Is your sound good enough.

[super-hero]

Just wondering how much attention us djs pay to the sound of our setups.

The reason I ask is that a customer came up to me at the end of last nights gig and commented on how well the speakers coped with the bass. I ended the night with some club classics, finishing with the likes of Insomnia and Sandstorm.

Due to the fact that it was a relatively small venue and that I had to setup after the guests had eaten, and while the room was being cleared, I only used a pair of speakers on tripods.

I had a walk around the room and it all sounded fine, and was plenty loud enough on the dancefloor. My only worry was that I would be lacking a bit of bottom end, without bass cabs. Turns out it all sounded fine.

So my question is how much attention to you pay to how good your sound is, and what do you do, or have you done to improve it.

[Shakermaker Promotions]

The venue I was in last night is one that I regularly visit. The Disco is set up on the stage. I have used a number of different sound set ups in this venue because it is a medium to large venue.
I have used JBL Full Range on their own (fine) and also with Bass Bins too (meatier sounding) and I have also used (as I did last night), the Mackies on stands and they were fine too.

Yes, sound is important obviously. I use different set ups in different venues. If I know a venue then I will take what has worked well before. Some venues in my area have large marquees so I either use my JBL's win Bass Bins or the Mackies with them to (as you say) fill out the sound a bit more.

The venue last night had 150 people in it (it could probably take 300+ easily enough) and the Mackies were fine. All I did differently was adjust the bass on the mixer and press the contour button the Mackies and it was plenty. I made a point (I try to do it at every gig) of going as far away from the set up as I could to see how it all sounded and it was fine.

[chrispeacock]

i personally always want more, and when i get a better setup i always want more again. depends on the venue because some places the sound doesnt travel very well. sometimes i think my system sounds rubbish but when i go out to where the audience is it sounds great.

[surround sounds]

I pay load of attention to my sound and greatly improved since moving to rcf speakers..I use jbl eons for years and i have never looked back since changing to rcfs..I Have 4 Active rcf Tops and 4 rcf 905as bass speakers so i feel comfortable with any venue i do big or small..

[Shakermaker Promotions]

I'm not surprised. Using all of that at once would provide some proper kick.
I'm hoping to get some new subs in the new year which are compact enough that I will more than likely use them at most gigs I do.
I agree that each venue differs (high ceilings, wooden venues, large venues with not many guests etc).

I always go along the lines of....as long as it's nice and crisp with enough volume on the dancefloor, I'm happy. I did a gig last year where I had my speakers on stands next to me as usual but also had another 2 on stand opposite me so the dancefloor was covered all angles. I must admit, it was a bit of overkill to be honest.

[chrispeacock]

i did a marque christmas party on friday who insisted i didnt use my sub and insisted that i turn the base down as low as it would go later on when i wanted to get people dancing. They have had previous complaints from neighbours regarding another dj who is a close friend. I told them that its harder to get a nice sound if you have zero bass and less chance of people dancing but theydidnt seem to care. it had around 200 guests and the marque was 250ft long and about 60ft wide. they would only let me use 2 yamaha msr400 12" actives which i personally think are way underpowered for a marque of that size

[Excalibur]

Oh good heavens,Incoming!!!!!!!:eek: :eek:


So my question is how much attention to you pay to how good your sound is.
The lights in some ways are an extra, but the sound is the core of your performance. Bad sound = bad performance. :(
I'd say that all of us on here tend to monitor our sound quality with a fervour.


and what do you do, or have you done to improve it.
Well in my case:
1) Finding some nice new friends in a Midlands town. ;) :D :D
2) When my beloved mixer died, I bought a Denon from a member on here. The quality increase was staggering.
3) When using tops and subs, using an active crossover and second amp.

[deltic]

The lights in some ways are an extra, but the sound is the core of your performance. Bad sound = bad performance.
I'd say that all of us on here tend to monitor our sound quality with a fervour.

i could tend to agree with that,as a man with a modest sound system or two myself. :D :D :D

[super-hero]

I am always looking to get a better sound and will use different setups depending on the type of function and the venue.

Things that I have done to improve my sound over the last couple of years include getting rid of poor quality mp3's. I try to use WAV files where possible.
This makes a big difference.

[Ryu]

I'm obsessive. Had to play through a horrendous in house PA on Thirsday and spent the whole first hour tweaking...fortunately the floor was ticking over throughout...back to my own PA next which I much prefer but all the same...planning for an upgrade next year!

