Fostex Intros the Combo

Fostex has released the VM-200/VR-800 digital recording and mixing system. The VM-200 digital recording mixer features a 20-input, 8-bus console with automation and DSP capabilities. Designed to work with the VR-800, an 8-track digital hard disk recording system, the VM-200 is a recording and mixing system is designed for project studios.
The VM-200’s console has 60-mm motorized faders on all channels that feed signals into a 32-bit RISC CPU, designed to maintain audio signal integrity while working with full moving-fader automation. Two consoles can be linked using the model’s S/P DIF In/Outputs, which can double the number of inputs from multitrack recorders. Also included is a 100-scene memory with both preset and user-definable recording and mixdown scenes. Each channel has a dedicated rotary pan control and EQ can be accessed through 12 rotary controls featuring interactive graphic on-screen representation of EQ patterns. The unit can be completely controlled via MIDI and an autoindicate feature lets users see the configuration of the entire system, through a backlit LCD display. The second part of the system, the VM 800 digital recorder, offers eight tracks of digital audio. All that’s required is two ADAT optical cables to connect the two units and you’re ready to make some tracks. The model includes A.D.A.C. technology – a feature that allows increased recording time on ZIP and MO media. MIDI and Word synch facilities are standard features along with MTC Slave, MIDI Clock, SPP-out and MMC. Twenty-four-track recording is possible when the 8-track simultaneous digital recording is interfaced with ADAT. Data backup is recorded through the VR-800’s SCSI port.
Fostex Corporation of America
15431 Blackburn Ave.
Norwalk, California 90650
(562) 921-1112
www.fostex.com

Music Industries Makes a Stand

Music Industries Inc. has introduced the Quick-Lok A-50 Studio Tripod Boom Microphone Stand for DJs working in studio or broadcast applications. This stand is height adjustable from 53.5 inches, at its lowest point, to 91.5 inches at its greatest. Its adjustable telescopic boom arm has a range of 46.5 inches to 87 inches and has an adjustable counterweight for balancing. Microphone cable clips are standard on the A-50’s boom and upright tubes.
Music Industries Corporation
99 Tulip Ave. Suite 101
Floral Park, New York 11001
(516) 352-4110
www.musicindustries.com

E-MU/ENSONIQ’s Blasterkeys
E-MU/ENSONIQ has introduced a 49-note keyboard that connects directly to Creative’s SBLive soundcard along with other interactive software. For the keyboard novice, the Blasterkeys includes a music tutor that teaches simple songs. For those of you who need to feel like you’re part of the band, a “one-finger chord” mode provides you with auto-accompaniment. Once you feel you’ve mastered that, you can move on to the “fun” mode and jam with pre-produced drum grooves and loops. Your masterpiece can be recorded and encoded into MP3 format for distribution on the web. The Blasterkeys is designed to work directly with a computer sound card through an MP3 product bundle that connects directly to the back of a SBLive! Sound card. This means that you’re able to connect your keyboard to your computer without spending money on an external MIDI interface. The built-in MIDI output on the keyboard lets the user connect up to additional MIDI gear. Powered directly from the sound card, the keyboard operates from a single cable connection from computer to keyboard, reducing the chances of tripping over cables.
E-MU/ENSONIQ
1600 Green Hills Road
Scotts Valley, California 95067
(831) 438-1921
www.emu.com

Gemini Continues the PMX

Gemini Sound has expanded its PMX series of mixers with the addition of the PMX-120 and PMX-140 stereo pre-amp mixers. Billed as being able to satisfy the most demanding scratch DJs, both models feature punch-in buttons for each channel, gain controls, crossfader curve control and crossfader reverse. Both models sport two phono/line convertible, one phono, one line and one mic inputs. The PMX-140 has three-position kill switches for low, mid and high and also for low, mid and high tone controls with +12dB or -32dB cut for each channel. Both mixers have the classic PMX 2-tone matte silver finish.
Gemini Sound Products
8 Germak Drive
Carteret, New Jersey 07008
(732) 969-9000
www.geminidj.com

AudioControl Sniffs Out Rats

AudioControl Industrial has announced a new, patent-pending set of XLR cable testers, the Rat testers. Pocket-sized, these cable testers can check XLR cables even when each cable end is in a different location. The model is composed of two pieces, the Sniffer and the Sender. The former can work on phantom power or power supplied by the Sender. It shows the condition of the cable through two-color green and red LEDs. The Sender is battery-powered and only supplies power when hooked to the sniffer.
AudioControl Industrial
22410 70th Avenue
West Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043
(425) 775-8461

E-V Releases Eliminator
By introducing The Eliminator Double, a two-way stage speaker system, Electro-Voice has given hope to DJs who don’t want to carry a two-box system. The Eliminator features E-V’s Ring-Mode Decoupling also found in its X-Array Touring System. Designed to give the eliminator clarity and definition, it eliminates sound-coloring resonant modes created by the enclosure and its components. This two-way system has an on-axis frequency response of 50 to 20 kHz (+\- 3dB) with a long-term power handling rating of 300 watts. Using the E-V DH2010A compression driver and High-Q 60-degree x 40-degree constant directivity horn for midrange and high-end duties, the E-V DL15BHF 15-inch speaker handles bass. The Eliminator system also offers a companion 18-inch subwoofer, called the Eliminator Sub, which extends the low-frequency response. The Eliminator woofers come in cast-aluminum frames and the system’s compression drivers are housed in titanium diaphragms.
EVI Audio
600 Cecil Street
Buchanan, MI 49107
(616) 695-6831

