Starting Up - advice & recommendations

[DanMann]

Hey

I know the process of starting up and gathering the various equipment parts should be done through a well thought out plan, but the more I look around, it seems that learning about mobile djing can be like studying for a degree. I could spend hours looking around different bits of equipment, comparing specs on speakers etc. and trying to make sense of endless "passive" or "active" speaker debates. :)

I have considered starting up for a while, but it's just been an idea. Then I decided (with a certain 'need' for additional income to support my family) that with the dawn of the new year, I'd finally get going. I read various articles, viewed tutorials etc, and then put it on the back burner again.

Just yesterday however I got a call from a friend, asking me if I would do an 18th birthday party. Suddenly I'm thinking, right.. I've been saying I was going to get equipment, now either I say "no" to the request, or I get stuck in, and get the various equipment in time for the party, and go for it.

With the party being mid March, I've not got long. Ideally, I'd like to get a general idea of the cost involved and the equipment to select, as I will have to order it quick to ensure it all arrives with time for me to familiarise. The pricing is important, as I'll have to put the final idea to my wife.. haha. She might need some persuasion. I'm aiming for around £2000. This may be too low, but I'm not trying to be a dj 'business' per se.

So far I've priced up the following:
Hercules 4MX £310
Virtual DJ pro £100-£150 (approx)
Laptop £600 (maximum). This may include a low GB laptop, and a high GB external hard drive.
Laptop Stand £50 (max)

On top of that, the big needs are:
Speaker/PA System £600 - £800 (budget limit)
Lights £200-£300 (budget limit)

Then in addition to the 'equipment' there is of course:
MP3s (I have plenty, but need to add more - intend to use mastermixdigital)
License

I think that would roughly be sufficient - obviously with wires, leads etc. Am I missing anything else obvious?

The above projections will take me to just over £2000. Do you think it looks about do-able?

Can anyone please advise me on a Speaker/PA system to go for? and some simple lights? These are the parts I'm most unclear on - speakers especially!

Any general advice on the equipment etc and recommendations would also be appreciated. I'm not trying to compete with mobile DJs with 'full on' setups. What I'm trying to get is a setup that will work reasonably well (is reliable), and allow me to show my abilities with the music, and getting people to dance and enjoy themselves.

Cheers

[Dynamic Entertainment]

Your not budgetting for one vital thing.....Advertising & promotion.

Its all well and good spending £2000 on kit, but if your not going to get any more work in other than the one 18th, its not worth it. :)

[JAMdisco]

Hi DanMann,

Unfortunately as you've only mad a few posts, I'm unable to PM you. Just want tpo let you know I have a 1,200W speaker system and amp for sale, looking for £400 if you're interested.

[edit] just realised you're in Douglas - I assume that's Isle of Man (I guess the other clue to your location is the DanMann

Oh well, if you're over here at some point in the near future, let me know... :)

[Dynamic Entertainment]

Hi DanMann,

Unfortunately as you've only mad a few posts, I'm unable to PM you. Just want tpo let you know I have a 1,200W speaker system and amp for sale, looking for £400 if you're interested.

[edit] just realised you're in Douglas - I assume that's Isle of Man (I guess the other clue to your location is the DanMann

Oh well, if you're over here at some point in the near future, let me know... :)

If you want them Daniel...im at Workington. Im sure that between us we can get them to the coast, then you can ferry hop over the water and pick them up :)

[DanMann]

Hey Justin. Can you give some more detail on the speaker system? - and thanks Steven for your offer of help.

Regarding PA Systems, I gather that aside from the Speakers, the addition is the 'mixer' and mic. As I intend on using a Hercules 4MX, I won't need the additional mixer. So, am I right in thinking I only require speakers? (rather than buying a 'PA System')

Cheers

[Corabar Entertainment]

Justin.... just a reminder.... you're only allowed to mention items for sale outside of the 'For Sale' section either in the 'Wanted' section, or by a link to the thread in the For Sale section where you've got it for sale!

So please either link to the thread(s), or get it listed sharpish! :p

:lol:

Daniel: as well as budgeting for advertising and promotion, and for all your back-up gear, don't underestimate how much all the peripherals can cost (leads, cases, bags, stands, clamps, etc), plus other items that you really should strongly consider - both for your protection and for others, such as PLI & PAT, not to mention considering whether or not you will require ProDub (which I think someone has already mentioned to you). All this can easily be forgotten about, and the cost can creep up on you unexpectedly.

