3 Awesome Halloween Fog and Mist Effects

Decorating for Halloween has become more of time-honored tradition than most other holidays. People prep year round for a month of hauntings. Whether you're building your own haunted house or just out to impress the ghouls and goblins that roam the streets for candy on Halloween, here are some amazing effects that are sure to put your visitors in awe.

ADJ Mister Kool Low-Lying Fog Machine

Make your fog MUCH creepier with low lying fog fluid. This machine combines up to four pounds of ice, as well as low-lying fog fluid, to make a Halloween effect that's been one of our favorites for quite some time.Check out this video and see what this fog machine was designed to do.

Chauvet Geyser RGB Jr Vertical Fog Machine

Spew lit up fog from a coffin or a chimney with the Geyser RGB Jr vertical fog machine. LEDs allow you to light up your fog in a variety of colors, and the included remote control lets you control the unit from several feet away. Mount it upright, horizontally, or upside down to create fog columns that will scare even the boldest trick-or-treaters.


Chauvet Nimbus Jr. Dry Ice Machine

Dry ice runs just over about $1.25 a pound around here. And if you want to take a step up from fog and get an even thicker effect, than the Nimbus might just be what you're looking for. This is a dry ice machine that simply allows you to place dry ice into a tub of heated water. Forced pressure pushes the vapors out and the warmer temperature outside keeps the results low to the ground, replicating an effect often used in the best of Friday the 13th films. Also available is the big brother for larger areas of coverage, the Nimbus.




Want to Take Your Fog a Step Further?
A Halloween favorite of fog lovers is the Antari colored fog fluids. Available in Yellow, Green, and Red, these fog juices give your decorations a boost with mysterious color and heavier fog.

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Comparing the KRK Rokit G3 Models

KRK's Rokit monitors have long been some of the best-selling, best-priced studio speakers on the market. Currently in their 3rd generation, these bad boys have become somewhat of their own standard. This 3rd generation in particular seems to move like never before. The white KRK monitors are super sleek too, and maintain the same price point as the black.

So how does one monitor stack up from the other? While the RP5, RP6 and RP8 have several similarities, it's all about loudness, frequency response, and power that's going to make the difference in your investment.



First, let's point out some of the similarites.

• All units use a 1" soft dome tweeter
• All units have a high frequency response of 35Khz
• All units have XLR, 1/4" or RCA inputs

Now, let's take a look at where the differences lie:

With the KRK Rokit series, you're definitely getting what you pay for.

Even at the lowest point of the KRK RP5 G3, you still get some pretty good stats. While I'd love a bit more than 50 watts, you still get some decent loudness, and the tweeter tops out at 35 Khz, just like the bigger brothers.

KRK's RP6 G3 tacks on 46% more power overall, but since the 1" tweeter doesn't need more than 25 watts, that means you're getting an additional 60% of power. The slightly larger woofer, unbelievably, brings your frequency response down to a great point of 38 Hz.

What's great about the 100 watts on KRK's RP8 G3 is that the 1" dome really doesn't need more than 25 watts, so all of the extra power is driven to the woofer, giving you a boost of more than 56% to the low end. Additionally, it drives another 2dB of Max loudness, compared to the 1dB difference between the 5 and the 6, justifying the higher price no problem.

I will say that folks who purchase the RP5 get what they pay for, and they're certainly impressed. What I think I might be trying to convey is that as you step up, the investment becomes even more worth it, giving you better sound response and loudness with each level.

As always, we definitely recommend using balanced audio outputs from your audio source. If you're using RCA, we highly recommend the switch.

Choosing the Best Blacklight for Halloween

Halloween is a holiday favorite for so many. No other holiday lets our creativity of the creepy flow and give us free-range to scare and impress at the same time. While we've got lots of halloween lights for folks to choose from, we always see a larger movement of two effects...blacklights and fog machines. Today, we're going to compare some of our best-selling blacklights, and hopefully help you determine which one is best for your application.

ADJ BLACK-24BLB 24" Blacklight Fixture w/ Bulb

These are your standard, run-of-the-mill blacklight bulbs, often found in novelty stores in the mall. These 2-foot blacklight bulbs aren't very strong, and don't have an intense throw, but are the perfect solution for bedroom blacklights and other small rooms.

ADJ BLB18W Ultraviolet LED Blacklight Bulb

The BLB18W is a great solution beyond that of standard screw in blacklight bulbs. These throw 18-watts of UV LED light, and screw into standard lighting sockets. These may not fit well in recessed lighting, so be sure to check that you have enough room in your lighting sockets for them. The LED is short-lived at 10,000 hours, but well worth the price.

