I was at the Singapore Flyer yesterday. While at the top, got to see parts of the rehearsal of YOG opening. It set me thinking back to where I was 1 year ago.

Sometime last year, I was offered the job to be part of the EXCO team to run the recreational village for the young Olympians at the NTI premises. As much as I was estatic to the offer, I had to turn it down coz at first they wanted me to be a Volunteer....... (for a whole year?) WTF?! Later on, they offered a sum of $2k/mth with a minimum working hours of 12hr/day. In short, I put aside the whole idea of joining the team. Anyway, that's not the point.

Today, I didn't regret it a bit even though I'm still unemployed. Don't get me wrong, it's great that Singapore is the venue for the inaugaural Youth Olympics. I was kinda excited about it, especially with all the hype, events and support for the younger athletes. The city looks nice and ready to open up to the world.

What made me lose interest and embarassed about this whole thing is....................









THE STUPID JJ LIN SONG AND IT'S ACTIONS!!!! KNNBCCB!!!!!



No offence, but this is insanely irritating!!!

High on Controllerism


Few weeks back I posted about the availability of the Reloop Digital Jockey 2 IE on the Embrace pages and a few other forums. The response was unexpectedly overwhelming and fast that we ran out of the controller in 3 days. No thanks to the people in Jakarta as they bought all the 15pcs of excess stocks.

Apparently, the jocks in Jakarta are fast getting into the digital set-ups. To them, having the versatility of playing with analog and digital is a commendable trait. Unfortunately, that can't be said the same way here. Some people here, detest DJs playing with softwares or digital set-ups. They will only make friends or allow other DJs to be part of their 'circle of trust' only if you're purely vinyl or CD. Well, it's alright. I detest boys smelling other boy's bootie...... whatever suit your style, aite. (btw, to those boys..... if you wanna smell my vinyl collection, let mw know, aite....)

Anyway, this morning I got a couple of emails from potential customers threatening to buy the out-of-stock controllers from other dealers. In fact, they even asked for big discounts because they, as customers, have been waiting for 2 weeks for the new stocks to arrive and they demand their 'rights'!!

Frankly, I'm really sorry that the stocks are late as it has to be shipped down from Germany and go through all the unnecessary red-tapes. I know how it feels..... 'the agony of waiting!' If I may, I would definitely throw in some freebies or something to pacify the addiction. On a different note, I don't remember Apple giving discounts to it's customers when iPad goes out-of-stock and we all have to wait for another month or two?? Oh, wait a minute..... we're not Apple. But then again......... ;-)

So there it is...... the new stocks will not be in for another few days. Either you guys wait, or, go get it from another dealer. Be prepared to pay $200 more, work with an older firmware, and, keep my mobile number coz you need to call me for after-sales support......... coz they will not give you any.

Some asked why I'm being too nice to these boys (who are my customers). The younger generation need support from seasoned people like us. Its a pity to see them get scounded by dealers whose only interest is to get rid of their stock, without offering any advise or support.


Come for a visit, you'll understand why it's not a retail shop........ it is the EMBRACE Showroom.

Thank You Note.

Just got back from a quick visit to Saigon for the PALME Vietnam exhibition. It has been a long time since I actually feel the vibe at the exhibition, but of course, no thanks to the organizers. It's the friends that made it worthwhile. It was also the first time in so many years that we saw a queue outside the exhibition hall before it opens.

Gotta say a big thanks to the E-Tech Magazine boys, Clarence, Thomas and Dennis. It was the right time to hang-out together and laugh at yourself!

Kamal Mahtani from KLOTZ Cables, my bro, we waited for 15yrs to have that drink. Finally!!

Jack and Colin - Medusa..... awesome night and thanks for the drinks!

Keegan and Josh - Pioneer DJ ....... it goes beyond the brand, bro.

Peter Wong, Lee - Performance Audio ...... ready to Rock??!

Juan & Ron - DAS Audio ........ please explain what is 'urgent' speaker demo?? hahahh!!!


Thub & Sebastien - d&b audioteknik ...... always the friend when u need one.

