Mixdown July #243 Live Electronic Special

LIVE ELECTRONIC SPECIAL Welcome to our first ever Live Electronic Special that encapsulates all the gear that a musician skewed to performing live electronic music or about to hit a stage would need, to perform their craft. This month we have assembled an eclectic range of reviews that include some of the latest DJ Controllers, USB MIDI controllers, Mixers, Headphones, PA and Monitors, Stands, Microphones, Wireless Systems, Effects and Lighting. A section of the latest gear released to get you started on stage performing or setting up a live music space. So make sure you take some notes, tick some boxes and then head down to your local retailer to plug in, play and hear exactly what we are talking about!

NUMARK 4TRAK

RRP: $498

DISTRIBUTOR DETAILS SHRIRO 1300 768 112 www.soundtechnology.com.au

PRO AUDIO GROUP AUSTRALIA (02) 9521 4844 www.proaudiogroup.com.au

ELECTRIC FACTORY (03) 9474 1000 www.elfa.com.au

DYNAMIC MUSIC (02) 9939 1299 www.dynamicmusic.com.au

JADE AUSTRALIA 1800 144 120 www.jadeaustralia.com.au

SENNHEISER AUSTRALIA (02) 9910 6700 www.sennheiser.com.au

AMBER TECHNOLOGY 1800 251 367 www.ambertech.com.au

NUMARK MIXTRACK QUAD

RRP: $549

PRODUCT TYPE : DJ CONTROLLER DISTRIBUTOR: ELECTRIC FACTORY

PRODUCT TYPE: DJ CONTROLLER/ USB MIDI CONTROLLER DISTRIBUTOR: ELECTRIC FACTORY

RECOMMENDED FOR: This is the setup designed for Traktor users who want the ultimate level of control and the best possible build in a hardware device available. For serious DJs at home or in the club, this is the controller setting a new benchmark for quality.

RECOMMENDED FOR: For the serious DJ who wants a compact and portable controller for their live sets. This is also a great introductory unit for anyone wanting to start out in world of the digital DJ. It is a fully featured unit that will give you plenty of options for creativity and expression.

SOUND AND VERSATILITY: As a four deck controller, you have total flexibility in utilizing Traktor’s four channel mixing capabilities. There is very little that cannot be achieved on this controller as it is packed with faders, rotary controllers, buttons and triggers.

USEABILITY: The addition of the extra control bar to add further knobs and buttons to the device means you can tackle just about any feature within Traktor and stay away from using the mouse too much. This is a serious piece of kit that will have most DJs wanting to get their hands on it.

CONSTRUCTION: In short, this unit is built like a brick outhouse. Its metal construction means it is more suited to a permanent setting, but in a good case it’s going to take anything you throw at it. The jog wheels feel great, the pots are all smooth acting and the faders have a fast snap to them. The cross-fader is replaceable too, if you go too hard on it.

OVERALL: This is one of the best built DJ controllers I have come across. It is really going to raise the bar for features and build quality and will have Traktor users keen to get going with it. I thought I had seen them all, but this is up there with the best controllers on the market.

PG. 36 / MIXDOWN NO. 243 / JULY 2014

SOUND AND VERSATILITY: Working with just about any software available, the Mixtrack Quad allows you to bring four virtual decks into the mix at once so you can really create some amazing sounds and mixes. You are only limited by your imagination with this unit.

USEABILITY: A simple design and layout allows for fast interaction with software. The pads can be assigned to trigger functions or work as chromatic triggers for sampled sounds to merge the boundaries between DJ control and synthesizer.

CONSTRUCTION: As a slim and compact unit with a solid build. The faders are smooth, yet feel firm, as are all the pots and transport control buttons. The jog wheels are swift moving, but still react as you want them to under the lightest of touches.

