Pristel Computing SELF DG User Manual

User Guide

All Editions

Version 7

Pristel Computing LLC

Copyright © 2010

rev 9/9/10

1

Chapter I Introduction

Welcome

• Portability, Reliability, Boutique Sound

• Simplicity Meets High Technology

Self-DJ

• Hardware

• Software

• The Sound

• Less Is More

• Your Audience

TM

2

Chapter II Self-DJ™ Features

Extreme Reliability

• Dual Redundant Computers

• Hard Drives Last Longer

• No Fans To Fail

• Waterproof Screen

• Genuine Intel® Motherboards and Processors

Audiophile Quality Sound

• ANT™ (Automatic Normalization Technology)

• Automatic Equalization by Genre

• Intel® High Definition (HD) Audio

• No Computer Noise

• Freedom From Hum

Portability, Durability, Quick Setup

• Lightweight ATA Approved Rack Case

• Amplified Speakers With Built-In Mixers

Other Features

• X10® Wireless Control

• Volume Limiter

• Support For Dual Displays

• Comparing Editions

3

Chapter III Installation & Setup

Connecting Your System

• Powering Up

Power Up Sequence

1. Rack Power ON

2. Computer ON

3. Speakers ON

Sound Check

• Checking Microphone Volume Levels

• Checking Music Volume Levels

Power Down Sequence

1. Speakers OFF

2. Computer OFF

3. Rack Power Off

Adding Music

• Introducing MediaMerge™

• Your Media Library

• Ripping Audio CD's

• MP3 File Size versus Quality

• Downloading Sound Files

• Keeping Your Music Collection Up-To-Date

• Backing Up Your Music Collection

Installing & Activating Software

• Installing Self-DJ™

• Running Self-DJ™ For The First Time

• Activating Self-DJ™ Over The Internet

Files & Folder Locations

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Chapter IV Configuring Self-DJ™

Getting Started

• Passwords

• When To Use The Self-DJ Password (default is TJ)

• When To Use The Setup Password (default is SETUP)

Choose Operating Mode

• Automatic

• Manual

• Requests

Pre-Flight Check

• Get Ready To Rock

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Chapter V Using Self-DJ™

Basic Operation

• Getting Started

• Playing

• Karaoke

• Browsing

• Sorting

• Searching

Using Self-DJ Controls

• Self-DJ Controls

• Playlist Maintenance

Using Manual Controls

• Manual Controls

• Fading-Out Songs Manually

• Tagging Songs as Holiday and Explicit

• Removing Media File Items

• Using The Equalizer

• Locking In The Sweet Spot

Making Requests Remotely

• Prerequisites

6

Chapter VI Setup

• Starting Self-DJTM Automatically

• Password Notification

Main Options

• Skip This Screen

• Operating Mode

• Jukebox/Karaoke

• Send Requests

• Show

• Holiday Music

• Explicit Music

• Playlist Button

• Album Art Show

• Volume Limiter

• Media Library

• Rip Cd's

• Add Items

• Compress

• Get Art

• Reset

• Passwords

• Colors

• Other Main Options

• Show Full Screen (Display 1 or 2)

• Single Display Only

• Search Delay

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Files & Folders

• Album Art Folder

• Requests Folder

• Media Library

• Use This Skin

• Start Sound

• Finish Sound

Custom

• Name

• Phone

• Web Site

• Banner 1

• Banner 2

• Ad 1

• Ad 2

X10

• House

• Device

• Type

ANT

• ANTTM ON

• Input Lock

• ANT Walk-Through

• Debug

• Master Output Device

8

Appendix

Concrete Tools™

• Concrete MediaMerge™

• Concrete Recorder

• Concrete Ripper

• Concrete Editor

• Concrete Video

• Concrete Minii

Organizing Your Files & Folders

• How Do I Name My Files?

• What Are File Tags?

• How Do I Edit File Tags?

• Where Should I Copy My Media Files?

• Using MediaMerge™

• Ripping Files

• Adding Songs You Already Have

• Adding Ripped Songs

• Adding New Music

More Details

• For Those Who Are Ready To Rock

• Performance Tuning

• Heat Considerations

• Power Considerations

More Information

9

Chapter I Introduction

Welcome

Thank you for choosing Self-DJ™. SDJ is a portable, extremely

dependable solution for mobile music applications with outstanding

sound quality.

Music helps people be happy. SDJ makes it easy for people to enjoy their

music again and be happy. It lets everyone be the DJ. You will find SDJ

very intuitive and easy to use. SDJ gives people what they want; to be

happy.

As a business, this leading edge technology enables entrepreneurs to

meet peoples need for music, and book as many events as they have SDJ

systems, without even being there.

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Portability, Reliability, Boutique Sound

SDJ portable design gives you the fastest setup times in the business.

The ATA (Airline Transportation Authority) approved case weighs only 49

lbs with touch screen, two computers, and power rack. This three piece

system rocks the house, yet takes less than 10 minutes to set up with

powered speakers.

SDJ's reliability is also unmatched in the industry. With two genuine

Intel® computers, hard drives that last twice as long, no fans to fail, and

a water resistant case, your show always goes on. SDJ uses two

computers mounted in sleek 1-space rack cases that are so energy

efficient they generate much less heat and don't need CPU or case fans.

1,000,000 hour MTBF (Mean Time Between Failure) hard drives, specially

designed for mobile media applications, also consume less power, run

much cooler, and give you twice the reliability of ordinary hard drives.

But it is the boutique sound that audiences notice. Never before has

computer music sounded so good. Intel® HD audio 96K/32-bit sampling,

together with a zero noise fan-less design, ANT™ processing for max

headroom, and automatic EQ, delivers extremely detailed and smooth

sound, with lots of punch.

The 19” LCD touch screen display is beautiful to look at. The smooth

glass is very pleasing to the touch. The high resolution touch screen

frees you from being tethered to a mouse and keyboard, empowering

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your performance, while making the system much more fun to use.

SDJ lets anyone perform just like a professional DJ would, only with a lot

less effort. Audiences love the “do it yourself”, and “party all night

long” benefits. SDJ lets you enjoy your music again, and even do

karaoke.

When you want to strut your stuff, use the Manual Controls and DJ like a

rock star. Drag-and-drop, slide controls, and cross-fade effortlessly.

Monitor one track on headphones while playing another on the main

speakers with a single touch. You'll rock the house with ease. With SDJ,

anyone can do it.

Simplicity Meets High Technology

SDJ is elegant in its simplicity. Imagine the ease-of-use of a classic

jukebox with no coin slot. It is designed for touch screen with no need

for mouse or keyboard.

SDJ software works like there is a DJ and sound engineer in the box,

cross-fading automatically, and making adjustments as needed to

maximize dynamic range, equalize sound, and protect your equipment.

There are many times you will want to enjoy your music without the

hassles or confines of ordinary DJ or media player software. That is the

true beauty of SDJ. And it delivers sound at a quality beyond that of

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anything else on the market. SDJ has many high technology features,

never before available, with any software, so your music sounds better

than you've ever heard it. This manual will acquaint you with all the

great features in an easy-to-follow format.

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Self-DJ™

Hardware

SDJ systems are very energy efficient and come with two genuine Intel®

rack mount computers featuring Intel® HD sound, 19” LCD touch screen,

and built-in power rack in a lightweight, waterproof slant top case.

Sleek, 1-space rack mount computers sport bright LEDs, 2 front USB

ports, extra long life hard drives (1,000,000 MTBF hrs), low latency RAM

memory, 2 line out jacks, 1 high-speed eSATA data port, and an X10

wireless transceiver. Use one line out to preview songs on headphones

while guests listen to speakers and a different mix on the other. Use the

eSATA port to quickly backup your entire hard drive or copy music at 6X

the speed of USB. Use X10 to control lights and appliances.

A second video port for displaying karaoke lyrics, what's coming up,

graphics, advertising, video, and more, on two or more monitor, with a

special hardware video accelerator designed to off-load the CPU for

mobile applications, will be available soon.

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Software

New SDJ systems come with Windows 7® . However, the minimum

requirement to run SDJ software is Windows 2000 with a 80GB hard

drive, 1GB RAM memory, and at least 1024 x 768 resolution. SDJ

software supports dual-screen operation.

The SDJ Professional Edition comes with full-featured touch screen

jukebox and karaoke software, and a suite of integrated software tools

on Windows 7®. Semi-automatic operations and manual controls make it

easy to cross-fade on demand and perform other common DJ functions.

