ChrisPointon
-
Content Count
8,091 -
Joined
-
Last visited
Content Type
Profiles
Forums
Calendar
Posts posted by ChrisPointon
-
-
It also depends on how new and efficient the amplifier is. Don't forget that in a lot of older amplifiers a huge amount of input power at normal running levels was lost as heat!.
I noticed that Dukesy has an old Yamaha Amplifier which is rated at 320W RMS x 2 however on the rating plate it states power input as 220 - 240V AC 1600W :scared:
Suffice to say that modern amplifiers will not draw close to the output rating, and more so if you are only running them into 8 ohm loads and not 4 or 2
When finding out what power your entire roadshow draws from the mains and whether you can safely run from one 13A socket, or to find out how much current your amplifier or any other appliance draws, then This Little Gadget can be useful!
-
100M reels though. Maybe you could share with another member who needs some? or if its discontinued then 100M may well see you right for the future.
-
ok lets say you work at tescos.. what if you turn up at your job and the boss says sorry lads not going to pay you this week becuase its snowed and we havent been able to get the stock in
Actually in some rural areas more so Scotland, Yorkshire, Derbyshire, Wales where snow lasts for more than 1 hour and entire villages can be cut off for days, some employers do have policies written in to contracts to protect against this, because it is a fact of life, as no doubt you wont be the only member of staff who hasn't been able to get in. Sometimes staff take paid leave (holidays) - one company I am aware of runs an AWOL procedure where you didn't get paid, but your attendance record wasn't penalised either. Of course it depends on how understanding the employer is but fortunately these extreme conditions are getting rarer and rarer and so less open to abuse, certainly you can't blag a national weather report as you can a sickie.
Either way, when the only road from the village where you live to the city where your job is, is closed by a police roadblock due to 2 feet of snow it sort of removes the decision making for you, however good your intentions.
-
nicotine withdrawal is making me too excitable
I'm sure Mrs B isn't complaining tongue out icon
-
Extreme Weather conditions leading to slippery road surfaces, blocked roads, perhaps unable to return home or worse being involved in or killed in a car accident are all linked risks due entirely to unforseen and uncontrollable circumstances where a cancellation may also be for your personal benefit and safety too.
The bride being unfaithful to the groom are entirely avoidable and down to personal choices - suffice to say it wouldn't involve a rebooking so a complete loss of revenue, and so different terms and payments.
There is a huge difference between the two scenarios and hopefully your contract is watertight against each?
Lets say there the gig hadn't been cancelled, the function was held in a venue were the roads were still open and the guest were already there and waiting for you, but you lived some distance away in the peak district where snow had fallen and the roads were impassable and the Police were warning drivers not to go out. What would YOU do?
If you dont stick to the T & C's your just going to shoot your self in the foot....Exactly but its down to personal choice and your own business philosophy what you put in there. Sometimes it may help you, other times it may hinder you. Either way, its individual but as per my previous post, you need to make the distinction between Postponed and Cancelled, and also any clear distinctions between your charges and terms due to unforeseen (I wouldn't use acts of god) circumstances (bad weather, bereavement, weather, terminal illness, accident etc) and those applicable to avoidable circumstances such as infidelity, lower quote from another DJ, lack of ticket sales, refusal of entertainment licence etc.
-
Reminds me of the Film starring Billy Connolly, where he tried to force his insurance company to prove that god exists in order to pay up when they argued act of god to wiggle out of paying a claim.
Unfortunately, your M.O in these circumstances is only as good as the contract that it is stated on and the terms that they have booked, as some clients can play hard ball too. Best to always decide your policy and terms, make them watertight and stick by them. This way you treat every client fairly, under the same terms, which is exactly what a contract is all about. Often paying a solicitor £60 to word your contracts for you can pay off in the long run.
Personally in these circumstances I'd have kept the booking retainment fee (which I had already taken) but would have made no other charges. I would also have offered them the same rate and terms for the next gig, under a fresh contract obviously.
After all, the gig has been postponed and not cancelled and it is vitally important that you make the distinction between the two clear on your confirmation / contract because if you simply word under the blanket term 'Cancelled' then any solicitor would argue that the function has been postponed and NOT cancelled, and so any of your terms beyond that would be null!. So make sure you have terms for both eventualities clearly stated, and even if they are identical they should be under seperate headings to maintain legal clarity.
If they didn't bother to let me know and I turned up at the venue, to find that it had been cancelled then thats a different story, and the full fee would be charged. More often than not cancelling due to extreme weather would have probably have done you a favour, as no function is worth a road accident for, and I am speaking from experience.
-
Given the number of U16's who already smoke is it really going to make much difference?
-
and so begins another miserable 12 months
-
I agree, the prosound have a bit of a budget reputation and are not really suited to Medium - Larger venues. Besides at 200W RMS the prosound are not really suited to an amplifier with a 390W RMS output.