OVERALL: A good design on a common theme, but the way it has been set up to incorporate the drum pad concept to act more like a synthesizer trigger really makes this a device for a wider audience. Bundled with Serato DJ Intro software, you are ready to go with four channel mixing right out of the box.

CASIO XW-J1

RRP: $399.95

AKAI PRO MPC STUDIO

RRP: $339

PRODUCT TYPE: DJ CONTROLLER DISTRIBUTOR: SHRIRO

PRODUCT TYPE: USB MIDI CONTROLLER DISTRIBUTOR: ELECTRIC FACTORY

RECOMMENDED FOR: The perfect starting place for anyone looking to experiment with DJ and VJ control integrated with an iPhone or iPad. The XW-J1 has something for the beginner at home and the serious DJ looking for a real portable option.

RECOMMENDED FOR: Anyone who is looking to get a great start in computer music production and live performance, or anyone who wants to get that classic old MPC layout in a modern package. This makes studio production and portable performance hardware come together brilliantly.

SOUND AND VERSATILITY: For such a compact controller, there is just so much going on with this unit. Combined with the included DJay software, you have the building blocks to create just about any combination of sounds you like; it really comes down to how you bring those sounds together.

USEABILITY: The familiar layout will have any DJ comfortable with the console in moments and will be easy for beginners to pick up in no time. With transport controls located just below the jog wheels, either side of the cross fader, you have basic control without the need to move your hands at all.

CONSTRUCTION: Built into a compact and portable frame, it is understandable that this isn’t going to be the most rigorous of builds. The plastic case feels tough enough and the jog wheels have a really smooth action. The pots and faders on the other hand aren’t quite as tough and may require some care to retain their original condition, but the included carry pouch will help keep the unit protected over time.

SOUND AND VERSATILITY: With the idea of the original MPC units in mind, Akai have created a software and hardware combination that is capable of harnessing the power of your laptop. You can integrate it with any other software as a generic MIDI controller if you like, but it works best when combined with the included software.

USEABILITY: Anyone who has used an MPC before will love the familiar layout. But, even if you are new to computer music production, you should become one with the system very quickly. The intuitive layout of the controller and its interaction with the software means you get more hands-on control and less pushing the mouse around.

CONSTRUCTION: Built into a casing that is less than an inch thick, this is really going to appeal to the iPhone generation that love slim design with clever functionality. It is tough enough to handle any procedure you will perform with the pads and doesn’t mind taking a few bumps in transit either.

OVERALL: Given the swell in this area of the market in recent years, Casio have entered with a good combination of hardware and software that is forward thinking and aimed at the iOS crowd. It is going to be a great introduction to digital DJ rigs for anyone who has nsidering this and it is easily portable for use just about anywhere. been considering

OVERALL: This is a real workhorse that shows how old ideas can be brought into the present and improved upon. As a studio tool, or in a live environment, this is going to o open up the creativity of the user and generate great results.

AKAI PRO LPD8

ALTO PROFESSIONAL ZMX862

RRP: $99

RRP: $199.99

PRODUCT TYPE: USB MIDI CONTROLLER DISTRIBUTOR: ELECTRIC FACTORY

PRODUCT TYPE: COMPACT AUDIO MIXER DISTRIBUTOR: PRO AUDIO GROUP AUSTRALIA

RECOMMENDED FOR: For the home studio producer or DJ when space is of the issue.

This is going to appeal to just about anyone working with a laptop for music production and performance looking for a portable and compact controller to add some organic feel to working with the computer.

RECOMMENDED FOR: This is a handy companion for any DJ, solo artist, duo or small band when additional inputs might be needed or for integrating microphones and line level signals with your performance gear. It will help get a lot of performers out of a bind when they need extended amounts of inputs in a flash.

SOUND AND VERSATILITY: There isn’t really any sound to speak of; it is what you do with the controller that will bring the sound to life though. With the 8 drum pads you can trigger samples, play in synth lines or tap out live drum beats in a flash.