[Excalibur]

i could tend to agree with that,as a man with a modest sound system or two myself. :D :D :D

Well they don't come much more modest than the singing drainpipes. :p :D :D ( Our new readers will not know that as well as a rather natty Bose system, Andy owns a Do It Yourself Earthquake kit, ( big HK system ) and I am attempting to yank his chain. ;) ;) :D :D )

Andy is an excellent example of taking the right tools for the job. His Bose is perfect for small gigs with less bass oriented music. At the other end of the scale, he has the HK and large live mixer , capable of handling live bands with ease. His QSC's tend to occupy the middle ground. Horses for courses. Simples.

My kit ranges from two 8" Skytecs for store launches, through the default setting of two wooden 15" cabs or two 12"plastics for smaller gigs, through 12" plastics over 15" subs for larger events ( particularly where speech is important at times ) and for anything bigger, just keep addiing 15" cabs. :D :D

[Twinspin]

Im happy with the sound i get from my RCF's very nice clear sound. Power i feel i could do with some more power in the top/mid. I had planned to get the RCF 725A but had to put that on hold for now.

[Excalibur]

i feel i could do with some more power in the top/mid..
Whereas I feel I could do with ear defenders. ;) :D :D :D :D :D

[yourdj]

There was a bloke in my residency that had all the lights in the world.
But he has sktec speakers. My got it was so bad. I actually thought it was a phone on full blast in the reception.

One was not even working when I approached him and he had not noticed lol.
Typical budget DJ I suppose? I did not spend much time talking to him as I was pretty busy and his breath stank.

Mouthwash should be on his list of things to buy before new speakers. :lol:

Its not exactly that expensive to buy a set of good speakers second hand.
The bloke last night had RCF so that sold it for me.

[NKR]

Souns is key for me as I am running a vocal artist too. The EV's have made a big different with a 1.5" horn lots of decent HF and nice mid too. Its not all about speakers though. If you pair them with a bad amp and desk and also you have no ear for how to run them then its all the gear and no idea time. I have always been quite proud of my ability to squeeze the best sound out of any system I have owned (not any system anyone else has owned though as some are beyond help.)

Plastic cabs are a big no for me. They don't have the warmth that wooden and particularly ply cabinets give.

[super-hero]

I spend way too much time just listening to my speakers and fine tuning things.
I have spent the whole of today getting ready for a Boxing day gig where I am just supplying kit for a Garage night. I've done the gig before and will be using the same kit, but still doesn't stop me trying to get it to sound a bit nicer.

Everyone who has replied so far seems to pay a lot of attention to the sound their system, but I wonder if it is something that gets overlooked by some djs.
I only say this as I personally know djs, who are not members of this forum, who don't give any thought to sound quality.

[WWDJ]

I need to get properly used to my new RCF rig and for sure it sounds better IMO, but one thing is interesting is the perception of loudness. Either 1) it is not any louder than my old systems, or because the sound is clearer and less strained, it doesn't feel louder, it feels more comfortable at higher volumes.

[Sapphire Disco]

I have been to a couple of places recently where there have been mobile discos and their sound quality has been atrocious.

The first one the sound was very muffled I think the problem with that one was the mp3 files were probably low quality and illegal down loads.

The second one there was no bass sound was distorted I think they were probably playing straight out of a laptop ear phone jack.

I didn't speak to either of them to find out for sure as I tend not to , it certainly ruined the clients parties that I did notice, I'm still astounded at what some ( DJs ) think they can get away with for sound quality these days these were in small venues can't imagine how bad it would have been if there had been two or three hundred people :(

[Excalibur]

Plastic cabs are a big no for me. They don't have the warmth that wooden and particularly ply cabinets give.
I don't recommend plastic cabs on their own, but as tops or mid tops, I have few qualms.



I only say this as I personally know djs, who are not members of this forum, who don't give any thought to sound quality.
That might appear to be the case. Funny thing is, I find it to be beyond comprehension that they ignore the most important aspect of their event. :daft: :( :( :(


I need to get properly used to my new RCF rig and for sure it sounds better IMO, but one thing is interesting is the perception of loudness. Either 1) it is not any louder than my old systems, or because the sound is clearer and less strained, it doesn't feel louder, it feels more comfortable at higher volumes.
RCF not loud enough? :confused: Ah, I know what the problem is. You haven't turned the blighters on. :D :D :D :D :D

[WWDJ]

RCF not loud enough? :confused: Ah, I know what the problem is. You haven't turned the blighters on. :D :D :D :D :D

I'm only running the 'mini rig', 12" Bass, 10" tops. Got a gig again in a couple of weeks and they like the Rnb, so a good chance to crank it!

[Mark Wild]

It all depends on what you need to achieve tbh, I haven't yet needed a rig that needed to please more than 200 people on the dance floor at any one time, so in answer to the OP, yes, my sound is more than adequate.

