kathyshack 0 Posted January 19, 2004 Report Share Posted January 19, 2004 Hi everyone, I have just registered with this site as its looks like a useful way to chat to people in similar shoes to me. I have been djing in the house for a while now - (mainly 80's stuff). A while ago i was asked to dj for a friends 30th. I had a mixer, two cd players and some half decent lights etc, but i used my home amp as the room wasn't the biggest. Anyway I blew this right at the end (luckily?!?). Another friend has asked me to dj at her 21st in the next couple fo weeks, so as i thougth this may potentially take off decided to purchase a PA System. I got a Soundlab 500 watt PA and some 15" soundlab loudspeakers (200watt each). The guy in the shop said these would be fine. I am slightly baffled by the ohms thing however. My PA says something like 500watt in 4ohms and 300watt in 8ohms. My speakers say 800 ohms on them. Does this mean that the max output of the amp whilst connected to these will be 300watts? I'm also slightly concerned about the chance of blowing the speakers, as they add up to 400watt and amp = 500. The guy in the shop said they would be fine as long as i don't crank it up too loud. From bits i have read about impedence etc, i am under th eimpression that as my speakers are 200 watt and 8ohms, that the PA will automatically know to go into 8ohms mode and therefore should not blow speakers....... Does anyone have any advice on this? After investing a considerabel amount of dosh in this, i don't want to blow the new PA or my nice speakers. PS i have also ordered some stands, which i believe will make the sound better? ANy help or advice you could offer, even if its a basic website with help and instructions on understanding PA's it would be great. Many thanks in advance Kathy ;-) Link to post Share on other sites
Dj_Kray 0 Posted January 19, 2004 Report Share Posted January 19, 2004 Hello and welcome http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/042.gif please take a few secs to read the rules and enjoy Link to post Share on other sites
joe 0 Posted January 19, 2004 Report Share Posted January 19, 2004 Hi kathyshack Welcome to DJU http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/smile.gif Have a quick read of the rules before you post and enjoy the forum Feel free to ask any questions and answer any yourself http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/biggrin.gif Joe http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/042.gif Link to post Share on other sites
ChrisPointon 0 Posted January 19, 2004 Report Share Posted January 19, 2004 Hi and Welcome to the forum http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/042.gif , There is quite an in depth and ongoing discussion on matching Amps & Speakers and how Ohms and Watts work Here With regard to stands, yes they will enable your audio to travel further since your speakers will be above head height (no solid bodies blocking the audio output). However I always found stands - even those placed as safe as possible to be a hazard waiting to happen. Putting a 25kg+ speaker on a tripod above head height amongst people drinking large amounts of alcohol is tempting fate. Should somebody fall, trip, stagger into them, or a drunken conga etc get out of control then you have the risk of 25kg of deadly weight to come crashing down on the dancefloor. However you place them, by definition they will always be top heavy and a risk. If you must use them, then make sure you barricade them in with tables or other gear and always make sure that the tripod base is fully extended and the legs out of the way of people walking past. Personally I prefer using a bass bin and Top Cabinet conbination. The bass bin sits at the bottom, and a short pole comes out of the top of the bass cab and supports the top cab. A large heavy Bass Cab is a far better ballest than an aluminum stand. Link to post Share on other sites
kazzachi 0 Posted January 19, 2004 Report Share Posted January 19, 2004 Welcome! I always put my speakers on stands... and have always managed to keep safe! Great to have another girlie to help us pick on the boys! WE LOVE KAREN, AND IT'S GREAT TO HAVE HER BACK !!!! xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Link to post Share on other sites
High Fidelity 0 Posted January 19, 2004 Report Share Posted January 19, 2004 http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/042.gif Welcome Quitting Smoking & Drinking doesn't make you live longer It just feels like it. Link to post Share on other sites
Hoseman-ade 0 Posted January 19, 2004 Report Share Posted January 19, 2004 Damm they are ganging up on us now http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/014.gif Anyway Welcome Kathy, enjoy yourself, very friendly and helpful Ade http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/thumbup.gif Cheers Ade Inferno Roadshow Link to post Share on other sites
