Word to the Gear

Harmony Central looks at cool DJ tools from NAMM

DJ related product manufactures had their largest showing in recent memory at "da NAMM show" with tons of in-booth performances from Marz 1, Wiz, Peter Parker, and others, along with great new products that will give artists even more control of their unique craft. Scratching/mixing has always been an art built out of necessity, using tools that were not necessarily created for their intended use. Manufactures have discovered the need for DJ specific gear in a big way, with the benefits of these newly designed products drawing huge crowds on the convention floor. Here is our round up of some of the best new gear for the turntableist.

Rane MP 24z
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Rane MP 8z
(Click for a close-up)

Rane has upgraded their MP and MM series mixers with some new features and introduced two new performance mixers, equalizers, and a multi-channel amplifier. The company's presence at this years NAMM show has proven that they are committed to providing great new products, mixing Rane's experience with high quality audio components while providing creative features that DJ's will love.

TTM 54 Performance Mixer
(Click for a diagram with parts labeled)

The TTM 54 Performance Mixer is tough as a rock. With features designed to give the performing DJ an amazing amount of control over their sound, the TTM 54 is one of the best designed products for the DJ at NAMM. What sets this mixer apart from the pack, is the proprietary features that let the DJ control their sound in a variety of unique ways, and the obvious effort that the company put into listening to what DJ's want. The mixer has two line and two phono inputs, as well as one mic input. The layout of the mixer is the first thing that catches the eye. While not being wildly different from other mixers on the market, high quality features with regards to components abound. Rubberized knobs, gold plated inputs on the rear panel, smooth working "loose" faders, easy to read 10 segment LED's, and a well designed layout for the cue section were all things that first came to mind at first glance.

Each channel has bass, treble, and gain, with the EQ providing plus 10db or minus 40db attenuation. The front panel also features an "engage" switch for the stereo effects loop with a green indicator light. A separate effects loop is also provided on the mic input. The effects loops can be assigned to both faders or only one, and the mic effects send has a red overload light. The cross-fader is extremely sensitive providing great control of your cuts without the fader traveling too far. The noise level was non-existent, as was the dreaded click noise from the faders. A high pass filter on the phono inputs keeps subsonic "boom" down, a great feature for the traveling DJ working in less than ideal locations. Up and down the line of features on this mixer the quality of the components and attention to a functional design are apparent. The TTM 54 sounds great and has features like an extra loud headphone amp (even on the convention floor, you had no problem hearing cuts and cues) that are sure to please. Highly recommended, and while pricey ($899 MSRP) might just be the last mixer you will want. Check out Rane at www.rane.com.

Numark Pro TT-1
(Click for a close-up)

The Numark Pro TT-1 Professional Direct Drive Turntable was the best new turntable that we found on the convention floor. Featuring a unique LED display on the top plate that keeps track of the pitch change percentage, platter speed, and a rotating 12-segment display that indicates the platters actions, the TT-1 is a road-worthy feature packed turntable for the serious spinner. Other features include a pop-up stylus target light, forward and reverse platter direction capability, and an external start/stop control. The TT-1 has a pro feel with all of the controls easily assessable and very smooth platter operation. The S-shaped tone arm is fully adjustable in every way. The TT-1 will provide any turntableist with a solid performer for years. You can visit Numark at: www.numark.com.

The Interactive Audio Djc 230 bills itself as the first fully integrated unit combining a mixer, twin CD players and an amplifier with speakers. The front of the unit features a display that lets you know what track is cued up and a time in-out warning. The CD players, while not having a pitch control, still operate smoothly, with the controls for them placed in a logical and easy to use fashion. The three channel stereo mixer has line and phono inputs, a three band EQ on the main output, and a removable cross fader. The 14-watt RMS built-in amplifier has full overload protection, and the unit even comes with a 600 Ohm dynamic microphone. The speakers, which attach to the top of the unit, making for a compact 15-pound package that holds everything, feature an 8-inch speaker, and sounded fine for practicing mixes or doing quick dubs to tape. While none of the individual components would hold their own in most pro DJ applications, the Djc 230 would make a nice and compact addition to a traditional turntable set-up, or for the occasional mobile DJ. It's size and ease of use is the main feature here. If you DJ a dozen parties a year, and don't want to spend a fortune, the Djc 230 will save your back without breaking your bank account. MSRP is $499. For more information and availability contact Pro Mix Distributors at 954-566-2997

Kit Benge (kit@harmony-central.com) has written for BAM, The Rocket, The Chicago Reader, and gobs more. He has been a sound engineer, tour manager, booking agent, and personal manager for dozens of acts since 1978. Kit currently operates a public relations/event-planning firm, plays with lots of gear, and is rarely seen outside of an island near Seattle ... except for conventions. This year's NAMM show was his 31st.

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Word to the Gear (Jan 28, 1999)
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