Is Bigger Actually Better? – By John Stiernberg

DIVERSIFYING AND SCALING FOR GROWTH

So you want to grow your business and revenue. Outside of raising your fees (which may be difficult in a competitive and budget-conscious market), there are two primary paths to bringing in more cash: 1) diversification and 2) scaling.

Diversification focuses on adding capabilities and products so you can offer more and charge more to your clients. Scaling points to more total gigs per year using your current rig and team. Do you need to diversify? How do you scale larger without getting overextended? Is there a hybrid scenario that combines the two? This article addresses these issues and recommends three action tips for success.

WHY DIVERSIFY?

Mobile entertainment used to be pretty simple. The pioneering DJs of the 1970s and 1980s provided sound, music programming, MC work, and (sometimes) stage lighting for shows. The range of product offerings has expanded a lot. The menu now includes audio and video recording, karaoke, gaming, and “soft” services like meeting and event planning. Sure these are marketable, but why do them?

The obvious reasons are 1) revenue growth and 2) competitive positioning. The additional revenue is a result of being more important to each client and providing “one-stop shopping.” That way the client does not have to engage separate contractors for each of the various elements of the show or event. Sounds simple, right? Maybe on the surface, but there is more to it than that.

In order to diversify, you need to 1) own additional equipment, 2) promote the additional products, and 3) be good at all of it. (It’s tough to build a company that provides excellent service to begin with.) There are three upsides beyond the potential increase in revenue:

The ability to re-market to existing clients. You can go back to your “regulars” and offer new capabilities. They know you already, and are likely to be receptive (no guarantees though).

Dealing with competitors. You can count on the fact that your competitors are thinking about diversification too. Offensively, you can beat them to the punch. Defensively, you need to anticipate their moves.

Efficiency behind the scenes. While there are increased costs, the planned revenue and marketing benefits can potentially make you more profitable overall. Example: Promoting new capabilities on a website or Facebook page does not cost more after the initial setup is done.

WHY SCALE?

The reason to scale up is also revenue growth. Doing more show dates leads to increased revenue and market presence vs. competitors. Booking more gigs with your current setup (i.e. stage rig, performance team, and business team) assumes 1) that the gigs are available and 2) that you have the tools and people to do the work.

There are risks involved here too. What if you book two gigs on the same date and you only own one sound and lighting system? Do you rent, buy, subcontract, or turn down one of the gigs? Not such an easy question to answer. As such, the “when to scale” part of the equation is just as important as the “why” part.

HOW TO DIVERSIFY AND SCALE ON YOUR OWN TERMS

Do I buy more gear? Do I hire and train more people? How do I promote the new company position vs. competitors? Whoa, slow down! Here are three suggestions for how to approach diversification and scaling in a systematic way that addresses the risk factors before you spend money or other resources.

Action Tip 1: Quantify the market potential. Whether you operate in a major metropolitan market, college town, or semi-rural area, you need to know how many potential jobs are out there and what the competitors are doing. Know that no company gets 100% market share. Run the numbers and see if there is enough work to plan for growth.

Action Tip 2: Re-assess your capabilities. What are you known for now? If your brand identity is primarily music, sound and lights, what additional service (e.g. video, karaoke, etc.) could you tiptoe into it without betting the company on it? Success tip: Talk to past and current customers who know you and get their feedback.

Action Tip 3: Update your business plan and budget. Create a preliminary budget that includes the increased revenue but also the expenses (payments on new equipment, subcontractor fees, promotional costs, etc.). Look at the resulting numbers and determine if you are comfortable taking the risk. Important success tip: Do this before buying equipment or hiring anyone.

HERE’S THE POINT…

While revenue growth is great, the path to it is risky, especially in today’s ultra-competitive market. Thoroughly think through both the advantages and risks of diversification and scaling. Be sure to implement the Action Tips in sequence: 1) quantify the market potential, 2) re-assess your current situation, and 3) run the budget numbers before making any financial, staffing, or promotional commitments.

Next time we’ll talk more about the strategic planning and decision-making process. In the meantime, best wishes for success in mobile entertainment in 2012!

John Stiernberg is founder of Stiernberg Consulting (www.stiernberg.com). His book Succeeding In Music:  Business Chops for Performers and Songwriters is published by Hal Leonard Books. Contact John via e-mail at john@stiernberg.com. You can find John on LinkedIn, Plaxo, and Facebook and follow him on Twitter.

