I’ve been asked to MC a wedding which will be the first time using a wireless mic with my DJ setup. The room will have the speakers on a small stage at the front with speeches likely a few metres (maybe 5m) in front of the stage. Will mic feedback be an issue? Or is it just a case of making sure the speakers aren’t too loud during the speeches?

I’m a mobile dj for weddings mostly. I’m upgrading my sound system with something that has a little more oomph. I’m trying to decide between the Evox 12, or pairing the new NXL 14-A with the 15-AX.

Hey y'all-

I've been dealing with yelp reps calling me year after year trying to get me to advertise with them.

Is anybody using yelp?

Do you love it?

How does it compare to the knot/wedding wire or gig salad?

I'm paying for these last two and those have paid for themselves. I feel like yelp is slimey and they make big promises. I've heard of people advertising with them and then stopping because they were getting no business from it then complaining that their profile was penalized for stopping the ads.

Any thoughts?

I have a fun gig that's coming up at the park around May and I was wondering if this generator is safe for portable use.

Here's the equipments, I'll be using.

Pioneer DDJ-FLX 10

Electro Voice zlx g2 8p - 2 Speakers

My gaming laptop, not too much watts since I'll be using it for only DJing.

Lastly, Furman SS-6B-Pro 6 outlet surge protector

Mobile Gig KJ here. Was wanting to ask if anyone in the community uses a single Transmitter multi receiver (1tx 4rx) setup and if they have recommendations!

I have a single TX/RX setup that works great in fact, three of them I use with a splitter, but I'm trying to declutter and shave on setup and teardown for a new restaurant gig I just landed.

Hello, I'm pretty new to lighting design and I'm having a hard time figuring out how to accomplish my goal here. I am attempting to connect a Wolfmix MK2 to an ipad midi app in order to have better access to sliders for faster dimming. The ipad is an ipad 10 with a 10.9" display. Currently I have it connected to an apple usb-c to digital AV multiport adapter going to the usb port on the wolfmix. Still, it is not learning any midi inputs and I haven't been able to see any evidence of the acknowledgement from the ipad. I have tried several different paid and free apps and purchased the wlink feature on the wolfmix just in case that was the problem, all to no avail.

I'm used to doing gigs with a pair of 12in tops and 15in subs, but considering the opportunity to buy some used gear in a 2x10in and 1x18in sub configuration (ELX200 series as reference, but I'm considering this in a generic fashion).

My main question is whether this config is ever used in practice (I rarely ever see it?). I wonder if there's some amount of the upper base frequencies that don't fully get coverage between the 10's and the 18.

Music I play is on the slightly housey side of pop, disco stuff. There's not as much a need for truly deep base, but there are some outdoor environments of ~150 where sound kind of gets lost and thus the consideration of the 18in sub. Also thinking as a one person setup, I'd rather lug one 18 across a venue once, than two trips for two 15s.

Bonkers Bingos events are the current fad where I'm from. Has anyone had experience of running one? Are there templates somewhere that I can improvise around?

I use Chauvet Di-fi transmitters and receivers.

Can I connect one receiver to one S4/S6 fixture, and then the rest of the fixtures will receive the DMX signal from this fixture? Or do I have to connect a Di-fi receiver to each light fixture?

Electro Voice is bringing the Evolve 70 (15” sub) and Evolve 90 (18” sub) to market this summer. Are you interested?

Evolve 70 - $2,799/ea. Evolve 90 - $3,199/ea.

Hey r/mobiledj,

I’m looking to hire a Spanish-speaking DJ for an engagement party on Saturday, March 29th in Burbank, California. The party will be at a private residence with about 50 people, and we need someone who can cater to a Mexican crowd with a mix of traditional music (cumbia, banda, etc.) but also knows how to work in pop hits and Top 40 songs to keep the energy up.

The DJ will need to bring their own equipment, including speakers, and it would be great if you could provide some lighting to enhance the atmosphere.

