Issue 188 - November 2017 - Getting Control by Mobile Beat Magazine

ISSUE 188 NOVEMBER 2017

PICKING A CONTROLLER COMPUTER MANAGEMENT AND MORE

WWW.MOBILEBEAT.COM

PLAYLIST F E AT U R E . . .................................................................... 6

The Pherein Principle By Stu Chisholm F E AT U R E . . .................................................................... 8

Getting Control of the Situation By Dan Walsh T H I S I S H O W W E D O I T............................................... 10

Thoughts on Hardware & Software By Joe Bunn

A DV E R T I S E R S

F E AT U R E . . ................................................................... 1 2

Making Your Controller Choice

Audio-Technica

www.audio-technica.com

By Arnoldo Offermann

Bose

www.bose.com/f1

D.A.S. Audio

www.dasaudio.com

DJ Intelligence

www.djintelligence.com/mb

Electro-Voice

www.electrovoice.com

Innovative LED

www.innovativeledsales.com

Mobile Beat Las Vegas

www.mobilebeatlasvegas.com

Odyssey Innovative Designs

www.odysseygear.com

Photo Printer Outlet

www.photoprinteroutlet.com

Play Something We Can Dance To!

www.mobilebeat.com/store

QSC

www.qsc.com

Stage Spot

www.stagespot.com

W E D D I N G B E AT...........................................................14

When Was Your Last Equipment “Fire Drill”? By Staci Nichols P L AY S O M E T H I N G W E CAN DAN C E TO.. .........................16

The Essentials of Professionalism in One Word: PLEASE By Jay Maxwell M O B I L E M AT T E R S...................................................... 18

Before You Post THAT on Social Media... By Matt Martindale T E C H TA L K. . ................................................................ 21

Your Computer Is Not Your Friend—Don’t Trust It By Robert Lindquist T E C H TA L K. . ............................................................... 22

The Big Set Up By Ben Stowe, CTS S C O O P....................................................................... 24

VocoPro Silent Symphony System By Ryan Burger S C O O P....................................................................... 25

Pioneer HDJ-X10 Headphones By Joe Bunn T H E S P I N D O C TO R . . .................................................... 26

Whatever Happens, Don’t Panic! By Mike “Dr. Frankenstand” Ryan

Publisher Ryan Burger Mobile Beat Editor-in-Chief Dan Walsh

Gear Editor Jake Feldman Circulation Manager Kitty Harr

Editorial Assistant / Writer Rebecca Burger Events Director Emeritus Michael Buonaccorso

TO ADVERTISE IN MOBILE BEAT OR EXHIBIT AT A MOBILE BEAT EVENT, CALL 515-986-3344 x300 OR EMAIL SALES@MOBILEBEAT.COM

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FEATURE

The Pherein Principle By Stu Chisholm

has been to my advantage to look at things from the opposite

first heard the word “pherein” (pronounced “fair- end: What is my “act” and what tools do I need to successfully in”) from my wife’s mentor and artistic collaborator, achieve my performance goals? This does NOT mean that we Joseph Wesner. A sculptor of some fame in art circles, don’t want to stay on top of the latest products and innovations; he created a series of abstract sculptures he called knowing what’s out there is important. We just have to keep a clear eye on what it is we’re trying to achieve and then select the “Pherein Series.” As he described them (and the the best tools to get us there. Imagine a builder who remodels term), “pherein” is a Greek word kitchens, but buys a cement mixer he saw on sale at the hardware supply because “it that means to both support and looks really cool”! It would be a distraction Imagine a builder who carry forward. I stashed this factoid and waste of money. How often do we do in the back of my brain until one day remodels kitchens, but the same thing? when I was at my favorite DJ toy buys a cement mixer The best strategy, then, is to keep store with some cash, but no real what it is you do in mind at all times. Then, he saw on sale at the when considering additions and upgrades, plan. (Sound familiar?) For some hardware supply beask yourself the Pherein question: does reason, “pherein” popped into my this support my show or carry it forward in cause “it looks really head, which led to the question… WHAT’S IT ALL ABOUT?

any way? The major focus of this month’s issue is on controller and computer combinations, the very heart of a DJ’s sound system. There is an almost maddening array of products designed for just about every niche a DJ might occupy! Different DJs have different needs, so a DJ that primarily does weddings doesn’t need the loop, hot cue, sampling and special effects-packed controllers that a nightclub DJ does. A DJ that never uses vinyl might not need the same software as the guy who hefts around real turntables. “But, hey, all those buttons and lights look cool!” Sure they do. But could they be a distraction? Do they help to support and carry your show forward?

cool”! It would be a distraction and waste of money. How often do we do the same thing?

When we consider adding equipment, lighting and other effects to our shows, we often do it because of an impulse to toss everything we can at an audience, trying to overwhelm them with awesomeness. Back in the Vaudeville days, entertainers would call it “razzle dazzle,” which was considered a bit of shuck-and-jive by the theatrical set. They knew it could distract the audience from a weak story or poor performance. (Or a good performance, for that matter.) Then again, I tend to think that most DJs are simply thinking, “Wow, that thing is cool! I want one!” I’m guilty of this myself. You might recall my previous descrip- POTHOLE AVOIDANCE tion of my gigantic “fill the stage” DJ rig I hefted around in the This brings me to my last point here: avoiding clutter. Adding ‘80s and ’90s solely to produce a sense of “shock and awe.” It just frivolous, unneeded or unrelated gear, software or lighting of any seemed like that was what everyone else was doing, and I wanted sort that isn’t supportive to your show can even have a negative to be out in front. (Another impulse most of us share.) With such impact. Any DJ who has ever been caught up in the flow of his/ a mindset, and with a wildly supportive, creative industry that her performance only to have their equipment do something continually offers more and more products and options, it is easy unexpected knows this feeling well. For me it was the time to imagine--and some of us actually have--busted our budgets when I hit “play” and my song began running backwards! Being without any real benefit beyond adding another “cool” light or a touch-typist, I somehow inadvertently triggered a command effect to our show. in my controller, and for a few seconds, both my audience Ultimately, then, the question becomes: Is my show about and I were confused. This was avoidable; a lesson in overbuying a feature-packed unit effects or do the effects I use that far surpassed my needs. support and carry forth my Stu Chisholm had been collecting music since he was (Not to mention a lesson that show? Remember this. It’s about age 8 and began his DJ career in 1979. After a reading the entire manual is going to save you money and stint at the Specs Howard School of Broadcast Arts, he important!) Equipment needs keep you on track. studied the DJ arts with famous Michigan broadcaster to respond to OUR needs, not Bill Henning, interned at Detroit's rock powerhouse, PHEREIN IN ACTION the other way around. So keep WRIF, and later added voiceover work and club gigs at Pherein handy! You may save Rather than looking at shiny Detroit's best venues. He has shared his extensive DJ far more than just money. Until experience through MB columns, as a seminar speaker new doodads and wondering and through his book, The Complete Disc Jockey: A next time, safe spinnin’! how I might incorporate them Comprehensive Manual for the Professional DJ. into my rig and performance, it 6

