The Best Source for DJ Equipment News, Updates, and Product Announcements – DJ-Equipment.com

PGX Digital Wireless Offering tailored wireless solutions for vocalists, guitarists, and presenters, PGX Digital combines the trusted legacy of Shure microphones with state-of-the-art digital wireless technology that delivers strong, clean RF performance. Now Available.

SRH550DJ and SRH940 Professional Headphones From professional monitoring to personal listening, Shure headphones bring together dynamic, high-performance audio with unparalleled build quality. A  closed-back design minimizes background noise, while the lightweight construction provides sustained comfort that makes them ideal for any listening experience, whether on the subway, in the DJ booth, or in the recording studio. The new SRH550DJ and SRH940 now offer customers a hobbyist DJ solution and a top-tier monitoring solution within the current SRH line. Available Spring 2011.

SE215 Sound Isolating™ Earphones Designed for professionals and audio enthusiasts, Shure Sound Isolating™ Earphones provide an unparalleled combination of sound signatures, sound isolation, and compact, ergonomic design for use in live performance and critical listening. The latest edition to the SE line, the SE215 features a detachable cable and new dynamic microdriver technology for detailed sound with enhanced bass. Available Spring 2011.

New Products from Shure

U.S. Dealers, We are excited to be announcing the following new products at the NAMM Show on January 13, 2011. Additional information regarding marketing materials, specific ship dates and pricing will be communicated to you in the future.  Please contact your local Sales Representative with any questions. Sincerely, Terri Hartman Director of Marketing Communications, Americas

PGX Digital Wireless Offering tailored wireless solutions for vocalists, guitarists, and presenters, PGX Digital combines the trusted legacy of Shure microphones with state-of-the-art digital wireless technology that delivers strong, clean RF performance. Now Available.

SRH550DJ and SRH940 Professional Headphones From professional monitoring to personal listening, Shure headphones bring together dynamic, high-performance audio with unparalleled build quality. A  closed-back design minimizes background noise, while the lightweight construction provides sustained comfort that makes them ideal for any listening experience, whether on the subway, in the DJ booth, or in the recording studio. The new SRH550DJ and SRH940 now offer customers a hobbyist DJ solution and a top-tier monitoring solution within the current SRH line. Available Spring 2011.

SE215 Sound Isolating™ Earphones Designed for professionals and audio enthusiasts, Shure Sound Isolating™ Earphones provide an unparalleled combination of sound signatures, sound isolation, and compact, ergonomic design for use in live performance and critical listening. The latest edition to the SE line, the SE215 features a detachable cable and new dynamic microdriver technology for detailed sound with enhanced bass. Available Spring 2011.

Product Preview: PSM®1000 Personal Monitor System PSM 1000 is the industry’s most sophisticated personal monitor system and the choice for premier events and prestige tours. Available Spring 2011.

Product Preview: Axient™Wireless Management Network Axient Wireless Management Network establishes a dramatic new threshold of control, convenience and confidence in RF transmission, reception and spectrum management for mission-critical applications. Available Mid 2011.

Popularity: 6% [?]

NEW FROM AMERICAN DJ! The VMS4, the VMS2, and the VMS Bag!

The VMs4 Traktor
Just when you thought our VMS4 Digital MIDI work station couldn’t get any more popular, we’ve followed it up with a new version that comes bundled with an exclusive version of the legendary and universally acclaimed Traktor software from Native Instruments that supports 4 decks. The VMS4 Traktor has unique 4X Midilog channels that are compatible with any Midi Learn software or analog inputs. Cross fader curve adjustment, assignable touch strips, 2X mics with gain, treble, mid, and bass control are just a few of the other features that will make the VMS4 Traktor sell itself.

VMS2
Our new 2-channel MIDI Controller offers more features, more performance, and more value than any product in its class. The VMS2 comes bundled with the always-popular Virtual DJ Software and features 2x Midilog channels compatible with any MIDI software or analog inputs, giving it great versatility to go along with its value and performance.

VMS Bag
Our new soft bag protects your gear better than ever. Extra pads mean this bag can hold a variety of MIDI controllers as well as one laptop up to 17 inches. There’s a pocket for extra cables and power adapters, plus an extra strap to fir on rolling bags. This is perfect for entertainers on the go!

Check out the American Audio website for more info: www.americanaudio.us

Popularity: 10% [?]