The SDJ Ultimate Edition is available only to Self-DJ Affiliates. It has all

the features of the Professional Editon but can be configured without

manual controls for fully-automatic operation for unattended rental use

where everyone is the DJ. Of course, the Ultimate Edition can also be

configured with manual controls for occasional solo performances.

SDJ software is designed for mobile music, not for web surfing, e-mail,

downloading from music sharing sites, or running office applications.

WARNING: SDJ has its own built-in security system for use by the public.

To improve performance it does not use any virus or other protection,

and unneeded Windows security services have been disabled (Defender,

Firewall, etc).

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The Sound

Why do SDJ systems sound so good? Microsoft Media Foundation (MF),

first available with Windows Vista, is the intended replacement for all

Microsoft multimedia applications. New SDJ systems use Windows 7

which expands upon Vista's MF capabilities, and has full support for

Intel® HD Audio, which is capable of playing back more channels at

higher quality (192K/32-bit) than previous integrated audio formats

(48K/20-bit). SDJ takes full advantage of these latest Windows

improvements, and adds its own proprietary technologies, for

breathtaking sound.

Less Is More

For mobile music applications, less is more. This is true in every way.

The more compact your gear is, the faster you can set up and tear down.

The less complicated it is, the more reliable it will be. SDJ is all these

things and more. Having fewer choices works much more smoothly, with

few questions if any, when everyone can be the DJ.

Less is more applies to your mobile music too. While your total music

collection is probably much larger, we recommend limiting songs on

mobile SDJ systems to include only the most popular classics, new

releases, and clean edits. Somewhere between 6,500 to 20,000 sound

files (hits, regional, and select albums) is more than enough.

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Your Audience

Even though you've probably played Brown-Eyed Girl, and songs like it, a

thousand times, it is songs like this that get people dancing and having

fun. People can related to them. They instantly feel good and get

happy. SDJ is popular for rentals because the audience always gets what

they want. Make sure your SDJ system has the songs your audiences

want.

Since it is so easy, your audience can be the DJ and pick the music they

like. This way everyone gets involved. When everyone is the DJ,

performances typically feature a much wider variety of music than most

solo DJ performances. People tend to stick around to hear "their

song" ... and they can play as long as they want to.

If you are using your SDJ system to perform solo be sure to cater to the

needs of your audience. Play what they want, not what you want. Play

what you want at home. Catering to your audience also includes volume

level, not just song selection. Just because you like it loud (or quiet),

doesn't mean everyone does. Ask if the volume levels (normal and max)

are right when doing a sound check. Don't make assumptions.

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Chapter II Self-DJ™ Features

Extreme Reliability

For mobile music applications, reliability is at the top of the list. SDJ

systems are extremely reliable. They use specially matched components

featuring genuine Intel® motherboards, Intel® processors, Kingston

memory, and Western Digital hard drives designed specifically for mobile

music applications. With dual redundant computers, no fans, special

hard drives, and a waterproof touch screen, SDJ has you covered.

Enjoy the most reliable multimedia system in the world with utmost

confidence.

Dual Redundant Computers

A single SDJ computer is at least twice as reliable as others but we take

reliability a giant step further by using two genuine Intel® rack mount

(1-space each) computers, just in case. With dual redundant computers,

an SDJ system is more than four times as reliable as other DJ systems.

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In the very, very, very rare event your SDJ computer should ever fail

during an event, just move connections to the backup computer and

push the ON button. The show must go on. With SDJ it always does.

If, after the event, you can't fix the problem, simply remove the four

rack screws, slide out the computer, and send it back to us in the

included shipping box. Our technical support department can help you

resolve any audio or computer issues. The service is free to SDJ

affiliates and an option for our other customers.

Hard Drives Last Longer

SDJ hard drives are designed for media applications requiring perfect

audio and video, low heat, low power, and long term reliability. They

are cool, quiet, and very reliable, with a 1,000,000 hour MTBF rating.

Ordinary drives are noisy, hot, and have a 500,000 hour MTBF rating.

Hard drives in SDJ computers last longer. Twice as long.

No Fans To Fail

Fans are not only noisy and annoying, they also fail and cause audible

distortion. Since SDJ components are energy efficient, they run much

cooler. A passive heat-sink replaces the failure-prone and noisy CPU fan.

Hard drives use SilkStream technology for ultra-cool operation. No CPU

or case fans are needed. With no fans, there is no noise or distortion.

Silence is golden.

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Waterproof Screen

The high resolution 19” LCD touch screen is not only gorgeous, it is also

waterproof. Its aluminum bezel also protects the insides of your SDJ

rack case. When someone accidentally spills on it, just wipe it off.

Genuine Intel® Motherboards And Processors

After building PC's since they were invented, we've found it just makes

sense to get both motherboards and processors from one manufacturer.

Especially when that manufacturer is Intel®. “All Intel®” systems are

the ultimate choice for performance, reliability, and compatibility.

Audiophile Quality Sound

If you've ever watched sound engineers or disc jockeys, you've probably

noticed they constantly move sliders and turns dials to give you the best

sound. During vocals, or solos, the sound engineer brings the level up to

feature the artist. If things get too loud, levels go down. If the music or

style changes, so does the equalization. SDJ does this all for you

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automatically with ANT™ real-time signal processing and automatic

equalization.

ANT™ (Automatic Normalization Technology)

Most media software relies on volume normalization. Normalization is a

slow process where an average volume is computed ahead of time for

each song so that it can be set when a song starts to play. If you've got a

lot of songs, it can take many hours, even days to complete. Since there

is no standard, you have to wait, wait, wait for each program that uses

it. They all compute averages differently. Forget normalization. Forget

average. ANT™ (Automatic Normalization Technology) is far more

dynamic, like the music itself. Skip the wait.

ANT™ reacts like a DJ or sound engineer does during a performance.

Rather than just setting each song to the normalized volume level, once

when a song starts, ANT™ monitors your music in real-time and smoothly

optimizes the input level, not the output level. In this way, ANT™ gives

you max headroom, and brings out musical detail, while having the

effect of “normalizing” the volume at the same time.

While normalization is better than nothing, DJ's still constantly adjust

volume and input levels up and down to get the best sound. With ANT™

technology, you don't need to. ANT™ samples input signals every 50

milliseconds, constantly working to give you the best sound,

automatically. You can use factory presets, or change them in Setup.

You'll love the open, airy sound quality ANT™ brings to your music.

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Automatic Equalization by Genre

Tired of dealing with overly complex software, but still want control?

SDJ is a breath of fresh air. When a new song starts, SDJ automatically

loads the EQ curve for that song's genre. Boy, is that sweet! If you want

to do some tweaking, run SDJ in Manual Mode.

Choosing Manual Mode in Setup

In manual mode, full control is just a touch away. You'll see the 7-band

EQ change as SDJ automatically sets the proper EQ curve for each song,

based on the genre, and then optimizes the input levels for that EQ

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curve. Make changes, or just watch EQ sliders move by themselves.

Lock levels when you want. Pad or cut levels as needed manually. One

touch moves all EQ sliders at once, or adjust frequencies separately.

Intel® High Definition (HD) Audio

SDJ computers use genuine Intel® desktop boards with Intel® High

Definition (HD) audio, leverage enhancements in Windows 7, and add

proprietary signal processing for much better sound quality. If you've

ever listened to vinyl recordings on a fine system, you know how warm

and soft recordings used to be. Sure, we've come a long way since then,

but until now, we've lacked that smooth sound of old.

CD's got rid of “pops” and “scratches”. Computers got rid of lugging CD's

and “skipping”. Laptops are even more portable but don't sound good.

Until now, even with a fancy sound card, computer music lacks the “air”

good audiophile gear had. With Intel® HD audio, 192K/32-bit playback,

automatic EQ, ANT™, and SDJ, now you can have it all.

No Computer Noise

Ever hear a computer? Not the whir of a million fans. Not the scratchy

whine from a noisy hard drive. We are talking about the computer itself.

If you listen close, you can actually hear the CPU and other noise

through many sound cards. SDJ computers are fan-less, and totally free

from computer noise.

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Freedom From Hum

For the best sound and freedom from hum, your SDJ system is designed

to have your everything plugged into its rear mounted power strip, with

a single plug in the wall outlet. When used in this way you will

experience freedom from hum.

If you want a wider sound stage, it is often convenient to plug the

amplified speakers into the outlet nearest each speaker. However, this

can create a difference in ground potential, and an annoying hum. If

this happens, plug the amplified speakers into the power strip on the

back of the SDJ rack case and the hum will disappear. If you need to run

extension cords, make sure they are 12-gauge or larger.

