Gigging on a stage

[OllieJames]

Howdy,

Hope all is good! Dropped my gear off to be PAT tested today which is good.

I've just had a school booking confirmed and i'll be on a stage. I'll be using my Mackie tops and a couple of Wharfedale subs. I've never gigged on a stage before, so i'm after some advice!

I'd usually use either speaker stands with just tops or poles when using tops & subs. However, this stage is around 4 foot high, so is it worth putting the tops on poles, or should i just put the tops on the top of the subs?

Thanks :)

[notroubleclubber]

Personally Id put them on top of the subs as they would prob sound better and not so tinny. But thats just my opinion.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I never work on stages if possible and when I do, I generally put my speakers on the floor on tripods or poled if I can.

[OllieJames]

Personally Id put them on top of the subs as they would prob sound better and not so tinny. But thats just my opinion.


I never work on stages if possible and when I do, I generally put my speakers on the floor on tripods or poled if I can.

Thanks for the feedback guys.

It'd be easier if i didn't setup on stage, and I'd imagine people would be more inclined to ask for requests if i wasn't on the stage and was on the same level as them; what do you think?

[JDB Entertainment]

I disagree Oli. From my experiences I don't not get requests beacause I am on a stage.

All you got to do is ask! :P

As for working on a stage...

I prefer it. Although the down side is you do get people who want to dance on it!!!

[Silver]

A lot will depend on how big the hall is and how many are going. If you are in a hall that can easily hold say 350 and there's only going to be a maximum of say, 150 then I would suggest setting up on the floor. You'll get a much better atmosphere and you'll be more approachable for requests.

If it holds 350 and they are expecting 250 plus then I'd get up on the stage.

[mike8863]

I always put subs on the floor, not on the stage, as the reverb makes them sound awful. Just be careful people don't mess with them.
As for requests, it never seems to have any diference. On a stage tonight, albeit about 2 foot high, thats about 60cm for you young uns........

Mike

[OllieJames]

I disagree Oli. From my experiences I don't not get requests beacause I am on a stage.

All you got to do is ask! :P

As for working on a stage...

I prefer it. Although the down side is you do get people who want to dance on it!!!

Hey James,

Thanks for your comment! Yeah, i had thought about the kids wanting to dance on it...


A lot will depend on how big the hall is and how many are going. If you are in a hall that can easily hold say 350 and there's only going to be a maximum of say, 150 then I would suggest setting up on the floor. You'll get a much better atmosphere and you'll be more approachable for requests.

If it holds 350 and they are expecting 250 plus then I'd get up on the stage.

Hi Simon,

It's two year groups at approx 200 students per year group. So at the most 400. The hall's max occupancy is 300 though, so there's a strong chance of having around 200 - 250 kids there.

[JDB Entertainment]

Based on that ollie I would go on the stage.

Also if people do want to dance on the stage just say no! If they just get up I tend to say: "For health and safety reasons can everyone get off the stage!"

Seems to work!

James

[OllieJames]

Based on that ollie I would go on the stage.

Also if people do want to dance on the stage just say no! If they just get up I tend to say: "For health and safety reasons can everyone get off the stage!"

Seems to work!

James

Okay cheers James :)

[Excalibur]

If there's a stage, I'm going on it if possible.

When in doubt, take the high ground. :D Obviously Darren feels the need to stay in touch with his fanbase.

[DJ Jules]

It's two year groups at approx 200 students per year group. So at the most 400. The hall's max occupancy is 300 though, so there's a strong chance of having around 200 - 250 kids there.

What age are the kids? I regularly do a school disco for a junior school (7-11yr olds) and I normally put the speakers/subs on the stage along with lights on tripods to get them out of the way and then put myself on the floor down with them using a deckstand without the crossbar and barricade the stage steps. The kids then don't go on to the stage at all (why would they, I'm down with them), I get a ton of requests because I'm alot more accessible to them and the teachers are happy because they hate the kids going up and down on the stage. Hall capacity here though is approx 200 and they normally get about 120-150, so there's space for me to be down with them without worrying too much.

Julian

[SC Events]

If there's a stage I use it!

The DJ is usually the focus of the entertainment for the evening so why not use the stage.

Also, you are up out of the way of everyone else, decreasing the chances of getting your kit busted by some clumsy oaf.

[geoffrey]

Personal preference I prefer a stage with the younger generation as when you hype them up it doesn’t matter how much space you have they all want to dance right up against you.

Had a problem last year when I was physically holding my rig from being moved towards me! (Loved it though).

One other problem I got on most stages is the stage pelmets got in the way of over head lighting but on the bonus side the lighting wasn’t glaring into peoples eyes.

I always try to nominate if possible a person, I.e. teacher to present me with any requests from the students as this minimises any risk of over crowding you and making you feel uncomfortable.

I would place the tops on top of bins as they should be at approximately head height for optimum sound.

