50 Great Gifts for the Holidays!
Great Gift Ideas from Under $25!
- It's that time of year again - the Three Wise Guys - Audio Man, DJ Man & Studio Man pick their favorite Gift Ideas from the thousands of items in our catalog.
- Just in time for the holidays AudioLink's November FREE Giveaway is a Williams Sound WIR 239 infrared TV listening system - which retails for more than $200.
- This month AudioMan responds to questions from our readers and discusses caring for your CD's, hooks up a PC microphone, and provides insight on manufacturers' warranties.
- GCI Technologies (previously Gemin DJ) offers the latest in their premier iSeries product line - the iTrax Mixing Console for the iPod. Learn about this new piece of DJ gear and other NEW Products for the audio enthusiast.
- And, as always, we give you the "Whole" AudioLink Catalog!
Annual Picks from 50 Great Gifts
It's become a tradition at AudioLink to share with you our personal picks for great audio gifts.
Once again we've combed our product lines to compile what we think are 50 Great Gifts for that special audiophile in your life.
We've broken down the categories by price -- from under $25 to *You Just Won the Lottery.* We hope you will enjoy reading about our picks as much as we enjoyed selecting them.
Now on to the show!
Age before beauty, AudioMan gets the (holiday) ball rolling.
 When it comes to the under $25 category, my personal favorite is our new Battery Bonanza. Having faced the morning after dilemma of "it doesn't work!" I never want to be out of batteries again. To make sure no one has to wait for the stores to open, make sure you place one of these battery packages under the tree or next to the menorah before the kids open their newest iPod's. This also makes a great housewarming present for the couple that lacks everything.
 My second pick is from our newest addition to the AudioLink's list of manufacturers - Shure Brothers. It's the mic that rocked the world. The Shure SM58 is the world-renowned microphone whose ruggedness, high quality and solid durability revolutionized the music industry when it was first introduced. Invest in this classic mic at the lowest price offered by any authorized dealer. Buy two - one for you and and one for your favorite musician. (Hint: I own one myself and wouldn't mind another one.)
 Finally, 'tis the season to deck the halls, so the last pick on my list of three is the Denon DN-D4500 dual CD/MP3 audio deck. This great looking Denon plays standard audio discs, CD, CD-R, CD-RW and MP3 files too. The solid digital construction delivers unbeatable sound and features two seamless loops per side, live B-Trim editing, two hot starts, cue stutter and selectable pitch ranges. All at a very reasonable price! (It'll just fit in my new AudioLink rack mount kit too.)
Now, I don't wanna have all the fun - so take it away DJMan!
Thanks AudioMan!
 I'll lead off the way any self-respecting DJMan would - with ear-respecting headphones - the Pioneer HDJ1000 reference headphones. These headphones have the cool look you expect from Pioneer and the technology and design to back them up. They're so comfortable, I've been known to wear them to bed. Great for sliding down riffs or chimneys.
 And what kind of a DJMan would I be if I didn't have a pick that would get the floor jumping? Spin around the dining table with the SoundTech DJ Spin Kit. It has everything you need to take your friends and family (and fans) back to the days when vinyl was final. Check out this "everything in a box" present for an unbelievable 65% off list!
Now for a change of tempo.
 Instead of focusing on me (I know AudioMan, hard to believe!), I think a suggestion for a cool audio gift for my kid (or yours) would be in order. Here's a new product from Califone that will light up any child's eyes - a colorful and fully functional set of computer peripherals. The package includes a color-coded keyboard, shatter proof headphones and an optical mouse. And what's best of all? It matches the holiday tie I just bought and costs less (only $38)! The only thing better would be if Califone comes out with a starter DJ package.
[Hey, DJMan, you pay that much for a tie?]
[Yeah, AudioMan - mine are the ties that bind! Maybe I'll get you one for the holidays if you're nice, or one of those cool Fender "Reigning Guitars" woven shirts.]
Thanks DJMan (I think)! Take it away Studio Man.
You guys have picked some great gifts. Luckily there's more where that came from!
 Since kids and gifts go so well together, I'll take a cue from DJMan and suggest the Califone Card Reader Package. The card reader comes with a built-in microphone and the kit features 72 full-color, whimsically illustrated cards covering familiar words from A-Z. Kids select a card, listen to the pre-recorded sound on the reader, and then record their own version. On playback you can hear and compare both recordings. It's like a sing along for phonics. And what a fun way to learn - multi-tracking! A skill very dear to my heart - never have enough studio engineers.
 Speaking of sing alongs, I notice the price went way down on the Fleco Karaoke Machine - 50% off just in time for the holidays. This 60 Watt karaoke system with built-in key transposer (pitch control) features a cassette deck and CD player which supports CD+G. This machine has everything you need for your inner American Idol, including audio/video line-in/line-out jacks, plus two microphone inputs with separate volume controls. Do I hear a holiday duet coming on? If I get you one DJMan - could I call you KJMan next year?
 For my last pick I'll give you something to sing about! Take a trip down memory lane with the Hofner Icon Series Violin Bass. The HBB is made the same way as the original 62' model made famous by Paul McCartney. You do know who McCartney is don't you DJMan?