Now that we're past that, it's time to get into the big boys of blacklights. These lights are often used by larger venues, clubs and outdoor scenarios, simply because of their strong throw of the UV light.

ADJ ECO UV BAR PLUS IR Ultraviolet Blacklight Bar

The ECO UV Bar is a 39" LED UV blacklight bar, featuring 18 3-watt UV LEDs. This light has a killer price point, and has long been one of the best-selling blacklights in the business. Primarily popular for its 120-degree beam angle, this light will often work in rooms 20-25 feet across in both directions. If you go wider than that, you'll most likely want a second one. The included remote allows you to hand them and still be able to operate them with ease. These units are also available with DMX control.

Chauvet DJ TFX-UVLED LED Shadow Blacklight

Chauvet's TFX UV-LED blacklight is a great panel piece. While it doesn't have the wide coverage of the ECO Bar, the 20-degree beam angle, is perfect for concentrating a lot of UV power in a 15-20 foot x 15-20 foot area. The panels help to distribute the light much more evenly than others, but again, but you'll need  more if you go much wider than the mentioned coverage area.

Now let's talk some bigger rooms...

ADJ UV COB CANNON High Powered Blacklight

The UV COB Cannon is a chip-on-board UV LED, boasting a whopping 100-Watt LED engine. This light throws 35-40 across easy, and can probably go further than that in an indoor situation. The 33-degree beam angle is solid, but if your room is wider than 25 feet or so, you'll want a second unit. Hands down, this is one of the most powerful blacklight LEDs on the market, and is usually purchased by larger venues, haunted houses, and the like. Nonetheless, this light will definitely impress and bring out blacklight features with ease.

ADJ UV CANON Blacklight

For those that still love the bulb, there is the original UV Cannon, brought out before the LED version was introduced. This powerful 400-watt blacklight bulb trumps most blacklight bulbs, and has the same great coverage of the UV version. Be sure to place this in an environment where heat won't be an issue. That kind of power can get a bit warm.

A final note...
One of the benefits of LED is that their lifespan is usually 30,000 hours and greater. Even at the low end of 30,000 hours, that's nearly 3 1/2 years of constant running before the LED burns out. Additionally, LEDs run cooler and draw less power, so they save on the money you drop into your Halloween decorations all around.

All the best in scaring the public this year. Halloween is a favorite here too.

How the new Pioneer DJ HDJ-700 Headphones Stack Up

Earlier this week, Pioneer DJ announced their new HDJ-700 headphones. Boasting a strong low and mid-range frequency response, and designed with maximum comfort in mind, they're already appealing at a $129 price point. But with the presence of now 5 DJ headphones (not including the studio headphones), it's easy to get lost in the all the specs and choice of which one is the best for the price. So allow us to take a little bit of the guess work out of things, rather than having to search every headphone page.

The comparison chart below looks at 8 different specs for each headphone. While some of it may surprise you (or not), there are other things to keep in mind, which we'll point out below.

Frequency Response
The HDJ-700 utilizes the same frequency response as the HDJ-500. But the outer skin of the HDJ-700 has a better grip when actually in use, and the aluminum build is much stronger than that of the HDJ-500.

Impedance 
In case you didn't know, less is more when it comes to Impedance. In short, the lower impedance means that the less power is required to drive high audio levels. The 32 ohms of the HDJ-1500 and HDJ-2000 is remarkably better than the 700, but that's part of what allows the HDJ-700 to stay at a good price point.

Output
A few decibels is a BIG difference in terms of sound, but we're impressed to see that both the 500 and the 700 stay on top of the HDJ-C70. We're not sure if the HDJ-C70 should be in the mix given its entirely different build altogether, but it's nice to see the info.

Aperture 
The drivers aren't as big as the HDJ-2000 and HDJ-1500, and it seems that Pioneer DJ likes to stick to those two drivers. I'm sure the crew in the R&D office would tell us why, but Pioneer does put some good dough down on developing on quality headphone.

Weight
The build is ultimately what brings the weight of the HDJ-700 to 220 grams. The stainless steel headband is certainly a contributing factor, but it's also a contributing factor to keeping them from busting so easily.

We'd also like to note that the earpads on the HDJ-500 are made of urethane, while the HDJ-700 is polyurethane...you'll notice a lot more comfort during a marathon gig if you were to choose between these two.

Ultimately, the choice is yours to make, and Pioneer does produce a quality headphone.