If you are running separate power amps and/or subwoofers, you may

exceed the 15-amp (1650 watts) rating of the SDJ power rack. If you are

drawing more than 1650 watts (110 volts x 15 amps = 1650 watts), plug

your SDJ system and the other items into outlets on the same breaker if

possible to eliminate hum. If you have a monster system, use a portable

220V power tap, with two separate 50-amp 110V circuits. If your system

draws more than 11,000 watts, make friends with an electrician.

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Portability, Durability, Quick Setup

If you plan on doing a lot of events, especially if you are an SDJ Affiliate

owner doing multiple unattended SDJ's at once, then portability,

25

durability, and fast setup and tear-down times will be very important to

you. Your SDJ system is designed to be the fastest system there is to

setup and tear-down.

The simplest, fastest, and safest configuration uses a standard 8' table

and no speaker stands. This is ideal for tented events because many

tents are too low for speaker stands, and short cable lengths for ultra-

fast set up times. Position the SDJ rack case in the center, facing away

from the crowd. Position powered speakers on each side, facing towards

the crowd. Connect speakers to the rack case with short cables. Make

sure there is room behind with room behind the table for guests to use

the touch screen while facing the audience

With no stands there are only three components to transport; two

speakers, and the SDJ rack case itself. They can be transported in just

about any vehicle. A two-wheel dolly comes in handy for long hauls.

With speaker stands you can use a smaller 4' table and speakers to each

side the same way. For those occasions where it is necessary to spread

speakers out for a wider sound stage, you will need longer cables and

extension cords connecting powered speakers to the rack case, or risk

hum by plugging them into nearby outlets. Be wary of people tripping

over cords and severing connections, or worse, knocking over equipment.

Use extreme caution with speakers stands for public events, especially if

alcohol is involved.

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Lightweight ATA Approved Rack Case

The 19” LCD touch screen, two SDJ computers, and rear-mounted power

strip are all protected within the high strength, lightweight,

polyethylene ATA rack case. The ATA approval certifies the case is

approved for shipping on an airline. However, if you do send your SDJ

system flying, we still recommend putting the case and speakers in the

original shipping boxes for added security, and to keep them looking new.

The rack case measures approx. 22” x 21” by 15”, weighs 22 lbs empty,

and about 40 lbs full. It features an 8-space slant top, 2 rack spaces in

the front, and 10-spaces in the rear. The slant top fits the LCD monitor

perfectly. The two front spaces house the two SDJ computers. The

power strip has a master on/off switch and is mounted to the rear set of

rack rails. The rear cover has a hole in it big enough for power and

microphone cables so you can keep it installed during an event. While

you can normally keep the rear cover installed for a clean look, and to

protect the equipment, if it is an extremely hot day, or just for added

insurance, you may want to run your SDJ system without the rear cover

installed.

Amplified Speakers With Built-In Mixers

While you can use SDJ with any speakers, we prefer amplified with built-

in mixers for simplicity, and the fast setup. Turn-key SDJ systems include

2-way Behringer 15” DSP (74 lbs/600 watts each) or NEO (48 lbs/1200

27

watts each) series speakers with built-in 2-channel mixers. These

speakers have excellent bass as is, but there are also matching powered

subwoofers. Use them on speaker stands, stacked, or even daisy-chained

together with other speakers and powered subwoofers for big events.

Amplified speakers connect to the SDJ rack case with the included 3.5

mm to dual XLR-Male adapter cable. Regular microphone cables (XLR)

are used for all connections. Connect Input 1 on the powered speakers

to the adapter using 5' microphone cables for tabletop setups. Use 20'

cables with speaker stands. Connect microphones to Input 2 on each

speaker.

Microphones are stored in their own small cases. The microphone cases,

adapter cable, and microphone cables are best stored together in a small

canvas bag. We put the small bag in a larger gig bag with heavier power

and extension cords.

Other Features

Besides extreme reliability, superior sound quality, portability, durability,

quick setup and tear-down times, SDJ has even more unique features.

28

X10® Wireless Control

With Self-DJ Ultimate -- boom, boom, turn out the lights. If you are not

using DMX lighting, rather than wire your lights and effects back to a

central switch panel so you can turn them on or off individually, wireless

X10® is a nice solution. The X10® Firecracker comes with one light

module, one appliance module, a hand-held remote, and a transmitter

that plugs into the serial port on your computer for about $50 from

http://www.x10.com. Use the wireless remote, or control devices from

the SDJ touch screen. A USB version is in the works.

Volume Limiter

The built-in volume limiter in Setup, limits the actual gain when using

the volume slider. This looks to the user like they are at full volume,

when in fact, they are only at the % of max volume as defined in Setup.

This can be used to protect your equipment when speaker input levels

are set to the max, or in cases where guests might tamper with settings.

Versions of Windows prior to Vista use both a main system and wave

level. Newer versions of Windows use only a main volume level.

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Support For Dual Displays

SDJ Standard Edition computers have only one video output. For normal

use, dual displays is not needed. SDJ Professional and Ultimate Edition

computers have two video ports, and other features. Dual display

support is automatically enabled when a second display is detected.

You can use a second display to show album art, what songs are coming

up, and karaoke lyrics. You can still manage your playlist on the other

monitor. In Setup, uncheck Full Screen to display SDJ in a 1024 x 768

window for coexistence with other applications running at the same

time. You can also force all output to either Display 1 or Display 2.

Connecting the second video output to a venue's existing display

monitors is a nice option. You've probably seen dual displays used for

karaoke before but it is also nice for regular jukebox operation too. SDJ

does both. By displaying the playlist, people know what is coming up,

and tend to hang around to hear their songs. If your video card doesn't

have the right outputs for the venue (typically HDMI, RCA, or S-Video),

you can get an adapter to convert the standard 15-pin VGA output.

Another option is connecting a second display wirelessly. Check out off-

the-shelf wireless audio-video solutions at www.X10.com and elsewhere.

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Comparing Editions

Self-DJ™ Features

Standard and Professional Editions run in semi-automatic
mode with manual controls visible at all times. These editions
are designed for attended operation by a single person or DJ.
Semi-automatic operation keeps the music playing like a
jukebox if you step away from the controls, so you can focus
on your audience, not your computer. This dramatically
simplifies DJ'ing, yet you still have manual control over cross­fades and other features.

Automatic input volume leveling in real-time with ANT™
(Automatic Normalization Technology). Unlike old-fashioned
volume normalization which sets only the output volume once,
ANT™ continually processes your mix, maximizing headroom
and minimizing distortion by optimizing your input volume level
every 50 ms. With ANT™ your music is much more dynamic,
and alive. Your music sounds clearer and more detailed than
other software.

Buttery smooth automatic or manual cross-fades between
songs, with dual VU meters visible during cross-fades.

Great sounding 7-band equalizer with automatic EQ presets
by genre. The proper EQ settings for the song's genre is
loaded automatically.

Standard Professional Ultimate

Automatic real-time beat detection display pulses to the music.

Sort and choose selections by title, artist, or year with a single
touch.

Adjustable volume limiter prevents accidental speaker
damage with any type of powered or passive speakers.

Scroll selections by page, or pages, with a single touch, or just
keep pressing to continue scrolling thru songs.

Displays fully synchronized lyrics, or custom text, during
playback of any song without any special karaoke sound files
or CD's. Works automatically if a .LRC text file is found in
same folder as the sound file - great for a simple, low-cost
karaoke solution, or for unlimited creative uses to display
custom messages.

Automatically displays album art and downloads small,
medium, and large size art files to C:\My Album Art\, named by
album title and artist for your Windows desktop and for other

uses.

Extreme capacity library holds up to 10,000,000 items, enjoy

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all your music.

Plays all popular audio file formats: MP3, WAV, wma*, OGG
Vorbis, MP4, AAC, M4A, AC3, FLAC, WavPack, ALAC, W64,
AU, PAF, SVX, NIST, VOC, IRCAM, PVF, pcm, raw, mod,
CAF.

Includes Concrete Tools™ software for sound editing,
recording, remixing, playing videos, ripping high quality sound
files from audio CD, and a stand-alone Minii player, great for
creating playlists.

Professional Edition

Includes professional karaoke hosting using popular digital file formats: CDG,
BIN with ability to enter singer's name for each song using touch screen.

Switch back and forth between karaoke and jukebox modes without restarting,
while retaining all the selection on both playlists separately.

Supports a secondary display monitor to show karaoke lyrics, which music or
karaoke selections are coming up, album art show, and custom advertising and

messaging.

One touch headphone monitoring of any song in your media library (connected
to your second audio output) at the same time you are playing a different song
on your main speakers.