tonyj 0 Posted January 19, 2004 Report Share Posted January 19, 2004 Hi there and welcome along.... since i saw a woman trip over the cabarets speaker stands and gash her leg.. i no longer use stands.......not unless i have a stage or set back from the dance floor.. Member of The Musicians Union "Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like hard work." Link to post Share on other sites
kathyshack 0 Posted January 20, 2004 Author Report Share Posted January 20, 2004 cheers for all yer replies! I am most impressed with the responses ;-) So what type of dj's are you all that use this site? All been at it a while or any beginners? what type of music do you play? I'm a bit of an amateur really, mainly djing at friends parties and stuff. But i enjoy it and all my 80's tunes seem to go down reasonably well. I have to dj at a friend of a friends 21st in a couple of weeks. This is abit daunting really as i won't really know anyone there and there will be quite a few older members of her family there. Wanted to ask advice on order of things to do really... I was going to play a few older tunes for the older ones - mainly 70's as i aint really got much before then. Do you tend to try and get people up dancing after they've eaten or so some of you get em up before? Might sound like a daft question as i suppose each crowd is different. As i have relatavley tiny experience doing this, don't want to play all my best tunes before anyone usually starts dancing! Any help would be much appreciated! cheers Kathy. Link to post Share on other sites
Gary 0 Posted January 20, 2004 Report Share Posted January 20, 2004 Welcome Kathy, enjoy yourself here, Paula and Kazza will no doubt try to persuade you to re~form Bananarama with them, now that theres 3 beautiful girls on the forum...(creeping works best, where Paula and Kazza are concerned). You're quite right to mention that each audience is different, however, for any function its best to try to play "sections" of music...eg: 20~25 minutes of modern/chart tunes, then announce "a few" older tunes from perhaps the 80s, and 70s...if theres still some older members of the audience tapping their walking frames then go for some 60s tunes as well. Next throw a few slowies on from more or less any era. On paper/in theory, you could then go back to the beginning "section" eg Modern/chart songs and repeat the various sections in order (with different songs of course), however, this is where reading, or observing the audience comes onto play...adapt each section on the audiences reaction...if a section (eg: 70s) flops, move onto a safer section eg: 80s or charts etc. For this reason, its best not to announce "and now 20minutes of the 70s" just in case no~one dances to the first couple of 70s tunes, and you want to move away from the 70s early. As itsva multi~age group do,cast an eye over the "What to play at Weddings" post which Chris posted a while ago..."music for the whole occassion" Remember too, that with most songs lasting 3~4 minutes, you'll only get thru 12~15 songs per hour...so a couple of double CD compilations for any 70s or 60s that you might feel your collection needs, should "see you thru"...The most recent couple of NOW albums are a good idea, and a "best cheesy party ever" type CD should get you classic favourites like Abba:Dancing Queen, Sister Sledge: we are family, its raining men etc.. Also, to help the evening along, find out the date of birth of the birthday person, in advance, and find out what was No1 in the charts on the day they were born, and turn it into an audience competition...get them to come up to you (off mic) and make their guess...this helps break the ice and gets bums off seats and feet onto dancefloors. Link to post Share on other sites
Dukesy 0 Posted January 20, 2004 Report Share Posted January 20, 2004 Hi, welcome to the forum. For your last question, you are right when you say that 'each crowd is different', to a point. Using an example, If you was to attend a 'mobile disco', would you want to 'hit the dance floor' as soon as you arrived? What if it was a night club? Would it depend on what time you arrived before you started dancing? What was being played to make you want to dance? How many were already on the dance floor? And so on....... There are many variables to consider when working the decks. It's like juggling the variables and getting the right sequence flow before you make a mistake. One problem with that, is that it will take you back to square one - each crowd is different, etc. So what can we do? Experience will be the major variable to rely on. From experience, you'll gain and learn from the mistakes and triumphs of entertaining. Instinct will guage your feeling