Mobile Phones at Gigs

[OllieJames]

Hello!

Thought about this last night, what do you do with your mobile phone whilst DJing? Turn it off? Leave it on? Silent? etc.

Was just wondering because at a gig (during soundcheck) I was behind the decks, I received a text and got that interference sound through the Mackies. Have you ever had this issue?

Cheers,
Ollie

[Shaun]

My phone stays switched off for the entire duration. The same goes for my roadie.

[rob1963]

Thought about this last night, what do you do with your mobile phone whilst DJing? Turn it off? Leave it on? Silent? etc.


Hi Ollie,

My phone goes in my odd job box behind me at the venue & stays switched on, not that I'd hear it if it rang or alerted me about a text message.

It's safter having it in the venue with me rather than outsode in the van.


at a gig (during soundcheck) I was behind the decks, I received a text and got that interference sound through the Mackies. Have you ever had this issue?

Cheers,
Ollie

This is common when mobile phones are near speakers. It happens in my van when the radio is on & it used to happen in the bank with the mic & speaker which we used for speaking to customers through the glass.

Luckily, it's never been a problem for me at gigs, because nobody ever phones or texts me, as I have no friends.

[OllieJames]

My phone stays switched off for the entire duration. The same goes for my roadie.

Okay, Cheers Shaun.


Hi Ollie,

My phone goes in my odd job box behind me at the venue & stays switched on, not that I'd hear it if it rang or alerted me about a text message.

It's safter having it in the venue with me rather than outsode in the van.



This is common when mobile phones are near speakers. It happens in my van when the radio is on & it used to happen in the bank with the mic & speaker which we used for speaking to customers through the glass.

Ahh okay, thanks Rob.


Luckily, it's never been a problem for me at gigs, because nobody ever phones or texts me, as I have no friends.

Awh, Rob! :p

[Adam_F]

Mines near me while gigging, on silent. Never had a problem with it interferring with the PA.

[Excalibur]

My phone stays switched off for the entire duration. The same goes for my roadie.

Very similar, except I haven't found out how to switch a roadie off. :confused: :confused:

[BeerFunk]

It's funny you should say that, I've often wondered about it. I used to get interference on my Omnitronic amp, when I first started out. This was a year or two after mobile phones started to 'boom' in the UK, as I remember it. I've never had any problem with PA equipment and mobile phone interference since, so I always assumed the manufacturers started to take mobile phone interference into their design specifications.

Oh, and mine is always on silent anyway, and I tend to ignore it until afterwards - much to my friends' annoyance!


Very similar, except I haven't found out how to switch a roadie off. :confused: :confused:Doh! :lol:

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

My phone stays switched off for the entire duration. The same goes for my roadie.

And when your good lady was pregnant?

[JDB Entertainment]

Mine is on silent. If it goes off and I see it potentially it could be a customer so I get my roadie to go and take it outside if possible and explain we are at a gig.

Take details and tell them I will call them back at a better time for me.

[djsteve10]

My phone is always on and with me at gigs, If my phone rings and I don't know the number then I will take it outside and take any enquiry as it's potential clients but I will explain that I will phone them back tomorrow as I am working. This only goes for when the background music is playing anytime after that then it's tough luck because I am concentrating on the job in hand.

[Tom]

I put my phones on silent and prop them up behind the mixer so I can see them.

[DeckstarDeluxe]

Its very rare for customers to ring me at the weekend which is when 95% of my gigs take place, however it stays switched on. Not that I answer it or answer texts.

[Vectis]

Mine's on silent and away from the main gear to avoid interference. It might get the odd glance for emails and messages during downtime but quite often is forgotten about entirely unless I need to download an emergency request.

At kids gigs we do the 'text us your requests' thing to a second phone with a PAYG SIM therefore costs me nothing to run.

[rob1963]

At kids gigs we do the 'text us your requests' thing to a second phone with a PAYG SIM therefore costs me nothing to run.

What about the electricity to charge it?

:p :D :D

[flatliners]

i pick mine up when it rings and put the mic near so punters hear the convasation lol mine stays in my pocket on vibrate

[Shaun]

And when your good lady was pregnant?

