Yauch, known in the Beastie Boys by his stage name MCA, announced in 2009 that he was being treated for a cancerous parotid gland and lymph node, however, it is not clear at present whether the rapper’s death is related to his battle with cancer.

Alongside Mike D, Mix Master Mike and Ad Roc, Yauch co-founded the Beastie Boys in 1979, and the group went on to win multiple Grammies.

He is survived by his wife, Dechen Wangdu and daughter Tenzin Losel Yauch.

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Pioneer will launch the “MEP-4000″, a mobile DJ/club-oriented rack mount type multi entertainment player that enables DJ play using various music sources, along with the “DJM-4000″, a mixer with a built-in electric crossover.
In the mobile DJ/wedding DJ party markets and locations such as small clubs and music bars, etc., where DJ play is dependent on bringing in the requisite equipment, mostly rack-mounted types of DJ equipment are used thanks to their convenience in terms of transportation and installation. Also, in recent years there has been an increase in the number of DJs performing with various music files such as MP3 in addition to CDs.
In addition to normal music CDs, the “MEP-4000″ also supports playback of music files such as MP3, etc. recorded on various media including CD-R/RW, USB memory, HDD, and so on *1. Also, by using the “rekordbox™” *2 music management software, music files stored on PCs can be managed, enabling speedy song selection and diverse DJ performances.
The “DJM-4000″ has the three basic functions that are needed at parties – MC, DJ and PA functions – and its built-in electric crossover function makes it possible to adjust the crossover frequency of the master output and subwoofer output. This means that speaker and subwoofer bass balance in party and event venues can be adjusted to the optimum levels for clear and powerful sound quality. Both the “MEP-4000″ and “DJM-4000″ support 19-inch rack mounts, providing excellent portability for mobile DJs/wedding DJs and ensuring compact installation at small clubs and music bars.

*1 Flash memory and HDD devices with USB connections that can be played with this device are limited to USB mass storage devices. However, the operation and supply of electricity for all of these devices cannot be guaranteed. Also, copyright-protected files cannot be played.
*2 The “rekordbox™” music management software was developed in cooperation with MixVibes, Inc. for operation in conjunction with Pioneer products and is a registered trademark of Pioneer Corporation.
Main features of MEP-4000
1) Music CDs and file music (MP3 CD-ROM, USB devices) playback
In addition to normal music CDs, the “MEP-4000″ supports various types of audio file formats such as MP3 and WAV, etc. recorded on mass storage USB devices (flash memory, HDD, etc.) and CD-R/RW, etc. Thanks to this versatility, DJs can flexibly respond to guests’ music requests and generate good vibes at parties with extensive song selections.
2) “rekordbox™” music management software for easy browsing
The “MEP-4000″ supports the “rekordbox™” music management software, which can be used to create genres, playlists and configure cues and loops *3, etc. on a PC. When music analyzed by this software is transferred to a USB device and connected to the “MEP-4000″ it is possible to choose songs by genre, album name, artist name and created playlists, so the user can quickly find the desired song within a large quantity of music. Users can also load cue points to MEP-4000 that have been configured by the software, enabling music to be played quickly.
3) Other features
Music tempo can be set to four configurations, from the maximum variable range setting of WIDE through to ±16％, ±10％ and ±6％ *4.
“Pitchbend button” means you can easily make minute adjustments of music speed with a tap of a button.
“Seamless loop” of continuous beats, from 1 frame (approx. 0.013 seconds) to infinity.
“Hot loop” instantly starts playback from front of loop with just a single button press while playing loops.
“Memory cue/loop” stores any cue/loop point.
“Auto BPM *5 counter” automatically measures music tempo and gives digital display.
“Resume function” returns to previous point when ejecting and reinserting a disc.
Slot-in Drive for quick disc replacement.
“Shockproof memory *6″ and “floating structure” ensure high-level playback with stability.
*3 “CUE”: points of cues, etc. during music. “LOOP”: seamless repeat playback.
*4 MP3 and WAV can be configured to three settings: ±16％, ±10％ and ±6％. Music CDs support four settings: WIDE, ±16％, ±10％ and ±6％.
*5 “BPM”: units for measurement of tempo.
*6 Technology to prevent sound skip by memorizing the sound before being played.