Glenn & TSM Marketing ...... good to see you guys again.

the management of ICE BLUE Bar Saigon - thank you for the hospitality!

WHAT'S NEW??!

Friend : Bro, got new club opening tonight. Let's go check it out!

Me : Check what out??

Friend : Check la.... see what they have, who DJ,what system, drink prices, bla, bla, bla.....

Me : Err..... isn't it the same everywhere?

Friend : But it's new..... maybe got something new.....

Me : Bro.... same operators from those clubs before.....

Friend : Maybe they are smarter now?

Me : What's new? Servers wear only G-strings? DJ, music, system? People all trying to look cool, hold 1 glass of champagne all night? Whatever they have at the bar, I'm sure there are other bars have it also. Whatever new music they play, I'm sure it will change in 3 mths time. Looking at the history of the previous clubs, it's gonna be 'hit & run' again??

Friend : Just go la, bro. Check how the girls are......

Me : Errr.... same la, bro. Unless the girls have that 'thing' down there that can talk or sing like Lady Gaga.... I'll go.

Friend : Ya la.... KNN!!

Why Malay women choose foreign partners
(taken from Berita Minggu 11th July 2010)

The headline reads "LELAKI MELAYU TAK GUNA!!" (Malay men are useless!!)

First of all, this is not a debate to show the male ego side of me, nor it is to correct the writer, Ms Lulu Marlya. As it has all been in this blog, I'm looking at it from a different perspective, different environment and a sub-culture which is not favoured by our people.

Some of the reasons why Malay women opt for the non-Malays are :-

- Lack of academic qualifications
- Failure to communicate broadly due to the lack of knowledge
- Malay men are more egoistic compared to other races
- Malay men thinks they are of higher status than women
- the more qualified men are all taken.....

To be frank, I do agree with those reason to a certain extent. I, myself have come across Malay men who has the failure to communicate due to their limitations of knowledge, superbly-egoistic (we called it Mat-Champion), lack of academic qualifications and such. But..... I have also met many who are the opposites. Does this writer heard of the single guys at APM, 4PM or even Mendaki? The women interviewed also mentioned that the good ones are all taken..... hmm. Wait a minute...... are these reports taken from the 12 women she interviewed or.... her perceptions from the thesis she did??

Anyway, looking at the writer's pic, her name, dress-sense and family profile.... the 'foreign-factor' does play a part in her findings. But again, this is just me being judgemental and stereotyping of the Malay women. In fact, how these women socialize does have a great influence in what kind of men they prefer.

(actually, I wrote a 300-words rebuttal of these report. but I soon realize that it is useless to post them as the report was written based from an egoistic view of a Malay women who thinks that she's 'all-that'. On a different note, we should have a drink and discuss 'things', no?)

Moving on, some women would prefer to lead or when thinks she is in a better position to lead due to her qualifications, position at work or how much income she brings back for the family. If it works for the particular family, good for them. If it doesn't...... well, move on. Many forget about the mutual respect, love and compassion they had for each other. Driven by the society we live in, family values are left forgotten, love took a back seat and when all is gone, we'll blame others instead of looking at the mirror first.

I believe there are still a few good men out there. Some are hidden, some are still waiting, and some are as confuse as I am. Those who think there aren't any left, I think you're looking at the wrong places or haven't look hard enough. Those who have found these men and made them wait so that you can find a better man, (there aren't any better men). Those women who have been hiding these few good men for their own benefits - make sure these men are well-rewarded (with extra benefits). There are no such thing as a 100%-man. If you got a man with 80% attributes, be thankful......... coz the 20% will come from the women who loves her man.

Maybe we should learn to be thankful with what we got ....... Syukur Alhamdulillah.

"a few good men...."

Project 2010?



Few years ago, there was a project called 2010. Not really sure what the real details are but it's something about the sports fraction aiming for the 2010 World Cup. Yup, the target was for the Singapore National soccer team to qualify for the World Cup. So, here we are and Singapore doesn't even come close to beating war-torn Iraq. What happen to the project? God knows......

