Ask Alfred Get Smart! Incorporate Intelligent Lighting Into Your Show

Ask Alfred
Get Smart! Incorporate Intelligent  Lighting Into Your Show… Even If You Aren’t Crazy About DMX

Don’t like working with DMX, but want something more than stand alone fixtures? Take heart! Alfred Gonzales, National Sales Manager of American DJ, says that with the right tools you can incorporate intelligent lighting into your show to WOW! crowds and enhance the value of your service.

You obviously feel it’s important for DJs to incorporate intelligent lighting into their shows – why is that?

“From a creative standpoint, intelligent lighting allows you to do so much more and it makes designing a lightshow much more fun. So, for that reason alone, why would you want to be without intelligent lighting? From a business standpoint, intelligent lighting really ups your value as an entertainer. The movement, the patterns, the chasing that you create with intelligent lighting conveys an image that you’re a serious entertainer. This results in more gigs and better paying gigs.”

Why don’t all DJs embrace intelligent lighting instantly then?

“They do embrace it across the board, but some DJs who are early in the learning curve may still be uncomfortable with intelligent lighting and DMX. These DJs should know that there are tools that they can use to incorporate intelligent lighting into their show without necessarily getting very involved technically.”

Do you have any examples?

“Yes – the American DJ Comscan LED system; it’s a very easy intelligent lighting system. It can be run via DMX, but it can also be run very easily by a remote UC3 controller. And, it’s ready to run right out of the box.”

Can you describe the system – what’s in it?

“The system comes with two intelligent Comscan scanners and a handheld universal UC3 controller. The scanners have very bright 10 watt LEDs so they make a very intense and visually exciting statement. The lights also have a built in gobo and color changer that can produce eight color gobo combinations plus white. The lights also have a wide, sweeping X-Y mirror movement, a 13° beam angle, and they can pan up to 166° and tilt up to 54°. Adding to the excitement are a variety of eye-popping built-in lighting programs, a Gobo Shake effect, a Strobe effect and 0-100% dimming capabilities.”

What makes the Comscan system user friendly for DJs who want to get into intelligent lighting?

“The cool thing for these DJs is that you don’t need to use the Comscan with DMX 512 protocol software. You can, but it works fine when you operate it in Sound Active and Master-Slave modes. You can have it create some great effects using the onboard control panels on the backs of the units and you can link up to seven slave units to one master unit.”

Any examples of the cool things you can do?

“When four units are linked together Master-Slave, the system features a Pan/Tilt Inversion Mode, in which the first and third scanners will sync together in the opposite direction of the second and fourth scanner. This creates a very deep and visually interested effect on a dance floor, in a club or any room – and that will be a positive reflection on you as a DJ.”

American DJ Takes Legal Action Against Five Firms (Including Wal-Mart) For Trademark Infringement

American DJ Takes Legal Action Against Five Firms For Trademark Infringement

and Other Violations Regarding American Audio

LOS ANGELES – (For Immediate Release) – American DJ, a leading supplier of lighting, audio and trussing products, has filed suit in the United States District Court Central District of California against five companies, including Wal-Mart Stores and DBL Distributing, a division of Ingram Micro, for violating the Lanham Act, which covers federal trademark law, and the California Business and Professions Code.

The suit alleges that the five companies used the “American Audio” trademark in advertising and promoting audio products that were not made by or affiliated with either American DJ or its American Audio brand.  According to American DJ, the five firms “intentionally, continuously and wrongfully advertised, distributed and/or sold audio equipment… using the American Audio® mark since 2009.”

In addition to Wal-Mart Stores and DBL Distributing, the companies that are the subject of American DJ’s legal action are V2GO Technology, American Audio Laboratory, and Laser Karaoke (also known as Karaoke Jukebox and Karaoke Warehouse).

American DJ brought the suit against the five companies after they failed to comply with a request made in January, 2010 to stop using the American Audio trademark.