Customizable advertising graphics, and also your company name, web site,
phone number, logo, and other text for display on your primary and secondary
display monitors while playing.

Ability to lock, pad or cut input levels during manual operation for total control.

Plays user-defined start-up and shut-down sound files when logging off.

Load playlists using the industry standard .m3u format (Playlists button).

Filter out content with explicit titles or lyrics.

Filter out holiday or seasonal music.

Real-time file tagging (explicit and holiday) of songs while the system is in
operation so that the next time tagged files are not loaded by default (unless

explicit or holiday music is allowed).

Delete corrupt or badly ripped sound files while the system is in operation, after
rejecting the song and smoothly fading into another.

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Customize ANT™ parameters and make other advanced configuration settings
in setup.

Includes Concrete MediaMerge™ Professional Edition. MediaMerge Pro also
merges and reorganizes multiple collections into one so you can combine
multiple music collections on external hard drives, or portable players such as
iPOD®, without iTunes® or other software. Converts files automatically to

artist - title.mp3 (or other formats).

Turn lights and appliances on remotely using the electrical wiring like a network
with built-in X10 wireless lighting and device control. Operate lights and
appliances using standard X10 modules and Firecracker RS232 module
available in kit from X10 Corp. Operate chase controllers, beacons, and dim
lights. X10 modules and Firecracker kit are available on-line at

http://www.x10.com and X10 distributors. X10 modules are also available

branded as RCA, Radio Shack and are available from many other retailers.

Supports remote Requests with our full featured Concrete DJ mixing software
(available separately). Concrete DJ can mix up to 20 separate
players/playlists, and 10 different outputs, at the same time using a single PC!
Send pop-up requests from Self-DJ touch screen systems to Concrete DJ from

any number of networked Self-DJ systems.

Ultimate Edition

Self-DJ Ultimate Edition is designed for our business affiliates to be able to rent unattended
Self-DJ systems and earn an income. Our affiliate customers typically deliver and set up Self­DJ systems, leave the site, and return later to pick them up after the events. They do not need
to be there unless they want to be. That is how, with the Ultimate Edition, one person can run 5
events or more, at the same time, all by themselves. Unlike the Standard and Manual Editions,
the Ultimate Edition is usually run in fully-automatic mode. Fully-automatic mode hides the
complexity of manual controls, EQ, and other DJ functions. It makes it easy to rent Self-DJ
systems unattended without confusing users by limiting what they can see and do. With Self­DJ Ultimate Edition, and an Affiliate membership, you will enjoy an ongoing business
relationship with us. Your rental customers will have the time of their lives, since everyone can

be the DJ, or do karaoke. The more systems you have, the more money you can make.

Securely switch between semi-automatic (manual controls), and fully-automatic Self-DJ
operation modes -- not available with other editions. Deliver rental systems configured how the
customer wants for particular events. Use fully automatic operation where the public has
access to the system and everyone can be the DJ. Use manual controls (semi-automatic

operation) only for rentals where the customer wants one person to be the DJ.

Volume control, Pause, Reject, and Log Off buttons, are visible only with a password when
manual controls are not being used. This allows the Self-DJ rental customer to easily maintain
control, ensuring a wide variety of everyone's music will be played, keeping everyone happy for
a successful event every time.

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Chapter III Installation & Setup

Connecting Your System

1. Y-adapter mini plug to SDJ computer GREEN jack

2. XLR cables between Y-adapter and LEFT/RIGHT speakers (MIC LINE 1)

3. XLR cables from microphones to LEFT/RIGHT speakers (MIC/LINE 2)

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Mixer shown unplugged with everything OFF

MAKE SURE POWER AND SETTINGS ARE OFF

Powering Up

4. Connect power cord from rack case to nearest outlet.

5. Connect speaker power cords to nearest outlets, or to power strip

in rack case. Use a 12-gauge extension cord or larger if needed.

TIP: If a hum is detected, turn off speakers, and reconnect speaker

power cords to SDJ rack power. Use extension cords if needed.

35

Power Up Sequence

Following these steps in order helps prevent damage to equipment, and

won't frighten customers with a sudden sonic blast.

LEVEL 1 and LEVEL 2 controls must be OFF

• Rack Power ON (1=ON) - touch screen will flash

• Computer ON - SDJ starts playing

• Speakers ON – switch is on back of speakers

WHEN SDJ IS PLAYING

• Slowly turn LEVEL 1 up to 50% -- you should hear music

• Slowly turn LEVEL 2 up to 75% -- be sure microphone is not in

front of speaker and switch is OFF

• Slowly turn EQ HIGH up to 0 (12 o'clock)

• Slowly turn EQ LOW up to 0 (12 o'clock)

36

View of built-in mixer on back of amplified speaker

While mixer labeling may be slightly different, the power up and power

down sequences are the same for any powered speakers. Traditional

sound system setups using separate mixer, amplifier, and speakers, are

handled in a similar way. Note: Pro audio systems like this use channel

numbers (1, 2, etc.), instead of left and right, like home audio.

WHEN POWERING UP

TURN ON AMPLIFIER OR POWERED SPEAKERS LAST.

WHEN POWERING DOWN

TURN OFF AMPLIFIER OR POWERED SPEAKERS FIRST.

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Sound Check

A sound check makes sure everything is working properly, and sets

maximum volume levels for how loud the system will be allowed to get.

Microphone and music volume levels are adjusted independently.

NEVER POINT MICROPHONES AT SPEAKERS

Checking Microphone Volume Levels

Make sure microphones are NOT positioned in front of the speakers to

avoid feedback. Turn the on/off switch to ON. Speak closely, and

directly into the microphone. Say “Check”, “Check”, or whatever, while

fine tuning the MIC/LINE 2 settings for each speaker, until desired

volume level is reached.

The microphone volume level is independent of the volume level settings

on the SDJ touch screen. Adjust LEVEL 2 with the MIC/LINE 2 control for

each microphone. It is better to be too quiet than too loud.

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Checking Music Volume Levels

While the music is playing, slowly slide the volume level on the touch

screen to the maximum position. If it is too loud, STOP! Fine-tune the

MIC/LINE 1 settings, and repeat until desired maximum volume level is

achieved.

Return the volume slider to an acceptable starting level. Make sure the

Self-DJ(s) know the password to view controls and how to adjust it

during the event.

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Power Down Sequence

The power down sequence is the reverse of the power up sequence.

Following these steps in order to prevent damage to equipment.

• Speakers OFF

• Computer OFF

• Rack Power OFF

UNPLUG POWER CORDS FROM OUTLETS

40

Adding Music

SDJ requires at least 10 songs to operate. If you already have sound files

on your hard drive, click Add Items in Setup to run MediaMergeTM.

Browse to drives or folders with music and touch Start. If you don't, see

Ripping Audio CD's, and Downloading Sound Files, and get some.

Introducing MediaMerge

TM

MediaMerge (MM)

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With SDJ Standard Edition, Concrete MediaMergeTM (MM) is used only to

load music into your media library. With SDJ Professional Edition or

higher, MM is also a powerful stand-alone utility. MM Professional makes

it easy to copy sound files to your SDJ hard drive from USB memory

sticks, iPods, and external hard drives, and helps you organize your

media file collection. See Concrete MediaMergeTM in the Appendix for

details.

To keep things separate, and make merged music easier to find, MM

copies files to C:\My Music\ , and tracks are merged into folders by

artists. Tracks are renamed to the industry standard, Artist – Title.typ

where typ is MP3 etc. using the tag information. This even works with

the iPod and other media players that name tracks in their own strange

ways. MediaMerge is a very handy tool to bring order to a chaotic mess

of music, or to merge several media file collections into one from

multiple sources.

Your Media Library

To play songs, sound files must have been previously loaded into the SDJ

media library using MM. Your media library has additional information

not contained in file tags, like whether a song has explicit lyrics, or is

considered holiday music. It also keeps statistics like how many times a

songs has been played or rejected.

SDJ uses a no frills database, designed specifically for multimedia

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information, speed, and efficiency. The library can hold up to

10,000,000 songs. Without the overhead to support database features

you don't need, you've got more memory and processing power available

for enhanced music reproduction.

Ripping Audio CD's

While more work than downloading, ripping your own sound files from

audio CD's ensures the highest quality sound and accurate tag

information. The downside is that it is time consuming – about 5-10

minutes per CD. If you decide to rip CD's, the Concrete ToolsTM Ripper

included with SDJ, does a a great job.

CD being ripped to MP3 files

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The Ripper is very easy to use. It has special features to eliminate

manual editing to correct common problems you will encounter with

many CD's. For example, title and artist are often combined within title

on CD's with various artists. Use the Fix button to correct this, and many

other similar problems, to rip sound files with perfect tags.