On a different note, looking at all the big soccer stars and soccer nations, most of the players actually come from humble beginnings or even hardships. They are the ones who had nothing at all, and soccer was their way out to success. Their hunger for making life a lil' bit better for their family was the first reason these guys gave everything to soccer, and achieving it. These guys are always very hungry to achieve something, even when they reached the status of God-like players.

In some countries, like the USA, parents pay for their kids to play soccer. Some of these kids don't even want to play soccer but were made to do that as part of their curricular activities. These are the kids who come from middle-income families to all the rich ones. Most of them play soccer coz they have to or just for the fun of it such as socializing. How many of them would have the hunger to achieve success and give it all?? As much as the US team are in the World Cup, they will never reach the standards of Argentina, Brazil or Uruguay. If you wonder why teams like Nigeria are not successful anymore, it's because the players are rich people now and they got nothing much to fight for themselves. Ever wonder why the French team acted like they did in the WC2010? Well, it didn't help coz they're just French.

Coming back to Singapore, I notice that for the past 3 years, the soccer culture has become familiar like the one in US. Parents here pay for their kids to be in well-known soccer schools, mixing with expat families or train under ex-soccer celebrities whose only aim is to make sure they earn enough for a car, condo, annual holidays and dining in restaurants every other day. Do you think the new generation will be hungry to achieve all this? By that, means a whole lot of sacrifices, determination and discipline.

I still remember those days where we see kids playing soccer at the void decks, basketball courts, carpark, etc. Name it, well make a pitch out of it. Nowadays, u don't even see them anywhere. Sometimes, not even on the futsal courts coz the Mat-Reps are there to loiter and create nuisance. Not forgetting we have to pay like a gazillion dollars just to play soccer on a proper pitch. With all these, what actually make you think that we gonna be in the world cup in the near future??

There's more to be said but, would anybody even bother? Where's the hunger?? Hungry?? Or just 'hung-out-to-dry'?? Let's see whose hungry enough to win this year's WC2010?? Vamos Argentina!!!!!

Blast(ed) from the PAST!!


A recent gathering of ol' (not too old lah....) mates brought back fond memories of our childhood. With much pleasure I said 'fond memories' coz that was the only thing I could remember. At times, I felt dumbfounded, flabbergasted and mostly yakety...... there were too much to catch up, too much to tell, too much to say, too much to show. Unfortunately, time wasn't in our favour.


Nevertheless, it was worth the wait, worth the time. As expected, there were changes in all forms imaginable to the human anatomy, but, the kid-self in all of us was still there. I'm glad that it stayed like that. Still, I wish I had more time to stay and catch up. However, with the technology we have now, there is no reason why we can't keep ourselves updated.

So, there you go. To all the Mats and Minahs from MacRitchie Primary (Yr of 1983)..... cheers to all of us, to those who went before us, Al-Fatehah kami kirimkan, to those who refuse to acknowledge our existence, 'gasak korang ah!!'........ to those who are still missing....."Where the FARK are you guys??!!'....... and, is Norazhar really gay? did he turn to a transvestite? (nah...... I'm joking, just speculating on this one. Please don't quote me!!) hahahahahah!!!

Here's one for all the 'hot-Mamas'.....(jangan perasan ah!!)



"*due to restricted limitations and legal rights, some pix have been ordered to be taken down to minimize any intended discriminiations."

I just put the phone down after a 35-minute conversation with a bar owner in Boat Quay. He called to ask me for help in getting him proper DJ equipments. As far as I know, he just bought new equipments like less than 6 months ago. When I asked him what happened, he answered, that his DJ always 'chao-beat' during sets, player stops abruptly and the sound level goes uncontrollably haywire. When he asked his DJ what happen, the DJ told him that the equipments sucks and is not of 'industry standard'. FYI, the equipments was not Pioneer, Denon, Vestax or Numark. It was from another reliable brand but from the mid-range product.

The owner also said that his DJ had asked for Pioneer CDJ2000, which he claims to be the 'industry standard' for DJs. However, the bar owner is not willing to splurge $7000 for the Pioneer stuffs. He also asked if I have similar products that cost lower.

