Mobile/Party Dj??

kellybelly

Hi everyone.

Been reading through this forum and seen there are a few experienced mobile djs so just looking for a bit of advice.

I am trying get into Mobile djing doing 21st parties weddings etc.I have done a few parties for friends and that kind of thing but was thinking of buying my own equipment and giving it a go.I am planning to buy a dj set which would consist of 2x400 Watt speakers,Power amp,small mixer and a dual cd player.Was going to use my laptop(with 500gb hard drive) and 80gb ipod mainly.But have a decent cd collection so was going to have the cd option aswell.

Im also looking at fairly basic lights and smoke machine.

What would you think of this set-up?

Would it be decent enough?

unclebill98

Ok,

TBH if your looking at getting into this you best to get the setup correct from the start. That does not mean go out and buy the worlds most expensive gear it simple means buying stuff that allows you to add on at a later stage as needed. Great example of this is getting 15" tops, then you want subs and your left with either having to get 18"subs(very heavy) or selling the 15" tops and getting 12" tops and then 15" subs.

If you doing house party/pubs then that sort of spec would be fine'ish to a point. Weddings, forget it. You simply do not have enough there.

I've been Dj'in over a year and believe me there was nothing worse then when the band finished playing and they pipe some music through there system and then handed over to you and your setup is no where near as good, its kind of a kick in the teeth. Weddings are a totally different.

Fairly basic lights/smoke machine will look, well fairly basic. Most venues dislike smoke machines and if your lights are not great then there even worse with no smoke.

You would want to have at least tops/subs for weddings. Now some venues need only tops and some some tops and subs, but you gotta have all your angles covered. I've seen DJ push 2x Mackie SRM450 to near ear bleeding levels and anywhere within 30 feet of it and you going to have hearing problems the day after. If that setup had subs then push the subs and pull back the tops and you'll have a far better sounding rig.


There was a post a few weeks ago showing someone DJ'in with 2 mobile phones. So dual cd players, laptop and a ipod would be plenty(Waits for comments).
Make and models of that gear is down to budget, but if the worst happened and my gear failed at least i've a wallet full of about 50 cds that will get me through a gig.

Also, back up. You need back up. I turned up to a gig last week to find out me amps where acting not the way I had programmed them too. Lucky it was a pre meal and I had a mate there who helped me sort it. But if that was not a pre meal I would had to have gone on without my subs or if i had not noticed i would have blown them by sending them full range.

Sorry rant over, but you have to remember. A failure of a key piece of gear or simple put "not enough rig for the gig"(Savman thanks) can result in non payment for services. You do not want that.

What sort of budget have you got in mind?

Savman

Not a truer word spoken mister bill

Good post.

Yeah, Back up is so important...

There is nothing as bad as having to inform that you cannot perform. I've been there and it ain't a nice situation..

I always have 2 amps, 2 laptops, 2 professional soundcards, 2 HD's, with an off site back up also, 2 Mixers, and I just bring my 2 new CDJ400's also..

I know it might sound extreme, but after been in the above situation, I'm as anal as hell regarding back up, and to be honest, it proves that you are somewhat professional at what you do when you have all angles covered..

If you are using a laptop, do invest in a good multichannel soundcard that can deliver a good snr, I see guys just plugging there system in the onboard soundcard which is madness..

I would focus on getting the sound aspect correct in your rig first before the lights, you can always hire them if needed.

Get a good rig, which you can add on to, decent Amp, flexabilty regarding connections etc, and bins and highs, you won't regret it, well, your back might..:)

DJ_Spider

The Gigaport AG is probably the best soundcard to use. I have one in my 00DJ and the sound is almost studio quality. Check the specs here http://www.pcdj.co.uk/shop/item.php?id=94 or there are others here http://www.pcdj.co.uk/shop/ (scroll down to the bottom!)

Oh and I actually use Virtual DJ with my 00DJ so don't think I work for PCDJ!

DJ_Spider

NoDrama wrote: »

I always have 2 amps, 2 laptops, 2 professional soundcards, 2 HD's, with an off site back up also, 2 Mixers, and I just bring my 2 new CDJ400's also..

