Gear
February 2000
Volume 13, Number 2


New Pioneer Mixer

The new DJM-600 Pro DJ mixer from Pioneer New Media Technologies is equipped with the Auto Beat Sampler, which samples phrases in a BPM-linked operation. If you set the sampler to Stand-By Mode, the function will start and stop recording automatically in response to the start and stop of the sound. You can then edit the end position. The DJM-600 has two more effects than its little sister, the DJM-500. In addition to Delay, Echo, Auto Pan, Flanger, Pitch Shifter, and Reverb, the DJM-600 adds Auto-Transform and Auto-Frequency Filter. All effects are auto BPM-effectable. Other new features include talk over, which mutes all levels apart from the microphone; and headphone auditioning (monitor split). It also features five line, three phone and two mic inputs. When connected to Pioneer’s CDJ Series of CD players, the mixer can begin playback of a track using the sliding crossfader or the channel fader. The unit also includes a separate 3-band equalizer for each channel.
Pioneer New Media Technologies
2265 Each 220th St.
Long Beach, CA 90810-1639
(310) 952-2111
www.pioneerprodj.com


Vestax Launches Flagship
The new PDX-8000 Flagship professional turntable from Vestax uses an aluminum block tone arm for more accurate tracking. It also helps block against howling and feedback. A digital three-digit display lets you check the current pitch setting at a glance, while a stick controller allows instant speed adjustment without touching the turntable. Other new features include “Reverse Mode,” which sets the vinyl spinning backward with one touch; and a Motor Off switch, which gives a natural “wind-down” effect without turning the power switch off. The unit’s “synchronize” feature allows control of more than two PDX-8000s with a single operation.
Vestax America
2750 N. 29th Ave., Suite 126
Hollywood, FL 33020
(954) 926-6622
www.vestaxdj.com



Everybody Get In Line


As a DJ’s line of tools grows beyond just a mixer and turntable to include DATs, CDs, MiniDiscs and other forms of media, Stanton’s Linemaster can help you connect it all. The Linemaster plugs into your turntable’s tonearm to offer an independent line input without having to change the connections of your mixer. The Linemaster includes a socket for a 3.5-mm stereo mini jack where you’d normally find the removable stylus of the cartridge. An RIAA pre-processor within the Linemaster receives the signal from an external DAT, MiniDisc, CD or tape player.
Stanton Magnetics
2821 Evans Street
Hollywood, FL 33020
(954) 929-8999
www.stantonmagnetics.com



EaZy Does It

Neutrik has introduced the EaZyCon EZ Series of XLR connectors, designed to reduce assembly time by up to 60-percent. Self-adjusting cable strain-relief makes screwed assembly obsolete, according to the company. The EZ Series installs with an included assembly tool that works like a pair of pliers. A new latching mechanism on the connectors includes a positive lock with all mating male connectors available on the market. The EZ Series accepts a wide range of cable diameters. Gold-plated, self-cleaning tuning fork contacts extends the life of the connectors.
Neutrik USA
195 Lehigh Ave.
Lakewood, NJ 08701
(732) 901-9488
www.neutrikusa.com


Vestax Vinyl Cutter
Vestax America has introduced the VRX-2000 vinyl-cutting machine, which can create original vinyl records without a mother plate or pressing process. Music from a variety of sources – radio, tape, MP3, etc. – can be instantly recorded on 25-minute-per-side Vestax Special Recording Vinyl platters. According to the company, sound quality is similar to commercial records, vinyl is suitable for scratch play, and the life of the VRX-2000 needle is good for approximately both sides of 50 records. Other specifications include 60Hz to 12KHz frequency response and Vestax A.S.T.S. tonearm.
Vestax America
2750 N. 29th Ave, Suite 126
Hollywood, FL 33020
(954) 926-6622
www.vestaxdj.com



Explosive Sound

Nitrocab has introduced a new series of speaker cabinets, the EZ12-TR and EZ15-TR. Manufactured from Structurewood, low-weight composite material, the speakers are recommended for any mid-size PA applications. The EZ-12TR is powered by an Eminence 12-inch driver alongside an Okura 10P horn to deliver 150 watts RMS at 8 ohms. The 15-inch model also uses an Eminence driver and 10P horn, delivering 200 watts RMS at 8 ohms. Both cabinets are trapezoidal and offer a sound pressure level of 96 dB. Additionally, Nitrocab has added two wedge monitors to its product line. The EZ12-MO and EZ15-MO monitors, also made from Structurewood, provide a sound pressure level of 96 dB. The EZ12-MO is powered by an Eminence 12-inch driver alongside four Okura 10P horns, delivering 150 watts RMS at eight ohms. The 15-inch model delivers 200 watts RMS at eight ohms.
Nitrocab
940 Allen Rd.
Nashville, TN 37214
(615) 885-5651
www.nitrocab.com



E-MU Adds Samples
E-MU/ENSONIQ has introduced two more expansion sound ROMs for the Proteus 2000 Sound Module. The Definitive B-3 ROM contains hundreds of organ samples, captured directly from the output of the pre-amp as well as through a rotary speaker with both slow and fast settings. The samples were done with John Novello of the band Niacin. E-MU’s Techno Synth Construction Yard ROM set by Rob Papen includes a number of sounds from synth basses, leads and pads, for all modern dance mixes.
E-MU/ENSONIQ
1600 Green Hills Rd.
Scotts Valley, CA 95067
(831) 438-1921
www.emu.com