After much thought, I decided not to take advantage of his 'misfortune' by selling him stuffs. Instead, I told him to try changing his DJ before replacing his existing DJ set. Some of the reasons I told him was........

1. Those equipments are non-living things, the operator is. Maybe the operator has insufficient knowledge to handle such equipments.

2. The present equipments he has is also seen being use in bigger clubs, and there are some good reviews. It is also quite a known brand.

3. Why need such an extensive set-up for a small place??

4. There is no such thing as 'industry standard'........ we called it 'preferred choice'.

But then again, that's how the scene here in Singapore. There are some really good DJs who can play with anything but don't get a chance, whereas, there's also mediocre DJs who doesn't have basics but has the 'voice of a lion'. There are some bar owners who do care about their DJs, unfortunately, they don't justify their concern.

In simple words, CAN means CAN...... got proper basics can play anything. Its a matter of whether you like it or not. Don't like, don't play lor........

WHERE IS THE LOVE..........??

Here I am again trying to glorify the past.......

Glorifying my past, no?

For many of us (people like me), we got into DJ-ing because of the love of music and the passion of sharing our love to other people. Nothing beats the feeling of having people tell you that they enjoyed your music or they had fun during ur sets, or even, the next day these people called you and thank you for a great night that hey can't even remember. The main reason for all these are our love and passion for the music and what we do. From that on, DJs worked hard to search for quality sounds, remixes or even making their own music.

Nowadays, it seems that not many DJs can do that. Not because they don't want to, but, these DJs are very much occupied with other stuffs...... most of it is non-DJ-related nor it is music-related. These days, instead of concentrating on their music or sets, DJs had to think about how they are gonna get their payment from promoters/organizers, some had to think about ways of making themselves commercially viable for the business (it doesn't matter what is the standard of DJ-ing). On other levels, instead of concentrating on music, DJs had to double-up as technicians, general artisans or even scapegoats. Some even have to babysit managements, especially the ignorant ones. If this is already too much work, how about after all that, some DJs still need time to bitch or brag about each other's prowess. Damn, it is really tough being a DJ nowadays. With all the 'extra' work, who has time for the love-of-music??

where got time for music...?? busy, busy!!

I was quite fortunate to keep this passion privately nowadays. No more DJ-ing for me for the public. Ever since I was told that I was not good enuff for Singapore DJ scene, that was it for me. Time to let the 'intelligent' ones grow and take centre stage. Ever since I saw a DJ from UK 'specially' flown in for an event, and watched him struggle to operate a CDJ and a turntable, I knew the end was near. (If not mistaken it was at a Chivas event at Gallery Hotel 2yrs ago)

With the passion for the art of DJ-ing and music still burning high, I thought I can still contribute something to the scene. Maybe not as a DJ, and that is why I started my own showroom that deals with music-related or DJ-related stuffs. This way, I don't have to bother who 'rocked' the best party last night, whose crowd scream the loudest, who has the best remixes or who has the loudest applause. As long as you enjoyed your sets, ur music and went home happy, that I think is a bless. Sometimes it gets pretty monotonous that same people rocked same place every night....... same crew got screwed every night........ same remix got mixed every night and same heart got broken every night.

When I was living in Bangkok and traveling to parts of Asia, I notice how the locals protect their own talents. It took lots of pacifying, patience and humbleness before we get noticed and respected by the local jocks. Somehow, I can't say the same here. I'm still hoping that it would change soon (wishful thinking). We have many good local DJs and many more haters. But that's how things are.

On a final note, with the existence of my showroom and my interest of making proper DJ tools affordable, I hope to meet more local talents/DJs, and share the experience. Enough of the bickering in the forums by those 15yr-old twarts. We need to protect our kind, back in the 80s, the laymen call us ........ 'one-of-a-kind'.

Seriously, what's the deal with Mediacorp and food programmes?? Once, they were so desperate at putting on a food show, that even a crappy-badly-dubbed programme got a slot during primetime TV on CH5. After the short-lived JadeSeah-Good-Deal food show sometime ago, here again they came out with a 'newly-improved, ground-breaking' food programme.

