American Audio's Q-Spand Mixer

American Audio has introduced its Q-Spand Mixer, a multi-directional mixer designed to amplify the volume of small two-speaker systems by creating a surround-sound effect. The effect, says American Audio, is that your small system will sound like it’s on steroids. This is possible through SRS Labs’ new technology, called WOW!—an algorithm designed to produce a sound image field that’s wider and taller than the physical capabilities of the actual speaker. A 4-channel unit, the Q-Spand hooks up to any audio system like a conventional mixer, without special modifications. A button switches on the WOW! feature, maximizing the system’s entire sound range and producing its multi-directional effect. The Q-Spand also comes with two other buttons for amplifying bass and treble separately. In addition to maximizing sound, the Q-Spand will provide “Fader ‘Q’ Start” when used with an American Audio CD player. The Fader “Q” Start feature lets DJs crossfade directly to pre-programmed digital cue points on a compact disc. There are On/Off buttons for Fader “Q” Start on each channel. The Q-Spand is equipped with three phono, four line, three auxiliary and three mic inputs. Other features include: balanced XLR outputs; bass, mid and treble controls on each channel, and -15Db talkover for mics.
American Audio
4295 Charter St
Los Angeles, CA 90058
1-800-322-6337
www.americandj.com

Korg Adds To the Tribe

Korg adds to its Electribe Series with its EM-1 Music Production station. Featuring two synths and eight drum parts, 11 insert effects, a “user-friendly” interface, real time and step sequencing and Korg’s proprietary motion sequencing, the EM-1’s PCM sound engine includes 144 drum sounds from vintage kick drums and snares to classic and techno electronic drum sounds. The EM-1 gives you 50 synth waveforms, with sounds ranging from deep bass tones and vintage analog synth waves to moving modulation timbres like sync and PWM. Also included are chord tones, hits and sound effects. You can program all sounds with control of the pitch and amp envelope. For the synth tones, you can tweak them with a resonant filter and glide. Korg’s included a new Drive effect designed to add bite to synth and drum sounds. The EM-1’s patterns can be one to four bars long and can be entered in real time or step entry through a 16-key illuminated keypad. The “Motion Sequence” memorizes knob movements used to vary the volume, panning or filter cutoff of a phrase. Two Motion Sequences per drum part and up to three per synth part can be recorded. For live performance, real-time functions like Part solo/mute lets you produce a wide range of variations from a single pattern. An on-board digital effects processor features 11 types of effects from standard reverb and chorus to resonator and ring modulator. Each part can bypass or be sent to the chosen effect. A master delay effect can sync to a particular pattern for locking tempo. You can edit all effects by using dedicated knobs or by the motion sequencer. A total of 192 editable patterns include house, techno, trance, two-step, and hip hop. You can also save your own creations. Up to 16 songs can be created, with up to 256 patterns and 35,700 events each. The pattern set function can arrange up to 64 patterns across the step keys so you can switch patterns in real time using the keys. A tempo lock feature and a tap tempo function give you extra control over patterns. The EM-1 interfaces with Electribe-A, Electribe-R and Electribe-S through MIDI in, out and thru ports. You can also connect it to external sound modules for use as a step sequencer, or to a computer for use with software based sequencers and tone modules.
Korg
316 South Service Road
Melville, NY 11747
(516) 333-9100
www.korg.com

In The Community

Measuring 42 inches from top to bottom, the XLT525 three-way trapezoidal loudspeaker from Community projects sound over audiences in many applications normally requiring a speaker stand. The full-range, bass reflex enclosure is operable from 50 Hz to 18 kHz, has a maximum output of 131 dB SPL (peak), and an input rating of 600W RMS, 1500W program. The device’s high sensitivity (98 dB SPL @ 1W/1m) makes it suited for use with power amplifiers ranging in size from 1200W to 1800W @ four ohms. The XLT525 has at the low end with a pair of 15-inch, Ferrofluid-cooled low frequency drivers. Input is directed to the loudspeaker system’s 6.5-inch cone midrange at 500 Hz. At 2.5 kHz, a UC-1 one-inch compression driver coupled to a 90 x 40 horn takes over. Like the rest of Community’s XLT500 Series, the XLT525 is outfitted with IntelliSense protective circuitry, which operates in conjunction with the loudspeaker manufacturer’s PowerMeter LED indicators so that you can maintain peak performance levels without risking damage to your system components. Found on both the front and rear panels, the PowerMeter LEDs flash green to indicate signal presence, yellow to warn that the loudspeaker is entering its first stages of protection, and red to show that full protection has been activated. Within protection mode, IntelliSense automatically attenuates speaker levels to within a safe range. Once gain has been reduced, the circuit resets itself, restoring full power and operation to the speaker.
Community Professional Loudspeakers
333 East Fifth Street
Chester, PA 19013
(610) 876.3400
www.loudspeakers.net