The HDJ-700 will begin shipping in October, and is available in Black, White, Red Stripe, or Gold Stripe.

Audio Innovate Announces Innofader Pro2 Crossfader

Elliot Marx and Audio Innovate are names synonymous DJing. But if you don't know his name, that's ok, because it's the product that he brought to the world that has time and time again had DJs rethink their crossfader. The Innofader has long been a standard replacement. Fitting dozens of mixers, featuring an easy install process, and having a quality that is second to none has brought the Innofader to the stature it's held to today.

Allow us to reflect back to 2013, when we got to speak with Elliot at NAMM:

All of that sounded awesome 2 years ago, and still sounds awesome today. But a successful product doesn't stay successful without evolution, so today, we (Elliot Marx, rather) bring you the INNOFADER PRO2.

The Innofader Pro2 from Audio Innovate fits the same mixers that the pro fits in. But it's been so refined that we think you'll love it a little bit more. The new version will feature a much easier install process, making it quicker than ever to switch out that original crossfader for this bad boy.

If there was one thing (and it was tough to come up with it becasue the original is that awesome) that we wanted to improve upon on the Innofader Pro2, it was a faster, more precise response...our wish has been granted. According to Audio Innovate, users of the Innofader Pro2 will experience a better response time that's designed to handle the needs of turntablists today, giving you a better mixing and scratching experience.

For those that loved the ability to fine tune the Innofader Pro2, you haven't been ignored. Adjusting the crossfader is going to be easier than ever, and while we wait to get the final technical specifications, which we'll post here, you'll be pleasantly surprised at the difference between this new version and the original.

The Audio Innovate Innofader Pro2 begins shipping mid September and is available for order at PlanetDJ.com.

Pioneer Meets Us Half Way With The XDJ-1000

I can almost assure you that every DJ today who doesn't already own a pair of CDJ-2000 Nexus', wish they would. Yes, that includes some of you turntablists, such as I. Admit it, who wouldn't deny the CDJ-2000 Nexus; with its sleek, robust, and futuristic appearance? Well I'll tell you who actually. Someone who simply can't afford a $1997 CDJ! Hmm... I wonder why It's called the CDJ-2000 Nexus?

But I'm not typing this to just whine about Its price. I'm typing this article to inform you that Pioneer has heard our cry, and has met us half way with the very similar CDJ to the 2000, the XDJ-1000! Priced at $997, you get just about every feature the 2000 Nexus offers, and more!

Due to Its large 7 inch display, you can now activate several commands that were only activated with physical buttons. PLUS, the XDJ-1000 has a touch keyboard that can be used for quick, and easy accessibility to your library! 

Now why is the XDJ-1000 considerably cheaper than the 2000 Nexus you ask? Well, the XDJ can NOT play CD's! (Hence the name XDJ, not CDJ). But if you think about it, who uses CD's nowadays when you can have all your music stored digitally into a flash drive--which can be managed with Rekordbox  (Included), and stored on your Laptop for Serato, and Traktor use (Fully MIDI compatible). But wait, there's more! Browse your library using rekordbox-ready music from PCs, laptops and smartphones using a Wi-Fi connection! Just simply connect a device running rekordbox or the rekordbox app (iOS/Android) to the XDJ-1000 and then browse and load tracks from the device's screen. USB devices will even be charged during your performance! 

If the XDJ-1000 hasn't won you over yet... Then I don't know what will. Purchase yours today, at Planet DJ!

The Stylus, the Cartridge, and the Headshell, Explained

For the veteran vinyl DJ:  this post isn't exactly for you. In fact, you may find it hard to believe that we even wrote something like this. But for the newbie that's just getting started, and the ones that don't quite understand the concept of turntable needles, cartridges, etc...listen up. This is one of the most valuable lessons you may receive in making yourself look somewhat experienced in the world of turntables.

We write this article for the sake of saving the newbie from the trouble of an incorrect purchase. As with most dealers, cartridges are non-returnable unless defective, so if you make the mistake you may be out of luck.

Couple of important things to remember:

• A stylus (or styli for plural) is NOT cross compatible with another brand, and in nearly all cases, won't work on a different model. (A Stanton stylus won't work on a Shure cartridge; A Shure M35X stylus won't work on a Shure M44-7 Cartridge).
• Most DJ headshells will work with any DJ cartridge. These ARE cross compatible

• A stylus can NOT be mounted to a headshell or tonearm. You need the cartridge. 
• A stylus can NOT be mounted to a headshell or tonearm. You need the cartridge.
• A stylus can NOT be mounted to a headshell or tonearm. You need the cartridge.