So..... what's with having 'babes' in cocktail dresses stuffing food while trying..... I mean TRYING to look hot.... (in every sense of the word). We all know Singaporeans like to eat, but do they think all of us are clueless about where's the good food is? How about affordable, good food!

I wonder if the producers were trying to do this as part of 'personal gains'? Due to their love of food and eating out, help promote some establishments. And of coz....... "a lil' help can go a long way........" If that's the way how thing is going..... we should be expecting more crappy food programmes in the near future. Just like some other establishmenst, who are run by clueless individuals, where they rule with personal perception without even looking out the window.

But then again, that's how our society works nowadays.

Start spinnin' now!!!!

Singapore has been known for it's success (or not) with the various national campaigns. We use to have the Courtesy campaign, Speak Mandarin campaign, Garden City campaign, Road Safety campaign, Romancing Singapore campaign and loads of others that actually made it to the World's Weirdest Campaigns.

If I may suggest...... (being a law-abiding, grump-full, brainwashed, and secluded minority citizen).... how about a campaign encouraging the inhabitants and 'habitants' of this tiny island...... to pucker-up, clean themselves up and try (if possible) to smell good. Yup..... SMELL GOOD, if not, at least tolerable to other living things around you. I've been a victim to BBO, not just Body Odour, but BAD BODY ODOUR!! It has physically and mentally affected me that some parts of my life has changed. Nowadays, I get this thing called Autodysomophobia. No, it's not a joke.

Recently, I had the opportunity to use the public transport to commute between home and work. Most times, going to work is a breeze. However, coming back, in the public transport.... that's where the symptoms start kicking in. I'm sorry I can't explain what it's all about, but I'm sure you people would understand where I'm coming from.

Just a thought...... sometimes, I see those people at MRT stations with the SECURITY vests, standing at their counter. Isn't it part of their job to secure the subways of all threats, domestic or foreign....... ALL threats!! Be it physical or mental...... I think 'body odour' comes under mental AND physical threat. Sometimes, I see those MRT staff in the trains.... those in red uniforms and white gloves. What are they there for?? To usher people to their seats? How about consolidating those with BO into a different carriage?

On a different note, are the roll-ons or cologne or parfumes getting too expensive that people are excusing themselves from smelling good. Maybe, all these scented products doesn't work in our humidity? Maybe someone should invent a cologne or parfume for people in humid countries? Or maybe, there are too many types or brands of such products that people get confuse, and end up not buying any??

Once, I was at Mustafa Ctr at 2am with the Mrs. While she was browsing for DVDs, I was watching a group of Ah Neh (visitors) trying to choose from a range of body sprays. There were signs that says......"Body Spray - 3 for $5!" As I can see from where I was standing, there was only 3 different types seperated by colour, blue, red and green. Those Ah Nehs (5 of them) were in an intense conversation and at times, it looks like they were arguing...... as to which 3 they are gonna pick. This fracas when on for nearly 15mins, which end up with them walking away without buying the body sprays. I wonder if it was the price (3 for $5) that was bugging them, or was it because they couldn't find a scent with the colour brown....?! God knows..??

I should have recorded the session.

YOG 2010 Cheer - IT IS NOT A REFLECTION OF OUR YOUTH!!



This song/cheer or whatever they wanna call it, has single-handedly made us a laughing stock among the youth of the world. Does this really reflect the Singapore youth? Is this the kind of standard of creativity we have in Singapore. After spending millions of dollars on Arts Festival, Youth Day Celebrations, Street Festivals, etc...... is this the best we can come out with??

Maybe I need some enlightenment from the marketing or selection team of the YOG. Which part of this video is gonna motivate the youth? Which part of this video reflects the creativity, spontaneity and talents of our REAL youth? Who the hell is heading the YOG marketing team. Are they volunteers also?

I got a feeling that the marketing team are the same people who did the SHENG SIONG tv advert..... (the one where aunties and uncles dab their chest twice and point their fingers at you...) WTF!!!!!