BREAKING NEWS!

NEW GEAR PREVIEW FROM WINTER NAMM!

Numark, Alesis, Akai Pro and Alto Professional Product Showcase

We’re at the biggest show of the year and we have put together a sneak peek sampling of some of the best new gear ever, just for you. Have a look below at what is being announced live from the show, then click the included news links to see all announced products.

______________________NEW from Numark!________________________

Numark NS6: This Changes Everything
The NS6 is a 4-channel Digital DJ controller with complete built-in mixer and four decks of software control. NS6 is the first truly pro-grade DJ controller and standalone 4-channel mixer with effects. Simply put, there has never been this much versatility and control available for professional DJs.

The World’s Smallest DJ Controller: DJ 2 GO
Even the smallest DJ controllers range from being luggable requiring their own set of wheels. Numark has changed all that with DJ 2 GO. Now for the first time ever, DJs can throw their entire rig into a backpack and have room to spare. To learn more about this pocket-sized party controller, go here!

VIEW THE ENTIRE NUMARK LINE OF NEW GEAR FRESH FROM NAMM AT: http://www.numark.com/newgear2011

__________________________NEW from Alesis!_______________________________

DM8 Pro Kit: Perfect sound, feel, look, and size
Perfect. It’s a word that’s thrown around a lot these days. But with the DM8 Pro Kit, you might just find it. The Alesis development team painstakingly examined all aspects of what makes a kit the best possible choice – all with the goal of creating the perfect electronic drumset. Learn more here.

Meet StudioDock: Your iPad’s new Best Friend
Connect all of your audio gear to the entire world of apps for iPad with StudioDock! The StudioDock is a universal docking station specifically designed for the iPad, and it gives musicians, recording engineers, and music producers the connectivity they need to create and perform with iPad. Read all about it. Apple certification pending.

VIEW THE ENTIRE ALESIS LINE OF NEW GEAR FRESH FROM NAMM AT: http://www.alesis.com/newgear2011

_______________________NEW from AKAI Professional!_____________________________

EIE I/O
This is a tabletop I/O and USB audio interface perfectly tailored for your project and portable studio setups. This four-in, four-out (4×4) device enables you on Mac and PC-based systems to record up to 24-bit resolution into virtually any DAW, recording or performance software.

10 New Drool-worthy Analog Pedal

The Analog Custom Shop is a brand new series of boutique pedals that are among the funnest and coolest things we’ve ever produced. From Fuzz to Flanging, there are 10 pedals in all so get your groove in and check out the entire lineup of the Analog Custom Shop.

VIEW THE ENTIRE AKAI PRO LINE OF NEW GEAR FRESH FROM NAMM AT: http://www.akaipro.com/newgear2011

____________________NEW from Alto Professional!_________________________

TRUESONIC LINE
The TRUESONIC Series was designed from the ground up to be the most transparent loudspeaker money can buy. Rigorous testing and thousands of hours of listening have gone into making sure that what you pump into a TRUESONIC speaker is exactly what you get out.

MIXPACK LINE
Using an all-in-one PA system doesn’t have to mean you’re sacrificing your sound quality. All three MIXPACK systems boast impressive frequency response and wide dynamic range, and provide superior clarity when compared to other all-in-one portable PA systems. They also turn heads wherever you set them up.

VIEW THE ENTIRE ALTO PROFESSIONAL LINE OF NEW GEAR FRESH FROM NAMM AT: http://www.altoprofessional.com

Popularity: 10% [?]

Offering tailored wireless solutions for vocalists, guitarists, and presenters, PGX Digital combines the trusted legacy of Shure microphones with state of the art digital wireless technology that delivers strong, clean RF performance. The result is wireless audio that sounds like wired, rock-solid RF signal, and simple setup and operation.

Top features include:

Pure Digital Sound

• 24-bit / 48 kHz digital technology for incredibly accurate sound
• 20 Hz – 20 kHz frequency range captures every detail
• Wide selection of rugged Shure Microphones – including the legendary SM58

Rock Solid Wireless Reliability

• True digital diversity for a rock-solid wireless signal
• 900 MHz operation free from TV signal interference
• Frequency scan feature scans the entire frequency band to determine the optimal channel for operation

Simple Setup and Operation

• Scan and sync instantly and automatically sets up the system
• Up to 5 systems can be used at once

PGX Digital Wireless systems are now available.

