December 2011
Furman Merit Series - the power of protection
If it plugs in to power, make sure it's protected. Of course, it seems like a no-brainer, but it's amazing how many bits of gear get powered straight from the GPO.
For your studio lavalamp or a variety of kitchen appliances, there is really no problem with that - but for the many bits of gear that are right in the thick of the sound chain, there is more than one area of concern. The first has to do directly with your gear fund.
Spike and surge protection is the smart way to ensure no nasties get past your power conditioner, and adversely affect your prized equipment. Bolt one of these into each rack for your live shows, and make sure all your studio gear is plugged into the appropriate number of conditioners also. That's the easy way to avoid the horrible sinking feeling when you get a spike and something doesn't make it through the ordeal.
Since we're in the sound game, the second reason to make sure you condition your power has got to do with the quality of your sound chain. Noise filtering of the incoming power reduces radio frequencies and electromagnetic interference.
These 'Merit Series' conditioners by Furman are a simple way to make sure your gear performs as it should. 10Amp rating, with circuit breaker, 10 rear panel IEC outlets (plus one on the front panel), and also the option of pull-out rack lights. The incoming power lead will stay put, unless you have a crack at the locking mechanism with a screwdriver.
M10LXE - includes pull out lights
M10XE - no lights
Bags for gear: UDG is king
UDG has been around long enough to know how to make great bags for gear - back in 2000 they started making Ultimate DJ Gear, soft cases to protect your valuable gig tools. Of course, DJ has changed plenty since then with a laptop becoming almost essential, plus a load of controllers - and still the standard fare of decks, plus vinyl and CD.
Fast forward to today, and the UDG range has grown to provide a vast range of bags, cases and cd wallets to suit every committed DJ. Our favourite case though, is a little one and NOT related strictly to DJs. In fact, we cant think of a single person who wouldn't love the headphone case. It's good for live sound engineers, travelling studio engineers, even public transport users who want to protect their nice cans instead of just throwing them in the backpack at the end of another harrowing journey.
Whatever you're into, make sure you check out the range. And just because we're feeling the love this Christmas season, there are a few tasty specials on that list. You'll notice them in red. It means they'll go faster - so make sure you're quick, as the prices may not be quite as sweet when we need to restock.
If you haven't actually checked out the bags 'in the flesh' then make sure you drop in and check them out. We're impressed at the build quality, and they are definitely made to go the distance. Don't just take our word for it though, UDG has lots of fans around the globe:
Carl Cox: 'UDG bags are the best recordbags I have ever used'
Tiesto: 'These bags are perfect for the traveling DJ!'
Erick Morillo: 'After all my years of traveling as a DJ, the UDG bags are the most practical and sturdy bags I ever used. I have never got any problems'
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Christmas and New Year Opening Hours
It's that time of year where some of us get to plan a little getaway, while those of us in providing entertainment industry services seem to sleep less than ever - and loving it!
Whether you're staring down the barrel of a hard-earned six week break from teaching, or trying to find a blank space in the filofax to squeeze in the last minute (is there any other kind?) Christmas shopping, we hope your Christmas holiday season is a great one.
Our opening hours coming in to the Christmas / New Year period are:
Dec 19-23rd (Mon-Fri) 9.30am - 6pm (as usual)
Dec 24th (Saturday) 10am - 2pm (early close)
Dec 25-27th Closed for Christmas / Boxing Day holidays
Dec 28-30th (Wed-Fri) OPEN 9.30am - 6pm (as usual)
Dec 31st (Saturday) 10am - 2pm (early close)
Jan 1st & 2nd Closed for New Year Holidays
Jan 3rd onwards - open as usual
Stay tuned for more information, we'll be getting a little crazier as 2011 draws to a close so if you've not already done so, check out our Facebook page to keep up with the very latest in specials for the festive season.
After all, 'tis the season.
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GX Series Amps by QSC
QSC Amplifiers have been up amongst the favourites at Factory Sound since 'the mid 90s' and still they keep coming up with the goods. The latest range - GX series - is designed for middle-of-the-road power requirements, delivering it nicely at an entry-level price.
There are three models in the range, something for everyone requiring 'a good amount' of power for their speaker system. They're all happy to run at either 2 x 8ohm loads, or 2 x 4ohm loads.
When we first got a bunch of these amps into stock, we imagined that they would be most suited to portable sound systems - the travelling PA for DJs and bands with passive speakers who simply want consistent and reliable sound with a nice punch. However, the GX series has quickly proven to be a winner for installers needing to source amplifiers for their project / venue.
Snapshot of the three models...
GX3: 2 x 300w @ 8 ohm / 2 x 425w @ 4 ohm / 12.1 kg
GX5: 2 x 500w @ 8ohm / 2 x 700w @ 4ohm / 12.6 kg
GX7: 2 x 725w @ 8ohm / 2 x 1000w @ 4ohm / 7.5 kg
They're all nice and compact at just 257mm depth, and the front panel LED indicators show power, input and clipping, plus you've got a couple of gain control knobs also on the front (21 detented steps). On the back is your switch of fullrange / crossover (set at 100Hz), plus all the inputs and outputs you'd ever need.
AND there's loads of on-board protection to make sure you cook neither your shiny new GX series amplifier, nor the speakers you're hooking up to. GX is setting a new standard for affordable amplifiers. Nice work QSC - as we expect.
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