“Our client has worked very hard and invested a great deal of expertise and creative energy into building the American Audio brand,” said Kenneth L. Sherman, of Myers Andras, Sherman LLP, counsel for American DJ. “We intend to protect our client’s positive image with consumers by vigorously challenging not only those who make products that infringe on American DJ’s brands, but on the distributors who handle these products and the retailers who sell them. They are all wrongfully trading on American DJ’s goodwill. This is why Wal-Mart Stores and DBL Distributing are included in this suit. American DJ wants to send a clear message to distributors and retailers that if you sell products bearing American DJ’s trademarks, those products must come from the American DJ Group of Companies.”

In addition to seeking a “monetary reward in the amount of the defendants’ profits due to their unjust enrichment” as a result of the trademark infringement, American DJ is asking the court to award it statutory damages, monetary rewards to cover attorney fees and other compensation.

American DJ is also requesting that the court restrain the five companies from using the American Audio trademark and compel them to destroy all products, labels, literature and advertising bearing the American Audio trademark.

For more information Contact American DJ:

U.S. Office – Tel: 800-322-6337/+1-323-582-2650 • Web: www.americandj.com • E-mail: info@americandj.com

Movin’ On Up, But Still Under the Hood – American DJ Promotes One of Their Most Popular Family Members

Movin’ On Up, But Still Under the Hood

American DJ Promotes One of Their Most Popular Family Members

LOS ANGELES — American DJ’s Chuck Green will soon be trading in his “Sales Representative” title for his all-new and strangely similar job title of “International Sales Representative for Asia and Canada”. The company is thrilled to promote its esteemed family member to his new prestigious position within the company. His sales calls may require longer plane rides and the occasional language translation literature, but it is sure to open up a whole new world that will reap many rewarding experiences for both Chuck and American DJ.

Chuck is ecstatic with his new job title, saying , “I’m extremely excited and optimistic about my new position. I am looking forward to becoming part of our stellar international team here at American DJ.” The American DJ brand is already widely known and respected around the world, but implementing Chuck’s vast expertise will bring even more technical and sales support to his new territories. The day-to-day responsibilities that come with his new title will not vary too much from his current routine; he knows to now expect the occasional currency conversion and he will definitely see an increase in the quantity of goods being shipped.

Fans of Chuck Green’s wildly popular web series, “Under the Hood”, need not fear; he will still be appearing in the highly entertaining and enlightening webisodes that draw in tens of thousands of viewers. Chuck relishes the opportunity to draw from the new experiences he will encounter while traveling outside of the country, so he knows that seeing how ADJ products are used outside of the US could bring some fresh ideas to upcoming episodes of “Under the Hood”.

Scott Davies, General Manager of the American DJ Group of Companies, is delighted to announce the promotion. Says Davies, “We are very excited to promote Chuck Green to his well-deserved new position within the company; his passion for music and his understanding of our vast family of products really embodies what American DJ is all about.”

As far as celebration, Chuck Green jokes, “I thought I would celebrate by combining my territories’ specialties, but none of my friends were into having sushi covered in maple syrup.” Instead, we’ll settle for a pint and this toast, “Here’s to being the newest ADJ International Man of Mystery…and moving heads.”

For more information, contact American DJ at 1-800-322-6337 or visit the website at

http://www.americandj.com/

Dueling DJs Make Lighting Their Weapon of Choice

DUELING DJs MAKE LIGHTING THEIR WEAPON OF CHOICE

DENVER, CO – CHAUVET®, a leading manufacturer of professional lighting, announced the use of 30 CHAUVET® fixtures at a recent Heineken event in Denver’s Mile High Station, a corporate and social event center. Dueling DJs were hired as part of the festivities for the evening.

Dueling DJs, from Starkey Productions/Pro Entertainment [link: http://www.starprousa.com/], is a new line of high-end event DJ shows. Not only are DJs spinning tunes, they choreograph routines, making the lights an essential part of the show to match the individual DJ’s moves, music and mood.

