Need help starting out.

[groove on discos]

Heya guys, i need help starting out. i want to first start off with primary school disco's and childrens partys to start. i have all the kit i need which is


Prosound 150w rms each 10' (what would you reccommend to upgrade to? upgrading ASAP)

prosound 300w amp

stairville tomahawk

2 njd chaos

giraffe lighting stand and desk thingy

numark axis 9 decks

3 chanel mixer

2 mic's

speaker stands



Questions:

What would be the best speakers to upgrade to? (ASAP)

what cd's to get, have about 70-80£ budget allready have about 12 now cd's ranging from now 47 to 71

do i need to beatmatch? or do anything different from playing the usual

I am thinking of doing some free disco's for youth clubs, should i? and also i need suggestions on pricing.

Are there any licences needed for cd djing?

Any advise on disco's generally?

thanks guys!

[groove on discos]

For speakers i was thinking one of these, which would be the best to choose?

cheapest and active http://www.class-d.com/Speakers/Konig-X2-800w-15-ABS-Active-Speakers/prod_21016.html

http://www.djkit.com/package.php?id=PKG-1389-2776

http://www.djkit.com/package.php?id=PKG-1227-92

[Booche]

What is your total budget, are you looking at upgrading again in the near future etc

[groove on discos]

yeah, i am looking into getting perhaps 2 scan lights (acme led?) and look the previous post for speakers i need to upgrade asap.
budget is anything, but will be funding upgrades from money made from disco's please read the first post and awnser a few questions :)
thanks!

[Booche]

yeah, i am looking into getting perhaps 2 scan lights (acme led?) and look the previous post for speakers i need to upgrade asap.
budget is anything, but will be funding upgrades from money made from disco's please read the first post and awnser a few questions :)
thanks!

Ok tbh the amp and speakers are quite low unless you are going to stick to small discos etc

I'd be tempted to either go Active if budget is there if not have a look at some of the peavey amps or in the for sale section on here as there is a nice bloke called Mark Wild selling a very nice pair of active speakers which would be suffice :)

As for lighting thats up to you BUT im sure someone will mention efx's and such like

Have you any coverage for your deckstand ?

Music wise i would try and get a few more cd's if that is what you are going to stick too as im sure requsts are a pain with so little cd collection,

If you are looking at going digital then im sure a digital player like a cortex, denon etc would be ideal

Again its more of a personnal choice as to what you like or don't

Hope this has helped :)

[DeckstarDeluxe]

Can you provide a photo of your gear all setup?

Firstly I would suggest getting the speakers upgraded (only if your budget allows this to a suitable model such as the Peavey or Class D range)

Music is also very important, so speak nicely to parents/family for use of their cds but also their knowledge of musical styles your not familiar with.

Whatever you do please don't do what most of us did and think the lighting is the most important aspect, it isn't.

If you continue to post as your doing and gaining peoples trust then going out with some senior members local to you would be an fantastic learning experience (who knows they might lend you some equipment when you need it).

[Glenski]

Some good advice above :)

If your on a budget, you could try these out >> Superlux SF12A active speakers Here (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=400206442900&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT) and for a very good price, especially if you use the 'make me an offer' link :)

Get your sound right from the off, then worry about your lighting :)

As for music, try and find some music fairs, boot fairs or look on Ebay for music collections, even ask friends and family to donate old or unwanted cd's

Look up music subscription packages like Mastermix, DMC, CD Pool etc as they often have great deals on starter packs etc.

