Do you have a Home rig?

[DJMaxG]

Do any of you have a home setup, do you practise at home, or make your own mixes? (software included)

What do you use at home?

[SC Events]

Nope, that's why i'm a Mobile DJ and not a bedroom DJ.

[JDB Entertainment]

Nope, that's why i'm a Mobile DJ and not a bedroom DJ.

lmfao! :D sorry but that was a good answer! :P

[Shakermaker Promotions]

When you do this is a business (well, me anyway), you don't really get time to practice. All the practice I get is when I am out on the road doing the job.
I do a number of podcast shows for various sites too and may do some of my own mixes for them but that's about it.

[visualdjmax]

When you do this is a business (well, me anyway), you don't really get time to practice. All the practice I get is when I am out on the road doing the job.
I do a number of podcast shows for various sites too and may do some of my own mixes for them but that's about it.

Have to agree. Having the time would be nice! 24 hours in a day is not enough. :D

[Rowleys]

lol well i have a pair of technics 1200's mk5 and i use time coded vinyls with virtual DJ

i like to have a mix with mates bit of bassline and garage

[djpapastu]

When I was younger (making myself sound old, and I'm only 25)I used to have my trusty old Numark CDN20 cd players and a terrible old Tandy mixer setup in my room, so I could teach myself to beatmatch/mix, but like the other guys have said when you're out gigging all the time I rarely have time to get chance at playing on a home setup.

That said, if I had the room, and my other half would let me, then I'd have my CDJ's setup in the lounge! :D

[Sapphire Disco]

Laptop & earphones occasionally

[flatliners]

practice what! mobile djs dont need to mix so thats out the window suppose if your just starting out and wanna practice using mic then fine but many mobile djs on the forum just have enough time to grab some food and away they go

[Adam_F]

Ableton Live & Mixmeister on my laptop at home.

Getting some space together in the unit, for a dedicated studio area, which will have turntables and a HN 2500 hooked up, along with production and radio gear too.

[Daryll]

Just bring my laptop and HDD in and use headphones :D

Daryll

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

When you do this is a business (well, me anyway), you don't really get time to practice.

I disagree. There is always time to practice and you should always try and improve things if possible.

[Excalibur]

I disagree. There is always time to practice and you should always try and improve things if possible.

Practice and enjoy? :sofa:

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Practice and enjoy? :sofa:

Practise 'n' improve. :D

[Shakermaker Promotions]

Darren, I've had over 20 years of 'practice'. Not being funny mate but I don't think I need to improve things like mic work etc or mixing. If I have to improve on anything then I would say it's the presentation thing and I can't really practice that.

How do YOU suggest we practice? When you are DJing 3 times a week and in the daytime doing your business etc...admin, bookings and the rest, when do you get time to practice?

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Darren, I've had over 20 years of 'practice'. Not being funny mate but I don't think I need to improve things like mic work etc or mixing. If I have to improve on anything then I would say it's the presentation thing and I can't really practice that.

How do YOU suggest we practice? When you are DJing 3 times a week and in the daytime doing your business etc...admin, bookings and the rest, when do you get time to practice?

How can you possibly say that you don't have time Gary? Sorry, but everyone has time to practise if they want to.

And by saying you can't improve anymore, you are basically saying you are the best DJ there is.

Everyone has a weakness they can improve on and everyone has time to practise.

This is in virtually any industry.

[Shakermaker Promotions]

Darren, in the nicest possible way...you are talking utter rubbish if you THINK that I am implying that I am the best DJ there is. Don't try and put words into my mouth mate. I said that I don't think I need to practice and improve and I also said that I don't have the time....and I don't have the time. I do plenty of other stuff away from my business aswell. I don't think I am the best out there but I know that I am certainly not the worst. Someone else mentioned earlier that as mobile DJ's we don't need to be able to mix.... I TRY to whenever I can when I do a dance set and I haven't had any complaints.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Darren, in the nicest possible way...you are talking utter rubbish if you THINK that I am implying that I am the best DJ there is. Don't try and put words into my mouth mate. I said that I don't think I need to practice and improve and I also said that I don't have the time....and I don't have the time. I do plenty of other stuff away from my business aswell. I don't think I am the best out there but I know that I am certainly not the worst. Someone else mentioned earlier that as mobile DJ's we don't need to be able to mix.... I TRY to whenever I can when I do a dance set and I haven't had any complaints.

Why get so aggressive Gary? If you feel you can't improve you must be the best you can be surely? And I'm not putting words in your mouth.

I have been DJing longer than you but still feel I can improve on certain aspects of my performance.

You can make time to practise if you want to. Next time you are sitting on Facebook playing games, I'll remind you of that. ;)

[Shakermaker Promotions]

Aggressive? Where do you get that from?
Your above reply, which says "...you must be the best YOU can be surely?" is totally different from saying that I must think I am the best there is!!

I'm not getting aggressive at all. Could I improve on things in general? Maybe?
Do I want to? IF...IF..I had the time then yes. As for the Facebook comment (in jest I assume because of the smilie), then that's called 'Time Out' and you do the same do you not? (insert smilie here).

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Aggressive? Where do you get that from?
Your above reply, which says "...you must be the best YOU can be surely?" is totally different from saying that I must think I am the best there is!!

I'm not getting aggressive at all. Could I improve on things in general? Maybe?
Do I want to? IF...IF..I had the time then yes. As for the Facebook comment (in jest I assume because of the smilie), then that's called 'Time Out' and you do the same do you not? (insert smilie here).

Yep, but then I am not saying I don't have time to do things.

Check your posts back - they do come over as aggressive sometimes.

[Shakermaker Promotions]

As I said originally, that's rubbish (in my opinion). I don't see any hint of aggression in any of my posts at all.

[djsteve10]

I am always looking for ways to improve my performace and provide the absolute best of my ability. New tracks are always coming out and I like to find out which ones mix together best and how they can be used.

I am always looking for ideas to improive my show, dj'in skills and also business management skills. I feel that if you don't want to improve you will just get bored of the job very easy and it will become like a 9 - 5 job where you have to drag yourself there.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

As I said originally, that's rubbish (in my opinion). I don't see any hint of aggression in any of my posts at all.