Much the same, Daz. :o

I took three weeks off around her due date. The times before that I'd give a call home during the buffet to check things were ok, apart from that the phone was off as per usual.

[Twinspin]

Phone stays on all the time and is put at the side of the console. If the phone rings i will answer it. Get my roadie to take over for a minute or two while i go somewhere quiet to answer it and tell the person that i will give them a call in the morning with a quote or whatever.

[kilmeedyman]

Leave mine on silent, doesn't interefere with my Mackies.

Someone on here will know the technical reason for interference if it occurs but it is down to poor shielding or crap wiring/connections or something which shouldn't be the case with Mackies.

So the fact your phone interferes might well be highlighting a problem.

[deltic]

use my phone at some gigs cos i use the remote app sometimes,but the phone is on silent.

[JAMdisco]

I leave my phone on silent and have it on the bottom shelf of my dj stand.

I don't answer calls and generally don't reply to texts unless it's an emergency.
I let my voicemail answer my calls and will listen back to them when I'm back in the van just before I set off, any enquiries get saved and replied to next day.

I've never had the interference noise either with my active Mackies or passive Class-d's.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Much the same, Daz. :o

I took three weeks off around her due date. The times before that I'd give a call home during the buffet to check things were ok, apart from that the phone was off as per usual.

How come you leave it off then Shaun?

[DiscoPromotions]

Hello!

Thought about this last night, what do you do with your mobile phone whilst DJing? Turn it off? Leave it on? Silent? etc.

Was just wondering because at a gig (during soundcheck) I was behind the decks, I received a text and got that interference sound through the Mackies. Have you ever had this issue?

Cheers,
Ollie

Lot of factors that could cause interference on PA system from Mobile phone. Phones in 2G coverage will cause more of a problem due freg it is operating it is on. 3G coverage will minimize interfearence.

High quality shielding on your cables will make a big difference as well.

As for leaving my phone off at gigs - NOT a chance as long it does not affect the job I'm doing.

Jay (JP)

[Shakermaker Promotions]

I keep my phone by me and on silent if I have another DJ out on the same night so if there are any problems I can try and get them sorted out if they need me. I have never had problems with it interfering with the speakers at all. If I am on my own and have no'one else that night and everything is good then I will turn it off.

[Mark Wild]

I keep mine turned off, the Mrs knows where I keep my paperwork with venue details etc in case of an emergency. Nothing worse than seeing a D.J in the middle of a set texting or with the phone glued to his ear.

[Adam_F]

Nothing worse than seeing a D.J in the middle of a set texting or with the phone glued to his ear.


I agree with that.

I wouldn't be seen having a call on my mobile, but no-one can see if I'm txt'ing or not. I'll admit I don't use it often, but do txt at gigs when its quiet.

Customers can't see what I'm doing behind my Deckstand Booth, whether it's DJ'ing, txt'ing or making a sandwich!

[DiscoPromotions]

Customers can't see what I'm doing behind my Deckstand Booth, whether it's DJ'ing, txt'ing or making a sandwich!

DJing whist making a sandwich and texting the other half... Who says men can't multi-task :lol:

Jay (JP)

[rob1963]

Nothing worse than seeing a D.J in the middle of a set texting or with the phone glued to his ear.

Yes there is.

Seeing someone texting or with the phone glued to their ear when they're driving.

[Jiggles]

Customers can't see what I'm doing behind my Deckstand Booth, whether it's DJ'ing, txt'ing or making a sandwich!

Right thats it I'm getting it! :D

TOPIC:
Mobile is always on. If I start getting interference i just put in airplane mode.

[Penfold42]

TOPIC:
Mobile is always on. If I start getting interference i just put in airplane mode.

Wow.......Mobile phone that changes into a plane....beats iPhone hands down.....:p :D

Left on and out of sight.

[OllieJames]

Wow.......Mobile phone that changes into a plane....beats iPhone hands down.....:p :D

:Laugh:

I hadn't thought about that actually Callum, good idea!

[Jiggles]

Wow.......Mobile phone that changes into a plane....beats iPhone hands down.....:p :D

Left on and out of sight.

:no: :wacko: :D


:Laugh:

I hadn't thought about that actually Callum, good idea!

