can of worms time again ! lol

[dj-jaym]

Ok so does spending out a new gear get more work

Say you have a reasonable setup, Nice presentable rig etc, Tops and bass bins, DMX lighting etc,

Does buying new lighting moving heads etc, Get you more work ? Or is it for personal satisfaction lol,

Asking before purchasing.

I can see from someone like jamies business angle yes, As his rigs are stunning and he hires out. But if you dont hire ?

[Corabar Steve]

I would say personal satisfaction. None of our lighting is DMX (unless you count stuff that is operated by CA8, CA32 or similar controllers) We've never been busier.

I'm sure somebody will be along in a while to pee on my parade but thet's how it seems with us, your average client could not care less, as long as it sounds OK, they get the music they want, their guests enjoy themselves & there are some flashing lights. What makes them flash or how they flash is largely irrelevant.

[BeerFunk]

Ultimately? No!

It all depends on what you are comparing to though, I am assuming you have a decent lightshow already.

[Shaun]

Does buying new lighting moving heads etc, Get you more work ? Or is it for personal satisfaction lol,


Maybe a bit of both I reckon. Nice modern lighting can certainly add to the overall image and presentation of your company. If it looks good and draws a (good) reaction from your clientelle, then yes it could generate more interest. Will new lights on their own get you more work, I don't think so. As an addition to great service and great entertainment they could definitely play a part.

[dj-jaym]

Ultimately? No!

It all depends on what you are comparing to though, I am assuming you have a decent lightshow already.

2 barrels
2 tomahawks stairvilles ones,

For a standard show fills the room adequately, Would be nice to have more lights but way i see it as a business, If i spend out i want to recoup this
i know alot of you do this as a hobby which is different.

My current investments currently are

4 led par cans
1 3 x 2 m star cloth
and 1 for the deck stand

And a usb dongle for the pc for the led cans and barrels

And today i brought a new triangle truss,


Plan is to have it like jamie has big star cloth on the truss at back, Deck stand in front with star cloth

I changed to tomahawks from datamoons and have had a great response from clients already, And they look much better then datamoons imo, Although sound 2 light respond good to the music, And only switched on when discos going i have the barrles on slow start of night

[rob1963]

Ok so does spending out a new gear get more work


Not generally.

I'm about to replace my amplifier with one that has nearly double the power, and will also be replacing my speakers with Mackies.

Why?

Because my existing amp is old & not loud enough, and my speakers are old too.

The new gear will cost about £800.

Will I get any more work as a result?

Of course not!

[dj-jaym]

Not generally.

I'm about to replace my amplifier with one that has nearly double the power, and will also be replacing my speakers with Mackies.

Why?

Because my existing amp is quite old & not loud enough, and my speakers are old too.

The new gear will cost me about £800.

Will I get any more work as a result?

Of course not!

Your more of upgrading though rob, Not just on a wim

[rob1963]

Your more of upgrading though rob, Not just on a wim

Yes, but not to get more work...simply because I NEED to!

[dj-jaym]

Yes, but not to get more work...simply because I NEED to!

Yrsh i know where your coming from

[Shaun]

I like lighting, but I'm firmly in the camp of "less is more". I'd much rather see a small uncluttered light-show than a full blown lighting rig of every type of light imaginable.


2 barrels
2 tomahawks stairvilles ones,

Sounds like a nice lightshow to me. :)

[dj-jaym]

From the response so far all be it i havent given it long, If its not creating more bookings / work or not anyting considerable, Why are people spending there hard earned cash and creating more work setting it up etc, for no reward ? Dont get me wrong i learny hit the order button, But already spent a grand out this month and i have started to think

[dj-jaym]

I like lighting, but I'm firmly in the camp of "less is more". I'd much rather see a small uncluttered light-show than a full blown lighting rig of every type of light imaginable.



Sounds like a nice lightshow to me. :)

Do i need more though or is it boys n toys kind of thing elite ?

[PropellerHeadCase]

Yes, but not to get more work...simply because I NEED to!

You could argue, though, that you are making the purchase in order to not get less work, which once you've sorted out the double-negatives is actually the same thing ;)

[Shaun]

Do i need more though or is it boys n toys kind of thing elite ?

That's a question only you can answer. From an lighting point of view I don't think you need any extra to be honest. You have to ask what benefit will the extra lighting bring to your show?. Will the effects have any specific advantage to them being added?, or will it just be a few extra units added to the rig.

