CategoriesDJ Accessories by

A Quick Guide to Building Your Stage with Global Truss Products

Whenever you’re building stage rigging for lights, cable runs, and special effects, you’ll need to be able to rely on high-quality hardware that will provide safety as well as performance. That means finding a range of products with good weight tolerances, easy interconnects, and light weight construction for transportation and storage.

At Digital DJ Gear, we’re proud to carry the Global Truss range of products, all of which can be used to develop a quality stage setup that would be fit for use in some of the most demanding environments.

If this will be your first time buying stage rigging equipment, then this quick guide will help you to learn about all of the most essential elements, with a few specific examples from the Global Truss range.

Get Baseplates for a Strong Foundation

Global TrussAny stage will start from the ground up, which means that you’re going to need high-quality baseplates to mount your system from. Baseplates come in different sizes and materials, depending on how much load you’re going to be putting on your truss sections.

The most basic plates are made from aluminum, but this doesn’t mean that they’re not stable and of the highest quality. Take the 20”x20” aluminum Global Truss base plate as an example. It is 3/8 inches of solid aluminum, yet it only weighs 13.5 lb. in total. If you want something more sturdy, then you could consider a steel plate, such as a 36”x36” steel baseplate. Using a number of these plates could form the foundation of a larger truss system or one that needs to carry more weight from stage lights, speakers, or other pieces of equipment.

When you choose base plates from the Global range, you’ll be able to choose compatibility with different truss sizes, including 16” square, 12” square, and 12” triangular. Mounting hardware can be relocated to various slots in most mounting plates, allowing you versatility with your purchase.

Choose Your Truss Pieces for Upright and Connecting Sections

Global Truss individual truss sections are some of the best in the world and are made from a high-quality magnesium and aluminum compound that helps to improve load bearing, without impacting the weight of the truss pieces themselves.

You will have plenty to choose from when building a system, whether you are looking for straight square segments, arches, or even 90 degree and square corner junction systems. The great thing about choosing a system from Global is that you will always have options when it comes to lengths and shapes. No matter what you require in your setup, the modular system will allow you to build rigging that suits your needs.

Find Clamps and Accessories to Hold Your Global Truss System Together

GlobalTrussGlobal Truss clamps will be essential to hold your whole system together, and when you choose authentic products, you won’t have to worry about compatibility issues or any problems with individual items living up to their performance targets.

The Global coupling system uses special tapered conical connectors which help to increase the strength of any connection while reducing the chance of any shearing of the material. This conical system is already built right into the Global Truss base plate products, and you can also buy special spacers and couplers for connecting individual pieces of truss.

For mounting your equipment, you will have a selection of high-quality clamps, ranging in purpose and weight bearing. Light duty clamps are suitable for weight loads up to 165 lb., and you could even order specialty parts that can handle loads of up to 500kg. No matter what kind of hardware you need to mount, or what kind of truss pieces you are working with, you’ll be able to talk to us to find the best solution.

Contact Us Today to Start Building Your System

Explore the range online, and then give us a call when you have questions or if you’re ready to start ordering. With Digital DJ Gear and Global Truss, you’re guaranteed to get the highest quality stage-ready systems, at some of the best prices you’ll find in the US.

 

CategoriesDJ Mixers by

Three Features Your DJ Mixer Needs to Have

If you are looking for a DJ mixer that offers you all of the right modern features, as well as versatility to perform in the way that you want, then you’re going to have to take some time to research what is available. Unlike mixers of the past, modern systems are predominantly based on virtual DJ controllers. Instead of using vinyl decks and a standalone mixer, you’ll get everything in a single deck, interfacing with your computer and offering you more creative options than ever before.

If you want to know what you should be looking for with the newer digital mixers, then these three features would be a great starting point.

Compatibility with a Quality Software Product

Digital Dj Controllers rely heavily on software for their value and capabilities. If you’re going to be using your unit professionally, then you’ll want one that is compatible with industry standard software, with Serato DJ being one of the top choices. Some mixers are software specific whereas others will work with a range of different software products.