8 Ways to Improve Your Web Presence – By Jim Weisz

SIMPLE STEPS TO ONLINE SUCCESS

It’s easy to get so busy managing the day-to-day operations of your business that you neglect the tasks necessary to maintain a strong web presence. If you’ve allowed that to happen, be sure to cut this article out and put it on your desk. Then, as you complete each task, put a line through it. When you’re finished, take a day off—you deserve it!

1. BLOG, BLOG BLOG

I’ll be the first to admit that up until a couple years ago, I wasn’t on the blog bandwagon. I knew there could be some value to it, but most DJs and other small businesses I saw blogging just weren’t doing it right. One of the biggest mistakes I saw people making was not keeping it updated. It reminded me of the 1990s when everyone thought it would be great to start an email newsletter. They would do 1-2 emails and then would stop doing them. An outdated blog gives the appearance that you aren’t busy, when in reality, you might be so busy you don’t have time to update it. So, find time. Even if it’s just 15 minutes once a week, you can make time. Another pro blogger trick is to compose a few posts at once, so you’re ahead of the game.

The second biggest mistake is not taking advantage of why you’re blogging. The biggest benefit to blogging is the search engine advantages. So, blog with a purpose. Include phrases within your titles and articles that will help push your posts to the top of the search engines.

2. ENGAGE YOUR WEBSITE VISITORS

Static websites are so 2000s. Web 2.0 is here and people expect more out of a website these days. So, embed tools on your website to encourage interaction from prospective clients. If you already use a service that offers tools for your website, make sure you have them in use in various places on your website. They provide a call to action right where you need it, and can lead to more bookings.

3. USE FACEBOOK FOR YOUR BUSINESS

Whether you have a personal account on Facebook or not, you really need to have a Facebook page for your business. I’ll often look at a businesses’ Facebook page after looking at their website to get a better feel for the company; and with over 850 million members on Facebook, I’m sure I’m not the only person who does that. So, don’t miss out on added exposure for your business—especially since it’s free!

If you already have a page, then update it on a regular basis. Add pictures from recent events. Post links to your blog posts. Encourage your clients to tag pictures of their friends and family in the pictures you post. Feel free to send out an email inviting people to like your page, but don’t be annoying about it by repeatedly sending out invites.

4. UPDATE PICTURES

I have a pretty nice SLR camera, and while I take decent pictures of my kids, the pictures I take at weddings usually turn out awful. To be honest, I don’t mind because I’d rather focus on my job as the master of ceremonies and DJ and let the photographer take pictures. So how do I get pictures for my website? I make friends with the photographers and follow up with them for pictures. Sometimes it can take a few emails asking for pictures. But, if you keep your emails short, are courteous, patient, offer to give credit, and link back to them, you’ll probably find most are willing to share pictures. It really is a win-win situation, since it gives them added exposure and makes your overall web presence more visually appealing.

5. UPDATE COPY

A prospective bride who went to your website more than likely won’t visit a year or two later (hopefully!). So, why update your website copy? More than likely your style and business philosophy has evolved in that time. You probably offer services now that you didn’t offer a year or two ago. You also may have discontinued some less popular services. If your website copy is always up to date, then a prospective client can get a current, accurate picture of what you offer. Seems like a no-brainer, but again, being busy usually is the excuse for not doing it.

6. SOLICIT REVIEWS

Chances are pretty good that someone interested in booking you will look for reviews about your company. Since there are so many places to get reviews, pick one place to focus on and work on getting a lot of reviews at that website. Then tell your prospective clients they can find reviews about your company on there. You should also link to your reviews from your website.

7. ANALYZE WEBSITE STATISTICS

In a perfect world, you would check your website statistics once every couple months, or at least once a quarter. But, it’s something that’s easy to forget to do. So, if you use a service like Google Analytics that offers reports, log in to your account and set it up to automatically email you a report once a month. Then, every month, take a few minutes to analyze the report. Where is your traffic coming from? Are there keywords you need to target more? Is there somewhere you’re advertising that’s not driving traffic to your site? Site stats offer valuable information about your website and how to improve it.

