KOKO wanted to design an exceptional audio experience for performers and customers. Technical manager Santi Arribas was intrigued by the visual possibilities presented by the DVJ-X1. He says, as a technical person I was not sure if a smooth mix of video and audio would be possible. But as soon as I used the deck it became apparent that it was a fantastic idea. It creates a new class of entertainment that we had not considered before and complements the fresh approach we are taking to clubbing and live music. We decided to focus the main DJ booth around the DVJ-X1."
KOKO's installation includes two DVJ-X1 DVD decks for the audio and video content, while a Pioneer DJM-3000 four-channel mixer and VSW-1 video switcher manage the deck cross-overs. Audio is connected through standard phono cable from the DJM-3000 into the club's Soundcraft Vienna 2 mixing desk, which controls the JBL speaker network. The video is distributed via a multi-channel switcher to seven Pioneer PDP-43MXE1 XGA plasma displays installed in the club's bars and a 7m2 removable projection screen above the main stage.
DJs and traditional VJs can easily create visual sets and over time, artists will develop their own film and multimedia libraries as they do music archives. Santi Arribas concludes: "What once took several guys with a PC to achieve can be played by one guy, whether he's a DJ or VJ. We are seeing a convergence of music and digital art, which mirrors the growth of the CD as a dance medium. It's fitting that KOKO, the venue that started many music revolutions, is helping another get underway."
A full install report on KOKO appeared in the November 2004 issue of Lighting&Sound International magazine.
(Lee Baldock)