SOUND AND VERSATILITY: As a retelling of an old favourite, this mixer offers a range of inputs allowing two microphones to be introduced to a host of other signals. It delivers a fairly low noise mix bus and so can be reliably added to an existing mixer for a few extra inputs. The high headroom offered by this unit means that it doesn’t end up in unwanted noise when you push it for additional volume.

USEABILITY: A simple layout makes it all too easy to get around this controller, even in a dark club environment. The 8 volume pots can be assigned to any function and work really well for EQ and filter applications to get that DJ mixer feel from your software.

CONSTRUCTION: This unit is built into a fairly sturdy frame that is going to travel well, and that is what it is designed for. The pads all have a really solid bed and take a pounding just as you would expect. The 8 knobs are a bit of a let-down though, feeling a little clumsy in the hand and not quite as tough as you might prefer.

OVERALL: In short, this is not a new concept, with plenty of similar models available from other manufacturers, but for the price and the purpose, Akai have ticked the boxes with the LPD8. It is compact and lightweight, so it will easily travel well with any laptop and requires no additional power.

USEABILITY: If you have ever used an audio mixer before, you shouldn’t have any troubles getting your head around this unit. It is the traditional compact mixer layout, with a three band EQ on both microphone inputs as well as the two stereo channels as well.

CONSTRUCTION: Although it doesn’t quite look it at first glance, this is a really solid well built little unit. The compact frame allows for the housing to remain rigid and rock solid, even with all the controls supplied on the top panel.

OVERALL: The compact mixer is by no means a new idea and this is not trying to reinvent the wheel in any way. But it does deliver a large amount of inputs and balances TRS connection where needed for such a small frame.

PG. 37 / MIXDOWN NO. 243 / JULY 2014

CAD SESSION MH510

RRP: $199

SENNHEISER HS25SPII

RRP: $299

PRODUCT TYPE: DJ HEADPHONES DISTRIBUTOR: DYNAMIC MUSIC

PRODUCT TYPE: DJ HEADPHONES DISTRIBUTOR: SENNHEISER AUSTRALIA

RECOMMENDED FOR: These are sure to be a favourite for any DJ requiring a good measure of bass. Also, as a general listening set of headphones for when you want to remove yourself from the world and hear the intricacies of a piece of music.

RECOMMENDED FOR: For any and all DJs who know the difference between using average headphones and using really good headphones. Great cans for when you want to hear everything in your mix, even when the room is running at extremely high volumes.

SOUND AND VERSATILITY: There is plenty of bottom end in these headphones. Be careful if you try and adjust a mix with these as a reference, you might just end up pulling out the low frequencies in aid of the fact that you get so much delivered to you from the closed drivers.

SOUND AND VERSATILITY: These offer a clear and precise sound that can be driven to very high SPLs without distortion. There is a reason why Sennheiser headphones are used by pit crews in Formula One racing teams. They deliver amazing sound in a very loud environment,

USEABILITY: These are a very comfortable set of cans and although they do have a fair bit of weight to them, this does not really come to mind when using them for extended listening sessions. They are very comfortable when placed over the ears and it is quite easy to wear them for long periods without fatigue.

USEABILITY: The lightweight design almost has you forgetting that you are wearing them half the time. They fit comfortably over the head and the soft pads rest upon the ear and don’t overheat you after long periods of use. With the earpieces able to be rotated completely on the headband, they work very well for single ear monitoring too when held up to the head.

CONSTRUCTION: Solid. These cans are built tough and will get you through many a studio session without fear of damage. The folding mechanism is simple too, so it doesn’t allow for damage when packing away or setting up.

OVERALL: These are a really great sounding set of headphones that are comfortable and look the part too. There was no problem wearing them for a couple of hours.

CASIO XW-H1

RRP: $199.95

CONSTRUCTION: The simple design means there is very little to go wrong with the HD25SPii headphones. The support band that runs over the head is quite flexible and the drivers are well protected with replaceable soft pads. The cabling is hard wearing too, and it needs to be as it will see some serious punishment within the DJ booth.