If you’re available or have any recommendations for DJs who might fit the bill, please let me know! Thanks in advance.

I've been using the Kimafun KM-U208A wireless adapters with great results for a while now. We run dance events and use large dance halls. I have 2 speakers at the front and 2 more at the back, I've been using the Kimafun devices to send the XLR signal out from the from front speakers to the rear speaker using wireless.

It helps keep the overall sound levels more even, so those near the front aren't getting super loud dBs to compensate for those at the back. I mount the Kimafun devices on plastic conduit to get 2 foot higher than the top of the speaker and have proper line of sight between the Tx & Rx. Our events run for 4 hours plus the pre-party music, so have them all attached to small power banks which sit underneath the top speaker handles wrapped in non-slip matting to ensure they dont budge during the night.

I've also been using them on a Sennheiser mic to do announcements and speeches at various events. All flawlessly.

I saw the Phenyx Pro PTU-X reviewed on a youtube channel, these have a channel scan built in along with a 7 hour batter life, 3 more than the Kimafun devices. What's not to love?

Well I'll tell you what. The -40 dB of noise/hiss when you switch them on, which makes them unusable.

Has anyone else tested these?

Here is the video of the testing: https://youtu.be/2BZ0Crcabpw

I emailed Phenyx support and their response seemed to make it sound like this was normal.
I know it was cheap/budget wireless, but so was the Kimafun and they've been amazing!

Not happy! No offer of a refund or replacement. Sadly I couldnt order through Amazon as they were not available at the time for UK delivery through them, so had to purchase direct from Phenyx Pro in USA. If these were from Amazon a return and refund would be underway.

Here is the wav file of the audio from the recording. Skip to 36 seconds for Kimafun, then 1min 9secs for PTU-X. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1n1gXgBafZHLY9oM7t\_GcfZdj5KNlwIj3/view?usp=sharing

I have an EV-ZLX-15P G2. When I plug it in to the wall with nothing else plugged into it, and the speaker volume set to 0db, I can hear a soft "hiss" (I'm not sure if hiss is the right term, as I know that "hum" and "hiss" mean something to sound pros), but basically like a "fffffffffffff" noise. I have to be about 8 inches or so away from the speaker to hear it. Is that normal?

If I plug my speaker into a mixer (In this case a Yamaha MG06X, and set the gain on the channel to 0db and the master volume to 0db, I hear a fairly loud "fffffffff" noise. Like I can be several feet away and still hear it pretty audibly. The noise increases and decreases based on messing around with the volume controls on the mixer. Is that normal?

I would have [perhaps incorrectly?] thought that with all the gains set to 0db, any extra "noise" would be basically unnoticeable. I'm hoping that I'm just overthinking things, and the fact that I'm in a relatively quiet basement (vs at a venue with a lot extraneous background noise) is why the noise is so apparent.

If it matters, I'm using an inexpensive power conditioner (a Black Lion Audio PG-P) which had absolutely no effect vs just plugging directly into the wall, and I tried 3 different Amazon Basics XLR cables to connect the mixer to the speakers, all with the same results.

Please tell me that I'm not crazy or that my speakers are broken.

I've recently returned to being mobile DJ after a 4 year absence and I've noticed that other mobile DJs are offering games alongside their DJing. I have no problem with doing it and would like to hear what other people do. I'm your bog standard DJ for parties, events and fundraisers.

For anyone who has used both! I am a Serato user with Ape Labs uplights/tubes and Chuavet movers. Thank you!

I’m buying a pair of EV50s and can’t decide between the white or black. I’ve been told the blacks are easier to keep clean and you don’t see scratches but I’ve had some DJs say they get some gigs purely because their speakers are white (great aesthetic). Any recommendations or thoughts? I’m a mobile DJ and play everywhere.