One thing for sure is, this is the same problem that most corporate companies are facing. They refuse to listen to the focus group that matters. Decision makers decide on what they think is right for them, but not for the occasion, situation, passion or perception.

The synchronized dancing with the 'fire-ball' thingy..... what the hell was that all about??!! Do they really think that our youth are still into the 'fire-ball' games, videos and characters?? Do they actually know what our youths are doing or achieving right now?? Or are they (the marketing team) doing all these based on their own experiences??

Whatever it is....... this cheer/song is a total embarassment. I think I speak for those who have worn the nations colours for such events. This video is demoralizing and a total embarassment to our youth's talents and creativity. I know at least a dozen young people who are capable of producing a better melody, song, beat....... and more than a dozen more who can choreograph a better cheer.


This is a much better video...... at least the youth can relate to and have fun with it.

Back in the Day.....




Last nights gig on the catamaran was mediocre. Nothing great happening, it was just like a 'passing-cloud'.... something that I do to pass time. What's great about it was, it was like a small reunion among the 'staffers'. Yes it is.

Last night's event was emceed by Justin Mission, backed by his DJ Patrick, and I came in to 'rock-the-boat' (so cliche right!) Well, it was actually a 21st birthday party of a rich-kid. Daddy rented a catamaran for the whole day for her close friends, they got Justin to emcee and me to do the party set. I know what you thinking....... Birthday party of a 21-yr old, for about 30 pax on a catamaran with Justin Mission as emcee??!! Apparently, Daddy didn't spare anything for his only daughter. He wanted the best of the best on her 21st birthday party. Oh, I forgot to mention. There was also an acoustic band, who had to stop after 2 songs during their last set. The band had to make way for........... Yours truly. (ok, I'm an asshole) Not really, maybe I look better than 3 of them.

Anyway, it was fun for us, coz, after so many years, Justin, Najee and myself found ourself together again doing what we use to do many years ago during the mobile disco days. And for the record, nothing much has change since the 'golden days'. Justin's DJ, Patrick, is still one of the best mobile jock to have supported any emcee. As for Justin, some people would argue that the bald-headed-crazy-muthafarker overcharge his services. If you are one of the most sort-after emcees in the region, would you start charging such amount? Furthermore, he works very hard for himself to command the respect and adoration from the corporate people. Nothing wrong with that. If you notice I keep swearing and cursing Justin in this post, it is because that's how we communicate to each other all these while...... since 15 yrs ago or maybe more. That's like, since the Victor Khoo days.

In all, we had a good time despite the ignorants of the birthday girl's friends. For the record, I was engaged to strictly play HOUSE (as requested by the birthday girl). As you would have guessed, that didn't happen. Then again, for a 2-hr gig at $1.2k......... it's all good.

Now, need to get new kicks.

Just got a phonecall.......... it says,

"Please stop what you're doing!! It's ruining our business!! You don't belong here!!"

Err........ what?? What did I do? Selling cheap stuff? Why can't I do that? I have all the products, they're in good condition. What am I gonna do with them? Keep? I have to eat and survive and feed my family. Why are you people stopping me? Are you gonna feed me and my family? Do you have those stuff to sell? NO. Do you know how to sell those stuff? NO. Did you try selling those stuff? NO. Do you want to sell those stuff? NO.

"Then, why can't I do all that??"

Everybody wants to have and sell the hottest product - Pioneer CDJ2000. Go sell la. What about those DJs who deserve their own console according to their budget? Why should we deprive them of such needs? First you people talk about wanting to do for the DJ scene, then, you people overcharge and lie about lots of things just to make a few bucks. Contradicting??

Why do you think that I'm a threat? I may not even last a full year. I'm may just be passing by. These 'lelong' exercise is not gonna make me a millionaire. So, just chillax and let others breathe for a couple of minutes. I'll be gone before you know it.

And by the way, please pay back what you owe. You're a bad paymaster.

