Full Version: Cortex/wdja
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Hi all can anyone tell me if there is any reviews of the cortex hd100 as I have looked and can't find any? Also, does anyone know what the wdja is like, is it actually worth joining??
If you use the forum search feature ( Top right ) and search for hd100 there are a few topics there.
The WDJA - IMHO - is excellent and worth considering. Im sure other members can vouch for it.
The WDJA - IMHO - is excellent and worth considering. Im sure other members can vouch for it.
IMO.....the WDJA ascociation is not worth joining, that is of course IF you get accepted.
Their methods of sellection are somewhat questionable....apprently your not worthy of meeting their requirments if your not "exclusively" a wedding DJ....like as if that makes you a good of bad wedding DJ.
Their methods of sellection are somewhat questionable....apprently your not worthy of meeting their requirments if your not "exclusively" a wedding DJ....like as if that makes you a good of bad wedding DJ.
QUOTE(NRG Roadshow @ Aug 3 2008, 04:42 AM) 
IMO.....the WDJA ascociation is not worth joining, that is of course IF you get accepted.
Their methods of sellection are somewhat questionable....apprently your not worthy of meeting their requirments if your not "exclusively" a wedding DJ....like as if that makes you a good of bad wedding DJ.
I don't understand the criteria either. With 29 years experience of doing possibly 50-60 weddings a year and being a "full time DJ" does that make me suitable? Who is there to judge me without even seeing me perform??? I could put anything on a web-site!
Not too happy with the Cortex myself, but I know a lot of people do like them.
Personally I have 2 Denon units and am delighted with those. Why not try to go and see a member using their Cortex at a gig......??
I have the HD100 as a back up... Its a no frills HDC... For the money its excelent as with everything it depends on what budget you have and what you want to be able to do with it.. I think Newmark is the next level then Denon then the crem de la crem is Pionner. As I say its budget....
WDJA is only worth applying for if you specialise in Wedding DJing... If your an all rounder as I suspect the guys above are, then its not for you. I can not understand some of the points above. Paul who is the founder has always said it was for Specialist Wedding service providers. So you know the criteria, just because you do 50 - 60 weddings a year does not mean you specialise in weddings. A car mechanic might repair 50 or 60 ford Escorts in a year but he might not be a Ford Escort specialist!!!!
If you are not aiming to specialise then dont apply you will be rejected and then might cry fowl as above.
Hope this helps
Nik
WDJA is only worth applying for if you specialise in Wedding DJing... If your an all rounder as I suspect the guys above are, then its not for you. I can not understand some of the points above. Paul who is the founder has always said it was for Specialist Wedding service providers. So you know the criteria, just because you do 50 - 60 weddings a year does not mean you specialise in weddings. A car mechanic might repair 50 or 60 ford Escorts in a year but he might not be a Ford Escort specialist!!!!
If you are not aiming to specialise then dont apply you will be rejected and then might cry fowl as above.
Hope this helps
Nik
QUOTE(UKHero @ Aug 3 2008, 09:39 AM)
I have the HD100 as a back up... Its a no frills HDC... For the money its excelent as with everything it depends on what budget you have and what you want to be able to do with it.. I think Newmark is the next level then Denon then the crem de la crem is Pionner. As I say its budget....
WDJA is only worth applying for if you specialise in Wedding DJing... If your an all rounder as I suspect the guys above are, then its not for you. I can not understand some of the points above. Paul who is the founder has always said it was for Specialist Wedding service providers. So you know the criteria, just because you do 50 - 60 weddings a year does not mean you specialise in weddings. A car mechanic might repair 50 or 60 ford Escorts in a year but he might not be a Ford Escort specialist!!!!
If you are not aiming to specialise then dont apply you will be rejected and then might cry fowl as above.
Hope this helps
Nik
So you only do weddings Nik? No, didn't think so. Just because you don't " specialise" (Whatever that means...) doesn't mean you are any less or more compitent than the next guy, or is it just me .... I care!!
QUOTE(Kingy @ Aug 3 2008, 03:56 PM)
So you only do weddings Nik? No, didn't think so. Just because you don't " specialise" (Whatever that means...) doesn't mean you are any less or more compitent than the next guy, or is it just me .... I care!!
