just starting out

[bedrock]

hi

my names martin i am just starting out could some one help i have found a dj deck which is a atomix deck with speakers mic and headphones from Argos i want to buy it but does any body recommend it cos i am only just starting dj and i don't want to pay a lot of money and to find i am no good at it and can some one help me what licences i need and things like that i intend to do privet functions i was looking on a few music licences website and some say i need a licence and some don't and i am confused can some one help

best wishes to you all

martin

[NeilP]

Hi Martin,

If you are not sure whether you are going to like it or not, why not hire the equipment first. If you are talking about the 'Homemix' product from Argos (or in fact probably any product from Argos!) then it will simply not be man enough for a disco of any size (the Homemix speakers are only 20Watts - most car speakers are far louder than that!!).

Alternatively, why not see if you can go along with somebody else as a Roadie. That way you can see if you like it, and you might even get paid - if you're lucky! If you do like it, then you will learn loads from the DJ you are being a Roadie for, and once you start to get your own gigs, then you can hire, or buy proper DJ equipment (ie. not Argos!)

With regards licences, if it is a Private Party, then you don't need a licence (apart from perhaps the Produb - but that's a different discussion altogether....).

Hope this helps - & Welcome to our 'world'!

[501damian501]

if your pretty serious about this, you going to have to outlay some pretty hard earnt cash, what you intend to spend on that system in argos, some boys spend that on headphones and microphones alone, am not talking 1000s of pounds for outlay, but a good £1,000 will get you the basic kit for functions. thats minus your insurance and pli and music, i would look deeper into this maybe become a roadie for a dj first, djing is like a black art you cant go to college and learn it, were all experianced djs on here and will help you alot, also theirs quite afew sticky threads you may be interested in, like the speaker & amp one, theirs also a dmx lighting one, also i would look at equipment reviews, instead of looking at argos for equipment try checking out, htfr, djkit, phase one, am sure other members can enlighten you with more, Cheers Damian

p.s how old are you ?

[Excalibur]

Helo mate, I'm guesing you're on the younger side, there's plenty of folk on here who've been round the block a time or two who can point you in the right direction. Be warned it's probably going to cost you money before you make any. Best help would be to find a local DJ who might like a keen roadie. Whereabouts are you geographically?

[Rowleys]

*Advertising rules*

[Penfold42]

Helo mate, I'm guesing you're on the younger side, there's plenty of folk on here who've been round the block a time or two who can point you in the right direction. Be warned it's probably going to cost you money before you make any. Best help would be to find a local DJ who might like a keen roadie. Whereabouts are you geographically?

:agree:

Hello mate.....good advise from Excaliber there......:)

[Kernow]

:agree:

Hello mate.....good advise from Excaliber there......:)

Hi Bedrock & Welcome to the 'Dark Art' :confused:

The most important piece of equipment would appear to be a decent spellchecker :D

[soundtracker]

Hi Bedrock & Welcome to the 'Dark Art' :confused:

The most important piece of equipment would appear to be a decent spellchecker :D

Oh you are so right!

[Penfold42]

Hi Bedrock & Welcome to the 'Dark Art' :confused:

The most important piece of equipment would appear to be a decent spellchecker :D

Go boil an egg.....:D :D :D :D :D :D :D


What is your money pot...that maybe a start....:)

[Excalibur]

Go boil an egg.....:D :D :D :D :D :D :D


What is your money pot...that maybe a start....:)

For around £75, I wouldn't bother suggesting Denon and RCF as the basis.

[soundmaster mobile disco]

You can get good second hand dj equipment at a fraction of the new price.This will be better than say some cheaper new gear.

Try ebay
Try the website why buy new

Good luck

[Corabar Steve]

Or look on http://www.djbids.co.uk/

[Shakermaker Promotions]

Don't want to be negative mate and welcome to the forum etc etc but what has made you decide that you want to be a DJ?
Do you have any experience and have you played to a varied crowd before?
You are asking the right questions so well done on that BUT...if the Argos gear was any good, don't you think that we'd all be using it and no doubt 1000's of others too? There would be 1000's more DJ's out there!!

I'm not having a go at all so don't think that. The Argos things I should imagine, are more for home use, bedroom, practice etc etc.. If you went out with kit like that it would be nowhere near the quality it should be and would probably blow up!

Again, I am NOT having a go but I am sure there are loads of people out there that wake up one morning after going to a party or something and think "I know, I'm going to be a DJ...it's easy money!"...It's not the case at all and if people think that they can just start doing it after a visit to places like Argos then they will learn the hard way. At least you have come on here and asked questions about licenses etc etc...

Good luck to you (but stay away from Argos....and don't let the Maplins guys try and convince you that some of their products are up there with the best either). Get some experience by going along to a few functions and save up some cash. If you are going to do it then do all the prep work beforehand.