Popularity: 3% [?]

Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc.’s Professional Sound and Visual Division today announced its DDJ-S1 DJ controller specifically designed for use with the popular Serato ITCH™ DJ software. The DDJ-S1 controller is designed for the next generation of DJ entertainers who leverage digital music files at home or on the go. DDJ-S1 features the same operability and functionality of a professional player and mixer set up in addition to exceptional audio quality.

“Use of the laptop computers for DJ performances continues to be prevalent and the demand for quality controllers, combined with an instinctual software interface is growing,” said David Arevalo, senior marketing manager, Professional Sound and Visual Division for Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. “The DDJ-S1 paired with Serato ITCH DJ software fully maximizes the ‘Pioneer DJ experience’, giving users of our products the necessary tools to create the best performance possible.”

The DDJ-S1 allows for easy transfer of music from the user’s laptop with a USB connection for simplicity and quick ‘plug-and-play’ capability. For additional convenience, the controller also comes with a space saving computer dock that allows a laptop’s keyboard to slip directly under the controller, enabling its monitor to be closer to the DJ to provide fast visuals of song information while mixing. The device adopts Pioneer’s ‘P-LOCK Fader Cap’, designed to prevent the fader caps from slipping.

Key features include:

o  Plug-and-Play USB Connectivity – All buttons and knobs have been pre-assigned, so users can quickly connect the controller to their laptops with the use of a USB cable, enabling them to start their performances without having to adjust any complicated settings. Additionally, the DDJ-S1 can be powered through the laptop’s USB port1.

o Multiple Input and Output Options – The controller is equipped with various inputs and outputs including a balanced XLR output and 2 Microphone inputs (XLR, 1/4 inch PHONE) for connection to professional PA equipment2.

o  Designed Specifically for Serato ITCH DJ Software with Advanced Pioneer Functionality – The DDJ-S1 offers tight integration with Serato ITCH DJ software and is loaded with original functionality. Unique features include song progression status on a LED display; an alphabetic search function for quick song selection from large music collections; and a slip mode for looping, reversing, and scratching without changing the song tempo. The DDJ-S1 also includes needle search functionality to quickly skip through songs to a preferred playback point.

o Specially Designed User Interface – The controller layout and Serato ITCH software interface are the same, ensuring ease-of-use and precise control. The DDJ-S1 is modeled after the established design of the professional Pioneer DJ player and mixer and integrates centrally placed level meters and an effect control area, so DJs can add Serato ITCH DJ FX to the mix.

o  Highest-Quality Sound – The controller is optimized for Serato ITCH DJ software and incorporates technology from Pioneer’s professional line of DJ equipment to ensure the highest quality sound output.
Additional features include:

o Proprietary lock mechanism called the P-LOCK Fader Cap designed to prevent fader caps from slipping3.

o Premiere built-in sound card.

o Both microphone inputs are equipped with a talk-over function to lower the music volume when receiving voice input from the microphone.

The Pioneer DDJ-S1 will be available in March 2011 with a suggested retail price of $1,599.

Popularity: 5% [?]

Pioneer announce two brand new products that will make up the perfect party set-up. The DJM-350 and CDJ-350 bring features found on Pioneer’s ultimate club products, such as powerful creative effects, remix-style looping and rekordbox™ compatibility.

The DJM-350: new and unique in its price range

The CDJ-350: stepping stone for the club circuit

Offering something completely new and unique at this price point, the DJM-350 enables the DJ to capture every last nuance of their performance to high quality recording on USB. There’s no need for extra kit or wires, it all works inside the box. Simply plug in a USB memory device into the mixer and you’re able to record professional uncompressed audio into WAV format.

This could be anything from a carefully crafted mix, or for recording vinyl, ready to be played back digitally on the CDJ-350. And the coolest feature has got to be the ability to split the recording as you mix by hitting the ‘Track Mark’ button providing beautifully indexed mixes ready for burning to CD without needing to make a single edit.

Drag and drop the files into Pioneer’s new rekordbox™ music management software, and all your music will be automatically primed with beatgrids to take advantage of the CDJ-350’s beat-keeping tools.

