– on the latest hi-tech lighting eff ects, it can’t be denied that at the very heart of what we do as mobile DJs is playing music. Therefore it can be argued that the most important aspect of any DJ’s setup is the PA – a good DJ sound system will make music sound loud and clear without feeling uncomfortable for an audience to listen to for a prolonged period of time. 82 On the other hand, poor sound can make a DJ’s job even harder than it already is, driving guests to fi nd quieter places for conversation away from the music.

Once this has happened, attracting them back to hit the dance-fl oor can be a tall order indeed. This means that investing in top of the range high quality PA is of utmost importance. Of course, there are times when the big-brand top-of-the-range off erings simply aren’t an option. For example, when you’re just starting out, or – in my case – when you already own a large, expensive PA system but want another, more compact, option for smaller functions and as a backup.

It is for this reason that I was very keen to try out the DAP Audio Clubmate system, as it fi ts within my budget and – on paper – seemed to tick all of my boxes. The Clubmate II is a portable, active DJ sound system comprising a 15” powered bass bin and a pair of 8” + 1” satellite speakers, which has a combined power output rating of 700W RMS. Priced just under £600, this is certainly an aff ordable option, although it’s worth noting that ‘accessories’ which are sometimes included as standard must all be purchased as extras in this case.

Firstly, and most importantly, no speaker leads are provided to connect the sub to its satellites. Stands for the satellites are not included and padded covers are also an optional extra. The main sub unit has a strong 13-layer plywood construction while the satellites are made from MDF. All three speakers are fi nished in a slick textured black and are fi tted with robust black metal grilles.

The downside of this wooden build is the inevitable weight. The tops being both compact and passive – come in at a very manageable 9kg, however the sub – due to its larger dimensions and the fact that it contains the amps for the whole system – weighs a fairly whopping 46kg. Recessed carrying handles are provided, one on the back of each satellite speaker and one either side of the sub. This means that the satellites can easily be carried in together in one trip and that the sub can just about be lift ed by one man alone.

However, if you’re carrying it for anything more than a very short walk, it really is a two person lift . This isn’t a problem to me, as I always work with a helper/roadie, but will defi nitely be something to consider if you regularly work alone. Wheels are not mounted to the sub, as I have seen on some other similar systems, however a specifi cally-designed ‘wheel board’ is available - as (you guessed it) an optional extra. DAP AUDIO CLUBMATE II In terms of connections and conoverload protection trols, I found the Clubmate II to be triggered and well thought out and very useable, minor point is without being overloaded by un- LED is conspicuous necessary extra ‘bells and whistles’.

All of the sockets, dials and switches Of course, while are located on the back panel of the cal and practical sub unit on a slightly recessed panel. covering, what Two stereo input options are prowhat the system vided: RCA phono and combination have to say that, balanced ¼” jack / XLR, which means I was incredibly that every standard connection type output – this is covered. A stereo pair of balanced loud. Initially XLR output sockets is also provided, would only be to allow an additional amplifi er or small venues at second active PA to be daisy chained actually think into the system.

Outputs for the in all but the satellite speakers are provided in the form of professional standard I fi rst tested locking speak-on connecters, while for just 40-50 power input is via a standard IEC compact pub socket. that really didn’t the Clubmate II Two rotary level controls are prothen took it to vided: one for the ‘MAIN’ overall ‘standard’ volume and another for the ‘SUB’. for an event I found this useful, as I actually Here the system needed to dial down the bass a litenough volume, tle in order to get a good balanced little bit of spare sound – the bin really does kick out sound quality some serious low frequency!

Indicaable; obviously, tor LEDs are also provided for mains pay for it, you ‘POWER’ and ‘PROTECT’, which I was happy and indicates when the unit’s inbuilt any complaints. DAP AUDIO CLUBMATE II DAP AUDIO CLUBMATE II circuit has been the audio muted. One that a signal indicator by its absence. all of these technipoints are worth really matters is sounds like. Well, I liked was the depth of the bass.

My fi rst and foremost, main system includes a pair of 18” impressed by the bins; so I’m used to good low end system is surprisingly and didn’t want to lose that in my I thought that this new smaller system by opting for suitable for the very something like a pair of active 12s. which I work, but I The Clubmate II really shines in this it could hold its own respect, providing more than ample biggest. low frequency reproduction for the size of venue that this system would the system at a party be used in. people in a very function room, but While I can’t honestly say that this allow me to put is the best sound system I’ve ever through its paces.

I heard, I can say that I was truly a larger event in a impressed. For under £600 you get mid-size function room an active PA that packs a real punch with 80-100 guests. and off ers a good level of quality. excelled, providing I’d certainly recommend it to anywhile still leaving a one looking for a fi rst PA, as well as ‘head room’. The those – like myself – who want a is more than acceptmore compact second system that if you’re willing to doesn’t sacrifi ce low end.

My only can get better – but word of caution: watch out for the certainly didn’t get weight of the sub if you work alone! What I particularly 01 \ Florence + The Machine – Ship To Wreck 02 \ Jason Derulo – Want To Want Me 03 \ Rixton – We All Want The Same Thing 04 \ Ariane Grande – One Last Time 05 \ Flo Rida ft . Robin Thicke & Verdine White Rnb/hip hop 06 \ Charles Hamilton ft . Rita Ora – New York 07 \ Miguel ft Wale – Coff ee 08 \ Tinie Tempah ft .

Jess Glyne – Not Letting 09 \ Krept & Konan ft . Jeremih – Freak Of The 10 \ A$AP Rocky ft . Rod Stewart, Mark Ronson indie/rock 11 \ Circa Waves – Stick In My Teeth 12 \ Fall Out Boy – Uma Thurman 13 \ Mumford & Sons – The Wolf 14 \ Muse – Mercy 15 \ Walk To The Moon – Shut Up And Dance house/dance 16 \ DJ S.K.T ft . Rae – Take Me Away 17 \ Rudimental ft .

Foy Vance – Never Let You 18 \ DJ Fresh & Adam F – Believer 19 \ Duke Dumont – The Giver (Reprise) 20 \ Avicii – Waiting For Love LEGALLY DOWNLOAD ALL £10 #/AUGUST – I Don’t Like It, I Love It Raining Go Week & Miguel – Everyday Go POWERED -SX2 CUE CREATIVITY Intuitive control of Serato DJ, including Serato Flip / Performance cue point LEDs / Four-deck control / On Jog Display with digital cue countdown / Serato DVS upgrade-ready / MIDI and Traktor Pro2 Get your hands on the fi rst controller with dedicated buttons for the new Serato DJ Expansion Pack that Let's you record, loop and hot cue sequences on the fl y.

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