[Andy Westcott]

Did someone say easy money?? :bang:
(OK, I know it was mentioned in the negative!)

Hi Martin, and welcome.
Prepare for long post...

All good advice so far, so take note and don't let any 'friends' suggest that we 'real DJs' don't know what we are talking about - so don't take advice off them, listen to us - we've been there, done it and got the ear damage to prove it.

The suggestion of taking up the position of a roadie is the best of the lot - there really is little chance of you just going out from scratch and doing a successful disco - heck! I'm still learing and making mistakes after 28 years in the job!

So - find a local DJ and offer to help with the gear for free for 6 months or so - this is a must - consider this a kind of initiation ritual. This will show you that being a mobile DJ isn't the glamourous occupation you may currently believe it to be: You will see the rooms full of miserable people who will not dance no matter what you play or say; You will encounter the abusive and downright rude & arrogant idiots who think they know better than a seasoned DJ. You will experience the effects alcohol has on humans. You will experience getting home at 3am in the morning.

Am I putting you off? If so, then that's good.
However, if you still feel you want to give it a try, then maybe you have what it takes.

Right.
Once you've served your apprenticeship with another DJ, you can start looking at setting up your own business.
Firstly, you will need music, and lots of the right kind. There are suppliers of compilations about which would at least get you started, but it ain't cheap.

Quite apart from the equipment (which we can discuss with you when the time is right) you need to decide on your target audience - this may affect the music you buy.

You willl need some transport - don't rely on anyone else for this, as it won't work out long-term.

You will need to register as self-employed, and you will need to be prepared to produce a set of accounts at year end. (or take the easy but expensive route of hiring an accountant.)

You will need to secure a substantial loan, although if you can borrow off a relative (not friend) this may result in a more relaxed arrangement.

Then you need to advertise.
I find a website can generate a fair bit of work, and strategic adverts at local schools and youth clubs may bring in some more.

Set your price according to your experience - if you go out asking for £200 a disco, you will not only disappoint your clients, but you will get yourself a bad reputation. Start small, and don't agree to do wedding evenings or corporate functions - these are specialist areas.

Finally, don't forget - if you get £80 for a disco, that's not all yours - you need to budget for PLI, regular equipment checks (PAT), vehicle insurance, tax... the list goes on & on.

Good luck in whatever path you decide to take.

[robbiedj]

Martin, where are you based?

There are lots of places where you can buy good second-hand kit at reasonable prices.

There's DJBids as Steve told you or check your local Cash Converters.

There are also sales at different locations. Check this thread:-

Car Boot Sale Thread (http://www.mobilediscodirectory.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=13724)

Or come along to a SEDA meeting where they have a second-hand table for all to bring and buy. SEDA (http://www.seda.org.uk/events.php)

Or check The NADJ site for local meetings.
NADJ (http://www.nadj.org.uk/)

Good luck, I hope you can find some reasonable kit to start you off. If it goes well and you get bookings, you can upgrade as you earn.

[PropellerHeadCase]

Also check out www.whybuynew.co.uk - good B-Stock and second hand stuff with a good returns policy ;)

[bedrock]

hi

Damien

thanks for the tips i am am 19

best wishes martin

hi Excalibur i live in wigan

[mr rusty]

Hi

If starting up I really would consider buying a complete rig used from one of the usual sources to get going.

A (very) quick trawl threw upthis (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Complete-Mobile-Disco-KAM-DJ-mixer-Gemini-Amp-Speakers_W0QQitemZ200243322285QQcmdZViewItem?hash= item200243322285&_trkparms=72%3A984%7C39%3A1%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14.l1318) Not saying this is a particlularly good buy, but it shows what is around - sometimes there are some great deals to be had. However you do it you should be able to put together a competent rig for about £1000 that will stand up in most venues you are likely to play at first. Concentrate on good sound (i.e. good amp and speakers) rather than masses of lights at first. A centrepiece like an impossibled doesn't need much around it to look pretty good - even just a couple of pins spots and a mirror ball.

[DJ INDIE]

Hi Bedrock,

You could try using a digital program for your PC first to get a grasp of what you would have to get used to, rather than going down the CD mixing road straightaway. There are plenty of programmes out there for very little money or even free.

You dont need speakers/amps/lights or anything yet - you can listen on headphones or speakers via the PC to start with, and start honing your musical skills firstly and maybe improving your music collection - to deal with any event you may end up DJing at - see the 'top 10 genre' threads for ideas.

