Home (Audio) for the Holidays (Again)
Audiolink's 50 BEST Gift Ideas!
In addition, this month's newsletter includes articles, information and links pertaining to:
 AudioLink's
Resident Experts Share Their 50 BEST Gift Ideas!
Our three wise guys (AudioMan, DJ-Man and Studio Man) have put together 50 great gifts and in the following article share some of their rationales for their suggestions.
AudioMan makes the list ...
For me, this time of year allows me to show my appreciation for the hard work and dedication of colleagues and friends.
Therefore, among AudioLink's gift suggestions, I've been sure to include some unusual items that might be perfect for those quirky but lovable audiophiles who I don't dare forget. And, what's even better, I can do all this remembering on $25 (or less) per person.
Ten Under $25:
Among our 50 Great Gift Ideas which cover a wide range of categories - including collectibles, Rock 'n' Roll clothing, watches, musical instruments, guitar gear, CD players, headphones and home audio products - are ten great ideas that cost Under $25.
For example, if you're looking for a useful gift that screams "open me first" try our Blank Media section for a variety of cassettes, CD-ROMs and VHS video tapes. I've opted for a 25 pack of Maxell cassettes for $13.99 as my contribution to the list.
Then too, for the true audiophile with a collector's eye I've placed a great miniature (one of four available) of the Fender Jazz Bass Guitar. Or, for someone who likes to belly up to bar and how about a set of four coasters with classic Fender advertising images for $17.99.
Or at a savings that even I can't believe the 10 MM guitar gig bag for $21.95.
And for the day after wake up call so you do not miss the last sleigh leaving, try the EXTRA loud alarm clock for $24.95!
Well, that takes care of my list. What about you Deej?
DJ-Man gives his spin ...
So what do you get your favorite DJ (or DJ-in-training)?
Let's start with with home-starter DJ kits -- the one that made the list is a turntable based kit, but I would also recommend two others.
The Gemini Renegade turntable package includes turntables, mixer, speakers and more! The ready-to-go Gemini Renegade package includes everything you need for your next big gig. From the two high-quality XL-200 belt-driven turntables, to the very capable PMX-350 mixer with three phono inputs, three line inputs and one mic input, this package has it all!
Gemini also includes a DJM-2 professional microphone, all the cables you need, plus professional "G" slipmats, EM-50 headphones and even a pair of PM-100 monitor speakers. Need more choices?
The Gemini CD Mix 5.0 is the perfect starter kit if you've decided to enter the digital realm. Endorsed by Club King Chris Garcia, the CD Mix kit provides all the necessary essentials. You get 2 CDJ-15x CD players with pitch control, as well as an MX-01 2-channel mixer. The CD Mix 5.0 also includes the DJC-01 soft padded carrying case so you pick one up and go! While it did not make the top 50, I would make it number 51!
And now for number 52: I've talked the boss man into almost giving away some really great favorites that were at the top of last year's list and are still in stock.
The Gemini First Mix 3.0, is on sale at the incredible price of $159.99! That's 47% off the $299.00 list price! This starter kit includes 2 XL-120 belt-drive manual turntables with CN-25 cartridges, the PMX-250 two channel mixer and a pair of EM-50 headphones. For about a $100 less than the Renegade turntable package I would grab one of these right now while the supply lasts.
For the DJ Pro, I recommend another item which the boss has discounted, the Sony MDR-V150 studio headphones. Sony's Studio Monitor Series headphones feature Supra-Aural design for excellent listening comfort. Also included are the 30 mm diameter drivers (for deep bass), high-energy ferrite magnets, reversible ear cups for single-sided monitoring, a wide molded headband for long-lasting comfort and a stereo UniMatch plug (for adapting to either 3.5mm or 1/4 inch inputs).
Indulge in amazing sound - Sony will show you how. And we make it easy by slashing the price to $11.99.
One last idea - at this year’s PLASA Show in London, Denon DJ scooped a trio of trophies at the annual T-Scan Awards (sponsored by DJ Magazine) and on the same day one of the UK’s top DJ’s, Jonathan Lisle, visited their stand to demonstrate the new DN-D4000 Dual CD/MP3 player, arriving straight from the PLASA seminar room where he had joined the panel discussing the role of the digital DJ.