I don't recall seeing mics and headphones on your list, either.

You say that you're not looking at running a business, but if you're charging, then, like it or not, you're running a business! :D

[Dynamic Entertainment]

Hey Justin. Can you give some more detail on the speaker system? - and thanks Steven for your offer of help.

Regarding PA Systems, I gather that aside from the Speakers, the addition is the 'mixer' and mic. As I intend on using a Hercules 4MX, I won't need the additional mixer. So, am I right in thinking I only require speakers? (rather than buying a 'PA System')

Cheers

Youll need a PA system...either speakers and amplifier (which is what Justins offering), or powered speakers (amp built in).

One thing to bear in mind with all-in-one units like the 4MX, is that if something dies in it...it all dies. Its worth having a small back up system... I would go CD based for that (Numark CDmix range?) with a selection of CDs...that way you have backup if the Herculese dies and/or if the laptop dies.

In an ideal world, you would have your backup as a exact copy of your main playout...but its alot of monet sat their just waiting for the worst to happen :)

[Larry B Entertainment]

In an ideal world, you would have your backup as a exact copy of your main playout...but its alot of monet sat their just waiting for the worst to happen :)

But why would you need this guy sitting around at your gigs ? What does he know about DJing anyway :D

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Claude_Monet_1899_Nadar_crop.jpg

Dan, You will find that all the extras like cables, extensions, deck stands, tripods, lamps etc will soon mount up. Whatever you spend on playout and lights you could soon spend that again on all the other bits and pieces you need espcially if you buy quality items.

Sound is more important than lighting at this stage and a couple of LED effects on a tripod will serve you well for the first few gigs. Concentrate on the playout first. I made the mistake of doing the opposite when I first started which was a bad move.

[Megamix]

You could always buy a second hand disco, build up your gigs and replace with modern, better gear as you go along - sometimes just buying all the ideal gear new doesn't make sense - really depends on your budget, how much work you can get etc.
There are arguments for not doing this as well of course - but the main thing is to get working, experience and then the perfect set up will evolve.

[Dynamic Entertainment]

But why would you need this guy sitting around at your gigs ? What does he know about DJing anyway :D

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Claude_Monet_1899_Nadar_crop.jpg

Dan, You will find that all the extras like cables, extensions, deck stands, tripods, lamps etc will soon mount up. Whatever you spend on playout and lights you could soon spend that again on all the other bits and pieces you need espcially if you buy quality items.

Sound is more important than lighting at this stage and a couple of LED effects on a tripod will serve you well for the first few gigs. Concentrate on the playout first. I made the mistake of doing the opposite when I first started which was a bad move.

Amen to that.
When i started it was all about lighting....10 lights over a 3 metre gantry and a crappy audio Intimidation sound system.

Now i go out for 3 times what I did when i started, with a nice sound system, nice frontage (booth) and 2 lights.

As long as theres something flashing then people are happy...if it sounds crap, even more will notice.

[Larry B Entertainment]

You can get some job lots of gear off Ebay.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/COMPLETE-PROFESSIONAL-MOBILE-DISCO-FREE-LIVE-WEB-SITE-NO-RESERVE-275-00-/150750405150?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item23196ca21e

Just be careful of listings that sell the music (50000 mp3s on a hard drive etc)aswell because thats not legal !

[JAMdisco]

Hey Justin. Can you give some more detail on the speaker system? - and thanks Steven for your offer of help.

Regarding PA Systems, I gather that aside from the Speakers, the addition is the 'mixer' and mic. As I intend on using a Hercules 4MX, I won't need the additional mixer. So, am I right in thinking I only require speakers? (rather than buying a 'PA System')

Cheers

It's in the for sale section now CLICK HERE (http://www.forum.mobilediscodirectory.co.uk/showthread.php?t=36946)
Sorry Angela :o

[Corabar Entertainment]

You can get some job lots of gear off Ebay.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/COMPLETE-PROFESSIONAL-MOBILE-DISCO-FREE-LIVE-WEB-SITE-NO-RESERVE-275-00-/150750405150?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item23196ca21e

Just be careful of listings that sell the music (50000 mp3s on a hard drive etc)aswell because thats not legal !What? Like the one you've just linked to (in a round about way) which basically says that if you don't own the originals he'll have to wipe the hard drive?

I can't believe you're putting a link up for that listing Larry - the whole things reeks to me.... not to mention the listing doesn't actually give you any makes / model numbers etc. That's EXACTLY the sort of thing that newbies could be drawn in by, but should steer clear of with a barge pole!