CHAUVET®’s extensive line of club/DJ fixtures helped shape the look of the event. Eclipse™ [link: http://www.chauvetlighting.com/eclipse.html] added an exciting red and green laser star field to a deep blue, high power LED aura effect. Three Abyss™ [link: http://www.chauvetlighting.com/abyss-led.html] LED fixtures offered soothing, rippling water effects. Four Q-Spot™ 260 LED [link: http://www.chauvetlighting.com/q-spot-260-led.html] and four MiN™ Spot [link: http://www.chauvetlighting.com/min-spot.html] moving yokes provided mid-air and projected effects. Plus, six COLORstrip™ [link: http://www.chauvetlighting.com/colorstrip.html] and twelve COLORado™ 1 Tour [link: http://www.chauvetlighting.com/colorado1-tour.html] wash lights threw tons of color and light throughout the event.

“Overall, the fixtures worked well,” said Beacon Hill Production’s David Bentley, who is particularly fond of the COLORado™ 1 Tour because it is “extremely flexible and easy to program.”

All 30 fixtures were linked via a required Xpress™ 512 PLUS [link: http://www.chauvetlighting.com/xpress-512-plus.html] interface to ShowXpress™ [link: http://www.chauvetlighting.com/showxpress-program.html], a software program that turns almost any computer into a DMX-512 lighting console and allows the user to create, store and play back scenes.

“Without the help of all the CHAUVET® lights and ShowXpress™,” said Kocel, “Dueling DJs would not be as effective.”

CHAUVET® Dealer, Paul Kocel, of Soul Fuel Music [link: http://www.soulfuelmusic.org/home.htm], worked as the production manager for the publicity video [link: http://www.beaconhillproductions.com/duelingdjs/files/page14-1000-pop.html]. Bentley produced and designed the lighting for the video.

Gear list:

1 x Eclipse™

3 x Abyss™ LED

4 x Q-Spot™ 260 LED

4 x MiN™ Spot

6 x COLORstrip™

12 x COLORado™ 1 Tour

Xpress™ 512 PLUS

ShowXpress™

Ask Alfred: Back To The Future

Ask Alfred

Back To The Future

A forward-looking guy, Alfred Gonzales has played a key role in keeping ADJ and our customers on the cutting edge of lighting technology. Still, Alfred knows from personal experience as a DJ that there are gigs to be had (and more money to be made) by expanding your lighting repertoire to include some retro effects. Giving a nod to the past, doesn’t mean sacrificing cutting edge technology either, according to American DJ’s National Sales Manager. Thanks to a new generation of ADJ products, you can have the best of the past, present and future in one awesome light show.

Why do you think it’s a good idea for DJs include some retro looks in their lighting arsenal?

“There are several good reasons; for one thing, it expands the creative scope of what you can do as an entertainer. There’s something nice too about really being able to transition your light show with the different music you play.”

Can you elaborate on that last point?

“Sure, you go to most weddings or events today and the DJ will play a mix of music; something from the psychedelic sixties, the disco seventies, the New Wave eighties, Indie 90s and so forth. It adds to the performance when you can adjust your light show to coordinate with the different lights from the period. Doing this makes for a better show; plus I think that in the long run, it results in more gigs.”

How does it lead to more gigs?

“There are always people who are having themed parties and events. Then there are all the class reunions; when the class of 1978 has reunion, it wants a disco themed party. The DJ that can deliver this in the most convincing way is the one who gets the gig. Personally, I think that DJs who promote the fact that they can create moods for different eras will expand their own businesses.

Ok, so we see why it makes sense to add some retro elements to your overall creative tool chest. It that’s the case, how do we get started? What’s the most important thing to keep in mind about creating a retro look?

“A common misconception that I would like to address is that creating a retro look means using old equipment – it doesn’t. You want to evoke some retro images, but you want to do it with state of the art gear that meets the expectations that audiences have for lighting today.”

Any examples?

“There are many examples. A couple that come to mind are the Fantasy 250 and the Fantasy Scan. These are two high-powered 250 watt discharge projectors that produce multi-colored 3D patterns that you can spin forward and backward. You can use these lights very effectively to create a psychedelic Sixties effect, but they’re DMX controllable lights with features that you wouldn’t find in older lighting. Then there’s our H20 LED, a 10 watt LED effect that simulates water flowing to create a Sixties look, but it’s a thoroughly modern LED effect.”

