Hiding your phone number
- Thread starter sawdust123
- Start date
I said I would never become a computer DJ and my partner kept pushing me to become a computer DJ. I finally surrendered. One of best things I ever did.
Yet now you say you will never change, even though the next evolution has already started
I've recently started hiding my phone number. I have gotten inundated with spam calls regarding my Google listing, possible funding opportunities, or other nuisance calls that stem from me having my phone number published on my website and Google listing. I get no less than 20 of these calls per day.
I've had the same cell number since 1994. It's everywhere.
I get lots of spam calls
I get lots of spam calls
First off I'm doing things that I'm comfortable with and that I do very well. Just because it's the latest way to do things doesn't mean I have to do it. If it's not going to make me do a better job what's the big deal? My buddies mentor that died used CDs and did a great job! I could highly recommend him to do an event. How he did it worked great for him and nobody complained that he wasn't using a computer to DJ with.
I've been told I don't need to use my Pioneer EFX 500 at events. I use it at certain events because it helps to change the way the music sounds and I can do a number of tricks with it. Just because some others on here wouldn't use it doesn't mean it's not right for me.
whatever you use on the efx, a majority of higher end pioneer controllers can do as well with the built in capabilities. No need to set up something extra
With that effects machine I can isolate the sound taking out all the bass and bring it back up. The echo on it is GREAT. I can echo the sound to where it's not on and quickly bring it back up. There's a lot you can do with that effects machine. I hate the effects on VDJ! I don't bother to use them at all.
Working in advertising all those years, I was delighted when the internet took hold.
For years, clients always believed we had to repeat their phone number for people to remember it.
(unless it was like 1-800-GOT JUNK)
But many wanted the phone number mentioned 3 times.
Which doesn't leave room for much else in the 30-second commercial.
Reading an internet address meant much better retention,
unless the address was overly complicated and included too many characters.
These days, internet addresses are also used to steer customers away from calling,
because the business would rather not pay people to answer the phone.
The irony here is the two stories you're telling at the same time.
Story 1 is how locked in you are to exactly what you do and how you don't want to change.
Story 2 is how after your partner pressured you into finally caving on using a laptop to DJ, now you love it!
You are resisting change while also admitting the last thing you were forced to change has made your life way better.
This is the same as sitting here now telling us you still wouldn't be a computer DJ. That's how silly your EFX-500 sounds to us. Its completely unnecessary, and you could do all that stuff on any normal controller. You like it, and that's fine. But your very own stories illustrate why it's so frustrating to try to help you. You reject every idea until it's forced upon you because you don't actually like change - but then you want to tell us how great your choices are.
Since you opened your big trap what do you use that you personally like using even though there maybe something else you could use instead? Let me ask this question. Have anyone here ever use a Pioneer EFX 500? For those who haven't used one before, you shouldn't judge someone that does.
I just thought of this. I have heard some on here use a mixing board to hookup to their setup claiming it makes the sound better. I don't get it. Why does it make the sound better? I say use quality speakers that are true professional grade. Speakers that are highly recommended. That way you won't need to use a mixing board unless you have multiple things you need to hookup that you must use a mixing board.
For my regular setup I don't use a mixing board. In Branch Brook Park we have to use one to hookup things we will be using that day.
For my regular setup I don't use a mixing board. In Branch Brook Park we have to use one to hookup things we will be using that day.
I have used it. That’s why I’ve said many high end controllers can replicate most of what it does. It’s designed more for those that use cDjs with DJm mixers… yes there are a couple of very small differences, but you’re not headlining a Vegas nightclub… you’re doing senior home parties, etc. It’s also making g your setup and breakdown longer
Plugging everything into a mixer board provides higher quality processing and more control than what a built in controller mixer does, especially for microphones. As someone who’s done both ways… the sound when using an external mixer like a Yamaha mg10 is night and day than without it.
This is typical of a retail product with limited options. That fact that something is "modular" doesn't really translate into "options." The price is the price because the sale is for ONE thing. The options really aren't - they are simply a case of small, medium, or large. It's still the same singular result.
A vanity service has never been my goal. I always have and continue to use a solutions driven model. A woman like that with $1,000 to spend would have been my customer - and possibly repeat business or a source of referrals for years to come. If she has that much free cash to throw at a birthday party - then she probably celebrates many other things in an equally big way.
That doesn't mean I'd be the DJ for this birthday party, but I bet I could have found a solution she'd love well within her price range. Caller's like that woman would consistently generate and additional $40k+ /year for me in self-service or stand alone solutions for small events.
