Everyday DJ Gear

Technics SL1210 Turntable

Technics have been the industry standard for over 30 years with this turntable. It has been released and re-released over 9 times with different models (pictures below) and numerous other manufacturers have tried to compete with this deck, but above all, the Technics SL-1200 & Technics SL-1210 sit at the top of the list!

The Technics SL-1200 and Technics SL-1210 turntables have shaped the world we know today. Featured in the London museum of science and technology they are regarded as a major steping stone in how music is played and presented.

Before the DJ there were gaps in music. This was great if you were being entertained by a live entertainer as it gave chance for a round of applause. However, when there’s no-one to applaud, all was silent!

See this wikipedia article on the history of the DJ and this article on turntablism.

Below is a small sample of the many different models of the Technics SL-1200/SL-1210 turntable.

• Classic Technics SL-1200:
  The Technics SL-1200 was released in 1972 as a hifi turntable. However, with it’s unique rotary pitch control and quartz controlled platter, it quickly became popular with a new breed of musician, the disc jockey.
• Technics SL-1200 MK2:
  This model was released in 1978 and was silver, which was very popular at the time. Improving on it’s predecessor rotary pitch control, this model had a slider type, which was unique to the Technics SL-1210 at the time. It also had a ground (or screen) wire which illiminated the buzzing noise, a new, stronger motor and added shock resistant feet. - The DJ turntable was born!
• Technics SL-1200MK2PK:
  This model was a special eddition USA only release that had a pianno-black glossy finish.
• Technics SL-1210MK2:
  Unsure of the release date of this model due to official Technics dealers being unable to stock it as the SL-1210MK2PK was still in production. However, was identical in every way to the Technics SL-1200 MK2, apart from it had a matt black finish.
• Technics SL-1200 MK3:
  This model was released mid 1997 and featured a quartz-lock button and had the 0% dip removed in the pitch fader. This improved the presision of the 0% pitch lock for transferring vinyl to CD, which was becomming pretty popular by this time. One thing that stunned club owners and DJs alike was that this model was released without any lid brackets - the lid simply sat on-top of the turntable.
• Technics SL-1210 MK3:
  This model was identical to the Technics SL-1200 MK3 but with a matt black finish.
• Technics SL-1200 MK4:
  Released in 1997, this model was only available in Japan. Aimed at the music enthusiat, rather than a DJ, this model had a 79rpm button. This enabled it to play vintage 78 rpm “real vinyl” records.
• Technics SL-1200LTD:
  Early 1998 saw the release of what the press called “the most sexy turntable ever”. This deck was indentical to the Technics SL-1200MK3D models, however, all parts that were previously chrome coloured were finished in Gold.
• Technics SL-1200 MK5:
  This model was released in 2002 to satisfy the growing demands of the tuntablist DJ and the increasing competitor DJ turntables available on the market. It boasted an increased anti-skate from 0-3 grams and had a white LED target light.
• Technics SL-1210 MK5:
  This model is a matt-black version of the Technics SL-1200 MK5.
• Technics SL-1210 MK5G:
  With a great deal of competition in the market, Technics had to create a feature-ritch turntable that boasted a few extra features. The Technics SL1210MK5G model, released along side the Technics SL-1210 MK5, had a massive 3Kg of platter/motor torque and a sexy blue target light. What really made this model was it’s ability to switch between 8% and 16% pitch along with it’s truely digital pitch control system.
• Technics SL1200GLD:
  This model was almost identical to the earlier Technics SL-1210MK5, but with a blue LED target light and all chrome parts finished in gold.

Images:

Technics SL1200 Classic

Technics SL1200MK2

Technics SL1200MK3

Technics SL1200MK2

Technics SL1200MK2

Technics SL1200MK4

Technics SL1210MK5

Videos:

Here is a video of an origional Technics SL-1200 turntable…

How to fix a Technics SL-1200 Tonearm…

How to fix a Technics SL-1200 Tonearm part 2:

External Links:

• Technics Turntables @ panasonic.co.uk
• Technics SL-1200 History @ sl-1200.com

Gemini CDMP5000

Over the years we have seen a lot, and I mean a lot, of these all-in-one cd player / mixer combination units. It is true that Numark and Vestax were the absolute first in releasing their Numark CD Mix and Vestax CDX-16 (I believe) respectively in around 1998.