OVERALL: Being optimized for DJ use and so delivering more low frequency than similar headphones in the range, these cans are ideal for the DJ who wants quality monitoring without a the bulk that is often attributed to high performance drivers.

RARE AUDIO D1500EX

RRP: $1699

PRODUCT TYPE: DJ HEADPHONES DISTRIBUTOR: SHRIRO

PRODUCT TYPE: PA SYSTEM DISTRIBUTOR: JADE AUSTRALIA

RECOMMENDED FOR: Great for the DJ looking for a compact and durable set of monitoring headphones, or just the ordinary person on the street wanting comfort and sound quality when listening to music on their iPod. These headphones really cover a wide range of options.

RECOMMENDED FOR: This PA system is an ideal portable solution for sound reinforcement in compact environments. It’s small enough to be set up by one person and still powerful enough for a small band.

SOUND AND VERSATILITY: The 40mm drivers have plenty of bottom end in them, even without completely closing over the ears with the outer pads. A crisp high frequency response is also delivered with decent SPL levels attainable given the power is there in the headphone amplifier driving them.

USEABILITY: The compact design means they fit easily over the head without being too obtrusive or weighing you down at all. They sit comfortably and stay in place when you want them to, so they tick all the boxes in this area. The smaller ear pieces do allow for some room noise spill however, so you do need to run them pretty hard in a loud mixing environment.

CONSTRUCTION: These headphones are built a lot tougher than they first appear to be.

They fold up in an unusual way to allow you to store them in your bag, but will then take all sorts of beatings and continue to deliver. The headband actually flexes and twists when undue pressure is exerted upon it, so they move with impact, rather than breaking.

OVERALL: These are a headphone that may well be better suited to street use over club use in the long run. They are in a small enough frame to go wherever you want to go and they will certainly take a beating when you carryy them in your bag or backpack and come in three colour choices: black, white and silver.

SOUND AND VERSATILITY: Aided by the grunt of the 15” sub-woofer to give you plenty of bottom end, the twin satellite speakers deliver plenty of punch. Although small, these satellites do well to fill a room when mounted on the included stands getting them up to ng the sound across any space. head height and projecting mpact and USEABILITY: A very compact easy to set up system, it can be up w minutes and running under a few and has all the controls on the rear of the sub, so you can control the n and only volume from one location o on point need to supply power to as well.

CONSTRUCTION: Put together pact, solid really well, they are compact, ht to them, and have a decent weight ble in any without being unmovable way. This is without a doubt the best built PA system from Rare r.

Audio I have tested so far. ou slug it OVERALL: Whether you f, get busy out on stage by yourself, hole gang in a duo or bring the whole eat deal of along, you will get a great use from the D1500-EX.

PG. 38 / MIXDOWN NO. 243 / JULY 2014

RARE AUDIO RA-G8F-150R

RRP: $449

EZ CLAMP ULTIMATE HOLDER

RRP: $79

PRODUCT TYPE: FOLD BACK MONITOR SPEAKER DISTRIBUTOR: JADE AUSRALIA

PRODUCT TYPE: IPAD STAND MOUNT DISTRIBUTOR: DYNAMIC MUSIC

RECOMMENDED FOR: Perfect for solo or duo artists who want a compact personal monitor on a small stage. Also great for keyboard players and DJs who need a separate monitor for their own sound outside of the fold back mix.

RECOMMENDED FOR: This is perfect for any singer or musician who wants to use their iPad on stage, or in the studio as a reference for lyrics, chords, charts, or just for keeping up to date with Facebook during a gig.

SOUND AND VERSATILITY: Equipped with an 8” bass driver and delivering 150 watts of power, the unit delivers a loud, clear and a full-range sound that allows you to hear everything you need to whilst on stage, without being so overpowering that it spills into the room or causes feedback easily.