A lot really depends on your budget, as it would be no good us recommending £1000 speakers if you only have £400 to spend.
As well as the rating in Watts RMS, also factor in and consider the SPL level of any speakers which you are buying, as this often overlooked specification is just as important and shows how efficient the speaker is. So for example a speaker with an SPL of 120db/m is considered far better than one only giving 94db/m
Personally, I use and like the OHM RW Series Speakers which I've used now for several years, however some other suggestions which have been discussed previously on the forum, are linked below:-
Happy Hunting tongue out icon
-
-
I really thought people had matured beyond this sort of thing.
Guess I was wrong
Some of you really haven't worked it out yet have you? Publically attacking others in the same industry could perhaps seen by the casual passer by as being unprofessional in itself, and Dj's pecking each others eyes out is not exactly a good first impression to members of the public, venues or new djs who may happen to read it. Is this really how you want to represent yourself and convey the image of the industry?.
-
For xmas I got a phone call from Dan, followed by a rush drive to A&E where I spent hours watching him getting plastered
-
For larger gigs its also advisable to have two medium power amplifiers and run them at say 60% of their capacity, than to have 1 high power amplifier running at 100% of its capacity
.The logic is simple. The more power an amplifier produces, the more heat that it has to dissipate (sp) and there is one thing that electrical components and transistors hate, it is prolonged excessive heat build up which can shorten their useful life.
I think I also read somewhere that MOSFETs also protect themselves from overheating by reducing the gain / power output internally? Maybe Kevin can confirm?.
So for example running a 500W RMS Amplifier flat out into 500W RMS Speakers will be okay, however remember that in doing so, you will have zero headroom left in both the Speakers and Amplifier and the higher the output levels the more distortion it introduces into the chain. Usually running an amplifier flat out will also increase the risk of clipping and overdriving, especially during loud bass passages or vocal peaks, and overdriving the amp and speakers through clipping is more likely to lead to premature or even instant failure of delicate coils.
Probably the best advice, then for larger gigs is to use two or more amplifiers at nominal power levels each driving their own speakers, rather than trying to rely on one single power amplifier running flat out for hours on end. This would mean that the amplifiers are doing less work, running cooler and producing slightly lower distortion levels and that there is plenty of headroom available if required.
When choosing amplifier(s) and Speakers, always go for the biggest that you can afford, and try and get more power than you actually need, as this allows more headroom and less strain on the components in normal everyday use.
Again there is more to consider than wattage alone which is the brawn, the other important areas to consider are the brains, which is in the speaker design and choosing one with decent SPL levels, but that is for another topic!.
-
Need A French Singer, Or at least a singer who can sing in French
Have you tried France?, there seems to be quite a few of them over there! tongue out icon and no doubt the ADS Tour Bus will be over at some point stocking up on duty free, so why not bag a couple and get 'em on the payroll!
-
Yes more twisted logic in the laws of this country. If you should pull in and park on double yellow lines in order to answer your mobile phone, then you actually risk a higher fine, than carrying on driving whilst using it. Sad but true!.
-
I'm all for new ideas and testing the water of new genres of music or anything which may be classed as unchartered territory at Weddings and I would see it as a challenge rather than an obstacle!.
I actively poll the Bride and Groom on what they would like to play, however I do point out the logistics of the Evening and the average track length and that it is not possible to fit 200x 4 minute tracks into a 3 hour booking. Sometimes it is blatantly obvious from the length of some request lists that some people miss this very important but obvious & vital point, so does this also meant that they miss the point (and lack experience) in knowing what will and wont work for a mixed audience too?. I also point out, that they should also allow the opportunity for their guests to make requests, simply because they DO and that it is often easier to supply me with a first dance and also a list of tracks to avoid and which may cause offence or distress (Funerals, Bad Memories, Previous relationships etc) than it is to provide a blow by blow music list chosen by two people on behalf of a couple of hundred.
I have never yet been asked to play this Genre of Music, however I have done several Weddings where I have been asked to play alternative and Indie music all night, and suffice to say that it didn't seem to work, and this wasn't assumption more the protests from the guests some of whom left the function muttering about the crap that the dj had played all night. Of course I had to balance the fact that many of the guests had left believing that I routinely played one type of music all night, and had continuously ignored their requests with the fact that the Bride and Groom were happy. Of course the latter was more important, as soon they were the only ones left! but I still felt like I had been denied the opportunity to work to the best of my ability, and that is something that any 'Boss' should respect and encourage, even the temporary ones!.