And I think that's 'rubbish' too then. ;)

[Shakermaker Promotions]

If I was the site owner or a moderator on this site and I had seen posts by a member that appeared aggressive then I would firstly warn them or sin bin them and secondly as a last resort, kick them off the forum.
Seeing as neither of these has happened (yet), then I can't really see where you are coming from Darren?
The day I get sin binned and treated like a naughty little boy is the day I stop joining in on the forum. I like to think that I conduct myself well on here. This is now going away from the OP question so if there are any problems with the way I come across on here then PM me. That goes for everyone.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

If I was the site owner or a moderator on this site and I had seen posts by a member that appeared aggressive then I would firstly warn them or sin bin them and secondly as a last resort, kick them off the forum.
Seeing as neither of these has happened (yet), then I can't really see where you are coming from Darren?
The day I get sin binned and treated like a naughty little boy is the day I stop joining in on the forum. I like to think that I conduct myself well on here. This is now going away from the OP question so if there are any problems with the way I come across on here then PM me. That goes for everyone.

I have mentioned to you several times that the way you deal with things or the way you post is aggressive but I agree, you do conduct yourself well on here.

It's no big thing, just something I have observed.

[Shakermaker Promotions]

Darren, I don't recall having it mentioned to be honest with you but I expect someone is busy already searching posts to back it up.
You know what?...You may say "It's no big thing" but it is to me mate. If that's how some people see me on here then they have the wrong idea totally.
Oh well, nevermind.

[Mark Wild]

Home Kit -

2 x TFT Monitors (27" & 22")
A little logitech active sound X-540 (I just use the two front speakers and one bass)
Novation Nio 2/4
HP Pavilion TV a6085.uk Tower
1T of HDD (Internal and External drives)
Xponent Midi Controller (which I use on the road too)
Torq 1.5
Sennheiser HD25's Mk 11 (which I use on the road)
Shure sm58 - T4N Diversity receiver (again the one I use mobile)

My hobby is mixing Electro-house I'm a big fan of it, the likes of Crookers, MC Flipside, The Bulgarian, Lee Mortimer, Loco Dice, HiJack, Diplo etc etc... Is the flavour I'm into at the moment. I find I get quite alot of time to practise (even with the cheesy stuff). As much as I'd like the phone to constantly ring with enquiries, it doesn't and this gives me time to work on my skills.

I've DJ'd live on 1radio.org a few times now and also DJ'd virtual clubs in Second Life :D

[secretDISCO]

I have to agree with Darren on this one.
I myself have been DJing for 36 years now and still find time to lock myself away in the spare room / studio for a few hours on a week night, listening and mixing new stuff i've recieved over the last few days.
Gary's point is also valid as in either too busy and feels he can introduce new stuff / mixes on the "Live" front whilst working.
I think every DJ's attitude to some serious Homework is varied, but like myself have to have them few hours locked away. I also write stuff down, something i never done in the past .......maybe i'm just getting old and forgetful.
Overall everybody has there own level of working and prep.
Ho-Hum:)

[DeckstarDeluxe]

not trying to stir things up here Gary and you are a nice guy who does a good job but I remember awhile ago you to said me in one post "I dont know what your proplem is with me". At the time I didnt really know people on here and no offence I had no real idea who you were and certainly didnt have a proplem with you never have done. I do think sometimes you take what is said on here in the wrong context, this being one of them. If like Darren said your saying you dont need to improve suggests that you think you are the best out there, even so if you are then that still shouldnt stop you trying to improve.


I do think that once you stop trying to improve then its a slippy slide down because your almost taking your foot off the pedal as such. I also have to add I have never seen you perform live but your set ups are nice and tidy.

Ive been djing for a short while but have been bedroom djing most of my spare time before that (five years prior to going public two years ago). I spend more time now than I did before reseaching different aspects of live entertainment some that relate more than others and its the fact I want to improve everything not just my weak points.

OP.

Once I have the deckstand Pro I intend to use the goalpost I have now (well the bottom half) to house my denons and amp and get back into mixing dance genres (mainly funky house) which is what got me into djing in the first place.

[rob1963]

Home rig? No.

Practice at home? You must be joking!

I'm already out working 5 nights a week, using the mic, engaging with people and / or playing music.

After 25 years, if I'm not at the standard I need to be at without having to lock myself away at home & practice, I may as well give up tomorrow!

:shrug:

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

After 25 years, if I'm not at the standard I need to be at without having to lock myself away at home & practice, I may as well give up tomorrow!


Any other entertainer would practise and see if they could improve, why not our industry?

There are aspects I feel I can improve on and I have been DJing 25 years too. Is every aspect of your show perfect then Rob?

[rob1963]

Any other entertainer would practise and see if they could improve, why not our industry?

There is nothing wrong with wanting to improve, but there are sometimes better ways than setting your rig up at home & playing about with it.


There are aspects I feel I can improve on and I have been DJing 25 years too.

There are also aspects I feel I can improve on.


Is every aspect of your show perfect then Rob?

No, but I think there are far better ways to improve than sitting at home playing with my kit.

Joining & using this forum is a very good example of that.

I've learned far more here than I would have done by setting up & using my gear at home.

[DeckstarDeluxe]

i think the OP was do you have a home rig rather than do you set up your rig at home....

[rob1963]

Surely your home rig could be the same as the one you take out on the road?

Especially for those who use it to practice on.

[Mark Wild]

Surely your home rig could be the same as the one you take out on the road?

It could but surely you have a smaller option for playout at home? lol

[Larry B Entertainment]

I do think that once you stop trying to improve then its a slippy slide down because your almost taking your foot off the pedal as such. I also have to add I have never seen you perform live but your set ups are nice and tidy.


I agree.

Even the top DJ's like Tiesto (voted best DJ 3 years running) and Richie Hawtin have to practice to stay on top of their game. And its not just Beat and phase mixing, its other aspects of general DJing too. I dont believe it should be any different for us, even though our audience is slightly different.

[rob1963]

Even the top DJ's like Tiesto (voted best DJ 3 years running) and Richie Hawtin have to practice to stay on top of their game. And its not just Beat and phase mixing, its other aspects of general DJing too. I dont believe it should be any different for us, even though our audience is slightly different.

Do you think that practicing with our kit at home is the best way to improve?

[Larry B Entertainment]

Its one of the ways yes. I bet Judge Jules has at least a pair of Technics and a mixer at home to practice on when he's not on the road.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Its one of the ways yes.

Agreed.

[Excalibur]

Home rig? No.

Practice at home? You must be joking!