It's in the for sale section now (upon being approved) lol

Sorry Angela :o;)

:thumbsup:

...and here's the link: http://www.forum.mobilediscodirectory.co.uk/showthread.php?p=589506#post589506

[Shaun]

...and here's the link: http://www.forum.mobilediscodirectory.co.uk/showthread.php?p=589506#post589506

Keep up at the back, I already added it to his post. :D

[Corabar Entertainment]

Christ... it's not enough that I have to read new posts, you're now expecting me to go backwards and re-check previous ones too? :daft: :daft: :daft: :D

[Shaun]

you're now expecting me to go backwards and re-check previous ones too? :daft: :daft: :daft: :D

Yes. :d

[Corabar Steve]

I can't believe you're putting a link up for that listing Larry - the whole things reeks to me.... not to mention the listing doesn't actually give you any makes / model numbers etc. That's EXACTLY the sort of thing that newbies could be drawn in by, but should steer clear of with a barge pole!

TBH if they're stupid enough to fall for the :BS: in that ad then they shouldn't be in this business & deserve everything they get.

[Corabar Entertainment]

TBH if they're stupid enough to fall for the :BS: in that ad then they shouldn't be in this business & deserve everything they get.
Bit harsh, Steve. Some people are trusting in nature and take things at face value.

[Corabar Steve]

True, but come on the way he goes over it again & again‽

Whoever buys that should have sucker tattooed on their forehead so that the whole world can take advantage.

[Excalibur]

Bit harsh, Steve. Some people are trusting in nature and take things at face value.

Indeed.

"Thousands of pounds worth of Professional gear, buy this and start raking the money in tomorrow. "

Mind your heads, the squadron of Gloucester Old Spots are making a low level pass.
:fp: :fp: :fp: :fp: :fp: :fp: :fp:

[katman]

But why would you need this guy sitting around at your gigs ? What does he know about DJing anyway :D

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Claude_Monet_1899_Nadar_crop.jpg



I looked at that photo and was totally shocked at how old ZZ Top are looking these days :D

[Corabar Entertainment]

:ontopic:

:whistle:

[Larry B Entertainment]

What? Like the one you've just linked to (in a round about way) which basically says that if you don't own the originals he'll have to wipe the hard drive?

I can't believe you're putting a link up for that listing Larry - the whole things reeks to me.... not to mention the listing doesn't actually give you any makes / model numbers etc. That's EXACTLY the sort of thing that newbies could be drawn in by, but should steer clear of with a barge pole!

;)

:thumbsup:

...and here's the link: http://www.forum.mobilediscodirectory.co.uk/showthread.php?p=589506#post589506

My link was in the wrong place. It should have been at the bottom and I maybe didnt word it properly. I was actually referring to the link as one of the ones to be careful of.

[Corabar Entertainment]

My link was in the wrong place. It should have been at the bottom and I maybe didnt word it properly. I was actually referring to the link as one of the ones to be careful of.:thumbsup: (Thank god for that!!!! I was getting worried about you! :lol:)

Anyway.... really must get :ontopic:

[DanMann]

But why would you need this guy sitting around at your gigs ? What does he know about DJing anyway :D

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Claude_Monet_1899_Nadar_crop.jpg

Dan, You will find that all the extras like cables, extensions, deck stands, tripods, lamps etc will soon mount up. Whatever you spend on playout and lights you could soon spend that again on all the other bits and pieces you need espcially if you buy quality items.

Sound is more important than lighting at this stage and a couple of LED effects on a tripod will serve you well for the first few gigs. Concentrate on the playout first. I made the mistake of doing the opposite when I first started which was a bad move.

Good point with the cables etc.

What do you mean by "concentrate on the playout"?

[Corabar Entertainment]

Dan, You will find that all the extras like cables, extensions, deck stands, tripods, lamps etc will soon mount up. Whatever you spend on playout and lights you could soon spend that again on all the other bits and pieces you need espcially if you buy quality items.


Good point with the cables etc.
Wasn't it a good point when I mentioned it before Larry did, then? :confused: :cry: .....

Daniel: as well as budgeting for advertising and promotion, and for all your back-up gear, don't underestimate how much all the peripherals can cost (leads, cases, bags, stands, clamps, etc), plus other items that you really should strongly consider - both for your protection and for others, such as PLI & PAT, not to mention considering whether or not you will require ProDub (which I think someone has already mentioned to you). All this can easily be forgotten about, and the cost can creep up on you unexpectedly.