Thank you

Glenn

[groove on discos]

thanks deckstar, thats a great idea! yeah i was thinking these speakers would be good?

http://www.class-d.com/Speakers/Konig-X2-800w-15-ABS-Active-Speakers/prod_21016.html

however i would get these after a couple of disco's and just getting a lil income to get the speakers and progress further.

im going the cd route because i have a whole ton of cd's and i dont really like digital for some reason.

im very stuck on pricing :/

edit: id also like to mention that iv got all the gear state, just need advise on upgrading soon etc :)

[mattydinx]

What would be the best speakers to upgrade to? (ASAP)
Depends on your budget and what you're going to use them for. The 'best' speakers can cost upwards of £3000 per box....I'll take a stab in the dark and say these would be overkill for your needs :D
Active would be the way to go for simplicity, but remember that you nearly always get what you pay for, so the cheapest option may not be the best!



what cd's to get, have about 70-80£ budget allready have about 12 now cd's ranging from now 47 to 71
Look out for the "100-hits" series of CDs (Asda have them at £4.99 each at the moment) this is a cheap and easy way to build up your collection quickly. Charity Shops, car boot sales, eBay and Play.com's "PlayTrade" scheme are also great ways of bagging bargains.



do i need to beatmatch? or do anything different from playing the usual
As you're starting out, No. Worry about getting the music selection right first, then as you progress see if you can incorporate mixing into your discos.



I am thinking of doing some free disco's for youth clubs, should i? and also i need suggestions on pricing.
Freebies are how I started - but don't become "that DJ who does all the free discos" - Offer to do one for free and charge for the rest. What you charge is up to you - Charge what you think you're worth, but don't sell yourself short. Being the cheapest disco in the area may lose you work rather than gain you any



Are there any licences needed for cd djing?
Not for DJing with shop-bought CDs. Most venues with function rooms have the relevant licenses for public performance of music but it's worth checking beforehand.



Any advise on disco's generally?
Enjoy it and have fun! :D

[DeckstarDeluxe]

I've not heard them but the spec doesn't appear to be that bad. The only issue you may encounter is some of your events may take place in large halls which are a nightmare.

Nothing wrong with the cd route. I always make a point of going into HMV etc when I'm out in shopping in town or down in Bristol and there are a few deals i.e greatest hits cds for £5.Naturally if your aiming to only target kids discos/teen events then it is important to have the latest releases and waiting for the next NOW album isn't really an option. I think you will have to go "slightly digital" so you have that weeks floorfiller.

[groove on discos]

Depends on your budget and what you're going to
Enjoy it and have fun! :D

shortned quote :)

yeah i was thinking

maybe these class d's?

http://www.class-d.com/Speakers/Konig-X2-800w-15-ABS-Active-Speakers/prod_21016.html

about 300-400£ on active speakers would be the max if that helps! thanks so much and the licence thing is such a releif! :) anything else i should know? like what to do if the atmosphere goes dead?

[DeckstarDeluxe]

shortned quote :)

yeah i was thinking

maybe these class d's?

http://www.class-d.com/Speakers/Konig-X2-800w-15-ABS-Active-Speakers/prod_21016.html

about 300-400£ on active speakers would be the max if that helps! thanks so much and the licence thing is such a releif! :) anything else i should know? like what to do if the atmosphere goes dead?

There are many things you can learn on here, but going out with an experienced pro will teach you things that you can't really learn on a forum. Microphone use I believe is one of those skills you need to see and hear for yourself working in an real life environment.

[Booche]

shortned quote :)

yeah i was thinking

maybe these class d's?

http://www.class-d.com/Speakers/Konig-X2-800w-15-ABS-Active-Speakers/prod_21016.html

about 300-400£ on active speakers would be the max if that helps! thanks so much and the licence thing is such a releif! :) anything else i should know? like what to do if the atmosphere goes dead?

As mentioned before tho look at getting your sound sorted as you already have lights that would cover gigs for now :)

EDIT: Mis-read the links my mistake so i apologise

[groove on discos]

There are many things you can learn on here, but going out with an experienced pro will teach you things that you can't really learn on a forum. Microphone use I believe is one of those skills you need to see and hear for yourself working in an real life environment.
yeah that would be a great experience, thanks!

[groove on discos]

Not sniping or anything but i asked about budget as you linked to Active Mackies at £600 EACH but now budget is only £300-£400 ?

