Articles by Glenn Newton

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Glenn Newton

Articles by Glenn Newton

With over 30 years of owning, repairing and modifying audio equipment, I particularly enjoy breaking down the more technical side of DJ and AV products in my writing to make them as easily understandable to the non-tech minded as possible.

My love of machinery and electronics from an early age soon had me pulling apart the family Hi-Fi system to see how it worked, which led into my love for both Hi-Fi and DJ equipment, of which i have owned and repaired many vintage and modern variations.

DJing with vinyl for several years, which started in 1992 while at senior school, i have owned multiple turntables, audio mixers, amplifiers and speaker systems, both for home use and for larger PA requirements, and this type of performance audio equipment will always be close to my heart.

At the same time I was also enjoying Hi-Fi separates, and was an early enthusiast of the Home Cinema boom, enjoying my time with the end years of VHS and Dolby Pro Logic audio as it then evolved into the digital formats that are still in use today.

With my working background starting in my early teens i was involved with the production and manufacture of electronics equipment for the industrial door control market for 20 years, which included a mix of printed circuit board fabrication work and heavier-duty panel wiring. These skills also found use in my spare hours, from repairing broken Hi-Fi equipment, installing car audio systems, TV and sound system setups, and electric/electronic musical instrument service and repair.

That last one led me to set up and run my own guitar repair business for eight years, which covered everything from full instrument builds to the design and manufacture of analogue effects pedals, the servicing of valve amplifiers, and luthier-specific jobs such as fretwork and instrument damage repairs. This is still a big part of my life, just these days as a paid hobby.

Throughout my life I have always enjoyed the process of documenting my experiences and sharing my learned technical knowledge and processes. I have done this for myself, for traditional printed magazines, and for the blog features of several websites, with my current role at ElectroMarket seeing me as part of the media creation team.

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5 Best Portable Bluetooth Speakers 2023

The range of portable Bluetooth speakers available today is vast, with hundreds of variations on similar themes all vying for your attention. They are mostly based on poor-quality copies of the bigger brand's designs though, and the large online shopping sites are flooded with them. So if you want the best portable Bluetooth speaker for your garden parties and days out you need to forget the pocket-sized toys and take a look at our range which offers you the loudest Bluetooth speaker systems with amazing features such as LED effect lighting and karaoke microphone inputs. These systems are ideal for use as stereos in bedrooms with their karaoke functions being huge fun for kids that enjoy singing along with friends to their favourite songs, and of course for those deadly serious sing-offs at parties. Most include adjustable echo for adding depth to vocals, and some can even record your performance. Bluetooth speakers have for many people completely replaced more traditional home stereos, with the convenience of wireless streaming from phones and tablets being by far the most popular way to listen to music, and the ability to take that sound into any room or into the garden without the need for extension cables being an enormous benefit.

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5 Best DJ Moving Head Lights

Most commonly used by DJs, club owners and lighting designers, DJ moving head lights cast moveable beams of light around a chosen area, and they do this via an integrated motor located at their base. This allows the light to swivel round on a 360 degree angle, meaning that there is no place it can’t illuminate.

The majority of moving head lights also have DMX technology embedded in them, which makes programming light shows much easier. Furthermore, moving head lights can also be customised with gobos to project a stencilled image of choice, whilst also allowing the ability to change the colour of the light, making the creative possibilities virtually limitless.

Moving head lights come in three different variations: wash light, spot light and beam light, with each of these types of head lights helping to perform slightly different lighting roles.

BeamZ are an established, growing lighting brand who design and make lighting for professional usage. Their moving head lights are equipped for deployment in venues such as nightclubs and arenas. Listed below are five of their best DJ moving head lights in terms of price and functionality.

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5 Best Cheap Electronic Drum Kits For Learners 2023

Is there such a thing as a cheap electronic drum kit? And are they any good? Well, the answer is yes and yes! Our range of budget electronic drum kit sets from industry leaders Carlsbro have completely revolutionised the market with their innovative portable designs and inclusion of class-leading features such as mesh heads and USB MIDI connectivity. Carlsbro’s range of affordable electronic drum kit packages come in several specification levels depending on the features you want, the overall kit size, and its intended player age and ability level if any. Everything from the unique 3-piece Rock50 aimed at children, several mid-level 7-piece drum kits suitable for students and professional home practice, up to the range-topping 9-piece mesh head CSD600 kit which offers the feel and playability of drum kits that are 3 times its price. Designed to easily fold away for convenient storage and transport, these cheap electronic drum kits are ideal for bedrooms and living rooms where they can be moved out of the way when not in use, while the drum heads remain fully wired to the brain unit allowing for set up in minutes.