Native Instruments Traktor is another software platform that offers excellent mixing tools for the modern DJ. While Traktor does have a higher learning curve than Serato, it offers more powerful mapping features, which makes it more adaptable for experienced professionals.

When you choose well-known brands like Pioneer and Hercules, you can guarantee that you’ll get excellent compatibility between software and your DJ mixer controller.

Standalone Mixer, Or Integrated Decks?

Hercules DJ Control Wave M3If you want a single unit that provides all of your needs as a DJ, then you’re going to need to go for a DJ controller, rather than just a straight DJ mixer. Technically, a mixer is a piece of hardware that controls volume, EQ, cross fade, channel balance, and other related variables.

With a DJ controller, you get everything that you would on a mixer, with the addition of two virtual decks that can be used to manipulate tracks, just like you would with vinyl records. In fact, scratch pad decks are even more versatile than vinyl, and you’ll have total control over all of your high-quality MP3 files.

If you want to make sure that you’re getting the best-integrated decks with scratch pads, then make sure that you are choosing a reputable manufacturer.

At Digital DJ Gear, we only stock equipment that we trust, which makes the selection job much easier for you. Even in the entry level, we have versatile and high-quality products. One recommendation is the Hercules DJ Control Wave M3. It features a digital mixer as well as scratch pads and all of the cue and sound manipulation controls that you would need. Prices go up as you gain more advanced features, so don’t forget to check out our full DJ Controllers category page to see what’s available.

A Digital Mixer with Performance Pads

DJ MixerSo you know that you need software compatibility and scratch pads when you’re buying a quality mixer/controller, but there’s one more thing that you will need if you want to get the most versatility for your money.

The last feature; is performance pad support. Modern controllers come with rubber pads built right into the deck so that you can trigger individual sounds, use them as transport controls, freestyle a beat, or you can use them to trigger almost any setting or sound variation that your software will support.

Roland, Pioneer, Hercules, and Numark are all examples of companies that sell digital mixer DJ controllers with performance pads.

Browse Our Range of Professional DJ Mixers Today

At Digital DJ Gear, we have you covered from the entry level, right up to high-end digital mixers. Whether you’re just starting out, or you’re a seasoned professional, you’ll be able to get the equipment that you need, at a price that beats the competition.

Start browsing our range today for some of the best DJ, live sound, recording, production, and stage equipment.

 

 

CategoriesDJ by

D.A.S. Powered PA Speakers – The Sound You Need

If you’re looking for a live sound setup that is easy to use and with excellent sound reproduction, then a powered speaker system is your best option. Particularly when it comes to DJ Equipment, a simple setup will be required. If you’re regularly traveling to different venues or playing at parties, then you’ll want a system that allows you to simply plug in and play.

If you want some of the best-powered speakers that have been designed for live sound and that would work perfectly with a DJ equipment package, then it’s time to take a look at the range of D.A.S. powered speakers at Digital DJ Gear.

About D.A.S. Speakers for DJ Equipment

has been in the audio industry for more than 40 years, making them the perfect speaker manufacturer to choose when you are building a DJ equipment package. The company is world renowned, as is preferred by professionals in a number of industries, ranging from stage productions to DJ sound, and even for sound reinforcement for live music.

Products from D.A.S. are varied, but they all share some of the same DNA. The aim is to make products that don’t compromise when it comes to quality of sound, but that are still within reach of the average working musician. If you are a DJ who is working private gigs, then D.A.S. is a great option for an all in one setup. Best of all, even when you choose something that is relatively affordable, you’ll get crowd pleasing sound with plenty of volume headroom, crisp highs, punchy mids, and powerful low frequencies.

If you want to really get the room moving from the DJ booth or on stage, then you’re going to want to take a closer look at D.A.S. powered speakers.

D.A.S. Action 12A Powered Speaker Package

The simplest DJ equipment package for live sound should consist of at least two powered speakers. That’s exactly what you’ll get in our Action 12A powered speaker pair, and we even throw in speaker stands, high-quality cables, and a gig bag.