CRAZY SALE 'Firmware Update' Version 1.2

Oh well, due to unexpected response and overwhelming request, I had to give away more crazy-deals for the 'underground' DJ scene. 'Underground' because I found out that there are many out there looking for tools to satisfy their music-needs. Mostly don't want to go 'there' anymore and wanting to see something fresh. Thats really refreshing to here.

I guess most of them bedroom-jocks prefer buying from 'real' people, 'real' jocks. I'm glad to have shared my knowledge and experience especially to these people whom I called CRAZY farkers.......... One of them is called Jay, from the Gurkha Contingent.

Jay came to the showroom to see and learnt a thing or two about DJ-ing and it's equipments. We had a good 15mins talk about the art of DJ-ing, then I went to introduce to him the DNS3500. 5 mins into the product intro, Jay stopped me and told me to pack the CD players, and a DNX1500 mixer. SHIT!! I thought he was kidding. I packed the whole console and helped him to the cab.

The moral of the story.......... 'regardless of race, language or religion; so as to achieve happiness, prosperity and progress for our SHIETTTTTT!!!!!!!!

And btw, today this lil' girl Vannesa bought the DNS3700 console with DNX300 and DNHP700. Watchout for this girl. I'll make sure she's ready for the bigger console by National Day. (I didn't say which year ah!)

After 10 years of working under the former head honchos of LeisureWorks, Ardan Peddell and Heather Seow, recently I left to explore and conquer my own pastures. Together with me, I brought the experience and knowledge that I gained during my stint with them.

Recently, I had an opportunity to be part of a research team which consists of audio engineers from all over Asia, acoustic engineers, club installers, DJs and magazine critics, comparing, researching some DJ audio products. Actually, there were few other products that we were testing on but one particular product really stood out and attracted the attention of the panel of researchers. Since it was an independant research team, we had the freedom to talk and write about the truth without having any obligation to suck on anyone's balls. At least that was what I was told as the law in that country says so!!

So, here it is....... the comparison between Denon DJ's DNX1700 and Pioneer's DJM800 – internationally-acclaimed club mixer, and the choice of DJs (at least 50%) all over the world. The other 50% are shared by Allen & Heath, Rane, Denon DJ, Ecler, Vestax and many other brands.

I've summarize the findings to make it 'idiot-proof' and easy-to-understand for the masses.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW (apart from being a standard DJ mixer)

• The DNX1700 is without a doubt the most versatile and best-sounding 4-channel, fully digital DJ mixer on the planet today.

• World's first professional DJ mixer with Audiophile 32-Bit DAC output. (DAC – Digital-Analog-convertor)

• USB Midi Interface :Controls any DJ software with mapping capabilities on a PC/MAC.

• 24Bit 94kHz USB 2.0 Audio Interface (Soundcard) 4 in/out (Stereo)

• 2 independant Effectors with 12 FX available for each sending channel (EFX Send 1 and 2) EFX includes Echo Loop, Phaser, Beatbreaker

• 3.5 inch TFT colour display with animated easy navigation

• Tradiotional High performance Denon rugged construction with Studio quality components and specifications (Made In Japan)

Other notable points.....

• Matrix input assignments for Line/Phono and selectable USB Audio, Digital Input

• Discrete FET Phono Preamp, discrete Mic circuit, discrete headphone amp

• Independant 3-Band isolator EQ with kills (High-Mid-Low)

• 2-way EFX parameter filter (LPF/HPF)

• 60mm CP studio quality Alps K-Type channel faders and 45mm tension adjustable cross fader, FLEX FADER.

• Dual layer control (Midi and Normal Audio)

• 2 Mic Input with Ducking level control

• Dual Power transformer construction for best possible audio specifications (Digital/Analog sections)

• Extensive Utility menu to customize user settings

• Preset Import/Export function my USB memory device (transport ur user setting to another X1700 mixer)

• Limiter ON/OFF function with adjustable threshold (this fucntion is a favourite for club installers)

FAQ/ Frequently Ask Questions .........

• Is the internal firmware upgradable? Yes, from a thumb drive. Enhacements will be made based on user feedbacks, and release on the web.