While you can use any ripper and rip your CD's with reckless abandon, it

is much better to check and correct CD tag information before creating

your digital sound files. Fixing CD information BEFORE ripping ensures

your sound files are tagged properly, and allows SDJ and other software

to work optimally. Ripper stores the corrected CD information in

Concrete Tools\System by the CDDB identifier, e.g. 900c380a.dat.

This is what CD information looked like before the “Fix”

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CD with tracks from various artists after being “Fixed”

It is important to have some patience when ripping your CD's. It can be

a long, long job. You will learn that having good tags makes everything

work better later. Plus the Ripper creates files with higher sound quality

and smaller file sizes.

As sound files are ripped, they are stored in C:\My Music Ripped\.

Normally, ripped tracks are stored in folders by artist, and then by

album. However, with compilation CD's like above, the default is to rip

tracks to a folder named using the album title, instead of artist. When

you exit the Ripper, MediaMerge is run automatically to add the newly

ripped tracks to your media library.

To add newly ripped files to your SDJ system manually, touch the Add

45

button in Setup mode and browse to C:\My Music Ripped\, and then the

new folder. When the process is completed, SDJ will restart with the

new songs. If you accidentally add the same folder more than once,

they will not be duplicated in your media library no matter how many

times you try.

If you are installing, ripping CD's, or configuring SDJ with touch screen

only, you can use the virtual keyboard, available in Windows. You can

also connect a regular mouse and keyboard. If you plan to rip CD's using

your SDJ system, you will also need to attach an external CD drive.

We typically rip CD's on regular desktop PCs and then copy the ripped

sound files to the SDJ system via a network connection, or use an

external hard drive or USB memory stick. The default folder Ripper uses

to store ripped files is C:\My Music Ripped\ . The Ripper is one of several

utility programs in Concrete ToolsTM available at

http://www.concreteDJ.com/downloads. See the Appendix for more

information on Concrete ToolsTM.

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MP3 File Size versus Quality

Ripper can create digital sound files using either a constant bit rate

(CBR), or variable bit rate (VBR). VBR is more efficient than CBR.

File Sizes Using CBR:

1 minute sound file takes:

.75 MB at 128Kbps

1 MB at 196Kbps

1.5 MB at 256Kbps

File Sizes Using VBR

1 minute sound file takes:

1.25 MB at Medium setting

1.32 MB at Standard setting

1.4 MB at Extreme setting (Default)

2.3 MB at Insane setting

File Sizes using WAV (uncompressed)

1 minute sound file takes:

10 MB

As you can see, a 3 minute song will only take a few MB of space, even

at a higher quality setting. Given the low price of today's hard drives,

we recommend you rip using VBR at the Extreme setting. You may regret

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ripping to a lower quality later. Beyond the Extreme setting, it is very

difficult to tell the difference in sound quality.

Assuming that the average song is 4 minutes long, here is a formula you

can use to estimate the number of GB free disc space needed:

# Songs x 4 min x Size in MB/min x 1 GB/1000 MB

Here is an example to see how much disc space you will need to store

10,000 songs ripped using VBR at the Extreme quality (1.4 MB per

minute) setting:

10,000 x 4 x 1.4 / 1000 = 56 GB

A 500 GB hard drive will hold approximately 70,000 items, assuming 100

GB is needed for Windows, SDJ, and free space. You can use these

formulas to determine how much space you'll need to hold your entire

music collection. The actual space needed depends on the quality of the

items themselves.

Downloading Sound Files

If you don't have any sound files, you can download them from a variety

of web sites. Avoid sound files with DRM (Digital Rights Management).

These files will not play properly in SDJ and many other players.

Licensing can easily be lost, forcing you to buy the music all over again.

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Avoid downloading music from “free” sites unless you know what you are

doing. Remember, nothing is free. Many of these sites install spyware

on your computer, and sound files themselves are often infected. At a

minimum, use a different computer (not your production SDJ system) for

downloads. Always scan downloaded sound files to ensure they are virus

free before uploading them to your SDJ system.

There are a number of links to music sites you can download from on

http://www.concreteDJ.com. A list of other download sites, including

where you can get promotional copies, and other legal music for as little

as .10 per song, is available in the SDJ business operations manual

available provided only to SDJ affiliates. For information on becoming

an affiliate, and owning your own SDJ business, visit http://www.self-

DJ.com.

Keeping Your Music Collection Up-To-Date

Check out your local radio station playlists on their web sites and get the

popular tracks if possible. You can also subscribe to a promo-only service

like http://www.promoonly.com to keep your music collection up to

date. Of course you will also want the timeless classics like Y.M.C.A.,

Cha Cha Slide, and others most audiences always want to hear. You can

find playlists from other experienced DJ's on the Internet, or use

established lists like the Billboard Hot 100 to get started.

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The media files on your SDJ system should be a subset of the master

collection, kind of like a “Greatest Hits” collection of your best music.

That way, it is easier for users to pick great songs.

Backing Up Your Music Collection

Backups are very important. We recommend using external hard drives

with both USB and SATA ports. The Professional Edition comes with two

external (eSATA) ports for high-speed copying and duplication. SATA is

about 6X as fast as USB. SATA speed is 3 Gb/sec compared to 480 Mbps

with USB. Note: External SATA drives must be plugged in and powered

up before starting the SDJ computer to be recognized in Windows.

Keep a master copy of all your media files on one drive. Use an imaging

utility to duplicate your system on the other for backup. Acronis True

Image Western Digital Edition is installed on your SDJ system for this

purpose. With an exact duplicate of your SDJ hard drive for backup, you

can easily recover from a virus or other problem, should it occur. With

an exact copy of your media files for backup, you will never lose any

music. Our technical support staff can help you if you need assistance.

50

Installing & Activating Software

If SDJ is already installed, configured, and activated, skip to the next

chapter. If not, insert the installation CD, or download and run

setupSelf-DJ.exe. Just follow the prompts.

Installing Self-DJ™

It is strongly recommended that you:

• Accept default folders. SDJ installs to C:\Self-DJ\.

Installing Concrete Tools™

Concrete Tools is a menu of tools for working with multimedia files. It

includes the CD Ripper, Sound Recorder, Sound Editor, Minii player

(audio), and Video player.

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It is strongly recommended that you:

• Accept default folders. All utilities installs to C:\Concrete Tools\.

• Check “Associate Files”. This links Concrete ToolsTM utilities to

media files by file type for editing and playback outside of SDJ.

Running Self-DJ™ For The First Time

Once installed you will be prompted to activate SDJ to avoid the

evaluation period time-out. You will need an active Internet connection,

a valid e-mail address, a valid activation code, and know the edition of

SDJ you are activating; Standard, Professional, Ultimate.

52

While you can do it all with the touch screen by using the Windows on-

screen keyboard, in Accessibility options, you might want to attach a

regular mouse and keyboard at times to the rear panel of your SDJ

computer. Using the two front USB ports on the SDJ rack case is even

easier since you can attach them when the computer is already running.

Another alternative for expert users is to install VNC server on the SDJ

computer, and VNC viewer on a networked workstation. That way you

can configure and use your SDJ system remotely using the VNC viewer.

You can find out more and get VNC at http://www.realvnc.com.

Activating Self-DJ™ Over The Internet

Until activated, SDJ will stop playing after 15 minutes.

53

To activate SDJ on-line you will need:

• Active Internet connection

• Valid e-mail address

• SDJ Edition you are activating; Standard, Professional, Ultimate

• Activation code

If you don't have an activation code, you can request one at

http://www.concreteDJ.com.

After the product has been activated, or if you bypass prompts and skip

activation, SDJ will start in Setup mode so you can add music to the

media library and make other changes.

Once you've got the music you wish to play loaded into SDJ, and you are

satisfied with other settings, check the “Skip Setup” check box in Setup

mode. Every time SDJ is run it will automatically start playing with the

volume control visible. Follow the prompts if you wish to choose the

initial songs manually.

SDJ will play the intro sound (if defined) and then begin playing, starting

with the first song on the playlist. The volume level is visible when the

program starts.

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File & Folder Locations

These are the main files and folders used by SDJ. Self-DJ.exe is the

main program. The default installation folder is C:\Self-DJ\.

Subfolders of \Self-DJ\ include:

\Logs\ – log files
\Skins\ – default skin graphics files
\Sounds\ – sound effects
\System\ – where your main media library and ini files are kept
\Tmp\ – scratch files

Folders used by SDJ and Concrete Tools are:

C:\My Album Art\
C:\My Karaoke\
C:\My Music\
C:\My Music Ripped\
C:\My Playlists\
C:\Self-DJ\

Using a root level folder for SDJ and Concrete DJ programs eliminates

potential Windows security issues. It also avoids excessive typing and

complexity trying to find files in default C:\Documents and

Settings\Username\My Documents\My Music\ folders. Yikes!

55

Chapter IV Configuring Self-DJ™

Getting Started

You'll need your Setup password to configure SDJ. The default

password is “SETUP”.

Setup screen

56

Passwords

SDJ uses a Self-DJ and a Setup password

The Setup password is for the SDJ owner to configure the system.

The default Self-DJ password is “TJ”. The Self-DJ password is for those

in charge at an unattended event to do basic control functions like

adjusting the volume, rejecting a song, or reordering the playlist.

To enter passwords in SDJ, touch the button below. You have 15 seconds

to enter the password on the SDJ keyboard. If you mess up, touch it

again to stop the timer. Then once more, to reenter the password.

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Touch this button for a password prompt

If you are operating SDJ in Manual mode, the button above is not

available. That space is used for the SDJ manual controls. You can get

the same effect by touching the large button at the top of the screen. It

works the same way.

You can also touch this button for a password prompt

Touching either button a second time stops the timer, and hides prompts.

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When To Use The Self-DJ Password (default is TJ)

Use the Self-DJ password to change volume, pause and reject songs, load

playlists, and perform other functions. Give this password to the person

you are renting to, or whomever they want to be in charge (the Self-DJ).

Don't give out this password freely, or the SDJ event will be

compromised and the performance will suffer.

When To Use The Setup Password (default is SETUP)

Use the Setup password to change Self-DJ skins, colors, advertisements,

and which controls are visible to the Self-DJ. The default password is

“SETUP”. Set the operating mode (Automatic, Manual, or Requests),

change passwords, and make other major changes. This password is for

the SDJ system owner, only.

To change settings, you must be in Setup mode. Follow the instructions

above to enter the password. After installation, SDJ starts in Setup

mode automatically until songs are added, and the system is properly

configured. Once configured, uncheck the “Skip Setup” check box in

Setup mode and SDJ will start normally. When you exit Setup mode, SDJ

will start playing normally.

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Choose Operating Mode

SDJ works 3 different ways (operating modes):

1) Automatic jukebox player with karaoke* (Self-DJTM mode)

2) Semi-automatic jukebox player with karaoke (Manual mode)

3) Jukebox only sending requests to Concrete DJ (Requests mode)

*Karaoke is available with SDJ Professional and higher editions.

Automatic

• Unattended operation

In this mode, the Self-DJ can change volume, reject etc. This is how SDJ

is most commonly used. In automatic mode, everyone can enjoy their

music.

Manual

• Attended operation

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In this mode, the volume, 7-band EQ, song monitor, and other controls

are available all the time. This mode is intended for events where one

person that wants to be “the DJ”.

Requests

• Remote control operation

If you have Concrete DJ (http://www.concreteDJ.com), a more

advanced mixing program, you can use SDJ as a simple jukebox front-

end, to send pop-up requests to Concrete DJ, either running on the same

PC, or across a network. SDJ requests pop-up in a requests playlist on

Concrete DJ automatically.

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Pre-Flight Check

Get Ready To Rock

To start Self-DJ'ing:

1. You need at least 10 songs in your jukebox (see Adding Music).

2. You'll want automatic program start-up

• Check “Skip This Screen” in Setup.

• Paste SDJ short-cut in Windows Startup folder (see Starting

Self-DJ Automatically for details).

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Chapter V Using Self-DJ

Basic Operation

Using SDJ is easy. Automatic mode is the most common, because then

SDJ works like a computer appliance. It runs unattended, until a

password is entered. If left alone, SDJ serves up a random mix.

TM

The music never stops.

Getting Started

The media library list is on the left. The playlist is right. SDJ will start

playing automatically, in playlist order, adding items to the playlist as

needed. It keeps two or three songs on the playlist so there is always a

song to cross-fade.

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Playing

Choose songs by touching items in the media library (left-side list). Wait

for a prompt, or drag-and-drop them onto the playlist (right-side list).

Karaoke

Works the same as when playing songs. However, unlike the jukebox,

you must manually put songs on the playlist. Unlike the jukebox, SDJ

does not automatically add songs in karaoke mode. However, once there

are songs on the list, karaoke playback will continue automatically until

they are all done. If you do not put choose any more karaoke selections

after a brief time, the system will automatically return to normal

jukebox operation.

Browsing

Touch or hold the page up buttons to scroll up. Touch or hold the page

down buttons, to scroll down.

Sorting

The list must be sorted for searching. Change the sort order between

title, artist, and year, by touching that column heading.

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Searching

Touch the on-screen keyboard to find songs by letter. To search by

artist, the list must be sorted by artist. To search for songs by title, the

list must be sorted by title.

To search for songs by year, just click the year button and the list will be

sorted for you automatically.

65

Using Self-DJ Controls

Self-DJ mode with volume and control buttons visible

During normal operations, users just search for songs and get them on

the playlist. They play in order, like a regular jukebox. At some point

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you will want to adjust the volume, pause the music to make

announcements, sing karaoke, or maybe reorder the playlist. That is

what the SDJ controls are used for by the Self-DJ(s).

Self-DJ Controls

• Adjust the volume slider up or down as needed but be careful.

Volume changes take effect when you take your finger off the

screen.

• Use the Reject button to fade-out the current song, or to reject all

songs in the list.

• Use the Pause/Resume button to pause the current song, or resume

playing from the current position.

• Use the Log Off button to fade-out the current song, play a “Finish

Sound” if defined in Setup, then log out of Windows. NOTE: Stop

SDJ immediately in Setup mode by clicking End.

• Use the Karaoke/Jukebox button to change between Karaoke and

Jukebox mode. The playlist is restore after changing modes.

• Use the Playlist button to load a predefined playlist.

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Playlist Maintenance

Drag-and-drop items to reorder the playlist, or “Drop Here To Delete”

• Remove unwanted items with drag-and-drop.

• Reorder the playlist using drag-and-drop.

Just drag songs you don't want to play to “Drop Here To Delete” and let

go. The drop zone appears when you keep pressing any of the items in

the playlist.

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The easiest way to have a song play next is to drag-and-drop it directly

on the column header just above the top song. That way it will appear,

and play after the song currently playing.

Note: The only exception is that you cannot remove or reorder the top-

most item, if it is already playing. You will not be able to remove it, or

put another song ahead of it.

Using Manual Controls

Wouldn't it be cool if you could use your cool new SDJ system for

everything? After all, once you've ditched your mouse and keyboard, and

get used to the touch screen, it is very hard to go back. If only it had a

few more features. Well, with manual controls it does.

The extra things you like to do; tweak the EQ, or previewing a song on

headphones (monitoring) while playing another on your main speakers,

and more features, are available in Manual mode.

Note: Using Manual mode requires resolution greater than 1024 x 768.

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Self-DJ in Manual Mode

In Manual mode, SDJ is still extremely easy to use but this mode is not

designed for unattended events. However, the Manual mode touch

screen interface with SDJ is perfectly suited to events where one person

wants to be the DJ, especially if that person is a professional DJ.

Manual mode is also a great way for the SDJ system owner to enjoy the

system at home while maintaining your media library. While the music is

playing, you may encounter a bad sound file, holiday music, or an item

with explicit lyrics that you won't want in your main library. It is easy to

use the Tag button to maintain your media library while enjoying some

great music at the same time.

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Manual Controls

Manual controls are great! Toggle the regular SDJ controls on and off,

use the 7-band EQ, preview songs in your headphones independently of

the main mix, and more.

Manual control buttons

• Push the Fade-Out button to cross-fade to the next song. This works like

the Reject button but without any prompts.

• Push the Tag/Keyboard button to tag any song as explicit, holiday, or to

remove bad sound files from your library or hard drive. Special tag

buttons appear where the keyboard buttons were while you are tagging

items. Touch Keyboard to hide tag buttons. By default, sound files

tagged as explicit or holiday do not appear in the list.

• Push the X10/Keyboard button toggles the wireless device display on and

off. SDJ supports the CM17A Firecracker interface using an RS232

71

transceiver to dim lights and control appliances, wirelessly. Press

Keyboard to show the keys again. Support for X10's new CM15A

Firecracker with USB interface is in the works.

• Push the Controls button to toggle the regular Self-DJ buttons visible and

invisible. This is really only necessary to access the Log-Out and Playlist

buttons, which are only available with the other Self-DJ buttons.