8. ADD TO YOUR ONLINE VIDEOS

According to ComScore’s February 2012 online video report, there were approximately 38 billion videos viewed in the month, with 16.7 billion watched on Google sites (including YouTube). In recent years, YouTube was the #2 search engine, overall. It’s worth the time and effort to create videos and feature them in a YouTube channel and other video hosting sites to draw even more traffic to your website.

Jim Weisz has been a DJ since 1999, primarily serving the wedding and school markets. Originally from Chicago, he relocated his thriving DJ business to Dallas in 2003. He used his company’s web presence to effectively to re-establish his client base within a just a few months. Jim is a seminar speaker and also writes for MobileBeat.com on web issues. He can be reached at jim@discoverydjs.com.

More than the Sum of Your Parts – By Michael Edwards

YOU, YOUR GEAR OR BOTH—A TRUE TRIPLE THREAT

You’ve worked hard to put together a great DJ system, an amazing music collection, an organized, computer-based, state-of-the-art office and you finally have a solid reputation as a reliable, professional DJ. But you still won’t get every job that comes your way, and some weeks are worse than others, as far as incoming revenue goes. You need to think “ahead of the curve” to generate some additional sources of income for those times when gigs are few and far between. There are plenty of opportunities for a smart DJ entrepreneur to earn extra money in a variety of DJ-related ways that don’t necessarily involve spinning music or packing a dance floor. Let’s consider a few.

“PROJECTING” YOUR VOICE

If we take away all their DJ gear, fog, laser lights and music, every DJ still possesses two priceless commodities that are uniquely their own: a voice and a personality.
Why not prepare a demo CD of sample “voice-over” commercials that you can use to showcase your MC talent? Breaking into the radio and TV advertising market as an unseen announcer is a natural transition for any DJ with years of experience behind a microphone, paired with years of experience at “selling” the client. You also already know how to work an audience to get them to dance and participate at live events—why not adapt that skill into a second career as a “voice-over” artist who can convince listeners to run out and buy whatever products you are paid to promote?

Perhaps you also have a knack at imitating celebrity voices or cartoon characters. This opens yet another door for voice-related income. You already have the ability to create and lay down a musical background track, so an impressive demo should not be a problem for you to produce. The rest depends on your level of creativity and how well you are able to market your new “character” vocal services.

If you’ve got an amazing speaking voice but selling is not your strong suit, you might be able to expand on your vocal abilities by teaching a public speaking course at a local adult education center. Once you’re involved in continuing education, it’s an easy progression to teaching classes on starting a small business, database creation or any other area where you’ve developed some expertise and have something to pass on to others.

GEARING UP FOR GREATER INCOME

An obvious way to put your PA to work for you on an off night is to lease it as a “sound system rental.” You can price it lower if they pick it up, increase the fee to include yourself as the “delivery and pick-up” person, or charge top dollar as the delivery/operator/technician for the entire event. Sort of like a DJ without music. Just make sure you have an iron-clad rental agreement and insurance that protects your investment, and be sure to collect positive forms of ID from all renters.

If you’re going to rent out your PA anyway, why not offer to add your skilled MC services to the PA rental at trade show promotions and demonstrations? Wearing your best headset microphone, I’ll bet that you can vacuum dirt from a demo carpet or operate a veggie cutter just as well as anyone else, but with more flair and personality pulled from your years behind the DJ table. There are tons of conventions, trade shows and fairs where sellers will need not only a PA system at their booth, but also someone reliable and professional to market their product, it’s a limited-time gig, but you might be able to lock in with a company to do it every year. Not so easy to find, but a perfect match for you…so name your price.

Malls often need a PA and technician for a celebrity or sports personality meet & greet, or during a multi-week seasonal promotion (Easter Bunny, Santa Claus, etc). Radio stations are always looking for “street teams” at sporting events and product promotions. They’ll arm you with prizes like t-shirts and free tickets and you simply have to plug the product or event and promote the station while playing the format they dictate.

There are a lot of situations out there where a smart DJ with a few connections can earn great extra income without even playing a note of music…. You just have to find them and make yourself the best person for the job! Just a few more ways of staying “Ahead of the Curve”!

Michael Edwards is the owner of AllStar Entertainment & UpLighting, located in Andover, MA. A member of the ADJA and the Mobile Beat Advisory Board, he can be contacted at 978-470-4700 or emailed at info@getadj.com. His company websites include: www.GetaDJ.com and www.GetUplights.com.