• What platforms does it support for USB audio? Windows XP SP2/Vista (ASIO driver provided), Mac OSX 10.5.7

• Will there be an optional rotary knob kit available? There no plans for rotary knob at this time.

• Can I use MIDI capable software? Yes, standard MIDI mapable applications.

COMPETITOR Model (explained) – PIONEER DJM800

• No internal Soundcard

• No USB Midi for DJ software control

• Only 1 FX bank

• No colour display

• No Limiter function

• No Matrix source switching

• No Audio/Midi layer function

• 3-positioned channel contour (Denon DJ has a very detailed VR)

• 45mm channel faders (Denon's 60mm Alps K-series faders and FLEX FADER)

• No channel reverse

• No A/B crossfader cut-adjustment

• No 44.1kHZ Digital Output

• 24 Bit output DAC (Denon – 32 Bit output DAC)

• No EQ kill, No EQ ring illumination

• No headphone EQ

• No dual CUE mode (Solo/Mixed)

• No USB preset data saving

• No Utility Mode

In Summary

With all the advantages and disadvantages between the 2 DJ mixers, it is not in any way that the Pioneer DJM800 is a bad mixer, nor the Denon DJ DNX1700 is an over-the-top mixer. Personally, I don't think that the DNX1700 will take over the club-mixer market. It all depends on each individual club's set-up, concept, genre of music and most importantly, the DJ's preference or knowledge of his or her trade. Just look at the Denon DJ's DNS3700 media player. It has already proven to be the better product than the Pioneer CDJ1000 series and equivalent to the over-priced CDJ2000. Yet, it has remain an outcast for most club DJs. Why?? How about going back to basics. The basics of marketing, product introduction and training to the end-users.

DNS3500 and DNX1500 in action. This whole set is going at SGD$1098 (incl. headphones). Check them out at .............

Embrace Showroom
2 Kallang Pudding Rd
Mactech Industrial Bldg.
#06-14, Singapore
Tel : +65 92990246

*viewing by appointments only........

X'mas came early....??



Don't worry, I'm not opening another DJ shop........ Look at me as another AliBaba or Robin Hood...... furthermore, why deprive them of owning a DJ set?? Whether you can or can't mix, that's really subjective to the listener. In fact, if we're lucky.... we might just find another talent. C'mon..... be positive!! I'm not a competitor. Like I said in FACEBOOK recently......

"DJ-ing is like SEX - Everybody wants to do it, everybody knows how to do it, everybody thinks they're better than anybody and Everbody has something to brag how they did it....!! I rather be the one selling the condoms."

Maybe next month, I'll do promos on handphones....... or Apple stuffs. Watchout......

The above is the 'supposedly' multi-racial music video for the Singapore pavilion at the World Expo. Even the pavilion is shaped like a music box. The message from the Singapore pavilion is to showcase the 'other-side' of Singapore's sub-culture, which is music and arts.

However, I have to agree with some of the netizens regarding the video. This is like telling 'some people'....... YOU FARKERS CAN WIN ALL THE SINGING COMPETITIONS AND SUCH, WE ARE STILL CALLING THE SHOTS, AND CONTROLLING THE BUSINESS. So, there you go.... more singing competition not to find better talents but help the Telco's, broadcasters and in-betweens, becoming instant billionaires. Vote some more la.....

On a different note, I would love to see Wicked Aura Batucada, Kumar, Jive Talking, street performers/artistes and struggling musicians in a 'real-music-video'..... something upbeat, and not sorrowful, emotional melodies. No disrespect to JJ, Steph and Tanya, I'm sure they deserved the accreditation. In fact, I was a fan of Tanya Chua until she traded her cowboy boots with the stilletos.

It would be fun to see a Filipino band singing a Mandarin song at the Pavilion. Then, the pavilion guides and Singapore representatives are all represented by staff from Shanghai and Beijing. No wonder I got stranded at San Fran airport for suspicion of holding a Singapore passport. Apparently, they claimed that I don't look 'Singaporean' to hold that passport.

Btw, to all those involved in the setting up and construction of the Singapore pavilion....... "Job well done!!" - you know who you are.