How to Select and Operate Wireless Microphones

Wireless microphone is the newest edition in the world of microphones. Selecting and operating a wireless microphone is not very easy. It is necessary to know how to select and operate wireless microphones.

There are lots of microphones available in the market and naturally the question arises why we should select a wireless microphone. We will try to find out the answer below.

Wireless microphones will give you some benefits. The best advantage of a wireless microphone is that it offers you a good amount of freedom. It makes movement easier than with the wired ones. It allows you an expressive and natural movement. And as you can move freely and do not have to pay extra attention to the microphone, you can concentrate on your performance. This tool also has a professional and sophisticated image.

Before buying a wireless microphone, you must think clearly. You should know what you actually want to do with your microphone. Do you want to use it in a music show, in a home theater, or in a theater show? Will it be used in only one location or will it be taken to different places? These points will help you a lot in choosing the right one.

Always select microphones of reputed brands, even if they are expensive. These microphones are of better quality and as they have to keep up their goodwill, these brands will never let you down. They will provide you some added benefits like extra audio outputs, ground lift switches, internal power supplies, etc.

Operating a wireless microphone is easy. When you buy one you will find all the instructions about operating that in the manual. Normally they are written in a lucid language and it will not take long for you to understand all the applications. But for your convenience, we are providing the operation system below.

The first thing that you need to do after buying a wireless microphone is to find out the plug and attach it with your audio mixer. Normally these microphones have two channels. Some of them offer you the facility to operate both the channels simultaneously. But if you want, you can operate them one by one.

To start the microphone, you need to plug in the input jack in the back of the receiver and have to turn on the electric supply switch. The microphone has got a battery compartment. Normally these compartments remain covered. You need to open this compartment and have to insert a battery and have to cover it again.

You will find a switch in the microphone, indicating on and off. You just need to switch on the mike when necessary and switch it off after finishing your work.

You will also find a battery indicator in the good quality wireless microphones. It will show you the state of the battery. That means it will continuously indicate when your battery is fully charged, or when it is partially charged. It will also tell you when the battery will go out of charge.

So, these are the basics of how to select and operate wireless microphones.

Victor Epand is an expert consultant for music gear, speakers, and microphones. You can find the best marketplace for music gear, speakers, and microphones at these 3 sites: music gear, DJ equipment, speakers, subwoofers.

Stanton 500.V3 TWIN 500 V3 Cartridge (Pair)

Stanton 500.V3 TWIN 500 V3 Cartridge (Pair) Review

thanks amazon fast shipping and the stanton 500.v3 twin 500 v3 cartrige with stylus works perfect on my ion turntable great sound quality the stanton headshell mounted very easy thanks guys you saved me alot of money verses buying thru stanton and better quality than what came with turntable

Stanton 500.V3 TWIN 500 V3 Cartridge (Pair) Feature

• Industry-standard spherical cartridge ideal for almost any application
• Rugged and reliable at a great price
• Updated version of the classic Stanton 500AL
• Improved skip resistance
• 2 per blister pack
• Industrial Design
• Industry Standard Spherical Cartridge Ideal For Almost Any Application
• Perfect For Hip-Hop, Scratch & Club Djs, Record Shops & Beginner Djs0
• Rugged & Reliable

Stanton 500.V3 TWIN 500 V3 Cartridge (Pair) Overview

The 500.V3 is an updated version of the classic Stanton 500AL. With more years spent on the decks than any other cartridge in the world, the 500 series has earned a reputation as a standard. The 500.V3 represents a perfect balance between economy, reliability, ruggedness and optimum performance.

Available at Amazon Check Price Now!

*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Jul 28, 2010 09:51:09

Unleashing 5 Great Places to Find a Guitar For Cheap

As a beginning guitarist, you might get the idea of buying a guitar for cheap instead of full price like everyone else and that's a very good idea. If you don't have the money, or you're a bargain-hunter, getting a lower-priced guitar is very possible with the number of musicians that are giving up and turning in their instruments.