Electro-Voice PA makes Lynyrd Skynyrd BBQ & Beer a sweet home for music lovers

Electro-Voice PA makes Lynyrd Skynyrd BBQ & Beer a sweet home for music lovers

April 17th, 2012

With the enduring popularity of its heyday hits, Lynyrd Skynyrd the band has acquired a no-compromise caché that creates a ready customer base for Lynyrd Skynyrd the brand. So when DriveThis! Entertainment developed its new Lynyrd Skynyrd BBQ & Beer themed restaurant and nightclub for Las Vegas’s Excalibur Hotel & Casino, owners Craig Gilbert and Michael Frey had to be careful not to dilute the experience with anything less than full-on, hard-rockin’ sound. To ensure that the music, both live and prerecorded, is presented in its full glory, DriveThis! turned to Las Vegas sound, lighting, and video design integrator FBP Systems Inc. FBP chose Electro-Voice loudspeakers and processors to handle the job.

“This is a multi-purpose room that hosts live bands, DJs, and Karaoke,” says Matthew Paupst, senior design engineer at FBP. “We needed a system that would be able to cover anything that might potentially be up on stage. The main considerations were reliability, performance, and cost.” Given the criteria, Electro-Voice was a natural choice.

“Electro-Voice has always been known in the industry for its cost-effective, superior sound quality,” Paupst says. “And they offer a big range of different solutions, so the EV loudspeaker product line was able to cover all of our requirements in terms of both performance and cost. From the main PA to the on-stage monitors to the smaller-format boxes used for delay, EV had products to fit our needs. So, with the help of Quantum Sales and Technology in Anaheim, we were able to provide the quality and price point required to make this job a huge success.”

While the room has a polished concrete floor, Paupst says that reflections were a “non-issue” due to the full barn-board wooden interior. “The architect also used acoustic paneling that was inserted into and painted to match the barn board for added treatments. This meant that we could go big with the PA without having to worry about a large amount of reflection.”

DJ power with EV warmth

The PA system is built around four Electro-Voice Xi-1153A/64F 15-inch three-way full-range loudspeakers, with four Xsub dual 18-inch subwoofers handling the low end. “We used the 1153s as the main PA, two left and two right,” Paupst says. “They are similar in characteristics to the single 15-inch top boxes that provide the right response for DJ playback systems, but they still have the warm sound of a traditional EV box for the live events.”

The main PA is supplemented with a distributed system of 20 Electro-Voice ZX1i-100 composite indoor/outdoor eight-inch two-way loudspeakers. “The ZX1i provides a warm sound, large coverage pattern, and the SPL output required for the delay system,” Paupst says. “They are lightweight, and they have a simplified bracketing system that makes them easy to install.”

The versatility of the ZX1i is underscored by the variety of uses FBP found for it in the install. “We use them for the main PA delay in the outcoves of the venue,” Paupst says. “We also use them for the patio system, which provides sound reinforcement for hotel guests that might be going by, to attract them to the event going on inside. And there are an additional six in the American Burger Works quick service burger restaurant located adjacent to the venue, which is also owned and operated by DriveThis! Entertainment.”

Additional components of the PA system include six TX1122FM 12-inch two-way full-range loudspeakers used as stage monitors and two ELX112P 12-inch two-way full-range loudspeakers used as DJ monitors. The system is processed and controlled by an Electro-Voice Dx46 IRIS-Net sound system processor. “The Dx46 is a standalone DSP that allows us to take advantage of the FIR filters provided by Electro-Voice to obtain peak performance and protection for the Xi-1153As,” Paupst says. “It’s very easy to control, and the provided FIR-Drive lets you tune the room opposed to just tuning the speaker.”

Summing up the Electro-Voice system, Paupst says “I’ll never forget the first time that I fired up the system with the owners standing there, and the facial expressions they each had. You can tell that the system sounds good when the customer starts requesting songs just to hear them the way they’re supposed to sound. The room has a very warm yet powerful feel to it. Whether the system is being used for background music during the restaurant operations, or for a DJ, or for live sound, the clarity and intelligibility stands out. And the available headroom allows any touring engineer to take the place from restaurant to rock-and-roll venue with no hesitation.”

