DJ System Packages - A Beginner DJ Guide

If you are planning to be a disc jockey, one of the most important - and the most difficult - things you need to deal with is buying your DJ equipment. It is difficult because DJ system packages don't come in cheap. Making a mistake in your purchasing decision is tantamount to being ripped big time. You need to be an informed buyer so you can make a wise decision when purchasing the equipment. Bear in mind that you will be buying not just one but many equipment, from turntable to mixer to CD players to amplifiers and speakers and headphones.

One of the most expensive equipment that you will need to buy is a mixer. A DJ mixer is a type of audio console that is used in DJing. It redirects or cues a non-playing source to headphones and its crossfader allows an easier transition between two audio sources. DJ mixers are also used to create DJ mixes. There is a wide variety of DJ mixers and its price depends on its quality and features.  You can get a mixer for a couple hundred of dollars to a few thousand dollars. If you are new to DJing, it is suggested that you consider a cheaper mixer that you can use for practice and for outside parties. There are cheaper mixers that can work just as well as the expensive ones.

You will also need to buy a set of turntables or decks. Turntables generally come in two designs - direct drive and belt drive turntables.  If you are a new DJ with a limited budget, getting a belt-driven turntable is a cheaper alternative just to get you started. A belt drive turntable is good for basic mixing though it is not suitable for scratching. Professional DJs use direct drive turntables to mix music and scratch with but you will have to spend more for these.  The quality of your direct drive turntables will vary depending on how much you pay for them. The higher its price, the better its quality.

Other items that you can save money for are speakers and headphones. DJ speakers play music and sound from mixers and consoles. They have high power ratings which give them a consistent high volume. Just like any other equipment, its price depends on the quality of its output. You may want to look into renting a pair of speakers for live event before consider buying one for yourself. You can also get a better mid-price range headphone for less than 50 dollars. Be sure to choose a headphone that is light weight enough to reduce ear fatigue. It should also come in a closed ear design to avoid outside interference with your mix.

As a beginner DJ who is still in the testing-the-waters stage, you should not overspend on equipment. DJ system packages offer a better alternative. These so-called DJ-in-a-box packages contain everything you need to get out there and start gigging for money.

Bowe Packer is an accomplished online information provider. He provides informative articles to over 90 websites. If you are looking for best in brand name DJ System Packages [http://www.djequipmentonline.net/index.php?cPath=4], please visit his DJ Equipment Online site.

American Audio ELEV8-FX DJ CD and Mixer System

American Audio ELEV8-FX DJ CD and Mixer System Review

American Audio ELEV8-FX DJ CD and Mixer System Feature

• System Includes:
• 2 x CDI 500 MP3 CD Players
• 1 x MX-1400 Mixer
• 1 x CDI12W Heavy Duty Flight Ready Case
• Includes all component cables

American Audio ELEV8-FX DJ CD and Mixer System Overview

American Audio Elev8-FX DJ Package Includes: 2x CDI-500 MP3 CD Players 1x MX-1400 1x HD Rolling Road Case Includes ALL Component Cables CDI-500 MP3 CD Player Features: Plays MP3, CD & CD-R discs Display show track listing and artist when a MP3 disc is played Advanced cueing with track searching by frame (not by each second) Quick MP3/CD recognition Folder Search "PowerTouch"!" , Touch sensitive interactive jog wheels (Patent pending) Digital Scratching 2.0 (Accurate Scratching) 2 Scratching modes: Digital Scratch mode, Beat Juggle mode Tempo Lock Instant Start 9 On-board FX: Scratch, Filter, Echo, Trans, Skid, Phase, Flanger, Pan, Bop Time & Ratio (wet/dry) adjustment for digital FX FX sync adjustment Effect layering Visual marker display: Reference point to view where the disc is playing Digital B.P.M. counter: keeps digital FX in sync with music TAP Button for manual BPM Anti Shock (30 sec.) Seamless loop Fader "Q" Start Reverse play +/- 4%, 8%, 16% &100% "Hyper Pitch" 3 flash start buttons with (5 second sample each button) Recall memory of Q-Start and samples Store up to 1500 cue points Digital Output (S/PDIF) Slot load CD drive Flip Flop - Relay playback between two CD Players CDI-500 MP3 Specifications: Dimensions (LxWxH): 13.75" x 9.75" x 4.25" / 348x246x106 mm Weight: 7 lbs. / 3.7 kgs. MX-1400 Features: 4-channel, 14-inch professional mixer 3 Phono, 4 Lines, 4 Aux, 3 Mics Master & Mic trim output adjustment on rear Balanced XLR outputs . Booth output (XLR) Crossfader assign on each channel Crossfader curve Auxiliary RCA input on face of mixer Stream Flow"! LED indicators Superior mic circuitry + long lasting faders Q-Start Recessed back panel MX-1400 Specifications: Digital output (S/PDI

