By Elianne Halbersberg

Numark’s portable PA system, Mobile DJ, is the latest addition to the company’s innovative product line. As its name implies, Mobile DJ makes it possible for DJs to take their music with them in an all-in-one configuration, with dual docks for iPod and iPhone. Measuring 10” x 15” x 18” with a weight of 28.2 pounds, Mobile DJ is sturdy, transports via wheels and telescoping handle, and powers up via electrical outlet or its internal rechargeable battery. Other features include crossfader for mixing, full-range speaker and amp for sound up to 150 feet away, and dual mic inputs with eight effects: Plate Reverb, Chorus, Rotary Speaker, Hall Reverb, Echo, Chorus/Room, Flange and Room Reverb. The Room, Plate and Hall Reverbs and the Chorus/Room effect offer multiple settings.

Christopher Roman, Senior Product Manager, Numark, spoke to Planet Ill about Mobile DJ.

Planet Ill: When did Numark begin work on Mobile DJ and what led to its development?

Christopher Roman: Many of our products are evolutions of previous designs. We started working on this particular model last fall; however, its design is proven from some previous models we developed under our consumer brand. Many DJs use iPods and iPhones in their setup, so this system was a natural progression.

Planet Ill: Can you explain to readers exactly how Mobile DJ operates?

Christopher Roman: Mobile DJ can operate on battery power for ten hours or plugged in. The system is designed to allow users to mix their iPods seamlessly, additional inputs like CD players or MP3 players, and use a microphone to make announcements. A built-in crossfader allows the user to seamlessly transition from one song to the next. For an outdoor party, it’s the perfect solution no matter where you are. It’s self-contained, quite portable and doesn’t require any power. Block parties, tailgating, beach parties and many other places might not have power, and the Mobile DJ solves this issue.

Planet Ill: How does it differ from other DJ systems on the market?

Christopher Roman: Most DJ systems require additional amplifiers and speakers as well as a power outlet nearby. The Mobile DJ is completely self-contained. Because of its use of the iPhone, music can also often be obtained wirelessly and played right away through the system. Traditional sources usually require all music to be onsite, making playing songs the DJ doesn’t have impossible.

Planet Ill:: Mobile DJ incorporates eight types of effects. Why were these particular effects chosen for inclusion and what are the ideal locales for their use, outside of the obvious party/reception environment?

Christopher Roman: The included effects are designed for vocal use with the microphone. These are perfect for creating that DJ voice, or for a singer who might wish to accompany the playing song. There are also many Karaoke applications for the iPod now, so these effects are ideal in that scenario.

Planet Ill: Given the many effects and controls, and its practical portability, is it possible that Mobile DJ will replace other systems, or is it designed to be an adjunct to the many other products in the Numark line?

Christopher Roman: Every DJ needs a portable system like this to accompany their gig system. It’s small and complete. Oftentimes, DJs need a small system for receptions or ceremonies, and this system is perfect. Also, power at a party is never certain and power failure can occur. The Mobile DJ is a complete backup. I was DJ-ing a wedding recently and used a prototype of the system for the ceremony. At this same event, power went out at the reception. The Mobile DJ was able to save the day until power was restored, and the bride and groom were introduced to cheers of joy as I announced their names and played their first dance.

Planet Ill: Who is the target market for Mobile DJ and how user-friendly is it for a DJ who is new to his or her craft?

Christopher Roman: This system is simple to use and really requires about as much skill as being able to plug your iPod in and turn the system on. If you can operate a car stereo, you can operate the Mobile DJ.

Planet Ill: For DJs who presently work with turntables, what are the advantages of either switching to Mobile DJ or adding it to their arsenal?

Christopher Roman: Only about 1 percent of “mobile” DJs would use turntables. Turntables, when used, are primarily used for time code control of computers in fixed environments. The small percentage of mobile DJs that still DJ with CDs (30 percent of the market) or laptops (70 percent) would find this very useful. Laptop DJs have battery power in the laptop, and the Mobile DJ can be easily connected to the computer as well. For the wedding, I used this system as a backup when the power went down for two hours. I used a laptop for the music.

Planet Ill: Have iPods and iPhones officially replaced CDs and files as methods of music storage and playback, and if so, will Numark continue developing products that work exclusively with these devices? Does this mean an eventual phase-out of non-i-compatible products?

Christopher Roman: Almost all DJs now use some sort of computer or flash-drive-based solution to DJ with. “i-products” are natural tools for many DJs to use because of their dedication to music playback. It’s highly likely that i-compatible products will be here for a long time, as Apple is one of the top providers of music content. Numark plans to continue to develop many products around the use of their technology, such as the iDJ Live, due out this summer.    

Elianne Halbersberg is a freelance writer whose work has been published by Guitar Edge, Mix, Premier Guitar, Gibson.com, Electronic Musician, Audio Media, Ink 19 and numerous other magazines and websites.

Follow Us on Twitter @ http://twitter.com/planetill

Join Us on the Planet Ill Facebook Group for more discussion

Follow us on Networked Blogs