[Excalibur]

I haven't yet needed a rig that needed to please more than 200 people on the dance floor at any one time,

200? 200? Blimey, I write it in the diary if I get 20 on the dancefloor!!:eek: :eek:

[Shaun]

Just wondering how much attention us djs pay to the sound of our setups.


So my question is how much attention to you pay to how good your sound is, and what do you do, or have you done to improve it.

I spent a lot of years finding a sound system that was a perfect match for me. Got there in the end. I almost always use subs with my tops, not because I need the extra power but because I like the fuller sound it provides. To my ears it improves the sound quality.

[jc light and sound]

We are now running hz sound systems kit 4 subs 4 tops powered by chameleon amps through a processor which gives us 5k.
Currently being used in a marquee for 500 most nights durrng xmas.
They are fantastic cabs uk made by very nice people in somerset uks best pa secret.:)

[Excalibur]

Got there in the end. I almost always use subs with my tops, not because I need the extra power but because I like the fuller sound it provides. To my ears it improves the sound quality.

My experience also.

[Shakermaker Promotions]

I'm going to demo an X500 this week, probably tomorrow and if I like it, it will go on my shopping list for January along with the Subs.

[Shaun]

Received a PM from Mr Excalibur.......




I spent a lot of years finding a sound system that was a perfect match for me.
Too heavy, damaged by alcohol, grumpy and unhelpful, excessively loud and brash. Nice rig. :D :D



:lol: :D :lol: :D

[ultrasound disco]

I enjoy the flexibility of my system
If in a smaller venue I use my EV eliminator subs upright with my bose mods (added Celestion HF 50) on top of the 18 inch poles which all makes for a very small footprint if I get stuffed in a corner.
If the venue is larger or a younger crowd requiring extreme bass I flip the EVs on their side and add a Peavey 15" sub then my bose again on the pole on top
all of this powered by a Mackie J2500 (subs) and a QSC GX5 for tops
I also use a 2way crossover and Dual comp/limiters...the later I found really adds to the flexibility (and saves me speakers too! :) )

If I need even more bass I have 2 Mackie M1400 amps in a rack which are awesome for bass in bridge mode but useless for much anything else :) for extra tops I can add (parallel) 2 bose 802s on stands on the GX5.

[Daryll]

Very happy with my sound , all DIY tops and bins , never any complaints so far, touch wood.

Daryll

[super-hero]

@Mark, not so much thinking about loudness, more sound quality.
@Shaun, my thoughts exactly.

99% of the time I use bass cabs with my tops because I think the sound is that bit better. And I think they are less of a trip hazzard than tripods.

[hammy]

@Mark, not so much thinking about loudness, more sound quality.
@Shaun, my thoughts exactly.

And I think they are less of a trip hazzard than tripods.

Have you found that they make good seats for the guests thought

[Shaun]

Have you found that they make good seats for the guests thought

Not if you blue tack drawing pins to them. :d

[super-hero]

They have the top cabs pole mounted above them so no room for guests to sit on, the odd pint of beer though.

[mattydinx]

They have the top cabs pole mounted above them so no room for guests to sit on, the odd pint of beer though.

Trillians Rock Bar in Newcastle had triangle 'hats' made for their subs - No stray pints being perched on those!

[chrisj]

Just finished loading for a college staff Xmas gig tonight. Sound system includes pairs of the following, Tannoy V15 dual concentric 400w rms 15" full range, Tannoy T40 15" subs loaded with 600w rms drivers, Tannoy B475 18" subs 300w rms, all 8 ohm. These will be driven with a Stairville 450w @ 8ohm per channel amp for the V15's and Yorkville 1200w @ 4ohm for the subs. I will decide at the venue whether to use the RCF 725's. The venue will be a marquee that will be hoisted to the ceiling with block and tackle inside a huge sports hall.
Have camera and video cam with me and after 4 hrs set up with up to 40 mood lights and a 4m trilight I will take some pics.

[djdave01]

in very large halls, i think i could do with a second HK sub, otherwise im more than happy with my systems sound

[BVD]

I have noticed that most replies have concentrated on speakers.

In the past I have tried to make sure that my front end (decks, cartridges stylii) were always the best I could afford followed by the mixer/amps.

Speakers were the final link in the system. If the speakers are fed with a garbage signal then no matter how much you spend on them, they will not sound good.

Does anyone else agree that the £'s should be thrown at the front end first to ensure the speakers are receiving the best signal possible?

Cheers

Steve

Just editing to say that in one reply there was a mention of low bit mp3's being the source of some bad sounds and I would have to agree wholeheartedly.

