DJs Raise Your...... Bank Accounts!

Okay, so maybe I've been MIA from the blog scene for a little bit. But I'm back now.... That's what really matters, right?

Oh, so it's gonna be like that?

Well, let me change your tune with THIS. Victims of heart attacks with clogged arteries eat your, well, hearts out. Let's say hello to the PACEMAKER the future PMP leaders of the world.....
Oh, so now I have your attention?
Well, sit back and let me blow your mind with thisbad boys SPECS.....

Line Out Cross-Fader
Headphone crossfader
Pitch Controle (with master tempo)
EQ/Gain/Filters/Audio FX
And a USB 2.0 connector
Can you feel your chest bumping like a SUB yet?
Lets Push Onward, Shall We?
120GB Storage
MP3, VBR, AAC, Lossless WMA, OGG, FLAC, and WAV..... ALL SUPPORTED!!!
IPOD HAS BEEN SMOKED!!!

On top of all that, Your mixes can be saved, and shared.
Now for the... still good, but not great news. It's scheduled for shipment in February, right around the corner!!! Now, the bad news. As is to be expected, something this cool comes with a rather hefty $PRICE TAG$

Roughly $800

....but for a piece of equipment that can carry plenty of music for any event, and weighing in at less then a pound, shrinks the price tag.
I know I won't be seeing mine for some time (I'm #4235), I'll be happy when it's time for me to spend a lil dough, ease my aching back, and of course take one small step towards the big FU reserved for Steve Jobs and his "fruity" empire!

ALL HAIL the PACEMAKER!!!!

New Pioneer controller and deck....

Pioneer has some new toys available. Take a look....
Here's the specs. Comments to come!


Introducing Pioneer's MEP-7000 Multi Entertainment Player, incorporating the SEP-C1 Software Entertainment Controller

Pioneer announces its new multi-entertainment player and controller, primarily for the mobile DJ and bar market, the MEP-7000.

The MEP-7000 offers a flexible high quality solution specifically with digital music in mind, being compact and easily to transport, yet inheriting the basic functions and features of the popular CDJ series CD Decks. The MEP-7000 enables users to play MP3/AAC files stored on various memory formats, along with playback of music from conventional media such as CD/CD-ROM/DVD-ROM discs. The system can also be setup to playback and mix music automatically using playlists, allowing the system to entertain when no DJ is present.

The MEP-7000 and SEP-C1 are a response to the trend of laptops being utilized by professional DJs. Recent developments have changed the way mobile and club DJs organise and play their music. No longer carrying boxes of vinyl or CD's full of music. Laptops, USB flash media and hard drives are becoming standard amongst the DJ community.

Key new features to this product type are the 4.3-inch colour LCD screen that gives clear accurate information, allowing intuitive and easy menu navigation. The MEP-7000 transforms into a Karaoke playback device when a CD-G disc is inserted, displaying the playback video on the LCD screen, but can also be fed to external monitors using the composite video output terminal.

The SEP-C1 (also available as a separate unit) works as a software controller when used in conjunction with compatible software such as the bundled "DJS" from Pioneer. This allows the user to manage and control playback of audio files stored on your computer, to give full scale DJ performance without the need for a mouse or keyboard.


Key Features
Dynamic digital media playback and MIDI-control via USB
The MEP-7000 allows USB control from either PC or Mac. So, besides music from CD/DVD, the MEP-7000 lets DJs play music files, such as MP3*1/AAC/WAV/AIFF*2, stored on USB keys, HDD, CD-R/RW and DVD±R/RW. The unit is also compatible via USB with Pioneer's DJS software*3 or applications such as Serato Scratch LIVE or Traktor*4- without the need for a time coded disc. USB connectivity furthermore means that the SEP-C1 can easily be used as a MIDI controller for MIDI-compatible computer applications.

Area-Colour OEL display/4.3-inch colour LCD for express music mapping
The innovative 4.3-inch colour LCD with high visibility, intelligent GUI (Graphic User Interface) and a rotary selector enables rapid track searches from huge music libraries. To achieve this, the MEP-7000 adopts an industry-first Area-Colour OEL (Organic Electroluminescene) display, ensuring that the user can see performance data in harsh lighting conditions.