in what to play next by reading the body language of the guests and sense of atmosphere. Some DJ's will argue that they have a packed floor from the moment they play a tune - and good luck to them if they do. So I guess that a keen crowd makes a DJ's life easier - not harder, eh?!! Generally, public perception wise, a DJ is considered versatile to 'build an atmosphere for the occasion', be it a Rave, Birthday, Wedding or Kids Party, etc. Whenever there is a break or pause in the proceedings - the DJ will be expected to 'build' or 'maintain' the atmosphere as before. It's not always easy, you'll find, as 'guests' can sometimes either be awkward, reserved, sheepish or under / over excited when it comes to generating the music momentum for dance impetus. From the crowds point of view, say, there are many variables to consider before 'one considers to dance'. Here is a list (some slightly exaggerated) examples to consider from a 'guests point of view' of a party: What are the friends doing? Are they dancing? I can't dance. I'm brilliant at dancing. What's being played? Do I need a drink? When does this party end? Where's such and such? What does the DJ look like? Is anybody else going to dance first? I don't want to be on my own on the dance floor. I want to be invited to dance. I do not want to be invited to dance. Am I copying my friends dance routine? Who's copying my dance routine? Look at me everybody - I was born to dance. Look at me everybody - especially the DJ. Don't look at me. What do you want? A photo? Do I like the music being played? I hate the music being played. I love the music being played! I want my music played now! I didn't want to dance to that tune - so I'll stare at the DJ. I'll stare at the DJ - I think I fancy the DJ. I'm gonna dance dirty in front of my bloke. I'm gonna dance dirty to a slow record. I hate saucy dancing altogether. Where's my mate - our silly dance routine record is on. I hate crowds. I love crowds. Such and such are leaving the dance-floor. I'll follow. I'll stay. I want to go home. The music is too quiet. The music is too loud. What's she wearing? What's he wearing? I wouldn't wear that. Are they charity clothes? Look at those boots she's wearing - they're nice. Look at those boots she's wearing - they're awful. Where's my partner? Are you looking at my partner? I hate house music. I hate 60's & 70's music. I love line dancing - that's it. I hate line dancing. I hate ALL novelty music, but I do like Hey Baby, Grease and Oops upside yer head, etc I don't care what others see and think - I'm oblivious - lets boogie. I do care what others see and think - I'll leave the dance floor. I'll ask for a request. I'll demand a request. I can sing - give me the mic. I know nothing about music. I only like dance music. What music has the DJ got? I'm a DJ too..... etc., etc., etc., And don't forget, perhaps the 'guest' is just having a good time! If it feels right to play a certain music direction at a given time - play it! What 'us' DJ's have to remember is what volume level we play our music to guests. So, like our music momentum, we should guage the volume to the attending guest numbers accordingly. If it's too quiet - you can raise the volume. If it's too loud - you can lower it. Finding a happy medium will always be a challenge - more variables which include the system you are using, the height of the venue, the length of the venue, the number of guests, the location of the bar to where the dance floor is, where is Granny sitting, etc, etc. The attention span of any crowd on the dance floor can swing from 3 records of one era to only 1. Yet it can also swing in the opposite direction. Whatever you play, as long as you be-your-self, you'll be fine. If you love music and enjoy what you do, you'll find 'your own way' in entertaining that will be comfortable and unique. Enjoy yourself!!! http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/smile.gif Link to post Share on other sites
kathyshack 0 Posted January 20, 2004 Author Report Share Posted January 20, 2004 cheers guys! I'm getting quite excited about it all now! Bring it on! I got my new sounlab 500watt amp and 15" speakers to go with it the other day, so can't wait to give them a good run in! ;-) Hope the neighbours don't mind my trial run at my house this sat night!!! http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/thumbup.gif Link to post Share on other sites