Yes I do... My site and any of my advertising is aimed at the wedding market. It is true other work comes in from my promotional material and thats great but I do go out looking to work predominantly in the wedding market.... It has nothing to do with being compitent. You might be and very probably are a more compitent DJ than me.... Its an association for people who specifically aim at the Wedding market, Just as a Volvo owners club is for people who own and drive volvo's but might from time to time drive a Saab lol
madness, Im a dj and get paided by my clients to entertain and keep the dance floor full, so is that not what weddings are about?? Because if there not Ive been doing the wrong thing for the last 10 years...
QUOTE(UKHero @ Aug 3 2008, 04:43 PM)
Its an association for people who specifically aim at the Wedding market, Just as a Volvo owners club is for people who own and drive volvo's but might from time to time drive a Saab lol
It's a glorified agency. Simple as.
If it were a 'glorified agency' then I would be taking the bookings and passing them out for commission.
Please get your facts straight before making such posts
Please get your facts straight before making such posts
QUOTE(Paul Smith @ Aug 3 2008, 09:55 PM)
If it were a 'glorified agency' then I would be taking the bookings and passing them out for commission.
Please get your facts straight before making such posts
Here are the "Facts" as I see them:
The association is a group of Disc Jockeys who pay to obtain work via an middle man (The web site). There may not be any commision as such but a fee is payable to be vetted to join. This may only be to cover expenses and advertising ( I personally havent seen any, but I do believe it exists) but the fee is definatley payable.
I am sorry Paul (and all the other "suitably qualified subscribers") but I see this "Association" as an un-neccesary snipe at other DJ's who either do not meet the "criteria" or simply chose not to apply (as in my case). Almost an elitist attitude. How many of the "suitable" Dj's have been vetted in person as opposed to being chosen on what they either write on a forum, put on a website or claim to do. Should UK Hero (Nik) be a member ( I am not sure he is, but think so....) who actually vetted him? (No offence Nik, jusat using you as an example). How many of the panel have ever seen him work?
Who is to say "Yes, your suitable" and "Sorry, No, not this time"?
It is a matter of choice. It's not for me.
QUOTE(djshyboy @ Aug 2 2008, 06:55 PM)
Hi all can anyone tell me if there is any reviews of the cortex hd100
1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,and 10... ah good. I've still got all my fingers and I'm planning on keeping it that way - so I wont mention any forum associations.
With regard to your enquiry about the Cortex unit(s). I think that you might mean the Cortex 1000 rather than a 100.
Like the other publically launched hard drive controllers, such as the Cortex 3000, the Denon DN-HD2500 and the now discontinued Numark Director/D2, the Cortex 1000 has had a number of firmware upgrades. The reason why I mention this is that any reviews which you might see about the Cortex 1000 could be from an earlier revision of firmware, so any shortfalls which an old review may have picked up on, may not be their now.
Ah, deep breathe.......................................................................................
Cortex is a nice unit, apparently
Cortex is a nice unit, apparently
QUOTE(startrax @ Aug 3 2008, 08:38 PM)
madness, Im a dj and get paided by my clients to entertain and keep the dance floor full, so is that not what weddings are about?? Because if there not Ive been doing the wrong thing for the last 10 years...Its not madness at all if what your doing works for you then thats fine...
The WDJA is a group of DJs who are trying it another way... We are all commiting to the same ethics and targeting the Wedding market. Instead of some of my advertising budget going on just a small advert it is being added to the pot with like minded DJs to be able to go for the more expensive advertisments seen by more people.
I just dont see the problem with this, Read the criteria if it interests you and you fit that criteria apply, if it doesnt or you dont then do not apply. Its not rocket science.
QUOTE
Here are the "Facts" as I see them:
The facts as you see them dont mean there facts just what you have construde from the argument.
The association is a group of Disc Jockeys who pay to obtain work via an middle man (The web site). There may not be any commision as such but a fee is payable to be vetted to join. This may only be to cover expenses and advertising ( I personally havent seen any, but I do believe it exists) but the fee is definatley payable.
