08-28-09 [We Like]
“RSH Audio provide sound hire & installation, with a full spectrum of live engineering services.”
When searching for sound systems we entered ‘low cost Funktion-One hire’ into Google and RSH ranked top. And that’s what we got, but with a super fast military-like setup, a friendly service, flawless kit and a wealth of knowledge.
We asked Joe, the owner of RSH Audio, a few questions….
How did you get into hiring sound systems?
I started as a DJ, mainly doing house parties/hall parties as a teenager (which I then got bored of) and ended up renting the gear out to other local DJ’s, so I learnt exactly what is required of a sound system from the most ‘ground up’ level. Then, as I moved onto working in university venues as an engineer I realised that there are a lot of people/companies who aren’t very good at what they do in the sound engineering/rental market…
We get the impression that you don’t sleep much. Is business going well?
Business is good for us at the moment, thanks to pricing at a point which is affordable to promoters, yet we’re still able to invest in the best gear. I often put my time in at 0 cost, as I love being involved in any event, and ensuring that it sounds brilliant for our clients.
What equipment do you use and why?
Funktion-One, for the fact that I’m yet to hear anything else which has such a clear, involving, and accurate sound. Ease of setup, and the fact we can arrange large quantities of it are also important to us. We use Martin Audio Blackline+ for smaller stuff, as it’s an industry standard, and sounds great for smaller and monitor applications.
Why can Funktion-One setups sometimes sound good and at other times sound bad?
It’s the same with any system and unfortunately there are a lot of blaggers and people in it for the money/’glamour’ out there. I would generally say that 9 times out of 10 it’s due to DJ’s abusing the red lights on a mixer though…
Do you think Funktion-One speakers are suited to a particular music style?
I find them brilliant for everything, from Acoustic music to a DnB rave. Obviously you need to tweak set-ups and settings, but I’m yet to be unhappy.
What do you think of FFA amps and how important is it to use the right equipment for other elements of the setup, i.e. mixer/cables etc?
It’s absolutely critical. The DJ mixer is the most important link in the chain. Pioneer mixers don’t cut it, Allen & Heath are workable, but Formula Sound is the only real good quality option. I absolutely love the FFA amps which we use and I’m convinced they give us an edge on other F1 rental companies.
What DJ monitor speakers would you recommend for a club and home environment?
I use a pair of Martin Audio Blackline F12+’s, run off a QSC amp and they’re great. I try (and fail) to avoid the temptation to use one of our Blackline+ 18″ subs too… If you have deep pockets then the Funktion-One RM series is awesome.
Do you only set up at licensed events?
Yes. There’s no way our equipment’s ending up in a police impound.
How can people get in touch with you if they want to hire from you?
Please see… www.RSHAudio.co.uk
How much does a pot of Funktion-One paint cost?
£75.
Do you get on with your neighbours?
The house next door to mine has been empty for 6 months… A month or so ago I setup a 20K Funktion-One system in my back garden, and had no less than 4 neighbours at my doorstep in under half an hour.
http://www.rshaudio.co.uk
mail@RSHAudio.co.uk
08-26-09 [DA Podcast]
Where are you based?
Orlando, FL.
What music style do you play?
DnB, house (all shapes & sizes), progressive breaks/trance.
What equipment did you use to create this mix?
Ecler Nuo4, 2 1200s, Korg Kaoss, Senny HD25s, My Blackberry for sampled recordings LOL…..
What is your favourite producer and/or label?
Good question. I really don’t think I have an overall favorite. In my opinion there’s so much quality out there, in all genres. I go through phases where I’ll really be feeling a certain sound & producers for a bit, then I’ll maybe shine a light in the other direction & find something else brilliant that may or may not even be in the same realm. I like to try & intertwine all genres & not focus on one specific sound. That’s where the fun comes in for me, trying to lace my sets with a variety of beats & vocals, but maintain an overall feeling and story within itself.
What are your top 10 tracks currently?
These aren’t necessarily top ten, but some of the tunes I’m always digging on….some older tracks so these may not be brand new or anything, for all you dubplate heads out there ;) In no particular order:
Quadrant – Whisper
Kirsty Hawkshaw – Night Theme (Nucleus & Paradox)
Random Movement – A Quick Thought…. ‘This guy can do no wrong in my opinion’
Human Factor – Diggin Deepa
Human Factor – I Can’t Say No
Aperture – Losing The Point
ASC – Tradewind
Electrosoul System – To See The Stars
Klute – Come Back To Me…. ‘One of my all time fave dnb cuts’
Verse – Sleepless
Where will you be DJing in the future?
I recently got a job opportunity in Tucson, AZ so I’m in a transition period. I left Orlando last month & staying with family in LA until the project gets underway in October. Until then I have an online radio show based out of Florida & not sure what will happen until I get settled again. Will let you know!
Please give any more info i.e. website/contact details;
I’m working with some close friends in Dallas, TX on a website launch; hopefully we’ll get it up & running by the end of this year. I am also working on a side project called Davis, inc. and hope to launch that online as well. Hope to stay in touch with you guys and keep you up to speed.
DA Podcast Mix
http://www.darkaudio.co.uk/index.php?artid=1258&traid=2894&
http://www.darkaudio.co.uk/podcast/darkaudiopodcast.rss
08-22-09 [DA Artist Reviews]
Danny Stott is a DJ and producer based near Manchester, with releases on Lost My Dog, 3am, New Era, Ambiosphere, Grouper Recordings and Dutchie. He uploaded some outstanding deep house mixes to darkaudio, so we invited him down to London to play at our last event.
A few questions from us to Danny….
How would you describe your music style?
My tracks do sometimes vary in style, but usually deep and groovy house.
Do you consider yourself to be a DJ or a producer or a bit of both?
I’d say a bit of both. Like most I started out DJing and took the natural route into production.
You previously mentioned to us that you don’t have time for stuff like Facebook. So how much time do you spend on music and production?
Too much according to my better half, but basically as much as I can fit in which sometimes means making a trip to the studio in the early hours.
How long have you been producing, what got you into it?
I’ve been making tracks for about 3 years and releasing for about a year and half. I’ve almost always had an interest in DJing and house music in general so just a natural route I suppose.
What comes first when producing – the beat or the melody?
Usually the melody, once I’ve created a bassline or lead that I’m happy with, everything is worked around that.
Do you play any other instruments?
No, I would like to be able to play the guitar but have never managed to get round to it.
What is your favourite track of all time?
To be honest I couldn’t answer that if I tried. Love the classic early 90’s house stuff though. My favourite track of all time at the moment would probably be Sebastien Tellier – La Ritournelle but that will probably change.
What do you think of the digital music and MP3 trend in general? Has it helped you or would you prefer to be releasing vinyl?
This is a subject people seem to feel passionate about. I grew up using vinyl so I’d be lying if I said I wouldn’t like a vinyl release. The MP3 industry obviously has it’s downsides with sound quality and illegal downloads and while I would prefer for people to pay for my tracks, it doesn’t really bother me to be honest. I’m just grateful to be able to release tracks and if people like them enough to download them, illegally or not, I’m happy.
Some useful links….
http://www.myspace.com/danstott
08-19-09 [Site Updates]
DA v2.1 Launched
LiveFeed
Homepage left panel converted to an update listing for LiveFeed. Livefeed features all darkaudio updates.
http://www.darkaudio.co.uk/livefeed/
Links
Links to ‘about’ and ‘designisdark’ page.
Advertising Banner
Standard format banner introduced to the top of homepage.
We are currently recoding for darkaudio v3.0. To give feedback and add your requests for v3.0 please visit our feedback page; http://getsatisfaction.com/darkaudio