This new player from Gemini DJ is what we have been anticipating for so long now… A true rackmountable twin cd player and mixer combo!

As well as being rackmountable, the Gemini CDMP-5000 also plays MP3s from a USB stick or mass storage device. This is a massive step forward in twin combination cd player and mixer units.

Gemini CDMP5000 CD/USB/MP3 Player Features:

• Audio CD, CD-R & MP3 compatible
• Plays MP3 files from USB storage device*
• BPM Read Out
• Anti-shock using RAM buffer memory
• 2 Selectable Jog modes Pitch Bend/Search
• Multifunction scroll knob for MP3 folder navigation
• Instant-start & cue with preview
• Single & continuous play modes
• One Seamless loop per side with reloop
• Pitch bend via jog wheel or buttons
• Three mode time selection
• Frame accurate search
• Bright VFD display
• Variable pitch control with three settings +/- 8,16 & 24%
• Fully programmable with repeat function

*(FAT32 formatted storage devices only)

Gemini CDMP5000 Mixer Features:

• 3 band EQ with gain control
• 1/4″ headphone output
• XLR and 1/4″ mic input
• Auxiliary inputs for phono or line devices

Gemini CDMP5000 Technical Specifications:

• Unit Dimensions: 19″ x 10.2″ x 4.3″ (482 x 260 x 110 mm)
• Weight: 12.1 lbs. (5.5 kg)
• Shipping: 15.6 lbs. (7.1 kg)

Images:

Gemini CDMP5000 Top View

Gemini CDMP5000 Front View

Videos:

Thanks to Abstract Steelo Show for this video:

External Links:

• Gemini CDMP-5000 @ geminidj.com

Numark NS7 Angle View

The Numark NS7, which was demonstrated at NAMM09, was designed by Nuamrk and Serato in an effort to develop the most comprehensive computer DJ product. It is a one-to-one hands-on control system for Serato ITCH.

The Numark NS7 has a seven inch hi-torque motorised platter on either deck so that you can have a 7 inch vinyl disc on top of a slipmat - true vinyl!

The control buttons are a solid rubberised design which enables ultimate response and precision when creative mixing.

The crossfader is of the normal high quality you would expect from Numark and the mixer features 3 band e.q. on either channel.

See below for an image of the Numark NS7’s back panel, as it has extra 2x line/phono inputs and balanced XLR outputs.

Since the Numark NS7 is specifically designed for Serato ITCH, you will not need any keyboard or mouse as this unit is designed to operate everything from cueing to record box organisation. Also, there is no mapping needed, just simply plug-in, load up the software and away you go!

Numark NS7 Features:

• High-resolution controller built for Serato ITCH and compatible with Scratch LIVE libraries
• Direct-drive, motorized turntable platters with classic and modern feel settings
• Includes Serato ITCH DJ software, fully pre-mapped
• Audiophile-grade audio circuitry with mic and line inputs, system and cue outs
• Extensive loop, cue, and track-access controls
• Strip Search (patent pending) virtual-needle-drop control
• Controls most MIDI applications without requiring a mouse or keyboard
• Rugged, all-metal construction
• High quality, replaceable, customizable CP-PRO crossfader and D-TYPE line faders

Numark NS7 Technical Specifications:

Audio Inputs:

• Mic (1/4″ balanced)
• Stereo line (RCA)

Audio Outputs:

• Master (Stereo XLRs)
• Master (Stereo RCAs)
• Booth (Stereo RCAs)
• Headphone (Stereo 1/4″ and stereo 1/8″)

Minimum System Requirements:

• Mac: OSX 10.4.11
• Windows XP SP2 (32-bit) or Vista (32-bit)
• 64-bit Windows is not supported
• Core Duo 1.8 GHz processor
• 1GB RAM
• USB port