We have not paid to obtain work in the way that you are saying. We have paid to be able to have a larger budget for advertising to reach a market we could not afford to reach as individuals.
I am sorry Paul (and all the other "suitably qualified subscribers") but I see this "Association" as an un-neccesary snipe at other DJ's who either do not meet the "criteria" or simply chose not to apply (as in my case).
Why?
Almost an elitist attitude. How many of the "suitable" Dj's have been vetted in person as opposed to being chosen on what they either write on a forum, put on a website or claim to do. Should UK Hero (Nik) be a member ( I am not sure he is, but think so....) who actually vetted him? (No offence Nik, jusat using you as an example). How many of the panel have ever seen him work?
No offence taken, and yes I am a member. I think I joined before the pannel was set up but only Paul can confirm this.
Who is to say "Yes, your suitable" and "Sorry, No, not this time"?
Someone has to and I think with an Assoc such as this that is UK wide Paul has come up with the best solution to date how ever if you think you have a better idea do tell..
It is a matter of choice. It's not for me.
This last sentance answers your whole post on this subject. But at this moment in time it is for me and the other members.. Its funny the people who are members think its great and have bennefited from it. It is only non members or people who failed to pass the criteria that try to snipe at it.
Nik
QUOTE
The WDJA is a group of DJs who are trying it another way
Would be intresting to know what this other way consists of, because in my eyes theres 3 important things in a wedding.
1. sticking to the b & G's critera and agenda(which is discussed when booking)
2, entertaining
3. full dance floor
Im not having a go, cos in reality I havnt done a wedding for over 3 years due to my time on the spanish circuit
however i have a few booked, and boy am I looking forward to them. I also think that any new dJ's reading this forum and the critera for the wdja would put them off.
QUOTE(startrax @ Aug 4 2008, 07:36 AM)
Would be intresting to know what this other way consists of, because in my eyes theres 3 important things in a wedding.
1. sticking to the b & G's critera and agenda(which is discussed when booking)
2, entertaining
3. full dance floor
Im not having a go, cos in reality I havnt done a wedding for over 3 years due to my time on the spanish circuit
however i have a few booked, and boy am I looking forward to them. I also think that any new dJ's reading this forum and the critera for the wdja would put them off.
No worries, There is so much more than that, mind you a few years back I would have thought the same.
I am still learning and the WDJA and its members are helping me improve more and more.
Any way back to the topic guys sorry it has been hi jacked....
Nik
QUOTE(Kingy @ Aug 3 2008, 11:10 PM)
I am sorry Paul (and all the other "suitably qualified subscribers") but I see this "Association" as an un-neccesary snipe at other DJ's who either do not meet the "criteria" or simply chose not to apply (as in my case). Almost an elitist attitude.
I'm sorry that you see it as a snipe at other DJs because that's not what we are about. We are an Association of like minded individuals who are working together. We are not in competition with any other Association (many of our members are also members of other Associations) and we are specialist rather than elitist.
Put another way - if I were a DJ who specialised in Childrens Parties and set-up the CPDJA would that be seen as elitist or specialised?
All Associations need to have a criteria for membership - ours is pretty straightforward and has already been discussed in detail. I do believe it is fair but, as always, if anyone has an idea on how to improve it then I'm open to suggestions.
QUOTE
It is a matter of choice. It's not for me
I respect your choice
QUOTE(Kingy @ Aug 3 2008, 11:10 PM)
How many of the "suitable" Dj's have been vetted in person as opposed to being chosen on what they either write on a forum, put on a website or claim to do. Should UK Hero (Nik) be a member ( I am not sure he is, but think so....) who actually vetted him? (No offence Nik, jusat using you as an example). How many of the panel have ever seen him work?
Who is to say "Yes, your suitable" and "Sorry, No, not this time"?
It is a matter of choice. It's not for me.
Who is to say "Yes, your suitable" and "Sorry, No, not this time"?
It is a matter of choice. It's not for me.
From what I understand of the registration/admission process, you have to supply verifiable references, I believe the registration panel check them out by contacting the referees or the the venues.