If you decide you enjoy it and have a skill at it, then you can start looking at equipment. You can then connect your PC to mixers and amps and speakers and slowly upgrade your kit and look at getting yourself various functions partys etc.

maybe also consider what type of music you want to play? party/indie/dance/etc

youll find that the majority of people associate a DJ with 'party' music - so be prepared to have a good collection of that style of music.

good luck

[Excalibur]

There has been some absolutely excellent advice given here, try to find a Disco in your area you can gain valuable experience with, and ask any questions you wish on here. I'm too far away to offer this, but there's likely to be someone who is. As long as you are polite and take advice, you will find every answer you need here. (Not every answer will be the one you want to hear, but the advice will be good ) Good luck.

[nigelwright7557]

hi

my names martin i am just starting out could some one help i have found a dj deck which is a atomix deck with speakers mic and headphones from Argos i want to buy it but does any body recommend it cos i am only just starting dj and i don't want to pay a lot of money and to find i am no good at it and can some one help me what licences i need and things like that i intend to do privet functions i was looking on a few music licences website and some say i need a licence and some don't and i am confused can some one help

best wishes to you all

martin

Even if you did buy the gear and didnt like DJing you can always sell the gear on.

I started by working for another disco.
They had 4 different sets and I tried my hand on all of them with different DJ's.

I later bought my own gear and while I didnt do loads of gigs I did enjoy the few I did.

Buying the amps and speakers is the cheap bit ! I have spent a vast fortune on CD's. I try to cater for everyone so have to carry a wide range from the 50's to the present day.

[TR2K Productions]

Hi Bedrock

i cant really add much else here as most of your stuff has already been answered, however if you would like to tag along with me on one of my gigs i would be more than happy to "show you the ropes" as it was. im based in Bolton but i normally work in warrington, i do have a private function coming up though at the Beehive in Bolton if thats not too far for you to travel!

[bedrock]

hi

tr2k productions

thank for asking me to tag a long to show me the ropes but it is a bit too far a way for me to travel

best wishes

martin

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

hi

tr2k productions

thank for asking me to tag a long to show me the ropes but it is a bit too far a way for me to travel

best wishes

martin

So Wigan to Warrington is a long way is it?

I give up. I really do.

You want to learn, but you don't want to travel more than 15 miles to do it. Why bother?

[JAMdisco]

You want to learn, but you don't want to travel more than 15 miles to do it. Why bother?

I agree, someone is willing to offer you help and you turn it down.

If you're not willing to travel 15 miles or so, I doubt your disco business will be very sucessful.

I would seriously re-consider your options and try and get along to tr2k's disco.

[bedrock]

the reason cant go i don't have a car of my own and my dad wont let me cos he would say its to far away i would have to take you there and bring you back and he would say its a long way and he would concerned about me going

[Nile]

Hi Bedrock,

You could try using a digital program for your PC first to get a grasp of what you would have to get used to, rather than going down the CD mixing road straightaway. There are plenty of programmes out there for very little money or even free.

You dont need speakers/amps/lights or anything yet - you can listen on headphones or speakers via the PC to start with, and start honing your musical skills firstly and maybe improving your music collection - to deal with any event you may end up DJing at - see the 'top 10 genre' threads for ideas.

If you decide you enjoy it and have a skill at it, then you can start looking at equipment. You can then connect your PC to mixers and amps and speakers and slowly upgrade your kit and look at getting yourself various functions partys etc.

maybe also consider what type of music you want to play? party/indie/dance/etc

youll find that the majority of people associate a DJ with 'party' music - so be prepared to have a good collection of that style of music.

good luck

Aye - given the digital age, most peeps have a PC at home and are reasonably competent with it - and probably with some music of there own on it already - do what I did and download evaluation versions of the various
software out there, have a play and see how you feel and what YOU like. Then when you feel as tho you could have a go and are confident enuf - you could maybe buy some stuff from cash convertors or such ( you may already have the laptop) and do some family / friends parties for a laugh where it doesnt matter too much. I already had the speakers etc etc from Singing so had a head start here. I would also suggest you need a personality ( not saying you haven't!) and be able to talk communicate with peeps in public on a mic which can be daunting for some folk. Not eveyone can do that, you either have the :Censored: s and knack for it or not. I consider myself to be average in that dept. It has never come easy for me to be on stage on my own and entertain between singing, and ditto for me for DJ -ing, of course a decent audience makes it easier!
Unfortunately so many ' club' dj's which a lot of younger folk (old fart me! ) :D just play and mix records and dont do all the fun things I remember from DJ's when I was young! Which is a shame................
My 2 pence from a novice!

oh - and take the given offer of help! Someone offering to help someone startup - which may end up as competition to them in the future is a good offer! I have seriously struggled ( and still am in some ways) having had to learn the hard way. I still reckon there are some better ways to do some stuff I havent worked out yet!

Nile

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

the reason cant go i don't have a car of my own and my dad wont let me cos he would say its to far away i would have to take you there and bring you back and he would say its a long way and he would concerned about me going

I don't wish to be rude, but you aren't a baby, you are 19!

