CategoriesBlog, DJ by

Go Beyond your Equipment LImitations with DJ Audio Interfaces

As a new DJ there is a good chance that you’re a little confused as to what all of this equipment does, and we really can’t blame you. There’s so much of it and it’s pretty overwhelming for someone who is just getting into the field. That being said, you will probably want to make sure that you have all the right equipment, including the all-important DJ audio interfaces. The focus of this article is audio interfaces, but what do they do exactly? How will they help to advance your career? Before we can get into that there is something else, more important that we must address: hardware limitations.

Hardware Limitations Necessitate DJ Audio Interfaces

DJ Audio Interfaces for saleThere are numerous limitations on consumer hardware, and in this case we’re going to be focusing on the computer. As the digital DJ scene becomes more and more populated, computers will definitely be the popular alternative to analogue options. The biggest problem with computers is that they feature a severe limitation in the sound card, especially with laptops.

That being the case you can’t really be expected to produce a top quality sound from your machine which is definitely a problem when you are performing. If your laptop can’t produce high end, low end, and everything in between you can be rest assured that people are going to notice, and that’s not something that you want. In fact it might actually be enough to make your customers go shopping for another DJ. There are two ways for you to get around this.

  1. Buy a laptop with a better sound card which can be prohibitively expensive
  2. Buy an audio interface

What is an Audio Interface

The interface is pretty complex, but we’re going to put it in very simple terms for you: it upgrades the sound output of your computer. There are two benefits to this, first of all you won’t have to buy a more expensive computer to get the sound output that you need, and secondly, you will find that an audio interface is externally powered, meaning it’s not going to put nearly as much strain on your computer’s CPU as an integrated audio card. That means more processing time for your laptop and better multitasking, which is something that every DJ is going to need to perform. There are many DJ Audio Interfaces for sale, each of which have their own benefits.

Input and Output

buying DJ equipment packagesOne of the most common questions people tend to have when they are buying DJ equipment packages that include audio interfaces is how the amount of ports actually makes a discernable difference. When you’re DJ’ing you’re going to need flexibility and having multiple ports gives you the ability to record from more than once source at the same time. Okay so what does this mean exactly? When you’re putting on a show there is a good chance you’ll be playing music and talking at the same time, and you may want to record both streams of audio to create a demo tape. After all, if you can’t prove your worth you’re not going to get a gig, are you?

Having multiple ports will allow you to record both at the same time! In addition to that you will be able to record two musicians at the same time along with many other important scenarios. Finally, remember that a multi-port interface will give you the ability to preview music as it’s being played, and if you’re mixing this is absolutely essential. There’s no telling exactly what you’re going to need, but there is definitely a controller out there to suit you.

When to Get an Interface

When you first get into the scene people might tell you not to buy DJ audio interface, at least until later, but we’re of the opinion that you should obtain one as quickly as possible. It is a piece of equipment that will be useful in nearly every aspect of your DJ career. Remember that some pieces of equipment have their own audio interface built in so make sure you check the specs before you commit to anything.

As you can see, an audio interface is not only a great piece of equipment, it is paramount to your success as a DJ. Take a look at the options we offer today and expand your capabilities.

 

 

CategoriesLighting by

DJ Lighting for Sale – Three Things you can Do with Lasers

When you hear lasers you automatically think high tech, and you can be rest assured that it’s going to bring people to your club. Lasers can be a bit on the expensive side but in our opinion they are absolutely worth the investment, especially if you want to air the fact that your club is a bit more modern than the others. That being said, lasers as DJ lighting are both critical for your operation, and they are a lot of fun. Can you really get any better than that? Once you get your lasers, however, what do you do with them? How do you use them to make your establishment a rousing success? Let’s take a quick look at three ways you can use lasers in your club setting.

Laser Beams – The Ultimate DJ Lighting Solution

buy DJ lighting effectsHave you ever been to a show that used laser beams? Have you ever been in a situation where the laser display actually made the show worth watching? We’re going to admit that we’ve seen more than a few, and sometimes it’s hard to tell whether the lasers are just that good or if the main event is just that awful. Either way, lasers are an outstanding addition to any show and definitely something to consider when you buy DJ lighting effects.

Laser beams show your audience or venue a set of structures in mid-air and they can take on any number of different shapes. Some of the most popular include cones, fans, or light shafts. In any setting, you will probably need some additional elements to make the lights and shapes more visible; fog, for example. Fog machines can help to amplify the power of the laser beams and make the experience far more enjoyable – plus, it looks pretty cool.

