DJ tips part 4, ALDs, Anchor MegaVox Pro Giveaway
DJ equipment, assistive listening devices, fleco audio products
| Volume 2: Issue 5 |
May 2005 |
Dear Friends,
 It's May!
And what a wonderful month it is. Filled with important holidays like May Day, Cinco de Mayo, Mother's Day, Graduation Day (for some) and of course Memorial Day. Not to mention celebrations like National Speech and Hearing Month.
My own personal favorite - well, I'm embarrassed to admit it, but - since I'm sorta partial to vegetables - my choice has got to be National Asparagus Month. What's yours?
Well, here at AudioLinks.com we always observe the major holidays, so this month we are offering an incredible "Out Of School" special on select Califone products.
Read on for the details on this and for helpful articles, general audio information and useful links...
This month's newsletter includes articles, information and links pertaining to:
 DJ-Man's Helpful Hints for Aspiring DJs - Part IV - Self Promotion
Well, as promised, we welcome back DJ-man for another bit of insight on the craft and artistry of DJing. And, this month, I understand that he will be dealing with a topic that has value not just for DJ's, but for everyone trying to succeed in music or business. Take it away DJ-man.
Thanks man. And yes - I have something to say that will interest a much wider audience than usual. That's right. I am going to share some of my secrets on how to succeed in DJing and for that matter in any gig you want to pursue. Whatever you do - self-promotion is for you!
Now I am not talking about the crass, money-grubbing kind of in your face type of promotion. I am talking about in your ear (think whispering) that image of yourself that you want people to have.
First the free stuff. What kind of things can you do to get your name out there. The more people know your name, the more your skills as a DJ are worth. Simple right?
Ok. So you have your DJ equipment (from AudioLinks.com of course) and you're cool with the slam. Now get yourself some tracks. There are lots of places for that on the web and much of it is priced right. Nowadays, downloads are a few clicks away for Digital DJ's; and vinyl has never been priced better for us old-fashioned (but ooooh so with it) scratch and spin guys!
Once you own enough tracks (say 5-6 hours), you can mix a night of heavy sound without wearing out the grooves. Now, it's time you thought about getting some work - steady as you can.
The first step in free self-promotion is to make a teaser - a sample CD or tape that you can pass around.
It's the way of the world. Sometimes you have to give a little taste to make them come back for more.
Recording a sample mix tape or CD:
First let's talk about cassette tapes. Mixing a tape is as easy as hooking up your stereo to the Record Output (sometimes called the Line Out) on your mixer and pressing the Record Button. The problem with a sample cassette tape mix is that a lot of people are into the digital mode of CD's. So, while that is a little more complicated, it's a good idea to go with both.
CDs require a slightly different setup: a computer with a soundcard (or sound card - I personally use Soundblaster Live!) and a CD-writer.
Your soundcard should have some recording software. You will need to hook up your mixer to the line in (sometimes called Record Input) on the soundcard using an RCA Connector (red and white plugs) to mini jack (small headphone style plug).
To record the CD, boot-up the recording software and press Record (ok - sometimes REC). The sound file on your hard drive will be large, so ensure you have about a spare gigabyte to record a one hour sample mix. Once you have your .wav file, burn it to a CD using the 'burn audio disk' option in your CD writer software.
In general, CDs (I personally recommend Taiyo Yuden) are more professional than cassette tapes. While they may cost you more to make the master, they also have a cost advantage on large quantity bulk duplication. They even can be personalized with Artwork for a little extra. (Hint to AudioMan: I can do a gig on duplication for an upcoming Newsletter!) Remember the idea is to give these samples out to lots of club owners - they're like your business card. Plan on making at least a few hundred.
If you have the time and don't sleep too late in the afternoon - drop some cassette tapes and CD's off at the local radio station. Maybe you'll get a weekly show.
Next Month (if I am invited back) I'll give some more helpful hints on self-promotion and maybe duplication.
Thanks Deej - that was a great. And what a great lesson in active self-promotion - what's this about next month?
And speaking of DJ equipment it's now time to announce the winner of our first
Monthly Giveaway Contest!
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 This Month's Giveaway Contest - an Anchor Audio MEGA-6000 - MegaVox Pro!
Before we begin, a quick "Congratulations!" to Bobby S., the winner of last month's free giveaway!
And now on to this month's promotion...
Calling all policemen, firemen, coaches, FBI agents, Marine drill sergeants and auctioneers - just some of the professionals who have made the Anchor Audio MegaVox Pro their PA system of choice.
Enter AudioLink's May 2005 FREE Giveaway Contest for a chance to win an Anchor Audio MEGA-6000, the MegaVox Pro PA with a hand-held microphone!
This PA system delivers an amazing 126dB of clear speech projection and can operate for up to 10 hours on its rechargeable battery. The unit weighs just 15 pounds and is upgradable to many different configurations, including one with a wireless microphone that is ideal for field operations.
Enter NOW - one per customer - no purchase necessary!
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 What are ALDs? - Part III - Helpful Information
Hearing loss is more common than you might think.
In fact for every person who might be legally classified as deaf, there are many more who are burdened by hearing impairment. Nor is this only a problem for people over 50. Increasingly, due to recreational and environmental noise, hearing loss is occurring at younger and younger ages.
Consider these facts:
28 million Americans are hearing impaired, and an estimated 500 million experience hearing loss, worldwide.
In the U.S., one out of twelve people who are 30-years-old are already hearing-impaired and one in eight people who are 50-years-old now suffer from hearing loss to some degree.
The social stigma of "aging" has prevented proper treatment for many sufferers. Interestingly, after President Bill Clinton was fitted for a hearing aid, there was a significant increase of more than 1 million other baby boomers who identified themselves as experiencing hearing loss.
Current estimates are that there are more baby boomers (aged 45-64) with a hearing loss (approximately 10 million people) than there are hearing impaired persons in the age group of 65 and older (approximately 9 million).
More than a third of all hearing loss is attributed to noise: loud music, loud workplaces, loud recreational equipment. (Note AudioLink currently offers a number of headphones that are especially made to reduce environmental noise.)
Of the 10 million Americans aged 45 to 64 who are estimated to have a hearing loss, 6 out of 7 do not yet benefit from any Assistive Listening Devices.
Hearing loss facts:
Hearing loss is second only to arthritis as the most common complaint of older adults (persons over 50 years old).
Only about 10% of hearing loss can be helped by surgery or other medical treatment.
Almost 90% of all hearing losses can be ameliorated with Assistive Listening Devices.
Only 16% of U.S. physicians routinely screen for hearing loss.
On average, exposure to noise above 80-90 decibels over an 8-hour workday is considered hazardous.
Firearms, music, airplanes, lawnmowers, power tools and many appliances are louder than 80 decibels and prolonged exposure is potentially hazardous to hearing.
A live rock concert produces sounds from 110 to 120 decibels-easily high enough to cause damage to hearing if prolonged.
What can you do if you have a hearing loss?
Clearly, AudioLinks.com offers a number of technology based solutions to the hearing impaired (see our catalog offerings on ADA Compliant Devices), but there are many other non-technological options for gaining some relief.
For example, the US government offers a special website to assist the hearing impaired who live in regions that experience violent weather such as tornados and hurricanes. This site contains a wealth of information regarding weather radio and special needs weather radio. It addresses questions such as:
- What is NOAA (the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) Weather Radio?
- What is the special-needs NOAA Weather Radio?
- What are the weather alerting needs of deaf and hard-of-hearing persons?
- What does the special-needs NOAA Weather Radio do in times of inclement weather?
- Where can you obtain information on the special-needs NOAA Weather Radio?
If you live in an area that's prone to inclement weather, you owe it to your self to check this site out.
Click Here to go to the site or point your browser to http://www.nssl.noaa.gov/NWR/
In future issues of our newsletter we will be addressing other links and helpful hints for the hearing impaired.
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 Introducing Fleco Karaoke Machines, Wireless Microphones & PA Systems
AudioLink Services is proud to announce the addition of Fleco Audio Products to our line of Karaoke Machines, Wireless PA Systems and Wireless Microphones.
FLECO Corporation has been designing, manufacturing and distributing quality wireless PA and presentation systems, wireless microphone systems, Karaoke machines and Pro Audio gear since 1986.