You have to understand however, that by looking for a cheaper guitar, you're running the risk of purchasing something that may not be the highest performing quality that you need. Be sure to inspect all aspects of the instrument that you're considering before you make a purchase.

But, to get you on the right track, here are 5 places that you can possibly find that cheap guitar that you've been looking for.

1. General Music Store

To find a guitar for cheap, you need to check everywhere that you would normally consider in case there are sales or used instruments available and that includes your local music store. Look for a bargain immediately by large sale tags or mountains of gear that's usually stacked to draw the attention of customers.

2. Pawn Shop

These places may appear pretty shady from the outside, but every now and again, you can find a pretty good guitar for cheap. Take a look at what they have and how old the items might be. Beware however of the salesmen because they usually don't give the most honest responses to questions like "Does it work?" and "How old is this?"

3. Classified Ads

There are musicians out there just like you who are having trouble getting started on the guitar. The only difference between them and you is that they quit and posted their guitars up for sale!

When you check your local paper there is almost always a used guitar that someone tried to play but gave up on. Be sure to check there every week so you can grab all the sales before someone else does.

4. Online Auctions and Classifieds

Everybody knows that eBay is the king of online auctions and it stands with musical instruments as well. Craigslist is probably the most popular online classifieds web site and you can even search for guitars locally.

5. A Friend's House

Now who said to find a guitar for cheap that you had to travel to a store or something? More than often, your friends have attempted to play the guitar and quit from discouragement as well. So, if you go around and ask a few of your buddies that you suspect tried to play the guitar, or knows someone who followed that path, you might be able to pull one out of a dusty closet.

Of course when everything is done and you have that wonderful guitar of your dreams, are you going to know how to play it? If you have a sincere outlet for learning how to play, then that's great!

However, for the rest of us, you can always try your hand with online guitar programs. They're convenient to access and download from any computer hooked up to the web and you're almost completely guaranteed to learn all of the skills you need to play the guitar or you get your money back.

Here are just a few things that online guitar courses teach:

* How to properly pick and strum the instrument

* How to read musical notation like sheet music and tablature

* How to follow closely with a tempo like a metronome

Really, online guitar courses are great for learning how to play, but it can be rather difficult to find an honest offer, even from the major online programs. For instance, you can learn why an experienced guitarist absolutely HATES the popular program called Jamorama guitar and all other Jamorama guitar products.

Top 5 Ways to Promote Your New Album

You've worked for months on your new album. Now what? Unless you have a major label, experienced management or a generous amount of investor money behind you, the ability to promote your own album is crucial. Besides the talent to make great music, promotional skills are some of the most important skills you can have as an indie artist. When you don't have the means to hire a PR firm to push the album for you, try these five steps and cover your bases. Although it is overwhelming, keep in mind that these actions are crucial to your success and the process takes the 3 Ps: planning, persistence, and patience.

1. Target the Right Audience - It is very important to know and understand who your audience is in every aspect. What age group are they? Where do most of them live? What kind of music do they like? If you pay attention to these details and come up with a list of people you want to contact, you can save a ton of time and money. Write out lists and target each relevant group.

2. Create a Press Kit/Promo Package - This process isn't as intimidating as people assume. Think about what you need to include so that the media gets to see everything they need to know about you in a concise, yet detailed manner. For example, a press kit could include:

a. A press release about the new album
b. A succinct (one page) bio
c. The CD (be it a single, EP or full length)
d. Quotes pulled from press coverage you have had in the past, if any
e. Contact information
f. A color photo
g. Links to your websites (Myspace, Facebook, etc.)

Some people can get more creative, but the basics are all you really need at the end of the day.

3. Compile a Media List- Getting your contact list together is one of the most important things to do. You can write out a wish list of local and national press that you want to contact. Make sure to have emails, mailing addresses and phone and fax numbers-press contacts differ in how they want to be contacted. If you have more options, you have better odds of getting through for consideration.