Powered PA SpeakersThe Action 12A series speakers are great units from D.A.S. The system is relatively compact, which reduces the size and weight of the overall system. If you’re regularly traveling and gigging with your own equipment, you’ll appreciate the portability of this package. One of the great things about the speakers in this package is that they are multipurpose. They can either be mounted on stands or floor mounted in standard upright position or, they can also be used as foldback monitors, thanks to the angled base design.  DAS also has the Action M12A that was designed for monitor use if you wish to go that route.

The speakers offer good full range response, with clarity at the top end, and good bottom end reproduction. While these won’t provide as much low-end response as you would get with a 15-inch speaker or even individual subwoofers, you can be sure that they’ll be suitable for small and mid-sized venues. High frequencies are delivered by a compression driver, using a diaphragm made of titanium, which increases responsiveness for good frequency response. The frequency range is from 50 Hz to 20kHz, so these will be perfect for a wide range of music styles.

Of course, these are powered speakers, so you’ll get 1000W peak performance from each speaker, with no need for any external amplifier. Simply plug these right into your mixing desk, or they’ll even connect directly to the line level outputs on a number of DJ control units.

Need More? Check Out Our Other Packages

You can view the full range of D.A.S speakers and components in our Live Sound category, and you’ll even find individual speakers if you want to build your own DJ equipment and live sound package. D.A.S. make high-quality subwoofers if you need more bottom end, and there’s even an upgraded 12A package which includes an 18-inch powered subwoofer.

If you want quality live sound, D.A.S. is a name that you can trust, and if you want to buy them in the USA, then you can rely on Digital DJ Gear. We offer standalone components and packaged live sound equipment, as well as all of your favorite DJ equipment, recording gear, lighting, and even stage truss systems.

Explore our range today and see the difference that high-quality equipment can give you.

 

CategoriesLighting by

The Basics of Bringing Lighting to your Venue

When it’s time to party, you want to do it properly. You need to get out there and show your guests that you want to show them a good time. The best party hosts, though, know that it takes more than some good tunes and a dance floor to get everybody dancing. Here’s everything you need to know about DJ lighting effects and why you need to be using them in your celebrations.

You Need More Than a Good DJ to Put on a Great Show

A good DJ can go a long way towards making your party pop. They can read the mood of the room, play the tunes that the crowd seems to love, and take requests to ensure that everyone hears what they want to hear.

A DJ on their own though isn’t enough. The DJ needs the right finishing touches to really finish off the feel of the event. Imagine a DJ playing in a room with no lights or decorations. It’s odd, isn’t it? People attending events now expect the full package when it comes to the dance floor. That’s why you need something to take it to the next level.

Adding the Finishing Touches to Your Venue

DJ lightingSo, what is it that you need to really get the party started? The answer is good DJ stage effects. Gone are the days when a rotating light ball was enough to light up the dance floor. Nowadays there are all kinds of lighting effects you can buy, that help set the scene and tone of the party.

If you’ve never shopped for lighting before, you’d be amazed at what’s out there for you. Modern lights can be programmed to flash with the music, really integrating the effects with the songs, and creating a more integrated experience. It’s something you have to try at least once.

Lighting Equipment You Can Use At Your Next Celebration

Not sure where to start with lighting effects? Here’s some ideas, so you’ll know what you’re looking for once you start shopping:

  • Strobe lights: These lights are becoming more common, and so are becoming cheaper. They’re a simple effect, but they look great on a dance floor and are a good place to start if you’ve never bought lighting effects before.

 

  • Beam effect lights: These lights are made up of multiple colored lenses that rotate across a light, projecting different colors onto the dance floor. Again, it’s a simple effect, but if you combine it with a smoke machine you’ll love how it looks.

 

  • Moonflower lights: These lights hark back to the golden age of disco, as they are reminiscent of the old school disco ball that many people love. However, these lights bounce and refract all colors of light around the dance floor, creating a fun and exciting atmosphere.

 

  • GOBO projectors: You have already seen these lights in effect at weddings or other events. These light project any image you want into the walls, or the dance floor. A stencil is placed in front of the light in order to create the image. You can have any image you like, from writing that says something like ‘Happy Birthday!’ to images that evoke the mood of the event. You can really go wild with these lights.

