In the beginning (back in 2008) I started with a good but basic setup. Over the last 15 Years I’ve made many changes to it though adding/removing/replacing/updating equipment along the way. At one point I had enough gear to handle just about any venue up to the size of a large gym from both a Sound and Lighting standpoint (and in many ways I still do) but these days in an attempt to simplify my setups, be the best possible fit for most of my Clients and their events, and to keep my rates reasonable/be competitive in today’s DJ World as of 2024 here’s where I stand:
For a Sound System (if I’m not plugging into an existing system or even if I am and still want my system too) I start with Powered EV Speakers. I have 3 total and generally setup 2 of them on Stands as Mains and 1 as a Floor Monitor to help me with Mixing. These alone work well for many of my Client’s events which tend to be smaller-medium sized anyway and are faster to setup/teardown than gear I’ve had in the past, are significantly easier to move, don’t require a large amp rack to drive, and sound sweet too. If Extra BASS is requested I can add up to 3 Powered Samson Subs, if additional sound is needed on top of that I can add several Passive Samson and Yamaha Speakers, and if you really wanna go big I've got some JBL gear again too. I use an SPL Meter to determine the loudness of my Sound System ALWAYS adjusting it based on my Client’s needs and can provide up to 7000W of Crowd Facing BOOM at up to 100dB.
As far as Mixing Rigs I have 2: the Traktor Kontrol S4 all in one Controller Setup and a DVR (Digital Vinyl Record) Turntable Setup. For most events I generally take the Traktor Kontrol S4 all in one Controller Setup because of its portability, ease of setup/teardown, and its ability to offer me just about everything my DVR Turntable Setup does. For those who want to put a true spin on their event though I typically can bring out my DVR Turntable Setup which normally consists of a set of Direct Drive Stanton Turntables but can be run with Numark CDJs instead, a Numark Mixer, a Traktor Kontrol X1, and an Audio 6 Interface (if you'd like to see this Rig in action with a cool light show too check out my DVR Turntable Setup Demo Video). Both Rigs incorporate Sony Headphones and Dell Laptops with SSDs which drive Traktor Scratch Pro 2 so I can offer Mobile Club Style Mixing with either Rig. I also have Pro Audio Grade MP3 CD/USB Players which I use mostly as Dinner Music Machines at events like Weddings.
I use Wired and Wireless Samson UHF Mics, can provide a PA only setup if needed and/or support a limited number of Live Vocalists and/or Musicians in addition to or in place of DJing, usually control the whole sound setup with a Mackie Mixer, and have Monster Power Filter/Surge Boxes to tie it all together. My core equipment is mounted in small mobile racks that I typically set under my Tables which are setup at my height so I can stand and Mix/Spin Professionally for my Client’s events. When my gear isn’t in use it’s kept in climate controlled storage to help keep it well cared for too. I generally Digitally Record my Client’s events from start to finish as well and give them a copy later if they want along with any pictures/videos I shoot of their events. I also am usually available for hire to run and/or help others with their sound systems and can digitize Vinyl, Cassettes, CDs, and edit just about anything that's already digitized.
As far as my Music Library is concerned I have plenty of music across most genres 1950s forward that is mostly Radio Friendly that I’m always adding to with an emphasis on Entertaining Party Crowds. If I don’t have what a Client wants I generally do my best to get it within reason. I’ve also got my Music Library in an Excel Workbook that’s organized by genre that I typically send to my Clients so they can see everything I have and customize their event musically to their needs. I usually work in Reasonable Requests since just about everything I do is Live with Crowd Interaction too.
For a Lighting System I can create just about any kind of Party Atmosphere with just about any combination of my light fixtures including Comets, Spot Lights, Moonflowers, Par Cans, a Red Beacon, Mirror Balls, Scatter Lasers, Udos, a Large Black Light, DJ Booth Lighting, Wired Event Up-Lighting, and as of April 2023 I'm happy to announce that I now offer Crowd Scanners as a part of my lighting gear again. I always set everything up so its switched and have plenty of mostly black cords to tie it all together with to give my setups a professional/clean look.
I also have a Waldo Costume, 2 Limbo Sticks, Various Flags, 2 Cameras, plenty of Clamps, 2 Mic Stands, 2 T-Bars for Lighting Gear, offer Branded and Non-Branded Setups with my Logo’d Banners or a Solid Black One if preferred, with enough notice can include Glowsticks, Beads, and/or Leis, and sometimes use Fog to compliment my Light Shows (if you'd like to see my foggers in action check out my Fogger Demo Video).
Those who have experienced my setups in action know that I Throw Some Of The Best Mobile Parties Out There--I Always Go Above And Beyond to make sure My Clients Are Happy and that Their Events Are Top Notch.
***The above images are courtesy mostly of Native Instruments & Southern Exposures Photography.***
**My graphical design needs have been met by several people/companies but mainly by my talented sister Sarah.**