Main features of DJM-4000
1) Electric crossover enabling optimum bass balance for master output and subwoofer output with a single knob
The crossover frequencies of the master output and subwoofer output can be adjusted with a single knob, enabling optimum bass balance between the speakers and subwoofers at any venue. Also, high-resolution 48kHz/24bit full digital processing provides clear and powerful sound quality.
2) Built-in USB sound card for playback music stored on PC
A built-in USB sound card provides simultaneous input and output *7 of stereo audio signals (one input, one output) without any drop in sound quality. From this, music stored on a PC can be played with clear sound quality. In addition, DJ mixes output from the “DJM-4000″ can be recorded on a PC.
3) Wide range of functions supporting various styles of party usage
Two MIC inputs for party hosts, karaoke, etc.
Auto talk-over automatically reduces volume of master output when speaking into a mic, making it easy to hear what is being said on mic ・
SEND/RETURN enables connection of external effectors and graphic equalizers
ZONE output can output audio channels to sub floor
4) Other features
Supports 48kHz/24bit full digital processing for DJ play with clear sound quality
“LOW CUT” function prevents over-amplitude of woofer and overheating of voice coil by cutting low frequency sounds that cannot be played by speakers ・ “Peak level meters” on each channel show audio input levels
“3-band equalizer” for HIGH/MID/LOW on each channel, with adjustment possible from -26dB to +6dB
“Cross-fader assign” allocates output from each channel to cross-fader in flexible manner
“Cross-fader curve adjust” function can switch between three cross-fader curve patterns
*7 Windows/MacOS support.

Many small clubs, DJs and mobile entertainers are adding more LED fixtures to their lighting repertoires because of the exciting, colorful effects they create. But did you ever wish there was an easier way to control all your color-changing RGB LED wash fixtures? Now there is – American DJ has introduced a new compact 32-channel LED controller, the RGBW4C, which lets you operate up to 8 RGB (Red/Green/Blue), RGBW (Red/Green/Blue/White) or RGBA (Red/Green/Blue/Amber) fixtures or fixture groups independently from one easy-to-use unit.

One of the most user-friendly and versatile LED controllers on the market today, the RGBW4C is designed to control any standard 3 or 4-channel group of LED fixtures where Channel 1 is Red, Channel 2 is Green, Channel 3 is Blue, and Channel 4 is White or Amber. This means that whether you’re using LED Pars, Linear Fixtures (A.K.A. LED Bars), Floods or Panels (or any combination), and whether your fixtures have 3 or 4 different color LEDs, the RGBW4C gives you the convenience of being able to operate all of your LED effects from one compact control unit that weighs under 2-1/2 lbs. (1.1 kg)!

The RGBW4C will help you maximize your LED fixtures’ potential to create a rainbow of stunning RGB or Quad Color effects, too — whether you’re new to using LEDs or a more seasoned lighting pro. The unit includes exciting built-in chase programs and color macros that make it easy, even for novices, to put on a spectacular-looking LED light show at the touch of a button. Or you can customize your own lighting display with the unit’s manual RGBW intensity controls. To add even greater versatility and creativity, you can control the Speed and Fade Time of the chase programs “on the fly.”

In fact, the RGBW4C is so versatile it offers 8 different operating modes to meet the needs of virtually any user or gig. Selectable via an array of 8 buttons, these operating modes include: RGB Fade, Auto Run, Color Macro, Chase, Sound Active, Strobe, Manual RGBW and Blackout.

There are a number of other convenient features on the easy-to-use control panel too, including 9 “Static or Color Chase” buttons, which provide direct access to the pre-programmed chases and color presets. There are also 3 user-programmable Color Preset buttons, along with 4 multi-function faders for controlling RGBW intensities as well as program Speed, Fade Time and the Master Dimmer Additionally, the RGBW4C includes a Variable Strobe, Blackout button, and internal microphone for sound active operation.

This is the fourth time I have seen Mark speak and I always seem to gain something from his seminars however this time I was more interested to see how he would be accepted by the UK audience.

Mark’s delivery and timing were superb with many laughs and entertaining stories from his years in the business but the eureka moments and the jaw dropping expressions on the attendees faces as they were walked through what is very much a realisation process of what we do as DJ’s was priceless.

To see DJ’s that in recent times have been extremely negative of the American influence actually “get it” was great and we hope that this could be the start of something that ultimately pushes our industry in the UK forward.
I have watched the social networking platforms since the seminar and have seen positive and negative reactions; it just seems funny that all the positives were from people that attended the seminar and the negatives from people that really should have attended.

So my fingers are crossed and while there will always be a market for the lower price DJ, I hope there is a new generation of DJ coming and one that is worth more than broccoli!

We have filmed some reactions from the attendees and will post the video over the next few days.

Picture courtesy of Clive Hodghton – Crs1

Thieves broke into an HGV parked outside Audio-Technica’s Leeds warehouse in the early hours of Tuesday April 10th and now the firm is advising trade members to be wary of unknown individuals in possession of certain mixer and MIDI controller models from the brand.

The vehicle was loaded with more than 15 GLD mixers, 70 Xone K2 controllers (pictured) and 50 ZED series mixers.

If you have any information on the possible whereabouts of the missing equipment, contact Audio-Technica UK on 0113 277 1441 or Steff Goulding at West Yorkshire Police on 0113 241 4629 or by emailing sg16@westyorkshire.pnn.police.uk.