Other Equipment You’ll Need

Of course, the lights on their own won’t do anything. You’ll need the equipment to go with it and really set your party off.

  • DJ stage effectsFog machine: As mentioned above, these, when combined with lights, can create a real ‘club’ feel and encourage your guests to get up and dance.

 

  • Cables: You’re going to need the cables to hook all your lights up. When ordering your lights, don’t forget these.

 

  • Control panels: If you’re looking to create more complicated lighting shows, then you’re going to need a control panel to arrange it all from. A DMX mixer is the best thing to buy, to get your lighting looking perfect.

 

If it’s time to buy DJ lighting, then come talk to us at Digital DJ Gear. We have the most comprehensive stock of DJ lighting effects around.

 

 

CategoriesDJ Mixers by

The Top 4 DJ Controllers on Today’s Market and How to Choose One

So you’re here looking for a DJ mixer and we’re going to be perfectly honest: if you’re here reading this then you already know what it does, so we’re not going to bore you with an explanation. Instead, we’re going to talk a bit about what you should be looking for. If you want smooth transitions between songs and FX control, then you need the best, and that’s not always easy to get your hands on. For that reason you’re going to want to find the best sound recording equipment for sale, and you want to find something that you can love.

Choose the Right Features

DJ controllerWe can’t say it enough: Make sure you choose the right features! There are some that have a wide range of features for mixing: inputs, outputs and there are some that have built-in hard drives. There are some that only mix, and then there are some that have all the bells and whistles, like EQ, Filters, and effects. In the end, it’s really going to depend on what you’re looking for and what kind of show you need it for.

DJ controllers today are often paired up with your computer using either MIDI or USB cable, and mixing software is becoming pretty normal. Sure, it’s easier to use and sometimes it’s a little less expensive, but having a traditional DJ mixer is a feeling that you can’t replicate with software. There is something about having the buttons and knobs at your fingers that makes it all totally worthwhile.

Choosing your Mixer

Choosing a DJ Mixer can be pretty difficult, but there are four major factors for you to consider:

Budget

How much can you afford to spend? DJ Mixers can get a little bit pricey, but let’s be honest, you’re going to be using it for every show, perhaps even every night. Do you want to buy something cheap that’s going to last for a year, or do you want to go for something that will last for 5+ years? Naturally it depends on how much you’re going to be using the device, but you must think ahead as much as possible – within your budget of course.

The Type

When you’re looking for a mixer you need to ask yourself this very important question: do you want ONLY a mixer, or are you looking for something a bit more? We stated earlier that many mixers today come with USB connectivity as well as DJ controller features. When you’re shopping, make sure you choose something that has what you need, which may not always be synonymous with the price range that you are looking for.

Other Features

There are plenty of other features that you might look into, for example headphone inputs, crossfaders, and even low/high pass filters. Make sure you look at each and every one of the features that are available on the DJ mixer you want to buy, and determine whether or not you actually need that feature.

Number of Channels

For most DJ’s, the recommended number of channels is 2, so that you can control two sound sources. Some mixers, however, can support more channels so you can have CDJ devices, Turntables, and a computer all sending music along with microphones. This will obviously be more expensive, and you may not need to go that far. Look closely at your needs and determine whether or not you actually need those additional channels. Remember, it all depends heavily on the level you’re at and what you need it for.

Time to Choose a Mixer

DJ ControllersSo here we are: the moment of truth: the time to choose a mixer. We’ve collected five of our favorites:

  1. Pioneer DJ DJMS-9

Features:  2-Channel DJ Battle Mixer

  1. Mixars DUO

Features:  2-channel DJ mixer with RGB Pads and USB Hub Capabilities

  1. Mixars CUT

Features: Channel no Frills DJ Mixer

  1. Allen & Heath XONE:DB-2

Features:  4 Channel w/ EQ/EFX Loop

These are four of our favorites and you’ll probably notice that some of them have more features than others. Take a look at them in our store and see if any of them fit your needs and your budget. You’ll be making the best sounds soon enough!