Allen & Heath played an important role as Xone mixers were installed in a number of stages. Those DJs who were particularly conscious about sound quality specifically asked for a Xone console. Amongst them was Carl Cox, who hosted his own stage and formed a line-up featuring other big names, including the techno pioneers Kevin Saunderson and Derrick May. Cox specifically asked for the Xone:62, not only for the sound quality, but for its "wicked'' filter section as well.
However, the biggest surprise was shown backstage in the 'DJ headquarters', a hospitality area showing new DJ techniques and equipment, as the brand new Xone:V6 EQ Isolator was on display. Manufactured to the same high build quality as the Xone:V6 console, the unit immediately drew the attention of almost every DJ. With an identical look and sound to the mixer, the EQ module adds even more control to the package, which is predicted to become the new standard in top quality mixing. Dutch Allen & Heath distributor, TM Audio, co-hosted the 'DJ Headquarters'.
Spokesperson, Rudolf Nagtzaam, commented: "Whilst US and UK DJs are more familiar with rotary mixing, their European mainland counterparts are more 'fader - minded'. However, the Xone:V6 and its additional units should really appeal to the more radical DJs and club installers."
First to test the Isolator was Belgian House-DJ Tom de Neef, an early V6 convert who mastered his rotary mixing skills working with Roger Sanchez. Influenced by disco, rock and old school house music, de Neef'slatest track, Supasax, has that typical late-eighties house feel, setting the pace for a new revolution in dance music. An avid adopter of new techniques and valuing the importance of sound quality, de Neef was an immediate fan of the Isolator:
''I really don't understand why anybody would not want to use the EQ Isolator, it's yet another step towards perfection! Combined with the V6's high-pass filter, I can create some amazing sounds, as the unit is not just an EQ filter - it also serves as VCF effects."
"The sound quality and the possibilities of the V6's filters are now part of my performance. These filters give you the same effects as other popular yet noisy mixers but in the V6 they sound fantastic. The V6 will be my mixer of choice when it comes to putting my next mix album together."
The Xone:V6 EQ Isolator will be launched at PLASA along side a new V6 crossfader unit. During late August and September, Tom de Neef can be heard in Ibiza performing a back-to-back set at Pacha with the ''Release Yourself'' host, Roger Sanchez, as well as filling a regular slot for the label, Hed Kandi.
Allen & Heath can be found on stand K60.
(Lee Baldock)