I'm already out working 5 nights a week, using the mic, engaging with people and / or playing music.

After 25 years, if I'm not at the standard I need to be at without having to lock myself away at home & practice, I may as well give up tomorrow!

:shrug:

Insert merry quip of choice here. :D :D :D

OK, over here sat on the fence in Semantics Corner, crouched down behind this handily placed comfy :sofa: may I point out that just because you say you can't improve your performance Doesn't imply you're the best there is, simply that you're doing the best you can. World of difference, Lads. ;) ;)
Heavens above, this started as a happy little thread, now it's Man Bags at twenty paces! :eek: In a rare show of unusual kindness, I even refrained from making a jibe at Rob! Even Penmare's fireproof for a month as well, so the targets for my wit and wisdom are becoming fewer. :( :( :(

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

just because you say you can't improve your performance Doesn't imply you're the best there is, simply that you're doing the best you can. World of difference, Lads. ;) ;)


But how do you know you can't improve if you don't practise and try?

[rob1963]

Its one of the ways yes.

Ahhh...ONE of the ways, but not necessarily the BEST way or the ONLY way.

I will continue to use my preferred methods of improvement, which are using this forum & speaking to friends who are also DJs.

[Mark Wild]

I will continue to use my preferred methods of improvement, which are using this forum & speaking to friends who are also DJs.

How do you listen and play around with new releases?

[Excalibur]

But how do you know you can't improve if you don't practise and try?

However much I practice ( English please, not American. ;) ) and try, I suspect I won't be able to run the 100 metres faster than I can now. :D

[rob1963]

How do you listen and play around with new releases?

itunes.

[Shakermaker Promotions]

I'm not saying anymore on this subject apart from this - Javlingames, I have seen others on here, including Darren, appear aggressive on a regular basis. I'm glad you have picked up on that as I probably would've not said anything as it may have appeared petty.

[Excalibur]

I'm not saying anymore on this subject apart from this - Javlingames, I have seen others on here, including Darren, appear aggressive on a regular basis. I'm glad you have picked up on that as I probably would've not said anything as it may have appeared petty.

Aggressive? Me? Never, and I'll smack anyone who suggests it! :D :D :D

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I'm not saying anymore on this subject apart from this - Javlingames, I have seen others on here, including Darren, appear aggressive on a regular basis. I'm glad you have picked up on that as I probably would've not said anything as it may have appeared petty.

I don't appear aggressive on a regular basis.

I have to deal with idiots on this site on an hourly basis and if I see something wrong then I will tell it how it is. I don't pussyfoot around.

Regular members don't have that responsibility. You come on, read, post what you want and then leave with nothing to worry about.

I admit, I am a lot less patient than I used to be and if you want to call that aggression, then fine.

Gary, as I've said before, you are a well respected member of this site and well behaved but I feel you come over a little aggressive in some of your posts in the way you deal with people. Not only here, but other placed too.

Javelin Games - I deleted your post as I knew it was going to start this off again, and it has done exactly that. You have a knack of doing that - posting when it's nothing to do with you and stirring up trouble again.

As far as I'm concerned, Gary and I had a difference of opinion in the way we perceive the way things are written and you have chosen once again to try and stir up trouble.

Well done.

[Excalibur]

Idiot in Chief here reporting for duty. Here's my home mixing rig, which I use on a regular basis, and second the full pro one for when I'm doing it in earnest.

[Shakermaker Promotions]

Darren, I'll say now, what has been said today does not really mean anything to me. It does not affect our forum relationship (if you want to call it that haha), it's simply a difference of opinions as you say. I don't know Javelin but he said what he said and I agreed...because I do.

Yes, you DO come across as having less patience than you used to and sometimes, to me...it appears to be rude and if I can be honest, cringeworthy sometimes as it's straight to the point. I guess a lot goes on in the background and behind the scenes that a lot of us don't know about (the 'idiots' comment, as well as spamming etc). Darren, as you well know (PM's etc) there have been times on here when I have found it hard to keep quiet and I have vented the anger in a PM, usually to you or have chatted on Facebook because of certain people on this forum.

It's forgotten now so let's move on as they say.

[Mark Wild]

I have a BOSE® SoundDock® in my living room too lol

[DJWilson]

My mobile is my home rig.

[Javlingames]

I don't appear aggressive on a regular basis.

I have to deal with idiots on this site on an hourly basis and if I see something wrong then I will tell it how it is. I don't pussyfoot around.

Regular members don't have that responsibility. You come on, read, post what you want and then leave with nothing to worry about.

I admit, I am a lot less patient than I used to be and if you want to call that aggression, then fine.

Gary, as I've said before, you are a well respected member of this site and well behaved but I feel you come over a little aggressive in some of your posts in the way you deal with people. Not only here, but other placed too.

Javelin Games - I deleted your post as I knew it was going to start this off again, and it has done exactly that. You have a knack of doing that - posting when it's nothing to do with you and stirring up trouble again.

As far as I'm concerned, Gary and I had a difference of opinion in the way we perceive the way things are written and you have chosen once again to try and stir up trouble.

Well done.

I like you darren say it as i see it. I think the trouble had started before i got here. Dont post darren if you dont want other peoples opinions

[DJMaxG]

Darren,
Where is My Post replying to the comments?

It took 15 minutes to write

[DJ Jules]

I normally use a laptop with Virtual DJ and a pair of Senheiser HD25 II headphones (also used on the road). I sometimes bring in the cortex and mixer (as these two items are flight cased by themselves so they're pretty light to move around) to practice because there are some quirks in the Cortex which take a bit of practice (hot cues, effects, etc).

I can see both sides to the "discussions" above by the way - If you're a mobile DJ who is out a lot of the time, then I can understand that going out live is the probably the best "practice" you can have - when I'm going through a busy period (bear in mind I'm not full time) then I don't get spare time to practice at home, just do the paperwork and prepare for the next gig - so if I have new tracks I'll tend to audition them through headphones during the quieter moments at the gig (either after I'm set up, or during the early part of the evening). However, if I've got a quiet few weeks (which does sometimes happen), then I'll normally sit down for a few hours on an evening and play around with new ideas, audition tracks, hunt for tracks that I've been asked for at previous gigs and research.

Incidentally, as a newbie in this industry (still < 1yr!) I'd definitely say I need the practice!

Julian

[Shaun]

I don't have a setup at home. I don't practice, except when I'm working. Back in the early days I had turntables at home, and spent a HUGE amount of time honing my skills. I feel very confident in my capabilities now, so I no longer practice.