Hi all, I'm a mobile DJ based in the EU (Sweden). I don't understand power and safe use for my gear in different scenarios. My setup specifications are listed below. Here are some questions:

1. Do I need a power conditioner? In that case, do I need only one of them plugged in a wall plug and all the gear goes in it? Or do I need 2 of them, each in a different wall plug, and split the gear? Would a model like this suffice? https://www.thomann.de/se/black_lion_audio_pg_p_type_f.htm#bewertung (Black Lion Audio PG-P Type F)

2. What happens if I only have one wall plug?

3. What happens if the closest wall plug is 20 meters or more away? Like outdoors or other scenarios? What kind of extension do I need?

4. If my tops have an RMS of 2100W combined doesn't that mean that they almost reach the full capacity of a 20A circuit?

5. What risks are we talking about? Dropping the power or harming the gear?

With all that said, I would like to add that I'd rather play it safe than take risks. So if I need to spend some extra money on safety please come up with suggestions (as long as we are not talking thousands). Thanks in advance!

My setup:

2x RCF ART 932-A and 1x RCF Sub 8003 AS-MK3. Links:
Tops: https://www.rcf.it/en/products/product-detail/art-932-a
Sub: https://www.rcf.it/en/products/product-detail/sub-8003-as-mk3

I also use 2x Chauvet Wash FX 2, 2x moving heads now and then, and 4x Nanlite Pavotube t8-7x (all 4 powered with USB-C plugged in a charging hub). Links:
Wash FX 2: https://www.chauvetdj.com/products/wash-fx-2/
Nanlite tubes: https://nanliteus.com/nanlite-pavotube-t8-7x-rgbww-led-pixel-tube/?srsltid=AfmBOorKZD4JDPwTvnUN6c4e8uly6s4vhYHnxk2MZ9GpL1jCy4ZQywzb
Charging hub: https://www.amazon.se/gp/product/B0DHKSFMZ7/ref=ox_sc_act_title_3?smid=AMFS3Q3KBGTC7&psc=1

I also use a laptop, SoundSwitch Control One, Rane Performer or DDJ REV-7, and an RCF F 10 XR external mixer.

Help shape a research article on modern DJing techniques and styles.

This anonymous survey explores how DJs perform, the equipment they use, and their music selection strategies. It also examines the influence of music genres on performance approaches.

https://forms.gle/jJPeA5U3JyzBkAF28

The survey is arranged over four sections:

1. Your playing style
2. Genre of choice
3. Performance techniques
4. Questions on DJing as an art form (optional)

The survey should take less than 10 min to complete

Please be assured that the survey is entirely anonymous. No personal data are collected, and the survey takes place on a simple google form that does not require entering your email.

You can submit multiple responses if you have distinct approaches for different genres or equipment. Otherwise, we kindly ask for one submission.

Thank you for contributing to this research!

I have a ton of lighting and just got a maestro DMX. I have a wedding coming up where there’s a haze machine on the contract and I don’t have a haze machine. Looking for recommendations on a good haze machine for mobile gigs that can be used indoors and outdoors and can be controlled with DMX. Should I stick with CHAUVET or adj or do you think both lighting or shehds have decent machines? What’s the budget for something that will last for many gigs and lots of travel?

Thanks! -Joey

That’s my task at the moment. I have a nice and proper setup, but I am on the hunt for a bigger PA for at least 300 people. Something like the LD Systems Stinger Set for instance.

I would be happy if you could share your advice on the best setup you would buy for ~10.000€.

Cheers!

This past year I hired a college grad to follow me to some events and get content for social media. Loved the videos he's done for me and I really think we can do some good things together, but he's recently come to me with the idea of combining our services as a package or as an add-on. He has all of his own equipment and editing software so I wouldn't need to supply anything for him so in theory it'd be all profit on my end but I still have some hesitations about it. Anyone have any advice? How did you run it? Do you still offer it? Does it work for you and your business model?

Agencies I've worked with have invariably had Rockville wedges. I like em, but if there's a consensus on a cheaper and equally quality option I'd love to hear some recs!