4. Plan an Album Release Party- The event doesn't need to be massive, but something needs to promote the new album. Find a cool venue that you're comfortable at, plan a set, have merchandise available for sale and invite everyone you can-fans, media, family and friends. The bigger the crowd, the better. Invite the media to meet and greet the band, get a free CD and review the show if possible. Don't push. If they say no, they may be willing to see a future show. Don't press any buttons and respectfully accept any passes on coverage. Just getting your name out there does wonders anyhow.

5. Mailings- Compile a press list and send your CDs (with or without press kits, but do at least send a bio with contact information noted) to every contact. Make a note to follow up if you don't hear back in a couple weeks. Don't follow up if you do hear back and the journalist passes. You don't want to be a pest, remember, there's always later. If you come on too strong, the individual may permanently blow you off.

Mona Loring, president of MLC PR brings forth solid experience in public relations, magazine writing, copywriting, marketing, and business development. Holding powerful positions such as public relations director, copywriter, entrepreneur and leader of media relations for a number of charity organizations, Loring offers original PR approaches and resourceful insight.

http://www.monaloring.com

iPod Or Computer Wedding Event Planner

So you've decided on a DIY iPod wedding. It's a great way to save money and have control of your event. Now you get to have total control over the music and add your personal touch to your big day with an Ipod or your maybe your computer" Maybe you might want to use the worlds largest iPod docking station which I'll talk about later. Imagine no more Cheesy DJ or Bad music selections.

First let's talk about what your replacing... I'm a 30-year veteran DJ & I've seen it all. I'd much rather you hire me but the point here is how to DIY successfully. I'll show you just that. You have to remember not all DJ's are cheesy or play bad music. Sometimes DJ's get a bad rap because the client wanted the cheese and bad music played. Some DJ's can be cheesy on demand or quiet or somewhere in-between.

A good DJ will allow you the options and deliver exactly what you agreed to. When hiring a DJ you typically pay for experience & talent, a great DJ should comply with your every wish and if you're off base they should give good advice and still do what you ask. Things good DJ's do - Line up a wedding party for introductions, tell everyone where to go & when, introduce the bridal party with class and energy, introduce the 1st dance, invite the bride and father up to dance, invite the groom and mother up to dance, introduce the person giving the toast or toasts, intro the person saying a prayer, do cheesy things during dinner i.e. Glass banging invites, entice shy folks up to dance with silly dancing activities, host the cake cutting, garter removal and or announce garter/bouquet toss. and finally coordinate all these events with the venue and the photographer / videographer. If you're going to do this remember not to ask the venue staff to do the things a DJ would do for you. They have enough on their table. Pun intended.

Avoid hooking up your iPod and sound mixer/preamp to a hotels ceiling speaker system. That's even if they let you. It's very easy to blow it up and the repairs are quite expensive. Besides the sound is usually not very good anyway. More on the set up later.

Here's what you'll need to get started: (Everyone has different expectations) you have to decide what's important to you.

1. An iPod or a Lap top computer that plays your music, a Mixer / pre amp, speakers, stands, amplification, microphone, dj effect lights, up lighting, cables and connectors and a friend who knows how to set this stuff up. Oh there are two more options. Rent / borrow a DJ style sound system and have the friend set it up or there is also the option of renting the worlds largest iPod docking station which is basically a gigantic sound system in a box on wheels. It's plug and play and as long as you know how to operate your iPod you're good to go. You can rent this thing at iPodpartys.com , It comes with or without Video/slide show capabilities, with or without a DJ effect light and you can also play karaoke songs on it as it has a microphone attached. It's very cool and novel.

2. A friend or friends who won't mind pressing Play, Pause and possibly someone to make announcements. All who won't overindulge say or do the wrong things and ruin your day. (Microphone control is important)

3. A music/photo montage/video/karaoke selection session with your spouse 2B. Many iPods will allow all of those options.

4. Another session with your friends to add to what you've missed - and to eliminate the songs that may be cheesy in their opinion.