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FEATURE

Getting Control of the Situation A QUICK GLANCE AT CURRENT CONTROL OPTIONS By Dan Walsh

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ey young DJs, gather round for a story about long ago...Once upon a time, Mobile Beat was one of the few places where DJs could find info on the latest and greatest gear, to help them make purchase decisions. Then, a wondrous thing, called the World Wide Web, arrived. Soon this web became the primary source for every kind of information, for DJs, just like everyone else. Thus the need for Mobile Beat's “DJ Shopper” features faded. The magazine still discusses tech stuff, but not as the primary source of buying assistance for our readers. But that's ok. Thankfully, there are still plenty of gear-related topics to talk about on these pages. In this issue, we’re talking mostly about how to make buying decisions for your main music control solution, as well as how to deal with one part of most mobile DJs’ solution: the laptop computer. Before unleashing some of our experts on these subjects, we were interested in what working DJs had to say about their controller preferences. Thanks to the vibrant online community at DJ Idea Sharing ( https://www.facebook.com/groups/djideasharing ), below you’ll see what some pros had to say about their performance setups. This was by no means a scientific poll, but among the DJs who replied to answer the question, “What kind of playback solution do you use (hardware/software/combo? What models/apps?) and why?” a couple of choices rose above the others. Denon controllers were preferred (www.denondj. com), and Virtual DJ (www.virtualdj.com) was the most common software used.

Denon DJ MC7000

Bryon Lalum (Original Artist DJ Service, Sebeka, MN) said he uses the “Denon MC6000 original with Virtual DJ8 Pro on a custom built PC powerhouse. I’ve had the Denon and been running VDJ since 2011 and it’s been very reliable, great mixer with enough flexibility for me.” Quite a few DJs said Denon’s MC7000 was their controller of choice. Jesse Lopez (Midnight Sun Entertainment, Cape Coral, FL) put it succinctly when he said “MC7000...it’s a beastttt.” A variety of models from Pioneer DJ (www.pioneerdj.com) not surprisingly popped up among the responses, with the XDJ-1000 appearing most often. Carrying on the “digital vinyl turntable” tradition of the CDJ-1000, this unit clearly provides a great option for those not wanting to deal with a laptop. For example, Joseph Ryan (Druidic Productions, Cleveland, OH) said, “...it is fabulous not having a computer present and their response and overall functionality is fantastic.” Most of the members of Pioneer DJ’s DDJ Series of 4-channel and 2-channel controllers

Numark NS7 III

were also mentioned by many DJs. Numark’s (www.numark.com) latest controllers also made appearances, especially the NS7 II and III. Greg Smith said about the NS7 II, “Love the all-metal frame and direct drive pads. Heavy unit but built like a tank…” As far as software is concerned, Virtual DJ was most often cited as the preferred solution, as mentioned earlier. It was clear that this had something to do with the fact that Virtual DJ offers easy-to-master, solidly performing versions for both Windows and Mac OS. Other software choices included Serato DJ (https://serato.com) and Traktor from Native Instruments (www.native -instruments.com). “I use two Pioneer XDJ 1000s, Native Instruments Kontrol Z2 Mixer, along Pioneer DJ XDJ-1000 with two Kontrol F1s,” said Jim Veikos (Alpha Tunes DJ Services, Chicago, IL). He added, “I obviously use Traktor. I am on a MacBook pro from 2014…” We offer the above as a very brief anecdotal look at some control solutions serious DJs are relying on. If you are looking for a serious, thorough treatment of current options, check out the link in the sidebar. Happy hunting!

Controller Compendium If you’re seeking an in-depth look at the best controllers, as well as more help on how to make your choice, check out The Controller Compendium, at PassionateDJ.Com (https://passionatedj.com/ best-dj-controllerguide-2017/). This is one of the best buying guides we’ve seen, in terms of both info and presentation.

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THIS IS HOW WE DO IT

Thoughts on Hardware & Software A COMMONSENSE APPROACH TO TECH DECISIONS By Joe Bunn

n this article, I want to talk about technology. It’s not my normal subject matter, but when you’ve been in the game for 30 years like myself, you’ve used it all. I remember the very first rig I bought from a DJ in my hometown who was getting out of the DJ business to become a golf pro. It consisted of two huge Peavey speakers with peeling vinyl on the sides. They sat on the floor and were powered by an amp that weighed more than my 13 year old self. I was using a combo of cassettes and really bad turntables to drop beats for the local “teen club,” which was really just a rented room in a country club where girls were on one side and boys on the other. Every once in awhile some brave souls would actually dance. Needless to say, things have come a long way technology wise in the DJ industry in the past 30 years. While I’m a huge fan of tech, I do have some mixed feelings about it. I love the fact that I can carry an entire setup to a show in the back of a Prius now, since I don’t have amp racks (thank you powered speakers) and tons of CDs and record; but with the invention of software like

me. As long as your laptop will reliably run Serato DJ, Virtual DJ, recordbox or whatever your choice of software is, then stick with it. If you have crashes, lags or blue screens of death, get rid of that sucker immediately! And of course, always have your music backed up...Please! In the paragraph above, I mentioned several of the most popular DJ software titles. I’m a Serato DJ user and have been for a long time. I’m not sure of all of the pros and cons of each one, but I think the key is picking one and sticking with it once you’re I’m not buying the newest, latest comfortable. and greatest controller every time Hardware wise, I’m a Pioneer DDJ-SX2 guy. Why? I’ve been using their players since the original model that the lid lifted and one comes out because it would be you dropped the CD in. I can’t even recall the model number. like learning to DJ all over again. I These days that’s ancient technology, but Pioneer is Pioneer. The cue button, play buttons and pitch control are right where I don’t have time for that—I’m trying expect them to be. I’m not buying the newest, latest and greatest to run a business! controller every time one comes out because it would be like learning to DJ all over again. I don’t have time for that—I’m trying to run a business! Once you dial in the software and hardware you like, it’s Serato, it makes it very easy for anyone to say they’re a DJ. While they can go on Craig’s List and buy an illegal hard drive full of imperative you keep it up to date. I know several DJs out there that refuse to update the OS on their MacBooks for fear that it every song ever made, I had to collect them all! Rather than focusing on all of the gear changes and updates will mess something up. I’m not of that school. However, when in this article, I want to talk primarily about hardware (including I see that there is a computer update, I don’t instinctively click DJ controllers and laptops) and software. I assume that most “update.” I go to the Serato website and check to make sure that the new OS update is compatDJs reading this have retired ible with the newest Serato their massive CD collections update. ALWAYS do that first. and moved to digital files. Or In summary, don’t feel like at least I hope so. Let’s first Joe Bunn started his DJ career over 30 years ago. His company you have to get a new computer, talk about your laptop. I don’t has four offices and now does over 1000 weddings a year and controller or software program want to get into some huge another 400 private, corporate and charity events. He still DJs every time you see a cool ad Mac vs. PC debate here, but almost every weekend, but also helps other DJs grow their in this magazine. Remember I will just say that personbusinesses as a consultant, writer, and speaker. Visit www. the old saying: “If it ain’t broke, ally I’ve been a Mac user for djjoebunn.com to learn more or purchase any of his products. don’t try to fix it.” ten years now. I’m an Apple fanboy in general. That’s just 10