All-

As a relatively new wedding DJ, I'm contemplating trying to get on with an established company who [I believe?] will probably be able to book gigs easier than someone who doesn't have a ton of social proof. For those of you who work for a DJ company (i.e., you don't run your own business):

1. What percentage do you get paid? i.e., if someone books a wedding at $1000, how much does the DJ get and how much goes to the company?

2. If you work for a company, do you bring your own gear, or does the company provide it?

3. Is there an expectation that you work a certain number of events, or is it totally up to you?

4. Is there some sort of test / apprenticeship / hazing that happens before they let you do an event on your own?

5. Do you think working for an established company is a good way to go for relative newbie? Why or why not?

I'm in the Northern Virginia area if that makes a difference.

Thanks!

TL;DR - DJ'd many weddings, never bought my own gear. Cousin wants me to DJ his wedding and I'll use that as a reason to buy gear and start my DJ company. I have money but prefer not to spend it if it's largely unnecessary. I'd rather spend a couple grand on the speakers than the controller, though can do both if it's suggested.

I want to hear from wedding and corporate DJs who use a particular piece of gear daily. What gear you use, complaints, etc. Rane Performer caught my eye but based on my experience, totally unnecessary for what I'll do with it (for now, anyway).

Full version:

Okay, so I've DJ'd probably 100 or more weddings over the last 10 years. I worked for other companies, though, and used their gear. Their gear was often trash, but it was functional. QSC speakers (probably $350/pop but I really don't remember the model #s of them), small controllers (though the first company used CDs w/CD controller and a pack of CDs split into 'hot songs' via decade).

So, I understand completely that I don't need an expensive rig to operate a multi-million dollar, nationwide company (which is what I worked for - DJ Connection & then later another company who spun off of DJ Connection).

I've always enjoyed DJ'ing weddings but honestly, sometimes with their gear I felt like the bride and groom were getting robbed. lol - like, they were the McDonald's of DJs, tbh. Sure, you get a DJ and most likely you'll probably have a great time (as long as you don't know much about DJ'ing), but man-oh-man that setup is jank and ... yikes. Some bride/grooms even thought we were 'club' DJs and wanted mixing but ... not on that equipment. Jog wheels lookin' like a gain knob. lol

Well, I left those companies years back, it has been about 2 years since I last DJ'd and my cousin wants me to DJ his wedding. I have money (plenty) and planned to just get my own rig and then build my business, using his wedding as my excuse for purchasing the equipment, which I'll then use to get more gigs, etc.

While I can use the equipment, no issue, I've never bought my own equipment. I was looking at a Rane Performer, but that's a monstrous piece of equipment and probably overkill for what I intend to do. I'm not so familiar with speaker brands, wattages, etc. to fully understand which ones I should get that will function for small to bigger-than-medium but not large venues. We never used subs so I imagine I won't need subs right away. Maybe I'd get them later, but we did fine with just two speakers (3rd if setting up in different rooms).

The mics won't be a problem for me. I just need some solid suggestions for the kind of controller that I should get (money is really no problem, but if I can spend $750 for a long-term controller, I'd rather do that than spend $2500 for something that I probably won't need right away). I also would like to know which speakers y'all suggest for the size mentioned above.

Thank you in advance - I prefer that only Wedding and/or Corporate DJs respond with their daily drivers. If you haven't used it, or you use it just to practice, or it's your "ceremony" setup, please no need. I want real life examples!

Have you ever had a client ask for a clause where you pay them a cancellation fee if you cancel on short notice? I have a prospective client asking for this if I cancel with less than 72 hours notice and while I would of course never bail on a gig with such short notice, it strikes me as highly unusual. I negotiated him down from an absurd $500 to $100 and I think I'm ok with it (because again, I would never cancel so it shouldn't come up), but the whole thing feels weird and I was curious about others' experiences. Thanks in advance.

Edit: Adding for context that this gig is this Sunday, so being booked very last minute. And if it matters, it's an afternoon bbq gig at the client's house.

