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Tips For Buying DJ Lighting Equipment

When you perform as a DJ lighting is half the battle. It creates an atmosphere that will transform your mixes into something more than music, but an entire show. But it is also a signature, a point that many forget or don’t realize. If you are looking to give yourself something special you need to get started on your lighting, as well as your music.

But finding the right equipment isn’t easy. What is harder is getting a good setup for a decent price, as lighting equipment is notorious for being expensive and easy to break. Just going with cheap DJ gear isn’t enough, either. Replacements are not fun to deal with, as they can cost almost half what the original set piece did, and occasionally the entire thing will have to be sent back to be replaced on the warranty.

If you want to get a great set without breaking your checking account there are a few good tips to know. First, you should always buy high quality DJ equipment. It might seem cheaper at first to get a discount brand, but when you are forced to buy regular replacements or constantly repair it you will see a huge difference in price. You also run the risk of having a malfunction during a gig, which can cost you clients and reputation. Just like buying pro audio equipment, you have to get a professional, high quality lighting setup.

Second, you should look out for lighting packages. Plenty of shops offer package deals for lighting equipment that will let you build a complete set for less. This is especially good if you tend to hold larger club or stage shows that require more lighting and effects than most small gigs. The most common packages you will see are with full sets of LED lights, strobes, and stands. But there are also some that are more effect-centered.

Third, don’t buy used if you can help it. If you are really strapped on cash and have no choice but to go second hand make sure you see them before you buy, and that you have a chance to test them. Some people take great care of their equipment, but if they have had it for a long time than even the best cared for can give out. Be cautious, and always remember the adage ‘buyer beware’.

Fourth, pay attention to store policies. You will want to be able to return an item if you need to. But with most DJ equipment, and especially lighting equipment, many places will not allow you to return items once they have been opened, or else require the original packaging. Others won’t allow you to return something if it has been bought online, or will charge a restocking fee. Make sure you are aware before you buy.

Advertising Your DJ Skills For Free

If you are a DJ working in the industry you know the difficulties of finding clients. Landing a gig is a process that requires you to shine above others in your area that are vying for the same shows. Auditions can be rough, and finding them even rougher as more people opt for prerecorded mixes they can download online for free.

One thing that you do have going for you right now is the recession. Larger companies, businesses and parties that have to have someone who can deal with the music live are looking for individual contractors to handle it. This saves them money, which is a plus for them and a huge plus for you. You can take advantage of this fact and build long term relationships with these clients, but first you have to get your name out.

While some of this is going to require you to fork over some cash, there are ways that you can get free advertising and publicity, which is going to be the biggest factor in landing jobs. It is even more important to market yourself than it is to have talent, and if you have both you are golden. Make sure to take advantage of all of the below methods to get the full effect.

• DJ Directories –  A quick Google search will take you to a great deal of free online directories where you can leave a ‘business card’ of sorts to help draw business. You just create an entry for the areas you play, with information of where you are willing to travel. You can also search for specialized boards and directories by doing a simple keyword search, such as Los Angeles DJ equipment

• Personal Websites/Blogs – Blogs are usually more effective, as they have been getting a higher priority from search engines, and will show your results more prominently. Having a website that shows all pricing information, location, a resume, and any contact information is one of the first things people look for. A blog can give the added bonus of giving people a chance to keep up with all coming live gigs.

• CraigsList – Who doesn’t look at CraigsList as a first stop when they need something? Regularly ad and update an ad in your city’s CL, as well as any you might be willing to travel to.

• Print – Old fashioned print is still a great way to get the word out. Print out fliers and post them around local businesses, campuses, and even on telephone posts. With the competition so fierce online, and so many results making it confusing to navigate, plenty of people look at local bulletin boards for people to hire.

• Word of Mouth –  You need business cards, and lots of them. Every time you do a gig, leave a few of your cards and offer an incentive if the person refers you out. Maybe this is a percentage off the next show you play for them, or something similar.