:bow: :D

[Mark Wild]

Nothing worse than seeing a D.J in the middle of a set texting or with the phone glued to his ear.


Yes there is.

Seeing someone texting or with the phone glued to their ear when they're driving.

Well this thread is called Mobile Phones at Gigs

[rob1963]

Well this thread is called Mobile Phones at Gigs

I understand that, and was merely disagreeing with your point that there's nothing worse than seeing a DJ use a mobile phone at a gig.

[Mark Wild]

I understand that, and was merely disagreeing with your point that there's nothing worse than seeing a DJ use a mobile phone at a gig.

Well I'm afraid that's ridiculous because there are alot of random things in life that are nothing to do with the OP that are worse. You make no sense. Try to stay on subject.

[rob1963]

Well I'm afraid that's ridiculous because there are alot of random things in life that are nothing to do with the OP that are worse. You make no sense. Try to stay on subject.

I'm incredibly sorry Mr Moderator.

I'll make sure it doesn't happen again!

:shrug:

[Penfold42]

Play nicely.......:handbag:


:ontopic:

[yourdj]

Always on. never had a problem until i had it next to my wireless mic box.

[Charlie Brown]

I always have my phone on at a gig. My phone is constantly on silent and just vibrates. Yes I text and sometimes I even bend down under by stand and answer the phone.

[JDB Entertainment]

To be fair I am shocked this topic has not caused much discussion.

I once took 3 bookings while been at at gig.

This is one main reason why my phone is left on.

Joe Public I feel sometimes DJ's can only be contacted on a evening!

[spin mobile disco]

I keep mine on at gigs not that I could hear it if it rang but I have a family and need them to be able to get through in an emergency. Wouldnt answer an enquiry though if gigging. I use shielded cables throughout my entire setup and have never had that interfearance since upgrading well worth doing.

[Dynamic Entertainment]

Mines on, i have been known to reply to texts as, like Shakermaker, ive often got a lad or two in pubs now and its handy. Good excample is last weekend, one of the lads, who was starting in a mclub at 10pm, lost his mic (god knows how), he text me asking if i had a spare, i text my guy in the pub asking if he had the spare on him, he did, so i text the first back telling him to go to the pub.

It would have involved 10 minutes or so of conversation between 2 people, both djing, whereas it took 2 texts.

I never answer calls whilst working, thats what voicemail is for.

If i rang a dj during wedding season on a Saturday night, id wonder why he wasnt working, AND had he answered and been at work, i would also be thinking that if he answers phones at this gig, will he be on the phone all night at mine? :)

[JDB Entertainment]

If i rang a dj during wedding season on a Saturday night, id wonder why he wasnt working, AND had he answered and been at work, i would also be thinking that if he answers phones at this gig, will he be on the phone all night at mine? :)

Fair comment steve.

But I give my phone to my roadie and get him to go outside, obviously if it is convienient, etc.

He then explains we are at a gig and takes details for me to phone back!

You could look at it another way and think, this DJ is out at a gig so he must be doing well, etc.

But as said above fair point.

James

[Dynamic Entertainment]

lol. My statement wasnt aimed at you james, just generic.

If i had a roadie then i'd let him do that, but 9 times out of 10 i havent :(

[Mark Wild]

I'm incredibly sorry Mr Moderator.

I'll make sure it doesn't happen again!

:shrug:


:lol: Good

[BeerFunk]

If i rang a dj during wedding season on a Saturday night, id wonder why he wasnt working, AND had he answered and been at work, i would also be thinking that if he answers phones at this gig, will he be on the phone all night at mine? :)Good point, and a valid one for solo operators. However, I'd expect a half-chance of getting someone on the end of the line if it was a company.

[Dynamic Entertainment]

Good point, and a valid one for solo operators. However, I'd expect a half-chance of getting someone on the end of the line if it was a company.

Why? I know many companies (as in registered with Companies house) that are one, two or 3 man bands (not only in this industry) and are out working all the time. Whats so different for a company? If you ring a company at 10pm on a saturday night, in any trade, do you usually get an answer? I know i cant ring my office (day job) and get a reply at them sort of times. And im sure that i've read on here before that some comany owners (Daz i think it was (i apologise if its not you Daz)) switch their phone off at the end opf the "working" day and leave it to voicemail.

