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

Martin Professional
700 Sawgrass
Corporate Parkway
Sunrise, FL 33325
(719) 686-0793
www.martin.com
Martin Professional’s new Fingers, a hardware interface for the popular software-based LightJockey controller, is a playback and programming wing that makes LightJockey more intuitive and accessible, allowing the PC to keep pace with the imagination. Fingers permits a large number of the LightJockey functions to be mapped directly to physical faders, buttons and jog wheels. LightJockey is a Windows-based lighting controller capable of controlling up to 100 DMX fixtures that allows interface of either 512 to 2048 channels. It can be used for club and DJ lighting control, special events, retail environments and more. Fingers allows button control for launching programs, triggering of individual or multiple sequences and latching of specific cues/sequences. Next, previous and go functions for manual cuelists can be assigned to a button, and master and sub-master intensities are controllable from easy access faders and
bump buttons.
Altinex
592 Apollo Street
Brea, CA 92821
(800) ALTINEX

www.altinex.com
The MT113-102 and MT113-103 are power amplifier audio cards for the modular Altinex MultiTasker product line. They accept three stereo line level or microphone level signals with switched phantom power. Microphone inputs provide AGC control and limiting to, according to the company, avoid audio distortions and popping. The software programmable input mixing, output volume, bass and treble control configures these cards for specific applications. A fixed balanced stereo output is provided for routing to additional power amplifiers. The MT113-102 has a 70V, 10-watt mono speaker output, and the MT113-103 has two 8-ohm, 5-five watt (stereo) speaker outputs.
  Stanton Magnetics
3000 SW 42nd St.
Hollywood, FL 33312
(954) 689-8833

www.stantondj.com
Stanton’s SA-5 is a two-channel battle mixer using custom Penny & Giles line faders. As the official mixer of the Allies Allstar Beatdown battle, the SA-5 features Optical Phono/Line switches, a three-position Cue Select switch making it possible to “preview” scratches using the crossfader and slider-controlled three-band EQ. Connections to the SA-5 include two Headphone outputs (1/4-inch and 1/8-inch minijack) with a Headphone Mute switch, two phono and two Line inputs, a Session input and Microphone input, and professional TRS balanced Master outputs.
  Mackie Designs Inc.
16220 Wood-Red Road NE
Woodinville, WA 98072
(425) 487-4333

www.mackie.com
Mackie Designs’ SRM350 is the newest member to the Mackie Active Loudspeaker family. The two-way, bi-amplified SRM350 is capable of 121dB output with a built-in 165-watt LF amplifier and a 30-watt HF amplifier. With Mackie’s new Dynamic Bass Boost system, the SRM350 is able to boost key low-end frequencies as volume levels are reduced. Also onboard is Mackie’s new Active Protection Management System, which employs limiting and variable thermal response circuitry to limit high input signals levels for constant clean output while monitoring the operating temperature. Driver configuration for the SRM350 includes a single 10-inch LF woofer and a one-inch HF driver. Onboard Active electronics include dual amplifiers, EQ, crossover, phase alignment and protection circuitry. The rear panel has built-in mic/line input on a Neutrik combo connector, a level control, and mic/line switch along with power, limit and signal present LEDs in the rear and Mackie’s trademark blue power on LED in front.
KV2 Audio, LLC
19501 144 Avenue NE
Suite F-900
Woodinville, WA 98072
(425) 402-4600

www.kv2audio.com
The EX10 High-Output Active Full-Range Speaker employs a new low-frequency transducer with KV2’s TransCoil technology and neodymium motor structure that the company says increases force, lowers distortion and provides increased frequency linearity. A new patent-pending 1.75-inch titanium compression driver with complex geometry phase plug and neodymium motor handles high frequencies. Its 450-watt, high-current amplifiers are protected by both convection and forced-air cooling amplifiers. Complete onboard speaker management includes equalization, time correction, phase alignment, crossover filters, amplifier overdrive protection and set-up/level controls. Capable of 126dB sustained output, the EX10 uses an asymmetrical, trapezoidal Baltic Birch cabinet design with proprietary top and side handles. Each EX10 has a proprietary top handle, top M10 hang point, Omnimount bracket mount, two top steel “fly clip” anchor points and four M6 bracket points, as well as side handle, two side M10 hang points, bottom fly clip points and pole mount.
Sennheiser
1 Enterprise Drive
Old Lyme, CT 06371
(860) 434-9190

www.sennheiserusa.com
The HD 280 Silver headphone’s new silver earcups make them a lot easier to find in dark clubs. According to Sennheiser, the HD 280’s form-fitting, ergonomically designed circumaural earpieces remain comfortable for long periods of listening and can be rotated for flat mobility and space-saving transport. Single-sided coiled cable gives users flexibility on the job; easy replacement of all wearing parts promises long-life and functionality.
  Pioneer Electronics USA Inc.
2265 East 220 Street
Long Beach, CA 90810-1639
(310) 952-2747