I actually have faith in my kit! :eek: Well most of the time, it's usually the 00DJ that crashes not the other gear. I use a 4 line mixer with the mic in one, the 2 MP3 CD players in the next 2 then a portable DVD player in the last one. I keep a CD cued up in that, then if the 00DJ goes t1ts up I can just bring a song in while I sort out the 00DJ.

I use 'megamixes' for it, that gives me enough time to restart the 00DJ. (only takes about 3mins anyway) I haven't really had any problems with my speakers, amp or mixer. Mind you I got a gig at the strand house next sat, if I make a mistake there, I usually have to run! :eek:

I rip my CDs on my laptop at home, sort the IDv-3 tags, copy them onto both of my external HHDs, then use one to transfer them onto the 00DJ. I just list the folders in date order, and any that have been updated since the last gig I copy over. I keep one HDD just for songs, vids and karaoke tracks, then every month back up to DVD. The 00DJ never get's connected to the net, as that way I don't get any viri/spyware. Only drawback is I can't use the CDDB for tagging!

unclebill98

DJ_Spider wrote: »

I haven't really had any problems with my speakers, amp or mixer.

famous last words....;)

DJ_Spider

Bang! WTF was that? Oops my amp! PMSL

kellybelly

Thanks for the feedback all.

My budget is any between €1500 and €2000 max.

Is this sufficient?

DJ_Spider

Seeing as my shiny thing was custom built, it cost me 3.5K! But altogether I think my kit comes to about 10K! Had to up the house insurance to cover it, but worth it. I also keep all my songs backed up on 2 external HDDs, as well as DVDs.

Mind you the good thing about Ireland, is when you do a gig if any of your kit gets damaged or falls on someone you claim on the venue's insurance. In the UK you have to have your own. I have this as well, just in case!

But to the OP, might be best to visit a few pubs and see what kit other DJs are using, chat to them, then make your own mind up about what kit you would need. You could also visit the PCDJ forums at http://www.pcdj.co.uk/forums/ more for digital DJs but some useful info there and they are very helpful. Well apart from the Spider guy! :eek:

kellybelly

Thanks DjSpider.

Heard about the 00dj they look pretty sweet.I just got a new laptop so I couldn't really justify buying one at the minute.

I think I might just stick the to smaller parties and venues for the first while with the 2x400w speakers to get me going,then hopefully I can add the sub/bins in a few months.Have the option of renting a bigger rig from a friend (of a friend) in the off chance that I might need it.

Was asked to do a party for a friends 21st in August so at least that will be something to get me started.

Another thing, I am trying to write up a bit of a rough set list at the moment and I was thinking up to 3.5 hours(I can add and take songs as needed).Now I understand each party is different but was looking for some kind of guide line as regards the number of songs played in one night.Any ideas?I would have thought 60-80+ ?

unclebill98

I look at this way.

3 mins = 1 song.

I've found wireless BB and itunes can be your best friend.

kellybelly

Ha,I was thinking that UncleBill,great idea never be stuck for a song again!!!

highlydebased

kellybelly wrote: »

Thanks for the feedback all.

My budget is any between €1500 and €2000 max.

Is this sufficient?

Generally yes

But as I suggested in a previous thread to somebody else, you get what you pay for.

For example, anyone starting out with DJ'ing should purchase these
http://www.thomann.de/ie/mackie_srm_450.htm

They are 490 each, but will last a lifetime. Industry standard.

With your budget you have plenty to spare still....

unclebill98

Mackie SRM450 have been upgraded too, so these old ones are going fast and cheap. I like the older ones, the new ones are blue

highlydebased

unclebill98 wrote: »

Mackie SRM450 have been upgraded too, so these old ones are going fast and cheap. I like the older ones, the new ones are blue

+1

kellybelly

Thanks lads,

Those Mackie SRM 450s look to be fairly good alright,would two of them suffice for 21st party's and the like?

If in time I needed more could I easily add in say two Bins under them?

Any other advice on equipment would be great!