Many young disco Djs think that it's all about having the latest song that Pete Tong played on a Friday which is going to wow them on a SaturdayWell that may be fine in certain circumstances and at gigs for their peers or clubs advertising that type of music, but not at an average family function, no
I think we should avoid the temptation to pidgeon hole one age group and tar them all with the same brush, although suffice to say that some less experienced Djs would balk at the offer of doing a tea dance and providing 4 hours of quicksteps and Waltzes all night, and would more than likely pass up the offer or pass it on, so whats the difference?, after all its an entirely different type of music to that normally played, is anybody going to take up the challenge and try this at their next Wedding or any gig for that matter!.
Well the same rule applies to those Dj's who would prefer not to provide a night of one type of music, or whose collection is not so specialised and its often the professional who knows their limitations and the bigger man who conciously draws the line and knows who to pass the work to, rather than to take on more than they can handle or want to take.
I also played alongside a Band last Saturday who did covers of Greenday, Thin Lizzy, Stereophonics etc, they were very professional and one of the best bands who I have had the pleasure of playing alongside. There was nothing wrong with their set or professionalism, however their choice of music was wrong for the venue, Function and age group - not their fault, just bad planning on the part of the organiser. Sadly the dancefloor was empty for 90% of their set and even the clapping between songs dwindled as they continued. They didn't even get an encore which was a shame because they were bloody good!.
At a Student Gig or Pub or even a different audience they would probably have packed it to the rafters, however just because the client who booked them liked the music doesn't mean that the majority of guests will appreciate it and this is a good example that one persons decision making isn't always the best one, unless its based on experience.
Most of the time it is trial and error because each audience is different, however we have the luxury of swapping and changing music to suit until we find out what will work the best, unfortunately bands don't have that option! so don't be so quick to dismiss it!.
-
You'd think that a fine and 3 points on your licence would put people off using a mobile whilst driving wouldn't you?
Ian,
As Shocking as it seems, driving using a Mobile Phone does not carry penalty points!. This was exactly my comparison with speeding offences, which do carry endorsements. Indeed you can be fined as little as £30 for using a Mobile without a hands free kit which is actually in some cases less than parking on Double Yellow lines, and as you can see from the video, the consequences can be fatal.
Of course, using a phone can carry other related offences such as driving without due care and attention, but I have yet to see anybody prosecuted for such, where a phone is concerned - at least not unless they actually caused an accident and it was a contributory factor.
So a £30 penalty and no points, I don't see that as a deterant, especially where a salesperson could be discussing a huge deal.
-
With the Xmas anti drink - drive campaign underway, and rightly so, I thought I would bring attention to another equal menace which seems to plague the roads nowadays, which can also create carnage but which sadly seems to have little media coverage.
I am talking about Mobile Phones. Yesterday I was on my way down the Motorway when a vehicle joined the Motorway at speed from the slip road and then immediately oversteered erratically from the inside lane into the middle lane. I braked sharply and pulled back expecting a side swipe which fortunately, didn't happen, however I watched it straggle across both lanes for a while before finally swerving back into the correct lane. My first instincts were that the driver was drunk or was ill, however when overtaking to see what was going on, my passenger reported that the driver was holding a mobile phone to his ear and appeared deep in conversation, apparantly oblivious to those around him, and the near miss he'd just had.
What makes this pillock even more of a selfish tit than your usual variety, was that he was driving a coach, and not only putting his life, and other road users at risk, but the 30 or so people onboard. Unfortunately, drivers using mobiles is something which I see every day, and it appears to be a growing menace, despite being illegal for nearly 3 years. I now seem to see more folk using phones whilst driving than before the ban and very little policing or deterant - in fact I believe the fine and penalties are less for this than for speeding
. I have already been in one head on collision recently, because of one reckless idiot, and its only by the grace of seat belts and airbags and some miracle that everybody walked away from it unharmed, however its not an experience I wish to repeat and certainly not at the expense of some prat who wants to call his wife and ask what is for tea.
If you think that taking one short phone call whilst driving will do no harm or affect your concentration, then watch this real CCTV camera footage, of what happened when a truck driver decided to send a text message when driving. Its a wake up call for anybody who risks doing this sort of thing.
Personally I think this sobering footage should be used in the same way as the media use the anti-drink drive commercials, because it happens far too often and as you can see it can have much the same devastating consequences, and for the 2 adults and 2 children in the car in the video, it wasn't an happy ending.
So please, if you are likely to ever be tempted to use a mobile whilst driving then ask Santa for a hands free kit, and look out for the others who haven't , because there is a lot of them about. :fright:
:rant:
-
Any chance of something christmassy in the logo line for DJU tongue out icon (Max size 600x100 pixels)
-
I have just gone with business cards off Vista and after reading other posts i am better just putting them on the desk to give out aren't i ?
Cards from Vista are great, however its often worth paying a little more and having the Vista logo removed from the back of the free versions, I tend to think that it is a little more professional, if you haven't already. Opinion is varied on positioning of cards, some scatter them around like confetti, others just keep them discretely behind the equipment and hand them out upon request. Personally I prefer to be asked, rather than keep them in the public eye, but whatever works best for you.