SOUND AND VERSATILITY: Unlike some iPad and tablet holders on the market, the EZ Clamp makes it simple to adjust the device to suit the newest and latest tablet. With eight separate arms supplied (and four only needed to hold a unit in place) you have a variety of size options to match up with your tablet of choice.

USEABILITY: This is a fairly simple design, and it’s meant to be. There is no need to over complicate the issue when you just want a compact speaker to deliver a monitor mix to you.

With a three band EQ and the option of a line input as well as a microphone input, there are a variety of uses for this little speaker.

USEABILITY: As this screws on to the top of a microphone stand, it is really quick and easy to set up on any stage and remove as soon as you are done. The mounting arms for the tablet easily slide in and out of the bracket to quickly adjust for different units and the ball mounted arm allows for swivelling to just about any angle once set up on the stand.

CONSTRUCTION: This is a tough little box that has been built to be operated on the floor most of its life. So, it has a rugged wood case with a flexible metal grill to protect the amplifier and drivers soundly. A second set of connections is provided in case you mount these on speaker stands so all leads are kept to the rear of the unit.

CONSTRUCTION: The overall design seems solid enough and it holds the weight of any tablet without worry. The plastic threading that tightens the ball joint may cause issue in time, but who can tell at this point.

OVERALL: A clever design, especially with the option of two separate power and audio inputs for different setups. Very lightweight for what it delivers and easy to carry in and out of any venue. This would make a great little companion to just about any gigging musician.

g of similar units on the market, this is a reallyy clever interpretation p OVERALL: With a range e concept and one that does stand out ahead of so many others out there. The ability ab of the ate the tablet completely without unscrewing anything is very handy, especially w to rotate when eing shared on stage between two users. it is being

BLUE ENCORE 200

BLUE ENCORE 300

RRP: $229

RRP: $309

PRODUCT TYPE: LIVE MICROPHONE DISTRIBUTOR: AMBER TECHNOLOGY

PRODUCT TYPE: LIVE CONDENSER MICROPHONE DISTRIBUTOR: AMBER TECHNOLOGY

RECOMMENDED FOR: This is the microphone that singers should reach for when they want something a little different, something a little special, something that strays away from the typical live microphone sound that can seem so stale at times.

RECOMMENDED FOR: For the vocalist who really wants to bring their best voice to the stage and deliverr a sound similar to what you would get within the studio.

This is a microphone worth looking at and listening to.

SOUND AND VERSATILITY: The Encore 200 has a crispness in clarity and tone that you just don’t usually expect from a dynamic microphone. It still has exceptional stage noise rejection and only really captures sound from a close proximity to the capsule, but the sound it does capture really makes it all worthwhile.

USEABILITY: This microphone will work well on just about any stage. Obviously, there are some circumstances when it just doesn’t fit, but for a wide variety of both male and female voices, this is a great microphone for adding depth and characterr to the sound.

CONSTRUCTION: Unlike most microphones built

by Blue that look ever so delicate, the Encore 200 is built with a rugged design that is just begging to be punished on stage time and time again. The capsule is well suspended, so it can handle a series of bumps without any damage and the cage is tough so it isn’t going to crumble when you drop the microphone.

OVERALL: From a company that doesn’t really bring thoughts of live dynamic microphones to mind, this is a very, very good tool for any singer out there. It is well built, offers a great sound and will definitely give your voice a unique quality that many other microphones on stage will not.

SOUND AND VERSATILITY: Blue have taken all that they know from creating great studio microphones to bring together the Encore 300. It delivers a rich tone and exquisite high frequency roll off that you just don’t expect to get in most live microphones.

USEABILITY: The beauty of this unit sees a smaller than usual capsule well supported in a design that could only come from the team at Blue. It has been specially put together to deliver the best sound possible on a loud stage while offering the greatest rejection off handling noise at the same time. This means just about any singer is going to improve their performance with the use of one of these microphones.