Planning the Cocktail hour

Make an iPod playlist for the cocktail hour.

Will the cocktail hour be in the same room as the reception? If not you'll need to either run an additional sound system (or giant iPod docking station), run a speaker from the set up in the reception room, set up the system in the cocktail room, break it down and reset the system in the reception area or just abandon the cocktail hour idea. I suggest background music for cocktails. Instrumentals work perfectly here. i.e. Non-High energy, mellow songs or even standards like Sinatra, soft rock etc. You may want to mix a little bit of medium energy in during the cocktail hour. You don't want to make to low energy. Make all playlists a bit longer than you would expect, as timing doesn't always go exactly as planned. Have fun with it, but remember that your guests are trying to talk during cocktails.

Dinner

Make a few playlists for dinner...

Playlist 1.

For during begin with a lower tempo and slowly build up the energy by increasing the speed of the music and the energy of the music as the meal moves along. Dinner is usually about 1 hour depending on if it's a buffet or a sit down. Sit-downs tend to be longer. You going to want to see people enjoying the music with feet taping and heads moving as dinner ends. Make your play-lists with extra songs, as it's typical for weddings to run late.

Announcements (If you're going to have them)

If you wish to have formal announcements select someone to act as the M.C. (Master of ceremonies) Have a script for the person/s you have chosen to make your announcements unless your comfortable with that person/s ability to adlib, not say anything that will offend anyone, use clear diction, hold the microphone close to the mouth without cupping it, not speak to long and have the ability to control the microphones use. You may wish the M.C to introduce the bridal party and then the bride & groom. Following this you have to decide when and if you want the following events to occur.

1st Dance, Father/Daughter dance, Mother/Son dance, Toast/s, blessing announcing of the cake cutting, garter removal and or announce garter/bouquet toss. The announcements should be warm, professional and fun. If the announcements are in anyway the slightest bit offensive sounding, it could ruin everyone's fun and the feel of your reception. I suggest you exercise extreme caution here, as this element is crucial and can make for a failed wedding reception if not executed properly. Have someone to operate the iPod for introduction music, as this would be difficult for the MC to do at the same time.

Dancing

Playlists for Dancing.

After or in between your events you may wish for your guests to dance. I suggest you make 2 playlists, one for fast music and the second for slow songs. This depends on how much you want the ipod operator to be involved and how much control you want over the dancing.. Your iPod operator should be familiar with its use. The operator should not be cutting songs off by accident while people are dancing, knowing where to find songs, how to avoid a long space between songs etc. Roughly estimate to play 4 to 6 fast ones and then 1 or 2 slow ones. You can repeat this process until the end of the reception or You can just make one playlist for a fully automated reception.

The order of the songs is important. You want to make sets of songs that build up in speed, beats per minute and intensity. When it gets to a climax, that's when you change to a different genre or go to a slow song. Watch out for songs with long boring introductions, especially long talking intros that will clear the dance floor. If you really want control over the music make many playlists with different types of music. You may want to set your ipod to crossfade. Remember that can cut off the end of songs that have a pronounced ending. Normalizing the sound on your iPod also makes for less high and low volume songs, which can be annoying.

Video and more

If your iPod has video capabilities you can have a slideshow presentation with music, have it scroll through photos of days gone by, scroll through photos of the ceremony. (Provided someone with a laptop can do this for you quickly or make it on a second iPod). Maybe play music videos or even some karaoke A wide screen projector and screen can be added to the giant iPod docking station, party / dancing lights, wireless microphone, they can even add larger sound or set you up to use your computer on there system. They also can rent you a full DJ rig with very powerful sound.

IPod Tips

Sound for dancing sounds better when it's closer to the dancing area. Have someone line up the guests for introductions and make sure whoever is being announced for whatever event is actually there. (Having M.I.A.'s looks bad and wastes time).

Have someone coordinate with the folks providing food service and camera/videographers. Nothing is worse than someone saying go get the food when it's not ready yet, announcing a toast when no beverage is available or having the 1st dance missed by the photographer or worse yet a missing spouse.