Steve

[Excalibur]

I have noticed that most replies have concentrated on speakers.

In the past I have tried to make sure that my front end (decks, cartridges stylii) were always the best I could afford followed by the mixer/amps.



A chain is only as good as its weakest link.

[super-hero]

Exactly as Excalibur says.

What started me thinking was that a lot of the pictures in the gallery show pairs of speakers moundede on tripods.
There is nothing wrong with this, I do it myself.

But I also use bass cabs on occasions too. And I think it sounds much better with the bass cabs.

So I was wondering why some people don't use bass cabs. Is it to make setup easier, is it cost, or are they happy with the sound of their system without them.

[Shakermaker Promotions]

I will use Mackies on stands at a couple of venues because space is limited and also, subs really aren't needed even if the venues are packed.
If I am going to a venue that is quite large then I will use the subs or if I am somewhere and there are quite a lot of guests.

[CRAZY K]

A chain is only as good as its weakest link.

There speaks the voice of experience.:D

I worked with my son at Knebworth House in Herts Wednesday, they have a massive Sound system inside the function room---however in the large bar where we ran the Rodeo Bull there was a linked set of speakers so the DJ ( so called) can make announcements like---the Coach is here to take you drunks home:daft:

HOWEVER despite a fabulous set of RCF speakers being installed--I counted at least 6--whatever the DJ said was muffled and IMPOSSIBLE TO HEAR.

No I havent lost my hearing--no one else could understand it either, so we had to help out by making the announcement on our 8 inch baby QTX system.

Sooooo-why should that be:confused:

Only as good as the amp. mixer, matching, crossovers, control settings etc.

Sounded to me like Sky Tecs on a VERY VERY bad day.:eek: :eek: :eek:

Did I mention the DJ played Gary Glitter --another RnR Xmas followed by MARCH OF THE MODS:rolleyes:

:Laugh: :Laugh: :Laugh: :Laugh: :Laugh: :Laugh: :Laugh: :Laugh:

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

HOWEVER despite a fabulous set of RCF speakers being installed--I counted at least 6--whatever the DJ said was muffled and IMPOSSIBLE TO HEAR.

No I havent lost my hearing--no one else could understand it either, so we had to help out by making the announcement on our 8 inch baby QTX system.

Sooooo-why should that be:confused:



System set up incorrectly.
Crap mic
Crap voice
Crap technique

Next....:D

[Twinspin]

There speaks the voice of experience.:D

I worked with my son at Knebworth House in Herts Wednesday, they have a massive Sound system inside the function room---however in the large bar where we ran the Rodeo Bull there was a linked set of speakers so the DJ ( so called) can make announcements like---the Coach is here to take you drunks home:daft:

HOWEVER despite a fabulous set of RCF speakers being installed--I counted at least 6--whatever the DJ said was muffled and IMPOSSIBLE TO HEAR.

No I havent lost my hearing--no one else could understand it either, so we had to help out by making the announcement on our 8 inch baby QTX system.

Sooooo-why should that be:confused:

Only as good as the amp. mixer, matching, crossovers, control settings etc.

Sounded to me like Sky Tecs on a VERY VERY bad day.:eek: :eek: :eek:

Did I mention the DJ played Gary Glitter --another RnR Xmas followed by MARCH OF THE MODS:rolleyes:

:Laugh: :Laugh: :Laugh: :Laugh: :Laugh: :Laugh: :Laugh: :Laugh:

Definetely something wrong there.... Did he have the high on his mic eq turned down and his low up. or a blown HF Driver Thats what it sounds like to me. Unless it was a particularly bad microphone. Mine sound very clear when used for speeches or any announcements i make.

[Excalibur]

System set up incorrectly.
Crap mic
Crap voice
Crap technique

Next....:D

I had a Road to Damascus experience last night. For the life of me, I couldn't understand why I could never get any mic to work satisfactorily with John's MC6000. :mad:

Last night, when we had a tad more time to set up, I suddenly noticed that the tone controls on the mic channels are not set up in a manner I regard as standard, so as per normal I was pulling all the bass off, and giving it plenty of mid and treble, in order that my dulcet tones might sound as mellifluous as possible. For some reason, it was just boomy, muddy, and virtually unintelligible. :(

Instead of the controls being Bass Middle Treble in that order, it's the reverse !! So I was pulling all the treble off, and turning the bass up. No wonder my voice was muffled. :o :o :o

[Dr Spin]

My kit ranges from two 8" Skytecs for store launches, through the default setting of two wooden 15" cabs or two 12"plastics for smaller gigs, through 12" plastics over 15" subs for larger events ( particularly where speech is important at times ) and for anything bigger, just keep addiing 15" cabs. :D :D

I've got two 8" Skytecs, which are surprisingly good for the price. They were originally bought as back-up kit, but they come in handy for awkward shaped venues, as I can run them off a slave amplifier to fill in the dead areas where the main pair don't reach.