Moving ahead a decade to the 70s, the mirror ball evokes strong images of that decade. Have mirror balls changed over the years?

“Absolutely – The American DJ MB DMX II provides a perfect example of this change. This is a heavy duty mirror ball motor with two DMX channels, one to adjust the speed and direction of the mirror ball, and the other to turn pinspots on and off. This is a DMX 512 controllable product, and it has 3-prong Edison sockets to power pinspots. You can daisy chain up to four of this units together in Master/Slave control to create an impressive visual effect. So you can see, this is not your father’s mirror ball type product.”

There are also LED fixtures that can be used to simulate a mirror ball effect right?

“Correct – Our Sunray LED produces 34 bright color beams that can look similar to a mirror ball. We also have the Sunray Tri LED DMX and the Starball LED DMX, which produces bright white beams in a mirror ball pattern. The way you use this lights can be very contemporary, but you can also use them to evoke a retro image. Of course, this versatility enhances the value that the fixture brings to your table.”

Any other advice on creating a retro mood?

“Yes don’t overlook the importance of themed gobos or messages written in light to enhance your retro mood. For example, if you have the American DJ LED Messenger Moonflower, you can project some evocative words and phrases from the era on walls. If you were doing a Sixties themed party, your audience would probably say this idea was absolutely ‘groovy!’”

DJ Ladies in Vegas and Beyond

WOMEN AT MBLVX TALK ABOUT THE INDUSTRY GATHERING AND SHARE THEIR VIEWS OF THE FEMALE DJ EXPERIENCE

By DJ DAYna

I think all who were there can agree that the latest Mobile Beat Convention in Las Vegas (Feb. 2010) was another great success this year! Looking back at the show one important trend stands out: Of all the attendees this year, there was clearly an increase in the female population, the majority of them mobile DJ business owners and mobile entertainers. In fact, show statistics indicate that the number of female attendees DOUBLED from the previous year. I chatted with some of the ladies to hear their thoughts, opinions, and feedback about the show.

OVERALL FEEDBACK

Some of the woman I talked to had been going to MBLV for years, and for others it was their first time. So, I was curious what they thought of the convention in general.

Monica Hamblin, who works for In The Mix Events based in Ventura, California, benefits from the seminars: “I always try to take something new from every seminar and meeting. Even if I heard it last year, it reiterates what I’ve learned. There’s new technology, there’s new tips, and in talking to the person next to you, as well as meeting other DJs face to face has pulled out a lot of good information year after year.” Tamara Sims, Co-Owner/Director of Sales for Something 2 Dance 2, serving Chicagoland, also enjoys the seminars: “If you take away one little nugget from each seminar you attend, then it’s all worth it. I also think it’s very valuable when you have small groups that get together and exchange knowledge, because every market is so different and it’s very interesting to learn the different ins and outs of weddings from Hawaii to Idaho and anywhere in between.”

Melissa Kramer of Kramer Entertainment is a DJ/MC and also runs the company’s sales office. She enjoys the people she meets. “It gets better every year! We go on the fitness walks in the morning and have made some great friends.” It was the third time attending for Darci Vegas of VIP Party Productions in South Florida, and she says, “I get inspired every time I come. I go home afterwards and I’m like ‘Yeah!’ I’m ready to go.”

“I’ve been to Atlantic City so many times, and I wanted to try this,” says first-time Mobile Beat attendee Shani Barnett, an MC/dancer/choreographer for Mobile Music in Chicago. “I’m glad I came here and will definitely be back next year!”

Jodi Harris, the “CEO of Fun,” who owns and operates Sight & Sound Events in Vegas, has been going to MBLV for many years. “It gets better every year,” says the veteran entertainer. “The seminars are more intense, interactive, and give more information.”

Charlene Mortillo, a long-time entertainer from Popular Party DJ’s based in New Jersey (see her profile in the March 2010 issue of MB) was convinced to try Mobile Beat this year after attending the Atlantic City show for years. She thinks it is a great experience and was pleased with the East Coast representation she saw.

