Gear Reviews
Published in the February 2003 issue of DJ Times Magazine

Martin Professional, Inc.
700 Sawgrass Corporate Parkway
Sunrise, FL 33325
(954) 858-1800
www.martinpro.com

Martin Professional’s high speed, MX-10 scanner combines an achromatic lens system with 250 watts of power. It has high velocity pan/tilt, and an improved shutter design. Ideal for use in larger discos, the MX-10 houses 12 replaceable colors with split colors possibilities, eight rotating gobo patterns, and a rotating, 3-facet prism. For added flexibility, the prism, gobos and colors are all replaceable, allowing the MX-10 to be tailored to a wide variety of environments.
Odyssey Innovative Designs
155 N. Aspan Ave.
Azusa, CA 91702
(626) 334.0800
www.odysseygear.com

Odyssey Innovative Designs’ Barrel Trac is a smooth movement stepper motor that allows a slow to fast barrel rotation to create a light show with or without a DMX512 controller. Barrel Trac can be left in sound active standalone mode or it can be linked
via XLR cable for master and slave
operations.
Features include an LED digital display, DMX 512 programmable, stand alone and linkable, combined gobo and color wheel, 13 colored and two quad colored gobos, built-in programs, sound activated, and has three DMX Channels.
The lamp has a voltage of 15V and 150W, is sound active and has power of 120V.
Steinberg North America
9200 Eton Ave
Chatsworth, CA 91311
(818) 678-5100
www.us.steinberg.net

Steinberg’s “Urban Atmospheres” is a high-end sound environment professionally recorded in 5.1 surround that offer spatial characteristics. The SPL Atmos System was used to record 25 indoor and outdoor locations, spanning 95 scenes. These authentic recordings were compiled onto 9 DVDs in AIFF format. “Urban Atmospheres” are suited for any use in soundtracking or dubbing, be it for film, TV, theater, music or radio plays, or anywhere to create a spatially realistic acoustic environment. Because the construction kits containing background atmospheric recordings with no conspicuous audio events are combinable with the included foreground events, you can mould the material to suit any requirements or even build your own, even more complex acoustic environments with no additional software required.
  Crest Audio
16-00 Pollitt Dr.
Fair Lawn, NJ 07410
(201) 909 8700
www.crestaudio.com

Crest Audio’s Pro 200 Series power amps all occupy 2RU and weigh 25 lbs. The Pro 8200 offers 1450 watts per channel (4,500 watts bridge mode) into 4 ohms, Pro 7200 provides 1,000 watts per channel (3,300 watts bridge), and Pro 5200 has 525 watts per channel (1,800 watts bridge). They have similar specifications, including a frequency response within +0, -3dB from 10 to 100kHz, with hum and noise better than -110dB, and “A” weighted. The input impedance is 15 k ohms, balanced.
The Pro 200 Series amps feature Automatic Clip Limiting (ACL) to protect connected drivers, while IGM Impedance Sensing automatically modifies the gain to suit whatever impedance outputs are connected, allowing more efficient operation and loads as low as 2 ohms, as well as short-circuit protection. Tunnel-cooled high-efficiency heat sinks and variable speed DC fans limit the operating temperature and thus extend the life of the amplifiers. Automatic temperature sensing systems monitor the temperature of the air as it is funneled from the rear-mounted cooling fans to the front panel exhaust, and shut down a channel if temperatures exceed operating limits. AutoRamp circuitry minimizes the likelihood of power-on “thumps.” Input connections are via XLR on the rear panel, and are actively balanced. Both speak-on and binding post output connections are provided per channel for loudspeaker connection.
Front panel controls include input attenuators and a combination AC power switch and circuit breaker. Five front panel LEDs per channel indicate ACL, signal, temperature protect, DC protect (which lights when a DC voltage is sensed), and active (output relay closed and operational). On the rear panel, a mode switch determines stereo, parallel, or bridged mono mode, and a gain select switch determines whether the overall amplifier gain structure is x20 or x40.
M-Audio
45 East Saint Joseph Street
Arcadia, CA 91006
(626) 445-8495
www.m-audio.com