Lighting for me is all about creating a mood, if you feel adding extra lighting to your show will benefit the overall feel/mood you create, then sure...go for it and purchase some new toys. If it's buying for the sake of it, save your money and put it to better use at a later date. :)

[rob1963]

You could argue, though, that you are making the purchase in order to not get less work, which once you've sorted out the double-negatives is actually the same thing ;)

Al,

Don't be pedantic! :p

[dj-jaym]

That's a question only you can answer. From an lighting point of view I don't think you need any extra to be honest. You have to ask what benefit will the extra lighting bring to your show?. Will the effects have any specific advantage to them being added?, or will it just be a few extra units added to the rig.

Lighting for me is all about creating a mood, if you feel adding extra lighting to your show will benefit the overall feel/mood you create, then sure...go for it and purchase some new toys. If it's buying for the sake of it, save your money and put it to better use at a later date. :)

Yeah im adding the led pars to create more of a mood good for uplighting marquees etc, I think ill hold of buying and put it to better use, Never know what might break / blow up

[Paul James Promotions]

Moving heads do look good with 4 or more, but only if you spend time with programming on a decent controller, and you do need a bit of haze.

Get the LED pars, 4 minimum, then look at a nice centre effect. Along with your current lighting, should make a nice looking rig.

Regards,

Jamie

[dj-jaym]

Moving heads do look good with 4 or more, but only if you spend time with programming on a decent controller, and you do need a bit of haze.

Get the LED pars, 4 minimum, then look at a nice centre effect. Along with your current lighting, should make a nice looking rig.

Regards,

Jamie

Suggestions on a centre piece jamie ?

[Paul James Promotions]

Martin EFX500 would be nice, or Wizard if you can pick one up at the right price.

[PropellerHeadCase]

Al,

Don't be pedantic! :p

One sec, I have to teach this old dog new tricks and change the leopard's spots, then I'll get back to you about that whole pedantry thing.

[leighinstoke]

The best light show in the world and a sound system of the ultimate clarity will never disguise a poor DJ and bad choice of music.

We purchase more gear mainly for personal satisfaction once the initial setup is complete don't we?

[Ricesnaps]

Of course your lighting has no effect of your work - sell yourself as an entertainer!

As for tomahawks over datamoons... has to be the datamoons every time. Now have three, bought earler in the year and would ay they are the best lighting I have had for many many years!

[Dragonfly]

As Steve said Jo public could not give a stuff what lighting you have as long as you have some I know guys that have 2 lights and charge £350 and are busy and I know guys with 11 or 12 that are busy. it is the sound and music and entertainment value that is primarily important , my lighting purchases are in the main health related and secondly me wanting to create a certain look for the show.

eg. as people know im selling the much loved dynamos because I have found that ,

they add god knows how long to set up tidying the cables setting up etc and

also

I have had a number of occasions where guests have sat through a whole gig with their hands over their eyes due to the brightness and im looking for a modern look to the show that will not offend grannys retinas. as the afore mentioned reaction clearly states that , that individual is not comfortable and enjoying themselves.

someone once said scanners are intrusive and agressive lighting which with my aging taste and developing out look I think at some gigs is true,

ok at 18ths 21sts they may want a clubby feel with scanners lasers etc for which i have a contingency plan to the mirrorball I will be using.

RE: sound I belive it has to be client focussed I genuinly have lost count of the venues that have thanked me for not bringing those "ridiculous" bass speakers that some discos have as they bounce bottles off the bar , glasses off tables and in some cases even make guests/staff feel sick!!!!!

again some want a more bassy sound , usually the young in my experience eg. in my wifes car she has taken ALL the bass off her stereo as she doesnt like it , I get get in and think it sounds like a walkman lol.

even if I 've only taken tops out to a gig only twice have the immortal words "you need more bass on that been" muttered

by ...... guess who ..................


the "im a dj too guy" I havent done a venue yet where my single sub doesnt give more than enough set at 9 o clock.

Also many guys feel the disco needs to be heard in the next county??? I have found a volume that people can dance to but also don't need to emigrate to hold a conversation in gets a good response.

I maybe way off the mark but all I do is try and put my experiences into positive directions for the show and business.

the new show goes out on saturday ,

mirrorball 2x robocolor
2 moving heads
2x uv cages

maybe 2 ishow if i feel that more is needed my only concern is that the dancefloor won't be illuminated as the moving heads will go around the room , but im hoping the mirrorball effect will sort that.

hope this all makes sense.

