How clean is your setup?

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TES3S

DJ Extraordinaire
Sep 18, 2016
701
608
Ok, I must admit, I am showing off here, but I also take great pride in offering a very clean, streamlined, but tech-heavy "package." I honestly don't of another DJs setup that is this clean for gigging at weddings.

During Covid, I made some adjustments (no more table) and am absolutely loving this setup. I have only done a handful of gigs this year, but I have never had so many compliments from vendors and venues. It feels good to be noticed before I even perform.

I would like to thank this forum among a couple of others and FB groups to spark ideas of not only what to do, but not want to do, even if subjective. It's a great time we live in where we can all share our ideas and learn from each other.

Comments, questions, feedback?
 

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That's a whole other thread and the only real backup is to have a cloned laptop which I have with me at all times, and I have actually had to use it.

It also serves as my Ceremony computer.
 
Right now?, needs some cleaning, been sitting in the garage collecting garage dust.

I am ready to move towards a more slimmed down setup, the podiums have been growing on me.
 
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That's a whole other thread and the only real backup is to have a cloned laptop which I have with me at all times, and I have actually had to use it.

It also serves as my Ceremony computer.
The 1st time I took a back up laptop was the also the first time I had use it, funny how that works.
 
I love the clean setups but their lack of redundancy always bothered me. That said, I did most of my pro-bono charity gigs with minimal redundancy. I am looking to buy a key piece of gear soon; a round tuit. Once I get it, I will probably build the clean design I have always wanted. I really don't plan to go pro again. I am more interested in having a reason to gain expertise in aluminum brazing.
 
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Comments, questions, feedback?

Clean? Perhaps, but another word for it is "sparse." It has absolutely no stage presence.

While you could argue that what might be in one of Taso's setups is unnecessary for a particular event - the scale of it's stage presence raises the audience's own expectations. By that - I mean they also expect more of themselves and will react more readily in response to it. Even if the two of you did the exact same show for the exact same crowd with the exact same result - people's reported perception of Taso would score higher simply for his having properly set the stage.

When we decide on a setup we have to ask ourselves - are we in show business or just working the front desk? Your setup is perfect for small events in venues with very limited space. In the venue where you took that picture it was your job to FILL that space.
 
To each their own, and I don't take offense of what you call stage presence, whatever that means. I DJ weddings and concentrate on what works well for weddings. I also don't think Taso's setup is unnecessary at all. I used to run an almost identical setup and keep at it Taso, you are killing it. I like your setup!

But, I am curious, what specifically are you referring to? I try to blend into the venue, not be the center of attention, and I use that as a selling point. I can do the totems and moving heads if the client asks for it, but what you saw is my basic setup and I charge over 3k for that.

As I said, I have received more compliments from vendors and venues with this setup than ever before. That translates to more referrals and more bookings. I used to run a 10-foot truss, etc, and almost never anyone commented. I have simplified the setup and look, and it's being noticed--that was my point.

Taso, the one thing I dig about your setup that I would like to have is the DJ Furniture. I need a bigger vehicle for that though otherwise, I would have had one years ago. If I go the furniture route, I most definitely will be running turntables though.

You are right that I DJ in spaces with all types of setup issues and very limited space. I almost never DJ in a room like that. Almost never! I am in CA and most events are outside and are around 200 people.
 
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To each their own, and I don't take offense of what you call stage presence, whatever that means. I DJ weddings and concentrate on what works well for weddings. I also don't think Taso's setup is unnecessary at all. I used to run an almost identical setup and keep at it Taso, you are killing it. I like your setup!

But, I am curious, what specifically are you referring to? I try to blend into the venue, not be the center of attention, and I use that as a selling point. I can do the totems and moving heads if the client asks for it, but what you saw is my basic setup and I charge over 3k for that.

As I said, I have received more compliments from vendors and venues with this setup than ever before. That translates to more referrals and more bookings. I used to run a 10-foot truss, etc, and almost never anyone commented. I have simplified the setup and look, and it's being noticed--that was my point.

Taso, the one thing I dig about your setup that I would like to have is the DJ Furniture. I need a bigger vehicle for that though otherwise, I would have had one years ago. If I go the furniture route, I most definitely will be running turntables though.

You are right that I DJ in spaces with all types of setup issues and very limited space. I almost never DJ in a room like that. Almost never! I am in CA and most events are outside and are around 200 people.
The facade I use is no bigger than other facades and it folds... so aside from the fact that it weighs a decent amount... it doesn't take up a lot of room at all. Now the podium... thats a different story, especially since we have 2 road cases for it (the podium, and the coffin/base). They do take up a decent amount of room. Funny thing is I'm now lookin for ways to make my set up more minimal but have yet to find a way without drastically altering the appearance and reducing that eye catching appearance that stands out from the moment you enter the ballroom.
 
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no the facade, in fact, with respect, I don't like that. I am talking about what you call the podium and as you say, they take up a lot of room.

Can I ask why even use the facade? Seems unnecessary, especially if you are trying to blend in, be streamlined, etc. Are you hiding stuff behind it?
 
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no the facade, in fact, with respect, I don't like that. I am talking about what you call the podium and as you say, they take up a lot of room.

Can I ask why even use the facade? Seems unnecessary, especially if you are trying to blend in, be streamlined, etc. Are you hiding stuff behind it?
Besides the coffin, there’s my floor monitor, also lighting controller and dmx equipment is set up as well, and my power conditioner rack (I have 4 power conditioners) and mic rack... plus a whole ton of wires from the lighting and sound coming through there. That doesn’t even count the equipment and controllers for when I do TVs or sparklers. I still use that facade because I still get more compliments on that facade 6yrs later, than I do for my podium booth Lol
 
gotcha, I figured it was to host more equipment, racks, wires, etc.

Do you mind sharing a pic of the cases you use to transport the DJ Table? I know a lot of DJs who do it, and the whole thing just goes into a road case with wheels. Is that what you mean my coffin? Would love to see!

BTW, you need to be charging more. Your setup is pretty high-end, and you deserve it.
 
gotcha, I figured it was to host more equipment, racks, wires, etc.

Do you mind sharing a pic of the cases you use to transport the DJ Table? I know a lot of DJs who do it, and the whole thing just goes into a road case with wheels. Is that what you mean my coffin? Would love to see!

BTW, you need to be charging more. Your setup is pretty high-end, and you deserve it.
The starting price for sound only for 4hrs is $2500 w the average wedding I do being closer to $3500... for my area that starting price is 3rd or 4th highest in the state. The top 3 are all celebrity djs... sooo for now gotta be humble. I plan to go to $2750 next... but that would be too big a jump too soon from my previous price increase.

Im a little confused as to what you’re asking... I have two controllers for two different set ups. The one w the facade, the controller is in the coffin/road case and goes on top of a table. For the podium, the white part that houses the controller ispreconfigured and has its own case... about 80lbs. The vertical podium part that connects the white controller housing to the base has its own road case as well.
I’m gonna try and take pics at the next event if I remember.