www.PioneerProDJ.com
Pioneer’s DJM-909 and DJM-707 mixers offer precise crossfader/fade curve control, user-customizable crossfader glide adjustment and touch screen control of the built-in effects (DJM-909). The crossfader is highly durable and has double fade control allowing each half of the crossfader the ability to be adjusted independently; all fader curves can also be seen and adjusted with visual reference on the mixers’ fader curve adjust screen (DJM-909). The crossfader feel can also be adjusted to the user’s preference. Each channel fader curve can be adjusted from a smooth volume change to a dynamic volume ON/OFF at the tip of the channel faders (bottom or top). Both mixers can connect with Pioneer’s CDJ series to employ the fader-start capability. The user can automatically start or stop playback by the sliding crossfader or channel-fader. Both the DJM-707 and DJM-909 are similar in layout although the DJM-909 boasts built-in effects and a touch sensitive display.
TRC Distribution
430 E Grand Avenue, Suite A
South San Francisco, CA 94080
(650) 877-7330

www.trcdistribution.com
The Freefloat is a specially designed aircushion for turntables. By placing a turntable on a Freefloat, direct contact between the turntable and the DJ booth is avoided, resulting in improved skip resistance of the needles and, according to the company, elimination of rumble problems completely. Additionally, TRC says DJs can play at higher volumes while retaining the complete frequency range before the rumble occurs—around 20 to 30 dBu.
Gator Cases, Inc.
3421 N. Lakeview Dr., Ste. 138
Tampa, FL 33618
(813) 221-4191

www.gatorcases.com
Gator has created a polyethylene table to secure to the top of a rack, promising a safe flat surface to place equipment. The new Gator Rack Table has been designed to be compatible with most manufacturers’ plastic rack male/female stacking systems, which stabilizes the table to the rack. As well as the stackable fitting, for further security on stage or in the studio, the Gator rack table is cinched down to the rack handles with parachute webbing and a tightening fastener. Utilizing the straps, the Gator Rack Table will also fit standard wooden ATA racks with side handles. The table’s top is covered with industrial-grade Velcro and includes Velcro strips for mounting to equipment.
The table is made of high-density military-
grade polyethylene.
  Native Instruments USA
5631 A Hollywood Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90028
(323) 467-5260

www.native-instruments.com
Native has announced the FM7 1.1.1 update, which brings the FM synthesizer to Mac OS X and Pro Tools users on OS X and Windows XP. The FM7 1.1.1 fully supports OS X’s modern technologies and interfaces, including AudioUnits, RTAS, VST and standalone operation with CoreMIDI and CoreAudio. Windows XP-based RTAS musicians can also play the FM7 directly in their Pro Tools sessions with the included PC RTAS plug-in. The FM7 1.1.1 update is immediately available to all registered users as a direct download. The “FM7 Sounds Vol.1” preset collection, which adds 256 additional presets to the FM7, is downloadable in a special package together with the update. For users who would prefer to receive the 1.1.1 update on CD, Native offers a 1.1.1 update CD.
  Peavey Electronics Corporation
711 A Street
Meridian, MS 39301
(601) 486-1474

www.pvdj.com
The new Rotomix professional modular mixer from PVDJ – a division of Peavey Electronics – is designed for remixer DJs and installation in clubs and restaurants. The Rotomix professional six-channel mixer utilizes modular design; each channel has its own independent circuit board, reducing interference between the channels. The product features six fully configurable, stereo channels including phono, line, balanced line and mic inputs; three-band EQ with soft boost and frequency kill effects on each channel; six channels, each assignable to zones A and B and main output and triple stereo outputs for each zone to meet any connection needs.
Chauvet Lighting
3000 N. 29th Court
Hollywood, FL 33020
(800) 762-1084

www.chauvetlighting.com
The SF-4005 from Chauvet is a two or four-channel timer/chaser designed to keep lighting effects from exceeding their recommended duty cycle. Chase or sound-activated modes are also ideal for pin spots, par cans and any other chasable lights. A three-position switch controls timer, chase and sound-activation functions. Another switch lets the user select two or four channels for timed control of up to four lighting effects.
Also new from Chauvet is the beat-activated Corona, sporting two barrels spinning independently of each other for a display of ever-changing, colored beams. The beams themselves rock back and forth, adding even more movement to the show. Projecting beams from the back of the machine to the mirrors and from the mirrors to the barrels achieve this unique effect. The two-channel, 400-watt Ultimate hazer is a professional standout that can be DMX or non-DMX controlled. In either mode of operation, it will deliver 1,500 cubic feet of haze per minute. Its tank holds 1.6 quarts of water-based fluid.
  Chauvet Lighting
3000 N. 29th Court
Hollywood, FL 33020
(800) 762-1084