[Ricesnaps]

Dragon, we could be related. I dropped two I-Show's and a Datamoon for last Saturdays wedding (leaving me with two I-Shows and two datamoons and a mirrorball (which was fairly pointless as the motor didn't do anything!).

Although I can't afford them at all, I do have a feeling that the market you and I are aiming for would benefit from the Bose sound system, don't you?

[soundtracker]

The top guy around here has 2 litequest units (basically revolving white dots) and a generic moonflower - he goes out for £450 a function, and works every week - he gets great feedback, recommendations and repeat business- Why? Coz he's a good DJ! Doesn't matter how much you spend on kit - its what you do that matters. Spoke to a guy last night re a booking in September - the previous DJ he had spoken to said "I've got £17000 grands worth of kit" as though that would secure the booking - I sold myself, and what I do - I got the booking.

[dj-jaym]

Of course your lighting has no effect of your work - sell yourself as an entertainer!

As for tomahawks over datamoons... has to be the datamoons every time. Now have three, bought earler in the year and would ay they are the best lighting I have had for many many years!

i wasnt impressed with em but did get them 2nd hand so they might not of been much cop,

Am goin go with jamies suggestions 4 cans and wizard in middle at a later point,

Re dave:
Yeah i know what you mean mate, Dynamos can be a pain to tidy up etc,

As for sound ive recently changed to actives and am happy with the sound, The show is slowly progressing and will eventualy replace the tomahawks if i find a suitable recplacement that do a as good job, Alot of people have seen them and are shocked at how good they are

[soundtracker]

Although I can't afford them at all, I do have a feeling that the market you and I are aiming for would benefit from the Bose sound system, don't you?

That's a total contradiction of everything you have ever said!!! The gear doesn't matter!:bang: :bang: :bang:

[dj-jaym]

The top guy around here has 2 litequest units (basically revolving white dots) and a generic moonflower - he goes out for £450 a function, and works every week - he gets great feedback, recommendations and repeat business- Why? Coz he's a good DJ! Doesn't matter how much you spend on kit - its what you do that matters. Spoke to a guy last night re a booking in September - the previous DJ he had spoken to said "I've got £17000 grands worth of kit" as though that would secure the booking - I sold myself, and what I do - I got the booking.

nice one, i notice the increase in negative marketing on the increase off topic

[Ricesnaps]

That's a total contradiction of everything you have ever said!!! The gear doesn't matter!:bang: :bang: :bang:

I think i actually said the "lighting" doesn't matter. But even so, the actually gear still doesn't. The point here was that the type of sound made a difference. Who cares if it's Bose or Mackie or even soundlab, I think the point Dave was making was that some functions aren't looking for the traditional earth shattering or warm and well rounded big bass sound. From what I've read, the Bose system is a bit like having a very loud Hi-Fi? Quality and detail over bass punch?

I have also heard that for us DJ's it's a very particular sound and some love it, some hate it. Just have a feeling it's possibly the right sound for our sort of market

[PropellerHeadCase]

That's a total contradiction of everything you have ever said!!! The gear doesn't matter!:bang: :bang: :bang:

Ahh, that's not entirely true. The Bose L1 is low visual impact - they're inobtrusive and don't really look like speakers at all. In this case it's not the kit so much as the fact that it doesn't look like kit.

[Dragonfly]

Ahh, that's not entirely true. The Bose L1 is low visual impact - they're inobtrusive and don't really look like speakers at all. In this case it's not the kit so much as the fact that it doesn't look like kit.

the only comment ive heard about the bose (true this) is and i quote

"They make your rig look naff" :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: from a client i visited who referred to them as pole speaker things.

[Dragonfly]

ive just tried 2 robocolors on my mirrorball .... woooooooooooooooooooow its exactly the effect im after. may not need the ishows after all.

[Ricesnaps]

ive just tried 2 robocolors on my mirrorball .... woooooooooooooooooooow its exactly the effect im after. may not need the ishows after all.

Pictures?

[Dragonfly]

will get some asap mate as just testing in the living room at the moment while the wifes at work lol

infact be better if I can get a video to do it full justice ...... imagine a mirrorball effect with a pinspot that fills the room with little tiny spotlights that move in a circular motion ....... well those little tiny spotlights change colour every 10 seconds or so ......

