The Evolution of DJ Technology - A Brief Timeline

DJ technology and techniques have evolved over the years since it started. Who know’s where we’ll be in 10 years? We at Endless could be rocking out with some unbelievable equipment that hasn’t been invented yet! Here’s brief snapshot into the evolution of DJ technology:

1965 First stereophonic disco system debuts at the 1964-1965 World’s Fair in New York.

1970 David Mancuso starts throwing after-hours parties “The Loft.” He and Alex Rosner set a new standard for clubs everywhere by adding separate tweeter arrays and subwoofers.

1971 First DJ mixer is designed for the Haven Club by Alex Rosner.

1974 Grandmaster Flash develops his “Quick Mix Theory” for cutting and mixing records.

1975 Grand Wizzard Theodore invents “scratching.”

1977 GLI PMX 7000 Mixer. First U.S. mixer to incorporate a horizontal crossfader labeled “Transition Control,” and first affordable DJ mixer.

1986 Rane MP 24 Club Mixer: Cleanest and quietest DJ mixer to date and First use of studio-grade faders.

1998 Pioneer EFX-500 Effector. First DJ effects box that added echo, flanging and filtering to the performing DJ’s repertoire.

2001 Pioneer CDJ-1000 Digital Vinyl Turntable. First CD “turntable” using a touch sensitive platter that accurately emulated a vinyl turntable.

2004 Numark CDX Turntable. First standard 12” motorized platter with vinyl record and slipmat for controlling CD play.

2008 Serato Video-SL software plug-in for Scratch Live adds the ability to playback and mix video files using a laptop and a TTM 57SL mixer, bringing live video mixing to the turntablist, allowing manipulation of video files from vinyl or CD players. (Video DJing!!)

2010 Rane Sixty-Eight Mixer for Serato Scratch Live is introduced with two USB ports, the first mixer allowing two DJs with their own laptops to hand off sets without any disconnect.

2012 Rane Sixty-Two Mixer for Serato Scratch Live replaced the TTM 57SL with dedicated lit buttons for cues, samples, loops, and dedicated onboard effects. The two USB ports allow two DJs to share the mixer between two laptops, even if they run different software

(Source: rane.com)

A Look Into The Staff - DJ Ascension Interview

Other than the awesome guests, what else does an amazing event need to be come together? It needs the passionate people who put the event together. From the entertainment, to the photographers, to the event planners, and from the promoters, to the crew that sets up the venue, an event needs to be put together. 

Who puts their heart and soul into meaningful events at Endless Entertainment? Simply put, we all do. From the DJs who rock the crowds, to the event managers that make sure everything is perfect, to the account managers that are with you every step of the way, we’re proud and always excited to have a dedicated group that loves doing this. We’ll be looking at every team member and what makes them tick through the course of “A Look Into The Staff”. We decided to start this journey by interviewing one of our DJs with very recent successes in his life as an entertainer. 

Between his busy life of staying up-to-date with new music, attending tons of meetings, living a healthy lifestyle, and networking with people in the entertainment industry, our own DJ Ascension (recently named “Scottsdale Community College’s Student DJ of the year) found some time to come into the office and tell us a little bit about himself and share with us his recent accomplishments.

Congratulations on your award: Scottsdale Community Colleges Student DJ of the year. How did you receive that honor?

Well, they awarded it to me for several reasons. One of the major reasons was me setting up a night where the Scottsdale Community College DJs can gain real world experience at a venue called AZ 88 and actually get paid for it. They get real world experience spinning to an audience and they’re able to execute techniques that they learned in class in a public setting and get over their fear of engaging with the crowd.

You’re a DJ. You’re a student. If there was one other thing that you are, what would it be?

An absolute lover of music, absolutely. Also a connector. I love bringing people together for the common goal of having a good time. People work, really hard, most of them five days a week, 9 to 5, stuck in rush hour traffic. With so much stress in their life, they really look forward to the weekend. I put my heart and soul into never disappointing them when it comes to the weekend because that’s MY job; that’s what I live for. I do it so people can release all of that stress, everything that gets built up in their life. When they dance, all of that goes away. I love it when people dance like there’s no one watching. It’s been like that ever since someone was banging on a drum, leading a drum circle in caveman days. There was always a pulse that led people to something bigger and better; a collective consciousness of positivity. Now, the DJ has kind of become the modern shaman that leads people to a better place through music and dance. 

If there was one song right now that I need to look up right now, what would it be?

Oh man, that’s tough. That is THE toughest question for any DJ. Like “What is your favorite song?”

 What is your favorite song, as in one song that just came out that everyone should look up?

I would definitely look up Dillon Francis and a lot of his songs. “Like Home” by Dillon Francis, I really like that track.

Be on the look out for the next interview coming out! We’ll be looking into one of our account managers. From the moment the events are just ideas, to actually rocking out the event, and to making sure their clients got everything they wanted(and more), our account managers are with you every step of the way.