CONSTRUCTION: This is a beautifully constructed microphone that sees the capsule very well protected from shock and damage. The internal circuitry is also very well housed. These microphones are not only built to look and sound great, but they are built to last the journey too.

OVERALL: To say I was surprised with how this microphone sounded would be a lie. I knew it was going to deliver the sound it did purely based on Blue’s reputation and my experiences with most of the otherr microphones in their range.

PG. 39 / MIXDOWN NO. 243 / JULY 2014

CAD STAGEPASS WX1200 SERIES

RRP: $399

ALTO PROFESSIONAL STEALTH SYSTEM

RRP: $649.99

PRODUCT TYPE: WIRELESS COMBINATION SYSTEM DISTRIBUTOR: DYNAMIC MUSIC

PRODUCT TYPE: WIRELESS SPEAKER TRANSMITTERS DISTRIBUTOR: PRO AUDIO GROUP AUSTRALIA

RECOMMENDED FOR: For any musician looking to take their performance wireless for the first time. Whether a beginner or a serious performer, when you want variety and versatility, you will get it from the WX1200 Combination System.

RECOMMENDED FOR: For any DJ or band who runs powered speakers in their live setup and wants to simplify the setup and eliminate long cable runs. Perfect for crowded rooms when speakers need to be some distance from the mixer.

SOUND AND VERSATILITY: This is probably the most versatile wireless system on the market. It comes complete with pretty much every combination of transmitter you will ever need, so you can cover all bases for any gig. You get a hand held microphone as well as a belt pack, one of which can be used at any one time with the receiver.

SOUND AND VERSATILITY: These deliver a clear transmission direct from your mixer outputs, either in mono or stereo to the receivers so it sounds just like they are only meters away from the sound source to begin with. Operating on a range of channels, so multiple systems can be operated in close proximity, there isn’t any hassle with bandwidth.

USEABILITY: It’s easy to switch from one transmitter to the other, with the process of aligning transmitter and receiver being quick and easy. When using the belt pack transmitter, you get a guitar lead for wireless guitar, but you also get a lapel microphone and a headset microphone. There is no application this system cannot operate within.

USEABILITY: Setting up is a breeze, with both receivers terminating in XLR outputs for easy connection to your powered speakers. This means only power cables need to be run a short distance to each speaker location and long audio cables are no longer needed.

CONSTRUCTION: All in all, representative of the price range of this unit, the receivers are not the most rugged in design. The receiver is pretty tough, but that is the part of the system that doesn’t take much punishment in the long run.

OVERALL: This is a great idea; it is almost unheard of for a wireless system to incorporate all of these transmitters in one collection. It is essentially a do-it-all wireless solution for those who do not know exactly what their needs will be.

SENNHEISER XSW-35

RRP: $529

CONSTRUCTION: All three units in the set are built into tough little cases that are ready to handle the rigours of a live room. There is so little going on with them externally, that there is very little that can go wrong.

OVERALL: This is a really clever idea that turns the concept of wireless transmission around the other way. It will now mean that your portable PA system can be set up in locations and configurations that may not have been possible previously.

TC VOICESOLO FX150

RRP: $599

PRODUCT TYPE: WIRELESS MICROPHONE SYSTEM DISTRIBUTOR: SENNHEISER AUSTRALIA

PRODUCT TYPE: FOLD BACK MONITOR SPEAKER & EFFECTS DISTRIBUTOR: AMBER TECHNOLOGY

RECOMMENDED FOR: For vocal artists working as solo performers or in a group, including MCs working with DJs, this is a really high quality wireless microphone option that will get you around the room and help you interact with your audience.

RECOMMENDED FOR: When you can’t decide if you want better vocal effects or a vocal monitor speaker in order to hear yourself better, why not have both. This is perfect for any singer who wants to take control of their sound and hear it too.