Being a top performer is often down to serious preparation and the new CDJ-350 comes to life when a DJ plugs in their carefully prepared rekordbox™ digital music library. In fact, the CDJ-350 is the perfect stepping stone for DJs looking to break the club circuit as all the work put into preparing a killer music library and playlists will all work on the industry standard CDJ-900 and CDJ-2000 digital decks. If you’re ready to rock the party on the CDJ-350s, you’ll be one step ahead of the rest when it comes to playing in the clubs.

Music enthusiasts and DJs making their way to the top will be glad to find a USB connection on the CDJ-350 allowing MIDI controller functionality with compatible DJ software or for use as an audio interface.

Pioneer manage to push the boundaries on the DJM-350 which features four subtle yet powerful effects that help the DJ build energy into the music without overpowering the mix. All of this accessed from a single two-directional dial.

Twist the Gate effect to the left to tighten up the high frequency of the track, and to the right to tighten up the bass. You’ll also find filters combined with Bitcrushers, and a manual Jet effect that puts the DJ in direct control of this well loved effect for the first time. And to top it all off it has a gorgeous sounding high and low-pass filter, just like the DJM-800.

MAIN FEATURES OF THE CDJ-350:

Compatible with Various Media and Music Formats

The CDJ-350 is compatible with various music formats such as MP3, AAC, WAV and AIFF. All can be played either via a USB device or from CD-R discs. It also plays regular music CDs, so you can enjoy DJing with all major media and music formats.

Includes Music Management Software rekordbox™

The music management software rekordbox™ that comes with the CDJ-350 analyzes the BPM and beat position of songs from your computer, allowing music to be categorized by genre and facilitating the creation of playlists. When the music analyzed by rekordbox™ is transferred to a USB device and then connected to the CDJ-350, it enables the song to be selected by genre, album or artist – making for fun and easy DJing.

BEAT Display Function enhances Scratch and Looping Performance

The CDJ-350 comes equipped with the BEAT Display function, which shows the beat position of a song and the playback point. This lets the user check the beat both by sound and vision, giving a feel of ‘hand/eye/ear coordination’ to aid practice and performance of tricks such as scratching and looping.

Auto Beat Loop Function

With one press of the button, the DJ can enjoy all kinds of loop performances.

• Beat Loop: Matches the beat and repeats a 4-beat loop.
• Loop Divide: While playing a loop, plays the loop at a different rhythm.
• Hot Loop: While playing a loop, returns to the start of the loop and plays it.
Auto BPM Lock Matches the Tempo with One Push of a Button
With just the push of a button, it matches the song that is playing to the preset master BPM. A beginner can easily match the tempos of two songs and enjoy real BPM mixing.

Create Playlist Function Allows the Immediate Registering of a Track

While playing music, all it takes is the press of a button to transfer a desired song to a playlist.

Connects to a Computer Allowing Use as a DJ Software Controller

Connecting the CDJ-350 via USB to a computer allows it to be controlled by MIDI compatible DJ software, as well as using the music files on the computer to enjoy DJing. It can also be used as an audio interface.

Other Features

• Excellent vibration-resistance thanks to its Shock-Proof Memory and Floating Architecture.
• Four levels of settings can be made for the maximum variation range of a song’s tempo—±6%, ±10%, ±16% and WIDE (audio CDs only for WIDE mode)
• Thanks to the Resume function, when a disc is removed and later reloaded, it returns to the previous point.

MAIN FEATURES OF THE DJM-350:-

Capable of Recording Directly to USB Devices

Users can record their own DJ mix directly to a USB storage device without having to use a computer or recording device. As recorded DJ mixes are saved in the WAV file format, they can be imported and listened to on a PC or portable audio player.

Four Kinds of Effects Allow for Intuitive Remixing

The DJM-350 comes equipped with four kinds of effects—Filter, Crush, Jet and Gate. The intuitive controls allow sounds to be altered so original arrangements can be added to songs and users can enjoy DJing with all kinds of remixes.

Isolator Equalizer on Each Channel

The DJM-350 has a built-in 3-band equalizer (Isolator type) that allows a broad range of level control, from +9dB to -? (cut) in each of the HI, MID & LOW ranges. Each band can be controlled independently.

Digital System Means Clear Sound

The analogue signal is converted to digital via the shortest of circuits. The analogue and digital circuit are isolated from each other, and all signal processing is performed by a high-performance CPU that minimizes noise. The DJM-350 inherits the high fidelity design of the DJM series so users can enjoy DJ mixing with a clean, clear sound.