Jean Steinmetz has been running her own digital karaoke and DJ service, C&C Entertainment, in Cincinnati, Ohio for 15 years. This was her second time at MBLV. “I like coming here because I like to set the standard in the industry when I go back home. I always want to stay ahead of everybody, so I’m always looking for the next new thing.”

PERSONAL SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

Here are some of the ladies’ most memorable moments from this year’s show.

For Darci, owner of VIP Party Productions in South Florida, “Networking has been the best. One guy came up to me and thanked me for giving him an idea last year. That made my day!”

“I think some of the best networking happens in the hallways or in the coffee shops,” says Tamara. “My husband and I ran into Andy Ebon (a seminar presenter) at the coffee shop and ended talking to him for an hour…it was fantastic to share knowledge with him and get his perspective on things.”

Shani and Charlene both agree that one of the highlights for them was the “Big Daddy” McKee and Gerry Siracusa seminar on re-igniting passion for performing and building a business.

Jodi says, “I liked the Soul Train performance. And Andy Ebon had some great examples and information in his seminar.”

“I got a picture with Coolio and danced with Sugarhill Gang!” raves Melissa about some fun moments for her. She also enjoyed the seminar with wedding marketing expert Andy Ebon. “Andy Ebon is one of our favorites. His talk this year was amazing! We take away so many nuggets from him.”

FROM A FEMALE PERSPECTIVE: THEN AND NOW

I was curious about the overall female perspective of what it’s like being the minority at the show. And for those who have been long-time attendees, I wondered what changes they have observed over the years.

Bonnie Hope, who owns and operates Music by Bonnie in Santa Barbara has been DJing and attending Mobile Beat since 1982, so she has seen a lot of changes. In the past, she remembers, “I felt I was crashing a fraternity party, and it was intimidating, offensive, and uncomfortable. I’m a friendly person and make friends easily, but I felt if I didn’t come dressed scantily then I was ignored.” She adds, “I’d come back with a lot of hesitation and I know that I’d always learn something, but its gotten a lot better over the years and this year feels way better than it did 10 yrs ago. It feels friendlier to woman business owners/DJs.”

“I’ve always been accepted as a female,” says Monica, now on her sixth convention. “I do like meeting with the other females and getting their perspective on things. And not to mention, you definitely feel protected when you go out to the clubs while you’re here, because it’s one girl and 10 guys!”

Tamara, who also has attended Mobile Beat for 6 years feels similarly: “I’ve always felt welcomed coming to Mobile Beat. From the first convention to this very day.”

Jean said she didn’t know what to expect coming to this show as a female. “I did feel intimidated last year being a female because I didn’t know what to expect, but I don’t this year. I actually feel some of the guys are intimidated by me being here!“

Since it was her first time at the convention, Shani has an interesting perspective on being a female in the “boys club.” “Most woman here think that it’s very geared towards men. But I guess being in the market for so long, I don’t see myself as a woman first, I see myself as a DJ/MC first. I see myself as a woman second. Going to the seminars and being around everybody, I’m looking at it how everyone else is looking at it. So, in my opinion, the woman just need to not look at it from their gender, but from their job.”

Jodi believes the female point of view can be an asset. “We all have unique stories as woman on how we got into the business and can learn from each other. Being a girl is an advantage! I feel like they’re all like my brothers when I come here.”

IDEAS FOR NEXT YEAR

Finally, I asked what suggestions the ladies might have to make next year better overall, or to attract more female mobile DJs and business owners. More female-specific presentations were clearly on most of their wish lists.

Shani thinks it would be beneficial to have a woman’s seminar. “I think they should have a seminar geared towards woman to talk to them about how they should sell themselves in the market and put themselves at the top level. I also think they should have a seminar on how to take your company to an interactive company level, which focuses more on incorporating lighting, dancers, video mixing etc.”

Charlene also adds that “a dance seminar talking about and teaching various dances would be neat.”

“I’d love to see more female presenters and panels,” says Bonnie. “And when the men are talking during their presentations, I’d love to hear them stop saying “you guys” every other word. I feel like they are excluding the females. It’s just a little pet peeve of mine.”

