A between seminars. If you are looking into the digital karaoke world, don’t miss these seminars!

The seminars topics will outline as follows:

Wednesday:

1pm – How to start your digital karaoke business

2pm – How to efficiently run a digital karaoke show (the crash course)

3pm – How to print your song books

4pm – How to update your digital karaoke content

5pm – How to convert CD+G Discs

Thursday:

1pm – How to support extraneous video formats (karaoke and videos)

2pm – How to finish with a bang (karaoke style)!

About TriceraSoft:

TriceraSoft brings the first All-In-One solutions for Video, Karaoke, Audio Mixing, and Lighting Control beginning as early as 1998. TriceraSoft has branched into the mobile market, automation, and revitalization of the digital entertainment industry. Further, is educating the public on utilizing the computer as a tool for entertainment. TriceraSoft will always be dedicated to releasing quality products that push the envelope of audio visual technology and bring these solutions to the hands of interested users everywhere.

Emulator Wins Innovative DJ Product of the Year!

Emulator Wins Innovative DJ Product of the Year!

October 3, 2011

For Immediate Release

Every year, DJ’s from all across Europe flock to the small city of Birmingham smack dab in the middle of the United Kingdom for the BPM Show held at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC). DJ legends, Grandmaster Flash and Pete Tong were on hand to impart their wisdom and skills upon the youth of the DJ world in the Gatecrasher Arena. One of the highlights of the show had to be the judging of the prestigious DJ Mag Tech Awards.

Companies competing for the highest tech honours included Numark, Pioneer, Serato, Stanton, Vestax and of course Toronto, Canada based, SmithsonMartin Inc. SmithsonMartin’s first product Emulator was up against some fierce competition with the Stanton SCS.4 and the Pioneer DJM-T1, but no one could deny that the most innovative product of the year was the first of a kind, “Star Trek Like” multi-touch DJ system, Emulator.

Alan Smithson receiving the award from DJ Mag Tech Editor, Mick Wilson

“We are so proud to be recognized by our peers as the most innovative product of 2011. Companies that win Tech Awards typically go on to do great things and we are so excited about the future of touch screen DJ’ing.” said SmithsonMartin CEO, Alan Smithson “I am thrilled to announce that we will be releasing the Modular version of Emulator where users can fully customize their touch screen DJ experience for any midi software”.

Introduced to the public in March 2011, Emulator has made waves being seen on some of the largest music programs around the world including the German Chart Show, several music videos and the Romanian Music Awards. “I´m definitely overwhelmed by the EMULATOR! People now can see what I´m doing, and it´s incredibly fast, all the buttons I need for my set are on one screen straight under my hands – I am addicted.” said Jay Frog, producer formerly of Scooter

“Emulator is the only product in the history of DJ’ing that unites the DJ with the crowd visually. The union of music, visuals and the work of the DJ become one unlike anything else that has ever existed before.” Said Emulator creator, Pablo Martin “We have been working around the clock to deliver the most accurate, flexible midi controller ever made.”

Emulator Modular is scheduled for release as a beta in late October with release to the public mid-November. Modular is a 100% customizable multi-touch experience for any midi software titles.

About SmithsonMartin Inc.

Toronto, Canada based SmithsonMartin Inc. is a software developer focussed on making multi-touch applications for music production, DJ’ing and other industry applications. The flagship product, Emulator has been used by DJ’s such as two time Grammy nominee, Morgan Page, Marc Romboy, Jay Frog and more. Emulator was recently featured as the DJ setup at the Romanian Music Awards. SmithsonMartin CEO Alan Smithson and CTO Pablo Martin are the principals of the company.

www.smithsonmartin.com/

About DJ Mag Tech Awards

The annual DJ Mag Tech Awards allow DJ equipment manufacturers to enter new gear for different categories; Innovative New Product, Ultimate Media Player over $600, Single Multi media Player with CD, Ultimate Club DJ Mixer, DJ Software, DJ Controller over $600, DJ Controller under $600, Compact Computer DJ Interface, Audiovisual Product, Dual Multi-media player, Dedicated Itch Controller, Best Smartphone/Tablet Music App, DJ Mixer under $600, Digital Vinyl System (DVS), DJ Soundcard, Studio Sequencer Software, Best Production Equipment, Studio Monitors, Headphones. Judging will be based on Build, Sound Quality, Features, Ease of Use and Value for Money.

www.djmag.com/techawards

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