Savman

Yes, now you're on the right track

kellybelly

Cheers Savman, I know the Markies SRM450 Speakers are expensive but I suppose they do pay for themselves in the long run.

Im trying to sort out playlists and stuff on my laptop.Im using Virtual Dj at the moment but it keeps stuttering and pausing.

I'v got a few hundred songs which I downloaded from itunes and I'm putting them on cds to free up the space on the laptop.

Anyone else have this problem,or even better a solution?

Going to be using an external HD will that help the situation?This may be an IT question if so apologies!:o

run_Forrest_run

kellybelly wrote: »

Cheers Savman, I know the Markies SRM450 Speakers are expensive but I suppose they do pay for themselves in the long run.

Im trying to sort out playlists and stuff on my laptop.Im using Virtual Dj at the moment but it keeps stuttering and pausing.

I'v got a few hundred songs which I downloaded from itunes and I'm putting them on cds to free up the space on the laptop.

Anyone else have this problem,or even better a solution?

Going to be using an external HD will that help the situation?This may be an IT question if so apologies!:o

using an external HD on the night might make the problem worse, your computer will need to access an external device..input/output operations take time on a computer, especially when your laptop is doing other things like running DJ software etc.

It sounds like your DJ software is being interrupted by other software demanding resources from the processor...try uninstalling unnecessary software (or not running it at least) and also turn off any firewalls you may have running...oh and also disable any wi-fi features you may have running on your laptop.

thumpybum

as run_forrest_runs says, when youre running your DJ software of choice at a gig, have absolutely nothing else running, you dont want to be in the middle of a mix and Windows popping up with ~~ bing bong ~~ "wireless network detected". Re-install the software or try another to see if issue repeats, theres loads out there eg, traktor (my vote), mixmeister, pcdj, ableton etc and everyone will have their own pick.

Id advise you to get procexp, its an advanced task manager. When youre getting your jumps, see if theres spikes in procexp and identify whats causing them.

I have a 500gb HDD attached with my full collection but dont play from it. After mobile DJing for 7-8 years (5 with a laptop) I have about 500 songs in one folder on my lappie with the HDD attached. Those songs are all the songs I think Ive ever played. If someone asks for a song that I dont have on the playlist folder but do on the HDD, I move it over to the playlist folder and play it from there. I have the 500 songs on Cd in a wallet, broken into genre, in case lappie ever goes down. As you move to each genre, load the relevant cd to a deck.

Ive seen DJs play without no decks and straight to a mixer. Preparing to fail.

Ive experienced delays and popping when playing direct from the HDD, its USB, Ive read that the popping can be dispelled when playing from a fireware attached disk but thats for another day.


As to the original questions, keep an eye on adverts.ie for DJ gear, Id advise to not spend cheap on lighting if youre doing weddings, punters are savvy and if you turn up with cheapo gear, you'll invariably be let known.

kellybelly

Yeh I got stuff on the laptop I never use I will try uninstalling them,also might try a few trial versions of software to see if they run any smoother.

Hopefully the tracks will run nice and smooth I don't think there is anything more annoying than a song skipping half way through,and ya really can't afford to have them pausing at a gig.:(

Thanks for the tips lads.;)

highlydebased

How much RAM does the laptop have? thats an issue

Depends how big the venue is...........you could have a 21st in a living room or a hall see...

kellybelly

I'm actually not sure how much RAM it has neon-circles(I'm not exactly a whizz with the auld computers:pac:)I'll check it out when I get home!

I was under the illusion that an external HDD would help but obviously not!And I bought one especially!!!:mad:

kellybelly

Yeh hopefully if I'm playing in a bigger hall I can rent a bigger set up from someone I know,but I just wanted this rig for myself if you know what I mean?

How does your laptop run with the dj software?Any glitches or stutters?

DJ_Spider

I used to use a Seagte externam HDD, but it has file checking on it so I would cue up a song, then go to play it, it would play, then stop for a second then start again as the file integrety checker checked it!

