The new kit

I spent a LOT more than I was anticipating.  The problem is that boys are naturally drawn to shiny metal things with flashing lights and buttons to press and DJ equipment is really the ultimate collection of boy toys.

I had asked my old DJ friend Tony McQue for his top tips.  I have always trusted Tony’s advice as he is a techie at heart combined with a slightly natural OCD tendency to research stuff properly.  I’m a bit more gung-ho with my buying so it pays to listen to his advice.  He initially prescribed a trip to the Apple Store.  My first visit, actually, despite owning an iPhone and iPad.  Now that is a shop you can spend cash in.  I initially bought an MacBook Air but Tony advised I needed more power so I ended up walking out with a top of the range MacBook Pro.  I guess it will look good with that Apple logo glowing at gigs!

Next up was software and a controller.  The new Denon MCX8000 was the obvious choice.  It has split-cue which is must-have feature for me.  Strangely a lot of other models don’t have it.  When it arrived I was a little surprised at its sheer size.  It’s BIG.  Not exactly portable for gigs but certainly has stage presence.  I bought a second-hand Denon MC6000 Mk2 for the space-limited events.

Then I invested in some Electronic Voice speakers (awesome round sound), audio-technica ATH-M50X headphones and cables and I have one serious set-up.  Now I just need to plug it all in and see if I can remember how to mix.  Fingers crossed.