[soundtracker]

Ahh, that's not entirely true. The Bose L1 is low visual impact - they're inobtrusive and don't really look like speakers at all. In this case it's not the kit so much as the fact that it doesn't look like kit.
No they don't look like speakers, they look like a bit of drainpipe stuck in a patio umbrella weight- and from what I've heard, don't sound all that either- and I'm not a great bass-head!

[Dragonfly]

No they don't look like speakers, they look like a bit of drainpipe stuck in a patio umbrella weight- and from what I've heard, don't sound all that either- and I'm not a great bass-head!

have heard the same and feel the same to be honest certain circumstances require heavy bass ...... ive yet to come across one of those personally but im guessing dance nights , clubs etc.

Im just stumped as to how you can get the same bass thump from one of those little bose units as you can from a 15 inch driver?????

and the drainpipe system just reminds me of a glorified home cinema kit.

crikey a drainpipe system and some toaster 4s now theres some expensive ridicule :D :D :D :D :D

[Shaun]

I personally love the look of the L1's. :)

[BeerFunk]

I just had to look to see what they looked like... I can see why clients may be a little stumped when they see these! :eek:

http://www.guitarplayer.com/Pictures/web/k/n/h/single_bass.jpg

[Larry B Entertainment]

We purchase more gear mainly for personal satisfaction once the initial setup is complete don't we?

I do :D I have the standard equipment and then have added a few items of choice but i have downsized quite alot aswell. At one time i would have had the bar loaded with all kinds of lights but now i have just 2 barrels, a scanner and a moonflower all dmx'ed and a 60mw laser. The old show looked very messy when compared to how it looks now. I dont think more gear would make much or a difference or get me more work, sometimes its a case of less is more. Its very easy to become self indulgent in this business as there is so much on the market nowadays but i have learnt to reel myself in a bit.

[DK Karaoke]

the only comment ive heard about the bose (true this) is and i quote

"They make your rig look naff" :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: from a client i visited who referred to them as pole speaker things.

Thats probably because the dj who used them, placed them at the front like we do with our conventional speakers. These Bose are supposed to be placed at the rear, allowing the performer (DJ) to be at the forefront, doing their stuff.

This is the beauty of Bose, they are Unobtrusive, (appearance wise), however, they really do sound good, with excellent clarity and you can hear the same sound level no matter what part of the room you are in, this is also why they are so dear.

I saw them being presented at one of our Northern DJ show meetings about 6 months ago, and was bowled over by the sound.

I think a lot of us DJ's tend to hide behind our gear, as it were, using our gear as a our center stage show, when really its us that should be center stage, with our gear to help us deliver the act.

I will buy one of these Bose kits when I can afford one.

[Ricesnaps]

will get some asap mate as just testing in the living room at the moment while the wifes at work lol

infact be better if I can get a video to do it full justice ...... imagine a mirrorball effect with a pinspot that fills the room with little tiny spotlights that move in a circular motion ....... well those little tiny spotlights change colour every 10 seconds or so ......

have you tired then with smoke?

Used to go to a "drama" group when I was in school and the guy running it used to have a huge mirror ball hung from the stage lighting rig, popped a couple of 500 wat profile spots onto it, filled the stage with smoke and "OH MY ***". Have been trying to re-produce that for a while. I'm guessing the 500 watt PAR 64's I'm about to buy will do something similar!


Im just stumped as to how you can get the same bass thump from one of those little bose units as you can from a 15 inch driver?????


I thought that was actually the point. Never heard them myself, but from what i am told, you have to hear them to apreciate. I love big bass, but I also love my home hi-fi and I am told that the Bose system is far more "home hi-fi" than it is club banging bass. Would love to hear one then I could make a judgement, but have only *until now) heard good things from those who actually own them

[Larry B Entertainment]

have you tired then with smoke?

Used to go to a "drama" group when I was in school and the guy running it used to have a huge mirror ball hung from the stage lighting rig, popped a couple of 500 wat profile spots onto it, filled the stage with smoke and "OH MY ***". Have been trying to re-produce that for a while. I'm guessing the 500 watt PAR 64's I'm about to buy will do something similar!

Isnt 500 watts a bit too much for a mirror ball ? Wont it be a bit dazzling all that power on a shiny surface ?

[simongreen.dj]

back to the original question, i don't think that having the latest flashy gear will get you more bookings but having an uptodate, tidy setup will give you more chance of repeat bookings.

but it is a toys for boys thing. I'm forever tinkering with my setup. buying new bits, selling old stuff on.