Any of these award winning products would make an unforgettable gift:
Best New Single CD Player (DN-S1000)
This player has all the best features and incorporates them into a budget-price, portable device. (Great Gift 53)
Best DJ Mixer Under $1000 (DN-X1500)
The lucky recipient of this gift just might be only a few scratches away from super stardom! (Great Gift 54)
Now that's revolutionary...
Hey that's my cue for Studio Man:
Thanks guys.
The digital revolution touches everyone from high-profile recording artists to struggling garage-bands... and they all need gear! So for my friends it's an easy choice as to what I am getting them for the holidays.
Going down my list - I'm buying about ten of the Denon DN-D4000 dual CD MP3 player with ID3 tag CD text display. This machine is not only a very functional item - allowing MP3 playback, LCD displays of artist, album title and folder file search - but also is compatible with .m3u play lists and finalized CD-R RW discs. I mean come on guys - what could be better!
Next I figure about fifteen Zoom PS-04 handheld "PalmTops." The Zoom PS-04 is much more than just a 4-track recorder. This palmtop studio allows you to record 2 tracks simultaneously or use the virtual memory to record up to 40 tracks. Of course you can also plug in musical instruments and microphones. Use the built-in condenser mic to manually record. I mean this thing does it all. Come on guys you gotta agree with me (or else you're off my list).
Finally, what studio would be complete without a great set of live drums? Get back to Basix with the 5 piece DJ-105 drum kit. This economically priced combo provides powerfull, penetrating percussion and offers superior sound quality. I think I'll get one of these -- for me!
AudioMan thanks for the gig.
AudioMan's Reprise ...
Well it looks like my buddies have covered all the bases, though nobody mentioned my favorite bass - the Winter Hofner replica which I'll talk about in a second...
Before we do that, here's a helpful hint for you as you click through our suggested gift lists. If the item we're featuring is not quite what you're looking for, or you'd like to explore other options available, be sure to press the "MORE PRODUCTS LIKE THIS" button for a group of similar choices in the same price range.
Finally, as we close in on the Winter Holiday Season, what could be more appropriate than offering a new line of guitars from...who else? Winter of course! Read on to learn more...
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Introducing Winter Electric Guitars
We are proud to announce the addition of Winter Guitars to our extensive line of Musical Instruments, and one of our top 50 selections for ideal holiday gifts.
 Anybody who's ever played a Winter guitar would agree that the quality is surprisingly high considering the relatively low price tag. Standard features include die cast tuners, 3 way switches, vibrato options, hard maple necks and rosewood fret boards.
Take a look at this beauty! Not bad for a relative newcomer to the market, emulating all the "must-have" attributes of the biggest names in the business.
This Winter WT410 electric guitar is modeled after the legendary Flying V, which made its debut in 1958. This modern replica improves on the original design with a reverse head stock and some slight modifications to the body shape which make this guitar look and sound cooler than ever.
The Winter WT410 comes in Blue or Black Flame finish and features set-in construction, a hard maple neck, a rosewood fretboard, die-cast tuners and satin nickel hardware. Needless, to say, it plays like a dream come true.
I challenge you to hear the difference between this Winter Guitar and comparable $3000 high-end axes!
Read on and see for yourself some of the other innovative products Winter Guitars has to offer:
WT400 Shark Fin
WSTR-250 "Strat"
WT420 Thunderbird
WVEB33
Violin Bass
The Winter
Guitar Line
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November 2005 Giveaway Contest
Recordex D1 One-to-One CD/DVD
MicoTower Digital Duplicator.
Enter AudioLink's November 2005 FREE Giveaway Contest for a chance to win a Recordex D1 CD/DVD Duplicator listing at $319.00.
If you're looking for a feature rich, small output CD/DVD copier that gives you maximum control then the NEW Recordex Commercial Grade D1 CD/DVD MicroTower is your best value in single copy, standalone digital duplication. That's because there is no requirement for a PC hard drive!
Designed for ease of use, you simply place your master disc in the reader and a blank CD or DVD (+R or -R) in the recorder and press the copy button. You can duplicate up to 8 DVDs per hour at 16X speed or up to 15 CDs at 48X speed.