• A cartridge without a tonearm element (headshell or similar) can NOT be screwed into a turntable tonearm without the headshell
• MOST cartridges come with a stylus. The stylus will eventually need to be replaced after heavy use. Always carry a spare. 

Will any needle work on my turntable?
That depends on your turntable. Most DJ turntables follow a standard for their tonearms, allowing you to mix and match brands. If you don't know if you have a DJ turntable, the easiest way to tell is if you have a pitch slider on your deck. In most cases, a pitch slider will indicate that you have a DJ turntable, and you can almost rest assured that most DJ cartridges will work for your turntable. Again, this is the simplest way to tell. If there are any instances where this is not the case, they're rare. The important thing to know is there are a LOT of consumer turntables and cartridges out there, so make sure you're buying something labeled for DJs at the very least. Click here for a list of some of the most common DJ turntables available for sale today. (Note: This link does not include the ever so popular Technic 1200's, which are no longer manufactured)

Do I really need a headshell?
Well, that kind of depends on the needles you're using. Shure cartridges like the M44-7 and the Gemini CN-15 need to be mounted to a headshell, which is then screwed in to the tonearm. Notice the screw slots on the sides of the cartridges designed to mount to the headshell. Most cartridges will come with the screws for the headshells.

 



On the other hand, the Shure Whitelabel and most Ortofon needles do not require a headshell, as the mounting element is built in to the cartridge, like so:




So which needles are best for DJing?
This is a somewhat tough question, but there are plenty of "standards" that folks will attest to, and the majority decision is usually the best one to help you at least pick something out.

Here are a couple of "budget-minded" cartridges available:

Gemini CN-15 Stereo Cartridge with Stylus - $19.99 (As of 7/15)

Numark Groove Tool Cartridge - $29.99 (As of 7/15)


Here are two of the best-selling cartridges available. These cartridges are known for their stability on vinyl, as well as their sound quality:

Shure M44-7 Turntablist Expressions Cartridge - $69.95 (As of 7/15)

Ortofon CC-PRO-S Black Spherical DJ Cartridge - $99.99 (As of 7/15)



Here are some of our favorite headshells:

Technics Replacement Headshell - $34.95 (As of 7/15)

 Numark Replacement Headshell - $18.95 (As of 7/15)





If you have a fear of mounting a cartridge to a headshell, here's a pre-mounted setup:

Ortofon OM-S120 Serato DJ Cartridge Pre-Mounted on Headshell ($104.99 as of 7/15)

Finally, you can find a killer package deal and save a few bucks when buying the headshell and cartridge together (you'll have to mount this one yourself):

Shure/Technics M44-7 Cartridge/Headshell Package

Top 5 DJ Controllers for Beginners - July 2015

The world of DJ controllers is ever-changing. Before you know it, the latest and greatest is old school. As the digital age progresses, the world of DJ equipment is playing hardball to try and keep up. Taking advantage of what software can do, is what makes the hardware successful. For those in the entry-level world of DJ controllers, here are your top 5 beginner DJ controllers for July 2015.

Numark Mixtrack & Mixtrack Pro 3

It's been a tough call on whether or not we want to separate these, but ultimately, they were built with the same concept in mind. The Mixtrack series has long been a best-seller in the DJ world. With advanced features, quality build and a long, successful track record, it's never surprising that there's a new, better edition. The strip search on these units won us over.






Pioneer DDJ-SB

It's honestly impossible to rank Numark over Pioneer DJ or vice versa. But for Pioneer to rock the DDJ-SB as their beginner DJ controller really creates a stepping stone to the ultimate DDJ-SX2. While there's a lot missing, the look and feel of the SB is much like that of its older brother, for a much lower price. The jog wheels of Pioneer have always been a favorite of mine, and while you miss out on the digital display in the center, you certainly get a feel for what your future could hold.




Gemini Slate

Gemini has long been known for excellent price points, and the Slate 2-channel controller is no different. The prime placement of the pads above the jog wheel is something not often seen, and while it may take you out of your comfort zone, we think you'll enjoy not accidentally slamming pads when you're getting into your mix.





Numark Mixtrack Edge

Some might say size matters, but the slim and small wins us over on the Numark Mixtrack Edge. At 3/4" tall and just over 10 1/2" wide, this is the David of DJ controllers. Utilizing an 1/8" master and 1/8" headphone output, the Mixtrack Edge is able to keep itself hidden, and makes the perfect backup or entry level DJ controller with all the fixins.








