Additional Information
When using writable storage devices, such as hard drives, and hard-
drive-based music players (iPod, Zen), certain maintenance might be
required. Because the Cortex units use streaming technology to manipu-
late more than one music file from one device simultaneously, hard drives
and hard-drive based units need to be defragmented regularly to
ensure the integrity of the streamed files.
Fragmentation refers to “the condition of a disk in which files are divid-
ed into pieces scattered around the disk. Fragmentation occurs naturally
when you use a disk frequently, creating, deleting, and modifying files.
At some point, the operating system needs to store parts of a file in non-
contiguous clusters. This is entirely invisible to users, but it can slow down
the speed at which data is accessed because the disk drive must search
through different parts of the disk to put together a single file.”
Maintaining these storage devices must be done via your computer, and
should be performed whenever there has been a substantial change to
your music library (adding/deleting music). Note that failure to maintain
your storage devices might result in delayed access times and glitchy
audio playback.
• With Windows XP based machines
First, connect the storage device that you wish to defragment. If you are
connecting a hard-drive based music player, such as an Apple iPod or
Microsoft Zune, make sure to exit any applications that may be launched
on connection.
To load
Disk Defragmenter
, go to the Start menu, and find
Disk
Defragmenter
under Accessories/System Tools.
When
Disk Defragmenter
has been loaded, select the device to be
defragmented, and click the ‘Defragment’ button at the bottom of the
window.
For more information on defragmenting, consult the Windows Help guide.
• With Apple Macintosh Machines
According to Apple, provisions within the HFS file allocation system
diminish the need for any type of defragmentation. Because of this,
there is no software included in OSX to accomplish this. However, this
does not guarantee that defragmentation will not be necessary for
external storage devices and portable music players.
For more information on Apple’s claims, see this article:
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=25668
Due to the sometimes fragile state of PC components, we insist that you
make backups of the storage devices that you plan on using with the
Cortex.
All
hard drives (and hard-drive-based portable music players),
are prone to failure - they have moving parts inside. Instead of taking a
chance that your hard drive will last one more performance, one more
month, or one more year, it is a far more intelligent choice to back up
your data for the worst case scenario.
Neither Cortex nor your retailer will be held responsible for data loss
because of the lack of backups.
To clean the Dmix-300, use only a dry soft cloth and/or compressed air.
If the unit is soiled with stubborn dirt, we suggest using a 2:1 solution of
distilled water and 30% isopropyl alcohol. Avoid using harsh cleaning
chemicals such as benzene, paint thinner, bleach, or hydrochloric acid,
which will damage the unit.
For optimum performance, the temperature of the operating environment
should be b5º C to +35º C (+41º F - +95º F). Failure to main-
tain proper operating temperature may result in difficulty reading the
LCD display, thermal overload, or system-wide instability. Avoid expos-
ing the unit to direct sunlight.
When placing the unit in an installation, make sure that it is placed on a
stable surface, as far away from vibrations as possible. Even though the
Cortex is impervious to vibration, the storage devices (specifically hard
drive based ones) that are designed to be used in conjunction with it are
typically not. Also be sure
not
to place or use the player on heat gener-
ating sources, such as amplifiers or near spotlights.
Never use any other power supply other than the one provided with the
unit, as doing so may damage the unit and void the warranty. The power
supply included with the Dmix-300 is a custom made supply and is not
commercially available.
Neither Cortex nor its dealers assume responsibility for the use made of
the Dmix-300. The user must ensure he/she has all relevant licenses and
consents in place (whether for copyright/public performance, performers
rights, moral rights or otherwise) to allow the lawful use of the Dmix-
300. This is likely to include licenses from organizations administering
performance rights in audio recordings or consents from any other rele-
vant rights holders.
The Cortex line of units, although designed to streamline the process by
which DJs perform, is not designed as a tool to facilitate media piracy.
We urge that our users legitimately purchase the music they plan to use,
and support the artists who make it possible for them to sustain a career
as a professional entertainer.
Maintaining Storage Devices
Lawful Use of Dmix-300
Cleaning the Unit
Operating Conditions
Always Make Backups!
5
Dmix 300 Manual