This unit offers advanced features including test, compare, verify, recording speed control, track selection and instant text status of all features. This breakthrough model also supports a wide range of CD formats including CD-Audio, CD-ROM, CD-ROM/XA, CD-I, Mixed Mode, Photo CD, Video CD, CD-Extra, CD-Text, DVCD, CD-G, Karaoke CD, I-trax, and Bootable CD.
To top off all these useful extras don't forget the universal 400W 100-240VAC power supply (for use abroad) and four industrial strength cooling fans for those long, hot copying sessions!
Other great features include:
- system self diagnostics
- easy to use LCD command display
- supports high speed 16x VDD & 48x CD recording speeds
- fast throughput and super reliability
- maximum efficiency industrial cooling fans
- highly stabilized footings for anti-tipover
- 5 YEAR WARRANTY!
Take a look for yourself and see why this Recordex machine is the NEW Teacher's Pet when it comes to
copying 101!
Enter today for your chance to win one FREE!!!
Enter NOW - One entry per customer per month - No purchase necessary!
See the WINNER of the October 2005 Giveaway Contest.
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To Rent or Not To Rent...
  This month I wanted to highlight some rental options for conference booths and the accompanying equipment for your next event.
Both styles of soundproof booth currently available for rental through AudioLink Services exceed the latest ISO-4043 standards and are suitable for all types of conference interpreting and narration systems.
In general, our full-size soundproof booth has the flexibility and the expandability to fit most room configurations. The walk-in soundproof booth can also be extended for one or two additional interpreters simply by adding more panels.
Most important, the design of the full-size soundproof booth provides a comfortable, professional environment for the interpreters. Not only ventilation systems, but also generous workspace and outlets for lighting, power and cabling are just some of the design features included to reduce interpreters' fatigue.
 Also available are smaller half booths which have the advantage of fitting in tight places with less clearance. They also are easier to ship or store.
A booth rental not only eliminates the ongoing need for costly maintenance and storage but also saves you that hefty initial capital outlay.
Finally, and my personal favorite, is that I (or one of my minions) will personally visit you on site and set up and operate the equipment professionally. The AudioLink technical staff can recommend customized solutions for virtually any event no matter how large or small. Our extensive clientele includes Fortune 500 companies, not-for-profit organizations and government agencies.
If you are not sure about how best to fill your needs our Free Consultation policy makes it easy.
We would love to add you to our long list of satisfied patrons. Let AudioLink Services take the worry out of your next A/V event: 'tis a consummation devoutly to be wish'd.
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...and, as always, if you're in the market for a solution to your presentation requirements Check Out Our Current Specials.
AudioLink Services - Sound Solutions© for your special needs.
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 Do you have pro-audio questions? AudioMan's got answers!
Lyman C. asks:
Send me info! Is there such a thing as a microcassette* duplicator?
Hi Lyman,
Your question has caused me to pursue one of my favorite pastimes...surfing the web on company time. And the hours and hours I put in lead me to two conclusions... I couldn't find a microcassette duplicator and unfortunately, there is no substitute for old fashioned, real time conversion of "some" media. I'm thinking 8-Track here. The only answer I came up with was the one I would have guessed at to begin with - the microcassette must be recorded onto standard cassette format. This is done easily enough by playing the cassette and sending the signal out to the input of a number of cassette recorders.
After that you can perform standard duplication with the moderately priced, high performance Recordex duplicators. Don't forget to check our Blank Media link for low, low prices on blank cassette stock!
And finally, there is always the digital realm. Hand held MP3 recorders do the same job as the formerly groundbreaking micro, only with more features, more options for interface, easier, faster downloading and super fast duplication. Learn more.
Hope this helps!
*For explanations of this and other mystifying phrases, consult our Glossary of Audio Terms.]
Dennis A. sent us these interesting
comments and a request for a recommendation:
I lead a team of fitness instructors who need to be heard by the class
during a workout. We're looking for a top of the line, portable and
battery powered PA system. We currently have an older Anchor
Audio MegaVox Pro, but it's time for an upgrade. It seems like the new
MegaVox Pro is greatly improved and the Califone PowerPro PA-916
looks very interesting. We need a system that's easy to set up
and weatherproof, with multiple channels, speakers and
microphones. Oh, and it's got to have wheels and a luggage
handle. Asking too much?