American Audio 10MXR

What do you get when you pull the jog wheels off a DJ controller? The MXR series from American Audio. That why this mixer-looking piece made the list. This DJ controller is perfect for beginners. Play and cue buttons. Hot cues, and XLR OUTPUTS!! While the big brothers have more features to them, all of these "mixers" can be classified as a DJ controller. Fully midi-mappable to any DJ software, but built for VDJ, these units rock.






The full range of DJ controllers is one of the most massive selections in the DJ equipment world. It's important that you explore your options. When it comes to DJ controllers for beginners, don't hesitate to ask questions and make sure you have everything you need.

#RealDJing

It has been little over two years since A-Trak has released a routine video, and what better time to release a new one than in a time when DJ's are viewed as pose-striking jukeboxes. Although some DJ's do prove these stereotypes true, a much larger scale of club, bedroom, garage, and festival DJ's beg to differ. His new routine video, which is a prime example of #RealDJing, showcases not only his skills, but his versatility with hardware, and software (since he began using analog, then Serato and so on).

It all began when A-Trak hit the nail on the head with his #RealDJing Instagram Post that captioned, "There's a lot of talk lately about what DJing is becoming. I've seen it evolve a lot over the years. I started DJing when I was 13, scratching vinyl and playing strictly hip hop, winning championships. The DMC judges thought I was pretty good at it, but think my definition was narrow back then."But I have my style and it's my passion. I love standing for something that means something, as Pharcyde would say. When you come to my show you know you'll see me cut. And take risks. DJing is about taking risks. I represent #RealDJing #YouKnowTheDifference."

#RealDJing

Convert Vinyl to MP3 the EASY Way Using the Numark TT-USB

When I first started moving my vinyl to my computer, it was several years ago, long before the inception of USB within a turntable. My RCA jacks were plugged in to the back of my audio card (which seemed way ahead of its time then). In most cases I used audio editing software to record. I believe I won't point, I even used Windows Media Recorder...not really sure what I was thinking there.

The biggest drawback of using this method was I was taking an analog signal, inputing it in to my computer, and creating a digital audio file. While no matter what, the audio of vinyl will go from analog to digital at some point, the convenience of turntables today makes things much easier.

The Numark TTUSB turntable was designed to make what I was doing so long ago, a much simpler process. Complete with EZ Vinyl/Tape Converter software, the Numark TT-USB uses a USB 1.1 jack to connect right to your Mac...no RCA output to your computer audio card required.

While this unit would certainly serve as a great beginner belt-driven turntable, the purpose of the USB ultimately seems to be for the vinyl collectors that are looking to preserve their collection on MP3. The TT-USB also rocks a 3.5mm jack. Grab your tape decks and other audio sources, and feed them directly through the TT-USB to convert them to MP3 as well.

I wish I could say I have a way of magically converting all of my vinyl easily, but unfortunately, that's not the case. Vinyl preservation is an art in itself. I'd always recommend listening to the vinyl version of any song, if for nothing else, nostalgia and appreciation. But if you need your tunes in MP3 mode and don't feel like downloading them from Amazon, go for the Numark TT-USB.

Note: The EZ Converter Software required Mac OS 10.4 or higher

Want to try EZ Converter Software? Click Here to Download

From DMC Champions, To Bedroom DJs. The Rane Sixty-Two IS The New Standard DJ Mixer

If you haven't already noticed, Rane's Sixty-Two has been making countless appearances in bedroom set ups, to even its usage in DMC, AND Redbull Thre3style championship performances! But it's no surprise the Sixty-Two is one of, if not the most popular mixer out now. The Sixty-Two has earned the spotlight that it shares with the DJM-900 series.

Before I begin to brag to another extent about the Sixty-Two--which it deserves to be--let me state that this is coming from a Traktor user...

Countless Features

The bullet-proof structured Sixty-Two might look like a section of a Boeing's cockpit, but with a simple USB plug, and a laptop, you are one step closer to becoming the next DMC world champion. And Rane didn't stop there! They added in an extra USB port for back to back sets with your DJ peers! The Sixty-Two supports both analog, and DVS playback. And don't worry button pushers, the Sixty-Two has an SP-6 sample player! Hello carpal tunnel!  

With Serato Scratch Live included, and a fully integrated audio interface, and MIDI controller for software controls YOU ARE SET! For you knob twisters... well, just check out all those KNOBS! There are knobs for just about everything; EQs, Filter, PAN, depth, browsing, main levels (master, booth, session out etc.) and for your main source (Phono or CD).

The Sixty-Two is your all in one mixer... if Z-Trip approves of it, it has our vote! 