Top 5 Pieces of DJ Equipment On The Market

Have you been looking for some new equipment, or maybe the ultimate DJ starter kit? So many people make the mistake of buying cheap, generic items that end up burning out quickly, sometimes even during a gig. Nothing look more unprofessional than a malfunction in the middle of a show. The best thing for you to do for your image is to invest in some good equipment from the start, going with a trusted brand that offers a warranty.

But why go with just ‘good’ when you can get the best? The products listed below are the top five best product on the market, as decided by general consumer reviews and expert tests. They are in the five main categories for equipment you need to get started as a DJ, doing real gigs for real establishments. Each one is listed as the best for quality of sound, quality of make, price, and overall positive experiences.

Turntables:

• Technics SL-1200MK2 Direct-Drive Turntable – A better option for someone who has experience with turntables, this piece by Numark is great for professionals. Comes with a 3.7kg torque and excellent sound quality. It is multi-directional, and designed for great noise cancellation from any environmental sources. The one negative with this turntable is that it has been discontinued. But it can still be bought from most stores or websites that sell Numark brand equipment, as well as other Numark DJ cd players.

Mixers:

• Pioneer DJM-800 Professional DJ Mixer  – Anyone in the business has heard of Pioneer, which automatically gives you a plus for the DJM-800. The better of most DJ mixers, this comes with a 24-bit, 96kHz sampling capability and Auto Harmonic Tuning. The quality is extremely high, and like most Pioneer products it has a reputation for being long lasting without repairs or replacements being an issue.

MP3/CD Compatible Turntables:

• Pioneer CDJ-2000 CD MP3 Player – The digital age is quickly changing the way that DJ’s share music and mixes. Having a CD/MP3 compatible turntable is crucial, especially one that plays high quality media formats. The Stanton is an affordable alternative to the more expensive models, like Sony or Numark.

Cartridges and Styli:

• Shure WHLB Whitelabel Party/Club DJ Record Needle – One of the more irritatingly expensive items in your kit will be a styli, and it is an item that often has to be replaced more than others. You can get this needle from Shure that is about a hundred dollars less than most brands, and longer lasting to cut some cost.

Headphones:

• Technics RP-DH1200 DJ Headphones – When you buy a pair of headphones you will want to make sure they are high quality and multi-functional. These Technics are a good example of that. They are great for studio work or stage shows. They have excellent noise cancellation and great sound quality.

Tips For Beginning Your Own DJ Business

Any DJ can find a gig somewhere once in awhile. But if you are wanting to make this a profit-making career option your best bet is to create your own business. This isn’t necessarily hard, but it isn’t easy, either. It takes organization, concentration, and a lot of work. But if scratching is your passion it can be done. There are a few easy guidelines to follow that can help you along your way.

First, make sure you are making the right impression. Investments you make now will make all the difference later. Make sure you have the right DJ equipment, which includes the right music for any occasion you may find yourself in. This means spending a little bit more to ensure you won’t be having constant replacements, or breakdowns in the middle of performances. DJ pro equipment is crucial.

Second, begin marketing yourself. Nobody likes continually searching for a new DJ, and so most establishments will stick with the same one, or few, long term. Make sure you leave your client with a good impression, a professional looking business card, and any information on discounts, availability, or contract work.

Third, invest in the advertising of your business. While there are a number of free ways to market yourself and your business, sometimes you have to spend money to make money. Having a website, an ad in a local paper, and even an affiliation with another DJ-oriented company. You can also use online resources to draw people to your website, such as Google business marketing solutions, or smaller companies that are more equipped to handle individual DJ’s.

You can also sign onto various organizations that will help you to promote, such as the American Disc Jockey Association. This foundation will not only certify you, but they will put your name on their list of local disc jockeys, which is a source many people will look to first when trying to find someone for their event. They also offer insurance, which is a must-have for anyone whose profession requires expensive equipment. Insurance will cover turntables, headphones, music, pro lighting, and other items that may have to be repaired or replaced.

Starting your own DJ business is less about knowing how to run a business and more about knowing how to promote yourself and your skills. If you can get the ball rolling on finding clients word will spread quickly. But following the tips above will ensure that that word is a good one, and your reputation is sound. Because when you make a living at a turntable reputation and name is everything, and having one with a negative image will spell the end of your career before it has even begun.