Still waiting to ‘really’ DJ with my iPad…

Ever since Numark first debuted their iDJ Pro controller for the iPad, I pretty much concluded that I would buy one. I already own Algoriddim’s “djay” software and have used it during critical performances, so the potential of a turntable-like controller that I can use with my iPad made this setup an no-brainer. Creating playlists on the go through my iTunes library and simply docking it into the controller at show time is an ideal situation for me.

iDJ Pro

Numark iDJ Pro | Premium DJ Controller for iPad w/ djay software

Further investigation of this setup revealed the ability to use the embedded AirPlay functionality in the iPad to run a wireless speaker setup. I was originally unimpressed by this bonus feature due to the lack of professional grade public address speaker systems that work with AirPlay without needing an extra device attached to them. That was until I discovered Alto Professional’s TrueSonic wireless PA system.

TRUESONIC Wireless speakers

Alto Professional | TRUESONIC Wireless speakers

Alto already had an iPad-docking speaker/microphone combo, but this wireless system is different. It theoretically allows the DJ to be several hundred feet away from the speakers while maintaining solid audio connection and output through wifi. The only obstacles are the typical wifi networking and interference issues that come with any event location. Proper planning and preparation should eliminate those problems.

With only speculation as my guide, I am becoming increasingly anxious to put together a DJ package that features all of this cutting-edge technology. I have not had a chance to demo the hardware and the djay software upgrade has not been released. When the iDJ Pro hits the nearest BestBuy or Guitar Center, I will be one of the first people standing in line! I am still working out the details on getting the speakers, but I already have a solid JBL/QSC system that I rely on.

My only anticipated concern is the potential difficulty of taking/planning requested songs during a gig. I don’t want to spend a lot of time tracking down a request or worrying about forgetting to play it later. I perform ‘on the fly’ and try to resist the urge to plan EVERY song in advance; the spontaneous nature of live events can spell disaster for DJs that aren’t flexible. Then again, I may just use this as my wedding ceremony rig since music in that situation is ALWAYS pre-programmed and set in stone.

Don’t be surprised when you see me rocking your event with this setup in the near future!

Prairie View HS Prom @ Sherman Street

A classic building for a landmark event for these kids. Rumor has it that the Sherman Street complex was one of the first buildings in Denver to have electricity. We were lucky that it was built to last; the kids put the floor to the test during the ‘stomp’ section of the Cha Cha Slide.

The crowd ranged from hip-hop to bachata, country to dubstep. I hear at least one couple arrived by horse and carriage! The highlight of the entire night was when crowd bonded around their prom king in a truly inspirational display of friendship inclusion.

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Mashup App | Mobile mixing for pro DJs [Waves]

Mashup App by Waves

A lot of hype to go with a steep price in comparison to most of the already established, tested & respected iPad DJ apps. The competition in this arena is fierce and I am guessing that they plan to use their name recognition to leap ahead of the pack. Unfortunately, it appears that they focused so much on being mobile that they didn’t consider making the app MIDI-compatible. That mistake gives the upper hand to apps like Algoriddim’s ‘djay’ and PCDJ’s ‘DJ Dex’.

Since there is no mentioning of the output connection method, I will assume that the standard headphone jack or Apple iOS device output connectors are needed to send the sound to club/PA systems. This isn’t a step forward in technology, it’s just more of the status quo. Bluetooth and wifi are the path to salvation for mobile DJing with an iPad.

Waves did at least try to address the cueing problem present in most iPad DJ apps by using a synching/cueing feature with an iPhone/iTouch. From what I gathered in the video [link], you would connect your headphones to the iPhone rather than trying to spilt the sound out of the iPad to the speakers AND the headphones. Sounds great in theory, but DJs will have to remember to put their iPhones into airplane mode and then re-enable wifi or bluetooth in order to avoid phone calls interrupting their monitor.

The on-board effects options definitely provide a reason to consider this app. The precise control shown in the video has me considering laying down the $40 necessary to play with these features. However, I already own no less than 8 DJing apps and I am firmly in the waiting line for Numark’s iDJ Pro controller that is specifically designed for use with the iPad and djay software.

Again, here is the video link for Mashup in action w/ features list

Beckett Bat Mitzvah @ Infinity Park Events Center

An enjoyable and informative event; the theme was important/successful/inspirational Jewish women in history. LOTS of vendors in attendance; barely any room for me! This was a Dance Trax Entertainment event, so there was more lighting, dancers, and an emcee involved in the festivities…

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Hispanic Contractors of Colorado Awards Banquet @ Grand Hyatt-Denver

This was a short notice ‘cover’ of an event where I was not originally selected to entertain, but stepped into the role without hesitation. I wish I had taken more pics since the Mayor of Denver and Lt. Governor of Colorado were in attendance (I think they left after their speeches), but I only snapped this quick shot of the dance floor…

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Winter ‘Semi-Formal’ @ Berthoud High School

This event was under Sounds of the Rockies. Since they have me doing school events and weddings, I try not to post photos of their events. With students being involved, I am really serious about avoiding issues with posting pics of the schools and their students. With weddings, it is more about maintaining the privacy and intimacy of the wedding day for the couple; I may take photos of the venue and setup before the event, though.

Furthermore, SOTR has me use their equipment (speakers & lights) for school which doesn’t reflect what my own typical setup is for events. I don’t want to give the perception that my personal system is larger by presenting their setup as my own. I run a very powerful and compact package, but theirs is much more involved.

Westin Staff Holiday Party @ The Westin-Westminster

An evening of gratitude, gifts, gambling, and getting down! It was supposed to happen a day earlier, but I have a feeling they moved it so everyone could watch Tebow and The Broncos.

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New Year, but the same exceptional DJ service!

Welcome to the Perfect Mix Professional DJ blog.

The intent of this blog is to keep my current and future fans updated on my DJ activities and to promote my services. Though this is a ‘blog’, I am very serious about my business: DJing. I currently work for several Denver-based mobile DJ companies, but I am always available for smaller events.

I am a true DJ in every sense of the word. I don’t sit back and let a playlist automatically play the songs; I actively and carefully craft the event by selecting each song to mold the evening. One of my favorite celebrity DJs calls it ‘mood designing’. With my professional-grade DJ system and HUGE music collection, I guaranteed that I can design the perfect mood for your event.

I have been fortunate enough to DJ for nightclubs, companies, weddings, and private parties across the country. Regardless of the location or celebration, I have never failed to entertain and amaze everyone in attendance. If you are serious about your musical entertainment, then I am the man for the job!
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CAREER BACKGROUND
20 years of entertainment experience in radio, dance clubs and private parties
Exceptional coordination of entertainment with planners/vendors/venues
Able to match music selection to any event:
Top 40, Hip-Hop, Dance, Dubstep, Disco, Motown, “50′s”, Rock, Country, Salsa, Reggae, Jazz, & Lounge
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Recent Events & Playlists [Serato Profile]

Numark NS6, iPad, & MacBook Pro

Compact, but powerful. A DJ's dream...