When I joined I had to submit info so I could be checked. If you say you have been working for 30 years doing purely weddings for example and then they find that you stated on a forum that you only set up 3 years ago and specialise in DnB doing 18th raves then you will get found out and rejected.
When you specialise in weddings you put a little more into it than just getting a booking off goodparty and turning up on the night, you need to adopt a professional attitude in your approach to the booking.
For every wedding I do I arrange a meeting with the bride and/or groom usually at the venue where it is to be held, I get details off them about how THEY want the reception to go, what dances, speeches, presentations etc that they want alsong with the timings of these. I issue contracts that afford them more piece of mind that I will turn up. It also gives them more confidence in knowing they have met in person the DJ that will be turning up on the night. All this is contrast to the perception that they normally have of a stereotypical DJ, one that just answers an email saying yes I will do the booking and then lets them down a week before the wedding if not on the night.
It is this attention to detail that helps making you a professional wedding DJ.
By putting that little extra into the planning you can demand an higher price.
BTW I know nothing about the Cortex LOL
Jim
QUOTE(JimBoylan @ Aug 4 2008, 03:33 PM)
For every wedding I do I arrange a meeting with the bride and/or groom usually at the venue where it is to be held, I get details off them about how THEY want the reception to go, what dances, speeches, presentations etc that they want alsong with the timings of these. I issue contracts that afford them more piece of mind that I will turn up. It also gives them more confidence in knowing they have met in person the DJ that will be turning up on the night. All this is contrast to the perception that they normally have of a stereotypical DJ, one that just answers an email saying yes I will do the booking and then lets them down a week before the wedding if not on the night.
It is this attention to detail that helps making you a professional wedding DJ.
By putting that little extra into the planning you can demand an higher price.
Jim
Same here Jim, you are preaching to the converted and I am pleased to hear of your trading style. There are loads and loads of "DJs" out there that would not adopt some of your practices and these are the guys who let us all down.
By the very nature of their disasters they become prominent to the public's perception of DJ's & we all get tarred with the same brush.
What I am saying is that some of us are professional Disc Jockeys who do very often play at wedding receptions. I have checked the terms and conditions of the WDA and more than meet the criteria but choose not to apply to join.
In an article that was published it was inferred that only Dj's registered with this association should be considered for the bride's big day. I don't see that as realistic. There is simply no justification.
It says that the organisation is by invitation only. If I easily meet and exceed the qualifications, why was I not invited to join? It also does not mention anywhere that DJs subscribe to this association. So you pay to be a member. Isn't that a bit like a curry house simply paying to be in the good curry house guide? I see no difference from what I have seen.
I am not posting on this subject again, I don't see the point, but surely I can't be the only one on here with my views???
Can we have some other thoughts on this.......anyone...???
QUOTE(Kingy @ Aug 4 2008, 05:14 PM)
In an article that was published it was inferred that only Dj's registered with this association should be considered for the bride's big day. I don't see that as realistic. There is simply no justification.
Here's the relevant part of the article
QUOTE
If you want to go for the cheapest then just phone around until you find one that suits your price. If, however, you want your evening to be a unique and fitting celebration for you and your guests then you will need to do a little more work - but it'll be worth it. You could ask friends and family for recommendations, check out links from this site or use the Wedding DJ Association form. This will automatically put you in touch with all registered professionals in your area.
QUOTE(Kingy @ Aug 4 2008, 05:14 PM)
It says that the organisation is by invitation only. If I easily meet and exceed the qualifications, why was I not invited to join? It also does not mention anywhere that DJs subscribe to this association. So you pay to be a member. Isn't that a bit like a curry house simply paying to be in the good curry house guide? I see no difference from what I have seen.
From the Wedding DJ Association site
QUOTE
Would You Like to Join Us?
All potential members of The Wedding DJ Association must agree with our Code of Ethics (Here) and the requirements of membership before applying to join this professional body.
If you feel that you can meet these standards and would like to apply please complete this form in full.
This is a subscription Association. For further information about the WDJA click here or if you have a specific question use the contact form here.
All potential members of The Wedding DJ Association must agree with our Code of Ethics (Here) and the requirements of membership before applying to join this professional body.
If you feel that you can meet these standards and would like to apply please complete this form in full.