As mentioned before tho look at getting your sound sorted as you already have lights that would cover gigs for now :)

they went active :) it was a package including an amp, and 2 mackies. but yeah, it would take too long to raise the money for that :/

[groove on discos]

any other helpful advise out there? (not letting me edit..)

Just made a logo :)

http://screensnapr.com/e/gIV0JC.png

[DeckstarDeluxe]

Can I make a suggestion? This thread has many topics to discuss and I think to do it in one thread is slightly too much. Might be worth opening threads in the sub sections of the forum for example.

[groove on discos]

oh, ok thanks.

[katman]

Look out for the "100-hits" series of CDs (Asda have them at £4.99 each at the moment) this is a cheap and easy way to build up your collection quickly.

Just watch out for the immortal phrase on the back ....

" to obtain the highest possible quality the tracks have been recorded using one or more of the original performers "

... roughtly translated " really :Censored: versions of once great songs"

[djtrev]

Dont forget you will need PLI insurance and your equipment will need to be PATested.

[mattydinx]

Dont forget you will need PLI insurance and your equipment will need to be PATested.

Neither are a legal requirement and although both are advantageous to have, I'd put getting his (or her?) equipment and music collection up to scratch first.

[groove on discos]

thanks, the licencing thing for me was the biggest worry :)

[Shakermaker Promotions]

Also (Hello by the way), If your target markets are the Primary Schools and Children's Parties, it may well be worth looking into the CRB License. It's not a must have as more often than not, there are always helpers or parents in attendence but sometimes you may get the nod over someone else targeting the same market because you have CRB.

As said already, lights aren't that important (yet). There's no point having sound and lighting if you don't have the music. The 100 Hits series should get you going for older stuff and keep up to date with the NOW albums. With CD's etc rapidly disappearing, it may be worth going digital. It's so easy to keep up to date day by day when you are digital.

Sound etc can be improved upon once you get the funds in but saying that, if this is something you want to do then it may be worth getting something decent to start off with. There's nothing worse than not having enough sound or having to 'make do' with what you have.

Lastly (sorry)....You may find that this is something you have a knack for and if that's the case, you may be doing a Children's Party one day and someone may ask you if you do Adult Discos. If you have the confidence in yourself and your equipment then you could do ok. That's where the sound etc WILL matter as the functions will generally be bigger and people will notice the quality. We've all had to start somewhere....I'd say the majority of us on here made mistakes with purchases etc...I know I did. If I was starting out today then I would go straight for quality sound and playout system. I know budget is an issue but as I said, if it's something you want to do and you want to do it properly, it's worth getting decent stuff.

Good luck!

[djtrev]

Neither are a legal requirement and although both are advantageous to have, I'd put getting his (or her?) equipment and music collection up to scratch first.

While you are correct with regards to the legal requirement I think you might find that the majority of venues insist on seeing the relevant paperwork for both PLI and PAT

[Shaun]

While you are correct with regards to the legal requirement I think you might find that the majority of venues insist on seeing the relevant paperwork for both PLI and PAT

Really? I've only ever been asked a few times, and all of those times have been Council run establishments (mainly Schools). I've never had a Hotel or high class venue ask about them.....ever!

.

[DeckstarDeluxe]

Really? I've only ever been asked a few times, and all of those times have been Council run establishments (mainly Schools). I've never had a Hotel or high class venue ask about them.....ever!

.

Likewise, only listed buildings in my experience too.

That said legal or not, I think you would be rather foolish to not have insurance in place should the worse happen.

[NKR]

Likewise, only listed buildings in my experience too.

That said legal or not, I think you would be rather foolish to not have insurance in place should the worse happen.

I get asked at a couple of venues who are big into pushing their resident DJ for the commission so try to make it more difficult with the PLI and PAT thing, but not a problem here.

[Excalibur]

yeah i was thinking

maybe these class d's?

http://www.class-d.com/Speakers/Konig-X2-800w-15-ABS-Active-Speakers/prod_21016.html

about 300-400£ on active speakers would be the max if that helps! thanks so much and the licence thing is such a releif! :) anything else i should know? like what to do if the atmosphere goes dead?