[NeilP]

the reason cant go i don't have a car of my own and my dad wont let me cos he would say its to far away i would have to take you there and bring you back and he would say its a long way and he would concerned about me going

This also begs the question of how you are going to get to and from any gigs that you may (eventually) pick up. I frequently travel an hour or so to get to gigs ......... if you don't have your own transport, or the full support of someone who does, how are you going to do it?

Three options i see:-

1. Learn to drive &/or get your own transport
2. Get your parents full support - ie. are willing to take you to & from gigs
3. Partner up with someone who does have transport

The first is the best option IMO as you are not reliant on someone else, apart from the 'falling out with each other' problem, they could also be ill, already doing something else etc which then leaves you stuck.

Failing all of the above, if you don't have any equipment to take as you are being a Roadie, why not catch a Cab? I know that it will cost you money, but it is sooo important that you find out whether you really want to do this, or it is something that you think you want to do. Buying all the equipment first and then finding out you don't like it, it could work out more expensive than a couple of cab fares!!

[daz226]

The way i have read this is as follows.

You have been offered a chance to learn the ropes from a established DJ who is not that far away and is willing to show you the ropes. This is a extreamly kind offer and at 19 you should not need daddy to wory about you as you are a adult.

I would grab this chance with both hands and go and see just how hard we work in setting up playing and teraing down.

Daddy needs to understand that you are a adult now and have to make your own way in life but at the end of the day the offer has been made your choice if you accept or not.

[501damian501]

I cannot stress this enough, if YOU'RE serious about mobile DJing, then this is the place, grab the chance, WE'RE all good DJs in here, maybe try doing a post and see if THERE'S a DJ in your city/town or a gig closer to you, its worth an ask, infact I'm thinking about asking myself to see if someone would let me have a play on their digital denon ETC, like I said before this trade is a dark one, its best in my eyes for you to go out with a DJ, then you can learn all about setting up ETC just like Daz said.

[Vectis]

www.thetrainline.com

[soundtracker]

Yes Mr Guard, its Hand Luggage, no its just a speaker shaped bag!

[501damian501]

have we scared this lad off, or has he gone to chris's forum hahaha

[rob1963]

WE'RE all good DJs in here

Speak for yourself!

[Corabar Steve]

have we scared this lad off, or has he gone to another forum hahaha

You are aware of the forum rules regarding reference to similar sites I take it?

[Cj_The_Dj]

welcome to the game.

you will get some good gigs amd some good bad. so if you only get a few bad gig dont let it stop you djing.

if you shop around you can get a good rig cheep.
dont go to argos beacuse people can sing louderd than the system.

what i would recomend for a cheep set up is.

skytec 10" 0r 12" around 40 quid
2 channel mixer around 30 quid
skytec 100w a side amp Around 50 quid
skytec mic wired 3 quid
borrow the home laptop/pc
and 2 sound lab lights 30 quid


but this is a really basic setup and could only run a small room. and rember that this is second hand rig.

if you have a bit more cash you could buy a full second hand set up off ebay for around 450 wich is all reasonable.

also rember some of us started with nothing and we had to borrow equipment of everyone we could.

[Cj_The_Dj]

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/DJ-PA-System-Anlage-Set-Boxen-Verstaerker-Mischpult-500W_W0QQitemZ230277793764QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item 230277793764&_trkparms=72%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12&_trksid=p3911.c0.m14.l1318

try this.

[Nile]

have we scared this lad off, or has he gone to another forum hahaha


Theres ANOTHER bunch of nutters?

I assumed there was only one nuthouse! ;)

[soundtracker]

what i would recomend for a cheep set up is.



buy it on higher perches?

[Cj_The_Dj]

some people dont want to be in debt.

[soundtracker]

some people dont want to be in det(sic).

WHOOSH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[rob1963]

some people dont want to be in det.

I don't think anyone WANTS to be in debt!

:confused:

[Corabar Steve]

I wouldn't want to be in either.

[Cj_The_Dj]

I was trying to say people don't want to be in debt, when starting out. just in case they don't get on with djing.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I was trying to say people don't want to be in det, when starting out. just in case they don't get on with djing.

You are missing the point again. The word is debt, not det.

Read back, understand and improve your spelling with whatever you can. :)

[soundtracker]

The reason we got to Debt, was because I mentioned Higher PERCHES, in relation to "What I would recommend for a CHEEP set-up" I'll just have to give you all the bird!

[501damian501]

whos to blame, if fellow friend gets into debt:eek: , we gave him the advice to maybe become a roadie first, the ball is in his court now.


P.S mr soundtracker, AND your website is spelling mistake free ha !!!

[rob1963]

P.S mr soundtracker, AND your website is spelling mistake free ha !!!

Mine is!

:D :D :D

[idisco]

so you only need a produb license for performing in a private place or is it more complicated than that?
Confused!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!11