Other Features

• Equipped with MIC/AUX terminals for connecting portable audio players and/or microphones.
• A Pioneer CDJ player can be used for fader, start or play functions via a link to the fader control.
• All channels are equipped with peak level meters, which indicate the input level on each channel.
• The Crossfader Curve Adjustment function makes it possible to adjust the crossfader curve.

SPECIFICATIONS CDJ-350:-

PLAYABLE MEDIA AUDIO CD, CD-R/RW, USB STORAGE DEVICE (FLASH MEMORY / HDD ETC.)
PLAYABLE FILES MP3, AAC, WAV (44.1 KHZ / 48kHz, 16/24BIT), AIFF (44.1 KHZ / 48kHz, 16/24BIT )
FILE FORMATS COMPATIBLE WITH USB STORAGE FAT 16, FAT 32, HFS+
FREQUENCY RESPONSE 4 HZ–20 KHZ
SIGNAL/NOISE RATIO 115 DB
TOTAL HARMONIC DISTORTION 0.006% or less
USB PORTS USB A PORT × 1, USB B PORT × 1
AUDIO OUTPUT TERMINALS AUDIO OUT x 1 (RCA)
OTHER TERMINALS CONTROL OUT x 1 (3.5MM MINI-JACK) USB-A Port x 1 (TOP PANEL) USB-B PORT x 1 (REAR PANEL)
AUDIO OUTPUT VOLTAGE 2.0V
POWER SOURCE 220-240V ?50/60 HZ ?
POWER CONSUMPTION 16W
MAX ETERNAL DIMENSIONS 220 × 288.5 × 107 mm (W×D×H)
WEIGHT 2.3KG
INCLUDED MUSIC MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE REKORDBOX™
COMPATIBLE OS WINDOWS VISTA/XP, MAC OS10.4 or LATER
PLAYABLE FILES MP3, AAC, WAV (44.1 KHZ/16BIT), AIFF (44.1 KHZ/16BIT)
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
CPU PENTIUM-M 1.5GHZ OR FASTER
FREE HDD CAPACITY 250 MB OR MORE
DISC DRIVES DRIVE THAT CAN PLAY CD-ROM/CD-DA DISCS
DISPLAY DISPLAYS CAPABLE OF AT LEAST 1,024 X 768 PIXELS (XGA) or WITH HIGH COLOUR (16-BIT) OR BETTER
SPECIFICATIONS DJM-350
NO. OF CHANNELS 2
INPUT TERMINALS CD / LINE × 2 (RCA)
PHONO × 2?RCA?
MIC × 1 (1/4 INCH PHONE × 1: rear panel)
AUX × 1 (RCA : real panel)
OUTPUT TERMINALS MASTER OUT × 1 (RCA × 1)
HEADPHONE MONITOR OUT × 1 (1/4 INCH PHONE)
REC OUT × 1 (RCA)
OTHER TERMINALS CONTROL OUT × 2 (3.5MM MINI-JACK)
USB A PORT × 1 (TOP PANEL)
A/D, D/A CONVERTER 48 KHZ, 24-Bit
FREQUENCY RESPONSE 20 HZ–20 kHz
TOTAL HARMONIC DISTORTION 0.007% OR LESS
SIGNAL/NOISE RATIO 97 DB ?LINE?
POWER SOURCE 220-240V ?50/60 HZ ?
POWER CONSUMPTION 18W
MAX EXTERNAL DIMENSON 218 × 301.1 × 106.6 MM (W×D×H)
WEIGHT 3.2KG

The CDJ-350 & DJM-350 will be shown for the first time at Musikmesse, Frankfurt on 24th March.

The CDJ-350 & DJM-350 is available in June 2010. The suggested retail price is 599 euros inc. VAT for the CDJ-350 and 499 euros inc. VAT for the DJM-350. Details of Pioneer’s distribution network can be found at www.pioneerdj.eu

Press images can be downloaded from www.prosvlink.net with press password prodj321

Popularity: 8% [?]

I just moved up to the JBL PRX718s sub-woofer system.
SPECIFICATIONS AT A GLANCE
Built-In Crown 700 watt (RMS) amplifier
With its Duraflex finish and foam-backed grill, its beautiful and portable at only 74 pounds.
The PRX718s employs a JBL 2268FF 18″ Differential Drive woofer, the same used in more expensive JBL passive systems.
Frequency Range (-10 db) is 33 hz to 160 hz.
Frequency Response (-3 db) is 37 hz to 130 hz.
Crossover frequency is 120 hz.