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5 Easy Steps on How to Mix Beats Like a Pro

Learning how to mix beats comes with a talent to listen to music. A beat producers ears are the most important tool in making the beat. It is very essential because how you hear a beat will affect what you produce. It could make or break your career in this field. For starters, you could listen to the existing beats that you are interested in. Carefully analyze the recordings and take note of the effects and study how the sound your after is produced.

Since beat mixing is the smooth blending of two songs without muddling over each song's tempo and beat. Usually, DJs use this method to maintain the party mood in events that they hold. Mixing is not the mere blending of songs but also the matching of songs. It would be much easier if you would have two songs with similar tempos.

The basic materials that you would need are:

• Mixer

• Two tracks or records

• Headphones

• Speakers

• Two audio sources

5 Steps in The Beat Mixing Process:

1. After choosing the records to beat mix, play the first record from the speakers and start the second from the headphones.

2. Listen to the beat and familiarize yourself with the beats of each record.

3. When you have deciphered the "perfect" timing, match the beat of the snare drum and configure where it comes from. Then, time when you can match it with the song.

4. Next would be to find the main beat of the second song and hold or pause it, then, let it go to your preferred beat of the first record.

5. Control the pitch while both records are playing. Observe if there are "off" beats and adjust the pitch until both beats match (Some software levels the input of the beats internally while other mixers are set up manually).

Now you know how to mix beat remember the main goal of beat mixing is to produce a cohesive and unified record out of the two different beats. In addition, to add color to the record, you could add some effects within or for the whole the record. You could even play with the volume to add little twists in the presentation of the beats. In effect, a good beat mixer or software would best help you in achieving the sound you are looking for or the sound that defines you as the mixer.

Would you like to learn even more about how to mix beats and how to make beats?
Visit my website that's full of free valuable resources at http://www.beatmaker101.com for more helpful pro tips, and instructions on making beats.

Chord Extension Guitar Music Theory Lesson

Major and Minor Seven Guitar Chord Extensions

At their core, major and minor chords are built from triads which consist of root, third and fifth (1 3 5) intervals. These intervals are derived from the major scale and named according to their scale degree. Other notes, or extensions, from the major scale can be added to chords such as seconds, fourths, sixths and sevenths (2 4 6 7). Adding extensions creates more complex chords with richer sounds. This free guitar lesson will give you a quick introduction to this topic and how to apply this music theory principal to the fretboard and popular songs.

Major Scale Patterns and Chord Progressions

Before you begin to study extensions you should first learn how to build major and minor chords (triads) from the major scale. This would include guitar chord progressions and playing by numbers (a.k.a. the "Nashville Number System"). You might even need to take a further step back and learn major scale patterns. Remember, each music theory topic builds on the one before it. Major scale patterns and building chords are two topics that are foundational to understanding and applying chord extensions.

Chord Building Theory

If you've already been through the process of building chords for the entire major scale, then you're ready to start adding chord extensions. All you have to do is repeat the whole process, but this time add an additional interval to the triad. For example, a seventh interval ( or 7). Starting on a G note in the key of G, 1 3 5 7 are G B D F#. The F# note is a major seven interval and is just one note shy of an octave. Any time you add an F# to a G major chord you create a G major seven chord (or Gmaj7). This can be done with any G major chord shape in any position, and any F# note regardless of the octave. You'll have to rearrange your fingers in order to accommodate this extra note.

Next, add a seventh interval to the ii chord in the key of G, A minor. To do this, count the notes of the G major scale STARTING ON A. If you do this correctly the seventh note away from A is G. This interval is called a flat seven because it's one fret less than a major seven (or two frets shy of an octave). When you add a G note to an Am chord you create an A minor seven chord (or Am7). This can be done with any Am chord shape in any position, and any G note regardless of the octave. You'll have to rearrange your fingers in order to accommodate this extra note.

Now that you have identified the seventh interval for the first two chords in the key of G you can continue the process with the rest of the scale. If you do this correctly the following sequence should emerge:

Harmonized Major Scale With Sevenths

I Gmaj7

ii Am7

iii Bm7

IV Cmaj7

V D7 (which means "dominant" seven)

vi Em7

vii F#m7b5 (whoa, that's a mouthful!)