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5 Best Vinyl Players On A Budget 2023

The popularity of vinyl records continues to march forward, finding itself a new set of collectors and enthusiasts every year. This timeless audio format now has you spoiled for choice when looking for a budget vinyl player, with dozens of modern and retro designs available. When considering a cheap vinyl player to enjoy your records on there are a variety of options and features that are well worth considering, from a unit's ability to play all 3 sizes of vinyl records, a 78 rpm speed selection for vintage recordings if needed, and convenient inclusions such as auto-stop. The crown of best budget vinyl player is highly coveted, with systems coming packed with modern features such as Bluetooth streaming and the ability to connect to a PC for transferring your vinyl to MP3 with the software included. With built-in stereo speakers allowing you to enjoy these record players anywhere without the need for a Hi-Fi system, they offer a fantastic way to listen to your vinyl collection, with the benefits of modern digital formats making them highly versatile. Here we have grouped together our choice for the 5 best vinyl players on a budget for 2023.

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Battery powered smoke machines, do they exist?

“Do you know what would be good? a battery-powered smoke machine! I can't believe nobody makes one”…. As a retailer of DJ equipment and all the classic smoke machines and fog machines, hazers and fazers, we are often asked about battery powered smoke machines, and more importantly why it is we don't sell any. Well to start with, they do actually exist, so lets get that out of the way first. The real discussion comes from the designs and types available, the intended usage, and the most important bit of course, the price.

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Best Cheap Record Players 2022

Discover budget-friendly options that offer exceptional performance without breaking the bank. From models with built-in speakers to those with Bluetooth connectivity and USB compatibility, these vinyl turntables deliver both style and substance. Explore the unique features of each player, including manual and automatic stop functions, various speed options, and the ability to convert vinyl to MP3. Whether you're a music enthusiast or seeking the perfect gift for someone special, this blog guides you through the best cheap record players available, combining vintage aesthetics with modern convenience.

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Best Fake Snow Machines For Christmas 2024

Unleash the joy of winter indoors with artificial snow machines. From creating a whimsical atmosphere at Christmas gatherings to adding excitement to parties, these devices offer a range of effects. Delve into their functioning, powered by water-based fluid that produces foam-like snow. Explore various models with features like heater elements, fluid tank capacity, and remote controls. Discover how these machines bring a touch of magic to your events, transforming spaces into enchanting winter wonderlands. Whether you're a casual home user or a professional, this blog unveils the secrets of snow machines that can make your celebrations unforgettable.

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5 Best Budget Subwoofers

Unleash the thunderous depths of sound! Dive into our enticing guide that unlocks the world of budget subwoofers. These affordable wonders infuse your audio setup with rich, earth-shaking bass. Explore a selection of active subwoofers loaded with professional features, each enhancing your sound experience. From adjustable frequency cutoffs to clever connectivity options, these budget-friendly gems promise to elevate your audio game. Whether you're a mobile DJ or a live performer, this guide unveils the secrets of potent bass on a budget.

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How to avoid blowing Speakers

Discover the ins and outs of speaker damage prevention in this guide. Learn how speakers blow from mechanical or thermal failure and how to avoid these pitfalls. Dive into thermal failure, which occurs due to improper signal amplification and understand how clipping impacts your speaker's health. Delve into component failure, a less common issue, and explore the relationship between amplifier output and speaker capabilities. Gain insights into input signal quality, the importance of proper gain control, and equipment suitability for different scenarios.

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Amplifier Power Ratings - RMS vs MAX, PEAK, & IPP

Dive into the intricate world of audio power metrics with this enlightening blog. Unravel the confusion surrounding terms like RMS, Program Power, Peak Power, Max Power, and IPP in amplifiers and speakers. Discover why manufacturers' marketing claims can often be misleading and learn to distinguish true performance indicators from sales jargon. From understanding the significance of RMS as a reliable measure to dissecting the nuances of different power ratings, this guide empowers readers to make informed decisions when choosing audio equipment. Whether you're an audio enthusiast or newcomer, this comprehensive exploration will equip you to navigate the realm of audio power with confidence.