[DiscoPromotions]

I have got a home rig my controller, DJ IO sound card and laptop, but as I work away it is just sitting there gathering dust.

However, I do have my Macbook with Firewire HD with Virtual DJ & Mixmeister loaded do little creative things when I got five minutes or on the train.

Reading through the posts it is a mixture of people who do and do not practice.

I know the importance of practice, practice and practice to ensure everything is professional; right down to practicing on correcting mistakes. At the end of the day a service is being provided by a paying consumer.

I'm never without my iPhone and I'm always thinking creatively. I create playlists in iTunes and put songs in order which I know that will work; as well as listening to new music to know them inside out (how they start & end, breaks, genre etc)

So, do I practice on my home rig? No. However, I will say that there are people who have the ability to deliver an excellent service without the need to practice.

Like lots of people being DJ does not pay all the bills that is why I have to make 250 miles around trip to my normal day job. On the other hand I am not looking to become a full time DJ as I enjoy my day job too much at the moment (plus the pay is better).

So, to sum up. Yes I do have a home rig that I do not use as I'm not there to use it. My practice is understanding and knowing how I can be put it together creatively.

Jay P

[rob1963]

I don't have a setup at home. I don't practice, except when I'm working. Back in the early days I had turntables at home, and spent a HUGE amount of time honing my skills. I feel very confident in my capabilities now, so I no longer practice.

Whoaa...spooky.

That could have been posted by myself...word for word!

:eek: :eek: :eek:

[Corabar Steve]

Home rig? There's a Sony HiFi system in the corner of the living room & iTunes on the PCs. (for the odd party, I might break out the Stagepas & the HD2500s)

Practice? Nah! It's my job & I do enough of it when I'm working. Bar staff don't take a pump & optics home, Butchers don't have a chopping block & a set of knives ready to fillet their practice joint, Bricklayers slapping up the old practice wall? Plumbers with a practice U bend? I don't think so. Those of you that have other day jobs, do you practice for them too?


(& yes before anyone else says it, all my parties are odd)

[rob1963]

Practice? Nah! It's my job & I do enough of it when I'm working. Bar staff don't take a pump & optics home, Butchers don't have a chopping block & a set of knives ready to fillet their practice joint, Bricklayers slapping up the old practice wall? Plumbers with a practice U bend? I don't think so. Those of you that have other day jobs, do you practice for them too?

Extremely well put, Steve!

:thumbsup:

[A1DL]

of it when I'm working. Bar staff don't take a pump & optics home, Butchers don't have a chopping block & a set of knives ready to fillet their practice joint, Bricklayers slapping up the old practice wall? Plumbers with a practice U bend? I don't think so. Those of you that have other day jobs, do you practice for them too?

I read Darren's comments re practice more along the lines of, say a professional footballer, whom spends hours each week practicing his art.

The key difference being, whilst it would not be normal for an experienced tradesman to practice his skills, within performing arts (be that a muso, vocalist, sportsman/woman) then it is widely accepted that often much more time is dedicated to practice than actual performance.

[rob1963]

The key difference being, whilst it would not be normal for an experienced tradesman to practice his skills, within performing arts (be that a muso, vocalist, sportsman/woman) then it is widely accepted that often much more time is dedicated to practice than actual performance.

I don't think the same is true of the mobile disco industry.

Think about what we do compared to the people you mentioned above.

We could practice setting up our kit at home, playing music & using the mic to make announcements etc, but what's the point (unless we're just starting out, of course)?

As I said before, the reason people practice is to improve, and there are better ways of improving, such as spending time on this forum, which has helped me improve EVERY aspect of my business over the last couple of years.

If I'd not joined the forum, but spent the time using my kit at home, do you REALLY think I'd have improved as much as I have?

There's simply no comparison.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I read Darren's comments re practice more along the lines of, say a professional footballer, whom spends hours each week practicing his art.

The key difference being, whilst it would not be normal for an experienced tradesman to practice his skills, within performing arts (be that a muso, vocalist, sportsman/woman) then it is widely accepted that often much more time is dedicated to practice than actual performance.

Glad someone is on the same wavelength.

Something else too - when you buy a new bit of kit, do you go straight out with it, or set it up and make sure you know what you are doing?

Rob, did you take your D2 straight out on the road or did you practise first. Same goes to Steve with the Denon HD2500.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I like you darren say it as i see it. I think the trouble had started before i got here. Dont post darren if you dont want other peoples opinions

I want opinions, but I don't want troublemakers and all you appear to do is to make comments to stir up trouble.



Darren,
Where is My Post replying to the comments?

It took 15 minutes to write

And most of it was complete rubbish and flaming others, so I deleted it.

[Twinspin]

Nope dont have any equipment setup. All i have is a Denon Mini system for listening to music. And thats all i need.

When i got the hd2500 i did have that out at home to figure out how to operate it etc etc. and it doesnt come out at home other than when it needs a music database update. Ill do the update and put it away.

[rob1963]

Rob, did you take your D2 straight out on the road or did you practise first.

I'd say there's a big difference between trying out a new item to see how it works and setting up your regular kit at home to practice your music playing & announcement techniques.

When the OP asked if we practice at home, I don't think he was referring to trying out new bits of kit to find out how they worked, but if I'm wrong, then I apologise in advance.

[BeerFunk]

Nope, that's why i'm a Mobile DJ and not a bedroom DJ.Congratulations....


practice what! mobile djs dont need to mix so thats out the window suppose if your just starting out and wanna practice using mic then fine but many mobile djs on the forum just have enough time to grab some food and away they goMobile DJs don't need to mix... right.


Practice? Nah! It's my job & I do enough of it when I'm working. Bar staff don't take a pump & optics home, Butchers don't have a chopping block & a set of knives ready to fillet their practice joint, Bricklayers slapping up the old practice wall? Plumbers with a practice U bend? I don't think so.It's incredible how many analogies are slapped on to the working practice of a mobile DJ!

What's the difference between a mobile DJ and another tradesman, such as a plumber? The mobile disco industry is constantly evolving and changing - not only with new music every week but also new technology and equipment in nearly every aspect of the job.