Have someone control the microphones use. If you have a free for all on the microphone you may get screaming, talking over songs, bad language or just way too much conversation by to many people that can hold up the events. Especially when alcohol is served.

When programming your music decide if you want to just please yourself or do you wish to also please your guests. Many times they expect the silly stuff to have fun. A musically themed event is nice for creating an atmosphere however it can be boring if not programmed with the guest's fun in mind.

If your going to pick people to do the announcements and music, choose people whom don't mind spending time away from the fun of the wedding. Don't you or your spouse try to run all this yourself. Remember it's YOUR day and you don't want to be stressed out or not remember / experience the joy of your wedding day.

Conclusion

If this seems all too much of a production, I'm available for a fee, in Orlando to make your announcements or I can just come out and professionally DJ the whole event for you. Just remember a reception is a PARTY. Have fun!

If you want free advice give me a call. Frank at Amazing Events 407 381-3600 Web http://www.Aevents.com or E-Mail frankielo@cfl.rr.com

Frank is in the Orlando area has been a Wedding and Corporate DJ for over 30 years, has owned a DJ store, a DJ training school, a night club, a audio video production company and a record promotion company. Frank can be reached at frankielo@cfl.rr.com or visit the website at http://www.Aevents.com

Steps on Easily Understanding Bluegrass Guitar

Image : http://www.flickr.com

Bluegrass guitar music is rarely heard by many. For some it is known to associate with bass guitars and other music linked to country music origins. If you know Tom Sawyer and the likes of his kin, then you know what I am talking about. You just have to imagine what the music they are used in dancing into is. For even more modern samples, you may even heard of the Rascal Flatts who popularized, the song, "Life is a Highway," and or Broken Road," or Dixie Chicks or Wilson Phillips who had won Grammy awards for some of mixed bluegrass guitar, country music.

Further, for many artists learning all facets of music helps them build a keener sense and grasp of any music they would want to create. This may also help be flexible, well-rounded and more importantly more creative in producing your own songs. Come to think of it, all songs even though mainstream are a mixed of something else! There may even be a pop-rock, jazz-blues, or even a rap-rock! Point being, a lot of the people are enjoying a new found conception of music, and bluegrass isn't a new term.

Educating yourself is also not difficult. It's enjoyable and challenging at the same time. There is only one important step you need to remember in quickly learning this, and this catching the music by the ear. Essentially, this is training your ear and broadening your imagination. This amazes even the skilled musicians who know how to read musical notation. The reason being is that, people with good grasp of hearing are able to re-create the sound at their own! Well, this is not done in a snap of finger. This is made through constant practice and exploration of old and new musical samples.

This is a throughput process in which you automatically let your brain hook up with your guitar as well as with your music or sound. If you master this, everything will follow through your fingers, your brain and most importantly your heart towards the music of your bluegrass guitar. If you're really into knowing bluegrass guitar lesson, I would recommend learning both the fundamentals and practices in guitar playing. This would further enhance your learning process and ease your way through producing bluegrass music of your own.

Don't waste any more time, act now and find out at Learn Guitar Songs. You'll be amazed at how simple and easy it is!

Stop throwing away your money and be the pro you wanted to be! Know more about your bluegrass guitar Learn Guitar Songs in as easy as 1-2-3!

Hercules Rack Ears for RMX and Steel Control

Hercules Rack Ears for RMX and Steel Control Review

Hercules Rack Ears for RMX and Steel Control Feature

• Features: Steel Rack Ears for 6U rack Solid (built in steel)
• Compatible With Hercules DJ Console Rmx Hercules DJ Control SteelSecure Your DJ Gear 2 rack ears Plus screws, nuts and washers