“It would nice to have a roundtable discussion with all the female DJs,” says Jean. Jodi and Charlene both agree: “A female panel would be great to have next year.”

“Women control the market in the wedding industry,” states Monica. “It’s all about what the bride wants. What if we had an all-lady panel, where the majority are married woman or have been married and get their perspective on what they were looking for when they wanted to hire everybody, not just DJs. Talk about what the woman want in the market—and have the men listen.” As Tamara puts it, “I speak Bride. I was a bride so I know what they’re going through.”

Melissa shared her thoughts on what would also be helpful to have next year. “I think women learn so differently than men. When it comes to all the audio, gadgets, and mixers, that’s where it takes me a little longer to learn all that stuff where guys pick it up easier. It would be great to have someone do a seminar for females on the basic 101 about equipment/gear.”

They all seem to agree on one thing: It’s fun to be a girl in the boys club!

I enjoyed meeting all these ladies and I thank them for taking the time to sit down with me for some girl talk. I look forward to seeing all of them next year and hope even more women will decide to attend the big show!

Crossfader Show Update!

In a few days time, we will be recording our 20th episode of The Crossfader Show. With that number looming over us, I am amazed at what we have accomplished and what the future has in store for us. The show is gaining momentum, thanks to our guests, and has attracted much attention from the DJ community. Yet, the show is still in its infancy and promises to flower into a vibrant spectacle for the DJ world to enjoy. Let’s take a look and what’s in store.

We are proud to produce shows with substance and enough character to keep viewers engaged and entertained. The next wave of shows will deliver on that promise starting off with a look at Female Disc Jockey on June 28th. We’re calling it our “ALL Girl DJ” episode with guests like Amanda Rose, Teemaree, DJ Kay Jay, Amanda Pearl and Jean Steinmetz. These ladies are actual working DJs with the looks to boot. We will go in-depth to explore the obstacles and learn their secrets to success.

The Disney name is known worldwide for family entertainment and fun. We talk with Ron Ruth on July 5th who has studied Disney’s methodology and shares some of their secrets which are ingrained into their DNA. “Disney’s Three Keys To Success and Your DJ Business” will give you the information you need to implement proven strategies to improve your business.

Traveling to Vegas, we sit down with master of online marketing and sorcerer of social media, Andy Ebon on July 12th. We shall discuss what can sabotage your web presence, online social interaction and DJ website no-no’s. This show is a must if you find that your web-site needs an overhaul.

Back in the studio on July 19th with a look at Odyssey and their product line of cases and DJ accessories. With hefty investments in your gear, it only makes sense to protect it with an established company. Then it’s a flashback to the 80’s LA Disco music scene with the Aquamen. These gentlemen will set the scene as we reveal what made this era in LA music history so memorable.

Keeping in tune with our look back in LA music history, KDAY’s DJ child Tony G will make an appearance at our studio on July 26th. An early Hip Hop radio station changed the Los Angeles and world radio scene forever with emerging DJs and artists.

And finally, August 9th marks our 25th episode. We revisit our past show topics and we’ll chat with past guests with their thoughts on their appearance on the show. As an added bonus, we’ll let our viewers chime in and chat with them LIVE on camera.

As we receive feedback from our fans and viewers, we are planning to bring some informative, entertaining and engaging content with top name guests and DJ manufacturers you know and trust. Tune in as we venture into uncharted territory with LIVE streaming every Monday at noon Pacific, 3 pm Eastern and 9 pm GMT.

Check out more info at http://www.thecrossfadershow.com/blog/2010/6/27/upcoming-shows-update.html

American Audio Launching “4 Things I Love About DJing!” Contest

For Lovers Only

American Audio Launching “4 Things I Love About DJing!” Contest,

With a Grand Prize of a Brand-New VMS4

LOS ANGELES – American DJ has always been proud to call itself a company that has been created by DJ’s for DJ’s; and the introduction of their exciting new contest is just another example of how the company continues to give back to the DJ community whenever possible. In the American Audio VMS4 “4 Things I Love About DJing!” Contest, participants are invited to submit a video entry telling American DJ what they love about being a DJ, which can include anything from why they are passionate about the DJ business, what got them interested in becoming a mobile entertainer or even their most memorable gig. The story that stands out the most will score some incredible prizes, including the grand prize of an all-new VMS4 Velocity MIDI station from American Audio.