Scratch-happy Jog Wheel and a wide range of effects
The high quality Touch Sensor Jog Wheel is capable of controlling various scratch sounds and these definitely broaden the scope of any DJ performance. The MEP-7000 carries 3 patterns of Scratch Jog Effects (SCRATCH, BUBBLE and TRANS) and 3 patterns of Digital Jog Break Effects (JET, ROLL and WAH), which vary depending on the DJ's choice and use of the Jog Wheel.

Effects lovers will be pleased to know there are also 8 patterns of DJS Effect (DELAY, ECHO, AUTO PAN, AUTO TRANCE, AUTO FILTER, FLANGER, REVERB and PITCH SHIFTER) available, and that these can all be synced with the BPM (Beat Per Minute), if required. Only when connected to DJS via the USB connectivity.

Auto Mix enables automatic mixed playback of tracks from the Play List
The MEP-7000 uses an Auto Mix function that allows auto mix playback of tracks registered on the Play List. There are then 4 patterns of Mix Mode (ECHO, ZIP, CUT IN and CROSS FADE), allowing music to be mixed in a selected style and played automatically.　

Other Features
1. Library Function: Select tracks from various categories, such as genre/artist.
2. Tempo Control Range: Choose from 4 maximum ranges for the tempo slider: ±6％, ±10％, ±16％, and WIDE ±100％. (WIDE mode is not available with MP3/AAC/WAV and AIFFs files.)
3. Pitch Bend Button: Achieve fine adjustment of track speed simply by pressing the button.
4. Seamless Loop: Repeats a loop without interruption. Loops can be set as small as approx. 0.013 seconds up to infinity.
5. Hot Loop: Return to a loop-in point during loop playback. Start over the loop playback by just pressing a button.
6. Memory Cue/Loop: The unit can memorise any CUE/LOOP point at the press of a button.
7. Auto BPM (Beats Per Minute) Counter: Automatically measures and digitally displays a track's tempo.
8. Digital Output and Monitor Out Terminals: Output audio digitally and select tracks using a large external display.
9. Keyboard Available: Select tracks swiftly and input characters directly.
10. Legato Link Conversion: Reproduces richer and more natural sound with WIDE range playback by up sampling, 44.1 kHz → 176.4 kHz, the audio information lost in a CD format.
11. Vibration Proof Construction: Shockproof memory plus floating mechanism used in Pioneer's Car audio components helps prevent skipping and resists vibration.
12. Rack-Mount-Ready: Ready for rack mounting, which is useful for club/studio installations. (EIA compliant)

*1　MPEG-1 Audio Layer3, MPEG-2 Audio Layer3 LSF.
*2　Available only on USB storage device; WAV/AIFF recorded on CD/DVD media cannot be played.
*3　 MEP-7000 can control DJS using version 1.6000 (download available from late April 2008). If you own the previous version, please download an update from Pioneer's site.
*4　 More DJ software applications pending, but Pioneer cannot guarantee performance of software on users' PCs. Scratch LIVE is a registered trademark of Serato Audio Research.

Price and availability
The MEP-7000 and SEP-C1 are available from Pioneer's distribution network, details of which can be found at HYPERLINK "http://www.pioneerprodj.eu" www.pioneerprodj.eu. The MEP-7000 will be available from April 2008 with a suggested retail price of €1499 (excluding VAT), while the SEP-C1 controller stands at €749 (excluding VAT). Images of the MEP-7000 / SEP-C1 will available shortly to download from HYPERLINK "http://www.prosvlink.net" www.prosvlink.net with the password PRO1007L.

About Pioneer Europe NV
Pioneer Europe NV is the regional European headquarters of the Pioneer Corporation, a global leader in electronics and audio/video products for the home, car, commerce and industry, particularly in the following core multimedia technologies - digital versatile disc (DVD), plasma display panels (PDP), and in-car navigation and AV systems. Its shares are traded on the Tokyo Stock Exchange.

UPDATED!-New Player and Mixer from American Audio-Is this useful?

UPDATE!UPDATE!UPDATE!UPDATE!UPDATE!UPDATE!UPDATE!