Chauvet Wash FX Offers Unbelievable Control and Coverage

If it's lighting your after, then chances are the name Chauvet has come across your desk. With a variety of lights spanning potentially thousands of different applications, Chauvet DJ and Chauvet Professional have both been big players in the game of lighting. With so many lights, it's not uncommon for one unit or another to float a little under the radar. While the Chauvet DJ Wash FX is small in size, the offering that this unit has is above and beyond what we know as wash lights today.

Unbelievable Control
Most wash lights offer a 3-4 channels of DMX control. As pars or linear bars go, you get control of color mixing and brightness, with linear bars with all-in-one LEDs adding in individual control of each LED unit. The Wash FX, takes that kind of control to a whole new level. The 7 channels of DMX give you simple control; channels 1-3 control your colors (Red, Green & Blue), channel 4 controls strobing, channel 5 controls auto programs and sound active mode, channel 6 controls auto program speed, and channel 7 controls auto versus sound-active mode. Auto Program? Yeah, there's 16 different patterns to choose from. But to really maximize your control of the Wash FX, utilize the 23-channel mode. This mode allows you to control red, green and blue of each of the 6 sections of the light (as seen in the picture). Add in the auto program and sound-active control from the 7-channel mode, and you've got control that can't be beat.

Unbelievable Coverage
Think you've got coverage now? Most basic pars and bars offer a 25-degree to 45-degree beam angle, which is superior when you want more dynamic control of lighting in specific areas of your venue. But if you need a lot of wash, with not so much worry about being specific, the Chauvet Wash FX wins, hands down. With 90 DEGREES (yup, 90-degrees) of coverage angle, this unit packs a super-wide punch, making it the perfect resource for small venues, or DJ's that want a lot of lighting without a big budget.

The best part of this unit? That's a tough call. The street price runs a more-than-fair $149.99. At the same time, it's a small unit, running only 10" wide, and 8.5" front to back. The Wash FX is certainly the David of Chauvet DJ's lighting lineup.


Check out the Wash FX tested in our showroom below:

Why Electro-Voice's EKX System is Super Important for Wedding / Ballroom DJ's

On our Thursday entrance in to the NAMM show, one of the first booths we bolted for was Electro-Voice. For the last four years, EV has released one great family of speakers after another. They're the only guys in town with a demo room that allows us a real opportunity to see what their speakers can do.

We're constantly impressed with EV and the EKX family of speakers is certainly no exception. Our video of the series was up as soon as we got back to the hotel room.

As someone that's trying to get information out as fast as possible, and the less than optimal internet/cell services on the floor (ok, we'll say it...the Anaheim Convention Center has garbage for cell phone service), It's easy to falter in convey certain things. 

Our closer look at the EKX awoke us to Cardiod Technology within the EKX subs. This feature essentially pushes all power of the sub forward, rather than all around the sub. Get yourself in front of one of the EKX subs ASAP to hear it...and here's why. 

As you circle the sub, the front sounds like it should. A dark, beautiful low end rumbles the floor and gets your ear drums intrigued. Circle to the back, and the sound drops by 35db. In case you're wondering, 35db is A LOT. 

This poses huge potential for wedding DJ's. If you've ever been in a venue with multiple rooms, you've more than likely encountered the venue manager or another DJ asking you to turn your subs down. With these, your sub audio only goes where you point the sub. This isn't just awesome technology. This is a freaking contract saver. We've heard countless nightmare stories of guys with their subs rumbling entire rooms and losing contracts or getting complaints. Sit back, relax...and check these bad boys out. 

Electro-Voice hears you. You need to hear Electro-Voice.

Blizzard Lighting Can't Get Any Cooler...Can it? Meet the HotStik 5 COBII

If NASA did lighting, they'd be called Blizzard. With outside the box thinking, innovative shell designs and a belief that more color rules, we're diggin what these guys can do.

RGB is cool. RGBA is really cool. RGBAW is just intense. The new HotStik 5 COB II kicks out 25 watts of intensity with each of the 12 5-in-1 COB LEDs. With strobes, dimming, and chase modes, we're pretty much sold on this piece of eye candy.

Of course it's not just about the light but overall construction that matters. Blizzard Lighting nails it every time. Each light is a work of art even when the lights are out. Plus, the PowerCON connectors are a secret obsession that we have with Blizzard, locking in your power cables so you're not climbing ladders mid show. Thank you NASA...err...Blizzard.