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FEATURE

Making Your Controller Choice FOOD FOR THOUGHT WHEN PICKING YOUR BREAD-AND-BUTTER DEVICE By Arnoldo Offermann

ronic, isn’t it? I spin with turnables and I was asked to do an article on choosing the right controller. Nah, it’s not ironic at all: I went from turntables to CDs to a DAC3, then controller, then back to turntables. I’ve learned a lot in my journey, and I’m going to help YOU pick the right controller for you. Here we go: • Does it work? • Do you like it? • Does it have the features you need AND some to grow on? And that’s it—you’ve found your perfect controller! Unfortunately, my articles aren’t cheap and Mobile Beat expects actual CONTENT, so the rest of this article is filler. Many of you know that I am a gear snob, but I also believe that the only people who care about what gear magically turns you into “a real DJ” are DJs who have little microphones. Still, with SO many controllers out there, which one is the right one? The answer truly is all of them and none of them. Let’s narrow it down with some simple rules to follow and you’ll find your best one.

#1: (AND MOST IMPORTANT) FORGET WHAT YOU HEARD Seriously. I have NEVER seen so many petty arguments about what gear you should use to mix as I see online these days. Ironically enough, the same DJs who will diss a controller saying “that’s not a real DJ controller” are the same guys who think people scratching on tape decks is the coolest thing since 20-for-$5 mini-tacos. Unless these clowns are paying you, tell them to take their opinion, roll it up REALLY tight, and shove it up their USB port.

#2: DOES IT WORK? IS IT SUPPORTED? Yeah, again, seriously. Does it work? I’ve seen some trash-ass controllers that cost A LOT of money, so price isn’t always the factor here. Are there reviews? Are there YouTube videos? More importantly, does your choice of DJ software support it? Just because it supports MIDI doesn’t mean Virtual DJ or Traktor has a mapper made for it. As for Serato, it’s pretty obvious whether it’s supported or not.

#3: IS IT ERGONOMICALLY FRIENDLY? Who’s the idiot that designed a controller with jogwheels ON TOP? Find a controller that fits your style. For this, you need to see

various controllers in person. “But Arnoldo, my brick and mortar stores here suck.” Hmm, true. If only there was a place WHERE YOU COULD SEE VARIOUS PIECES OF GEAR UP CLOSE! Go to a tradeshow (aka, stop making excuses) such as Mobile Beat, or perhaps even Mobile Beat, or my personal favorite… Mobile Beat! Try out various controllers. Mix for a bit (more than 30 seconds) and try it with your eyes closed (not kidding). You’ll find a controller that automatically feels just right. It’s literally like buying a car. No, wait—it’s more important: because this piece of gear is the fundamental piece that drives your business.

#4: DO YOU LIKE IT? Do you like the design? How it feels? How do the buttons “click?” Do the faders feel good? How does the controller treat YOU as you mix with it? Good? Great, so as long as said controller didn’t punch your puppy, we’ve got the next rule to follow up

#5: DID IT PUNCH YOUR PUPPY DOG? No? Great! So far, so good. Let’s move on.

#7: HOW ARE THE FEATURES? Does it have the features YOU need and want? Don’t be afraid to be picky! Likewise, don’t ever say you’ll never do this or do that.. You just never know. Make sure the controller you are looking at choosing isn’t “just enough;” it needs to offer “and then some.” Trust me on this. Look at the feature set and make sure it matches the list of features you want (really, make a list) and need.

#8 DOES IT.. WAIT! WHAT HAPPENED TO #6? Could it be...aliens?

#9 DO YOU HAVE THE BUDGET FOR IT? DO NOT settle because you don’t have the dollars for it. Simply put, if your current solution is working, don’t settle. SAVE UP. Get the right controller the first time and don’t make a purchase you’ll wind up regretting.

#10 WILL IT FIT IN YOUR EXISTING CASE? Arnoldo Offermann is president of 4SchoolsOnly, a school dance powerhouse in Florida, and the authority in making profit with school dances. His video series, Master School Dances, has helped hundreds of DJs become their market leaders no matter what the economy looks like. Arnoldo is also an industry educator offering many seminars and webinars on various topics, such as marketing, lighting design, video mapping, DMX software, and general tips and tricks. You can check out his YouTube channel at YouTube.com/ DJCraziAce and Master School Dances at MasterSchoolDances.com.

Not a big deal if it doesn’t, but you’ll need to plan for a new case if the answer is no. You see, telling you what controller to choose is like telling you what person to marry. There are a lot of different styles, options, and layouts available. Following the simple rules I’ve laid out will help you pick the perfect controller. Rule #1 is most important.

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WEDDING BEAT

When Was Your Last Equipment “Fire Drill”? SHARING A NIGHTMARE FOR YOUR EDIFICATION By Staci Nichols

few weeks ago, the unthinkable happened: Yep, dead air during dancing at my client’s wedding reception. I could see it coming in slow motion like a train wreck... I could not get a song to load on either channel 1 or 2. I had switched to “auto-mix” while I was trying to resolve the problem, but auto-mix only bought me a minute or so. All of a sudden, 200 very disappointed eyes were looking over at me. I went quickly through the normal “check everything” protocol. Still dead air. OK, Plan B: Hook up my phone to the aux cable I’d plugged into the back of the mixer when I bought it a year and a half ago. But which channel had I connected it to? Did I need to switch that button to “phono?” Meanwhile, valuable dance floor energy was dissipating, and the crowd was losing faith in me. My stress levels were reaching “crawl under my table and cry” status. The computer was taking an eternity to re-start...tick tock. I had not even bothered to fire up the back-up laptop in ages. And what do you know: I could not remember the flippin’ password to unlock it! Why hadn’t I written it down somewhere? So, I sprinted up a big, dusty hill to my car, grabbed my ceremony PA, ran back down to the reception, and hooked my phone up to it. Why hadn’t I brought the PA down with me in case some shnitzel like this hit the fan?

BACK IN BUSINESS, BARELY While, yes, I finally had music going again at this point, I had to “deal with” my phone every two or theee minutes to switch the song, and it was slowing my troubleshooting down quite a bit. Why hadn’t I bothered to put a pre-recorded, generic wedding reception mix on my phone? F-I-N-A-L-L-Y, my laptop was alive again but I still couldn’t get a song to load. At this point, I’d done everything from checking each cable three times to begging God for a miracle. Then it occured to me to try using the back up external hard drive (where all the music is). No idea why this worked, but it did. Great,

I could save my crying for the ride home now...Sigh. Final lesson: The PayPal app came in handy to give the groom a refund literally on-the-spot (he got his money back before the Last Dance). I think the promptness of his refund was a definite factor in why I did not get a negative online review from him or the bride.