Clip-Based Editing
Wavelab Version 3.0 from Steinberg offers the same CD-burning and realtime PlugIn architecture as its predecessor, along with a new non-destructive editing system called Audio-Montage. All editing is clip-based, which means you just drag an audio file or a selection in the montage window and a new clip is created on either an existing or a new audio lane. Fades, crossfades, and pans happen in realtime. Audio Clips can be grouped in hierarchies. The edit history gives you maximum control over edits. The montage can be played back and processed through WaveLab’s realtime Master Section, using up to six of any WaveLab, VST or DirectX compatible PlugIns. With the proper drivers, Version 3.0 can also open and save MP3 files.
Steinberg
21354 Nordhoff Street; Suite 110
Chatsworth, CA 91311
(818) 993-4091
www.steinberg.net


Effect Lighting SuperHero

American DJ Supply has introduced the Mighty Scan DMX scanner/projector. Offering 20 different gobo patterns (plus spot) and 20 dichroic colors (plus white), the Mighty Scan can evoke images for any mood, according to the company. It will also strobe in any color, or create split color effects for even more creative possibilities. The unit can run in stand-alone mode, or with any DMX-compatible controller. Stepper motors provide smooth image movements. The Mighty Scan weighs 28 pounds and comes with a ZB-ELC/3 24-volt, 250-watt, 300-hour lamp.
American DJ Supply
4295 Charter St.
Los Angeles, CA 90058
(800) 322-6337
www.americandj.com


TASCAM in the Mix

TASCAM has introduced the CD-302 dual-drive CD player (with remote controller) for the professional DJ. According to the company, CD-302 features include true instant start, beat matching and tempo sync, independent tempo/pitch adjustments and built-in sampler. Also, the unit’s two CD players can act independently – one CD can be cued up, while the second is playing. The CD-302’s sampler can loop a section of audio in either play or cue mode and samples can be reversed. Pitch and tempo can be changed independently and can be adjusted over a plus/minus 32-percent range. A built-in RAM buffer allows for a 10-second shock buffer and instant start. Analog-style scratching is accomplished with a large jog wheel on the remote. Preset and cue memory locations may be stored and recalled using a 10-key pad. Housed in a 2-U, 19-inch rackmount enclosure, the unit can also be mounted flat in a DJ coffin case.
TASCAM
7733 Telegraph Road
Montebello, CA 90640
(323) 726-0303
www.tascam.com


Grooves for Yamaha’s RM1x

KEYFAX Software, producers of the Twiddly.Bits series of MIDI Sample libraries, has introduced a native format disk of hip hop and R&B grooves for the Yamaha RM1x sequence remixer. This custom set has been produced by Ron E Beck and includes 25 grooves plus 96 single-instrument parts such as drum loops and basslines.
KEYFAX
505 River St.
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
(831) 460-0172
www.keyfax.com


Passport Goes Wireless
The Fender Passport portable sound system has gone wireless. The Passport P-250 system now comes in a Wireless Hand-Held version, which includes a cardioid microphone with transmitter and docking receiver. The system will still include two microphone and cable kits. The Passport P-250 offers a 250-watt stereo powered mixer with four mic/line inputs, two stereo program inputs, one touch controls for level, EQ and effects, and two full-range speakers.
Fender Pro Audio
7975 N. Hayden Rd.
Scottsdale, AZ 85258
(602) 596-9690
www.fender.com


Q Continuum
Equi=Tech Corporation has introduced the Professional “Q” Series rack-mount balanced power system. Features include noise floor reduction, elimination of ground loops, and increased signal-to-noise ratio. The Q model transformers are available with all rack systems 30 amps and smaller.
Equi=Tech
P.O. Box 249
18258 Redwood Highway
Selma, OR 97538
(541) 597-4448
www.equitech.com


CD/Cassette Combo

TASCAM’s new CD-A700 CD player and auto-reverse cassette deck unit is designed for everyone from pro DJs to audiophiles, according to the company. The CD and cassette work independently, except if you’re dubbing from CD to cassette, which requires only the touch of one button. The unit includes balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA analog I/O and coaxial digital output, plus 12-percent pitch control on the CD and cassette player. The CD-A700 also includes a D-sub 15-pin parallel control I/O.
TASCAM
7733 Telegraph Rd.
Montebello, CA 90640
(323) 726-0303
www.tascam.com


Gemini’s PMXing

Gemini Sound Products has expanded its PMX Series of stereo rack mixers to include the PMX-20 for beginner DJs and a step-up model, the PMX-40. Offering two channels of operation plus two phono and two line outputs, the PMX-20 incorporates a cue section with level control and an LED display. The PMX-40 has two phono/line convertible outputs, plus one phono, one line, and one mic input. Each channel offers gain control. Additional features include a removable crossfader, mic level control and talkover facility.
Gemini Sound Products
8 Germak Dr.
Carteret, NJ 07008
(732) 969-9000
www.geminidj.com

 




[ Home | Archive | Grooves | Gear | Video ]

Copyright DJ Times Magazine
Copyright TESTA Communications