GliPro’s DC-6000
Brooklyn’s GLiPro has introduced its newest professional dual CD player. Featuring 1-bit linear 8-times oversampling, instant start and jog/shuttle dial with four-speed searching, it can be adjusted for single or continuous play. It has a 12-percent pitch control with display as well as a pitch bend and can be programmed up to 30 tracks. Additional features include frame search (at 1/75 sec.), auto cue and loop button.
GLiPro
2691 West 15th Street
Brooklyn, New York 11224
1-800-GLI-PRO-1

Neutrik Has Connections

NeutrikUSA has introduced the 2-Pole Speakon NL2FC and NL2MP connectors. These connectors offer a reduced number of pins from the 4-Pole version. It maintains compatibility between the NL2FC female connector and the NL4MP male plug by picking up pins 1+ and 1-. The 2-Pole Make plug is intentionally incompatible with the NL4FC female connector because of the extended keying capabilities of the 4-Pole female connector. The 2-Pole cable version is housed in a two-piece configuration with insert, chuck and locking sleeve attached in one housing, and cable boot in the other. The chuck design accepts a wide range of cable diameters. The 2-Pole is both UL and CSA-recognized.
NeutrikUSA
195 Lehigh Avenue
Lakewood, New Jersey 08701
(732) 901-9488
www.neutrikusa.com

OmniSistem and the MP250
A new lighting effects product, manufactured by the Italian company COEF, to be distributed in the States by OmniSistem, has been released in two versions. The MP250 is currently available in the Optic and the Fresnel. They both feature an MSD 250 watt, 2,000-hour life at 17,000 lumens, a 450-degree pan and 270-degree tilt, 16-bit resolution, remote reset via DMX and 6 channel, 16-bit resolution. The Optic model offers six metal and two dichroic rotating gobos, all which are interchangeable and indexable on 540-degrees. This model also has 10 additional metal gobos, an adjustable strobe, a selectable beam reducer and allows you a choice of 10 colors plus white and an additional seven bicolors. The Fresnel model features 80 color combinations, plus white and bicolors, along with a black light filter and linear frost. Conversion filters superimpose the basic colors 3,300K to 5,600K.
OmniSistem Lights & Effects
19639 84th Avenue
Kent, WA 98032
(253) 395-9500

American DJ Lighting Controllers

American DJ has introduced three new products that leave DJs no excuses when it comes to lighting control. With the club DJ in mind, the TP-DMX24F is a DMX touch panel controller that has touch panels, not knobs, to direct intelligent-lighting. Each pad activates one of the 24 channels and gives DJs the option to create their own scene and assign it a channel. Twenty-four latch pads allow DJs to lock on to a favorite effect and keep it going, while 24 momentary pads can flash light on and off. The DMX MIDI-Pak controller’s effects are triggered by MIDI keyboards, drums and sequencers. The intensity of the light is controlled by how hard the key is pressed. The MIDI-Pak also contains an infrared sensor, which gives you the option of operating the lighting effects from a wireless remote, and has four channels with two AC plugs apiece. Each channel holds 600 watts of power per channel. The MIDI-Pak includes DMX-512 protocol, digital display for DMX channels and is available in 120V or 220V. The Visage is designed for the mobile DJ. Equipped with a wireless remote and infrared sensor, the Visage has 16 built-in programs with four channels, each with two AC plugs and each channel has a 600-watt capacity. The Visage also features black-out, speed control and optional external remote with 6-foot cable.
American DJ Supply
4295 Charter Street
Los Angeles, California 90058
1-800-322-6337
www.americandj.com

OmniSistem Brings Stress
OmniSistem is distributing a new Italian-made light projector, Stress. Available in two models, the EU model, which has 220/240 volts and 50/60 Hz and a 300W 6456 lamp, and the U.S. model, which has 117 volts at 60 Hz and a 64514 lamp. Both models are designed to produce constantly varying light colors in sync with the music. The beam’s movement is controlled by a potentiometer that adjusts the unit’s sensitivity to the spl. Mounted with an adjustable steel bracket, the projector sits in a metal body with black powder finish. Features include an optics group composed by a temperated lens and adjustable focus system, forced ventilation via axial fan and a c.c. micromotor. The Stress projector also comes with a built-in circuit board and seven different dichroic colors.
OmniSistem Lights & Effects
19639 84th Avenue
Kent, WA 98032
(253) 395-9500