AND THE MORAL OF THE STORY IS... So you have back-up equipment—so what? When was your last “fire drill?” My brain was not thinking as coherently as it could have been in the moments of panic I just described. It would have been a lot better if I could have resorted to muscle memory and not had to try to think. My new “oh sh**!” plan is to have my phone connected to the battery-powered PA with a pre-recorded, generic wedding mix already cued up. Literally all I have to do if something craps out is turn the PA on and click play on my phone—poof—15 minutes of dead air could have been just 15 seconds. By only using equipment external to my regular reception setup (PA + phone), I am free to do whatever I need to do to troubleshoot the rest of my equipment. So, what was the problem? Well, my laptop had allowed something automatic to happen without my “approval.” I had unknowingly allowed my Dropbox account to sync EVERY picture and video ever taken of my daughter to my hard drive. There was only one percent free space on my hard drive. I re-synced and everything has been fine ever since. (Don’t get me wrong, I still had to burn sage and conduct a proper cleansing of my laptop’s chi...We have since made amends.)

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DJ Staci Nichols is based in San Diego and specializes in spinning “country fusion,” Latin/Spanish, and mainstream music. Her know-how has appeared in San Diego Style Weddings, Offbeat Bride, Wedding Planner Magazine, and Book More Brides. She offers consulting at WeddingBizConsultant.com or check out her DJ biz at SanDiegoDJStaci.com. IG/FB/ Pinterest/Twitter: SanDiegoDJStaci

PLAY SOMETHING WE CAN DANCE TO

The Essentials of Professionalism in One Word: PLEASE By Jay Maxwell

ecently, my son’s high school robotics club asked me to speak on the essentials of professionalism. To help them remember the essentials, I told them to remember the acronym PLEASE. After delivering this talk to my son’s group, I realized that these essentials apply to many professions, including mobile DJs.

PALM-IN-PALM

is a phrase to help a professional remember to shake hands. The handshake, where people connect their palms, is an essential of professionalism because it helps make a firm physical contact with another human. At many worship services, there is a time where the pastor invites the congregation to shake someone’s hand. Whether it is at a bridal fair meeting potential clients, or when a guest at an event comes up to make a request, it is important to shake hands to make them feel important, and that the professional cares about them.

LISTENING SKILLS

are rarely taught, but are some of the most important skills of a professional. Public speaking is a course many students take, yet there is no class offered in listening. Hearing is a passive action; however, listening is active. At a minimum, you should be attentive when listening to another person. The goal is to strive toward empathic listening by placing yourself in the listener’s shoes. Ask questions when listening to make sure you understand the other person. For example, if someone asks for music from the 1980s, as a true professional you should ask what particular song, artist, or genre they have in mind, to ensure you actually understands the person’s request.

Mobile Beat’s resident musicologist since 1992 (issue #11), Jay Maxwell runs the multi-talent entertainment company, Jay Maxwell’s Music by Request, LLC, in Charleston, South Carolina. He is also a professor of Business at Charleston Southern University. His passion for detail and continuous research of clients’ requests can be found not only in this column, but also in his annually updated music guide, Play Something We Can Dance To.

...SOMETHING WE CAN DANCE TO! SONG TITLE

ARTIST

YEAR

BPM

LOVE SHACK

B-52’S

135

CELEBRATION

KOOL & THE GANG

122

BILLIE JEAN

MICHAEL JACKSON

118

I WANNA DANCE WITH SOMEBODY

WHITNEY HOUSTON

120

DON’T STOP BELIEVIN’

JOURNEY

119

BUST A MOVE

YOUNG M.C.

121

YOU SHOOK ME ALL NIGHT LONG

AC/DC

128

LIVIN’ ON A PRAYER

BON JOVI

122

(I’VE HAD) THE TIME OF MY LIFE

MEDLEY / WARNES

110

BEAT IT

MICHAEL JACKSON

140

FOOTLOOSE

KENNY LOGGINS

174

IT TAKES TWO

ROB BASE

112

SUPER FREAK

RICK JAMES

132

POUR SOME SUGAR ON ME

DEF LEPPARD

COME ON EILEEN

DEXYS MIDNIGHT RUNNERS

107

GIRLS JUST WANT TO HAVE FUN

CYNDI LAUPER

121

FUNKY COLD MEDINA

TONE LOC

118

WAY YOU MAKE ME FEEL

MICHAEL JACKSON

113

1999

PRINCE

120

EYE CONTACT

is an extension of the handshake’s ability to make a personal contact. Though the handshake only lasts a few seconds, eye contact continues during the entire conversation. Since the eyes are the “windows to the soul,” proper eye contact assures the person that you, as a professional, are genuinely listening. When a guest comes up to make a request, you should look him or her in the eye when they asking for a song.

APPEARANCE

makes a first impression before the first “hello.” At any event, whether formal or informal, a professional should dress to impress. This does not mean to wear a tux at a middle school dance. It means that whatever the DJ is wearing should be neat, clean, and wrinkle free. A fresh haircut and, for men, a clean shave or neatly trimmed beard is also a must for a good appear-

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LIKE A PRAYER

MADONNA

113

CONGA

GLORIA ESTEFAN

124

KISS

PRINCE

112

CARIBBEAN QUEEN

BILLY OCEAN

114

PUSH IT

SALT-N-PEPA

130

WILD THING

TONE LOC

126

WORD UP

CAMEO

118

FIGHT FOR YOUR RIGHT

BEASTIE BOYS

134

ROCK STEADY

WHISPERS

116

NEVER GONNA GIVE YOU UP

RICK ASTLEY

113

PUMP UP THE JAM

TECHNOTRONIC

125

MY PREROGATIVE

BOBBY BROWN

110

PINK CADILLAC

NATALIE COLE

125

LIKE A VIRGIN

MADONNA

120

JUNGLE LOVE

TIME

120

NO PARKING ON THE DANCE FLOOR

MIDNIGHT STAR

125

LET’S GROOVE

EARTH, WIND, & FIRE

128

I FEEL FOR YOU

CHAKA KHAN

125

LET IT WHIP

DAZZ BAND

132

LET THE MUSIC PLAY

SHANNON

115

HOW WILL I KNOW

WHITNEY HOUSTON

120

ance. Attractive people are viewed as more likeable, intelligent, and more persuasive—all marks of a professional.

SMILE…

...a lot! One of the best compliments people give me is when they ask, “Why are you always smiling?” Personally, I have a lot to smile about. Smiling shows that a person has a positive attitude. Smiling is also contagious. A professional wants to have his positive attitude caught by other people. Smiling gives a person a “yes” face and people like to hang around “yes-faced” people.

EXCITEMENT

is the way a professional shows his passion for what he loves. This shows in the professional’s voice by way of tone and volume. It also shows in body language by posture, hand movement, and stance. A DJ should look excited from the moment of arrival at the event until the van is repacked at the end of the night. PLEASE is easy to remember. However, the difficulty is making these essentials into a habit. A professional does not have to make a conscious effort to do any of these actions because he or she has developed the essentials into daily habits. A professional DJ should remember to do all of the PLEASE essentials, including when he hears someone say, “Play Something We Can Dance To!”