I now use a 00DJ and have had no problems. I do have a 500Gb HDD in it! One thing you must do is to speed up searches and access times is sort all your songs into different folders. I.E. 60's, 70's, Rock, Indie, Country, Irish, Chart, Xmas etc.

I have mine like this: 50's & 60's, 70's, 70's Disco, 80's, 80's Electro, 80's Dance, 90's, 2000's, Xmas, Country, Samples, Comedy, Indie & Rock, Dance, Lovesongs, Mashups, Remixes, Soundtracks, R&B, and then recently I have made folders for each month with sub folders. Jan08, Subfolders: Chart, R&B, Dance.

That makes it a lot faster when searching. Also some good advice can be found here http://www.pcdj.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=4, mainly for when using PCDJ, but goes for most software really. You can also download suggestions for hardware and software tweaks here http://www.pcdj.co.uk/support/faq.php

Hope this helps.

DJ Spider :cool:

thumpybum

I used to use a Seagte externam HDD, but it has file checking on it so I would cue up a song, then go to play it, it would play, then stop for a second then start again as the file integrety checker checked it!

You wont have the same issues with the 00DJ but as earlier posted, I used to do the above and had the same problem, but keep your HDD, find the requested song on it, copy it to your main playlist folder on your laptop and play it from there and you shouldnt encounter the file checking issue.

I have mine like this: 50's & 60's, 70's, 70's Disco, 80's, 80's Electro, 80's Dance, 90's, 2000's, Xmas, Country, Samples, Comedy, Indie & Rock, Dance, Lovesongs, Mashups, Remixes, Soundtracks, R&B, and then recently I have made folders for each month with sub folders. Jan08, Subfolders: Chart, R&B, Dance.

I started to do this as well for a couple of years but even that got messy as the albums list got bigger, I use the software (traktor) for the playlists but keep the playlist folder static, ie, not divided into genre. I also use the older version of musicmatch for playlists and burning cds. The later version of traktor (4 deck v3) will let me do this as well but Ive yet to upgrade as Im still happy with the 2 deck version of v2 working with musicmatch. Very unhappy with with the yahoo version of MM.

As always with with many recommended pieces of software,its whatever works for you, Ive yet to see an all encompassing one that does playlist management/full featured DJ software/MP3 management/tagging/burning, then again, if someone knows one......

DJ_Spider

I just use the external HDD to store songs on then transfer them to the 00DJ. I sort the tags and put the songs into the right folders. Then use the list view for the folders, and copy any over that have been changed since my last gig. I always click overwrite original as I know it will be the latest version.

I use Virtual DJ V4.2.0.0 never bothered upgrading as it does what I want. I go by the old adage of if it aint broke, don't try to fix it! I still have PCDJ Reflex on the 00DJ as a backup and use MediaMonkey to rip CDs. But usually just download them from legal sites like http://www.legalsounds.com/ or find them on other free sites.

Prefabsprouter

Well, for I'd use a laptop running Traktor DJ version 2 under Microsoft Vista. Never had a problem with Vista just need to give a few minutes to boot up and let background programs load. I will bring an older laptop, decks and my CD's as backup as well. I set everything up. It might seem like overkill but try explaining to a distraught Bride at a wedding that you have no music because your laptop failed you. It's not a pleasant sight. You can never have too many backups or fallbacks!

thumpybum

Well, for I'd use a laptop running Traktor DJ version 2 under Microsoft Vista.

Same here, are you cueing, if so, what card you using?

You can never have too many backups or fallbacks!

Amen to that.

Prefabsprouter

thumpybum wrote: »

Same here, are you cueing, if so, what card you using?


Amen to that.

Thumpy you have one up on me there. I dont use queuing and I dont have any other hardware just plugged in my laptop to the mixer! I'm not that technically proficient yet. And with the Cd's as well I dont need to depend on just the two decks on Traktor.

thumpybum

I dont use queuing and I dont have any other hardware just plugged in my laptop to the mixer!

The (in theory) onboard sound card that gives you your headphone socket out isnt of a suitable quality for professional use. Its also where all onboard sounds come out risking punters hearing system sounds when your laptop wants to tell you something.

