Although the exhibit hall was once again brimming with many vendors showcasing their latest and greatest hardware, software, gadgets, various compilation CDs, and anything else to help DJs or other businesses boost their presence and their bottom lines. All of the “majors” were out in full force, such as American DJ, Aerial7, Bose, Denon DJ, Hercules, MixWare, Native Instruments, Numark, Odyssey Cases, Pioneer, Rane, heck, even Men's Wearhouse had a nice set-up toward the back left of the exhibit hall, outfitting anyone who wanted to leave the schlubby look behind for a more professional and polished look. Best of all, you could try anything and everything and easily purchase products for well under the retail value, which is what I decided to take advantage of.
For the first time I bought something that I needed: a new pair of headphones for use with my iPod, only I really didn't have any one manufacturer in mind, but I knew that there would be a few companies offering product. I stumbled upon the Aerial7 booth, which had a wall of different colored headphones and pricing tiers. There were four models to choose from: Phoenix, Matador, Chopper2, and Tank, and two ear bud models, the Sumo and Bullet. (On their site, there's also the Alist Royale model, which retails for $400.)
Except for the two ear bud models, I tried the others, which were hooked up through an amplifier to one iPod that was playing various Progressive House. I wound up liking the overall sound of the Tank model (in black), and bought them right then and there for $55 versus $80 @ retail. Like other over-the-ear headphone models, these make you look a little bit like Princess Leia, from Star Wars, but they sounded quite good, especially with their ability to resonate bass well without any noticeable feedback. I tried to see if I could also use them to DJ with, and while they work, they're best suited for listening to your iPod. Still, I'm very happy that I bought them and look forward to using and enjoying them for years to come.
Special Thanks
Thank you to Jim Tremayne @ DJ Times Magazine and Cary Vance @ Promo Only for the above and beyond accommodations that both of these stalwarts within the Dance Music industry have extended to myself over the past three years in helping to provide (continued) coverage for DanceMusic.About.com.