JBL Revives the SRX Series and It's Beautiful

Some of you might remember JBL's SRX series from about 2 years ago or so. While it was nice, it definitely needed a bit of a makeover by the time it left the market. Well that makeover has come, and it's sweet. Really sweet.

The SRX800 series features the SRX812P, the SRX815P, the three-way SRX835P, single sub and an...wait for it...DUAL 18" POWERED SUBWOOFER!

The smallest in the series, the SRX812P rocks a killer 135db, and it only gets better from there. The dual sub...yeah, that's a monstrous 141db of max SPL output.

Each speaker packs a 2000 watt punch, and drives that sound across 90 degrees horizontally and 50 degrees vertically.


From JBL:
JBL Professional has made a name for itself by producing great sounding, long lasting portable PA systems. With the introduction of the SRX800 line of powered portable PA loudspeakers, JBL has set the standard for what a fully professional powered PA system should be. SRX800 breaks new ground, bringing together JBL’s premium transducers and enclosures, Crown’s Proprietary Front-End DriveCore Technology, user-configurable DSP, and full HiQnet Network control compatible with a variety of platforms. Integrating industry-leading levels of sound quality, power, control, and durability, SRX800 is a perfect all in one solution wherever high performance, comprehensive control, and pristine sound are required. Each component in the SRX800 Series was purposefully designed and thought through to deliver a perfectly tuned system that is powerful, easy to use, and rugged enough for the most demanding applications.

MAP on these starts at $1299, but they're WELL worth it.

Denon DJ Lovers Rejoice! The Company is Alive and Well

Over the last 2 years, Denon has been a tough sell. With the company's fading popularity, complicated controllers, and gear that just didn't have that unique "thing" that DJs are out to find, the once powerhouse manufacturer had a questionable future...until now. 

Denon DJ is featuring 3 new products this year designed solely for DJs. We'll address the other two another time, but what's caught our eye, and apparently the eye of everyone in the DJ world is the Serato Box. 

It's a pretty straightforward Serato box, with a single USB and inputs for a line and phono. What's awesome is

1) The Size: This bad boy is about 6 inches wide and 1 inch tall. Compact, sleek. Thank you, technology.

2) The Price: Serato hardware can be pricy. Heck, any DJ software's hardward interface can be pricy....this guy? $300 buckos. You're welcome. 

Should be coming out sometime in the spring or early summer, so if you're itching to get into Serato hardware and can wait a FEW more months, this might just be your saving grace.

Totem Mode is On the Chauvet Intimidator Spot 255 IRC and It's Awesome

The Intimidator series has been a continuously popular item through the years. Each release brings enhanced features, technological advances, and new interest. The world of moving heads has become an affordable and visually appealing one thanks to Chauvet DJ. The Intimidator Spot 255 IRC was announced prior to NAMM. But sometimes, you need to listen a little bit before a product truly shines.

Sure, she's got a bright 60 watt LED. Yeah, it's got a full color LCD screen. But the words "Totem Mode" were put in our ear, and when explained, it makes your smile just a little bit bigger.

Totem Mode allows you to set the pan and tilt limits of the light. We've all been there with auto mode or show mode, watching the light pan and tilt it's full axis, throwing light where we don't remotely need it (like in the DJ's EYES). Totem Mode kills that issue off completely. No more throwing light behind you or away from the crowd. Keep the show where it belongs with this simple yet powerful feature. Well played, Chauvet.

Don't Like the Alto Stealth? It Just Got Better with the Stealth Pro

Last year, Alto Professional released the Stealth Wireless Audio Transmitter and receiver kit for powered speakers. It's been met with both good and bad reaction, and while we love what it can do with line of sight transmission, there's been those complaints about poor transmission/reception, especially if you're beyond 150 feet or more.

Today, Alto announced the Alto Stealth Pro...and the advancement is huge.

Alto's Stealth Pro looks sleeker, offers an aluminum housing, and offers RF and AF metering. 

That's all well and good, but obviously, most of us are after better reception, and that's exactly where the Pro version steps in. The Alto Stealth Pro uses dual channel transmission, creating diversity reception. If you don't know what diversity is in this case....the same signal is being sent to the receiver on two different frequencies. The best signal wins, which means less chance of loss of signal...not only will this improve the quality of the throw, but it may VERY well improve the distance...see ya soon. 

Rane TTM57SL Lovers...You are Not Forgotten...the TTM57MkII

I remember buying my TTM57SL three days after it was available in stores. To know that the 64, 62, and 61 mixers were to be the followers for Serato DJ was almost heartbreaking. I felt like what was once a staple, a standard, was no more. Until today...