American Audio’s VMS4 is an amazingly versatile 4-channel “MIDILOG” controller that fuses both MIDI and analog audio control into one unit. Billed as “the ultimate DJ performance tool” the VMS4 can be used with either a PC or MAC. If the computer crashes, it will kick into analog mode, where CD players or turntables may be used, or a DJ can use an external power supply. The unit can also be personalized with the option of customized skins. Along with all its high-tech features and all-around versatility, the VMS4 comes bundled with the Virtual DJ 6 LE Software, so DJs and mobile entertainers will need nothing more to get the party started right away.

Participants who are hopeful of winning the state-of-the-art American Audio VMS4 must submit their videos to DJ Brian Redd’s YouTube channel, (http://www.youtube.com/user/briansredd) as a response to the video posted that gives an overview of the contest and its exciting prize. In their video entry, contestants can include lighting, music and sound or visual props. The possibilities are limited only by their imagination! The contest, which runs until Tuesday, August 31, 2010, will have a total of four winners, who will receive gear from American Audio, plus 10 runners-up will receive a free custom VMS4 banner from American Audio. The list of winners and prizes are as follows:

Viewers Choice Winner: Will receive 1 pair American Audio HP 700 headphones + your choice of 6 different Accu Cable Products (i.e. Speaker Cables, Mic Cables, DMX Cables or Extension Cables) + 200 ADJ Advantage Points.

Brian S. Redd’s Choice Winner: Will receive: 1x Comscan LED System + 300 ADJ Advantage Points

American Audio’s Choice Winner: Will receive 1x VMS4 + 400 ADJ Advantage Points

Grand Prize Winner (drawn from a hat): Will receive 1x VMS4 + 1x VMS4 Hard Case + 500 ADJ Advantage Points

10 Runners-up: Will receive 1 custom VMS4 banner from American Audio. This will be a separate drawing. One submission per video will be randomly drawn to determine DJ banner winners.

For more information on the VMS4 please visit www.vms4dj.com.

To see the VMS4 in action, visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=seL-52mHqh0

For more information on the American Audio VMS4 “4 Things I Love About DJing!” Contest, including official rules, visit www.fucinipro.com/AmericanDJ/ADJBlast_june10/contest.htm.

Tom Talks Audio – Wants Your Input!

Tom Talks Audio

And Gives You A Chance To

Win Some Cool Prizes

This month, Tom is talking Tips, one that he wants to deliver himself, and another from a good friend and guest demo DJ at our shows, Johnny Aftershock. Tom’s message to mobile entertainers is this: don’t overlook the advantages of putting your show on an SD card!

“Sure it may take some getting used to, and working from a card may take some getting used to, but once you do the benefits are so great, you’ll wonder what took you so long. An SD player like the American Audio Dual SD Player With Mixer is a great investment in your career.

“Using an SD player gives you true mobility, which makes moving from gig to gig easier and frees your mind for things other than transporting a lot of stuff. Plus, with an SD player you won’t have to concern yourself with external hard drives, or worry about losing an expensive laptop. With our SD player there is no complicated software to learn. There’s not better way to give yourself freedom of mind and freedom of movement, so you can take your performance to new heights.”

Now, here’s a cool tip that came to us from our friend DJ Johnny Aftershock about placing speakers to bounce off walls in venues that aren’t typical when it comes to the shape of the room. DJ Johnny Aftershock recently did a wedding at a beautiful facility here in southern California, everything was lovely, but the reception wasn’t in one large hall, but in a series of rooms, and the facility placed some restrictions on where he could place his speakers. So, here’s what he did.