Back to School: American DJ’s ADJ University Is Now Enrolling for the Level 2 Online Educational Video Series

Back to School

American DJ’s ADJ University Is Now Enrolling for the

Level 2 Online Educational Video Series

LOS ANGELES, February 15, 2012 (For Immediate Release) – Although DJ equipment is more complicated than it used to be, there’s no reason for aspiring DJs and entertainers to feel intimidated or wonder how they will learn to run the equipment – class is back in session at ADJ University, American DJ’s entertaining way for DJs to get the skills they need. Enrollment is now open for the Level 2 Online Educational video series that provides a fun and easy way for beginning DJs to learn the basics of how to use DJ lighting and audio equipment in the comfort of their own home, on their own time. It also offers tips and techniques for starting an enjoyable and prosperous career in the entertainment industry.

Consisting of eight all-new online, in-depth but user-friendly video courses, ADJ University is taught by successful, respected DJs who have extensive knowledge of the equipment and techniques, including Brian Redd, Arnoldo Offerman and DJ Etronik. These entertaining courses, which cover a wide range of topics including school dances, mixing, client meetings and transporting gear, provide beginning DJs with the knowledge and skills they need to become successful entertainers, and they also offer a great resource for experienced DJs and entertainers who want to refresh and update their skills and knowledge.

Although the courses are provided by American DJ, the skills acquired through the ADJ University courses are not brand specific and are applicable to any DJ gear manufacturer’s equipment. “We don’t just sell products at American DJ; we help build careers,” said Brian Dowdle, Marketing Director for American DJ and the Dean of ADJ University. “These fun and entertaining video seminars are not designed to sell products nor are they product demonstrations, instead they offer both new and seasoned DJs the opportunity to learn new skills and get up-to-date on the latest technologies in DJ equipment. Everyone is welcome to enroll, whether or not they are ADJ customers.”

Enrolling at ADJ University is fast and easy – interested DJs just need to visit www.adjuniversity.com, and click “Log In or Join Now.” Members of ADJ’s Advantage Rewards Program will simply use their ADJ Advantage log-in information, and the sign-up process is quick and straightforward for those who are not yet members. Once enrolled, students can watch the eight videos at their own pace, then take the quizzes at the end of each video. Students that successfully complete all Level 2 courses will become ADJ University Alumni members and receive a Diploma, 100 ADJ Advantage Points, a free ADJ University Alumni T-shirt and a 4 GB Flash drive.

The first four of the eight Level 2 courses are available now on the ADJ University web site, and the remainder are coming soon. The course topics are:

Course 9: School Dances, hosted by Arnoldo Offerman

Course 10: Mixing 101, hosted by DJ Etronik

Course 11: DJ Survival Kit, hosted by Brian Redd

Course 12: Client Meetings, hosted by Brian Redd

Course 13: Transporting Your Gear, hosted by Brian Redd

Course 14: Music Programming for Mobile DJs, hosted by Brian Redd

Course 15: Building Your Business with Truss, hosted by Brian Redd

Course 16: Rotating the Dance Floor, hosted by Brian Redd

 

For more information or to enroll, click http://www.adjnewswave.com/blasts/ADJ/adj-u-level2-blast2.html or visit www.adjuniversity.com.

Chauvet mix and tell series with Top DJs

Mix and Tell: New CHAUVET® DJ Series Spotlights Top DJs

SUNRISE, Fla. – CHAUVET®DJ http://www.chauvetlighting.com/dj-club.html announces the release of Mix and Tell [link: http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2EA510893F4D2322&feature=plcp] — a new series bringing top DJs to the CHAUVET® DJ YouTube channel [link: http://www.youtube.com/user/chauvetlighting?feature=mhee].

Mix and Tell goes behind-the scene for one-on-one interviews with some of the biggest DJs in the world and transports CHAUVET® DJ YouTube subscribers into their magnificent life and career.

Current Mix and Tell interviews feature Kaskade, named America’s No. 1 DJ by DJ Times and Pioneer DJ; Chris Cox [ DJ and Grammy-nominated record producer with over 50 No.1 Billboard hits; DJ Rap voted No. 1 female DJ in the world by Shejay and owner and operator of Propa Talent and Impropa Talent; and Static Revenger,internationally acclaimed music producer, DJ, and video director. Next on the star-studded line up: exclusive one-on-one interviews with Steve Aoki, BT, Morgan Page and Dave Audé. Visit www.chauvetdj.com for more details.