[OllieJames]

What age are the kids? I regularly do a school disco for a junior school (7-11yr olds) and I normally put the speakers/subs on the stage along with lights on tripods to get them out of the way and then put myself on the floor down with them using a deckstand without the crossbar and barricade the stage steps. The kids then don't go on to the stage at all (why would they, I'm down with them), I get a ton of requests because I'm alot more accessible to them and the teachers are happy because they hate the kids going up and down on the stage. Hall capacity here though is approx 200 and they normally get about 120-150, so there's space for me to be down with them without worrying too much.

Julian

Hey Julian,

The kids are 11 years to 13 years old. I'll have a chat to the organisers about using the stage or not.


If there's a stage I use it!

The DJ is usually the focus of the entertainment for the evening so why not use the stage.

Also, you are up out of the way of everyone else, decreasing the chances of getting your kit busted by some clumsy oaf.

Haha, cheers Scott :) Like i said to Julian, i'll have a chat to the teachers and see what they'd prefer. My friend that also does discos around here (next village infact!) has done a couple at the school, and has used the stage - but i believe it was for older year groups.


Personal preference I prefer a stage with the younger generation as when you hype them up it doesn’t matter how much space you have they all want to dance right up against you.

Had a problem last year when I was physically holding my rig from being moved towards me! (Loved it though).

One other problem I got on most stages is the stage pelmets got in the way of over head lighting but on the bonus side the lighting wasn’t glaring into peoples eyes.

I always try to nominate if possible a person, I.e. teacher to present me with any requests from the students as this minimises any risk of over crowding you and making you feel uncomfortable.

I would place the tops on top of bins as they should be at approximately head height for optimum sound.

Thanks for that :) The stage is huge! So, height wise it's not an issue.

[rob1963]

I never work on stages if possible

Same here.

The smaller ones of around 18-24 inches are fine, but the high ones like you tend to get in schools put you on a completely different level to the punters, making you aloof & awkward for them to connect with.

On a number of occasions, when faced with a large stage, I've opted to set up in front of it instead.

[DJWilson]

I always use a stage where possible, having my rig on the stage seems out of harms way to an extent, thats just my opinion.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

If there's a stage, I'm going on it if possible.

When in doubt, take the high ground. :D Obviously Darren feels the need to stay in touch with his fanbase.

I am a man of the people...:p

I was on a very small stage last night in a marquee - I had no choice really. It was only raised a few inches, but because I didn't put the starcloth booth right up to the edge, people kept putting their drinks on the space that was left and I had a horrible feeling that one was going to end up going over the booth....It didn't though and I survived!

[OllieJames]

Thanks for your feedback :)

Rob, It had crossed my mind to setup infront of the stage too.

The gig is being organised by a group of 5 students from my school for "World Challenge". Incase you didn't know; "World Challenge" is when students have the chance to go to a less fortunate country/community and help to improve the quality of life for people there by rebuilding schools, helping construct wells/houses/farms etc. The students have to raise £3000 each to go which contributes to the building supplies/vacinations/accomodation etc.

One of the organisers from the year below me (year 10/4th year for you older folks :p) is a DJ, and offered to do the gig, but due to him not having PLI (:eek:) or PAT, the school wouldn't allow him to do it. So an email got sent round to all the teachers and my French teacher told me about it and put me forward for it; hence i got the gig!

Anyway, back on topic. I'll talk to the group of students about "H&S" regarding the stage and find out the approx attendance.

Thanks for all your feedback, as ever, very helpful :)

[Charlie Brown]

I prefer setting up on the stage. I think my setup looks better and more professional. When on the mic I always feel a lot more confident as if I'm performing? I like the clear division and space between the guests and myself. :)

[OllieJames]

I prefer setting up on the stage. I think my setup looks better and more professional. When on the mic I always feel a lot more confident as if I'm performing? I like the clear division and space between the guests and myself. :)

Thanks Charlie. I had thought that it'd be cool to be up on a stage for that very reason. Almost more like performing!

Happy Birthday by the way! :)

[CRAZY K]

Same here.

The smaller ones of around 18-24 inches are fine, but the high ones like you tend to get in schools put you on a completely different level to the punters, making you aloof & awkward for them to connect with.

On a number of occasions, when faced with a large stage, I've opted to set up in front of it instead.

Is this stagefright:D :D :D

Or does the the music really do the talking:confused:

Personally I prefer to be on the stage so I can see what is going on and they can see me--and my 12 by 8 foot American Flag backdrop;)

I am rather surprised that many of you think the opposite.

I do agree bass bins on a stage is not good though :eek:

I know Peter likes an excuse to get out his massive Class D columns:)

CRAZY K

[OllieJames]

Is this stagefright:D :D :D

Or does the the music really do the talking:confused:

Personally I prefer to be on the stage so I can see what is going on and they can see me--and my 12 by 8 foot American Flag backdrop;)

I am rather surprised that many of you think the opposite.