Here's what KJ/DJ Krystal A. had to say about the best selling 60 watt CDG-20:
"This machine is fabulous! It is totally versatile, fun and easy to use. There are options to turn vocal tracks on or off, you can control the musical key and regulate tempo on both cassettes or CDs. Plus, the machine lets you make a cassette of yourself singing to the background music. For small parties or a vocal home studio it is perfection!"
Click Here to learn more...
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 Do you have pro-audio questions? AudioMan's got answers!
Janette M. asks:
I just bought the Gemini Disc O Mix 5.0 and I need an amplifier. Can you recommend which one is best for my 400 watt speakers? Thanks.
Hi Janette,
Following in the footsteps of the popularly acclaimed PS800, SoundTech offers a further refinement of its "smaller, lighter, and more powerful" Power Source Series which is perfect for your system. The PS802, which yields 800 Watts in a scant 1 rack space high, 15.8 lbs. rack mount package. Versatile inputs allow connection via balanced XLR connectors or unbalanced 1/4-inch phone jacks, giving highly reliable connection to your equipment.
Hope this helps!
Douglas Y. writes:
Is the Williams Sound PFM Hearing Helper compatible with a cochlear implant?
Hi Douglas,
I called Williams Sound and they assured me that if your implant has a "T-Switch" you can use the neckloop adapter and it will work perfectly.
I hope this is helpful!
Dotty W. had this inquiry:
I like the new Washburn guitars you've added to your site but I'm not sure which one will be right for my son who says he wants to learn to play one. Can you suggest something? Thanks.
Hi Dotty,
You've touched on an issue close to my heart. I remember going to my mother and asking for a guitar when I was just a boy and she surprised me with a second hand model that was probably originally made for Wilt Chamberlain. It took me a long time to get used to it and then I found I couldn't hook it up to an amplifier and play it like my personal guitar hero Archie Andrews. He became an electric guitarist virtually overnight and had a big hit with "Sugar, Sugar".
That's why I am recommending the world's most popular student guitar - the Washburn D10SCE acoustic/electric.
It has the distinct advantage of being an acoustic guitar with a built in pickup for connecting to an amplifier and its size and tone are perfect for the aspiring professional. I think it's the perfect gift for your son, and I've also included a link for something you may need for yourself. Click Here to Find Out.
Hope this helps!
Keep those calls, cards and letters coming. Maybe we'll feature your question in an upcoming issue!
For more information about other audio topics Click Here to see Equipment Reviews, the Newsletter Archive and related Articles
AudioMan
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 For Newsletter Subscribers & Shopping Cart Customers Only!
Buy any Anchor Audio MegaVox Pro PA System in April 2005 and take an additional Fifty Dollars OFF!!!
Firemen, policemen, coaches, FBI agents, Marine drill sergeants, and auctioneers all choose
the Anchor Audio MegaVox Pro. That's because this PA system delivers 126 dB SPL of clear speech projection from a 22W amplifier. True AC/DC functionality with a 110/220 power supply make the MegaVox Pro truly
universal – take it anywhere! Weighing in at only 15 pounds, the MegaVox Pro has single or dual UHF wireless microphone options and comes in a variety of configurations. Order Yours Today!
Just put in this discount code: MVPro 4/05 when prompted in the shopping cart, or mention it to one of our call center staff members at 1-800-516-6955 and $50.00 will be automatically discounted from the price.
This offer expires May 31, 2005
 Current Specials
If
you're in the market for a solution to your presentation
requirements, here’s a link to our current Specials Sound Solutions© for your special needs.
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 AudioLink
Services
You already know that AudioLinks.com is the premiere
source for audio equipment discounts, but are you aware of the other
services we provide?
Conference &
Meeting Planning, Equipment Rental, Interpreting, Recording
& Transcription as
well as Voice
Over Production are just
some of the other areas of the industry we can help you with.
 Well, that's about it for this edition. In future issues we plan to offer reports and updates on different types of audio equipment, links to useful sites and to answer questions posed by you and other readers. We hope you will find this newsletter useful and we welcome your feedback.
Looking for something that's not on our web site? Contact Us and we'll respond as quickly as possible, or, visit AudioLink's product pages and see for yourself why we are known as: "The Home of Sound Solutions"
Until then,
That's sound advice...
Regards,
AudioMan
SiteManager@audiolinks.com
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