• Push the Pause/Resume button to pause and resume a song, exactly the

same way the Self-DJ Pause button does.

• Push the EQ/Monitor button to show the EQ , or preview any song in the

media library with a single touch, listening on your headphones, while a

different song is playing on your main speakers. Press Monitor to enable

one touch monitoring. Press EQ to switch back to the EQ.

Monitor Equalizer

To monitor songs, just touch any song in the media library (leftmost list) and

72

they will start playing on the monitor. Use controls as needed. It is that easy.

• Push the Setup/Cancel button to prompt, or cancel a prompt in progress.

By default, the 7-band EQ, is visible in Manual Mode.

If you have used other DJ software, you'll revel in SDJ's simplicity and be

able to interact with your audience again. Use the time you save to

improve your show. If you are into features, Concrete DJ lets you do the

fancy stuff and then some. However, with Concrete DJ, and other

feature-rich software, you may want to use a mouse and keyboard.

Fading-Out Songs Manually

Make a smooth escape. When you need to escape from the song that is

playing, you can smoothly cross-fade to the next with the touch of the

Fade-Out button. This is especially handy if the wrong song gets played.

Tagging Songs as Holiday and Explicit

To avoid playing White Christmas on Valentine's Day, or ICP at a 50

wedding anniversary, you can mark tracks as Holiday or Explicit. Just

touch Holiday or Explicit while the song is playing or selected. The next

time you start SDJ, those tracks will not show up. To view them in the

media library list, and play them, check Holiday or Explicit in Setup.

th

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Removing Media File Items

Select the item you wish to remove from your media library and touch

Remove. The next time you start SDJ, the removed items will no longer

be available. You can also delete items from your hard drive too. This is

handy if you stumble upon a sound file you don't want, or one that

doesn't work right. Just follow the prompts after touching Remove. The

song cannot be removed if it is playing.

Using The Equalizer

In Manual mode, you will see the EQ curve corresponding to the song's

genre. The appropriate EQ curve for each genre is selected each time a

song is loaded. When ANT makes changes, sliders move up or down as a

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group, by themselves. It is cool to watch. You can manually choose a

different EQ curve from the drop-down list, change the individual sliders

to tailor the sound to your liking, or simply watch ANTTM working, as EQ

sliders move up and down on their own.

You can change the default EQ preset, or settings for a preset, and make

whatever changes you want; increase bass, cut treble, etc. Your EQ

changes to a genre remain in effect during the entire SDJ session for that

genre. EQ settings for each frequency are summed to compute the

overall input level.

To give you more control, you can manually lock the signal whenever you

want for the current song. Just touch the LOCK button. Once locked,

the input signal will stay locked, no matter how loud or quiet it gets, so

use caution. When the next song is loaded, ANT takes over normally

again. You can also touch PAD or CUT for +/- 1 dB incremental changes.

This is the same as moving all the sliders up or down as a group, only

much easier.

Locking In The Sweet Spot

While ANT does a terrific job by itself, a nice feature is being able to

lock the input level for the current song (pauses ANT). When locked,

ANT no longer increases or decreases the input levels, so the volume

stays the same. From there, you can manually increase or decrease

levels using Pad or Cut.

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All the EQ sliders move up or down together as a group when you touch

Pad or Cut. You can do this to fine tune your sound, and hit the sweet

spot, or just to have something to do.

The bright green LED to the right displays a summed Left/Right input

signal. This LED simplifies being able to precisely find the sweet spot.

The sweet spot is the point in the middle where you get maximum

headroom and minimum distortion.

Making Requests Remotely

Requests mode integrates SDJ with our more advanced Concrete DJ

(CDJ) mixing software. SDJ makes it easy for the audience to be able to

submit requests electronically to CDJ. This is a great tool for the DJ,

especially new DJ's. Any number of SDJ systems can submit requests,

but only the CDJ system receiving the requests is actually connected to

the sound system.

Unless you are running both CDJ, and SDJ, on the same system, you will

need to be familiar with networking. You can find plenty of information

on the web, or contact our support department for help.

TM

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Prerequisites

To send requests from SDJ you need to:

1. Be in Requests Mode

2. Define where requests will be sent in Setup

3. Have CDJ installed and running

The easiest way to use SDJ to send requests to CDJ is if both programs

are running on the same system with two display monitors. However, it

works much better to use two systems. This is because there is only one

mouse pointer makes it harder to use both CDJ and SDJ at the same time

on one computer.

With SDJ there are two computers in your rack case. One for SDJ, one

for CDJ. However, you'll need an extra monitor, RJ45 cross-over cable,

and some networking expertise.

• Assign both computers unique IP addresses in Control Panel, e.g.

192.168.0.5 and 192.168.0.6.

• Connect both computers together using an RJ45 cross-over cable.

• Share the Requests folder on the CDJ system for read and write

access.

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• Start CDJ.

• Start SDJ.

• From the SDJ system, browse to the \Requests\ folder on the CDJ

system and select it. By default this is C:\Concrete DJ\Requests\.

One configuration is to connect the CDJ, and one or more SDJ systems,

on a network. Another is using both computers in your SDJ rack case

system with a cross-over cable and another display monitor.

Don't forget to share the Requests folder on the machine running CDJ for

read/write. That way you can browse to \Requests on the CDJ system

from Setup on all the SDJ machines.

Once the link is established, every time a user selects a song on SDJ, a

file with their request is created in the \Requests folder on the CDJ

system. CDJ checks for these requests automatically. They pop-up in a

requests playlist on CDJ as they are entered on one or more SDJ systems.

Using Requests mode is almost like having your audience do your work

for you. It really helps new DJ's just getting started. It is also great for

experienced DJ's looking for something new to add to their performance.

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Chapter VI Setup

The first time SDJ is run, you will enter Setup automatically.

Setup is where you change how SDJ works. Go ahead. Customize it your

way. SDJ comes with some cool color presets and skins. If you are

renting SDJ systems, this is also where you can advertise your services.

Setup screen

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Setup options are organized by tabs. Depending on the edition of SDJ

activated, some may not be available.

Starting Self-DJTM Automatically

SDJ systems for rentals are configured to start SDJ automatically. That

way, they start playing music, whenever the SDJ computer is started.

This is done in Windows by copying a short-cut to Self-DJ.exe, and

pasting it in the Programs Startup folder.

One way to do this is to right-click the Windows Start button and left-

click Open All Users. Open the Programs folder, the the Startup folder.

Paste the short-cut into the Startup folder. The next time Windows

starts, SDJ will too.

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Password Notification

So you don't forget, SDJ notifies of both the Self-DJ and Setup passwords.

This occurs whenever “Skip This Screen” is NOT checked. You enter

Setup mode automatically when you first start using SDJ after a timed

notification of the Self-DJ and Setup passwords.

With SDJ, you need a password to make configuration changes. This

password is called the Setup password. The default is “SETUP”.

There is a also a password used to make basic changes, like adjusting the

volume, rejecting a song, or reordering the playlist. That is the Self-DJ

password. The default is “TJ”.

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Main Options

The main Setup screen is organized by function using tabs.

Main Setup screen

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Skip This Screen

Checking this box avoids entering Setup every time SDJ is started.

NOTE: Once SDJ is configured, and there is plenty of music loaded, you

will want to check “Skip This Screen” in Setup. That way SDJ will start

without going into Setup each time the program starts. You can get back

into setup anytime by entering the password.

Operating Mode

SDJ operates in two different modes:

1. Jukebox/Karaoke lets you play all popular audio file formats and

Karaoke. This is the default setting. Note: SDJ supports both BIN

(contains both audio and video) and CDG + MP3 formats. Karaoke

is not available in the Standard Edition of SDJ.

2. Send Requests lets you “send requests”, from SDJ to Concrete DJ

on the same system, or from one or more networked SDJ systems.

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You must also define the folder where requests are sent in Files &

Folders. This might be C:\ConcreteDJ\Requests\, or the \Requests

folder mapped to a drive letter on a networked PC running

Concrete DJ. Either way, Concrete DJ automatically scans its

Requests folder for requests from SDJ and lists them automatically.

Show

Holiday Music

Show/hide seasonal or other music. Tag files in Manual Mode.

Explicit Music

Show/hide items with explicit lyrics or titles. Tag in Manual Mode.

Playlist Button

Show/hide the playlist button when using the Self-DJ password.

Album Art Show

Display album covers using art in C:\My Album Art\ at random.

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Volume Limiter

This feature makes it look to the Self-DJ that SDJ is at maximum volume,

even when it is not. This helps prevent damage to equipment or simply

prevents music from being played too loud.