We heard about some new gear from Rane early on, but there were some tight lips as to what it was. No way under no circumstances was ANYONE spilling their guts as to what was going on, and I've gotta say, as a lover of Rane, that can drive you NUTS.

As I made my way to booth, the speculation seemed to be false...all this talk about a new DJ controller from Rane just wasn't true. But what was true was that the TTM57SL had come back to life. Here is the TTM57mkII

In her own stylish way, she reminds me of my old friend. In her modern way she is SOOOO much more. The new controls work perfectly for Serato DJ, including controls for FX, libraries and looping. 

The DUAL USB PORT (YEAHHH!!) lets me share the love with my friends that don't know her awesomeness.

The new color-coordinated pads make her sexier than ever, with what appears to be much easier access to cues and sampls. 

As we understand it the TTM57MkII is still a ways out from release, with new firmware updates coming almost daily to the product designers and developers, so no pricing just yet...We're gonna guess $1299? Maybe?

Welcome back TTM57...it's good to see you again. 

Numark Announces the NS7iii

When the NS7ii was originally released, people balked at the heavier price tag. Knowing Numark and their power to be innovative, we pushed through, believing that this controller could be quite powerful...and we were right. Today, you'll find comparisons across the web, stacking the NS7ii against some of the biggest controllers in the markt.

Now comes the NS7iii...

In the wake of LCD screens popping up all over the place, Numark has given the NS7iii a heavy upgrade with not 1, not 2 but THREE LCD screens. 

What's even better? We hear that you can add on the screens to your NS7ii. Well done!

Pioneer HDJ-2000 Headphones Get a Reload

Let's face it, we all have to get an upgrade once in a while. Whether it's the car we drive or the place we live, it's nice to be able to improve upon something we've relied on for so long.

The HDJ-2000 is one of the top-selling headphone lines in the DJ industry, and has been for six years. While the "if it ain't broke don't fix it" rule is one to live by, this isn't about fixing something, it's about making it better.

The HDJ-2000MK2 is a fresh take on the industry standard. DJs want more every year...and they want something better. So hear it is.

Better Comfort...check

Better Audio...check

Better Sound Isolation...check

When something awesome becomes awesome-er, it's kind of a big deal. The HDJ-2000 was already a big deal, so we're gonna welcome the MK2 with open ears. Street Price? $349

A little more from Pioneer DJ...

1. Sound quality optimised for pro-DJ monitoring 

The HDJ-2000MK2s are designed for dance music, with a 38 μm-thick diaphragm, 50 mm drivers, and precision-rolled voice coil to ensure outstanding resolution and high-fidelity frequency response of 5 Hz to 30,000 Hz. Distortion is eliminated even at top volumes thanks to a robust build and the capacity for 3,500 mW of input. 

2. Improved sound isolation for perfect clarity in loud environments

Innovative low-volume air chambers provide maximum insulation, reducing external noise in the mid to low frequencies (300 Hz to 1,600 Hz) by 7 dB compared to the original HDJ-2000s. This and the ear pads’ damper and airtight stitching ensure clarity for ease-of-monitoring without needing to crank up the volume in loud clubs.

3. Lightweight and comfortable for prolonged use

The HDJ-2000MK2s have been carefully designed to maximise DJs’ comfort. A thinner, lightweight magnesium alloy is used on the headband and hanger to reduce pressure on the DJ’s head. Ear pads made with soft synthetic leather and low-rebound urethane memory foam ensure a snug fit for ultimate comfort and sound quality. 

4. Comes with hard carry case and handy accessories 

The HDJ-2000MK2s come with a custom-designed hard zip up carry case for added protection on the road. The case’s internal pockets are the perfect place to store the two provided cables (one 1.6 m straight and one 1.2 m curled cord) and 6.3 mm jack.

5. Rotatable housing with auto-return supports multiple monitoring styles

Each ear cup swivels by 90 degrees to support various styles of monitoring, and the auto-return feature makes them ideal for DJs who prefer on-the-shoulder monitoring. One-ear monitoring is a breeze with the headphones’ flexible headband. And a lock mechanism holds a DJ’s preferred style to stop unwanted movement during use.

6. Solid build to withstand the rigours of professional use

An L-type mini-jack stops the headphones getting knocked or disconnected during performance, even in cramped booths. At the headphone end, a detachable mini-XLR connector means cables can easily be removed for transit or replaced if damaged. Plus, the foldable structure makes the headphones easy to transport between gigs.

Check out more Pioneer headphones at http://www.planetdj.com/k--Pioneer+HDJ