(Scroll down for the new info)
Here's the info contained in an email I received from American Audio recently....

Easy, Fast And Reliable!

A Whole Night’s Music On A 1-Inch Card!

American Audio’s New SD Card Player & Mixer

Take DJs To Ultimate Level Of Mobility

LOS ANGELES – Imagine carrying your music library around on a card the size of a postage stamp! Now DJs can put all their digital music on an SD card – measuring a miniscule 1” x 1-1/4” -- and mix and manipulate tracks just as they would songs on a CD or MP3 disc. American Audio has introduced two revolutionary pro audio units designed specifically for use with SD cards: the SDJ-1 dual SD player; and the Q-SD, a 19” 4-channel mixer combined with an SD player. Both units have built-in SD slots that allow them to read MP3 files directly from SD cards without any external drives, additional software, computers or separate MP3 players required.

An SD (Secure Digital) card is a highly compact flash digital storage media that’s available with memory capacities up to 4GB and more. To put it another way, you can fit as many as 150 - 1,000 MP3 tracks (128 kbps) on a little square you can hold between your thumb and forefinger! What’s more, SD cards are very inexpensive and they’re widely available. By making it as simple to use SD cards as you would any disc, American Audio’s new SDJ-1 and Q-SD player and mixer units give DJs the ultimate level of mobility.

“What DJ wouldn’t love the ease of carrying around his or her music on an SD card?” said Tom Freret, national sales manager for American Audio. “Until now, most of the existing players’ hard drives had compatibility issues. Other alternatives for using MP3 files directly require you to hook up a bulky and expensive laptop or an easily-stolen portable IPod to your player. Aside from the hassle of an extra component, there were often connectivity problems when you added external hardware.”

The SDJ-1 and Q-SD, on the other hand, were designed from the ground up to read digital music files directly from SD cards, without any additional hardware or software. “We took a look at what people were doing and came up with an easy-to-use solution for playing and mixing tracks from SD cards that was very native to what DJs already do,” said Freret. “The whole idea is that DJs don’t have to learn anything different from what they’re accustomed to doing – just put the SD card into the unit and proceed as you would with a traditional CD or MP3 disc.”

The two new SD-compatible units even look like existing American Audio products. The SDJ-1 has a faceplate similar to AA’s PRO series players, and the Q-SD resembles the company’s Q-Series mixers, making for a smooth and easy transition to SD. About the only difference is that both units have built-in slots for SD cards – two SD slots on the SDJ-1 and one slot on the Q-SD – each of which is capable of handling SD cards up to 4GB capacity. The SDJ-1 and Q-SD are compatible with SD cards up to 4GB and do not accept SDHC (Secure Digital High Capacity) cards.

Both units come equipped with a full range of must-have features for pros, including Tempo Lock, Seamless Loop, Auto BPM Counter, and Fader Q Start when used with compatible American Audio products (the SDJ-1 can be used with American Audio’s traditional Q-Series mixers). Like the company’s MP3 disc players, they have advanced cueing with track search by frame. Additionally, you can search the SD card for the next song while the current one is playing.

On the SDJ-1 dual player, music from either SD can be played on either side. The SDJ-1 is ultra fast with no boot up time, and because there are no moving parts there’s nothing to break down, which makes it super reliable. It features Pitch Bend, Pitch Control (+/-4%, +/-8% or +/-16%), and dual RCA outputs.

The Q-SD combo mixer/player has 2 Phono, 4 Line, 4 Aux & 2 Mic inputs, with the capability to assign SD to any of the 4 channels. Among its features are: gain, treble, mid & bass control for each channel (-30dB rotary kills); master output trim control; zone output control; cue mixing, cue level and master level control; balanced XLR outputs; DJ microphone with volume, treble, bass and talkover control; and pitch bend (+/-4%, +/-8%, +/-16%, +/-60%).

