IT'S BEEN A WHILE. . . .

Well, well well. . . .look what I found!

I know it's been a LONG while since I've updated anything on here.  So here's what's been going on with me. . .

The whole thing with me has always been gear, gear and more gear.  Whatever it was, I'm always trying out stuff.  The KorgNano pads have been good, but now I'm on to more gear.  I've been getting into condensing everything and I have found them. . .

DENON DN-MC1000s

I've basically downsized the nano pads, and it gave me more control without touching the laptop.  3 endless knobs, sample player for the SP-6, and overall control, I don't think I've been able to maintain the giddiness of my joy for DJing after this.  Check the vids on youtube.  This has made it fun all over again!!!!  I do wish It could load the tracks from the files, rather than the crates sections. . .but that's a simple fix that I haven't done yet. . .

Lights, Speakers, and Stands. . .OH MY

So I bought more and more lights, and stands.  I bought a wireless controller to control the lights.  I think I've overdone it so much that it takes me roughly 3 hours to set everything up.  I've been doing more and more parties, and it's making my life a bit easier.

The new Magma Switchbox (version 2.0 ????)

You know, Ive been waiting for this for bout 2 years now, and they only updated the box (probably smaller), and the text and diagram on the box.  It's about time. . .but the price hasn't changed a bit though.  It's still roughly $200, so Imma wait for a little bit, or at least until I have another Dj that can help me with gigs (and take care of my equipment as if it were their own. . .but that's another story). . .

In Studio Set-up

My studio is slowly comring together.  More so for the Dj that want to record.  I'm still set-up for Audacity (low level stuff, I know), but I have an in studio set-up all Numark.  2 TT500's and an X6 mixer w/ effects.  I'm pretty happy with this. then there comes the full blown gear. . . 

UrbSound Studio. . .Don't mind the mess. . .I'm still working at it!

What you can see from the photos is a small sampling of what has happened since the last update.  A recording only computer running on Windows 7, an old Evolution 49 midi keyboard, another Evolution 25-key midi keyboard, an M-Audio FastTrackPro USB sound card (I told you it was low level stuff), a Behringer EURORACK MXB1002 mixer, 24 in screen, M-Audio Studiophile AV30's (will upgrade to Bx5a eventually), and more.  I recently bought MXL 900 and 901 mics, so I can record the friends that write acoustic guitar stuff.  I never thought I would go this far into the gear, but this passion hasn't died since 98, almost went away in 2005, but it came back with force 2 years ago.

There's more to come from Mag Flux / UrbSounds Collective / Dj Windz One presents, and it's only looking to get better over the next year or so.

If I don't update this, just keep an eye out on the projects. . . .It's going to be a fun year (so far, it has)!

Tips and Tricks: Makeing life easier with your mobile setup.

Well I said I would give some tips, so here's the easiest one that I could figure out for mobile DJ's out there.

Ever have issues of not having enough outlets?  Some of you may figure daisy chaining power strips will help that.  You can never have enough outlets (or extension cords for that matter, especially if you are running lights as well).  I figure, why not make setting everything up easier. . . .It seems retarded at first, but wouldn't you have the peace of mind knowing that your $$$ in equipment be safe while you are on the decks?  I've been and seen what happens when equipment get spikes, or power surges.  It's not pretty!  But I've always been on the safe side.  You can also go into buying the Furman Power conditioners, but you can save some of that for pro gear. If you already have pro gear, then you shouldn't be reading this. . .you already know what to do, and probably have more money than I do. . .(donations please?)


A 12 outlet power strip answers most of my issues, especially if I have another Dj on my equipment, and they're running on SSL as well.  The cost depends on the type your buying, but should cost between $25-$50.  12 is overkill, but think of the amount of time that this can save.  My set-up that needs power consists of 2 powered monitors, Behringer B215A, 2 Technic 1200 MK2 turntables, a Vestax PMC07-Pro Mixer, a Behringer XENYX 1202 portable mixer, my laptop, an external power supply for SSL, and a Western Digital 320GB External HD (older brick type).  That's already 10 outlets I need.  I usually keep the monitors nearby, as I hook up my turntables up to the XENYX 1202, but that's already 2 more than what most standard power strips allow.  Or even worse, 5 available if you daisy chain the power strip to another to get at least an additional 6 more.  That's just too crazy, and in the long run, a waste, as I know Dj's who don't even use all the outlets, and just use extension cords.  But alas, this is my set-up, and not yours.  You can set it up however you like.  By my point is, I now have 4 available outlets that are available to me, or my fellow Dj's.  Extra speakers, probably a powered bass sub.

I haven't even gone into the applications for the lights yet.  But the pic above shows you the amount of gear you can place onto a truss.  Think about it. . . .zip-tying this strip right onto the truss itself, and then just mounting everything else. Then just setting everything up and connecting it all, and just plugging in 1 plug for ALL the lights.  Or if you run DMX-controlled lights, or have the set-up for Slave and Master for power, you can easily do the same with a 6 outlet power strip and run everything through one outlet.

I myself have 2 of these.  One stays in my studio, and the other as I travel.

I do, however, offer that anyone that is a mobile Dj, invest in one of these things. . .


Or rather a multiple one, so if you have to, connect one so it doesn't overload the power on the single power strip, and cuase your equipment to go "bye-bye".  This particular one costs about $10.  You may want to look into the multiple one, as it may server you better in the long run.


I could go into more detail, but most of you may not care. . .I'm just "throwing it out there. . . .hoping it takes root!"


Vicious Li!

Update on the Magma Switchbox

The Magma SwitchBox


I had emailed the good people at Magma, and they informed me that there is indeed a push to get this little piece of mind for sometime State-side. I'm also assuming there is another version on the way out, as they've also mentioned they are trying to get a prototype ready for NAMM this year. Something tells me that that they want to update the either the look, and or drop the price down from the $200-$350 price tag. (I'm hoping the earlier rather than the latter).


Like I mentioned earlier on this piece, it allows 2 dj's the share the same set-up, without losing any time, or fussing over transitioning between dj's during sets. It also frees up 2 more inputs to allow either 2more CDJ's or 2 more turntables if you wanted (make sure you have some sort of line adjustment, like a BBE FJB-200 Phono Preamp, or something similar) so that there's no distortion or line differential. What does that exactly mean? Just plug your turntable into the line input of your mixer. . .you'll definately hear the difference. . .but moving on. . .

This is good news for those who Dj with other people, and this is a MUST HAVE for club installations.

Now I'm blabbing. . .but I am excited to hear this news, as I have been looking for this for a year now. There are a few places that have this on the net, but you'll be paying an arm and a leg for it. I really hope that the price point does go down, and that it remains passive, so I don't lose an important outlet for remedial things, like that to power my laptop, or my external HD.

I'll eventually give a quick tip for mobile Dj's. Simple, Easy, and it won't cost that much. Depending on your set-up.


Peace guys and gals.

Dj Windz One'
aka Visious Li.