The key difference being, whilst it would not be normal for an experienced tradesman to practice his skills, within performing arts (be that a muso, vocalist, sportsman/woman) then it is widely accepted that often much more time is dedicated to practice than actual performance.Very true, although it all comes down to the whole 'entertainer' argument again :sofa:


I don't think the same is true of the mobile disco industry.

Think about what we do compared to the people you mentioned above.

We could practice setting up our kit at home, playing music & using the mic to make announcements etc, but what's the point (unless we're just starting out, of course)?

As I said before, the reason people practice is to improve, and there are better ways of improving, such as spending time on this forum, which has helped me improve EVERY aspect of my business over the last couple of years.

If I'd not joined the forum, but spent the time using my kit at home, do you REALLY think I'd have improved as much as I have?

There's simply no comparison.I do agree that, once established, there are other areas in which a mobile DJ can make more significant improvements - mainly business and management.

As for the actualy DJing part of it - I don't mean any disrespect Rob, but you've already admitted that you don't even use headphones, cue points etc - so you really have no interest in improving the way you DJ?


I'd say there's a big difference between trying out a new item to see how it works and setting up your regular kit at home to practice your music playing & announcement techniques.

When the OP asked if we practice at home, I don't think he was referring to trying out new bits of kit to find out how they worked, but if I'm wrong, then I apologise in advance.Well that's certainly something I'm sure everyone must do. New DMX lighting (or any new equipment) you're not familiar with, obviously has to be set up and tested at home. The question is, for those who make good use of DMX, do you ever take time to program new sequences and ideas etc?

[rob1963]

As for the actualy DJing part of it - I don't mean any disrespect Rob, but you've already admitted that you don't even use headphones, cue points etc - so you really have no interest in improving the way you DJ?

If I NEEDED to improve the way I DJ after 25 years, my clients would soon let me know, but the reality couldn't be more different.

Four of the five positive (unsolicited) customer feedbacks on my website are from the last couple of months alone, as I'm now getting more than ever before.

If I start getting feedback along the lines of "We were disappointed to see that you didn't use headphones" or "We were not happy to observe that you failed to use cue points" then I'll consider changing.

Until then, as the saying goes "If it ain't broke..."

[Babybob]

What's the difference between a mobile DJ and another tradesman, such as a plumber? The mobile disco industry is constantly evolving and changing - not only with new music every week but also new technology and equipment in nearly every aspect of the job.



In my opinion a mobile DJ is not a tradesman and shouldn't be compared to one.
A tradesman is someone who has completed an apprenticeship or some other from of professional training.

[A1DL]

If I start getting feedback along the lines of "We were disappointed to see that you didn't use headphones" or "We were not happy to observe that you failed to use cue points" then I'll consider changing.

Until then, as the saying goes "If it ain't broke..."

That's a fair point, Rob. If one's act consists of simply inserting CDs and pressing "play", as opposed to searching for (or retrieving previously saved) cue points to start the track at the most suitable point, PFLing to set the channel gain pot to match the levels, etc, then I guess there is not much to practice.

However, surely the aforementioned are fairly basic DJ skills, which are necessary to ensure a smooth musical programme, without unexpected silences or sudden changes in levels?

Additionally, no matter how long you've been DJing, it is still easy enough to cue up the wrong track - if you're not PFLing, the first you will know of this error is once you've hit "play" - when it's too late to correct.

[rob1963]

That's a fair point, Rob. If one's act consists of simply inserting CDs and pressing "play", as opposed to searching for (or retrieving previously saved) cue points to start the track at the most suitable point, PFLing to set the channel gain pot to match the levels, etc, then I guess there is not much to practice.

I don't use CDs, and there's a bit more to what I do than finding a song & pressing play, but that doesn't include using headphones or using cue points.


However, surely the aforementioned are fairly basic DJ skills, which are necessary to ensure a smooth musical programme, without unexpected silences or sudden changes in levels?

After 25 years, I can assure you I'm more than capable of running a smooth musical programme without unexpected silences or sudden changes in levels.

I'm even aware of noticable changes in levels at different points in some songs, and will make adjustments for this, but without the need for headphones or cue points.


Additionally, no matter how long you've been DJing, it is still easy enough to cue up the wrong track - if you're not PFLing, the first you will know of this error is once you've hit "play" - when it's too late to correct.

Funnily enough, I have found that it's not whether you listen on PFL that makes a difference to how often you play the wrong track, but the music format you use.

When I used CDs, the players only displayed the track number, so it was easy to cue the wrong track, or even to insert the CD, get distracted & forget to skip through to the track you want. This happened to me a fair few times each year.

However, with my digital system, the track title is displayed on the screen, so it's impossible to cue the wrong track unless your tags are wrong, and this has not happened to me yet. In the year I've been digital, I've not yet played the wrong track or discovered an incorrectly named track.

[Mark Wild]

there's a bit more to what I do than finding a song & pressing play

Like what?



but that doesn't include using headphones

Shocking

[rob1963]

Like what?

You're a DJ, so you shouldn't have to ask.

[Mark Wild]

You're a DJ, so you shouldn't have to ask.

Indeed, but I'm asking you what you do, I'm intrigued especially as you don't even use headphones.

[rob1963]

Indeed, but I'm asking you what you do, I'm intrigued especially as you don't even use headphones.

Unfortunately this thread is about home rigs & practicing, so the off-topic rule forbids me from answering you.

:shrug:

[A1DL]

I'm even aware of noticable changes in levels at different points in some songs, and will make adjustments for this

really? :confused:

level changes during a track are, in this day & age, generally intentional from the artist/producer's perspective, (e.g. breakdowns, builds, bassline drops, etc) and I would have thought riding the faders would destroy the energy and general vibe of the music.

[A1DL]

Indeed, but I'm asking you what you do, I'm intrigued especially as you don't even use headphones.

I'm also very intrigued, Rob - if you're not mixing, you always start each track at 0m0s0f and you're not adjusting the gain, then unless I'm missing something, what exactly is there to do other than press "play" ?

[Excalibur]

I'm also very intrigued, Rob - if you're not mixing, you always start each track at 0m0s0f and you're not adjusting the gain, then unless I'm missing something, what exactly is there to do other than press "play" ?