Consider also using request slips, again these have mixed opinion from DJ to DJ, however I find that most clients think they are a good idea. Providing you have your contact details printed neatly and discretely, (rather than taking up 33.3% - 50% of the slip!!), then it will look less like an advert and more like a request slip which just happens to be personalised subtly. They are also a good medium for encouraging and getting your audience to participate with their requests.
Insurance any good deals ??The Musicians Union are possibly your best and cheapest option - as a student they will offer you £10M Public Liability for a reduced fee of £54 per year which will be far less than any independant policy.
I am guessing that your Uni are insuring you for any damage to their gear?, but I would make sure that they are, and not expecting you to cough up for any damages to it, whilst in your care or off campus. If you need insurance to cover their gear or to protect your own, then DJ Guard are an option.
Do i need a license of any sort ??If you only do private functions, then no, you don't need any licenses. If you do pubs or clubs then you do, but the managers / promoters should be licensing the event / premises but it pays to ask. If you use a laptop then you may also need a Digital Dj License - however the subject is long and broad, so it would be better to email the PPL with your intended usage to check requirements.
Anything at all that you have used and found to make your night a lot easier or little tricks of the trade please postYes, Loads! and there are about 130,000 posts from DJ's sharing ideas here which you may be able to use and incorporate in your show. Have a browse around, read a few posts, do a few searches, print a few topics and ask a few specific questions. You may also find some dedicated ideas in the Mobile DJ Knowledgebase
I want to carry this on after i leave college as i love to entertain am i better joining a company ?You can learn a lot from helping / watching a working DJ, if you are just starting out then I would say that you should be a least considering this, even if you only go to a few events as a 'Roadie' to help out - experience is invaluable!. Also make sure that you go to different events so you can see the difference in the DJ's routine, music and attire, not to mention the running order of the actual evening - for example Weddings are 100 miles apart from an 18th or a student night in the Uni Bar and being a Mobile DJ in its true form will often mean that you get to cover the lot!.
A lot of Djs here volunteer to have others accompany them to gain experience, have a look and see if there are any local to you and send them a PM or email.
Like most others have suggested, I would work towards getting your own equipment, even if it means buying something 2nd hand. There would be nothing worse than relying to heavily on the college, getting a load of bookings in advance and then the college reversing their policy on allowing you the use of the gear. Imagine having a gig the following night and no gear to do it with!, hire is an option but could be expensive so perhaps you should split your earning 50% to the car and 50% to the disco. tongue out icon
-
Normal distance for CP then
Now i'm using a %&£$ing Astra it seems like 3400
Glenn, good luck with your event. Newquay is a little far for me to be of any help, although we have had other Djs here promoting their charitable intentions, so hopefully somebody more local will get in touch.
-
Yes, even after nearly 2 decades.
-
This product is currently out of stock. We are expecting new stock on Sunday 14 January 2007
I guess we now know the launch date tongue out icon
Richard I guess you'll have to finally sell the Bentley or one of your Ferrari's to get one tongue out icon
-
Chris, or to be fair, his roadie of the time also did a stunningly poor choice of track, at a disabled gig...I'll let Chris mention that, depending on how his valium is holding up...
Oh, you mean playing "You'll never walk alone" to a dancefloor full of wheelchairs :blameless:
Yes This Country The Uk Has Many Problems..but!
in The DJ's United Arms
Posted
I've never been abroad...at least not until later this year, so i've got nothing to compare it against.
Until 3 months ago I never even had a passport
But if you are looking for something negative....
Personally I think the current benefits system overlooks those who are genuinely ill or disabled or are to old or infirm to understand the red tape which comes attached to claiming them. Far too much time and money is spent pandering to the whims of good parlour actors who feign illness and who think that the world owes them a living and in reality are just too bloody lazy to get out of bed and do some form of work.
Whilst I have no doubt from reading this thread, that the NHS is more than meeting its obligations to some patients, there are others to whom it is seriously neglecting and I think more money and even perhaps the Lottery would be better served at funding causes like This One and the hundreds, perhaps even 1000's of other similar cases which get conveniently overlooked everyday and who cannot get treatment on the NHS because it is too costly - I really don't think you can put a price on a life can you?.
Unfortunately, as a country we spend £millions building and maintaining monuments to royals, and other white elephants and vast amounts of money is always available to treat those with self inflicted conditions like hard drug & alcohol abuse where more often than not, there was a choice involved, whilst those with illnesses beyond their choice or control are turned away. Wrong order of priorities!.
The UK also has apparantly the highest rate of teenage pregnancies and single teenage mothers anywhere in Europe, presumably because the new definition for child = Free Accomodation and comes complete with a "get out of work free card". More proof that perhaps the entire system is giving out the wrong impression to the next generation of adults.