www.chauvetlighting.com
Chauvet’s COLORtubes mark the company’s debut in the field of LED technology. Each tube is outfitted with 144 high intensity LEDs, and an optical diffuser. RGB (red, green, blue) mixing diffuses seven colors: cyan, magenta, yellow, red, green, blue and white. These tubes, according to the company, boast a lifespan of up to 100,000 hours. They consume 16.8 watts per meter, sustain wide temperature ranges and humidity levels and perform via controllers that are DMX-512 compatible. They can be programmed to create a wide variety of color and pattern combinations: graphical designs, watery looks, color chases for dynamic displays or serene and seamless color blends.
  Cerwin-Vega
555 E. Easy Street
Simi Valley, CA 93065
(805) 584-9332

www.cerwin-vega.com
Cerwin-Vega’s ProStax Series features five all-new systems targeted at the mid-priced sound-reinforcement marketplace. The ProStax Series is comprised of three three-way, full-range trapezoidal enclosures as well as a floor monitor and bandpass subwoofer. Members of the line include the PSX-123, a single 12-inch three-way system, the PSX-153, a single 15-inch 3X-way system and the PS-253, a dual 15-inch three-way system. The line is rounded out by the PSX-122, a single 12-inch coaxial which doubles as a floor monitor/two-way stage system with pole mount and the PSX-36 15-inch bandpass subwoofer. The systems are finished in black textured catalyzed acrylic paint. Newly designed VegaGrip cast aluminum handles are included; all models, except the PS-253, feature pole mounts. High on the list of ProStax premium components is their two-inch (44mm) titanium compression drivers loaded into a proprietary one-inch throat 90-x-60 degree horn. The midrange device is a 6.5-inch cone transducer with a 1.5-inch voice coil, loaded into an integrated waveguide.
TASCAM
7733 Telegraph Road
Montebello, CA 90640
(323) 726-0303

www.tascam.com
TASCAM’s new FW-1884 professional DAW control surface and Audio/MIDI interface uses the FireWire high-speed data transfer protocol. With an 18-channel audio interface, eight mic pres, 4-x-4 MIDI interface and flexible editing and mixing controls, the FW-1884 is a front end for DAW recording workstations. The FW-1884 uses the FireWire computer communication interface; this extra bandwidth delivers 18-channel audio input and output: eight analog, eight ADAT digital and two S/PDIF coaxial or optical; comprehensive mixing, automation, editing and navigation controls for almost any DAW application; nine 100mm motorized touch-sensitive faders; dedicated controls for pan, solo, mute and select per channel, tactile control over four bands of EQ; eight balanced XLR mic/line inputs with high-quality mic preamps and phantom power; 24-bit/96kHz recording resolution with surround monitoring control; four MIDI inputs and outputs and an FE-8 fader expander which adds an additional eight control channels and faders, up to 129 channel control.
American DJ
4295 Charter St.
Los Angeles, CA 90058
(800) 322-6337

www.americandj.com
Like its predecessor, the DJ Scan 250 is a four-channel DMX scanner, loaded with on-board colors and gobos. The DJ Scan 250 has a brighter 250-watt lamp, which, says American DJ, makes its seven dichroic colors much more brilliant and intense. Along with its added brightness, DJ Scan 250 features 10 all-new gobo patterns created by the company’s graphic designers. Some of the gobos have an edgy, high-tech appearance, while others evoke softer, mystical images. Another new, improved feature on the DJ Scan 250 is an electronic transformer, which makes the fixture itself very light in weight. This enhances the portability of the DJ Scan 250, making it ideal for mobile applications. The compact scanner weighs 12 pounds and measures 17.75-L x 7-W x 4.5-inches H. The four-channel DJ Scan 250 can be operated with any standard DMX-512 protocol controller, or it can be run via its own built-in programs. It can also be linked in multiples with XLR cables and run master-slave to put on a coordinated light show. The scanner can be used with American DJ’s optional Wireless C controller (sold separately) to control blackout via an infrared remote key chain. The DJ Scan 250 includes seven dichroic colors plus white, and 10 gobo patterns plus spot. It is equipped with separate color and gobo wheels, and features X/Y mirror movement. The scanner includes a full focusing lens and a ZB-ELC 24-volt, 250-watt lamp.
OmniSistem
7819 S 196th St.
Kent, WA 98032
(253) 395-9500

www.omnisistem.com
The Stinger 1B 4.95mW (Blue) and Stinger 1MC 4.95mW (Multi-Color) are the newest additions to OmniSistem’s Stinger series. These laser projectors are available in several output power levels ranging from 4.95m watts up to a quarter of a watt. Designed for a variety of applications from nightclub installations and the mobile DJ all the way up to touring production companies, the new Stinger series features an extruded aluminum housing. The Stinger 1B 4.95mW (Blue) and Stinger 1MC 4.95mW (Multi-Color) features LED Menu System for personality and DMX addressing, seven channels of DMX-512, new PCB design, 25 base patterns, pattern hold (freeze frame), hundreds of variations in patterns under DMX control, beam targeting patterns, Y axis offset (vertical positioning of effect), fan filter pack (user serviceable), individual color control (multi-color units only), multi-color modes, enhanced stand-alone features and multi-color mode speed settings.