Well Tony, I can't believe you've had to ask that question! :eek: Obviously those of us who don't display our wondrous mixing/beatmatching/plate spinning skills at every opportunity, fill the spaces between tracks with cheery banter, helpful observations, public information announcements, and sparkling wit. Simples. :D

[A1DL]

Well Tony, I can't believe you've had to ask that question! :eek: Obviously those of us who don't display our wondrous mixing/beatmatching/plate spinning skills at every opportunity, fill the spaces between tracks with cheery banter, helpful observations, public information announcements, and sparkling wit. Simples. :D

Yes Peter, BUT we are talking about Rob here ;)

[Excalibur]

Yes Peter, BUT we are talking about Rob here ;)
Oops. :o :o Sorry Tony, I forgot that bit. :D :D :D

[Penfold42]

I don't have a home rig. :p
I don't practice at home. :sofa:

....but I do get to a gig nice and early so, while i'm waitng I practice.....:cool:

...and it saves on my juice....:D :D :D

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I'd say there's a big difference between trying out a new item to see how it works and setting up your regular kit at home to practice your music playing & announcement techniques.


Yeah, I thought there might be...

[Excalibur]

Even experienced DJ's like myself are not immune from the need to practice.

I myself practice regularly, strenuously, and assiduously.












I can now press "play" on the Cortex with my left hand or my right. :D :D :D

[djsteve10]

Even experienced DJ's like myself are not immune from the need to practice.

I myself practice regularly, strenuously, and assiduously.












I can now press "play" on the Cortex with my left hand or my right. :D :D :D


Step 2 is to improve on Denon HD2500 use :D:D:D:D

[Penfold42]

Step 2 is to improve on Denon HD2500 use :D:D:D:D

Way to many buttons for him.....:sj:

[Excalibur]

Way to many buttons for him.....:sj:

The Denon HD 2500 has a fundamental flaw. It's deaf. :( :( :( No matter how much I shout at it, nothing happens. :bang:

[Penfold42]

The Denon HD 2500 has a fundamental flaw. It's deaf. :( :( :( No matter how much I shout at it, nothing happens. :bang:

Say it in English then.....:p ...not flat cap lingo! :eek: :D

[Dynamic Entertainment]

Home rig consists of:

2x Pioneer CDJ1000s Mk2
2x Technic SL1210mk2
1x Pioneer DJM600
1x Kam KPCS10 Monitors

List time i even got a good long look at them....about 18 months ago.

When i was younger I practiced daily, BUT i bought my turntables after landing a gig in a pub (at 17, dont ask :D) that had them. I had only used CDs before that.

My first 6 months of practice came on a thursday and saturday night, live, using the other djs records and getting valuble pointers/help of him.

Personally, i think that most of your learing in this industry, as far as public perception goes, is on-the-job training. You cant practice your mic work in the bedroom, for example.

Granted, you can figure out new equipmet and all the rest of it at home, but thats the bit the public dont care about. I would even go so far to say that mixing isnt a necessity for a mobile dj. I know plenty of good, experienced, personallity djs, who cant mix cake, let alone a beat, but they are the top of their game.

[rob1963]

level changes during a track are, in this day & age, generally intentional from the artist/producer's perspective, (e.g. breakdowns, builds, bassline drops, etc) and I would have thought riding the faders would destroy the energy and general vibe of the music.

It seems I can't win whatever I do.

It's been suggested I'm in the wrong for NOT using headphones to check & adjust the STARTING gain of each song, now you're suggesting I AM in the wrong by adjusting the gains while a song is playing!

I think I've got it. Are you saying it's ok to adjust the gains BEFORE you push up the fader & hit the play button, but not afterwards?

:confused:


I'm also very intrigued, Rob - if you're not mixing, you always start each track at 0m0s0f and you're not adjusting the gain, then unless I'm missing something, what exactly is there to do other than press "play" ?

Firstly, as I've already said, I DO adjust the gain...but while a song is playing rather than beforehand.

Secondly, I'll give you a couple of clues as to what I'm there to do other than press play.

1) The venues where I work have a dancefloor.

2) As well as the two music channels, my mixer has a couple more inputs, into one of which I plug something called a microphone.

[DeckstarDeluxe]

Rob i think he was meaning quieter parts of tracks typically more common in dance tracks that lead up to a big pay off in regards to the gain issue. I have to say I could quite easily do a gig without headphones as I know in my head which songs are quieter than others and what songs have longer intros which i can/can not use depending on the situlation. If this is not the case A1 then sorry....

Rob no offence but some people dont rest on what they have. You are stuck in your ways but other djs including myself know there are better ways of doing things and just because it seems acceptable by clients doesnt mean we shouldnt have to improve. Be it researching, looking at new equipment, changing set ups at home etc....

[A1DL]

It's been suggested I'm in the wrong for NOT using headphones to check & adjust the STARTING gain of each song, now you're suggesting I AM in the wrong by adjusting the gains while a song is playing!

I think I've got it. Are you saying it's ok to adjust the gains BEFORE you push up the fader & hit the play button, but not afterwards?

Rob, sorry if I did not make the point clear. As I am sure you're aware, different tracks are recorded at different levels, therefore unless you somehow memorise this information about every track you play, in the absence of PFLing the track on cans before playing it live, you will end up with some tunes starting too quietly and (worse) some too loud. IMHO, correcting this a second or two into the track does not make a smooth musical programme.

Similarly, as again I'm sure you are aware, not all tracks start in the best place for the dancefloor if you start them at the very beginning, resulting in a nasty silence (that sounds ten times longer than it really is!) after pressing "play".

[A1DL]

Rob i think he was meaning quieter parts of tracks typically more common in dance tracks that lead up to a big pay off in regards to the gain issue. I have to say I could quite easily do a gig without headphones as I know in my head which songs are quieter than others and what songs have longer intros which i can/can not use depending on the situlation. If this is not the case A1 then sorry....

spot on matey :thumbs_up:

[rob1963]

I have to say I could quite easily do a gig without headphones as I know in my head which songs are quieter than others and what songs have longer intros which i can/can not use depending on the situlation.

Exactly.


Rob no offence but some people dont rest on what they have.

Neither do I.


You are stuck in your ways

With all due respect, that's not true.


djs including myself know there are better ways of doing things

I also know that. Why do you think I joined this forum?

Just because I don't set cue points or use headphones doesn't mean I don't want to improve or find better ways of doing things.

Over the last couple of years, thanks to this forum I've gone digital, bought new equipment, made loads of improvements to my website, introduced a standard reply template for enquiries, improved my terms & conditions, my booking form and my standard letters, decided to increase my daytime set up fee & deposit, changed my answerphone message, learned about & purchased a ProDub licence and received answers to a number of technical problems...and that's just for starters!