I do agree bass bins on a stage is not good though :eek:

I know Peter likes an excuse to get out his massive Class D columns:)

CRAZY K

I've got long enough cables to be able to have the speakers on the floor and the console on stage. I just didn't know whether the kids would mess around on them (put drinks on them, sit on them?!).

Any ideas?

[DJWilson]

I've got long enough cables to be able to have the speakers on the floor and the console on stage. I just didn't know whether the kids would mess around on them (put drinks on them, sit on them?!).

Any ideas?


Spikes? :approve2:

[ScottThompson]

Double sided gaffa tape?

[OllieJames]

Spikes? :approve2:


Double sided gaffa tape?

:bang: :D :D

[rob1963]

I've got long enough cables to be able to have the speakers on the floor and the console on stage. I just didn't know whether the kids would mess around on them (put drinks on them, sit on them?!).

Any ideas?

How about putting a fake turd from a joke shop on each speaker?

I have a feeling that might keep people away!

:D

[OllieJames]

How about putting a fake turd from a joke shop on each speaker?

I have a feeling that might keep people away!

:D

Well, My brother will be going as he is in year 8. So, i would have said yes to that idea but as he is going, he'll probably throw it at me :D

[DeckstarDeluxe]

Personally I'd prefer to be on the floor.

One quote from a book I use to read cover to cover so many times during my "early years" was "A good dj should have one foot in the booth and another on the dancefloor"

Plus how can the pretty single ladies chat you up when your on the stage? ;)

[rob1963]

Personally I'd prefer to be on the floor.


Wouldn't your suit get dirty?

[DeckstarDeluxe]

Wouldn't your suit get dirty?

nah, shell suits are machine washable ;)

[Excalibur]

Personally I'd prefer to be on the floor.

One quote from a book I use to read cover to cover so many times during my "early years" was "A good dj should have one foot in the booth and another on the dancefloor"

Plus how can the pretty single ladies chat you up when your on the stage? ;)

Nowadays I often set up on the floor when I'd rather not. Grannies struggle with stairs. :( :(


There is another way lads. ;) Put the main part of the gear on the stage, out of harms way, and you work in the Bear Pit on the floor. :D :D

[Disco Tech Liverpool]

I prefer to be on a stage. The lighting looks a lot more classy higher up. The only thing I have against it is that i ALWAYS use bins and if you are on a hollow or wooden stage you can suffer with feedback from the bass, but putting bins on the floor in front of the stage looks unprofessional when the rest of the gear is up on stage

[[email protected]]

I prefer to be on a stage. The lighting looks a lot more classy higher up. The only thing I have against it is that i ALWAYS use bins and if you are on a hollow or wooden stage you can suffer with feedback from the bass, but putting bins on the floor in front of the stage looks unprofessional when the rest of the gear is up on stage

I've worked on a fair few stages over the years, and the only time i have experienced any kind of feedback at all was when I used vinyl. Ever since going over to CD's i've never had this problem, do you still use vinyl?:)

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I've worked on a fair few stages over the years, and the only time i have experienced any kind of feedback at all was when I used vinyl. Ever since going over to CD's i've never had this problem, do you still use vinyl?:)

I used to get that problem years ago with vinyl too.

[DJMaxG]

I'd usually use either speaker stands with just tops or poles when using tops & subs. However, this stage is around 4 foot high, so is it worth putting the tops on poles, or should i just put the tops on the top of the subs?

It depends how high the stage is, whether it's 'Full Height' or just a small one.

The Mid/High Frequency sound needs to be at ear level or higher than the crow'd ears, as you will already know.

Do the main speakers fit on top of the bins nicely, some fit perfectly, and some don't, depending on the make and size.

Are you using a table, where the subs could go underneath?

I would do whichever looks neatest, which can't be determined unless you see the room and stage itself. :)

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

It depends how high the stage is, whether it's 'Full Height' or just a small one.



I know it was a whole one post Max, but he just said the stage was 4 foot high.

[OllieJames]

It depends how high the stage is, whether it's 'Full Height' or just a small one.

The Mid/High Frequency sound needs to be at ear level or higher than the crow'd ears, as you will already know.

Do the main speakers fit on top of the bins nicely, some fit perfectly, and some don't, depending on the make and size.

Are you using a table, where the subs could go underneath?

I would do whichever looks neatest, which can't be determined unless you see the room and stage itself. :)


I know it was a whole one post Max, but he just said the stage was 4 foot high.

:p

I'll get there and see. I'm tempted to setup in front of the stage in the centre and use the edge of it for my CDs, that way i'm "centrestage" but there won't be any issues with the subs.

[Disco Tech Liverpool]

I've worked on a fair few stages over the years, and the only time i have experienced any kind of feedback at all was when I used vinyl. Ever since going over to CD's i've never had this problem, do you still use vinyl?:)

No, it's just from the vibration of the bass through the wooden floors. I have really good bins. It never happens if you just have the tops, but then I always use the bins unless Im just working for an hour or so !!! You just have to take it into account and be careful not to drop your mic by your side !