DJ Sound - what do I need to know ?

[ArtechnikA]

I feel quite fortunate that I was able to pull down one of the larger offsite venues for the Electric City Music Conference affiliated after-hours performance series as a customer for my fledgling live-sound project. 2 nights.

3 bands with the usual array of instruments (I am assured...) without having to mike drums (but I'll probably set up a kick and stereo overhead and not turn them up in the house, because once the show starts, it's too late to decide "I shouldda..."). One 'acoustic' band a night, which I am told means they're really plugged in, and -- one DJ a night.

I have no qualms about the PA handling this (3 kW with subs...) but I have no idea what to expect from the DJ... I'm kinda thinking I'll just get a stereo pair of line-level outputs and maybe a separate sub feed.

What's "the standard" DJ->mixer interface?

Thanks.

 

[Downunderwonder]

DJ mixer driven to the red.

 

[4Mal]

New to live sound eh?

Get a contact for each of the acts, including the DJ. Get a stage plot and input list from each. That will at least get you in the neighborhood.

The DJ's I have done are using Pioneer mixers which kick @ss! The controllers talk theough a Rane Serato interfaces to a laptop. XLR out at mic level. Really easy. i do put a limiter on the inputs... Just in case.

I also see the iPad guys running into Stanton interfaces and sending me a line. They also get a limiter...

Oddly enough, for me DJ's are easy...

 

[ArtechnikA]

New to live sound eh?

You betcha. Gotta start somewhere...

Get a contact for each of the acts, including the DJ. Get a stage plot and input list from each.

That's a really good idea and I'll follow up on it but I have little confidence in it paying off... I gather these acts are all closer to the 'startup' end of the experience spectrum. But I've got some time to gather information.

Oddly enough, for me DJ's are easy...

I had a feeling it was all going to come to me pre-processed but I wasn't sure about the physical interface. If I have a load of room left over in the truck and I'm getting a separate feed for subs, I can always bring my LH1000 and GK 4x12 for that extra thump... (Only mostly kidding...)

Thanks for the responses.

 

[4Mal]

Yeah, It's hit or miss with stage plots and input lists but if you don't organize, nobody else will. A little organizing goes a long way...

physically you'll need to accomodate 1/8th trs, 1/4 mono pairs, RCA as well as XLR. When they hand me RCA, I have female to 1/4 adaptors about 3'. I tie them together and provide a little strain release at the junction.,. I hate RCA cables...

 

[ArtechnikA]

physically you'll need to accomodate 1/8th trs, 1/4 mono pairs, RCA as well as XLR. When they hand me RCA, I have female to 1/4 adaptors about 3'. I tie them together and provide a little strain release at the junction.,. I hate RCA cables...

Ooh - good point on the 1/8" TRS! I have a handful of those adapters but the only one I typically pack along is for my Grado headphones. I'll toss another couple in my bag.

My mixer already has a dedicated channel strip for RCA so I should be good there.

 

[jad]

...My mixer already has a dedicated channel strip for RCA so I should be good there.

In which case the DJ's RCA cable needs to be able to reach your mixer.