When you’re setting up your beams, remember that you can make them either fast or slow. With programmable devices you can even make sure that it plays in time with your music, which makes for an outstanding show. All in all, it helps to create a science fiction feel in a modern day setting, which is always going to be cool no matter who your audience happens to be.

Laser Graphics

Using these, you can display your  logo or any other number of graphics. Along with being able to show them off, you can also animate them. The one limitation that we absolutely have to make you aware of is the level of detail that a laser show can produce. These are generally stiff outlines and frame by frame animations. You won’t be breaking any ground here, but it looks cool, and that’s all that matters. You can use these to get the attention of your audience and show just how modern your facility is. It’s a great way to raise awareness that you exist and it can cut right through the competition.

Combine the Two

DJ lighting for saleThe third thing that you can try is projecting both means and graphics at the same time. One of the most common methods of achieving this is through the ‘screen and beam’ technique which involves showing graphics on a center screen with beams on either side. The great thing about laser graphics is that they can be seen on nearly any smooth surface whether you are inside, outside, or somewhere in between.

Some of the best DJ lighting for sale is able to cut right through the competition and help you to give a show that your guests or audience members will never forget. Lasers  can be an amazing tool for anyone, and now would be a great time to start taking a look at the available options. We have plenty of different makes and models in our store, and many of them are the best in the industry. This is one lighting option that you don’t want to overlook, and you will find that a little bit of light can go a long way.

 

CategoriesRecording by

Music Recording Equipment – Benefits of High End Headphones

When a person is buying headphones they all tend to make the same mistake at least once, though admittedly some people make it hundreds of times over the course of their life. We’re speaking, of course, of purchasing the cheapest headphones that money can buy which might work well on your Walkman or MP3 player (we’re kidding of course, it’s not going to work well at all) but it’s definitely not going to work well in the studio.

There could be a bit of an argument here that some music recording equipment needs to be consumer grade so as to see how the end result is going to sound, but honestly, you don’t need to go so far as to buy a $20 pair of headphones for recording. Seriously, that’s what a monitor is for.

Is There a Difference?

music recording equipmentThe most common thing we hear is “I won’t notice a difference”. We’d like to point out that there is a significant difference between not hearing and not caring. Yes, you will be able to hear a difference and that just leaves the question of whether or not more expensive headphones are worth the investment. Are they really better? It’s not a matter of opinion: they are. Let’s take a look at a few reasons that high end headphones are worth your money:

Extended Frequency Response – It goes deeper toward the bass and higher toward the treble

Greater Range – A good pair of headphones can produce both 30Hz and 200Hz square wave responses without changing waveforms.

Higher Volume Capability – While inexpensive headphones tend to distort at higher volumes, better quality ones will be able to support between 65 and 75 dB

Flow Balance – Your hardware will be able to produce higher frequencies without sound odd.

Comfort – What can we say? When you buy home recording studio equipment, especially headphones, you need it to be comfortable. This is especially true if you’re going to be wearing it for ten to fifteen hours per day. Oftentimes expensive headphones are going to be more comfortable and are a great investment for you.

Price and Quality

buy home recording studio equipmentWe don’t’ mean to retract what we said above but we would like to point out that there is a significant difference between price and quality. Naturally more expensive headphones are going to be higher quality but you don’t need to spend an arm and a leg, so to speak, to get the quality that you want. We strongly recommend that you try a few in person before you commit to a specific type or brand just to get a feel for what you want.

Remember there are subtle differences at any price level; some people prefer more bass than others and you should always read all of the available specifications before you make a decision on any sort of headphones. There are a ton of choices out there, and not all of them are for you. Remember that stepping up a bit in price is of course going to increase the features you receive when you buy sound recording equipment, which means you’ll  want to closely examine each and every one of your options as you’re preparing to buy your pair of headphones.

In the End

In the end it’s all about your preferences. You can purchase whatever you want, but it’s all about getting that crisp clear sound that The best way for you to get the headphones you need will be to make sure that you are reading through extensive customer testimonials, testing them out, and most importantly, knowing what you want – we really cannot stress that part enough.

When it comes to headphones, make sure that you do not settle for less than the best. You know what you need, and you know it’s probably going to cost a bit. The best studio recording equipment always requires a bit of a monetary commitment but once you’ve made it, you’re going to have an utterly amazing auditory experience – don’t miss it for the world!