Dominant Seven Chords

The V chord, D7, is unique in that it's a major chord but it has a flat seven interval like the minor chords. Because of this it has special name which is "dominant" seven. For some strange reason, it's the dominant seventh chord that is written simply as "7." The major seventh chord must always include "major."

As with any music theory topic you learn about, you must apply extensions to the guitar fretboard by playing songs. The follow lists will help to get you started by naming some well-known tunes that use seventh chords.

Guitar Songs That Use Major Seven Chords (Maj7)

"Under the Bridge" Red Hot Chili Peppers (verse end)

"Fire and Rain" James Taylor (intro/verse)

"Plush" Stone Temple Pilots (verse)

"Everyday" Dave Mathews Band (intro/verse)

"Riviera Paradise" Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble (verse)

"Dust in the Wind" Kansas (intro)

"Best of My Love" The Eagles (intro/verse)

Guitar Songs That Use Minor Seven Chords (m7)

"Tears in Heaven" Eric Clapton (chorus)

"Change the World" Eric Clapton (chorus)

"Let it Ride" Bachman-Turner Overdrive (intro/verse)

"You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet" Bachman-Turner Overdrive (intro/verse)

"Oye Como Va" Santana (intro/verse)

"Long Train Running" The Doobie Brothers (intro/verse)

"Black Water" The Doobie Brothers (intro/verse)

"Stairway to Heaven" Led Zeppelin (interlude)

Guitar Songs That Use Dominant Seven Chords (7)

"Black" Pearl Jam (intro)

"Papa's Got a Brand New Bag" James Brow n(intro/verse)

"Nothing Else Matters" Metallica (intro/verse)

"Cross Road Blues" Cream (intro)

"Roadhouse Blues" The Doors (verse 2)

"Black Horse and the Cherry Tree" KT Tunstall (intro/verse)

"Sitting, Waiting, Wishing" Jack Johnson (intro/verse)

Guitar Songs That Use Minor Seven Flat Five Chords (m7b5)

"Change the World" Eric Clapton (chorus)

"Smooth" Santana (verse)

"I Will Survive" Gloria Gaynor (verse/chorus)

Other Songs Worth Learning

"It's Too Late" Carole King

"Ventura Highway" America

"Let's Stay Together" Al Green

"One" U2

"Collide" Howie Day

"Daughters" John Mayer

"Ooh Baby Baby" Linda Ronstadt

"Don't Know why" Nora Jones

This is merely an introduction to adding seventh intervals to chords. Because there are so many different ways to make major and minor chord shapes on the guitar fretboard, there are many ways to build chords with sevenths too. In fact, the whole CAGED chord system can have seventh intervals added to it. Once you get a handle on extending chords with sevenths, you can try adding seconds, fourths and sixths. From there, you can get into chords with multiple intervals added, but don't get ahead of yourself. At least now you can begin to understand what those numbers next to chord names are for! that's the beauty of learning guitar theory

Play Until Your Fingers Bleed!

Mr. Desi Serna (Google Me!)

Author of Fretboard Theory

http://www.Guitar-Music-Theory.com

Scales, Chords, Progressions, Modes

Pioneer SVM-1000 Audio/Video Mixer

Pioneer SVM-1000 Audio/Video Mixer Review

Pioneer SVM-1000 Audio/Video Mixer Feature

• World's first reference audio and video combination mixer.
• SVM-1000 can synchronize up to 4 Channels of Video and Audio simultaneously plus Live Camera input and JPEG provides unequaled capabilities.
• 11 Inch LCD touch-panel display controls audio/video effects. Video can be manipulated with the touch of a finger.
• On board text generator lets you store 60 messages and vary their font-color-size and layout.
• SVM-1000 is also a MIDI controller with over 100 assignable triggers.

Pioneer SVM-1000 Audio/Video Mixer Overview

The Pioneer SVM-1000 is a VJ & DJ mixer in one easy to use unit. It offers the DJ/VJ the ability to synchronize both the audio and video performance elements. The SVM-1000 features innovative effects and is 19" rackmountable. The SVM-1000 lets users incorporate their images and photos from an external memory device for use in their performance through a SD slot and USB connection. Its "Still Image Sampler" further enhances visuals by mixing images, such as logos of DJs, events or sponsors with videos or other still images with the ability to loop and play them as a slide show.