For a limited time, with each purchase of an SDJ-1 or Q-SD unit, American Audio is including a 1GB SD card, plus a USB SD card reader that you plug into your computer to transfer files onto the SD card. “This way, consumers get a complete package right out of the box that includes everything they need to take their tunes, drops and loops from their computer to their gig,” said Freret. “They don’t have to go out and buy anything else. Plus, the great thing about SD cards is that you can get them almost anywhere that blank CDs are sold.” Using the USB card reader, files can be easily transferred from the computer to the SD card with a few clicks, without requiring any software programs.

The SDJ-1 dual SD player measures 19”L x 3.46”W x 4.25”H, and weighs 3.96 lbs. The MSRP of the SDJ-1 is $349.95 (includes 1GB SD card and USB SD card reader for limited time).

The Q-SD combo mixer/SD player measures 19”L x 7”W x 4.31”H, and weighs 8.5 lbs. The MSRP of the Q-SD is $599.95 (includes 1GB SD card and USB SD card reader for limited time).

Here's my question...is this really a useful product? I believe it might be if it has a few features that aren't indicated in the article.
Is it USB compatible?
Will it work as a controller for popular DJ software?
What are the audio in/out connections available on the SDJ-1 (the non-mixer version)
When will we see pictures of the Q-SD?
The American Audio website is a mess. It's search feature isn't working (at least not with Firefox) and there are no additional product shots of either piece. The last product update is dated 9/4/07. I am always a bit hesitant of pieces of equipment being bug free and ready to ship when they don't appear in the catalog or on the companies website.

I think I like the idea, especially for installation in a club or similar setting. I'm not sure I want to have to carry around SD cards (they're not the most hearty medium ever invented and they get lost... TRUST me they get lost!) The email mentioned 4Gb cards "and more" does this unit work with 8Gb cards or not? They're not too unreasonably priced at $64.95 but with 2 loaded thats still just 16Gb's of music. I rip Mp3 at 192kbps to ensure good audio quality. I'd have to carry about 10 SD cards to match what I bring to gigs right now. Am I gaining anything with this set-up?

I'm waiting for more information American Audio. Until I see more product shots (like at least one of the mixer unit?) and see both products on the website, in stores, etc. (Mobile Beat review not withstanding) I am reserving final judgment.

UPDATE!UPDATE!UPDATE!UPDATE!UPDATE!UPDATE!UPDATE!

Here's a new video put out by American DJ and a review by the gang over at DJZone Magazine.

OMFG - I WANT THIS DJ RIG

I have been trying to beg, borrow, and steal 2 minutes to post about this abso-fucking-lutely brilliant piece of DJ Gear. My tongue fell out of my mouth when this popped up in the GReader via the most awesome and DJ friendly gang at Gizmodo
The Gardner Post Baby Grand Master is one serious piece of world class VJ/DJ gear. From the Gardner Post website:

Shouldered and powerful as always, but sleeker now with Pioneer DVJ-X1 DVD players, this powerful entertainment machine is purposefully trimmed and tuned for heart-pounding performance. Artistic expression, power, control and comfort await notice with bold assurance.

There's not an ounce of excess. But there is anticipation... because on stage, in the museum, or in the living room, the Baby Grand Master™ commands.

Check out these specs:
Video:
•Dual Pioneer DVJ-X1 DVD Players
•Edirol V-4 Video Mixer
•3 Marshal LCD Monitors
•Slot loading assembly

Audio:
•Allen and Heath Xone 92 Audio Mixer
•Dual 15" Subwoofers
•18" Subwoofer
•12" Subwoofer
•3 Bullet Tweeters
•AB 1100 Watt Power Amplifier

Drivetrain:
•Moog Slip Ring Assembly
•8 Foot Rotating Turntable
•Wall Mount Variable Speed Control

Finish:
•Ultra reflective white projection surface

I mean HOLY SHIT WHAT ELSE IS THERE? Well actually alot but...HOLY SHIT! Get this they have no pricing posted anywhere. You have to contact them to get the price so I am guessing I have a better chance of driving the BMW below than I do of spinning this baby! But Baby it sure is GRAND!

Musician's Friend is the #1 supplier of musical equipment through their awesome catalog and website. They've been around forever so go look. We get paid if you buy something so take a look and anyway we don't charge for the blog right so... have you seen our Google ADS? LOL! just kidding...no..no...seriously...did you see them?