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MOBILE MATTERS

Before You Post THAT on Social Media... THOUGHTS ON THINKING BEFORE SHARING By Matt Martindale

his is the age of expressing one’s thoughts more freely than ever before, to the widest possible audience, all with the easy click of a “send” button. Yet, while you may think that your opinions deserve to be aired on social media, take a moment to think about your connections and consider: “Could this be costing me business?” More than likely, the answer is a resounding “yes!” Ever heard the phrase, “birds of a feather, flock together?” Sure you have. Seth Godin, in his book “Tribes” talks about how the internet has eliminated the barriers of geography, cost and time. Society has linked up to create groups, or tribes. A tribe is simply a collection of people who’ve become “connected to a leader, and connected to an idea.” People are looking for a flock. People want to “belong” as part of our survival mechanism. People want to have a voice. Expressing that voice is now easier than ever with social media. This provides leverage. Leverage creates momentum. That momentum can be good or bad. As a business owner, the real question is, whether or not your posts are good for business. In particular, I’m talking abut the political posts, negative rants and divisive attempts to rally a response.) 18

And the answer is obviously “NO.” It’s common sense. (But... if you are doing this, please continue to do so. Those of us who don’t post negative and political rants really appreciate all the additional business we’re receiving. Thank you! You can stop reading here. [SARCASM]) Social media allows people to interact in a casual, yet convenient way. It’s different than broadcasting a commercial message, because social media is intended to be a conversation, not a one-way broadcast. The moment you hit send, it’s out of your hands. The message receiver now has all the power to unpack your intended message through their filters of bias, beliefs and values. All media now is marketing, and all marketing is now media. It works around the clock, 24/7/365. It is imperative that you, the DJ business owner, be thinking clearly before hitting that fateful send button. So, to help you keep your wits about you the next time you’re tempted to dive into the social media fray, here are three tips you need to remember:

TIP #1: REMEMBER TO RESPECT THE FACT THAT YOU ARE YOUR BRAND You represent your past clients, and present an expectation and perception to future clients. Your messages, images and posts are your brand...or at least they become what viewers think

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about your brand. They give a snapshot of who you “really” are; what you think; how you do business; what you value. What do your posts say about you? Are they consistently positive, fun, promoting unity and healthy values; or are they consistently filled with negativity, hate, and division? Godin says, “The dynamics of marketing and storytelling and the incessant drumbeat of advertising have taught us to be relentless in the face of stability. And the internet just amplifies this lesson.” Yep! That’s what social media does. It’s a megaphone. I recently attended Wedding MBA in Las Vegas. I was shocked as to the number of wedding professionals that said this is the worst year of business for them, even though the economy is rebounding nicely. This led me to do an experiment. I started to collect business cards. Those who said business is good went in one pocket, those who said it was bad went in another pocket. Then, I did a little online reconnaissance. What I found was revealing: Those who said business is good had overwhelmingly good and positive posts. Those who said business is bad, had lots of political, negative or divisive posts. Bottom line: People don’t want to engage or do business with negative, divisive people. Say a bride is interested in booking “DJ Fred” for her wedding. [ FIND DJ FRED ISSUE, USE COVER AND/OR STORY IMAGES ] That bride can do a quick Google search on DJ Fred to see what comes up about him. Yes, she will most definitely the check his business reviews and look at his website. She will then “cyberstalk” him, learning everything about him and “who” he is. She wants to see that he is real, true and legitimate. (And yes, for those who are

wondering, brides really do this.) If DJ Fred’s social media profiles are public, they will then show up in her search. Now, when the bride goes to Facebook and sees a series of rants about the state of the economy, political leadership, religion and moral topics, she has to ask herself, “Is this somebody I can trust, or do DJ Fred’s feelings and ego supersede his ability to do a good job for me?” It happens in an instant in her mind, whether you want to acknowledge it or not. So, “DJ Fred” cover, MB #32, June 1996 what are the odds that the potential bride is still going to be interested in hiring DJ Fred now? Unless they share similar values, it’s very unlikely. DJ Fred has lost a potential client because his social media posts are full of rants. Unfortunately, he probably won’t ever know the true cost of sharing his viewpoints. He is saying that his emotional IQ and desire to express his ability are more important than building his business, staying in business and providing for his family. Just remember, you are always building (and selling) your brand: YOU.

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MOBILE MATTERS I know, I know. You’re thinking but it’s on your personal page and you should be able to post whatever you want. The idea of making your social media shares private is nothing new. College grads have been warned about what pictures and posts to share on social media for years as they seek a career post college. Recruiters check everything--and so do your clients. As consumers grow more and more savvy (and Facebook and social media privacy settings become more and more meaningless), it is foolish to think your personal posts won’t have an impact on your business. What we share on social media WILL have an impact because it is woven into the fabric of our everyday lives.

TIP #2: REMEMBER YOUR MAIN RESPONSIBILITY AS BUSINESS OWNER: TO MAKE A PROFIT My former professor in advertising and buyer behavior is a marketing genius. Lon Camomile says it pointedly: “Every business owner’s main responsibility is to make a profit. By ensuring that income is greater than expenses, it becomes sustainable. Once it is sustainable, only then can it acquire the resources necessary to support other people, embark on social responsibility and shoulder the causes it believes in. So, a business has to stay in business. That is its’ main responsibility.” We are all marketing, all the time. There also has to be a point where common sense overrides practicality. As you prepare a message and get ready to hit “share,” simply ask yourself, “Will this hurt my brand?” Remember that once the message is sent, the sender immediately loses control of the perception that exists in the mind of the receiver, because it will always pass through the filter of biases, beliefs, values, culture and experiences that influence them. We ARE the product we are selling; even on our personal pages. Therefore our branding has to be about finding common threads, not presenting messages that divide. I also had a chance to personally meet and interview Larry Bettag. (Bettag is a highly sought after seminar speaker and social media guru. He holds a law degree, a master’s degree in clinical psychology, and was very involved with “Active Rain,” blogging 400 times per year to become #1 in Illinois and #77 in the world in the real estate sector. After adding Facebook to his marketing strategy he has crushed it in social media.) Bettag says, “Politics has a way of dividing, and if I become political, I’m dividing. Politics is divisive, and that’s okay. That’s the inherent nature of the beast, but do you want to make that your shield? Do you want to lead with that, and have that become the banner you are known for? You are the product. Products don’t have a political bias one way or another.”