SOUND AND VERSATILITY: The digital transmission of the XSW wireless systems is flawless and really quite transparent. A full frequency response is delivered right up to the boundaries of the unit’s range, so it does not degrade in quality as you move away from the receiver.

SOUND AND VERSATILITY: This unit delivers classic TC Helicon vocal processing with reverb, compression and EQ over a three channel on board digital mixer and allows the singer to control the sound as it can be mounted on any microphone stand. With a 6.5” Tannoy powered speaker built in for fold back applications, you can clearly hear everything from your position behind the microphone.

USEABILITY: Setting up each unit is quick and easy, with a range of separate channels available to stop cross-talk. Now all completely class compliant to meet with new broadcasting laws, you should not have any issues operating these systems well into the future. And matching the transmitter and receiver is a sinch.

CONSTRUCTION: A stronger and tougher build than the previous system they replaced; the XSW-35 sees a metal casing on the receiver and a tough microphone housing with excellent protection of the capsule for low handling noise in the roughest of conditions.

OVERALL: These are a high quality wireless system at a price that is well below their worth.

I would happily have these as a touring wireless system knowing the audio and build quality will hold up to whatever conditions and applications they are used within. This is the mark for quality at this price point, without a doubt. benchmark

PG. 40 / MIXDOWN NO. 243 / JULY 2014

USEABILITY: The Voice Solo is really easy to set up and tweak to your liking. It can be placed on a stand, set up on the floor angled up at you or it can hook onto your microphone stand so it is only a couple of feet from your ears and in an optimum listening position that will avoid feedback too.

CONSTRUCTION: Built into a tough plastic case to keep the weight down, there is not a lot to fault in the construction of this unit. The rear connections are all easily accessible yet still recessed out of the way to avoid damaged and the front control panel features firm rubberised buttons and pots that feel really solid and long wearing.

OVERALL: This is a really cool design that is going to excite a lot of singers out there. Not only for rehearsal purposes, but for use on the stage as well, this means you can always control your vocal sound as well as your fold back to ensure you and the audience hear your vocals the way you want.

FISHMAN TRIPLE PLAY

RRP: $699

PRODUCT TYPE: WIRELES GUITAR MIDI PICKUP DISTRIBUTOR: DYNAMIC MUSIC

RRP: $569.99 PRODUCT TYPE: LIGHTING RIG DISTRIBUTOR: PRO AUDIO GROUP AUSTRALIA

RECOMMENDED FOR: This is the addition that every guitar player needs for their recording or even live setup. If you want to add some extra versatility to you guitar, or just completely change the way in which you sound live, this is what you should look into. Cool for electronic musicians wanting to play live traditionally with a guitar.

SOUND AND VERSATILITY: As far as sounds go, they are pretty much limitless. This is the ultimate in guitar versatility given that you transmit a MIDI single from your guitar and this can then be translated into any sound you want. If you want your guitar to sound like a sitar, a Juno synth, a drum kit or a tuned pack of roaring lions, you can do it with the Triple Play.

USEABILITY: It’s easy to install the pickup on any guitar, without any damage to the instrument. Wireless transmission terminates in the compact USB dongle that then feeds the signal direct into your laptop. It is so simple to achieve results that used to require multiple pieces of hardware and a dozen cables.

CONSTRUCTION: Both the receiver and transmitter are housed in a tough plastic case and the pickup and mounting brackets are all tough enough to take any punishment they could possible get when mounted on your guitar.

OVERALL: For anyone who has thought about the idea of a MIDI guitar in the past but has been put off by how complicated it all seemed, you can leave your worries at the door. The Triple Play has just made it not only simple but fast and efficient when tracking MIDI notes m a guitar and converting them to amazing sounds. from

AMERICAN DJ VERTIGO HEX LED

AMERICAN DJ MEGA PAR PROFILE SYSTEM

RRP: $189.99

RECOMMENDED FOR: The is the perfect addition to any live musical performance.