American Audio Introduces VMS4.1 Digital Work Station – Next-Generation Of Ultimate DJ Performance Tool!

American Audio Introduces VMS4.1 Digital Work Station

Next-Generation Of Ultimate DJ Performance Tool!

Upgraded Version Of Breakthrough MIDI Controller Comes Bundled With TRAKTOR or Virtual DJ LE Software, New D-Core Audio Engine Provides Studio Quality Sound

LOS ANGELES — (For Immediate Release) — American Audio’s highly versatile VMS4 MIDI controller and analog mixer has been a smashing success — lauded as “the ultimate DJ work station” — since its auspicious debut in the summer of 2010. Now comes the widely anticipated VMS4.1, a next-generation version that offers better audio quality and faster processing while retaining all the great DJ performance-enhancing features of the original. Bundle that with your choice of TRAKTOR American Audio VMS4 Edition or Virtual DJ LE software, and the VSM4.1 becomes a complete professional DJ control system and an incredible value.

At the heart of the new VMS4.1 is American Audio’s exclusive studio-quality DSP D-Core Audio Engine, which allows the unit to run more smoothly and process audio faster than ever before. This unique feature raises the performance capabilities of the VMS4.1 to exciting new levels of showmanship and professionalism. Another new feature is a built-in 4 In/4 Out Sound Card.

The VMS4.1 also gives users more creative options and added value by offering two software-bundled editions: one with Virtual DJ LE and another with TRAKTOR American Audio VMS4 Edition. Whichever version you choose, the versatile VMS4.1 accommodates both platforms 100 percent, and it’s also compatible with numerous other popular software brands that DJs prefer. The new Traktor-ready edition not only comes bundled with highly desirable software — it has its own unique faceplate and special button placement to provide fast, easy access to all of Traktor’s powerful effects and features. The Virtual DJ LE bundle is a great way for traditional DJs and software-newcomers to get digitally up-and-running right out of the box.

Featuring completely new internal hardware, the VMS4.1 also offers improved audio quality with significantly upgraded mic sound and four times more output capacity. It has a stronger face mounting than its predecessor and brighter LEDs on all of the control knobs and buttons. The VMS4.1’s advanced cell-phone interface shielding makes the unit even more reliable, guaranteeing interference-free operation in any environment.

“The original VMS4 truly broke new ground in digital work stations,” said Tom Freret, National Sales Manager for American Audio. “We learned a lot of lessons by blazing a new path, and we applied those lessons to the development of the VMS4.1. DJs everywhere will be blown away by all of the improved features and performance-boosting versatility of this amazing next-generation product. Plus you have the new Traktor-ready option, and I think we’ve really hit a homerun with the VMS4.1.”

Of course, all of the innovative features that the original VMS4 brought to the mix have been incorporated into the new, upgraded unit. The VMS4.1 offers 4 selectable dual-purpose MIDILOG™ (MIDI + analog) channels that are compatible with any MIDI software as well as traditional audio inputs. That means it can be used with a computer (Mac or PC) for digital DJ-ing or as a regular mixer with turntables and CD players.

The user-friendly interface of the VMS4.1 features 2 jog wheels, a built-in mousepad that allows DJs to make all of their selections right from the top of the unit (instead of their laptop), and 2 microphone channels with gain/treble/mid/bass EQs. Each of the mixer’s four channels is fortified with gain, treble, mid and bass controls. The mixer itself offers the option of being used with an Innofader replacement crossfader (sold separately), which is typically found only on high-end professional DJ gear.

Among the VMS4.1’s other MIDI features are 50 LED illuminated buttons (including 18 with dual blue/red LEDs), 34 assignable rotary controllers, 5 assignable linear fader controllers, 4 assignable rotary encoders, long-life MIDI-assignable touch strips, two 10-bit resolution pitch sliders, 62 assignable MIDI buttons and switches, and dual MIDI controls on all buttons and switches.

The VMS4.1 delivers some sweet-sounding audio options, as well. Those include its built-in Sound Card, 24-bit 48 kHz of analog audio, 16-bit 44.1 kHz USB audio, 10-bit resolution on all analog fader controls and selectable USB modes — 4-in/4-out mode for running software effects on phono/line analog channels, or 2-in/8-out mode for running 4 software channels and master recording.