TIP #3: REMEMBER THAT NOT EVERYTHING YOU THINK IS ACCURATE OR WORTH SHARING ON SOCIAL MEDIA Just a few words that the brilliant thinker Steve Scanlon, CEO and founder of Rewire, Inc. shared with me. Scanlon flew into to Denver

Matt Martindale has been a professional DJ and MC since 1989, performing at more than 1,400 wedding receptions since then. Along with running his award-winning, multi-DJ company, Amoré DJ Entertainment (www.amoredjentertainment.com), he has accumulated extensive entertainment experience including training in audio production, sound engineering, lighting and design, improv comedy, voice over artistry, magic, and much more.

for a seminar, and I was fortunate enough to connect with him afterwards for this interview. It was nothing short of a “WOW!” moment as he explained the psychology of “metacognition” and why people rant. Scanlon has a passion for seeing people succeed and understanding how the human mind shapes the path to success. He’s also a leader in the surging field of “Emotional IQ.” Scanlon has logged over 13,000 hours of one on one coaching with some of the world’s top executives and business leaders in a variety of industries. He regularly speaks around the world on the topic of “Emotional IQ.” But first, we have to understand the concept of metacognition. It is defined as “the awareness and understanding of one’s own thought processes.” Or, as Scanlon puts it, “It’s my ability to see me. It’s about respecting a ‘sacred space’… that very space inside of you where your own thoughts, your own feelings, and your own ideas are sacred, and you know those aren’t going to be violated if somebody else feels differently or thinks differently than you.” This is pivotal to understanding “why” people rant on social media. When it comes to social media rants and outbursts, it’s because that person feels they “have to” get their ideas out. Scanlon explains: “Threat detection and threat avoidance is something the brain is doing all the time. So without a ‘sacred space,’ people feel threatened and have a need to get all their thoughts, beliefs and emotions out. It’s because they don’t feel their thoughts, ideas and expressions are sacred. So, if it’s not sacred, it can be violated. If it’s violated, then it’s a threat. It becomes my interest not to give you my thoughts, opinions and feelings. That’s why we get so many people ranting on social media expressing their convictions. It’s not that those convictions are bad, but when we practice the concept of ‘sacred space’ and keeping those things inside (i.e. politics, religion, morals, etc), and deeply valued, then when we encounter others who don’t share similar views, it makes us feel violated. It makes us question what we believe. If we practice the concept of ‘sacred space,’ it will create a less caustic atmosphere.” It’s really about knowing who you are inside. Scanlon emphazises that “those thoughts, ideas, convictions, values and expressions are sacred to you. And if they are, then could that person possibly believe that other people’s thoughts, ideas, convictions, values and expressions are sacred to them too?” Therein is the golden key. It’s about respecting and honoring your sacred space FIRST. Develop a mutual respect towards one another, and truly respect their viewpoints, regardless if they are the same or different than your own. “You don’t have to think out loud, or share all your thoughts,” continues Scanlon. “...and just because you think it, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re right. It doesn’t mean it’s good for business either.” The fact is, that we all have the power of choice when it comes to our emotions. Nobody hits the share button for us. We have the ability to compose, choose and share. You ARE your brand. Rants, negativity and hate on social media are just plain bad for business. It’s pretty simple. Lon Camomile sums up a DJs best approach to social media: “If a DJ does, for example weddings, then every post should be about unity, about celebrating, about joy, about fun—on both their personal and business page. You should run every social media post through the filter of love or anger. Love = post. Anger = don’t post. If it’s divisive, negative, offensive or hateful, then it has no business being in business.”

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TECH TALK

Your Computer Is Not Your Friend—Don’t Trust It By Robert Lindquist

couple of summers ago, I was asked to help out a local DJ who was running late getting to his assigned ceremony/reception. As it turned out, he really didn’t need any help, but I hung around for a bit. As the bridal party began assembling, he grabbed his laptop and headed for the ceremony site. Unable to locate a convenient AC outlet, I suggested he just run it off the battery. He couldn’t. There wasn’t one. Not only that, the hinge was broken to the point he had to prop up the screen. My guess was that it had been dropped—probably more than once. There was also a disgusting layer of grime on the keyboard and screen. Was this an extreme case? I can only hope so. Why any DJ would want to trust his or her reputation to a potentially problematic laptop is beyond me. Computers can be finicky. We all know that. Even a new or low-mileage laptop can go haywire for no apparent reason. For example, I use a MacBookPro running MegaSeg. I have used this combination for years and never once had a problem. Then, this past summer, I encountered an issue with MegaSeg crashing on startup. One weekend it was fine, the following weekend, it just totally refused to load. Then I noticed that Spotify was auto-loading in front of Megaseg. I quit Spotify and MegaSeg ran without a glitch. It just goes to underscore the fact that computers are fair-weather friends that will let you down right when you need them the most. And that is a pretty scary proposition.

be a total bitch to locate and nearly impossible to fix. If you think your machine has been infected, search for a scan program or service that can help you get it cleaned up. Maintain your laptop in tip-top condish. This includes keeping the operating system and your DJ app(s) up to date. Don’t ignore those minor system updates—they are intended to head off new security threats and should be installed ASAP. Keep your laptop clean, and if an accidental drop has caused a crack in the case or broken a hinge, get it fixed. Chances are it will only get worse.

HAVE A BACK-UP In a perfect world, this would mean having two identical computers running the same operating systems with duplicate music libraries. But it’s not a perfect world. Computers, especially Macs, are a considerable investment. If you can’t ante up for “two-of the same,” there are other options. One inexpensive method for staying current is to get on a one or two year replacement cycle. For example, plan on buying a new laptop

PRACTICE SAFE INSTALLATION For single operators working consistently (as in almost every weekend), a dedicated computer that you use exclusively for DJing is essential. If you work for a multi-system operator, you should still have your own computer. If you set it up properly right from the git-go, it should serve you well for three or more years. Just remember to NEVER install anything that is not directly related to performing. The things that cause the most damage to computers are apps you unintentionally install yourself. Malware, adware, spyware and other nasty programs often ride on the backs of other, seemingly harmless, downloads. One of the biggest threats to the health of your computer is malware, or malicious software. Malware gets deep into your computer and starts to wreak havoc from the inside out. It can

After a 20-year broadcast radio career, Robert Lindquist built a successful mobile DJ business, and by the late '80s he had also written his first book, Spinnin', a DJ how-to. In 1990, he became the founding publisher of Mobile Beat. With the Live2Play Network (www.L2pnet.com), aimed at the live sound realm, he has pioneered online publishing. Along with being a broadcaster, publisher and Internet pioneer, he's also a sax player, writer, gear reviewer and one of the regulars behind the board at his local church.

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TECH TALK every other year and using the old one as a back-up. As we have now moved beyond frequent and massive changes to the core technologies, getting four years of reliable service from any Mac or PC is a reasonable expectation. This is assuming, of course, that you take good care of your gear, start out each cycle with the best you can afford, and keep the back-up unit up to date. But whatever you, I say again, have some sort of backup. Whether it’s another laptop or even a mobile device running djay or edjingmix, have something you can fall back on in the event your main machine starts to act up. Granted, most

The Big Set Up CONFIGURING YOUR COMPUTER FOR DJING By Ben Stowe, CTS

hese days, computers are a core part of most DJ rigs, so smooth, reliable performance is essential. In most cases the computer is running a DJ application like Virtual DJ, Serato, rekordbox or the like, and is also the media source. Any glitch in the system can result in a stoppage of music…and the party! This article has been crafted after consultation with computer experts, as well as DJ hardware software manufacturers. These tips are likely to ensure a stable, powerful system; however, neither I, Mobile Beat, nor these experts can guarantee performance and cannot be held liable for any issues you may encounter. We strongly recommended that you maintain a backup of all data.