This is a subscription Association. For further information about the WDJA click here or if you have a specific question use the contact form here.
The association has never been by invitation only so I don't know where you got your info from Kingy but the above are the facts.
QUOTE(Kingy @ Aug 4 2008, 05:14 PM)
am not posting on this subject again, I don't see the point, but surely I can't be the only one on here with my views???
I don't have a problem with any views either for or against The Wedding DJA provided those views are based on accurate facts and not guesswork, assumptions or mis-representations designed (in my view) to try and discredit the Association. I am also happy to answer any questions if something is not clear.
QUOTE(djshyboy @ Aug 2 2008, 06:55 PM)
Hi all can anyone tell me if there is any reviews of the cortex hd100 as I have looked and can't find any? Also, does anyone know what the wdja is like, is it actually worth joining??
QUOTE
Breaking the boundaries and entering a new digital dawn, cortex introduce the hdc1000. Simply hook up any usb storage device such as a flash drive, external hard drive, cd-rom, or even an ipod, and you're good to go. The hdc1000 will play back and allow manipulation of any usb device. Just plug in and play! The cortex hdc1000 gives djs more power to cue, play and manipulate digital files. Use the intelligent music database management system to find any track with ease. Search by artist, title, genre, even by words or phrases; and play them with ultra-precise pitch resolution. The technology incorporated into the cortex design, means it really is that simple - there is no need for a computer. And because the hdc1000 is compact, light and portable, they are perfect for club installs and mobile systems. With constant and very simple updates available the specs of the hdc1000 are constantly changing for the better. As of january 2007 the hdc1000 will have user-defined playlist creation and playback as well as a superb auto-crossfade feature! To get you started on this sublime piece of equipment were now including a free 512mb usb drive for storing and playing your tunes on your hdc 1000!
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:
Dual deck digital dj control system
Mp3, wav, cd-audio compatible
Play 2 tracks from single usb device
Connect an manipulate audio direct from:
Flash drive, external hard drive, cd-rom, ipod or mp3 player
+/- 4, 8, 16, 24% pitch range
Disc remain, track remain, time elapse display features
Jog wheels
Track search
Database management system with file search and locate functions
Dual usb connection
Connect up to 4 usb audio devices / cd decks at once with usb hub (not supplied)
240v only
Constant updates available at cortex-pro.com
Auto cross-fade
User defined playlist creation
Seamless loop function update released july '07 (available from cortex-pro.com)
<<<free 512mb usb drive>>>
Weight: 5.1kg (including packaging)
Height: 6.2cm x Width: 48.2cm x Depth: 8.8cm
Warranty: 1 year
MSRP:£516
HTFR £199
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:
Dual deck digital dj control system
Mp3, wav, cd-audio compatible
Play 2 tracks from single usb device
Connect an manipulate audio direct from:
Flash drive, external hard drive, cd-rom, ipod or mp3 player
+/- 4, 8, 16, 24% pitch range
Disc remain, track remain, time elapse display features
Jog wheels
Track search
Database management system with file search and locate functions
Dual usb connection
Connect up to 4 usb audio devices / cd decks at once with usb hub (not supplied)
240v only
Constant updates available at cortex-pro.com
Auto cross-fade
User defined playlist creation
Seamless loop function update released july '07 (available from cortex-pro.com)
<<<free 512mb usb drive>>>
Weight: 5.1kg (including packaging)
Height: 6.2cm x Width: 48.2cm x Depth: 8.8cm
Warranty: 1 year
MSRP:£516
HTFR £199
Source: HTFR
WDJA is a new Association on the block trying to help its members. Good luck to them.
We can all cherry-pick questions but Paul answers. Fair play.
QUOTE
Put another way - if I were a DJ who specialised in Childrens Parties and set-up the CPDJA would that be seen as elitist or specialised?
I think there is plenty of room for all variety of organisations and affiliations in our diverse industry - note the word diverse!!!!
Cortex HDC-1000 is a great unit but I would go for the HDC-3000 if you can aford it. It's the best product in their range in my opinion. They are both stable and reliable with the latest firmware revisions. That is as long as your Hard Disk and files are in good shape.
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