Holy crap on a stick, Batman!
Stop the presses, I’m really impressed by this product. The last time I was this jazzed by a sub-woofer of any type was the Velodyne UL-18 (another sub-woofer from 25 years ago).

In the past 20 years we’ve owned this home– I could not even get a typical 18″ pro audio sub up the two flights of narrow (30″ wide) stairs leading from my basement to the upstairs home theater setup, but we really wanted to see “This Is It” (MJ’s swan song) with a super subwoofer!

The JBL PRX 718s cabinet is only 21″ wide, and is super easy to pick up and carry with its two ergonomic handles. Once I positioned the sub behind the couch, I then proceeded to bring the PRX 512m stage monitors upstairs, using them for the mains. This turned out to be a great match, they fit perfectly on our existing speaker stands.

Note also that the Eon 518s sub is TOO WIDE and not possible to carry like the 718s, which is 10 pounds heavier.
I wanted to run an A-B comparison upstairs, but from the moment I hooked up the new box, it was readily apparent that there would be no need to compare the two (more on that later).

Our surround sound amplifier is a Yamaha DSP (Dolby 2.0) putting 50 wpc into the rear channels. Its old but it still works great.
The system included a Blu-Ray player, which we also used to play CDs. I used some XLR to RCA adapter plugs that were laying around. Talk about over-kill, it was like putting a jet engine on a wright brothers plane.

From the instant we hooked this system up, we knew its days as home theater use were numbered, but with a couple of weeks between events, we could spend the extra time breaking these boxes in! On a concrete floor it was easier to set the gain, but in our very wood coated room (both ceiling and floors), the system had to be dialed down. Our original front end (for the last 25 years) was two Vandersteen 2ci speakers (10″ 3-way), powered by a 200 watt amplifier. We now were running 1,700 watts with an incredible
amount of dynamic range with an increase of an entire octave of bass!

Wow, it was great to see what MJ’s concert would have been like, and we got to experience it as close as possible to the original sound.

The 718s was reproducing every note of the bass lines, the kick drums, there is an immediacy of attack not apparent with other 18″ powered subs. Usually, you get a sort of delay, perhaps some kind of rumbling from transients, not with this box! Its painfully accurate, not thumping to excess like other 18′s. Hearing that lower end extension down to 33 hz, makes for part of the difference, but its also the upper bass (near the crossover point) that shines as well.

However, the PRX718s has an internal crossover network (120 hz) that does a fantastic job of making the seamless transition for the main speakers. That same crossover unit has a selectable switch that allows you to run the outputs to a second PRX718s cabinet.

Note also that the 512m stage monitors have their best response between 100 hz and 20k, so its giving them a chance to shine without having to bother with low frequencies.

The new sub experienced no delay or off-axis weirdness, like I notice with the Eon Sub at times. Less need to use the polarity switch, but its there if you need one I guess.

After a couple days of rigorous testing in our home theater upstairs, and watching various Blu-Ray and DVD movies, playing CDs of our favorite artists, the conclusion: When it comes time to replace our Home Theater audio system, this is going to be the subwoofer/satellite system that replaces it, but in the interest of marital harmony– the new PRX Series speakers had to say good-bye and the Vandersteen speakers returned to their stands.

The PRX718s now resides in my basement testing grounds– where its spending about 5-6 hours of daily break-in use…..Here’s the results so far:

With the PRX-512m speakers as the mains, its incredible how much bass energy can be transmitted with just one sub-woofer. I cannot image what it would sound like with TWO sub-woofers. Maybe if there were 300 persons in the room, and you wanted to balance the bass on both sides of the dance floor in a night club. But for my purposes as a mobile wedding DJ, doing a typical wedding reception for up to 250 persons, I should be OK with just ONE of these (although I will always want another one).

Even on a concrete floor, the new sub has a very steady response from every angle. Even though the most energy comes out of the front of the box, the off-axis response is very clear and distinct. I’m up on the 3rd floor of my home typing this review, and I can hear every bass note of every song being played. This cabinet has a tendency to be heard thru walls, which may be a problem at multi-use facilities with paper thin walls.