But, as someone else had already pointed out, loads of expencive kit doesn't make up for good DJing skills, song selection and working the room, etc...

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Moving heads do look good with 4 or more, but only if you spend time with programming on a decent controller, and you do need a bit of haze.

Get the LED pars, 4 minimum, then look at a nice centre effect. Along with your current lighting, should make a nice looking rig.

Regards,

Jamie

Disagree. I've never used smoke or haze and they are still a good effect.

If you work in small venues, 2 pars is more than enough.


Martin EFX500 would be nice, .

Good choice! :D

[PropellerHeadCase]

the only comment ive heard about the bose (true this) is and i quote

"They make your rig look naff" :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: from a client i visited who referred to them as pole speaker things.

I don't doubt it, but if your client has hired a stately home or some other location where the look of the place is the point I would guarantee that low visual impact will be appreciated.

Other people would certainly expect to see speakers on poles as opposed to speakers as poles.

[Dragonfly]

I don't doubt it, but if your client has hired a stately home or some other location where the look of the place is the point I would guarantee that low visual impact will be appreciated.

Other people would certainly expect to see speakers on poles as opposed to speakers as poles.
:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: that made me laaaarrrrfff !!!

[Dragonfly]

just an update heard the bose at first hand yesterday for the second time and my humble opinion ....... complete :Rob James: :Rob James: :Rob James: :Rob James: :Rob James: :Rob James: :Rob James: :Rob James: :Rob James: :Rob James: :Rob James: :Rob James: :Rob James:

sounded great when i was 30cm away from it ....... that was with 2 drainpipes and 4 bass erm ........ lunch boxes??????? not even remotely close to the other systems on show , probably awesome for those gigs in sheds with less than 20 guests even then id take a decent bass bin with you.

[rob1963]

Dragonfly,

Are you saying Bose are Armitage?

[Ricesnaps]

just an update heard the bose at first hand yesterday for the second time and my humble opinion ....... complete :Rob James: :Rob James: :Rob James: :Rob James: :Rob James: :Rob James: :Rob James: :Rob James: :Rob James: :Rob James: :Rob James: :Rob James: :Rob James:

sounded great when i was 30cm away from it ....... that was with 2 drainpipes and 4 bass erm ........ lunch boxes??????? not even remotely close to the other systems on show , probably awesome for those gigs in sheds with less than 20 guests even then id take a decent bass bin with you.

Now I've never heard it, only read reviews and comments, but I thought the whole point of the Bose system was that it DIDN'T have huge bass?

[Dragonfly]

Now I've never heard it, only read reviews and comments, but I thought the whole point of the Bose system was that it DIDN'T have huge bass?


it doesnt have any :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:

[Ricesnaps]

it doesnt have any :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:

I am really keen to hear one of these - anyone fairly local to me have one and fancy a visitor to a gig?

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

just an update heard the bose at first hand yesterday for the second time and my humble opinion ....... complete :Rob James: :Rob James: :Rob James: :Rob James: :Rob James: :Rob James: :Rob James: :Rob James: :Rob James: :Rob James: :Rob James: :Rob James: :Rob James:

sounded great when i was 30cm away from it ....... that was with 2 drainpipes and 4 bass erm ........ lunch boxes??????? not even remotely close to the other systems on show , probably awesome for those gigs in sheds with less than 20 guests even then id take a decent bass bin with you.

To be fair though Dave, it wasn't a great room for listening to it in really, was it? A great big barn of a place with other sound systems playing loudly too.

I'd still like to hear it in a proper environment.

[Dragonfly]

To be fair though Dave, it wasn't a great room for listening to it in really, was it? A great big barn of a place with other sound systems playing loudly too.

I'd still like to hear it in a proper environment.


your living room??? :D :D :D :D

no it will have its applications and if you are looking for a low impact visual look its nice was just evident how easily the other systems spanked it for volume ...... my personal hearing still didnt like the amount of top produced in conjunction with bass .... but that was a personal preference.

[Ricesnaps]

To be fair though Dave, it wasn't a great room for listening to it in really, was it? A great big barn of a place with other sound systems playing loudly too.

I'd still like to hear it in a proper environment.

Maybe we could find someone with a set and makean evening or afternoon of it?

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Maybe we could find someone with a set and makean evening or afternoon of it?

Sounds like a plan.

I know Eddie has a set, but he's a bit far from me and you. Brian Mole is nearer to me though.