All of that has lead to a big increase in the number of clients sending me positive & unsolicited feedback in the form of cards & emails. In fact four of the five recent customer feedbacks on my website are from the last couple of months alone!

I'm sure plenty of people wouldn't bother to join a forum, spend the money I've spent or make the improvements I've made over the last couple of years if they were as near to their retirement as I am.

However, I will continue improving my business right up until the day I retire

[rob1963]

Rob, sorry if I did not make the point clear. As I am sure you're aware, different tracks are recorded at different levels, therefore unless you somehow memorise this information about every track you play, in the absence of PFLing the track on cans before playing it live, you will end up with some tunes starting too quietly and (worse) some too loud. IMHO, correcting this a second or two into the track does not make a smooth musical programme.

That's the whole point.

Most of the tracks I play ARE played on a regular basis, so I DO know what the levels are & where the gain controls need to be.


Similarly, as again I'm sure you are aware, not all tracks start in the best place for the dancefloor if you start them at the very beginning, resulting in a nasty silence (that sounds ten times longer than it really is!) after pressing "play".

Again, I know which commonly requested songs have a long intro that needs to be cut off, and where I need to fade in the song, such as Club Tropicana, Give it up, Dirrty, Living on a prayer, Gold, Stuck in the middle etc etc.

Don't forget I've been doing this for over 25 years now!

[DazzyD]

Well I do have a setup for home practice.

It's a small 6 channel mixer with onboard DSP. It's linked in to the hifi amp so it plays through the hifi speakers. I use it to mostly practice vocal work and a bit mixing & sound-engineering.

Oh yes. And it's also linked to the tv as I use it for practicing karaoke (me being a karaoke jock/vocalist!).

What I do, practice is essential. It's a bad idea for a kj to sing a song that's never been practiced before hand. You just end up looking stupid!

[Corabar Steve]

Something else too - when you buy a new bit of kit, do you go straight out with it, or set it up and make sure you know what you are doing?

Rob, did you take your D2 straight out on the road or did you practise first. Same goes to Steve with the Denon HD2500.Familiarising yourself with something & practicing are 2 totally different things



What's the difference between a mobile DJ and another tradesman, such as a plumber? The mobile disco industry is constantly evolving and changing - not only with new music every week but also new technology and equipment in nearly every aspect of the job.& plumbers have used the same tools since plumbing was invented I suppose (did the Romans have blowtorches & pipe weld?)


I read Darren's comments re practice more along the lines of, say a professional footballer, whom spends hours each week practicing his art.
I would've thought it was more to justify the stuipd amount of money they get paid & to keep fit for their job.

[BeerFunk]

& plumbers have used the same tools since plumbing was invented I suppose (did the Romans have blowtorches & pipe weld?)So now you're comparing the progression of plumbing technology which must date back thousands of years, to mobile discos which date back merely a few decades.

[rob1963]

Familiarising yourself with something & practicing are 2 totally different things

Exactly.

Bit like comparing a Smart car with a Rolls Royce.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Familiarising yourself with something & practicing are 2 totally different things


I disagree. You didn't have anything like the 2500 before, so you had to practise to get used to it. It wasn't like you went from something else similar and had to just familiarise yourself with it. It was unlike anything else you had ever used.


Exactly.

Bit like comparing a Smart car with a Rolls Royce.

Eh? :confused:

[rob1963]

Exactly.

Bit like comparing a Smart car with a Rolls Royce.


Eh? :confused:

I just mean that using a new bit of kit to find out how it works is completely different to setting up your regular gear at home to practice playing music, mixing & using the microphone.

You've already said you disagree, which is fair enough.

I think you might be missing the point of this thread, though. I think it's about whether we have a home set up which we practice our skills on...rather than whether we test out a new bit of kit to find out how it works.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Yeah, I just don't get your analogy...

[Shakermaker Promotions]

Once you have familiarised yourself with a new piece of kit, I don't think there is a need to keep on practicing with it. Once you know how to use it then it's pretty much job done isn't it? I honestly don't see what there is to practice anyway apart from mixing (which it has been said already that the majority of mobile work does not require mixing unless specialised nights?). If I have an idea for a mix then I will throw a few ideas around in Adobe Audition or Audacity. I don't call that practicing, I call it being creative.

My rig is set up a certain way so no need to practice that. My mic skills are at a high enough level in my opinion so I don't practice those either. I do TRY to mix whenever I can because I like to make the effort but I like to do it live. Some people, me included (and not meaning to sound big headed here), have a knack of just doing it off the cuff and it works...I'm not one for writing down BPM's and all that stuff. As for cue points etc etc....I am definitely not one for starting all tracks from the beginning and lastly, I will always use headphones because I feel more comfortable with them.

[rob1963]

Yeah, I just don't get your analogy...

Apologies for using an analogy which was confusing.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Well, I will carry on practising and trying to improve my mic technique, what I say and how, the way I present things and my mixing, as well as learning more efficient ways to set kit up and do things slightly differently, none of which are possible without practise.

[rob1963]

Well, I will carry on practising and trying to improve my mic technique, what I say and how, the way I present things and my mixing, as well as learning more efficient ways to set kit up and do things slightly differently, none of which are possible without practise.

I hope you will share all the things you learn with the forum!

:D

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I hope you will share all the things you learn with the forum!

:D

I have for the last 5 or so years.

Some people never learn though. ;)

[rob1963]

I have for the last 5 or so years.

Some people never learn though. ;)

:jawdrop:

[Excalibur]

Apologies for using an analogy which was confusing.
Don't apologise Rob, Darren's not doing well with analogies lately. ;)

I have for the last 5 or so years.

Some people never learn though. ;)

A day without learning is a day wasted. ;)

[rob1963]

A day without learning is a day wasted. ;)

Indeed, and I'm pleased to say I have NO wasted days.

:D

[thex-faders]

Being a mobile dj is part tiem for us as we are both at university.
We both have our own 'rigs' at uni and mine includes:
Numark DXM09 3 channel mixer with digital effects
MAYA44 USB Soundcard
PCDJ VJ
Dac3
2 Numarks 80 Watt Monitors

Ive posted some pictures of this in the gallery i think! But doesm e well for flat parties here and there and is good to practice and keep up to date whilst at uni and not out DJing.

But echoing what everyone has said, best practice is live at a gig!