Youre supposed to (in theory) use sound cards like the indigo DJ card, the BCD2000 (which I believe has a traktor version) or at the very least use some sort of a usb sound card which would have more then one out, or you can get cheapo ones on ebay The traktor forums on the native instruments site have good discussion on this for pro ones.

In the traktor config you can assign the channels then to the sound card, that way only your playing deck is heard front of house, your cueing channel goes to another channel.

Having said all that, after many years at it, because I know the cue points in practically every song I have at this stage, Im back to just using the headphone out going into a free channel on my cheapo 3 channel mixer with my expensive pioneer CMX 3000s decks taking the other 2. If I want to cue a song, I'll just play from one of the decks while I do so.

Prefabsprouter

Thats exactly what I do as well Thumpy. And to date its worked well enough for me. I would like to get a proper card to enable me to use Traktor in a more professional way. Thanks for the tip!

kellybelly

Right so,have decided to go for the Mackie SRM 450 speakers.Hopefully have them in the next week or two.€1000 for the pair with stands.

Was offered a pair of second hand 'the box' 400W speakers,the price was tempting but thought it best to leave them as I have not heard of them before,possibly thomanns' own brand?Anyone any experience with these?

Also trying to build up a decent song database which is a little time consuming,trying to make sure I have a decent selection in each genre to keep everyone happy!:rolleyes:

thumpybum

Was offered a pair of second hand 'the box' 400W speakers,the price was tempting but thought it best to leave them as I have not heard of them before,possibly thomanns' own brand?Anyone any experience with these?

Yes, "The Box" or any of the "T" brand equipment on thomanns site are thomanns own brand. I dont know much about The Box but Ive a T compressor and graphic unit for the last 3 years and theyre fine. Theyre budget entry models but they work at a very nice price.

Their lighting brand is called stairville. Budget again.

highlydebased

I have a set of the box speakers, generally they are fine but I would not rely on them for my main set, but as a backup or if I was doing a bigish venue

If you had the money you could buy them anyway for larger venues- If they blow up it would not matter then lol

kellybelly

Yeah might pick the box speakers up in a few weeks,if I get a few yoyo's together!:rolleyes:

Have been looking around for Dj software the last few days,have been using trial versions of Virtual Dj,Traktor etc.

Found one called Kramix 1.0 its a very basic version but it is very simple to use and does everything I need,no glitches or stutters so I'm happy with that!:)

DJ_Spider

PCDJ have a new program called Reflex, check out the site for more info and a trial version. Does everything except make cocktails! (currently in development!!!)

http://www.pcdj.co.uk/shop/item.php?id=101

kellybelly

Cocktails?...Now that I would pay for!!!:pac:

DJ_Spider

But it will get rid of silly punters who ask for songs you don't have or songs that are too cheesy - even for me!

thumpybum

thumpybum wrote: »

The (in theory) onboard sound card that gives you your headphone socket out isnt of a suitable quality for professional use. Its also where all onboard sounds come out risking punters hearing system sounds when your laptop wants to tell you something.

Youre supposed to (in theory) use sound cards like the indigo DJ card, the BCD2000 (which I believe has a traktor version) or at the very least use some sort of a usb sound card which would have more then one out, or you can get cheapo ones on ebay The traktor forums on the native instruments site have good discussion on this for pro ones.

Yeah, using an onboard soundcard is madness.

It can be a confusing aspect, though having a good multi channel soundcard is a necessity for DJing.

You have the normal USB vs Firwire.

The SNR (Signal to Noise Ratio) is very important.

Balanced vs Unbalanced +4dB or -10dB.

Ground Loop Isolators.




Soundcards can be bought for 15 bucks to over a grand.

I have a Terratec 24FW producer, MAudio 410 FW, Native Instruments Audio 8 & my pride an RME 400.

And believe me there is a difference between the BCD2000 thats mentioned and any off the above cards.

A good soundcard is a good investment....

I do be quiet active on the Traktor forums and I am a Beta tester, if you need any advice, if I can help, just PM me, I be glad to help..