My hometown had a high-end hi fi audio store whose tagline was '...for some sound advice'. What better way to share tips about PA/loudspeaker suggestions?
There are alot of manufacturers out there that advertise great systems...but beware of a simple trick that the cheaper companies (and some DJ's use):
Measurement of wattage.
A 1000W amplifier is not always 1000W sustained, useable output. Cheap speaker companies advertise that their speaker boasts incredible wattage...but what you really should be looking for is buried in the technical specs...namely:
What is the sound level in Decibels? 85-120 is good. Higher the better. What good is a 3000 watt system that can't cover a large gym? About 120 Db is a rock concert or a jet engine at close range.
What is the peak wattage vs RMS (average)? Peak wattage is what the amp can handle in short bursts vs long, sustained loads. If you're going to drive your system hard and loud, be sure it can handle it with a high, continuous wattage load.
What is the size of the woofer? Size matters. 12" and higher can hit low, bass-heavy notes and give punch to regular music as well.
What is the cabinet made of (for durability)? Particleboard is cheap, heavy and chips easy.
While this link deals with home theater speakers, the fundamentals still apply to mobile DJ's
PA systems generally break down into two categories: Active (powered- has its own built-in amp) and Passive (requires an external amp). I chose active because its less equipment to carry around and generally less expensive.
I started out with a Fender Passport 150. It was a big expense for a DJ just starting out...but it has paid for itself many, many times over. I still use it mainly for wedding ceremonies (if its in a separate location from the reception area) but it used to be my main system. For a system with only 150 watts, I've sure made alot of money on that little system that could. Any of the Passport systems are a good starter...they all have a built in mixer, independant mike channels, EQ and even a laptop/ipod input. They're extremely light and durable too. However there are two drawbacks:
1. Lack of power for larger events. I couldn't fill a gymnasium with 150 watts (though they do make larger Passport systems).
2. Lack of low-end frequency (bottom). Hip-hop music needs a bass-heavy woofer.
When you're ready to graduate to something with more power and thump, a larger powered (active) speaker system is the way to go. Of course, you can always add a powered subwoofer to your current system...which is what I started to do, but I really needed more 'oomph'.
My next purchase was an all-in-one solution by B52. It had a 15" subwoofer, (2) 10" speakers and 700 watts of power...perfect for larger events and enough bass to please high school kids. Even though it was a fantastic system, it too had some problems:
1. The amp and subwoofer are built into the same cabinet which makes it very heavy (180 pounds including satellite speakers). Mercifully the cabinet has heavy-duty casters.
2. I'm rough on my gear. The particle board workmanship is easy to chip, scratch and dent.
I sold the system to a good friend (and up and coming dj) of mine and bit the bullet on the QSC K-Series It has 1000 continuous watts (500 tweeter, 500 woofer), has built in mixing controls, has an ABS plastic shell and is just over 40 pounds. QSC has great tech support and a six year transferrable warranty, too. While the K-series has built-in bass circuitry, I later bought a K-sub to round out the system, giving even deeper, more chest-pounding bass for special events. The extra wattage doesn't hurt, either.
You can go even further by investing in larger systems that boast 2-5,000 watts - but that's an article for another day. I honestly don't think I'll ever need that kind of power.
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Hummmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm
I strongly recommend getting a hum filter to connect between your laptop and PA system. Radio Shack makes one (Cat #270-054) for about $20.00. It filters the annoying 60 cycle hum that can squirrel its way through the most filtered power strip and shielded cables, making your music sound...amateur. The best part is how it strips the hum from the laptop power supply. Trust me, you need one.
Back that thang up
If something has an on/off switch, it will fail. It's just a fact of life. Murphy's law can rear its head in the most unpredictable times. Plan for it by keeping two of everything that you can think of...including a few you haven't...like:
Power supplies for mixers and laptops
Speaker Cables
Interconnect cables to laptop
Extra batteries for wireless mikes
Wired microphone (when wireless fails)
Power strips and cords
3 to 2 prong AC adapter (for old homes that don't have a grounding outlet)
Having a second laptop/netbook is a great idea...but if that's not feasible, there are other ways to keep music going should something bad happen. I have a few soft rock/instrumental songs on my phone that can be called up should I need them for an emergency (Riviera Paradise by Stevie Ray Vaughn is a great choice...its nine minutes long - perfect for troubleshooting your problem).
Keeping a backup (and a backup of the backup) of your entire music library is a must as well. Hard drives are cheap and fast...you can't afford to be without one.
Keeping an extra mixer is a great idea too...but if you invest in a good powered speaker, most have a mixer built in which comes in handy as a spare (the QSC K-Series is a good suggestion).
Be prepared!
Power supplies for mixers and laptops
Speaker Cables
Interconnect cables to laptop
Extra batteries for wireless mikes
Wired microphone (when wireless fails)
Power strips and cords
3 to 2 prong AC adapter (for old homes that don't have a grounding outlet)
Having a second laptop/netbook is a great idea...but if that's not feasible, there are other ways to keep music going should something bad happen. I have a few soft rock/instrumental songs on my phone that can be called up should I need them for an emergency (Riviera Paradise by Stevie Ray Vaughn is a great choice...its nine minutes long - perfect for troubleshooting your problem).
Keeping a backup (and a backup of the backup) of your entire music library is a must as well. Hard drives are cheap and fast...you can't afford to be without one.