kazzachi 0 Posted January 20, 2004 Report Share Posted January 20, 2004 Kathy - One thing I tell all new djs to remember is that the audience dont know you dont have experience - as long as you present a confident face then you will be ok. I quite often go and talk to the guests at the beginning of a function and ask what music they like and generally get friendly with them... it works wonders! Dont worry if you make a mistake... make a joke of it... if you play the wrong track... just say whoops thats not the track I wanted - its this one.. as you skip to the next track. If you clear a dancefloor with a tune you think might go well with the previous track... just change it - dont play it in its entirity.... I tend to say something like "if theres something I play that you dont like, do something subtle like leave the dance floor so I know"! Good humour always goes down well. Most of all, just enjoy it.. if you enjoy yourself then it rubs off on the audience! Good luck! WE LOVE KAREN, AND IT'S GREAT TO HAVE HER BACK !!!! xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Link to post Share on other sites
kathyshack 0 Posted January 20, 2004 Author Report Share Posted January 20, 2004 cheers, some good tips there! I'll be sure to put em into practice ;-) Link to post Share on other sites
YourBigEvent 0 Posted January 20, 2004 Report Share Posted January 20, 2004 QUOTE Paula and Kazza will no doubt try to persuade you to re~form Bananarama with them With Paula and Karen together it would be more like The Beverley Sisiters !! Anyway nice to have another female on the site, read and enjoy, and join in as much as possible. Andy Where abouts in the UK re you based ? No Chris !!!! just wondering .....but what do I know ? Your Big Event Office:01803 813540 Direct: 0797 0717 448 e.mail:info@yourbigevent.co.uk Link to post Share on other sites
kazzachi 0 Posted January 20, 2004 Report Share Posted January 20, 2004 Andy behave! We would probably be better off as the three degrees.! WE LOVE KAREN, AND IT'S GREAT TO HAVE HER BACK !!!! xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Link to post Share on other sites
C.S 0 Posted January 20, 2004 Report Share Posted January 20, 2004 Hi there kathy and welcome in,see the gang have already been giving you some good tips so please feel free to ask away http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/042.gif I will try anything,once! The Cornish will arise again ! Manager of the Andy Harris Fan Club. Keep pasties Cornish Link to post Share on other sites
paula 0 Posted January 20, 2004 Report Share Posted January 20, 2004 (edited) Hi & welcome http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/042.gif QUOTE Paula and Kazza will no doubt try to persuade you to re~form Bananarama with them Now then, who wrote that, far to bleery eyed to go back on posts! QUOTE Andy behave! We would probably be better off as the three degrees.! Accctttuuuaaaaallly! Dianna Flop needs 2 more Chicken Supremes, sorted then I see http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/biggrin.gif Edited January 20, 2004 by paula Link to post Share on other sites
kathyshack 0 Posted January 20, 2004 Author Report Share Posted January 20, 2004 sorry should have said that in my introductions, - I'm from Blackburn, Lancashire. http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/071.gif PS These emoticons are ace! Link to post Share on other sites
tonyj 0 Posted January 20, 2004 Report Share Posted January 20, 2004 somebody else from Lancashire at last !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/thumbup.gif Member of The Musicians Union "Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like hard work." Link to post Share on other sites
High Fidelity 0 Posted January 20, 2004 Report Share Posted January 20, 2004 YES!! http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/thumbup.gif Another Northerner. http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/042.gif http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/042.gif A double welcome Quitting Smoking & Drinking doesn't make you live longer It just feels like it. Link to post Share on other sites
Sir_Toby 0 Posted January 21, 2004 Report Share Posted January 21, 2004 Welcome to the forums. Im a noob as well, and have just ordered the smae amp, but slightly different speakers to u! The guys, and gals here are really friendly, and give great advice. enjoy! Link to post Share on other sites
ChrisPointon 0 Posted January 21, 2004 Report Share Posted January 21, 2004 QUOTE I'm from Blackburn, Lancashire More hotpot Vicar? http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/kid.gif Link to post Share on other sites
joe 0 Posted January 21, 2004 Report Share Posted January 21, 2004 QUOTE Im a noob as well You're a what?! http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/laugh.gif Link to post Share on other sites
ChrisPointon 0 Posted January 21, 2004 Report Share Posted January 21, 2004 noob = Newbie, not WHAT you were thinking. Dirty Minded urchin that you are! http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/nono.gif Link to post Share on other sites
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