DJ Equipment Recommendations September 2014

Review: A&H described this groundbreaking mixer as the most advanced product they'd ever designed when it was released. Ultra-technical design with emphasis on effects and performance options.

Supplier's notes:
The Xone:DB4 is a ground-breaking mixer and the most advanced product that Allen & Heath have ever designed. Every feature has been meticulously researched with a view to offering DJs ultimate creativity. Based on the iLive pro-touring FX system, A&H developed FX algorithms with BPM conscious parameters and tight spectral control, customised to perfectly fit the DJ environment. As the loops and FX are automatically synchronised to the tempo of the track, it is very easy to build some amazing grooves and soundscapes without problems of latency, low fidelity and the general hassle often associated with using software and laptops.

The icing on the cake is the flexible input matrix, where any audio source can be selected on any or all of the channels. Different processing can be applied to the same track on separate channels and you can fade between them, or a phrase sampled in the looper of one channel can be added to the mix later in the track. Our digital design team has done an incredible job to ensure that this is one of the most innovative and exciting DJ mix tools to date.

Quad FX Core:
The heart of the Xone:DB4 is the powerful Quad FX Core DSP engine, enabling each channel to have its own FX bank and BPM detection system, which automatically adjusts all time-related FX and loops to the tempo of the music. There are 5 studio quality FX types optimised for DJ use - delays, reverbs, modulators, resonators and damage - plus each FX type has a patch library of different effect variations. Each FX bank has a dedicated expression control and a rotary pot to set the wet/dry level, whilst further tweaking can be performed using the global controllers in the FX master section.

X:LINK uses a standard RJ45 connector and distributes power and data allowing connection to X:LINK compatible devices, saving USB ports on your computer.

Each channel has a built-in looper, with selectable loop length from 1/16 beat to 4 bars. DB4 will always record the full 4 bars, so the loop can be expanded or shrunk at will.

Each music channel can select any of the available stereo music sources: Analogue Line 1-4 (switchable to Phono on 2-3), Digital 1-4 or USB 1-4.

The Mic/Line input has 2-band EQ, gain, cue and mix level. This can also be routed to all main input channels overriding Matrix analogue input channel 1 for adding FX and accessing the loopers.
A built-in, high quality (24-bit / 96kHz), multi-channel, fully patchable USB2 soundcard allows replay and recording from audio software for 4 stereo sends and 4 stereo returns.

Each music channel has a 3-band EQ that can be configured as standard asymmetric EQ (+6/-26dB), Isolator (+6dB/OFF with a 24dB/octave slope), or reconfigured as a High-Pass/Low-Pass filter system with adjustable resonance. EQ knob pointers change colour to show which type of equalization is active.

User-defined settings such as meter mode, BPM range, USB audio routing scheme and display brightness can be saved to a USB key for recall on another DB4.

All controls (except Mic and Phones level) send MIDI data and the mixer can double up as a MIDI controller via the MIDI shift button, allowing the Loop and FX selection controls to send MIDI data without changing the mixer settings. DB4 can generate internal MIDI clock which can be used to control the tempo of a connected DAW via USB and the ability to change the mixers MIDI channel.

Booth, record and phones - source selectable and level trim. Booth and main - phase and level trim controls.

The OLED display is clearly visible, even in bright sunlight, and displays channel FX selection and current BPM, as well as being an easy interface for the Menu setup functions.
4 channels, USB, S/PDIF co-axial I/O, Mic/Line input, XLR outputs, Looper, EQ/Filter, QuadFX DSP effects, built in 24bit/96kHz 4in/4out audio interface

DB4's lightweight aluminium chassis is designed to make touring with the console easy.

Review: With a proven performance history that can't be matched, the all-new Mackie SRM450 improves upon its stellar legacy with a powerful new 1000W amp platform perfect for high-output applications. Now featuring Mackie HD Audio Processing, the sound quality is more open and natural than any other portable loudspeaker out there.

The SRM450 features modern, professional tools like application-specific speaker modes and an automatic feedback destroyer each with a single-button interface that gets you professional, optimized performance in just seconds. And with the integrated 2-channel mixer, you can easily mix multiple sources.

Only the Mackie SRM450 delivers this level of power and sound quality in such a lightweight, portable package.

Review: Designed and engineered in the UK specifically for the Pioneer DDJ-Wego and DDJ-Wego2: Ergonomic design keeps your controller box-fresh from bar to bedroom.

Accommodates cables - protects your investment from spills, dust and accidental impact. Combines portability with pristine quality. Slides straight into a controller bag for added protection. Cool looks with minimal increase in weight. Trusted by DJ's worldwide. Future-proof your hardware.

Review: The market town of Huddersfield, nestled within the Pennine Hills of West Yorkshire, has made a remarkable contribution to UK sound system culture. From Armagideon to Zion InnaVision, the Arawak club to Venn Street, Matamp to Valv-a-tron, this unlikely location has been a stronghold of the British scene, yet has remained largely overlooked. For the first time in print and featuring a wealth of previously unseen archive material, this book celebrates the people who helped establish Huddersfield as the reggae and sound system capital of northern England.

Review: Adapt the centre hole in your 45 records to fit your turntable with this acrylic 45 adapter