Err James, I'm not sure that price is per pair.
There is a member on here with a pair of W Audio actives for £300 which would be very good, if a tad heavy.

Alternatively, ring Class D, cos they've got stock. Ignore the website, it's out of date. They will give you good advice over the phone, no problem.

[groove on discos]

Err James, I'm not sure that price is per pair.
There is a member on here with a pair of W Audio actives for £300 which would be very good, if a tad heavy.

Alternatively, ring Class D, cos they've got stock. Ignore the website, it's out of date. They will give you good advice over the phone, no problem.
Ok thanks, yeah another thing about licencing was that i thought going digital makes the problem of another licence needed... licences are really bugging me as i cannot afford pll or prs and if going digital requires another licence then :/

[Excalibur]

Ok thanks, yeah another thing about licencing was that i thought going digital makes the problem of another licence needed... licences are really bugging me as i cannot afford pll or prs and if going digital requires another licence then :/

Oh goody, another P***b thread! James, if you download direct to your playout machine, and do not use the backup copies for performance, you will not need the licence.

PLI/PAT: Though neither are mandatory, you will come across venues which will exclude you if you don't have them. You can get reputable PLI very cheaply, and PAT testing need not cost the earth.

I'd recommend that you get both as soon as possible.

[groove on discos]

Oh goody, another P***b thread! James, if you download direct to your playout machine, and do not use the backup copies for performance, you will not need the licence.

PLI/PAT: Though neither are mandatory, you will come across venues which will exclude you if you don't have them. You can get reputable PLI very cheaply, and PAT testing need not cost the earth.

I'd recommend that you get both as soon as possible.

ok, anyone know where to get pli and pat? looks like digital might be the way :)

[Excalibur]

ok, anyone know where to get pli and pat? looks like digital might be the way :)

Yes. Use the search facility. Both have been done to death lately.

[groove on discos]

Yes. Use the search facility. Both have been done to death lately.

oh, ok sorry! thanks guys!

[Excalibur]

OK James, here's a good one for PLI info.
http://www.forum.mobilediscodirectory.co.uk/showthread.php?t=33567&highlight=PLI

[groove on discos]

hehe yeah just searched and decided after my first paid disco i will get ampdj pli for 50£ :) thanks so much! cd's are the way for me, got at least 40 varying from like 70's to now :)

[DJ Jules]

As for music, try and find some music fairs, boot fairs or look on Ebay for music collections, even ask friends and family to donate old or unwanted cd's

If you want to boost your back catalogue cheaply, Mastermix's Bargain bin (http://www.mastermixdj.com/paris/frameset.asp) is worth checking out. DMC are also doing packs of their past releases (http://www.dmcworld.com/shop/viewCat_P.asp?idCategory=91) (up to 20CD's in a pack) from the last decade or so for anything from £7!

Julian

[groove on discos]

If you want to boost your back catalogue cheaply, Mastermix's Bargain bin (http://www.mastermixdj.com/paris/frameset.asp) is worth checking out. DMC are also doing packs of their past releases (http://www.dmcworld.com/shop/viewCat_P.asp?idCategory=91) (up to 20CD's in a pack) from the last decade or so for anything from £7!

Julian

50p - 1£ a cd, thanks so much!

[groove on discos]

would these be good?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2-MACKIE-SRM450-ACTIVE-SPEAKERS-MANUAL-/280719316420?pt=UK_Consumer_Professional_RL&hash=item415c2cd5c4#ht_500wt_1156

i dunno how good they are for 450£ :) i live within 30 mins of london so it woiuld be great

[funkymook]

would these be good?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2-MACKIE-SRM450-ACTIVE-SPEAKERS-MANUAL-/280719316420?pt=UK_Consumer_Professional_RL&hash=item415c2cd5c4#ht_500wt_1156

i dunno how good they are for 450£ :) i live within 30 mins of london so it woiuld be great

If they are in good working order then they are an OK price. (and they would be a good choice of make and model for you).