Hercules Rack Ears for RMX and Steel Control Overview

Having become one of the world leaders in the domain of 3D graphics cards, Hercules has developed and exploited its fields of expertise in a variety of fast-growing market segments over the years. Hercules currently offers a complete range of webcams, speaker systems, digital DJing devices, WiFi solutions, iPod/iTunes accessories and sound cards. Hercules launches compelling products which have been fastidiously researched in terms of performance and produced with quality in mind. With this in mind, Hercules introduces the Hercules DJ Control MP3 e2, 2 Deck controller - Mix 2 tracks with 1 controller! Mobile - light and smaller than a laptop. USB powered, No Power Supply needed. Includes a protective cover for transport, 2 jog wheels to navigate within tracks, speed playback up/down or apply effects, 1 cross fader + 2 volume faders, and 3 level equalizations per deck. Virtual DJ 3DJC Edition Included! 2 Year Warranty! Min configuration: (PC) 1GHz CPU or higher 512MB RAM or more Windows XP/Vista 32-bit/64-bit Sound card + stereo speakers (Mac) 1.2GHz G4/G5 or 1.5GHz Intel Core Duo CPU 512MB RAM or more Mac OS 10.4 or higher.

Available at Amazon Check Price Now!

*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Jul 22, 2010 21:00:42

A look at the Roll feature on the Pioneer DJM-700 DJ mixer

www.djtutor.com Pioneer DJM-700 This is not a tutorial, it's just me having a bit of fun, i will be giving a tutorial/demonstration soon. thanks j toon was " Blue monday " by new order



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QmekS93yYcc&hl=en

How to Become a DJ : How to Use a Turntable While DJing

Learn how to use turntables while you're DJing in this free video series on using DJ equipment. Expert: Brady Williams Contact: www.328studios.com Bio: For the past 10 years DJ Brady Williams has rocked clubs from Tampa to San Francisco with his unique mixing abilities. Filmmaker: Wes Kawaja



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r__Ao1xEMPU&hl=en

Learn How to Play Guitar

Image : http://www.flickr.com

The internet has made it very easy to learn how to play guitar, for those with the patience and self-discipline to study. With the new guitar player sites and video tutorials on sites like YouTube, it is extremely easy to learn by mimicking experienced players. Accordingly, there are several places where you can find lessons on theory and instruction on technique that help you obtain the level of proficiency you desire. Perhaps the only obstacle on your path to guitar mastery is the fact there may be too much information to sift through.

One of the first things you can learn, is simply how to play the most common songs. Folk music and classic rock songs are always very popular among the budding guitarist because they consist of basic chords and natural progressions that are comfortable to play.

They are also easy to recognize so even though you may not know the names of all the chords or how to shape them, you'll be able to tell if what you are trying to play matches the melody you know. Also because the classics never change, you will be able to get immediate help from other players who have already learned the song.

Once you become familiar with a few chords and progressions, and can understand how many popular songs are constructed the time will come that you might want to start writing your own songs. At this point, you should consider studying music theory.

Though it is not necessary, knowing how to properly dissect a song and its chords will better help you when the basic tones aren't enough to satisfy your experienced ear. The more accustomed you become to applications of theory the more chords and scales you will have at your disposal in your library.

Of course you could always seek the physical help of a seasoned professional to walk you through the steps of chord, scale, and song construction.

With individual and personalized guidance from a licensed guitar teacher, you will quickly break any bad habits you probably have and begin developing the proper mentality that will keep you focused on your lessons and your overall improvement. The best teachers will cost you a pretty penny, but they are worth it if you treat it as serious as you would any schooling and take full advantage of every tool they have to offer you.

All in all, there are two things you will need more than anything else if you want to learn how to play guitar. Patience and persistence are very important because though you may have lofty goals of superstardom, it will take time for you to assimilate the necessary techniques. Playing the guitar should feel natural, eventually, but at first you will be shaping your hand into somewhat uncomfortable positions. This takes a lot of practice, but in time the chord shapes, neck movement, and fret work will all become like second nature and you will know that your patience and persistence have paid off.

Learn to play guitar like the experts with easy online lessons at Learn Guitar Online, or visit

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