M-Audio’s Live 2 is an upgrade to Ableton’s audio sequencer. Live records, imports, and arranges multiple audio loops into complete songs—all in real time, regardless of pitch or tempo. Live 2 transforms the program into a multitrack and editing suite. It can set or tap the tempo of audio recordings independent of pitch at any time during recording, performance or playback. The program allows key changes independent of tempo. Time stretching can be applied to any kind of audio material.
Live 2’s incorporation of unlooped, unstretched audio allows linear tape-style recording in conjunction with loop-based manipulation and playback. It allows for the recording of unlimited takes of audio, on an unlimited number of tracks, directly into the Arranger or Session view. Additions to Live’s on-board processing include effects presets, gate and redux effects, and filter modes for the auto filter.
Features include rewire support for seamless integration with Reason and other programs; automation enhancement; both traditional solo and pre-fader listening modes; input gain settings; mono/stereo selectors in bus view; improved file management, multi-port MIDI reception and the ability to privately audition candidate audio from disk while the main mix continues. You can treat long audio files as elastic, combined with the DJ-style crossfader. Other features include: refined MIDI and computer key mapping for playing sessions; assignable scene advance and track launch buttons to help navigate large sets via a MIDI controller box; and free assignment of all transport and tempo controls.
  Stanton Group
3000 South West 42nd Street
Hollywood, FL 33312
(954) 689-8833
www.stantonmagnetics.com

Stanton Magnetics’ SA-12 scratch mixer has removable and interchangeable effect modules like pitch shifter, flanger, and delay all with parameter and mix controls. These can be assigned to channel, the microphone and the main mix. The three-position cue select, with pre CF cue/post CF cue/master (with cue pan fader) is useful. The bottom half of the mixer has been left completely free of surface obstructions, for hours of endless scratching and mixing. The unit has upgraded to Penny & Giles (P&G) faders with curve adjustment. Other features of the SA-12 include: effects assignable to channels 1 and 2, master output, and mic/line three-foot pedal input for effects module, program reverse, 2 line, 2 phono, and 1 mic/line (switchable) input, 3-band EQ, gain, and slider-style pan control per channel. Dimensions are 14.9 x 10.5 x 4.3-inches and it weighs 8 pounds.
Gator Cases Inc.
3421 North Lakeview Drive, Suite 138
Tampa, FL 33618
(813) 221-4191
www.gatorcases.com

Gator Cases Inc.’s slant top console racks are lightweight, compact, and durable. Gator’s line of console racks provides all the rack space you need while staying compact, making it easy to transport. The GRC series racks are constructed of military grade polyethylene. The sloped side handles are housed in a polyethylene assembly preventing the handles from breaking. The twist latches and valances are all heavy duty and will withstand everyday abuse. Top, front and rear rack rails are all threaded and field replaceable. The GRC series racks weigh in at about half the weight of a standard carpeted rack.
  FX Lasers, Inc.
821 Pampas Drive
Myrtle Beach,
SC 29577
(843) 232-9921
www.fxlasers.com

FX Lasers, Inc.’s 100-G Club Laser System utilizes heat-sink technology and is 100-percent sealed from pollutants. An X & Y galvo (scanner) moves the laser beam at speeds of 40,000 points per second. The system can be left on auto pilot as it loops through an infinite number of effects that come with the software or ones created. Its laser type is YAG and its output color is green. The laser output power is 100-150 mw and lamp life is over 7,000 hours. It has an electrical rating of AC 120 V, 50/60 hz, 4A and is 19½ x 4½-x 6½-inches. It weights 15 lbs. and has a one-year warranty. FX Lasers Full Auto software comes with 2,000+ pre-programmed beam and animation scenes ready to plug and play.
  Looney Productions
5 Pheasant Lane
Lexington, MA 02421
(781) 674-2224
www.moaec.com

Looney Productions’ Music Organizer & Entertainment Center Software Application (MOAEC) combines key features of cable, satellite, CD players, burners, radio stations, and DJs into one PC software entertainment center. The center eliminates CD handling, skipping, missing and storage. It creates, saves and loads playlists, sets, songs, or promotions quickly. MOAEC gives users the ability to eliminate breaks or dead space in between songs and has both touch or non-touch screens.

BitHeadz, Inc.
2850 South County Trail
East Greenwich, RI 02818
(401) 886-7045
www.bitheadz.com

BitHeadz has released three Phrazerized loop titles, based on the collection from Smart Loops. All of the loops were professionally recorded by a number of well-respected musicians from around the globe. There are three Phrazer versions, including Electric Guitar Loops, Bass Guitars Loops, and Drum & Percussion Loops.
Phrazer Smart Loops Electric Guitars contains over 950 loops, which range from Clean and Wah Pedal to Heavy Distortion. The Drum & Percussion title has 670 Phrazerized loops with instruments including drum kits, congas, bongos, triangles, wood blocks and many more. Phrazer Bass Guitars provides users with four different playing styles in the 950 loops. All three titles can be brought into Phrazer 2.0, Phrazer LE or any of the Unity 3.0 products. Styles include rock, pop, funk, and more.

