A Peek Behind The Action

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djtaso

DJ Extraordinaire
Apr 4, 2017
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www.djtaso.com
This isn't from this event, but people have asked me how things look behind the booth. So attached is a quick photo of behind the booth from an event I did a couple of weeks ago. On the table is my controller and 2 laptops (both running serato but one containing the details and requests of the event), and my 2 mics. Below the tables are my power racks w/ 4 furman power conditioners and mic rack containing 2 shure qlx receivers and a storage drawer for batteries and such. To the left is my qsc k12 acting as a monitor. To the right, because we don't have lighting at this event, we have my 2 wire boxes (power and audio) supporting a money counter (it's a greek thing). If we were doing lighting, we'd be having my moving head case to the right supporting the lighting laptop and other control devices such as the sparklers or snow machines.

There are some bags and case covers stuffed behind there, but normally they would be in a storage closet... we just didn't have access to one for this event.

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I like the "behind the scenes" look.... however, I'm really surprised. I'm very new, but you come across as a very professional performer... I figured your setup would be neat, tidy, and spotless. I'm sure it all depends on the show though... and hey, that's what facades are for (to hide stuff) right? lol.

On a more serious note.... for an event this size, and if you've got headphones, why the monitor at your booth? I'm only asking because I really don't know... and I'm trying to learn. Is it just for a better sense of what the crowd is hearing since you're behind the speakers?
 
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I like the "behind the scenes" look.... however, I'm really surprised. I'm very new, but you come across as a very professional performer... I figured your setup would be neat, tidy, and spotless. I'm sure it all depends on the show though... and hey, that's what facades are for (to hide stuff) right? lol.

On a more serious note.... for an event this size, and if you've got headphones, why the monitor at your booth? I'm only asking because I really don't know... and I'm trying to learn. Is it just for a better sense of what the crowd is hearing since you're behind the speakers?

That's the beauty of the facade. It covers what others shouldn't see. Below are images what the guests see... but there's a lot of equipment behind the scenes that makes it possible... especially when dealing with lighting that's wirelessly and dmx controlled, or multimedia graphics that go on tv's. Yes, I could rack everything, but then I lose certain flexibility on things. As mentioned though, this picture is one that I took off the cuff because it just came to my mind in the moment. Normally it isn't as messy behind the booth, as a lot of stuff is stored... but we just didn't have access to a storage area at this venue and I had already parked the van, so we just squeezed everything behind.

Also... I kinda hinted at this... but there are elements to greek events that make being tidy a little tougher. Normally those boxes on the right wouldn't me there. However, this is a greek event, where the entertainment often exchanges singles for guests to throw. The green bags have money.. the money counter on the right allows us to break down the singles to the amounts requested. If that wasn't needed, it would be even cleaner.

Regarding the monitor. I started in a club environment, and therefore I'm very particular of my mixes. The monitor allows me to hear what's happening properly, and how my mixes are being brought in. In my headphones I only have the song that is cue'd, therefore the monitor helps me make sure my beats are lined up and how the mids and lows are soundings as im bringing the new song in. Sometimes the bass clashes, so I'll cut the bass off on one song during the transitions... sometimes I'm bringing in vocals, and may need to turn up the gain so it's heard properly. It's hard to make those little adjustments if you can't hear the music properly as the guests are. A monitor is vital for me.

But yeah...these are my setups from the guests perspective.

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Taso, thanks for the "Wizard of Oz" peek behind the curtain...although we aren't ignoring the man behind said curtain as mentioned in the movie. Like Mr. Spock would say, fascinating!!
 
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Very nice @djtaso ! I've seen some of our event photos and know they're top notch... I was just giving you a hard time. :) Thanks for the info on the monitor. Makes sense.
 
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Very nice @djtaso ! I've seen some of our event photos and know they're top notch... I was just giving you a hard time. :) Thanks for the info on the monitor. Makes sense.
Didn’t feel that way, just a lot of times people fail to realize all the little things that are needed behind the scenes. Admittedly, it wasn’t the best event to snap a photo off, as normally the only things behind there would be the two cases under the table, my laptop bags, and the moving head case with the lighting laptop. Not the prettiest, but a lot cleaner. If you want clean, the podium booth has the cleanest look as there is really nothing to see behind the podium, and the controller is nicely encased.
 
If you want clean, the podium booth has the cleanest look as there is really nothing to see behind the podium, and the controller is nicely encased.

That one scares me a little. It looks so exposed and any enebriated guest who comes up for a request may give it a nudge.:sqeek: But I'm sure you have measures in line to prevent that.
 
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That one scares me a little. It looks so exposed and any enebriated guest who comes up for a request may give it a nudge.:sqeek: But I'm sure you have measures in line to prevent that.
I’ve still have yet to find something to prevent that. I mean it’s wood and it’s very sturdy, but you are VERY exposed. Very easy for them to rest their hand and hit the play button or grab your laptop. But I see them coming and tell them to come up to me not the booth.
 
I got to say that controller is hot! I bet it's not light. That controller for me is to big. I would struggle moving that one and setting it up. Great gear and great setup. Does that case have wheels on it?
 
I got to say that controller is hot! I bet it's not light. That controller for me is to big. I would struggle moving that one and setting it up. Great gear and great setup. Does that case have wheels on it?
It’s big, and with the case and wiring attached in the coffin it can be close to 75lbs. I have an assistant so it’s bearable
 
Taso, thanks for the "Wizard of Oz" peek behind the curtain...although we aren't ignoring the man behind said curtain as mentioned in the movie. Like Mr. Spock would say, fascinating!!
What I sweep under my carpet is my business .:nod:
If Taso doesn't use the space behind the facade the photographer will use the space for you.
 
What I sweep under my carpet is my business .:nod:
If Taso doesn't use the space behind the facade the photographer will use the space for you.
LOL that happens ALL the time. Behind me there is nothing, however once the photogs and video guys arrive there is bags upon bags sprawled out.
 
If I remember correctly they’re 3’ wide and about 4’ tall
Yeah, wide enough to fold around a 4 ft table, mine measures out to 39.5 total length so I cant fold the sides in to make a "booth look" like you did.
 
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