“When it comes to DJ audio gear, we no longer live in a one-size-fits-all world,” Freret said. “Mobile entertainers work with a variety of different media, performing with a computer or conventional audio gear, often switching between the two. The VMS4.1 gives them the flexibility they need to perform however they choose. It combines all the features of a 4-chanel professional club mixer, 2 touch-sensitive table-top decks, a MIDI controller and the top DJ software into one compact unit with a durable steel chassis. Plus it offers the versatility of 2 analog inputs to connect 2 CD decks or 2 turntables, so DJs can play from these sources as well as a laptop.”Compact and portable, the VMS4.1 measures 19″ by 12.75″ by 1.5″ (482 x 325 x 40mm) and weighs just 13 lbs. (6kg). DJs can personalize the look of their unit, thanks to the availability of customized skins, which can be ordered via the website www.styleflip.com.

Despite its new, improved features, the price of the VMS4.1 Digital Work Station (bundled with Virtual DJ LE software) remains the same as its predecessor, just $699.95 MSRP. The MSRP of the new VMS4.1 TRAKTOR model (bundled with TRAKTOR American Audio VMS4 Edition) is $899.95

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

Line 6 Ships StageSource L3t, the World’s Most Versatile High-powered Loudspeaker

Line 6 Ships StageSource L3t, the World’s Most Versatile High-powered Loudspeaker for Musicians

- Now available, StageSource L3t combines multi-function design with Smart Speaker modes, integrated mixer and digital networking for the widest variety of live sound applications -

CALABASAS, Calif. – April 10, 2012 – Line 6, Inc. proudly announces the availability of StageSource™ L3t. StageSource loudspeaker systems are built on a powerful new technology platform that enables a single enclosure to provide best-of-class performance in multiple live sound functions.

StageSource L3t is the most flexible loudspeaker available for musicians. Using six innovative Smart Speaker modes, the L3t optimizes its output for a variety of performance scenarios: front-of-house PA, floor monitor, personal PA, keyboard and acoustic guitar backline or with Line 6 POD® multi-effect processors as a high-performance electric guitar speaker system. Smart Speaker modes can be set manually or automatically via built-in orientation sensors that detect whether the speaker has been pole-mounted or rotated and tilted for use as a monitor.

A compact, full-range three-way speaker system, the StageSource L3t tri-amped design delivers 1,400 watts of balanced, clean and articulate audio through dual 10-inch woofers and a horn-loaded, one-inch exit compression driver that combine to deliver a powerful 132 dB maximum SPL. A precision-engineered 100×50-degree constant-directivity waveguide delivers consistent coverage throughout its entire frequency range and optimal dispersion throughout the audience area, wide enough for solo use yet controlled enough for arrayed pairs. The narrow vertical pattern ensures minimal energy is reflected off the ceilings and floors.

“Our new powered speakers were designed to meet the performance needs of all musicians and sound great in every scenario, from solo performances in a coffee shop through to full-on rock shows,” says Simon Jones, vice president of new market development at Line 6. “StageSource L3t goes way beyond the capabilities of a standard powered loudspeaker, offering advanced DSP, smart design and true scalability with L6 LINK™ digital networking.”

For the solo performer or duo, StageSource L3t is a simple, powerful and compact integrated live sound solution. Used as a standalone PA system, performers can benefit from a feature set designed to cover all their needs, including a built-in mixer with two mic/instrument inputs, full three-band EQ with sweepable mid, Smart Effects (modulation and reverb), Line 6 acoustic guitar modeling, which improves the output signal of an acoustic guitar outfitted with piezo pickups, and 12-band feedback suppression technology.

For larger bands, live sound events or houses of worship, StageSource L3t can be configured into full front-of-house and monitor systems. Connected via L6 LINK, the proprietary Line 6 networking protocol, StageSource L3t speakers automatically detect each other and adjust their settings accordingly. Used in a system with StageSource L3s subwoofers, crossovers and levels are automatically set for best performance.

When connected via L6 LINK, StageSource speakers and the StageScape M20d digital mixer are capable of unparalleled power and flexibility. Together they redefine the typical mixer-speaker paradigm to introduce a smarter live sound experience in which the live rig is a complete, intelligent ecosystem rather than merely a linear combination of components.