Not The Chicken Head Again

ToneWorks’ AX1500G is a multi-effects modeling signal processor that features Korg’s REMS technology. The unit includes new channel and effects switching options and “chicken head” style knobs along with a red-on-black LCD display. Ninety-six effects programs (48 user/ 48 preset) and 56 effect types are also included. In the AX1500G, each effects program features two footswitchable drive channels, distinguished by a different LED color. You can pick a specific drive amp/cab setting per channel within each program and the AX1500G is designed to remember it. Use the effect channel hold function to choose whether the current channel you’re using or a pre-determined channel will be called up when a new program is picked. Each of the processor’s program presets lets up to eight of the 56 different effect types be used at once. Also included are distortion, chorus, flanger and phaser effects as well as ring modulator effects. The individual mode is designed for more precise tap tempo input and sample and play functions through a pedal switch (as well as a standard expression pedal input). This mode lets each individual effect in a given program to be turned on or off through pedal switches. The expression pedal gives you real-time control of 11 of these effects, from volume to wah, pitch bend to talking modulator. The sample and play function lets you record up to eight seconds of audio, then loop or reverse loop to produce effects. You can also play over the loops. The unit’s phase trainer lets you record up to 16 seconds of external audio (CD, cassette or guitar) and reduce its speed up to 75-percent without pitch change. The AX1500G features a ¼-inch phone jack guitar input and an AUX IN stereo mini jack. Outputs include two ¼-inch phone jacks and a stereo mini-jack output for headphones. Also included is a built-in Korg metronome and autochromatic tuner.
ToneWorks
316 South Service Rd.
Melville, NY 11747
(516) 333-9100
www.korg.com

E-V Plays Doctor
Electro-Voice’s QRx line of loudspeakers and subs are designed to be portable and flexible enough to use for high-end DJ setups or fixed installation projects where you need direct radiating two-ways. The line includes the QRx112/75, a two -way, 12-inch woofer, the QRx115/75, a two-way 15-inch woofer, the QRx212/75, two-way dual 12-inch woofer, the QRx118S, a single 18-inch direct radiator sub, the QRx215S, a dual 15-inch direct radiator sub and the QRx218S, a dual 18-inch direct radiator sub. The QRx112/75 and the QRx115/75 are five-sided cabinets, so that you can use them as main PA speakers, floor wedges or ceiling-hugging low-profile boxes. All two-way systems have a 75-degree by 50-degree constant directivity horn that’s asymmetrical with a 15-degree down angle for pole mounting. When you mount the speaker over the top of the crowd, the QRx line is designed to naturally distribute energy into the crowd without box repositioning or tilting. E-V’s QRx top boxes come as portable or fixed install “ready-to-hang” cabinets with Safe Grip handles, standard pole mount and L-track, top and bottom. The L-track is designed to use the force of gravity along with the 15-degree down angle of the horn so that it’ll hang naturally with a minimal need for pull-ups. The horns are fully rotatable, so you have flexibility when configuring an array. All QRx Series top-boxes are passive or biampable with an external switch on the back of the box so you can choose the mode. There’s also high-frequency driver protection built into the crossover.
Telex Communications
12000 Portland Ave.
Burnsville, MN 55337
(952) 884-4051
www.telex.com

Studiomaster Fusion Mixer

Studiomaster’s Fusion Series DJ/KJ mixer is designed to merge PA features with an effects processor for DJ and KJ mixing. Three mic channels give you XLR/jack combo inputs, 80 Hz hi-pass filter, three-band EQ with mid sweep and 60 mm faders. Its onboard effects DSP give you three vocal sounds and two delay settings with Regen, you pick them using one-touch buttons. The mixer’s DJ section has four stereo inputs with 60 mm faders, cue buttons and an assignable, removable 45-mm crossfader. The crossfader taper is adjustable so you can suit it to your personal DJing style. The four stereo channels on the Fusion aren’t identical but are tailored for flexibility. The first stereo pair gives you A/B input switching so you can connect up to four CD players and features a three-band fixed channel EQ. The next stereo pair has switchable CD or phono inputs, three-band EQ with -36dB, fast slope “kill” facility. An MPX (multiplex) button removes the vocal track on karaoke CDs. The output section gives you a 60 mm master output fader feeding balanced XLR outputs. Metering is through three 12-segment bar graphs, a left, right and cue so you can beat match tracks. The phones signal comes from a mix of cue and output signals. You can choose the assignable booth output from either the headphone mix or main output. The mic input channel signal can be cut from the booth, designed so you can mix at high sound levels without mic feedback. There’s two video inputs and one output so two karaoke players can be fed into a single TV monitor. An assignable foot switch socket on the rear panel can turn the effects DSP on and off for announcements between songs or can mute two of the mic channels to give control back to the KJ at the end of a performance.
Studiomaster Inc.
22885-D Savi Ranch Parkway
Yorba Linda, CA 92887
(800) 878-7883
www.studiomaster.com