[Danno13]

I generally don't take calls after 6pm, or 4pm on Saturdays, which is when I'm usually at gigs. I even have a time of day answerphone service which says the office is closed and when to call back (or leave a message and I'll call you).

Yes, some might see it as grumpy, but I need time to switch off and I consider if quite rude to call people this late unless you know them - I don't want rude clients.

At gigs the mobile is always on silent and gigs, I'd be extremeley embarassed if it went off during a speech or something else important when the music was low.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

And im sure that i've read on here before that some comany owners (Daz i think it was (i apologise if its not you Daz)) switch their phone off at the end opf the "working" day and leave it to voicemail.

I don't publicise my mobile. It's only existing clients who have it on there paperwork. I tend not to answer the landline after about 7pm.

[Dynamic Entertainment]

I don't publicise my mobile. It's only existing clients who have it on there paperwork. I tend not to answer the landline after about 7pm.

Could only remember half of it then, sorry :o

[BeerFunk]

Why? I know many companies (as in registered with Companies house) that are one, two or 3 man bands (not only in this industry) and are out working all the time. Whats so different for a company? If you ring a company at 10pm on a saturday night, in any trade, do you usually get an answer? I know i cant ring my office (day job) and get a reply at them sort of times. And im sure that i've read on here before that some comany owners (Daz i think it was (i apologise if its not you Daz)) switch their phone off at the end opf the "working" day and leave it to voicemail.That's why I said 'half-chance' :)

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I still want to know why Shaun switches his off...

[visualdjmax]

I never switch my off! I have it on silent during speeches and awards etc! Last week I actually used my phone to get a track that I didn't have. Not only that how else am I going to check out the Forum when I am hanging around for ages. I wouldn't take a call though whilst I am playing!!!!!

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Last week I actually used my phone to get a track that I didn't have.

:eek: :D

[visualdjmax]

:eek: :D

It was from iTunes. Mr Music Police.:D

[rob1963]

I tend not to answer the landline after about 7pm.

Same here, the main reason being I'm not usually here then!


I still want to know why Shaun switches his off...

To save on the charging costs?

:D

[Shaun]

I still want to know why Shaun switches his off...

Force of habit. It's just something I've always done. When it's switched off there's no temptation to 'have a quick look' during the performance. Switching it off at the start is also a visual indication to whoever's working with me to show that phones aren't allowed to be used for the duration of the evening.

[Mark Wild]

You "more senior" DJ's, the first mobile phones were released around the mid eighties, how did you cope before then? lol

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

You "more senior" DJ's, the first mobile phones were released around the mid eighties, how did you cope before then? lol

I didn't take a mobile phone with me, cos they weren't available.

I had my first 'mobile' in 1988 I believe - a Motorola 8500X. A veritable brick of a phone.

[Mark Wild]

I didn't take a mobile phone with me, cos they weren't available.

I had my first 'mobile' in 1988 I believe - a Motorola 8500X. A veritable brick of a phone.

:lol:

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

That's the one. It cost me £350 and I think I paid £25/month and that didn't include calls. (Text weren't invented then!) Calls were 50p a minute I seem to remember.

[JAMdisco]

That's the one. It cost me £350 and I think I paid £25/month and that didn't include calls. (Text weren't invented then!) Calls were 50p a minute I seem to remember.

Yep, and the worst thing was minute billing, not per second as it is these days. So a 10 second call would cost you 50p.

The other thing is, most people with phones then were regarded as complete :Censored: :p ;) :D

[Royalblue]

I will have a facility on my website where people can text me requests. Not live yet so will be interesting to see how it works.

[Arnold_disco]

I don't have one

[OllieJames]

I don't have one

A mobile phone?

[Jiggles]

Joe, Stop talking bull!

[Arnold_disco]

A mobile phone?
that's right

Joe, Stop talking bull!
i never was!

[DJMaxG]

I would keep mine on, just incase any type of call comes in.

Probably not the best option, but with loud music blasting, who's going to hear it.

If it interferes, then it is obviously far too close.