In the event business nothing rings more true than this: What people state as their need - doesn't necessarily match up with their actual need. People often call for a "DJ" when in reality a far better solution to their plan is something else. If all we focus on is selling the one shoe that fits ourself, then we are ignoring the greater proportion of the population that also has event related business to send our way. We remain losed off from a huge source of insight, eductaion, and expansion of our own ideas about events and entertainment.
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I’m personally in the WEDDING business. I don’t really do “other” events. So in my case It’s proven time and time again when anyone calls, it’s to see availability and then next question is price. Most of those are not qualified bc they view a dj as someone with just sound for 4hrs or want something simple with no research. Those that do thorough research bc they value the service will go to DJs social media, their site, etc and are contacting many vendors though their contact form. Not just DJs, but planners. florists, photogs, etc etc. It’s how most initiate contact in the WEDDING industry.
On a different note, there’s no small medium large for me. With 20 different line items, there’s numerous combinations that couples can create that perfectly match not just their vision, but their needs. 3 different types of photo booths w different delivery methods as additional options, 4 layers of lighting options, 4 types of effects, sound reinforcement for up to 4 rooms. There’s no perception of packages.
Lastly, one thing I’ve noticed in the wedding industry, is that at the time of booking g most couples are not ready to make decisions on enhancements. They don’t know the vision, the budget, and personally feel overwhelmed with the hiring of vendors and are not quite ready to spend time researching the options. Their goal is to lock in the vendors they want and figure out the rest later. Which again is why a phone call is not the best contact method initially. Anyways… it’s not me saying it’s not the best method. I likely get 10 calls a year vs 300 website inquiries. Clearly couples want to inquire that way. You gotta remember, they’re contacting 5-10 other DJs… it’s not practical to call each one first to just get basic info. Let alone half of them inquire at night while they’re researching vendors online… highly unlikely they’re gonna call at that time.
I only speak for the wedding industry.
Taso have you ever used a Pioneer EFX 500 effects machine? You mentioned that there are small differences in using that machine vs using a controller with effects pads. Do you know what those differences are? I never used that unit when I played for seniors in Montclair. I do use it for other events depending on the type of event. I will be using it in the park.
Why should I buy another controller just because it has effect pads when I can use the controller I have now and hookup that effects machine up to use. It doesn't take much to hook it up. It doesn't take long to hook it up and it doesn't weigh a ton. It just requires the right cords to hookup the machine to use it.
Why would I want to waste money on buying another controller when the one I use works well for me? I know the one I use has been discontinued but that doesn't bother me. They keep making something new all the time just to get you to spend your money because you think having the latest thing is what you need.
You said it. No client has asked me what equipment I will be using at the event. All they want to know is will you show up ahead of time before the event is to start to hookup the equipment you will be using at the event and will you do a good job at the event. Most people won't know what you're talking about if you tried to explain what you will be using.
The big thing when using that effects machine is finding a place to put the machine on the table I'm using.
Why should I buy another controller just because it has effect pads when I can use the controller I have now and hookup that effects machine up to use. It doesn't take much to hook it up. It doesn't take long to hook it up and it doesn't weigh a ton. It just requires the right cords to hookup the machine to use it.
Why would I want to waste money on buying another controller when the one I use works well for me? I know the one I use has been discontinued but that doesn't bother me. They keep making something new all the time just to get you to spend your money because you think having the latest thing is what you need.
You said it. No client has asked me what equipment I will be using at the event. All they want to know is will you show up ahead of time before the event is to start to hookup the equipment you will be using at the event and will you do a good job at the event. Most people won't know what you're talking about if you tried to explain what you will be using.
The big thing when using that effects machine is finding a place to put the machine on the table I'm using.
I used to dj in a lot of nightlife prior becoming a full time dj and have used the efx500. The efx 500 is a DINOSAUR and pretty outdated in terms of capabilities. It does have more nuanced effect control and you can really pinpoint how you want those effects applied with the isolator, but what I was trying to share is that controllers are extremely capable as well, and the higher end controllers can do even more than the efx500. If you want to make a better comparison, you should be using the rmx1000 which can do quite a bit.
Very very few dj's actually utilize the full capabilities of the effects controllers, even most house dj's don't bother with them anymore because the new djm mixers are quite capable as well. The efx was a big player back in the day when it was cdj 1000's and djm800 mixers and dj's used cd's and no software. Ever noticed how pioneer barely updates these? There's no market for them now.
To you it represents something that was iconic in a past era, but now very few performing dj's have it in their rider.