Chez E-MU

E-MU’s Version 3.0 software for its PARIS Pro Digital Audio Workstation is an upgrade to the old platform, giving music recording and post-production professionals features like 24-bit OMF File import/export, integrated MIDI support, a dedicated waveform editor and an intuitive user interface. The base PARIS Pro System gives you a hardware-based digital audio workstation solution that includes a 16-channel control surface, modular expansion chassis, PCI card and true cross-platform Mac/PC software. With the addition of 3.0 software, you now have full MIDI integration, so the system has greater connectivity in the studio. The new dedicated waveform editor gives you powerful editing tools that let you manipulate audio at the sample level without leaving the PARIS application. PARIS Pro also supports an assortment of VST and DirectX plug-ins, in addition to its host of studio grade hardware-based effects. It also can support the import and export of OMF files (Avid’s Open Media Framework). PARIS Pro is an expandable system in both track count and I/O. It’s expandable up to 128 real-time tracks and you can add more tracks to the base 16-channel PARIS Pro System by installing additional PCI cards. In addition to the PCI card and Mac/PC software, each PARIS Pro System ships with a MEC (Modular Expansion Chassis) that can be customized for almost any application using the many 24-bit I/O and sync modules currently available, and a C-16 Control Surface, that gives you faders for every channel, in addition to dedicated EQ, transport, edit and automation controls. In addition to hardware tracks, PARIS Pro 3.0 also gives you unlimited native tracks.
E-Mu
1600 Green Hills Road
Scotts Valley, CA 95067
(831) 438-1921
www.emu.com

JBL Gives You Control

Designed for nightclubs and cafes, the Control 29AV loudspeaker from JBL is a two-way speaker with an 8-inch woofer (that has a weather-resistant Kevlar cone) and a 1-inch exit compression driver mounted on a rotatable high-frequency horn, so you can use the speaker vertically or horizontally. The compression driver is made of titanium and the grill is coated in polyethylene with foam backing. A low distortion 100-degree by 80-degree rotatable horn is designed for even coverage and its flat frequency response for sonic character. The speaker comes with a line distribution transformer, designed for minimal insertion loss and reduced saturation. JBL’s SonicGuard overload protection and magnetic shielding lets the speaker be used close to video monitors. Each speaker comes with JBL’s InvisiBAll mounting system. An optional MTC-29UB U-bracket gives you a way to install the speaker, especially if you want to hang it underneath a balcony.
JBL Professional
8500 Balboa Blvd.
Northridge, CA 91329
(818) 894-8850
www.jblpro.com

American DJ's Fab 4

Lighting effects just got its very own “Fab 4.” The Fab 4 DMX-technology lighting package from American DJ is a complete 4-unit (one master and three slaves) lighting system that links together and moves in synchronization. You can program your own customized light show by using a DMX controller. The Fab 4’s four linkable units come with built-in synchronized internal programs and 16 colored light beams. When the four units are used in sync, the Fab 4 gives you 64 multi-colored beams of light. When used on its own, the Fab 4 gives you internal dance light-chase sequences, and when used with a DMX controller, the controller makes it possible to produce a custom light show, but can also be used to call up any of the Fab 4’s internals. The Fab 4 is a sound-active fixture that is fan cooled (master only). The package includes four hanging brackets for easy installation and three AC plugs on rear of master to power-up slaves.
American DJ Supply
4295 Charter St.
Los Angeles, CA 90058
800-322-6337
(323) 582-2650
www.americandj.com

Stanton's SK-2F
Stanton’s SK-2F is its limited edition DJ mixer, an upgraded version of its SK-2F. This upgraded mixer includes the latest focus fader (the Focus Fader V2.0), which is a digital optical crossfader, and the OS2 optical scratch switch. The Focus Fader V2 is curve adjustable, designed to accommodate whatever style you work in. It’s fitted with optical sensors and is microprocessor controlled to eliminate the need for contacts or graphite material. The OS2 uses a fader as the user interface, designed so that you can use the same hand/wrist movement when you use the crossfader and the OS2. The flat handle and slide action is designed so you can finally crab scratch as well as QBert.
Stanton Magnetics
2821 Evans St.
Hollywood, FL 33020
(954) 929-8999
www.stantonmagnetics.com

Gemini Underwires You
Gemini’s UX-1620 is a dual channel UHF wireless microphone system designed to give DJs 16 UHF frequencies to choose from. The UX-1620 houses two separate single channel receivers in a ½-space rack-mounting unit. Other features include balanced and unbalanced output jacks, an LED indicator for RF on the front panel alongside a squelch control. The UX-1620 has automute circuitry designed to eliminate popping and static when your mic is out of range and a frequency tuned 1/4 wavelength antenna. The UX-1620 system is available in hand-held, lavalier and headset models.
Gemini Sound Products Corp.
8 Germak Drive
Carteret, NJ 07008
(732) 969-9000
www.geminidj.com