OK, let’s recap the TOP TEN REASONS TO BUY JBL PRX718s SUB-WOOFER:

1) Extremely portable (for an 18″ sub-woofer) and can go up a flight of stairs if necessary!

2) Contains a built-in Crown amplifier with 700 watts RMS and 1400 watts of peak power output.

3) Looks absolutely gorgeous with the lighted JBL/Crown logo on its front grille.

4) Matches perfectly with the JBL PRX512m Stage Monitor as a sub-woofer & satellite system.

5) Can be used for the ultimate Home Audio subwoofer, provided you kill your wife first (I’m just kidding about that one).

6) Is extremely affordable, considering its one of the breakthrough pro audio products of the last 25 years.

7) Should fetch a ridiculously high resale value, based on my past experience with JBL products.

I’m buying a SECOND one of these, as soon as I complete the latter part of #5 (I’m really just kidding guys!)

9) Reproduces audio frequencies at subsonic levels which were previously not possible for a box of this size.

10) They are for sale at AUDIOLINES

TO CONCLUDE THIS RABID RECOMMENDATION:

If you’re a DJ who wants to have a 700 watt 18″ sub-woofer that meets audiophile specifications (33 hz to 140 hz +/- 3 db, .01 THD) and not break your back loading it into the minivan, THIS is the sub-woofer for you!

Popularity: 34% [?]

CURRENTLY AVAILABLE FOR SALE, INCLUDING DURING NAMM:

1) INNOFADER CLASSIC (est. $115-$120 sale price)
This Innofader version fits and works in most current and obsolete VCA mixers on the market. A complete list of compatible mixers is available online at http://www.innofader.com/compatible.php. Additional adapters are available for the TTM-57, Pioneer DJM-800, Tascam XS-4 and XS-8, Ecler HAK 320 and before, A&H Xone:42, and Behringer DX-052 mixers.

2) INNOFADER DJM-400 VERSION (est. $165 sale price)
This is the Innofader Classic with brackets for fitting in the DJM-400

INNOFADER VERSIONS COMING SOON (samples Mar 2010, production late Spring 2010)

1) INNOFADER DJM-909 VERSION (sale price TBD)
The Innofader DJM-909 Version is a custom Innofader designed to work in the Pioneer DJM-707 and DJM-909.

2) INNOFADER PRO (sale price TBD, est. similar to Classic)
The Innofader Pro is mechanically identical to the Innofader Classic but has numerous circuit improvements. Listed improvements show the improvements and example mixers:
1) Has a full range VCA output (Vestax PMC mixers, Urei 1603, Ecler Hak 320 and before, and Tascam X4/X8 mixers)
2) Compatible with mixers which reverse crossfader power when crossfader output is reversed (A&H Xone:02, Ecler HAK mixers 320 and before, Tascam X4 and X8)
3) Allows hookup of external power to the fader where VCA power is limited (Rane TTM-54, A&H Xone:62)
4) Also works with inexpensive non-VCA mixer circuits (Numark M2, Vestax VMC mixers, Vestax PMC channel faders)

3) INNOJUSTER (sale price TBD)
The Innojuster is an Innofader Classic and Innofader Pro control box including cut-in, curve, reverse, and calibration controls for the mixer. This is useful so DJs don’t have to remove the faceplate to make Innofader adjustments, or they can use these functions for mixers which don’t have them.

All Audio-Innovate products are available from Audiolines.com

Popularity: 18% [?]

The JBL PRX-512m is part of the PRX-500 Series of powered loudspeaker systems, of which there are seven models (two subwoofers and five full-range systems). All of these speakers are powered by built-in digital power amps engineered by Crown. In addition to these Crown power amplifiers, these systems contain state-of-the-art DSP (digital sound processing) that control functions like equalization, crossover accuracy, and system control/protection.

One thing that impressed me the most about the PRX-500 Series (including the smallest model, PRX-512m) is that they are NOT made in China — they were designed and engineered in the United States and then manufactured in North America in a very high-tech plant in Mexico. Then it appears they do final inspection, testing, packaging and shipping from their main plant in Northridge, CA….where my brand new PRX-512m’s were shipped from.