Includes:

• NS7 controller
• Two turntable platters
• Spindle wrench
• Spindle screw
• Allen wrench
• Laptop stand
• USB cable
• Power cable
• Software CD
• Quick-start poster

Images:

Numark NS7 Top View

Numark NS7 Front View

Numark NS7 Back View

Videos:

External Links:

• Serato Itch @ serato.com
• Numark NS7 @ numark.com
• Numark NS7 Manual

Kam Star Cluster Laser

A version of the Kam Star Cluster Laser was demonstrated by a Kam Rep in a friends DJ Equipment store this time last year, and I was blown away by it’s effects and what I saw come out of this little box.

In the dark, the Kam DMX Star Cluster Laser will actually create a kind of star cloth back-drop effect with rippling and swirling dots on the wall (or ceiling) and with a cloud of smoke, this laser is just something else!

Kam DMX Star Cluster Laser Features:

• The Ultimate Kam Star Cluster Laser!
• 3D version of the best selling Kam star laser effect
• Multiple 100mW red and 40mW green laser points
• Three dimensional laser effect to create endless show creation possibilities
• Built-in high speed stepping motor
• High-efficiency optical system

Kam DMX Star Cluster Laser Technical Spec:

• Sound 2 light sensitivity control
• Animated patterns
• 5 channel DMX operation
• XLR DMX in and out
• 10 point DMX dip switches
• Rugged all metal chassis with adjustable hanging bracket
• Safety-key operated power control
• Rated voltage: 220-240V AC / Rated frequency: 50/60Hz
• Laser wavelength: 100mW/650nm | 400mW/532nm

Images:

Kam DMX Star Cluster Laser Effect

Kam DMX Star Cluster Laser Effect

Video:

External Links:

• Kam DMX Star Cluster @ kam.co.uk
• Kam DMX Star Cluster Manual @ kam.co.uk

Kam LED Parbar

What an amazing idea… This is the Kam LED Parbar.

This innovative product, the Kam LED Parbar, is an all-in-one LED parcan system that consists of 4 LED parcans, a rugged lighting stand with T-bar and a foot chaser controller that is supplied in a lightweight cary case.

Kam LED Par Bar Specifications:

• Each lamp has 108 x 10mm RGB LEDs
• Individual tilt and swivel for each lamp
• LED lamps are only 43mm in depth
• Tough all-metal chassis
• T-bar incorporates built-in LED controller
• XLR DMX in and out
• Stand height can reach up to 240cm
• Complete kit weighs in at only 23Kg
• Power consumption 50W
• 4 pedal foot controller
• Includes high quality padded rig bag
• Includes high quality stand and stand bag

Images:

Kam LED Parbar Effect

Kam LED Parbar Effect

Kam LED Parbar Effect

Videos:

External Links:

• Kam Parbar @ Kam.co.uk
• Kam Parbar Manual - PDF
• Kam Parbar Reviews - PDF

Kam KSD2

Whilst having my weekly sniff around Kam.co.uk, I found this neat little gadget! Until now, Numark have been the manufacturer most associated with those all in one units.

This nifty little thing from Kam is great! - An SD card reader and a USB player with a mixer and 2 extra inputs all in one small laptop-sized box.

Kam KSD2 Features:

• 8 input mixer:
• 2 x SD, 2 x USB, 2 x line, 2 x phono
• Fast SD card & USB stick access times
• iD3 tag reading and track title display
• Folder track search facility
• Twin scratch jog wheels

Kam KSD2 Specifications:

• ±16% pitch adjustment
• 6 stage LED level meters
• User replaceable crossfader
• 2 large easy read LCD displays
• Loop facility
• Split cue for accurate mixing
• Bass, middle, treble & gain controls on each main channel
• Bass, treble & gain on mic. channel

Images:

Kam KSD2 Crossfader

Kam KSD2 Top View

External Links:

• Instruction Manual Download - PDF
• Kam KSD2 @ Kam.co.uk

Pioneer CDJ1000 MK4 Might Look Like This!