Set a maximum for both Main system and Wave volume levels (0-100).

The Wave level level applies only to Windows 2000 and XP systems.

Media Library

The media library is a database of all the music in SDJ. It has places for

additional information, e.g. If the file is considered explicit or holiday

music, that is not contained in file tags.

• Rip CD's – runs Ripper to create high quality MP3 and other media

file types from audio CD's with special editing features

• Add Items – runs MediaMerge to search your hard drive, or external

hard drive, for media to add to your media library.

• Compress – physically removes items marked as deleted

• Get Art – searches the web for album art for each sound file in your

media library. Stores it in C:\My Album Art\ by size.

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• Reset – start over fresh with an empty media library.

You can change the location of the media library in Files & Folders.

The media library consists of three files: media.dat, media.ndx, and

mediaX.ndx. The main library is found in the \System folder. It can be

copied manually to different folders so you can have media files with

different content for different purposes.

Passwords

The default Self-DJ password is “TJ” to make the volume control and

other buttons visible.

The default password for Setup is “SETUP” for Setup mode to change

these options.

Colors

Select a color preset or choose your own back color, and interior color

for SDJ buttons. You can come up with great color combinations to

personalize your SDJ system, or tailor it for specific events.

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Other Main Options

Show Full Screen (Display 1 or 2)

View SDJ full-screen on your primary monitor (select Display 1) or

your secondary monitor (select Display 2). SDJ runs in a 1024 x

768 window when unchecked for use when running other programs.

NOTE: Touching or clicking the upper or lower title bar on the

secondary screen will also switch displays between monitors.

It is possible to run SDJ like a regular Windows applications (or at

least sort of) by unchecking “Show Full-Screen”. This forces SDJ

into a fixed 1024 x 768 window you can move where you want.

This lets you run other programs at the same time. You can also

minimize SDJ to the task bar to keep music playing in the

background. This mode is most useful if you have two monitors, or

one very large monitor running in very high resolution. Because of

limited space, not all functions are available in this mode.

SDJ is best when used full-screen with a dedicated touch-screen

display at 1280 x 1024 resolution or higher.

Single Display Only

Forces SDJ to run on just 1 monitor if you have dual displays.

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Search Delay

The search delay affects how quickly SDJ responds to users'

touching the letters on the SDJ virtual keyboard. The default of 1

second allows up to 3 letters, if you are quick about it. A search

delay of 0 will result in an instantaneous search but you will only

be able to enter a single letter.

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Files & Folders

This setup screen allows you to choose different media libraries, skins,

and change other file & folder related settings.

Files & Folders setup screen

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Album Art Folder

Defines the location of album art, the default is C:\My Album Art\ . Art

files are named so you can enjoy them, and organized into folders by

size; small, medium and large.

Requests Folder

Defines where requests from SDJ will be sent for use with Concrete DJ, a

more advanced mixing program. Concrete DJ can be running on the

same PC with dual displays, or on a networked PC. Any number of SDJ

systems can be used to send pop-up requests to Concrete DJ.

Media Library

Defines the location of the current media library. You can use more than

one by copying the three files (media.dat, mediaX.dat, media.ndx) to

different folders. Use the Reset button to create a fresh copy, AFTER

you've copied the three files to a different folder. Don't worry. SDJ

automatically leaves a date-stamped copy of your media library in the

\System folder for you.

Use This Skin

Defines the .jpg, or other graphic file, displayed in the background.

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There are a number of different skin files with SDJ. We prefer concrete,

because it is so solid, and lasts so long, like SDJ, but you can use any

graphic, including your album art files.

Start Sound

Check this box to start your events off with a special sound file. It might

be a vocal drop advertising your service. It might be a sound clip. We

like tequila. What start sound would you like?

Finish Sound

Same as the Start Sound, only played when the Log Off button is

touched.

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Custom

These options define the custom text and graphics used to advertise your

service. Be sure your screen is set higher than 1024 x 768 to view it all.

Custom setup screen

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Name

The name of your service. It is displayed at various times during an

event.

Phone

The telephone number for booking events with your service. Like Name

above, it is also displayed at various times during an event.

Web Site

The URL for your web site, like http://www.self-DJ.com, goes here. It

too is displayed at various times during an event.

Banner 1

This shows up at the top of the screen when using a second display

monitor. If you are using SDJ with dual screens, Banner 1 and Banner 2

are used on the second display.

Banner 2

This shows up at the top of the screen, below banner 1, on a second

display monitor if used.

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Ad 1

Ad 1 is a .jpg file you create and customize in a paint program like Adobe

PhotoShop. It is displayed at the lower right-hand corner of the screen,

whenever there is no album art for the song touched, and at other

times. The ideal file size is 223 x 223 pixels. Enter the files URL in the

box, or click the button to the right of the box to browse to it on your

hard drive.

Ad 2

Ad 2 is a larger version displayed where the SDJ virtual keyboard

normally is when the user is prompted to play a song they've selected.

The ideal file size is 649 x 217 pixels.

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X10

X10® is a cool wireless technology that enables you to control devices

using existing electrical wiring, very simply, and at a very low cost.

X10 setup screen

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In SDJ, X10's CM17A interface communicates using your serial port with a

small transceiver. You can use either Com1 or Com2. The default is

Com1. Future versions of SDJ will also include support for the CM15A

version which uses USB. The modules are the same for both versions.

Devices you want to control are plugged into X10 modules. X10 modules

are plugged into normal wall outlets. X10 works by using the electrical

wiring like a network. X10 modules are available on-line, at some retail

stores, or under other manufacturer's labels like Radio Shack.

House

Defines the network using a letter (A-Z).

Device

Defines the number of the device (1-16).

Type

Defines the type of device; appliance or light. Devices attached to lamp

modules may be dimmed or brightened by simply holding the button

down on your touch screen.

Note: While there is built-in support for up to 16, the current version of

SDJ only has screen space for 3 devices. With X10, SDJ can be used to

turn devices on or off, or dim lights, from the touch screen. Cool!

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SDJ supports the CM17A transceiver that plugs into the serial port. The

CM17A transceiver is sold in a kit at http://www.X10.com for $49 called

the Firecracker. The Firecracker comes with a receiver/appliance

module, lamp module, and a remote control. Note: There is also a

CM15A which uses USB. This transceiver is not currently supported.

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Ant

TM

ANTTM (Automatic Normalization Technology) is exciting new technology.

It is unique to SDJ. It is kind of like Smart Sound®, only smarter.

ANTM setup screen

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ANTM is designed to run your computer sound like a DJ does, slowly,

adjusting the volume as needed. But ANTM does much more. Sure,

simply adjusting the volume makes things louder or quieter, like with

Smart Sound, or volume normalization, but it does nothing to improve

sound quality. ANTTM does.

ANTTM makes your music sound much cleaner and more detailed by

sampling peak input levels every 50 milliseconds. When needed, it

adjusts these levels at different frequencies to find the “sweet spot”.

The sweet spot is where there is the least distortion, and highest signal-

to-noise ratio. It does not change the output volume level directly, as is

the case with normalization and Smart Sound type devices.

ANTTM makes music noticeably clearer and more detailed. It also makes

your sound much more dynamic and lively by bringing up quiet passages,

to feature vocals or other subtle nuances in the music, and quieting

overly loud passages. Quieting loud passages, especially the ones that

can damage your equipment, is extremely useful and critical since SDJ is

designed to run unattended.

If you are using SDJ in Manual mode, ANTTM eliminates the need to keep

adjusting the volume so you can focus on your audience, and puts some

life in your event, almost as if someone is working the control behind the

scenes. It is wonderful compared to ordinary software that allows your

equipment to explode if you step away from the system for a moment,

and the next song is REALLY LOUD. It also saves you a ton of time since

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you can skip normalizing your music collection forever. Phew!

Unlike legacy volume normalization, which uses a average volume level

to use whenever the song is played, ANTTM continually monitors the input

level, and adjusts the gain, up or down, using the parameters contained

here. The benefit to ANTTM is maximum headroom, very low distortion,

and a much more dynamic, well defined sound.

ANTTM ON

You can disable ANTTM by unchecking this box (default is ON).

Change how ANTTM responds to changing input levels, by choosing either

Weighted or Continuous algorithms.

Input Lock

The Input Lock setting stops ANT from making changes after the number

of adjustments you've defined here. Please note however, that if ANT is

ON, it will still protect your equipment during extremely loud passages,

or make the music listenable during extremely quiet ones.

ANT Walk-Through

ANT™ does its thing automatically, using the values in Setup. See the

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