Upon removing from the box, I was impressed by the build quality and overall box integrity. They seem to be alot like the MRX and SRX in that regard. Nicely appointed with steel grills that have a lit up JBL & Crown logo. The weight of the PRX-512m is only 40 pounds, which is really light considering what’s inside:

In addition to the high performance and lightweight Crown amps, each PRX-512 utilizes the latest JBL loudspeaker technology. They have neodymium Differential Drive transducers with dual voice coils which are very light in weight, yet they provide high sound pressure levels with minimal harmonic distortion and power compression. When you combine highly engineered enclosures with sophisticated electronics like this, the result is supposed to be the highest performance-to-weight ratio in its class of PA equipment, a truly PORTABLE system that can really deliver the goods!

Back to the goodies: I love the Dura-Flex (TM) finish, as well as the nice build quality of the foam-backed grills. Not crazy about the handle on top, but this is a small cabinet; putting two handles in each side would have compromised the acoustics. With the matching JBL-Logo bag covers (not included), these speakers should survive the long wedding season intact, without any scratches (except on the speaker bottoms, which the bags do not cover).

One particular application for these is using them as main loudspeakers for wedding ceremonies. I could also imagine them being more than sufficient for cocktails, light jazz, and classic rock music.

The JBL PRX-512m features a dual-angle pole socket, which allows for more options in aiming the speakers toward the audience. This is really helpful because as a practical matter, you want neither tops or bottoms of the speaker visible from the listener’s perspective.

The actual components of the PRX-512m are a 12″ (JBL 262F) low frequency driver and a 1.5″ (JBL 2408H) high frequency compression driver. Even though the 512m is the smallest speaker in the PRX-500 Series, it uses the same HF Driver (2408H) as the PRX-515 as well as the PRX-525. Not only that, but the 500 watts of Crown amplification are the same as the PRX-515, both have the same 400 watt LF Crown amp, and the same 100 watt HF Crown.

What’s readily apparent, after some real world testing– these speakers are a clear step above from my previous Eon G2′s, both the 15s and 10′s. There is a sense of wider space, a bigger sound stage if you will. The highs are higher, clearer, more distinct. The midranges are clear, accurate and defined. Guitars and pianos stand out in particular, but other aspects like sibilance of high-hats and cymbals get more definition, that HF extention to 20k must be the reason!

However, this does not mean I think these loudspeakers are perfect. The lower bass is still too thin to operate by themselves in a typical mobile gig that requires playing hip hop or RnB music. Yes they work fine for funerals, ceremonies, cocktail music on a patio. Light rock and light jazz, no problem.

One song in particular, “Right Place Wrong Time” (Dr. John) stood out as a stellar example of why these speakers sound so good when they don’t get a lot of lower bass frequencies. With a true bottom end of 90 hz, these speakers are more like control monitors than full range loudspeakers. When you press the EQ button on the back control panel, the bass comes alive, extending the response down to 76 hz. Songs from the 60′s and early 70′s like this one were made for AM car radios, with little or no bass response.

However, when you play a song that is from the current era, or even a song from 20 years ago with heavy bass (for example, “The Way You Make Me Feel” by MJ), then the lack of lower bass response is more obvious. Both settings sounded thin and weak, with the “Main” setting providing barely adequate lower bass. Highs and mids were stellar though, I heard details lacking when played thru the eons.

On all songs tested, these speakers were able to make very loud sound pressure levels, despite the lack of bass. It is impossible to overdrive the mic (as I was prone to do with the Eon 15′s). Feedback is way less of a problem with the new speakers.

Overall, I’m very pleased with the PRX-512m because they were NOT purchased as a stand-alone Main Loudspeaker but rather, for using in combination with the matching PRX-718s Sub-Woofer. They not only look great, but they demonstrate to my audience that I’m constantly reinvesting in my productions with the latest technology. They’re a huge step up in quality from the Eon series they replaced, and much less worries about system failure with Crown amps!

When used with at least ONE sub, these speakers would provide the typical mobile Disc Jockey or small touring band with the ultimate portable PA loudspeaker system. Did I mention– only 40 pounds apiece? When you consider how much a typical passive amp weighs, its truly amazing what they’ve done with audio components!

Once the new PRX-718s Sub Woofer system arrives, I plan to do a follow-up on these speakers,
Meanwhile, I’ve used them in testing with Eon 518s, and B-52 ACT-18, with excellent results in both cases.

The JBL PRX-512m is available at Audiolines.com

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