Edit 2: Thanks for your input everyone - I came to a resolution with the client that I feel ok about.

Is charging $150 an hour as a flat rate for events too much? Primarily looking at various party gigs, weddings, school/community events. What factors do you take into consideration when determining your rates? Thanks in advance

Any mobile DJs in california able to provide advice on cold spark machines?

I've only had one client ask about them.

Does anyone have experience actually using cold sparks at a wedding or event in california?

Client said the venue in Cool, CA does allow them. I said I could do it, but then I looked it up on chatGPT and it said:

In California, the use of cold spark machines—devices that produce spark effects using titanium and zirconium powders—is subject to strict regulations due to safety concerns. The California Health and Safety Code classifies any fireworks containing titanium (except in particle sizes greater than 100-mesh) or zirconium as "Dangerous Fireworks." Consequently, operating such devices requires adherence to specific legal requirements:

1. Licensed Operators: Only individuals with a pyrotechnic operator license issued by the California Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) are permitted to handle and operate cold spark machines.
2. Local Permits: Operators must obtain a permit from the local authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) where the device will be used.
3. Insurance Requirements: Operators are required to carry public liability insurance and, if applicable, workers' compensation insurance for their employees.
4. Safety Documentation: Submission of detailed plans, including dimensioned plot plans indicating proximity to the audience and fallout radius, is necessary to ensure public safety.
5. Reporting: Pre-Display and Post-Display Reports may be required, depending on the nature of the event and the specific regulations of the jurisdiction.

It's important to note that some local jurisdictions in California have outright prohibitions on the use of cold spark machines. For instance, the Central County Fire Department, serving the cities of Burlingame, Millbrae, and the Town of Hillsborough, prohibits the possession and use of such devices within its jurisdiction.

Central County Fire Department

Given these stringent regulations and potential local prohibitions, it's crucial to consult with both the OSFM and local fire authorities before planning to use cold spark machines in California. This ensures compliance with all legal requirements and helps maintain public safety.

For more detailed information, refer to the OSFM's Information Bulletin 21-006, which addresses the use of pyrotechnic effect simulation equipment in California

So I asked it about getting that OSFM pyro-tech license and it said:

Obtaining a pyrotechnic operator license in California is a structured process that requires a combination of hands-on experience, professional endorsements, and successful completion of examinations. Here's an overview of the steps involved:

1. Gain Practical Experience:
   • Apprenticeship: Work as an apprentice on a professional fireworks display crew for a minimum of two years.
   • Participation: Actively participate in at least eight public fireworks displays during this period. Pyro Innovations
2. Obtain Letters of Recommendation:
   • Secure five written letters of recommendation from California-licensed pyrotechnic operators who have held their licenses for at least one year. Pyro Innovations
3. Submit Application:
   • Complete the official application form provided by the California State Fire Marshal's Office.
   • Include your letters of recommendation and undergo a Live Scan fingerprinting process for a background check. Office of the State Fire Marshal
4. Pass Background Check:
   • Undergo a thorough background check to ensure compliance with state regulations.
5. Take the Written Examination:
   • Upon approval of your application, you'll be notified to take the written pyrotechnics exam, which is based on Chapter 6 of the California State Fireworks Laws. Pyro Innovations
6. Obtain Commercial Driver's License (if applicable):
   • If you plan to transport fireworks, acquire a Class C Commercial Driver's License with a Hazardous Materials Endorsement. Pyro Innovations

Processing Time and Fees:

• The average processing time for the application is approximately 4 to 6 weeks.
• Fees vary depending on the license class, with additional costs for fingerprint processing. Labor Market Information

Additional Considerations:

• Applicants must be at least 21 years old.
• Licenses are subject to annual renewal.
• A clean legal record is essential; convictions related to explosives or arson can result in denial of the license. Labor Market Information

While the process is comprehensive and requires dedication, it is designed to ensure that licensed individuals possess the necessary expertise and commitment to safety in handling pyrotechnics.

So....

Thoughts?