Practice makes Perfect

[Unnamed Disco]

I was just wondering how many of you guys (particularly the newbies) 'practice'. Maybe mixing, trying new lighting effects etc etc and whether you have a setup at home where you try these things out prior to taking anything new to a gig.

Just interested (hope I'm not the only one!). I have attached a pic of my 'practice' rig (some of the gear does come out with me though).

[Vectis]

I have a regular midweek slot at a kids party place. It's only 7 'til 9 and they only pay for the smallest rig so therefore doesn't pay top dollar. But it's easy regular money and if I want to try out anything new, I do it there. They get extra effects or options for "free" and I get the practice :o Everyone happy.

And yes, after 23 years I do still need practice.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I don't practise as such, but I do test anything thoroughly before use, whether it be sound or lighting.

[rob1963]

I don't practise as such, but I do test anything thoroughly before use, whether it be sound or lighting.

I practice...

...usually from about 8pm to midnight every Saturday!

:D

[Vectis]

Forgot to add... also good for roadie training :p

[Ricesnaps]

It's the garage for me!

Pitched roof too, so I can hook clamp lighting effects to the rafters and get the night club feel! Tend to be careful with too much volume though - don't want to upset next door.

[DJ Frankie]

I think its a great idea for any new DJ who wants to learn the trade but I for one think its better to play in front of a real crowd this way you will get the reaction you need and two I dont think I could be bovered to set up my whole rig in the house. :o

[sandysounds]

yep.....i practice.....hence the large arm muscles from humping my gear up 3 flights of stairs to my apartment and much to the despair of my unfortunate flat share (she'll get used to it in time i'm sure).....I only once went out without practicing with a new set up.....that was the day i picked my new complete rig up with the cortex.....it got the last screw put into the rack at quart to 5 and i was on my way to the gig(a wedding) at half 5.....i was completely on edge and will never do that again(famous last words!!!)

[spin mobile disco]

I have free use of a local church hall. Whenever I change something or add a new effect etc I like to take it down set it up and give it a couple of hours of in use test.
Also means I get to check for things you may forget when testing at home. e.g cable length, look in a bigger room, best place to pack in car that kind of thing.

[JAMdisco]

As you may or may not know, I have just started out in the wonderful world of mobile disco's and yes I have practiced quite a bit at home getting used to the gear and mixing tracks together etc...

Luckily for me I live next door to some old people who are either deaf or just too scarred to complain. They always still say "hello" though.

I recently practised in my front room with lights and everything and we had a load of local children dancing around on the lawn. They seemed to enjoy the free show so must be doing something right I guess, heh!

[Key2]

yep.....i practice.....hence the large arm muscles from humping my gear up 3 flights of stairs to my apartment

Think what you can save in gym membership, though!:D

John:)

[PropellerHeadCase]

I guess it depends what you mean by 'practice'... I'm listening to music, old and new, every day, updating the database, too. I only practice mixing if I've been asked to play in a specific genre where more pre-planning of mixes is appropriate.

[Tom]

i wish i could pratice more. its a bit hard for me because i have to squeeze my rig inbetween the wall and my drum kit in my bedroom as i live at home with the parents. iv just bought the new behringer bcd 3000 (orded the bcd 2000 but the 3000 came instead, i was like touch) but once a week i get out the new mixer, hook it up to the laptop and get the hard drive from the pc and plug it all in and mix for about 2-3 hours. not long but enough to keep the brain ticking over with what works and what dont.