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Starting a Band (2) - Finding Musicians

Some people naturally start here first. That' OK. Even though I have numbered these points, they're not necessarily in any particular order. You and a friend, or even a sibling, may have an idea to start a band, but if you need other musicians, you'll need to look around. First though, be specific about the the style of music you desire your band to play. There is nothing worse than trying to play rock with a country player (or vice versa).

This is why you must be specific about the genre (rock, country, pop, R&B etc.),and even more importantly, the style (metal,punk, emo,hip-hop, etc.) of music you are playing. If you want water, you go to the well. To find musicians, go to music stores. You will find that most music stores have a place where you can post a flier or ad for musicians. If they don't have one, ask if you can start one. Also, talk to the sales people at the store. They are probably musicians themselves and they talk to other musicians on a daily basis.

Be sure to leave your e-mail address and/or contact number. Churches are another great source for finding musicians. But again, be specific on the style of music your are going to be playing. The most obvious place people say to look is of course, the Internet. I personally haven't had much success there, but others have. There are web sites, board post,chats and blogs that you can Google. The problem her though is that these musicians are mostly in other cities, towns or states (even other countries). Personally I have found that it is best to just get out and find musicians who are playing.

They are typically "in the loop" and have musician friends who are looking to jam. Best advice? Get out there, talk to people and network. It may take some time, but finding the right musicians to play in your band is very well worth the search.

For this and other music related articles go to http://www.stevecheeksstudio.com

Steve Cheeks is a Producer, Arranger, Songwriter, Teacher and Musical Psalmist. Having produced and/or written over 1000 songs, Steve is on a mission to get the world playing and singing music. He resides in Evans Ga.

Marathon Flight Road Blk Series Case MA-DJCD19Wblk Holds 2 X Large Format CD Players Like Pioneer CDJ1000, Stanton C303 And a 19-Inch Mixer Up To 8U

Marathon Flight Road Blk Series Case MA-DJCD19Wblk Holds 2 X Large Format CD Players Like Pioneer CDJ1000, Stanton C303 And a 19-Inch Mixer Up To 8U Review

Marathon Flight Road Blk Series Case MA-DJCD19Wblk Holds 2 X Large Format CD Players Like Pioneer CDJ1000, Stanton C303 And a 19-Inch Mixer Up To 8U Feature

• ATA 300 Style / Spring action handles
• Easy locking fit and tongue / Heavy and powerful ball corners
• Industrial strength latches and rubber feet
• Dual anchor rivets / Accessible front panels
• 9mm laminated plywood / Includes mounting hardware / Cable port

Marathon Flight Road Blk Series Case MA-DJCD19Wblk Holds 2 X Large Format CD Players Like Pioneer CDJ1000, Stanton C303 And a 19-Inch Mixer Up To 8U Overview

Marathon MA-DJCD19WBLK Flight Ready Black Series Case. Holds 2 x Large Format CD Players: Pioneer CDJ1000, CDJ800, DNS5000, DNS3500, Stanton C303, 304, 314, Technics SLDZ 1200 plus 19" mixer with low profile wheels: Holds 19" mixer up to 8 U rack space. Exterior Dimensions (closed lid): 48" W x 18.5" D x 9.5" H. CD Fits Pioneer CDJ1000, CDJ800, DNS5000, DNS3500, Stanton C303, C304, C314, and Technics SLDZ1200. Fits mixer with 19" width. Net Weight: 43 lbs. Gear inside case not included.

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American Audio VMS4 Sneak Peak

American Audio's Sneak Peak Video of the VMS4 The VMS4 (Velocity MIDI station) is a 4-Channel MIDILOG™ controller that fuses both Midi (Midi software) and analog audio control (CD Players, turntables etc.) into one unit. The VMS4 is an open source controller that can be used with any Midi audio software titles (with Midi Learn feature) via its built-in USB port. The solid workmanship of the VMS4 makes it durable for the demanding mobile or club professional. The VMS4 features American Audios signature Velocity touch-sensitive jog wheels, a full-function mouse pad, Midi assignable touch strips and high-quality channel and crossfaders. This all-in-one unit has all the features found on top-of-the-line professional mixer as well, such as: Balanced XLR outputs, Gain, Treble, Mid and Bass for each Midilog™ channel, crossfader assign and curve, and 2 Microphone Inputs with Treble, Mid and Bass control. www.vms4dj.com



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=seL-52mHqh0&hl=en