BASIC HARDWARE CONSIDERATIONS

computer problems can be fixed on the fly simply by rebooting—but that takes time and clients don’t like paying for dead air. With a back-up ready to go at a moment’s notice, you can quickly deal with any issues without the crowd even noticing. So, did you learn anything? Hopefully NOT. This is one time I would be pleased if you found this article to be a complete waste of time. In fact, I won’t be the least bit offended if you tell me how mundane and lame these suggestions are. That means you are doing it right, and for the good of the profession, I’ll take that as a compliment.

Before we discuss any changes to the software, it’s fundamentally important that you start with high-performance hardware. This computer will be the backbone of your commerce and it should be treated as such. Be certain to have an abundantly fast processor and more than enough RAM. It is recommended that you have a Solid-State drive (SSD). If any of your applications allow you to use a scratch disk (where temp data is written to save read/writes on the main computer hard drive), get a USB 3.0 or 3.1 external SSD. That will prevent some bottlenecks. It is also strongly recommended that you use an external drive for media storage to prevent your boot drive (the disk that contains your operating system and other essential data) from getting too full. When connecting to hard drives and controllers, be certain to use high power and high performance USB ports. 3.0 or 3.1. Avoid external USB hubs (and check to be MO BI LE BE AT.COM ▷ NOVEM BER 2017

certain that your computer isn’t utilizing an internal one that degrades the performance of the bus).

OPTIMIZING FOR DJING Out of the box most computers are pretty decent, but there may be several processes running that are unnecessary for DJ-specific work and may be hogging resources. One computer expert I spoke to recommends disabling Game Mode on Windows 10. Also, check your start-up items and disable any programs that you are not planning to use. Most of the suggestions that follow are applicable to both Mac and PC, although the methods will vary between them; they can also vary from one OS release to the next. Before making any of those changes though, one first thing first. A “clean” OS install can help a lot. Many PC manufacturers include a lot of unnecessary software. While it may add convenience or features, it can also impact system performance. Be absolutely certain to back up all of your data prior to performing a clean OS install. If you’re using a Mac, and you’ve used the Migration Assistant (and why not, it makes it so easy. I used to do it with every new Mac I got) you have brought forth years of stuff that you probably don’t need—especially on a lean, mean machine designed for a specific purpose. Here are some helpful links for installing a clean OS on your machine. • Windows - https:// www.microsoft.com/ en-us/software-download/ windows10startfresh • Mac - https://support.apple. com/en-us/HT204904 Given the specialized nature of this computer’s intended use, I recommend

Ben Stowe’s love for electronics began early on and led to years of schooling in electricity, electronics, robotics and lasers. Fast-forward to today, and Ben has built NLFX Professional, a premier gear supplier, and his AV installs have been featured in almost every major industry trade magazine. He holds a number of certifications and accreditations, including the InfoComm CTS.

you don’t use it for anything else. Make it a dedicated machine. Don’t use the computer for social media, web surfing, messaging and other types of programs that make you vulnerable to processes that may bog down performance, or worse. Certainly don’t run any other programs while using this computer for music playback. I also strongly recommend you turn off both wifi and Bluetooth unless they are absolutely necessary. A major issue DJs encounter is a computer running updates at the least opportune time. Not only can this process disable the machine while it is running, it may render it unusable for DJ use after it is done. Sometimes these updates create incompatibilities between your computer and your DJ controller, lighting control interface, etc. To get control of the situation, I strongly recommend disabling automatic updates. Updates can always be performed at a more opportune time manually, and system performance and compatibility can be tested before the next event. Be certain to set your power and performance settings to the highest possible performance. Disable options like “App Nap” from Apple and be certain that hard drives are set to never sleep. I also recommend you turn off automatic indexing and cloud backup services as these can create some lag in system performance. Mac laptops have a great feature that is designed to protect the hard drive in the event that it is dropped. It does so by stopping the drive from spinning and parking the head. It is called the Sudden Motion Sensor. However, this great feature has a drawback in that it can be fooled by bass frequencies in a loud environment. See the sidebar below for details on how to control this feature.

Controlling Your Mac’s “Sudden Motion Sensor”

To disable and re-enable Sudden Motion Sensor, you will need to use command prompts through the Mac Terminal. • Navigate to Applications > Utilities > Terminal. • Type sudo pmset -a sms 0 and press Return. • Enter your administrator when prompted. • Type sudo pmset -g to verify that this has been applied. • To re-enable the sensor: • Navigate to Applications > Utilities > Terminal. • Type sudo pmset -a sms 1 and press Return. • Enter your administrator when prompted. • Type sudo pmset -g to verify that this has been applied. Hopefully this article will help you make your DJ computer a smoothly running, high-performance system. Many experts contributed suggestions and ideas, special thanks needs to go out to Adam Lepp, Justin DiRose who are some of the geekiest guys I know. A very special “thank you” also goes out to Steve Feinstein, Dan Carnegie and the entire crew at InMusic (the parent company of Denon, Numark, M-Audio, Akai and others). They put in a lot of time compiling ideas from their in-house geeks and tech-savvy DJs.

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SCOOP

Silent Disco Gets Easier VOCOPRO’S SILENT SYMPHONY SYSTEM OPENS UP THE POSSIBILITIES FOR MOBILE DJS By Ryan Burger

he “silent dance party” or “silent disco” has been around for a while now, and has come down to an affordable level for many DJs interested in buying such a system, rather than renting. If you aren’t familiar with the silent disco concept, here’s a quick primer. Instead of pumping sound out through speakers, everyone in the audience wears a wireless headphone that can pick up one of two or three DJs playing simultaneously, with the signals going out through a broadcaster box. In this way, a club, for example, can serve multiple audiences with different DJ/music styles without having a separate room for each one. While there are some high-end systems that were only previously available to rent or buy at $100 per headset, VocoPro has debuted a more affordable system, perfect for mobile DJs wanting to add this unique service to their offerings. Thanks to VocoPro, entry into the silent disco arena is now possible with an investment of as little as two thousand dollars. For our review we used a two-transmitter, 50-headphone system available through VocoPro dealers for around $2,000 to $2,500. I would recommend, however, that DJs seriously considering this concept look into getting at least 100 headphones and possibly three transmitters (transmitters are cheap and it’s nice to have extras), costing around $3600-$4000. These units work up in the 900 mHz range and the transmitters can send to an unlimited number of headphones, so expansion of your system is very easy. The headphones have an approximately 18-hour life on their AAA batteries. We found that the transmitters had trouble going through concrete/brick walls, but when in direct line with the headphones we encountered very little static and sound quality was good. We did notice that when only using two of the three channels that the third channel had a bit of a bleed from one of the others. For our tests, we didn’t set up full DJ rigs but only our DJ MacBooks, with SIlent Symphony transmitters, which are barely bigger than decks of cards. The headphones were laid out on a table for the youth group we were entertaining. I had one of the youth group members manning the table, handing out the headphones and demonstrating how they worked.