Pioneer have been the market leader of the CD Turntable market since the release of the first Pioneer CDJ1000 back in 2001. That’s eight solid years and no-0ne has been able to budge them!

Same thing was with the Technics SL-1200 & Technics SL-1210 turntable, which was the DJ and nightclub favorite for around 30 years.

Denon have announced the release of what could possibly be a competetor for the top-dog, their Denon DN-S3700!

If this player from Denon can create some cracks in Pioneer CDJ-1000 MK3’s standing as the DJ and club industry standard, will Pioneer have no choice other than to create a Pioneer CDJ-1000 MK4 with built-in USB functionaly for playing mass storage media.

Maybe they already have plans for one?

Either way, Pioneer will almost definately be turning their heads at Denon’s new player with a thought to the CDJ-1000 about some improvements it could possibly have!

Have they thought about maybe calling it Pioneer USB-1000?

Related Pages:

• Denon DN-S3700
• Pioneer CDJ-1000 MK3

Any comments any one?

Denon DN-X1700 Outline Design

So after the excitement of the news of the new Denon DN-S3700 cd/mp3/media player and their Denon DN-X1100 DJ Mixer, I thought that this can’t be all that Denon announced in the last few days - and so the search was on!

Whilst doing a vigorous search on Google I found that there were also plans for a new DJ mixer, presumably to superceed their flagship Denon DN-X1500.

I have no other information at this time other than the image I managed to find.

Image was found here: denondj.pl Forums

Feel free to post your thoughts below…

Numark DDS Media Player

Two years ago almost to the day Numark released their Numark D2 Director USB media player, this year Numark unveil their new flagship USB player, the Numark DDS media player.

Yeah, it’s basically a Numark DDS80 CD/HDD Player but without the cd drawers and MP3 USB functionality built in.

Key Features:

• Traditional dual-deck performance in rack-mount configuration
• Large, high-definition color display for easy view of Crate and Profile View
• Exclusive Crate system for intuitive, fast music management before and during the show
• Play from two devices simultaneously, including two songs from the same iPod
• Three USB ports for connecting iPods, CD/DVD, thumb, and hard drives
• USB inputs expandable using standard USB hub (not included)
• Scratch MP3, WAV, AAC (unprotected) files, and CD audio (requires connected drive)
• Rip your music from CD to hard drive
• Massive pitch-control range: -100% – +25%
• Key Lock for independent manipulation of tempo and key
• Beatkeeper™ technology for perfect beat mixing
• Seamless looping and stuttering
• Text search with letter-pick scrolling makes locating tracks fast
• Included USB keyboard enables easy searching for songs and artists and system navigation

Video:

We are showing the video for the Numark DDS80 because this video does feature the feaures of the Numark DDS. Oh, and we cannot seem to obtain a video dedicated to the Numark DDS media  player only.

Package Includes:

• Your DDS media player
• 1x Numark USB keyboard
• 1x RCA audio cable
• 1x Power supply
• 1x 128MB Thumb drive containing quick start guid

Downloads:

• DDS - Product Overview - PDF
• DDS80 - Numark Librarian [v1.50] - Zip

Denon DN-X050 2U DJ Mixer

I must have missed this one!

I am a regular visitor to www.denondj.com, it is probably my favorite DJ manufacturer website as it always seems to be up to date with what’s available or coming up!

However, I have never noticed this little thingy before!

From memory, I believe that some company like KAM created a slimline 2U mixer like this once before. It was certainly rebadged by IMG Stageline, because I remember it in an all-in-one 19″ cd console a fellow mobile jock had about 12 years ago.

Either way I was extremely surprised to see this from Denon.

Product Features:

• Slim 2RU Rackmount design
• (2) Line, (2)Phono/Line (switchable)
• 1 Mic Input
• 3 Band EQ (line)
• 45mm Crossfader & Channel Faders
• TRS Balanced & RCA Unbalanced Outputs
• 10 segments Level Meter
• Cue Monitor (line)
• Wall Type Power Adaptor
• Simple & Easy operation

Denon DN-X050 @ denondj.com