[Yeah, sure. Didn't he do that theme song for James Bond - "DJ or Die"? ]
The Beatle Bass is being offered by our shop at an incredibly affordable price. This official replica is the perfect gift for any Beatles fan! I think that's just about everyone.
Thanks guys!
We've hardly covered all the "basses," but I invite you to look over the whole list of gift selections and I'm sure that you'll see something that is right for you and your loved ones. Don't forget to order early to be sure of delivery before the holidays. Last I checked everything is still in stock, but don't delay.
Meanwhile, from all of us here at AudioLink to all of you - Happy Holidays!
(back to top)
What's New on AudioLinks.com?
Our What's Hot section keeps you abreast of the latest A/V and musical innovations available at AudioLinks.com.
This month we spotlight the GCI Technologies (formerly known as Gemini) iTrax mixing console for the iPod.
The Gemini DJ iTrax, the newest addition to the premier iSeries product line, comes with two angled docking stations that allow the user easy access to iPod controls when browsing through music libraries. Each iPod channel features 3-band EQ controls with Gain and phono/line input switches for the incorporation of other audio devices such as turntables and CD players.
On the mixing console’s back panel, the iTrax is equipped with a composite video output for use with the latest Photo/Video-enabled iPod products, 2 phono/line inputs and a USB port that will allow the iTrax to function as a dock when connected to a computer, allowing the user to edit the music library of either iPod.
In addition to all these great features, the iTrax also features master volume control, dual VU meter display, a user-replaceable X-Fader, a fully featured cue section and a microphone control panel with 2-band EQ and volume control.
Stay tuned for the latest products through our monthly Newsletter or visit us at our What's Hot section!
(back to top)
November 2006 Giveaway Contest - $200 Value
The ALL NEW Williams Sound WIR 239 Infrared TV Listening System
Enter AudioLink's November 2006 FREE Giveaway Contest before November 30th, 2006 for a chance to win the Williams Sound WIR 239 (list price: More Than $200.00)
Outstanding features of the Williams Sound WIR 239 Infrared TV Listening System include:
• hearing aid compatibility
• TWO rechargeable NiMH batteries
• direct connection to your TV, VCR or stereo
• 30 foot transmission range from transmitter to receiver
• FIVE YEAR WARRANTY!
See the W*I*N*N*E*R of the October 2006 Giveaway Contest
(back to top)
 Do you have pro-audio questions? AudioMan's got answers!
Millie J. writes:
I read somewhere that CDs will last forever. Is that true? What is the life span of a CD?
Hi Millie,
CDs, like any manufactured product, have a definite lifespan. In spite of any claims you may have heard to the contrary, CDs will eventually wear out.
Some pressings from the early 1980s used inferior ink, which damaged the top layer of the disc. These inks are no longer in use on any of the CDs that AudioLink sells.
The general consensus is that modern CDs should last for more than 30 years without deterioration if (and this is the big IF) they are cared for properly.
Here are some points to keep in mind that will help you preserve your pre recorded CD collection:
Don't let CDs get wet
Don't scratch your CDs
Don't stick labels on or write directly on your CDs
Don't expose CDs to direct sunlight or other bright light
Don't use any liquids on a CD that contain silicones or solvents
Don't expose CDs to temperatures higher than normal room temperatures
If you follow these rules you should be able to enjoy your classics for years and years to come...at least until the next piece of mind blowing technology comes along!
Thanks for the question!
Paula K. wants to know:
I see you have the Samson CO1 condenser microphone. Do you sell the CO1U?
Hello Paula,
Yes we do!
The Samson C01U microphone makes digital recording easy by plugging directly into a computer's USB port. It has all of the features of Samson's CO1 microphone, including the 19mm internal shock mounted diaphragm and the cardioid pick up pattern. This upgraded microphone allows you to record high quality audio directly into your PC through connection to the USB port. By automatically turning incoming audio signals to computer readable, digital data, the CO1U provides a high-quality, integrated option for PC recording. This means that the CO1U's flexibility gives it a variety of applications: podcasters, journalists, students and business people can all find uses for this product. And now you!
Hope this helps!
Mike P. asks:
I see that the warranty on the William Sound PPA 375 value pack lasts for 5 years. Does that pertain to the headphones as well? Thanks!
Hi Mike,
Williams Sound is a fine manufacturer, producing high quality and durable equipment. They have a standard five year warranty on parts and labor for their main products: receivers, transmitters and in particular, the FM hearing assistance system you mention.
I can personally attest to the fact that they have honored their warranty with either replacement or repair.
However, like most other companies, there is a 90 day warranty on what they consider accessories: headsets, neckloops, batteries and connectors. Those products have a tendency to be handled more roughly, so the liability is limited to out of box defect and normal use.
This is pretty much the standard for better manufacturers; the kind of manufacturer we carry at AudioLinks.
Thanks for your inquiry!
Keep those calls, emails, 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
(back to top)
 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!
(back to top)
 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,
Audio Man
SiteManager@audiolinks.com
©Copyright 2006. All rights reserved |
CART
MANUFACTURERS