Rane Corporation
10802 47th Avenue West
Mukilteo WA 98275-5098
(425) 355-6000
www.rane.com

Rane Corporation’s AC 24 four-way crossover features conventional analog controls with DSP signal processing. This approach allows you to build a crossover with features not possible with convention analog designs. The AC 24 is a stereo 4-Way 24 dB/oct. The Linkwitz Riley Crossover features automatic phase compensation for crossover filters, 10 ms alignment delay for each output, independent limiter for each output, high-mid and high horn EQs, invert switch for each filter output, stereo link switch, stereo or mono low output, summed output and internal universal power supply. Applications include 4-way or 3-way operation, independent, dual-mono crossover, linked control, stereo crossover, split-band limiter, 4th Order, and 24 dB/oct tone controls.
  BBE Sound, Inc.
5381 Production Drive
Huntington Beach, CA 92649
(714) 897-6766
www.bbesound.com

BBE Sound Inc.’s two models, the BBE 482i and 882i Sonic Maximizer signal processors, feature a ¼-inch thick extruded aluminum faceplate anchored to chassis via hex head bolts and benefit from improved graphics which are easier to read in poorly lit environments. Knurled, aluminum knobs have been incorporated for easier control and a more positive feel, critical to DJs making adjustments in mid-performance.
Both models employ 1-percent metal film resistors and military spec PCBs with extra thick traces. Further optimizing signal flow, all pots, switches and jacks mount directly to the PC boards of these units, which also feature the quiet, proprietary Sonic Maximizer op amp, designed by BBE.
Alpha-Core, Inc.
915 Pembroke Street
Bridgeport, CT 06608
(800) 836-5920
www.alphacore.com

Alpha-Core, Inc.’s BP30 power system can handle a continuous power of 1,000 W (8.4A) with input and output voltages of 120V for 60 Hz operation. A 240 V, 60 Hz version is also available. There are four duplex-grounded receptacles providing eight separate outlets. There is a 15A time-delay fuse. The transformer uses a toroidal core construction, known for its low losses, low heat and low electro-magnetic interference (EMI), compared to the conventional, stacked lamination type. The transformer design includes a static shield between primary and secondary windings to reduce the capacitive coupling and a built-in thermal cut-off, activated at 105-degrees (C). When operating continuously at full power, the temperature increase is a maximum of 85-degrees (C). The choice of a toroidal transformer also allows a low profile enclosure. The standard design uses black anodized aluminum.
Denon Electronics
19 Chapin Road, Building C
Pine Brook, NJ 07058-9777
(973) 396-0810
www.usa.denon.com/pro

Denon Electronics’ DN-T645 CD/Cassette combination deck offers a host of front-end playback options for multiple compact disc formats. The advanced CD mechanism is able to support playback of CD and CD-R/RW formats, as well as new MP3 file playback from a compact disc. The compact disc player features single and continuous playback modes, and offers program play (up to 99 tracks) and three repeat modes (single track, all tracks, A-B) for continuous playback, as well as random mode playback. An 11-key direct track select keypad and rotary track select knob are provided for direct track access and programmability, while frame search and back cue playback function can be used for continuous play between compact disc and cassette decks, and a power on playback function can be used for automatic playback at a specified time when using an external timer. The DN-T645 comes in a 3R unit with an aluminum front panel with FL tube displays for both CD and cassette decks. Options include the RC-U620 handheld IR remote, the RC-41 wristwatch IR remote, and the RC-620 wired remote.
American DJ
4295 Charter St.
Los Angeles, CA 90058
(800) 322-6337
www.americandj.com

American DJ is releasing three fog machines: the Mini-Fog, Dyno-Fog II and Vapor Flow. The Mini-Fog is a lightweight, sturdy, 450-watt unit that can add a hazy zing to any mobile DJ’s gig. Compact in size with dimensions of 10- x 8- x 8.5-inches and weighing 8 pounds, it can disperse 1,500 cubic feet of fog output per minute. The Mini-Fog takes five minutes to warm up after the external fog switch has been turned on. Included with the purchase is a free container of fog juice.
The Dyno-Fog II is a 1,000-watt, medium-duty unit that produces 4,000 cubic feet of fog output per minute. It has a 10-foot cable with controller, and a one-quart removable fog fluid container. The unit weighs 10 pounds and can be positioned from any location within the room, included is a hanging bracket.
The Vapor Flow is a 15-pound, 1,000-watt unit that uses American DJs Electronic Thermal Sensing (ETS) technology, coupled with a flow disbursement fan attachment. ETS is a system that regulates the heat continuously through the use of an electronic thermal sensor. Unlike manual sensors, it can detect even a one to two degree change in temperature and will switch the heater back on, resulting in a more consistent fog output. Together with the flow disbursement fan attachment, the Vapor Flow can distribute high-volume fog. This fogger disperses 4,500 cubic feet of fog output per minute. Included with the Vapor Flow is a 25 ft. wired remote, and a one-quart removable tank.