Hi Dennis,
Sounds like you've really done your homework! That's a handful all right. And a few years back impossible to hope for...but as you now know, various manufacturers have been addressing these issues with products that fill in the gaps. The Anchor Audio MegaVox Pro you mention seems to fit the bill for your needs, but in terms of compact portability I advise a closer look at the Califone PA-916 Public Address system. The built-in cart on wheels is a distinct advantage and the system was made to stand the rigors of outdoor use (specifically designed for outdoor athletic events) by being "weather resistant". I wouldn't try to conduct a class in a thunderstorm, but if you are under cover from less extreme elements, you should still be able to operate.
Call us at 1-800-516-6955 and we can get into further detail.
Thanks for writing!
LCDR
Franklin F. writes:
I would like a quote for 3 Anchor Audio Beacon Deluxe BDP-6000 PA Packages. But I need to know if you will ship directly to my base in Iraq or to an APO address? Thank you for your time.
Hi Commander,
I can tell you that we cannot ship directly to your address in Iraq at this time. In the past we have shipped systems to APO and FPO addresses with mixed success in your region. However, there are some manufacturers who have made a specialty of it and Anchor Audio happens to be one of them. The Beacon Deluxe BDP-6000 PA package is their newest product and I'm happy to help by sending you a quote under separate cover.
Respectfully and gratefully,
AudioMan
Keep those calls, cards and letters coming. Maybe we'll feature your question in an upcoming issue!
For more information about other audio topics see Equipment Reviews, the Newsletter Archive and Pro Audio related Articles.
Regards,
AudioMan
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For Newsletter Subscribers & Shopping Cart Customers Only!
Anchor Audio Explorer Pro PA System & Williams Sound PPA 375 Personal FM
 Buy any Anchor Audio Explorer Pro PA System during the month of November 2005 and take an additional Fifty Dollars OFF!!!
The Explorer Pro offers the latest in Anchor Audio sound system technology. It features a Class D amplifier, "voice over" music function, AC/DC operation, 110/220V power supply and an option for dual UHF wireless receivers. This unit is even powerful enough to operate a companion speaker in AC or DC mode. No wonder it has become a classroom and boardroom favorite!
Anchor Audio offers great, full-range sound, that's why the Explorer Pro easily glides from strong lows to the highest peaks. And it's simple to set up and operate. A heavy-duty amp and two-way speaker system (a 6 1/2-inch woofer coupled with a high output horn tweeter) faithfully deliver every bit of voice or music signal you can. You can even use it for high-fidelity playback for crowds of up to 300 outdoors, and even larger groups indoors. A variety of inputs and a battery-powered model that runs up to 6 hours on a charge make the Explorer Pro capable of handling an assortment of functions. And since it weighs only 23 pounds, transport is a breeze.
Order Yours Today!
Just put in this discount code, EXPRO705 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.
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 Buy any Williams
Sound Personal PA 375 FM System during the month of November 2005 and take an additional 5% OFF!!!
The Williams Sound Personal Public Address (PPA) System 375 features four receivers and the new T35 high performance transmitter with a powerful microprocessor, sleek digital display and easy-to-use menu controls. The T35 configures itself to the appropriate setting – taking the guesswork out of complicated audio installation. Operating up to 1000 feet, the T35 is ideal for auditoriums, theaters, or other large venues where excellent coverage area is essential. The included four R35 receivers will operate up to 80 hours for long-lasting performance. This personal PA system can be connected to an existing sound system or can be used with its own microphone.
This personal PA system delivers sound directly to the listener's ear, bypassing the background noise and poor room acoustics sometimes encountered in public facilities. The system can be used in auditoriums, places of worship, theaters, cinemas, stadiums, arenas or zoos.
Order Yours Today!
Just put in this discount code, PPA375 when prompted in the shopping cart, or mention it to one of our call center staff members at 1-800-516-6955 and an additional 5% will be automatically discounted from the already low, low price.
Coupon Offers Expire November 30, 2005
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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.
Let us give you a Free Consultation and you'll find out just how versatile we really are!
 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, as well as visitors to the site. 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 or call us at 1 800 516 6955 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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