BUT - check out the sellers history! My alarm bells are ringing as they haven't ever sold anything on eBay before and all their purchases are for dresses! No music gear at all.

Only a picture of one speaker as well!

Probably perfectly legit, but I'd be asking them some questions before committing to buy, but I'm suspicious old sod when it come to ebay.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

That's a pretty good price and they look in good nick too.

[DeckstarDeluxe]

Fantastic price!

Take an adult with you, view it and hear it running to a loud volume and make sure it doesn't sound "iffy". If thats ok then you got yourself a bargain at £450

[groove on discos]

hmm ok, now i face a bigger problem... raising 450£ :/

how much did you guys charge to start?

[DeckstarDeluxe]

To be fair I use Mackies (as well as other people) so that is pretty much your speaker system sorted (apart from an active sub for larger events).

If your wanting to do this long term then I would buy these, even ask for a small loan off parents for the difference if possible. It is actually far better value for money to buy once than slowly move up the ladder so to speak.

Plus these hold their value fairly well so if you sold them in a couple of years I would be surprised if you got less than £250/300 if you look after them.

[groove on discos]

yeah, do these come up on ebay often? thatkinda loan in this day and age is pretty hard to get off my parents :/

[funkymook]

hmm ok, now i face a bigger problem... raising 450£ :/

how much did you guys charge to start?


Best to have the funds at the ready when you're looking to buy.

Pricing has been done many times so a search might be in order, and starting new threads for new questions is also the way to go :)

[Corabar Entertainment]

One thing you mentioned (nothing to do with the speakers) but I should point out that you are definitely NOT 30 minutes away from N11!!!! (Well, unless you own a private jet!)

[DeckstarDeluxe]

yeah, do these come up on ebay often? thatkinda loan in this day and age is pretty hard to get off my parents :/

Put it this way I'm half tempted to bid because I need a second set to hire out :)

I understand the money issue, but as someone who has brought so much rubbish before I would strongly urge you to try and secure funding for these speakers (if they are in a working order).

To put it in laymans terms I spent about 8-10k on equipment and I only use about 3k for most rigs, most of that 5-7k is on rubbish that I've sold for stupid money once I noticed it wasn't really what I needed.

[Shakermaker Promotions]

Also, don't forget that IF and WHEN you get up and running and work starts coming in etc etc....it's advisable to have back up.

As said above, it's easy to waste money on rubbish stuff so it's worth investing in decent equipment. I got ahead of myself when I started out because I thought it would be so easy. I, too wasted money....not on rubbish stuff but by buying too much equipment because I had an idea of doing multiple bookings straight away. Saying that though, I now have lots of equipment (for example: 3 x sets of JBL's) that I can use as both back up and hire etc etc

[groove on discos]

ok, so should i keep the prosound's as backup just incase? or sell them and try to fund getting mackies, or maybe do a few disco's and get the mackies then?

[groove on discos]

are these as good?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Pair-Mackie-Thump-TH-15A-active-speakers-400-watts-/110711962561?pt=UK_ConElec_SpeakersPASystems_RL&hash=item19c6f27bc1#ht_945wt_906

it means i wouldnt have to save and could wait untill i do a few small gigs? or are they not too good?

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

We've been down this route before with other members and to be honest, it is a waste of time discussing what you are going to buy if you don't have the money to fund the purchase.

[groove on discos]

ok, so ill wait untill i have the funds and ask again :) thanks

[Excalibur]

ok, so should i keep the prosound's as backup just incase? or sell them and try to fund getting mackies, or maybe do a few disco's and get the mackies then?

Definitely.

Also, there is, as I've said before, a pair of 15" actives for sale on here, from a highly reputable member. Sadly, since he lives miles from civilisation, transport can be a bit tricky.

[groove on discos]

Definitely.

Also, there is, as I've said before, a pair of 15" actives for sale on here, from a highly reputable member. Sadly, since he lives miles from civilisation, transport can be a bit tricky.
i actually cant find them on here, could you link me? :o