Keeping an extra mixer is a great idea too...but if you invest in a good powered speaker, most have a mixer built in which comes in handy as a spare (the QSC K-Series is a good suggestion).
Be prepared!
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Three simple rules
Every month, I see new DJ’s appear on Craiglist. Some are amateurs, some are pros seeking a new place to advertise. This post is mostly for the amateurs…but even pros need to ‘brush up their Shakespeare’ from time to time.
How to be a pro DJ in three simple rules.
1. Act professional
Before you have the right sound or the right lights, you must be professional in appearance and attitude. It starts with simple things. Be prompt. Return emails and phone calls promptly. Smile. If things go wrong, offer to fix them. When things go right, don't gloat. Always let your client take the whole spotlight. Never talk bad about your competition. Don't get on the mike and make jokes for the sake of making jokes. Don't drink to excess. Don't expect tips. Bottom line, 'if in doubt, don't'.
2. Look professional
Before people will look at your gear...they will look at you. Remember -- Kohl's is your friend. Look nicer than the clients who attend your gig. Don't wear flip-flops - even to a pool party. Find a few polo shirts and comfortable khakis. For wedding and fancy gigs, find a few long sleeved dress shirts and ties. Get a pair of rockports (yes they're more expensive than something at Payless shoes but they last and last). Save the sneakers for school dances (and pool parties). Keep your hair groomed, your pits clean and your teeth brushed. When you have the money, get a good website. Most of your business will come from it so make it stand out from the garbage that's out there.
3. Sound professional
This isn't really about gear. Its about how you carry yourself when you speak. Speak with confidence. Take toastmaster or public speaking courses if you're nervous about speaking in front of crowds. Learn your gear - realize its assets as well as its limitations BEFORE taking a paying gig. Learn how to read a crowd - playing hiphop all night may make the kids happy but won't impress grandma. Remember that your client owns the volume knob. The larger the number of professional DJ’s in the area, the happier clients will be, which leads to more success for all of us.
Some future posting topics:
What PA gear to purchase without blowing your budget
What lights are pro but wallet friendly
Why its bad to talk bad about competition
Wattage vs. power
Playlist vs. Savvy
Reading crowds
If you ever want to ask a question about improving as a DJ, I'll try to answer it here.
How to be a pro DJ in three simple rules.
1. Act professional
Before you have the right sound or the right lights, you must be professional in appearance and attitude. It starts with simple things. Be prompt. Return emails and phone calls promptly. Smile. If things go wrong, offer to fix them. When things go right, don't gloat. Always let your client take the whole spotlight. Never talk bad about your competition. Don't get on the mike and make jokes for the sake of making jokes. Don't drink to excess. Don't expect tips. Bottom line, 'if in doubt, don't'.
2. Look professional
Before people will look at your gear...they will look at you. Remember -- Kohl's is your friend. Look nicer than the clients who attend your gig. Don't wear flip-flops - even to a pool party. Find a few polo shirts and comfortable khakis. For wedding and fancy gigs, find a few long sleeved dress shirts and ties. Get a pair of rockports (yes they're more expensive than something at Payless shoes but they last and last). Save the sneakers for school dances (and pool parties). Keep your hair groomed, your pits clean and your teeth brushed. When you have the money, get a good website. Most of your business will come from it so make it stand out from the garbage that's out there.
3. Sound professional
This isn't really about gear. Its about how you carry yourself when you speak. Speak with confidence. Take toastmaster or public speaking courses if you're nervous about speaking in front of crowds. Learn your gear - realize its assets as well as its limitations BEFORE taking a paying gig. Learn how to read a crowd - playing hiphop all night may make the kids happy but won't impress grandma. Remember that your client owns the volume knob. The larger the number of professional DJ’s in the area, the happier clients will be, which leads to more success for all of us.
Some future posting topics:
What PA gear to purchase without blowing your budget
What lights are pro but wallet friendly
Why its bad to talk bad about competition
Wattage vs. power
Playlist vs. Savvy
Reading crowds
If you ever want to ask a question about improving as a DJ, I'll try to answer it here.
Trust me on the Sunscreen...
I created A 2 Z DJ Service almost twenty years ago to not only have fun with my hobby (playing music for others) but also find a way to get paid for it. After all, if you do something you love, you never work a day in your life, right? It's been a good journey so far...but I realized recently that I got where I am today through good timing, providence, hard work and experience (good and bad). One thing I had little of (but could have used) was advice. I've found that DJ's that have a name for themselves seldom give out useful (or free) advice for fear that it will hurt their business. I was like that, too.
I thought I'd change that in a small way by creating this blog to offer my own meanderings and advice to mobile DJ's everywhere.
Be careful whose advice you buy, but, be patient with those who supply it.
Advice is a form of nostalgia, dispensing it is a way of fishing the past from the disposal, wiping it off, painting over the ugly parts and recycling it for more than it’s worth.
But trust me on the sunscreen…
I thought I'd change that in a small way by creating this blog to offer my own meanderings and advice to mobile DJ's everywhere.
Be careful whose advice you buy, but, be patient with those who supply it.
Advice is a form of nostalgia, dispensing it is a way of fishing the past from the disposal, wiping it off, painting over the ugly parts and recycling it for more than it’s worth.
But trust me on the sunscreen…
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