TASCAM’s CD-302 Dual CD Player

TASCAM has introduced the CD-302 dual CD player and remote controller, designed for the professional DJ. The CD-302 features True Instant Start, Beat Matching and Tempo Synch, Beat Matching, Independent Tempo/Pitch adjustments and built-in Sampler. The CD-302 comes in a 2U, 19-inch rackmount enclosure that can also be mounted in a DJ coffin case. Its two CD players can act independently, so that one CD is cued while the other is playing. The CD-302 has a built-in sampler that can loop a section of audio in either Play or Cue mode. Samples can also be reversed. Pitch and tempo can be changed independently and can be adjusted over a +/- 32-percent range. A RAM buffer gives you a 10-second shock buffer and instant start. Analog-style scratching can also be done using the large Jog wheel on the remote. Preset and cue memory locations can also be stored and recalled using a 10-key pad. The CD Control Module has enough RAM for unlimited looping and 10 seconds of sampling and also includes Auto Cue, Sleep Function, Tap Tempo button, Pitch Slider and intuitive Pitch Bend using the jog wheel sounding. Samples can be played back both forward or reversed as well as when the source CD is still in Play or Loop mode. The CD-302’s Player module can house CD transports that can playback standard CD and CD-RW disks. It connects to the CD remote via cable. The Player module has an AC power switch with LCD status indicator and two open/close switches, one assigned to each transport.
TASCAM
7733 Telegraph Road
Montebello, California 90640
(323) 726-0303
www.tascam.com

Martin Launches MiniMac
Martin Professional has launched the MiniMac, a compact, automated yoke luminaire with a moving head fixture. It’s available in two complementary versions, the MiniMac Profile and the MiniMAC wash. The Profile features 12 colors and seven rotating and replaceable projection patterns. Seven different patterns are also included so you can create textures on walls, floors or objects. The Wash, designed to add color to your textures, is an all-purpose fresnel color changer with a bright, undefined beam that also features 12 colors. MiniMAC is designed for quiet operation.
Martin Professional, Inc.
South Bend Park
3015 Greene Street
Hollywood, FL 33020
(954) 927-3005

Numark’s Blue Dog
Numark Industries has released the newest addition to its mini-scratch 6-inch mixer line. The DM905, also known as the Blue Dog, uses two channels and a mic input with ALPS faders. The Blue Dog features a tape out for direct recording and stereo headphone outputs. Additional features include a compact design, slider cueing and a high-end audio-signal. Its blue faceplate makes distinguishing the mixer from your other mixers easy.
Numark Industries
11 Helmsman Avenue
North Kingstown, RI 02852
(401) 295-9000
www.numark.com

Crate’s Got the Power
Offering dual spike surge protection to combat unpredictable electrical outlets, Crate Pro Audio has introduced the LS5-PCL and the LC6-PCLV. These power conditioners include EMI/RFI filtration to keep the buzz out of your sound while keeping the tone in. Eight plugs line the back of each model, designed to accommodate outside power supplies without making the adjacent plugs unusable.
Crate Pro Audio
1400 Ferguson Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63133
1-800-727-4512
www.crateproaudio.com

Chauvet’s Trio
Chauvet Lighting company has introduced three new additions to its Compact DJ Series, the Starburst, the Mini-Sphere and the Mini Linedancer. The Starburst is an automated, multi-head unit consisting of one master and three slave heads.1200-watt, multicolored light keeps in rhythm with the music and the control head has a random sound-activated 16-pattern chase program. Chauvet’s Mini-Sphere and Mini Linedancer are designed to be series centerpieces. At 300 watts, the Mini-Sphere rotates 360-degrees with a speed control and shoots 62 beams of light. The Mini-Sphere is designed to allow you to hang it in any position or sit it on the floor. At 100 Watts, the Mini Linedancer is sound activated, with fan-shaped beams that criss-cross to the rhythm of the music. It has 26 colored lenses and is designed for full room coverage.
Chauvet Lighting
3000 North 29th Court
Hollywood FL 33020
(954) 929-1115
www.chauvetLighting.com

Koss Releases TC/15 and TC/5

For multi-tasking mobiles, Koss has released two new headphone pairs, the TC/15 and the TC/5. With a frequency response of 15-25,000 Hz, the single-sided headset features a neodymium iron boron magnet structure and 16-micron thick mylar diaphragm. Along with an oxygen-free copper voice coil, the TC-5 features Clear-Voice technology providing noise cancellation so your voice can be heard clearly. A flexible boom microphone and a Sport Clip fits around the ear. The TC/5 has a conventional headband and provides hands-free communication from most car and cellular phones as well as cordless home phones with a 2.5-mm headphone jack, and delivers a frequency response 60-20,000 Hz. Like the TC/15, the TC/5 also features Clear-Voice technology in its boom microphone for noise cancellation in noisy environments. The headband is adjustable.
Koss Corporation
4129 North Port Washington Ave.
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53212
(414) 964-5000
www.koss.com

The Bubble Master 2000

Are you tired of the same old bubbles? Well, LeMaitre has introduced the Bubble Master 2000. Encased in heavy-duty plastic, this bubble-producing machine has an LCD digital display variable speed control for fans along with bubble output and size control. A remote control allows you to control the output of the Bubble Master from afar. The model features a one-gallon fluid capacity along with a bubble projector.
Le Maitre Special Effects Inc.
2528 Beach Road
Huron, Michigan 48060
(519) 659-7972
www.lemaitrefx.com