Entertainment-wise, the key is having a different musical style running on each of the radio channels. Our DJ for the first half of the event was managing both streams/channels and was keeping the older stuff on one side, and the newer stuff on the other side, making sure there was a contrast all the time. However, some overlap can bring the party to a new level. Later in the event, we ended with the same song being played on both streams. The coordination worked extremely well! As with any newer concept, there is still room for improvement in VocoPro’s Silent Symphony system In the next generation I’ll be looking for the following: Stronger transmitter: as mentioned above. Rechargeable units: Having to put two AAA batteries in each unit is a bit of a pain before each gig, and we know that VocoPro already has some great rechargeable technology in its’ microphone units. It would be a great match for these headsets to have the same, with a nice microUSB port on them to charge the units. A better button: The other thing I’d like to see is the button on the side of the headphone that changes the listening channel be larger and possibly have a larger, multicolored LED on it that shows other people which channel of DJ audio you are listening to. All in all, VocoPro’s Silent Symphony is a successful foray into the silent dance party space, that makes offering this service without using an ousides vendor a real possibility for a large number of mobile DJ companies.

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www.vocopro.com

SCOOP

Give Your Ears Some Love PIONEER HDJ-X10 HEADPHONES ROUND OUT A PRO DJ’S AUDIO ARSENAL

By Joe Bunn

f you are looking for new DJ headphones, there are many choices in the marketplace today. However, I heartily encourage you to check out Pioneer DJ’s new HDJ-X10s before making your decision. I have been road testing the new Pioneers for a few weeks now, at all types of gigs. The first thing I noticed is how good they sound, not just with both ear cups on, but also in the typical DJ style with one on and one off. The bass response pumps enough to easily beat mix, but without blowing out your ear drum or muddying up the song. The high end is crisp, but not too bright. Overall, the precise frequency response helps you avoid major ear fatigue after a five-hour gig.

The HDJ-X10s are one of their larger models, but they don’t feel heavy or bulky when resting on the top or back of your head or even on your neck. They are extremely comfortable. Another key feature that I really like is the audio cable. The coiled pro version has a mini XLR jack on the end that attaches to the ear cup. The cord locks into place to avoid that panic when you are mid-mix and the cable drops out of your cue! If you’ve been DJing for as long as I have, this has probably happened to you—the worst! Another bonus is the cable has a twist-on 1/4" jack if you happen to have a controller or mixer that doesn’t have an 1/8” input. My final thoughts are about the case. Some headphones in this category fold completely up so that the ear cups are underneath the neck band. That’s not the case with the Pioneer DJ HDJ-X10s. The ear cups do swivel and bend, which is a must-have with DJ headphones, but when stored they just fold flat. The accompanying case is the shape of an archway, and is a little larger than some others, but the beauty of it is that not only does it hold

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the headphones and cable, but also USB cards or adapters. I’ve noticed that the shape and size of the case fits perfectly into most DJ-centric backpacks, since it’s the same shape as the top half of the bag. All in all, I highly recommended the Pioneer’s HDJ-X10 headphones if you are ready for an upgrade, and especially if the duct tape holding your old ones together is starting to give. Treat yourself to an early Christmas gift!

www.pioneerdj.com

THE SPIN DOCTOR

Whatever Happens, Don’t Panic! By Mike “Dr. Frankenstand” Ryan

recently had a chance meeting with Moby at a restaurant in Los Angeles. He was beyond kind to chat with me for a few moments. After eating I purchased his book, Porcelain, and powered through it in a week. It’s a candid telling of his hard life before fame, living in an abandoned warehouse, dashing about through Gotham City’s sordid and dangerous street life. One of the things that stuck me was his honesty about a couple of mistakes he made while performing in night clubs—mistakes that would have destroyed any normal DJ. We all make mistakes; how we respond to them tests our mettle as professional entertainers. It is inevitable that you will eventually screw up or have a catastrophic equipment failure. And don’t think it only happens to beginners. Take Moby, the musician/DJ—a superstar. Darryl McDaniels of Run DMC, was onstage with Moby free-styling to his part in the song “Pause,” Moby was the DJ and he typically jumps and dances around the stage. This evening he accidently bumped his record player making the needle jump off the record and into the musical equivalent of the Blue Screen of Death: dead air! The horror! McDaniels threw the mic down, walked off the stage leaving hundreds of booing fans shouting, “stupid white boy, f---d up DMC!”

WHEN A GOOD CD GOES BAD You might think my worst screw up was saying “s--t” in the middle of a live Disney commercial, on a rock & roll radio station, on an early Sunday morning. I thought my career in radio was over. However, my biggest bomb happened when I was DJing at an outdoor country wedding (during the CD era). Everyone was seated and the bride and groom were standing under an arbor altar waiting for me to play the instrumental version of a song the bride’s friend would be singing with to serenade the soon-to-be-weds. The worst case sccenario happened. My CD player decided, right then and there, to die with the CD still inside it. I pulled out a knife and frantically tried to pry the try open to retrieve the CD. I was mortified. When I determined I was not going to get the CD out I sprinted up about 30 stairs to my main system that 26

was already set up and ready for the reception. I unplugged everything and carried it back downstairs, hooked it back up and quickly found the same song, unfortunately with vocals, and started it up again. I did turn the treble way down to help mask the voice on the record. That was a lot of stuff to do while the wedding party waited... in the sun. It seemed like a lifetime to me, but I did find comfort when the ceremony was over and a photographer leaned over to me and said “Nice save!”

FURTHER MISFORTUNES More recently, while getting set up for a car show with a 5:00 PM start time, my computer and controller wouldn’t hook up properly. I didn’t panic even when I noticed the car club, with about 25 classic Corvettes, pulling up and parking right next to me. When I determined it was no use messing with my laptop I walked quickly back to my van, collected my back-up system, and had it up and running just in time to cue up LeAnn Rimes singing the National Anthem. (She kills it when she hits the high note at the end of it.) I can remember at least two times my whole system tipped over crashing to the ground with a teeth-grinding crunch. But I got it back up and it worked just fine. (Denon). And I can’t tell you how many times I couldn’t find a song, all the while knowing it’s there. It’s worth repeating here the old radio mantra: “Perform with the attitude that you don’t give a crap, but you do!” I would add, never—and I mean never—let anything that goes wrong fluster you. You are a professional; never let “it” (whatever it is) defeat you. There are so many things going on, especially with weddings, that mistakes can and will happen. In regards to weddings I often tell my brides and grooms that we aim for perfection, but if something does go wrong, just hope someone gets it on video, and maybe you’ll win some money on America’s Funniest Videos. (It actually happened to one of my couples; unfortunately they divorced shortly after cashing in.) Mistakes are a reality. Don’t panic: Just focus on figuring out what’s wrong, fix it as fast as possible, and continue on like nothing happened. Be like the football running back who scores a touchdown and doesn’t celebrate—like it’s no big deal. You are a pro and succefully handling mistakes is just part of the game.

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