I told 2 brides no
- Thread starter nextgen1
- Start date
I make certain they know what they must have to hook into my system. If they cant cover that off I cant do their leg work Im taking care of my end. It appalls me that , bands, dancers, soloist singers with their own backing track etc etc show up five minutes before grand entrance with no regard for testing and no phone call to ask parameters ahead of time. Due to planning in detail I rarely have this happen these days cause I know there will be a keyboardist, videographer etc. Which allows me to ask about each of the additional acts and their requirements if any. Truly anytime another vendor who is being paid should cover off their own setup and shouldnt automatically rely on the DJ to bend over. Some dont allow the venue to tell them where to setup why should one just bend over allowing inconsiderate wannabes to use gear you have paid money for to gain extra money in their pockets?
Dave gain contact for this vendor and also find out how much they are paying him since you will be working for him if he is using your gear.
He won't be using my gear Jon. I have a different mixer that I have done this before with. But I switched the Bose T-1 for a reason. It was for easy setup. I work very rarely with videographers. I'm not to worried about it. Just a little while ago she just sought me out and .befriended me on facebook. That's usually a pretty good sign.
SemiRetired DJ
Mac Daddy DJ
I absolutely do not let anybody plug anything into me gear PERIOD. They are supposed to be professionals. Am I gonna go ask the hall if I can make my own grilled cheese on their stove? Am I going to go ask the videographer if he will shoot my video for free so I can make a commercial?
I don't care how "simple" the request is.
Maybe I shouldn't even bring a laptop. I'll just borrow phones from the guests.
I don't care how "simple" the request is.
Maybe I shouldn't even bring a laptop. I'll just borrow phones from the guests.
The output from the DJ mixer is unfortunately the best audio mix available, as it gives clean vocals as well as clean music. You should not be required to let someone connect (unless in the contract), but it is the one that anyone would use if available. Using their own mics for example would still mean they would have to record music (dances. etc.) using the ambient sound, not ideal.
I would certainly barter for some video snippets to use for your marketing purposes.
I would certainly barter for some video snippets to use for your marketing purposes.
Steve, not meant as a slam at all, but I don't care about the best mix for the VIDEOGRAPHER, or anybody else.
But you might be on to something if I can get something out of it. I'm not in the business of making other people's business easier or better.
In the end, it's also the best for the B/G .. so unless it would cause undue hardship, find the deal that works.
Ah, I hear you.... but before we sign any contracts I have always made it clear that NOBODY plugs into my gear. As I have said many times, Steve, I don't DJ because I need the money. I DJ for ME. I works on my own terms, march to my own beat, do my own thing...... And I explain what I do, and don't do to every potential client. In fact, I have spots on my contracts where the clients must initial certain things that I do not do, showing that they understand it. And that's all OK, because they know in advance....
But now, this thread has made me decide to add that clause in my contract. "No outside vendors are permitted to use our gear." Or something similar when I figure out the right wording.
Even if the VG can mic the officiant....what happens during the toasts? Are you expecting the best man to hold TWO mics....one for you and one for the VG? I have no issues with ME plugging the VGs line into my equipment. If the VG starts plugging things into my gear....then there will be problems.
My "live sound" board has XLR outs that I use, and balanced 1/4" outs that are "free". My backup mixer has no record out (it's REALLY simple)...and my PA manager has XLR output only. I can provide either of those connections to the VG. I can provide a "pre fader" or a "master out" feed with (almost) no effort. If the VG needs something else, they had better talked to me ahead of time...so that THEY have time to shop for the right converter.
As for "professionals" not needing to use someone else's equipment....I am stunned to hear that soooo many DJs are packing their own generators instead of just plugging into the wall outlets that are provided by the venue. :tritongue:
My "live sound" board has XLR outs that I use, and balanced 1/4" outs that are "free". My backup mixer has no record out (it's REALLY simple)...and my PA manager has XLR output only. I can provide either of those connections to the VG. I can provide a "pre fader" or a "master out" feed with (almost) no effort. If the VG needs something else, they had better talked to me ahead of time...so that THEY have time to shop for the right converter.
As for "professionals" not needing to use someone else's equipment....I am stunned to hear that soooo many DJs are packing their own generators instead of just plugging into the wall outlets that are provided by the venue. :tritongue:
Why are so many DJs so unwilling to help a brother out? I do this quite often. Most of the time they are attaching a wireless transmitter.
Also, the OP does not say it's for a ceremony. I would hazard to guess it's more for the reception. To capture toasts, etc. without all the background noise.
Also, the OP does not say it's for a ceremony. I would hazard to guess it's more for the reception. To capture toasts, etc. without all the background noise.
It really isnt about helping out but the assumption that they can without any courtesy on their behalf. I have had people berate me coming up and saying all of a sudden "we are performing a surprise dance and song for the Bride and Groom" Blah Blah Blah..... Then saying here is our (accompanying) Cassette.......... I have gotten berated cause I had no cassette player in my system. Many more situations similar to this but needless to say assumptions piss me off when they turn it back like I failed them.
It may well be the cleanest but what about levels? Were I a videographer, no way in the world would I depend on a DJ, who is not responsible for video stuff, to be responsible for putting a good level to my recording device.
Jon I'm totally agreeing with you. I have turned down videos brought to me at a gig. When none was mentioned. Since I use OTS there is a conversion process. And for me to play it on my laptop I would have do somethings that could be a slight problem. I also never hook up to s projector that is not mine. I will assist with audio and that's it. It's to easy for people to screw things up knowing their own equipment. I don't need to add my lack of knowledge to the Mix.
A problem that is solved with a 5 minute "sound check"....obviously arranged ahead of time when you call all the vendors and talk about the schedule, start & end times, and any "extra" stuff they might want to do.
Even so, I can send a "pre-fader level" or a "booth output" that will be more consistent than the master out. It takes about 4 extra brain cells on my part to work with that.
That is because when they were young they probably never had any toys to share. Now that they do they don't want anyone else to touch it! Talk about egos! LOL
They would rather deal with feedback issues from other wireless devices than put it under their control.