Right On Q! Q-Deck Scratch Mixer From American DJ Offers Fader Cue Start At Fraction Of Cost

Now scratching DJs can mind their "Qs" . . . while minding their budgets at the same time! American Audio has introduced the Q-2221 Q-Deck mixer, a professional preamp scratch mixer that offers "fader cue start" at about one-third the price of any other mixer available to date with this advanced feature.

Designed for use with American DJs DCD-PRO300 and DCD-PRO400 dual CD players, the Q-Decks Fader "Q" Start feature allows DJs to crossfade directly to a pre-programmed cue point on a compact disc. If, for example, the disc jockey wants to fade to a guitar solo in the middle of a song on the left channel, he or she simply flips the Q-Decks fader switch all the way to the left. The cut will start playing at the pre-programmed guitar solo, rather than at the beginning of the song.

Disc jockeys can program up to 10 different cue points on a single compact disc, using the DCD-PRO300 or DCD-PRO400 CD player. Then, when the Q-Deck is hooked up to the CD player, the mixer will automatically crossfade to the programmed cue point specified on the CD players control panel. (DJs also have the option of turning off Fader "Q" Start via an On/Off Switch when they do not wish to use this feature.)

"The Q-Decks Fader "Q" Start feature gives scratching DJs great flexibility to fine-tune their mixes, since they can immediately go to any point on any song on a CD with the flick of a switch," said John Brown, national sales manager at American Audio. "This results in both faster speed and more creative scratching performances."

Until the Q-Deck, however, fader cue start was a very costly feature, priced beyond the means of many working DJs. "The only other mixers available with fader cue start cost about three times as much as the Q-Deck," said Brown. "In developing the Q-Deck, American DJ has brought this highly-desirable feature down to the affordable range. Its part of our commitment to put the latest technology within the reach of the average working DJ."

Priced at just $259.95 manufacturers suggested retail, the Q-Deck delivers unbeatable value. Paired with an American DJ DCD-PRO300 CD Player (suggested retail $999.95), the Q-Deck provides DJs with a mixer/dual-CD-player package, complete with fader cue start, at a "realistic" price, Brown noted. "Until now, youd have to pay somewhere in the $2500-$3000 range to get a mixer-CD player package with fader cue start and comparable features," he said.

The development of an affordable mixer with fader cue start also provides great opportunities for dealers who sell disc jockey products, Brown pointed out. "Were expecting the Q-Deck to literally fly off retailers shelves, because it brings fader cue start within the average DJs budget," he remarked. "Virtually every scratch-mixing DJ would like to have this feature."

In addition to Fader "Q" Start, the Q-2221 Q-Deck offers several other advanced, user-oriented features designed to enhance a DJs scratching performance. One of the mixers handiest features is a "Hamster Switch" for reversing crossfader position. With a flick of the Hamster Switch, DJs can change crossfades from channel one to channel two, and vice versa.

"This switching of the fader eliminates the need for the DJ to manually reverse directions when, after mixing from left to right channels, they want to go back to the opposite channel," explained Brown. "Instead, they can use the convenient Hamster Switch to reverse the fader. This allows for easier, faster, one-handed mixing."

Another user-friendly, speed-enhancing feature on the Q-Deck is a series of 100% cut buttons for treble, mid and bass on each channel. When the user wants to completely cut out treble, mid or bass, all he or she has to do is hit the kill button, rather than having to turn the rotary knob all the way down.

Like all American DJ Audio mixers, the Q-2221 Q-Deck comes equipped with a high-quality Japanese-made replaceable Alps Feather Fader for smooth, clean crossfades. Other features include a Fader Curve Switch that changes from a normal curve to a quick curve for crabbing, a changeable transformer switch to up/down or left/right, separate gain control for each channel, two separate headphone inputs, and soft touch rubber knobs for better control.

The Q-2221 Q-Deck is the first in a new series of professional preamp scratch mixers from American DJ, which will feature Fader "Q" Start. The mixers Q-2221 model number refers to the fact that it has 2 phonos, 2 lines, 2 auxiliaries and 1 mic input. In the future, larger Q-2422 (2 phonos, 4 lines, 2 auxiliaries and 2 mic inputs) and Q-3433 (3 phonos, 4 lines, 3 auxiliaries and 3 mic inputs) models will be added, both of which will be 19-inch rack mount units.

Compact in size, the Q-2221 model weighs just 8 lbs. and measures 12.5" W x 10.25" D x 4" H. The mixers signal-to-noise ratio is: Line >85dB, Mic >78dB, and Phono >80dB. Channel EQ is -30dB- +20dB for bass, mid and treble. Channel Frequency range is 20Hz-20kHz, +/-1dB.

For more information, contact American DJ at: 1-800-333-0644 Fax: 323-582-2610 Address: 4295 Charter St., Los Angeles, CA 90058. Web: www.americandj.com

Copyright 2002

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