[CRAZY K]

System set up incorrectly.
Crap mic
Crap voice
Crap technique

Next....:D

I know----im just saying RCF speakers ( quality equipment) are not a guarantee of a good sound if you dont know what your doing.

[thex-faders]

Another benefit of having two of us means one can go out into the crowd/back of the room and assess the sound quality.

But I think even when on your own you should take a moment to go into the crowd and see/hear what they're experiencing!

Tom

[chrisj]

My son is usually with me and before starting we always do a sound check. He will go to the back first and give hand signals as to bass, mid and treble before I go to the back to listen myself.
Using Tannoy B475 18" subs and Tannoy T40 15" loaded with 600w driver subs together with Tannoy (again) V15 15" dual concentric full range but with x-over at 150hz last friday. These were bi-amped and an awesome sound and volume.

[CRAZY K]

Another benefit of having two of us means one can go out into the crowd/back of the room and assess the sound quality.

But I think even when on your own you should take a moment to go into the crowd and see/hear what they're experiencing!

Tom

In my job I have to go into the audience all the time with a mike/ or music playing so not a problem for me.

Certainly for microphone work its essential---music can easily be heard--
not so with vocals.:daft:

[Excalibur]

I've got two 8" Skytecs, which are surprisingly good for the price. .
Me too. They're normally used for similar purposes, aand they're perfect for what I need them to do.


I know----im just saying RCF speakers ( quality equipment) are not a guarantee of a good sound if you dont know what your doing.

Or if you get the high and low tone controls mixed up on an MC6000. :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I know----im just saying RCF speakers ( quality equipment) are not a guarantee of a good sound if you dont know what your doing.

No speakers are Alan.

[Elite Entertain]

Interesting thread...

I solved any speaker issues by getting some Bose L1's - absolutely amazing sound quality, worth every penny. I can use one system or two depending on the size of the gig.

I also agree that using a quality source, either CD's or Apple Lossless / AAC @ 320, is very important too. The mixer makes a massive difference too.

Cheers, Ian

[MikeW]

As some of you may know, I use a pair of QSC K12s which I am more than happy with. They wil cover approx 80% of my gigs.
I recently purchased a RCF art905 sub. I have used it twice. The sound is pretty good, although I am still trying to find the best settings.
I run from the mixer to the sub and then to the tops. If I am honest, running this way, I find the tops seem to lack a bit, they seem a bit too trebly.
Apart from that, I am happy with my sound set up.

[NKR]

As some of you may know, I use a pair of QSC K12s which I am more than happy with. They wil cover approx 80% of my gigs.
I recently purchased a RCF art905 sub. I have used it twice. The sound is pretty good, although I am still trying to find the best settings.
I run from the mixer to the sub and then to the tops. If I am honest, running this way, I find the tops seem to lack a bit, they seem a bit too trebly.
Apart from that, I am happy with my sound set up.

Because the sub now has the low frequencies filtered to it. You should be able to adjust the crossover to send more low frequencies up top.

Best way to run a bass is the theatre way and pull your bass off an auxillary line on a proper desk and then you can control what goes there and what doesn't. Nice when you want the mics kept off the bass cab so you still get full range voice to your mid tops and bass when required from music playback.

[JAMdisco]

Instead of the controls being Bass Middle Treble in that order, it's the reverse !! So I was pulling all the treble off, and turning the bass up. No wonder my voice was muffled. :o :o :o

One word : Specsavers :D :p

[MikeW]

Because the sub now has the low frequencies filtered to it. You should be able to adjust the crossover to send more low frequencies up top.

Best way to run a bass is the theatre way and pull your bass off an auxillary line on a proper desk and then you can control what goes there and what doesn't. Nice when you want the mics kept off the bass cab so you still get full range voice to your mid tops and bass when required from music playback.

Thanks for the info Neil. I will have a look and see how the crossover can be adjusted? I think possibly just a slight amount of bass going through the tops would sound better.

[CRAZY K]

No speakers are Alan.

RCF should be as far as I am concerned having worked with them several times.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

RCF should be as far as I am concerned having worked with them several times.

I don't think you are reading the context of what I said Alan. No speakers can be a guarantee of quality if they are set up incorrectly etc etc

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I don't think you are reading the context of what I said Alan. No speakers can be a guarantee of quality if they are set up incorrectly etc etc

In fact you said that, not me...:daft: