How Much Power?

[poridge 0]

hey guys im just interested to know what you think is the minimum power sound system a mobile dj could possibly have obviously it depends on venues size etc but as a new mobile dj wot d u think? :joe:

[Ste Owens 0]

I think the question should be 'What is the maximum?' I had a 500w system from when I was 12 - 15. Now I have a 1500w suits me fine.

 

Ste

[Andy Westcott 0]

I ran a 200 watt per channel system for years without really wanting more;

 

I think it's a bit like a wage packet really - if you don't have a lot you work to it; A larger one and you tend to use it, even if it's not always appropriate...

 

I use a 1Kw (total RMS) system, but it's really only during teenagers' parties that I clip the bass amps; Most other gigs rarely light more than 3 lights on the VU meters - most experienced DJs on here will agree that running a disco too loud is a lot worse than having it a little on the quiet side, and to be realistic 200 watts a side through nice efficient speakers is quite a bit of sound in a smallish (100 people) venue.

[dj007 0]

Hi poridge

i started out with a 100w Fal sound system but that was back in 1978

over the years ive gone from a 10k system but due to ill health i retired and sold everything off.

i now run an active 1000w system and that does me fine for my only regular gig at my resendancy with an average 100-150 people.

jim

[Paul Smith 0]

As a general guide you need 4 watts per person however this is just a guide. Other factors such as the size of the room and the type of event need to be taken into account.

 

Last week I did a function for 200 predominately 18 year olds and had 2,000 watts of bass plus over 1,000 watts for mid & tops. OK I had plently of headroom using this system but I'd rather that than run a smaller set-up at max.

 

For most of the weddings I do I use a single 750 watt system and very rarely have this above half power (even for 150 guests).

[DJ Marky Marc 0]

the power of your rig will be restircted by the size of your transport, roadie and budget...

 

I think the best way is to always have more sound than you need never work with just enough...

 

having just enough will mean you are pushing your system hard at some events and thats ever a good thing to do..

 

most events dont need huge setups.. but some do..

 

if 95% of your work is needing just an average size setup then get what you need and higher in extra sound for big gigs..

 

[Norfolk DJ 0]

for 17 years I used a citronic amped deck whose output was 230 watts. This served me well and got me though though small and medium sized venues. Since then I went to a 1500 watt set-up and now used 900 watts.

 

I suggest for general disco functions 400w-1000w is ample

[poridge 0]

im currently using a 300w amp and 2 150w speakers do u think thats ok for small and medium venues?

[Reverandfunk 0]

Probably be okay for a small venue, but I think anything over 100 people and you'll struggle

[nigelwright7557 0]

For years I used a 200 watts RMS amp with a pair of speaker boxes with 2 * 50 watt Fane 12 inch speakers in each. It was very loud on full bore.

 

I have since used higher power speakers that werent as loud as the Fanes despite banging in more watts to the speakers. The efficiency of the speakers is important.

 

The type of speaker enclosure is important too and the size of the enclosure.

Some companies skimp on speaker box size and lose efficiency.

 

I have a couple of folded horn bass bins that are loud as the folded horn matches the speaker to the air better.

 

[maurice le videur 0]

As a general guide you need 4 watts per person however this is just a guide. Other factors such as the size of the room and the type of event need to be taken into account.

 

Last week I did a function for 200 predominately 18 year olds and had 2,000 watts of bass plus over 1,000 watts for mid & tops. OK I had plently of headroom using this system but I'd rather that than run a smaller set-up at max.

 

For most of the weddings I do I use a single 750 watt system and very rarely have this above half power (even for 150 guests).