I don't recall seeing mics and headphones on your list, either.

You say that you're not looking at running a business, but if you're charging, then, like it or not, you're running a business! :D

:D :D

[Larry B Entertainment]

Good point with the cables etc.

What do you mean by "concentrate on the playout"?

Sorry thats forum talk :) In other words concentrate on the sound system, mixer, cd decks etc
Once you have a good sound setup you can upgrade your lights if needed.

[MORGEY]

Dan,

I bought my complete second hand and new set up last year for £1700
I then had to get it all P.A.T. tested. I also had to buy PLI insurance.
I abandoned the ripping of my cd's to mp3s and so did not have to go down the pro dub route. I already had a very good lap top and so did not have to buy one for gigging. On the laptop I have downloaded mp3 files that I bought from various legitimate sites and have not got stored anywhere else, these number around 300 ish. I then use a Numark CDmix1 and play my own cd's.
I bought my kit very carefully off of Ebay and new from good suppliers like Thoman. I have 2 good quality amps and a spare mixer in case of failure. Peavey pro15 speakers with stands. All kit is flight cased or bagged for protection. I made my own dj booth from mild steel tubeing and a mig welder.
My Microphone and all leads I bought new from various suppliers.
I took good advice from this forum before buying and am really pleased with what I own.
I do not do this for money and have only done three gigs so far for family and friends and have loved it. I have another three lined up for this year and so I would not say that I am a proper mobile DJ just a real enthusiast at the moment. So I do not and will not have to advertise or market my services.
Lighting was a problem as I did not want to spend a lot. I bought cheap bright flashing stuff which is great for what I do.
Heres the downside. My rig is brilliant when it's all set up and sounds and looks good to me and others who have comented. It is too heavy and not that portable and would not be much good for the proffesional guys who frequent this forum and are gigging all year round. If I wanted that sort of rig I think I would have had to double my budget at least.:)

[DanMann]

Okay, I've made some [small] progress. I'm working on the basis that I'll pick up the following gear:

Speakers - JBL EON 315 (Powered)
Speaker Stands - ST10
Mixer/DJ Controller - Numark N4
Headphones - Numark Red Wave

That comes to £1250 (approx)

On top of that I'll go for a low budget laptop, and buy an external Hard Drive e.g. 500GB. I'll purchase Virtual DJ Pro 7 for about £150 too.

Obviously, I still need wires and other smaller appliances.. oh and lights... but I've just stumbled across another potential problem.

The rig.

My intention is to use a Peugeot 7 Seater SE (you can take all 5 seats out of the back) to carry the gear. We have 3 young children, and buying a van isn't an option.

Can anyone recommend a rig setup that would work well (and can have a laptop stand attached to it) and is portable so I could get it folded/unpieced to put in the car. I've seen various 'booths' which look fantastic, but they look bulky, and I assume a van is required to load them onto.

Cheers

[CRAZY K]

Okay, I've made some [small] progress. I'm working on the basis that I'll pick up the following gear:

Speakers - JBL EON 315 (Powered)
Speaker Stands - ST10
Mixer/DJ Controller - Numark N4
Headphones - Numark Red Wave

That comes to £1250 (approx)

On top of that I'll go for a low budget laptop, and buy an external Hard Drive e.g. 500GB. I'll purchase Virtual DJ Pro 7 for about £150 too.

Obviously, I still need wires and other smaller appliances.. oh and lights... but I've just stumbled across another potential problem.

The rig.

My intention is to use a Peugeot 7 Seater SE (you can take all 5 seats out of the back) to carry the gear. We have 3 young children, and buying a van isn't an option.

Can anyone recommend a rig setup that would work well (and can have a laptop stand attached to it) and is portable so I could get it folded/unpieced to put in the car. I've seen various 'booths' which look fantastic, but they look bulky, and I assume a van is required to load them onto.

Cheers

Might be worth buying a better quality laptop for a longer life --and reliability.

Think about back up for playout.

You need it.

Quality amps/speakers tend to go on for ever--playout including Hard Drives dont;)

[Dynamic Entertainment]

The Ultimax stand would fit in the Peugeot...i managed to fit one in a Fiesta no bother.

[DanMann]

Yikes, it looks like a decent rig, shelves and cover (e.g. cloth) will cost me from £300 - £500. Dang. I'll be lucky to get up and running for around £2,500!

..makes it harder to convince my wife now haha.