Last year’s International DJ Expo in Atlantic City, NJ broke attendance and exhibit records, clearly signaling that the DJ industry is alive and growing. The Expo also showcased the transition from analog to digital that the industry is currently undergoing. Although vinyl is still the medium of choice, DJs are increasing turning to MP3 computer files and outboard digital accessories to entertain their audiences as they upgrade their equipment. Mixing and scratching is shifting to the digital domain as manufacturers encourage DJs to ‘leave their vinyl at home’. Rane now offers the Scratch Live SL-1 interface, which connects one or two vinyl or CD turntables to a Mac or Windows computer for mixing and scratching music files stored on the computer. Scratch Live connects to a PC or Mac with a USB cable and features phono, line and mic inputs.
The Expo also highlighted video as an emerging trend in DJ, or I should say, VJ entertainment. New software, hardware and content are being developed for added excitement. Numark now offers DVD players, audio and video mixers and multi-screen video displays for the VJ.
This year’s International DJ Expo is scheduled for August 13-16 at the Atlantic City Convention Center. More floor space is slated for this show as well as seminars, workshops and over 50,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space. Visit DJ Times for advance information about the Expo.