“I have some rocking American Audio Power Speakers and 15’ sub. They look great and produce a great sound. These speakers are workhorses and have never clipped on me at any event, and I pump them up quite a bit at my events! At this gig, JoJo, my sound guy configured things so the sub was pointed at the wall. This lengthened the throat of the horn so we got an extra 3dB of bass. This made up for a very weird schematic that we had to adhere to that day, as far as where the facility’s management wanted the DJ’s set up at. Also if you couple the bass bottoms together, you get even more dB. I’m sure a lot of you guys already know that already – but I wanted to share it.”

Got Any Ideas On Audio To Share???

Pretty much any topic is fair game for Tom’s Audio Tips. You don’t have to use brand names in your tip, even American Audio’s. In fact, we’d prefer it if you didn’t. We’re just looking for genuinely helpful audio advice that you can offer to help your fellow DJs take their performance to the next level

Your tip can be any length you want, but we’d prefer it if you kept it to under 150 words. Tom will be listing one tip at the end of his future Tom Talks Audio columns. (We reserve the right to edit tips that appear in the column.)

If your tip is used, you will receive 200 American DJ Advantage points and receive an American Audio shirt or similar item. At the end of the year, we’ll have a drawing to select one tip at random. If yours is picked, you’ll receive your choice of headphones from American Audio (available from our stock at the time you win) worth up to $150 in value (MSRP). We’ll also post your photo and name in the ADJ NewsWave — so you’ll get glory as well as prizes.

So, please share your pearls of wisdom with us and the rest of the DJ world. Entering is simple, just email your tip to us, along with your contact information to our editor Jennifer Ramirez at the following email address: Jennifer@fucinipro.com

You can enter as often as you like. There is no deadline. Tom plans to be including a tip at the end of his column as often as possible in his never ending quest to elevate the art of mobile entertainment. We’re waiting to hear from you…

Wowing Them On The Web: ADJ And Revo Rave Star On The Crossfader Show

Wowing Them

On The Web!

ADJ And Revo Rave Star On The Crossfader Show

Episode #15 of the popular web series, The Crossfader Show, featured a “Grand Tour of American DJ”, with American DJ’s Brian Dowdle and Chuck Green as featured guests, a Revo Rave live demo and even a trip to a tricked-out car wash that featured an impressive light and sound show using American DJ products. This week’s episode gave its audience an exclusive insider-only look at the company that host Jose Heredia describes as being “synonymous with lighting all over the world, and the biggest company to mobile DJ’s”.

Hosted by Jose Heredia, aka DJ Satisfaction and DJ Johnny Aftershock, The Crossfader Show is a weekly video stream that broadcasts live every Monday at 12 pm PST on ustream.tv, and features news, interviews, personalities, in-depth reviews, tools, tips and help on all things related to the DJ Industry. Similar to American DJ, the show is made to be from a DJ’s point of view as an informative look at what’s new and hot in the DJ world.

Brian Dowdle, who is the Marketing Director for American DJ, gave a brief description of the history behind the brand’s philosophy and beginnings. Brian says, “American DJ has always been a grass roots company that was created by DJ’s for DJ’s. We are so grateful to have the chance to reach out to the DJ community so we can develop products that make sense for them and what they do.” Brian and Chuck took time on the show to answer questions about popular American DJ products and their uses.

Chuck Green’s regular YouTube show, Under The Hood, explores the latest and greatest technology from American DJ with a hands-on approach. Chuck explains that he has been a sales representative for the company, as well as an audio engineer and lighting designer who enjoys picking apart electronic equipment (both literally and figuratively) and seeing what makes it tick. In this episode of The Crossfader Show, Chuck gives the audience an insider look at the Revo Rave. The group observes as DJ Aftershock opens up a brand-new Revo Rave and gives the audience a play-by-play on how simple it is to set up the lightweight power-packed Revo Rave. Like other members of the Revo family, the Rave produces brilliant, saturated LED moonflower beams in red, green, blue and white that are so rich in color, they look great with or without fog effects. Because it’s so compact and easy to use, the Revo Rave is ideal for DJs, clubs, small venues and mobile entertainers. At the very end of the show, the now-famous Revo Rave was given away as a special prize to a very lucky viewer, Mark the DJ.

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