Cheers Tom

[Corabar Steve]

I disagree. You didn't have anything like the 2500 before, so you had to practise to get used to it. It wasn't like you went from something else similar and had to just familiarise yourself with it. It was unlike anything else you had ever used.
It had all the buttons & dials that I used on my CD players, & was attached to a keyboard like the ones that have been on every PC I've owned prior to purchasing the 2500. Once I'd sussed out how to make what I did on the keyboard affect the 2500 & where said buttons & dials were, I did not need to practice because I knew what I was doing.

Similarly, when I got my current van I had never used a van with the gearstick on the dash & handbrake on the right. I didn't go out & drive round the block for days to practice changing gears & parking, I familiarised myself with where the gearstick & handbrake were & got in & drove it.


So now you're comparing the progression of plumbing technology which must date back thousands of years, to mobile discos which date back merely a few decades.
Different technologies progress at different rates, but the same principle applies. Once you get the new "product" you work out how to use it & get on with it.

How many of you use Vista? Did you practice using Vista after your transition from XP (or whatever)???

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

It had all the buttons & dials that I used on my CD players, & was attached to a keyboard like the ones that have been on every PC I've owned prior to purchasing the 2500. Once I'd sussed out how to make what I did on the keyboard affect the 2500 & where said buttons & dials were, I did not need to practice because I knew what I was doing.

Similarly, when I got my current van I had never used a van with the gearstick on the dash & handbrake on the right. I didn't go out & drive round the block for days to practice changing gears & parking, I familiarised myself with where the gearstick & handbrake were & got in & drove it.




Completely different scenario and you know it.

Sorry Steve, but the amount of time that you PM'd me and asked me about setting up cue points, how to do this and how to do that, tells a different story.

[Corabar Steve]

Not at all. Finding out how to do things & practicing doing them are totally different excercises. Since I found how to use all of what I want to use on the HD2500, I have not practiced.

Why is the van scenario any different? It's a different layout & by your thinking I should've practiced driving it, until at least I'd gotten used to it.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Why is the van scenario any different? Because it has absolutely nothing to do with this thread.

[Corabar Steve]

But it's something that was different to what I was used to. Shouldn't I have practiced with it first?

As an analogy it works pretty well

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

As an analogy it works pretty well

I disagree and can't even be bothered to discuss it anymore. All you appear to do these days is come on here and argue without anything positive to say and no real contribution, so I'll leave it there.

[Shakermaker Promotions]

Sorry Darren but I disagree mate.
I don't think people are arguing at all, just coming up with comparisons and stating why they don't feel the need to practice. It comes across as if you think you are right no matter what and won't listen to anyone elses thoughts on the subject.

[Shaun]

I think we all need to take a step back and not direct "personal" comments.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Sorry Darren but I disagree mate.
I don't think people are arguing at all, just coming up with comparisons and stating why they don't feel the need to practice. It comes across as if you think you are right no matter what and won't listen to anyone elses thoughts on the subject.


It seems to me that I am not allowed an opinion on here sometimes. I do listen to others thoughts, but on this occasion disagree.

How can doing a bit of practise not be good for you?

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I think we all need to take a step back and not direct "personal" comments.

Sometimes things need saying.

[Shakermaker Promotions]

It seems to me that I am not allowed an opinion on here sometimes. I do listen to others thoughts, but on this occasion disagree.

I feel like that sometimes and there's probably other people that do too.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I feel like that sometimes and there's probably other people that do too.

I'm sure there is. People seem to think just because I have strong opinions about things that I am not allowing them theirs.

Please tell me where it says "you must agree with me" or "You are not allowed an opinion"

This forum would have shut years ago if that were the case.

[Excalibur]

I think we all need to take a step back and not direct "personal" comments.
Amen Brother. :approve:


Sometimes things need saying.
A man's gotta do what a man's gotta do. :D :D :D


I'm sure there is. People seem to think just because I have strong opinions about things that I am not allowing them theirs.

Please tell me where it says "you must agree with me" or "You are not allowed an opinion"

This forum would have shut years ago if that were the case.

I've just got to take an extra strength serious pill before I reply to that or I could be in bother. ;) Darren, please stop loading the gun, it's mean knowing that if I pull the trigger I'll get punished. :( :( :( :( :D :D :D :D

Detached point of view, all I'll say is that via the PC screen Darren can come across as autocratic, stern, grim, and with fixed unswerving views. Please bear in mind that he bears the responsibility for whatever is posted on here mainly on his shoulders, so he has to be careful beyond belief. This may appear "Grumpy", but in real life he's not.

The one thing I value above all else on any Forum is the chance to discuss things in a polite and reasoned way, after all: " I despise everything you say, but I will fight to the death for your right to say it ".

[huma]

Two 1210s, Pioneer DJM 707 and serato off I go and i try to practice as much as I can, although I must say that I better my skills djing live than practicing at home.

[simonp]

as well as learning more efficient ways to set kit up and do things slightly differently

Once you've mastered the efficient bit, please please let me know, as I'm always coming up (in my head) with more efficient ways to set up etc, but they are (in practice) not more efficient and I end up :bang: , but am definitely in your boat with doing things slightly different, I can't help but tinker with things regarding my set up.

[DJMaxG]

Once you've mastered the efficient bit, please please let me know, as I'm always coming up (in my head) with more efficient ways to set up etc, but they are (in practice) not more efficient and I end up :bang: , but am definitely in your boat with doing things slightly different, I can't help but tinker with things regarding my set up.

I Agree with setting things up differently, especially if you have 10+ Lighting effects. There is a DJ in my area who has done 3 X 18 Birthdays for the Same Crowd, as in same people - pretty much. He changed the lighting effects by removing a pair of scanners and adding a starcloth.

[NKR]

Wow that's been some debate.

Getting back to the original question I do have a home set up, but its more because Kev (other half of Neil & Kev Roadshow) is a vocal artist and it allows me to mess with his backing tracks and gives us a rehersal room. Its more like a studio than a home set up.

I still have a DJ set up in there and I do play every now and then with my old 1998 to 2002 trance and hard house and pretend I'm still young and I could have been someone - Aaaaaaadrrrrrrrieeeeen (I am no sure that is the correct spelling but tried it with an a after the i and it looked like Adrian, which would have been like camp rocky).

Hey love the forum more now as it appears you can have an opinion and put it over and people fall out a bit and then make up. Its a proper forum.