StageSource L3t features heavy-duty plywood construction, durable fitments, a steel grille with a protective screen backing, four M10 suspension points, and a pull-back for install scenarios.

“Line 6 recognized that it’s a challenge for the performing musician to choose the perfect high-performance loudspeaker system. Over the course of their career, a musician may play many styles of music, using multiple instruments and play many different sized venues,” Jones said. “The scalability, integrated feature set and sound quality of StageSource loudspeaker systems meet that challenge, delivering a high-performance speaker for every musician’s entire career.”

StageSource L3t is now shipping and widely available. Learn more at http://line6.com/l3t

Bluezone Corporation releases “Drum and Bass DJ Tools”

Bluezone Corporation returns with a new set of cutting edge Drum and Bass DJ Tools for producers looking for carefully selected drum sounds and dynamic beats ready to set fire to the club floor. Available in WAV, AIFF and REX2 formats, Drum and Bass DJ Tools represents the current sound of Drum & Bass.

With pro sliced and flexible loops and samples, Drum and Bass DJ Tools is a standard for most DNB and Dubstep producers. Added to your mix, this downloadable sample pack provides heavy bass drums, designed claps, outstanding snares and hihats, you will have a strong basis to program your own patterns easily and quickly. Offering exciting beats ( recorded at 160 bpm), these 97 twisted audio samples provide 146 MB of high-performance DJ Tools, as for instance full and mixed drum loops, individual loops, percussive sliced beats and explosive drum samples in 24 bit quality. This sound collection can be loaded in Cubase, FL Studio, Reason, Ableton, Logic as well as many hardware samplers. All samples are cleared for personal and commercial use, and are supplied in a range of formats to suit the needs of your project.

This new sample pack is great with a wide range of styles such as Breaks, Dubstep, music for video games, TV series, Soundtrack, Hardstyle, Experimental and more.

Drum and Bass DJ Tools Contents:

• Drum Loops

• Drum One-Shots

Technical Specifications:

• 166 MB Data / 262 Files

• Formats : WAV / AIFF / REX2

• Recorded at 160 bpm

• Instant Download

• Requires Winzip or similar utility to unpack

• Suitable for use in all major sequencers

• Royalty-Free with no extra cost

• Ready to use in commercial production

http://www.bluezone-corporation.com/catalogue/details/97/6/products/drum-and-bass-dj-tools.html

Drum and Bass DJ Tools video link: http://youtu.be/nEtsA3LKJVk

 

Intimidator™ Barrel LED 300 Rolls into the Family

Intimidator™ Barrel LED 300 Rolls into the Family

SUNRISE, Fla. – CHAUVET®, a leading manufacturer of LED lighting, announces the newest addition to the Intimidator™ family of scanners and moving yokes: Intimidator™ Barrel LED 300 [link: http://www.chauvetlighting.com/intimidator-barrel-led-300.html] . This feature-packed barrel-style scanner joins the Intimidator™- http://www.chauvetlighting.com/intimidator.html family with impressive, saturated effects and a sleek, lightweight housing.

Powered by a flicker-free 60-watt LED, Intimidator™ Barrel LED 300 is a bright, compact scanner that fills dance floors with effects and adds energy to any event. This fixture is perfect for bar and club installations, on-camera events, mobile performers and many other applications in need of crisp, high-speed effects. A three-sided prism multiplies the beam as the spinning mirror barrel projects the effect covering larger areas. To increase design flexibility, the scanner includes seven (five metal and two glass) interchangeable, rotating gobos and eight split colors on independent wheels. Additional features include built-in movement macros and move-in black capability, electronic dimming and strobe, slot-n-lock gobos and a motorized focus while individual reset of pan and tilt, color, gobo and focus allow for a continuous show.

Intimidator™ Barrel LED 300 allows you to build custom light shows using either basic eight-channel or advanced 11-channel DMX mode. For simple plug-and-play operation, built-in automated programs generate synchronized shows in master/slave mode while sound-activated programs dance to the beat of the music. This fixture works in master/slave mode with Intimidator™ Scan LED 300 – http://www.chauvetlighting.com/intimidator.html for increased effects and power linking saves time running cables and extension cords.

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