Whether you are a DJ, a solo guitarist, a duo or a small band, this unit will help bring your show to life and add vibrant colour and movement to the stage.

SOUND AND VERSATILITY: With four separately adjustable LED lighting cans hardwired onto the stand’s crossbar, you can angle them to any point on the stage or across the room to highlight your show how you want. As they are LED lights, a range of colours is available without the need to change gels; each panel can change colours as wanted.

USEABILITY: From the carry bag to full operation, it takes about a minute to set up and you are ready to go. The foot controller allows you to change the colours and turn lights on and off. You can even set it to respond to the sound from you music.

CONSTRUCTION: Keeping the unit as light as possible, it is still fairly ruggedly built and ready to go from one gig to another. The stand more than handles the weight it supports and the foot controller comes with a really tough cable that is ready to take the abuse of being stood upon all night long.

OVERALL: This is a really great idea for anyone wanting to add some lighting to their set.

The LEDs draw very little power, they don’t generate any heat and you don’t have to worry about changing globes all the time. It is a low maintenance lighting solution for a compact stage area.

CIOKS ADAM POWER SUPPLY

RRP: $209

PRODUCT TYPE: LIGHTING RIG DISTRIBUTOR: PRO AUDIO GROUP AUSTRALIA

PRODUCT TYPE: POWER SUPPLY DISTRIBUTOR: DYNAMIC MUSIC

RECOMMENDED FOR: For any artist or lighting engineer that wants to bring extra life to the club and add moving colour without high power needs or creating too much heat.

Being lightweight also means it is a great accessory to the portable PA to improve your show.

RECOMMENDED FOR: Primarily designed as an effects pedal power supply the Adam will suit sources needing 9V DC up to 250mA or 9 or 12V DC up to 100 mA. Handy for those needing a smaller unit that can be stashed under a pedal board, on top of a sound module or in your gig bag for those times when you need some juice for any range of gear including controllers and audio interfaces.

SOUND AND VERSATILITY: Offering a range of colours due to the LED technology this unit utilises, it can change colour and move in time with the music. It will fit in with any existing lighting rig and work alongside traditional incandescent lights with great effect.

SOUND AND VERSATILITY: Sound wise it is actually the fact that it’s super quiet and will keep your pedals quiet. For versatility you do get the option of 9v and 12v at both 100 and 250 mA and the fact that it’s quite small in form makes it easy to transport and slot in.

USEABILITY: This is so simple to operate. You simply need to mount it on a lighting bar or a floor stand and adjust the frequency to which the microphone controls the operation.

Then, just let the vertigo do its thing in time with the music for stunning effects and long reaching beams of colour.

USEABILITY: Easy to get going and does the job of either separate power supplies, batteries or a heap of messy leads. It’s basically plug in and play and some dip switches for changing the outlets and you’re good to go.

CONSTRUCTION: Housed in a lightweight but rigid case, the Vertigo is going to give you years of use fitted to a permanent installation. As a travelling unit, you can see how a few bumps and scratches are going to build up on the unit, but that will not affect its performance.

CONSTRUCTION: This is one of the clinchers for the Adam (and Cioks in general!). Seriously built tough you could run a car over it and I reckon it’d still work. The design, layout and assembly are well thought out and best of all the power is clean and noise free with isolated sections for each outlet.

OVERALL: This is another clever addition to a lighting solution that will not overheat a stage. It is easy to see why it has become so popular and I have no doubt most of you will recognise the effect when you see it as it is likely to be in a range of clubs and other venues.

OVERALL: Cioks has made a great name for itself over the past few years with bullet proof power supplies that are quiet, flexible and powerful. The Adam showcases a smaller scaled unit that will suit a range of uses and all for less than the price of a guitar pedal or sound module.

PG. 41 / MIXDOWN NO. 243 / JULY 2014