It Ain't Just iPods.......

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I found that many prospective clients have expressd their concern that a computer based DJ will not provide the same high quality sound as CD based DJ. Granted this is normally after they have spoken with a DJ that only uses CD's... Has anyone else encountered this? That is one of the reasons that I still use both... I just had a father of the bride come up to me at Saturday's wedding and say, "Computers sure make it easy for you now.". It didn't matter if I was only looking up the songs on my data base and playing back the CD on my Denon 1000's which were also in plain view but it's that laptop DJ stigma that follows you as soon as you pull it out. How many other people walk by and think the same thing but just aren't saying anything? I never got these comments when I was leafing through my printed catalog...
 
Flyingdjdan said:
Joe,

To the extent of only considering the two posts in application and comprehension of client and guests.

I think it honestly comes down to what is or will be the expectations and requirements of...

1. the client of the dj,
2. the expectations of the guests in attendance of the dj.
3. Does the equipment used (technology) lower, meet or exceed the expectations of both?

Do they expect music (or sound reinforcement).
Do they expect a dj (as entertainment).

1. The client's expectations.

In this specific case, music alone (basic sound reinforcement) appears to be all that is expected of the client of the dj.

Should be successfully attained. I doubt that the client is looking for "super quality" reproduction of voice and music. Just understandable reproduction and support.

2. The guests expectations

In this specific case, I would think it would be more pleasing to the guests.

Quality sound reproduction. I can hear the music, but not looking for or expecting to be "entertained". I want to hear, but not see you mr dj! I am here for the wedding ceremony. Not to see your big speakers, subs, and a large distracting dj setup.

In this specific case, I honestly think the "new smaller" technology works better than the "big, look at me" setups.
Click to expand...

I quoted your whole post to make a point. I DO agree with most everything that you posted. However, this is NOT THE POINT of my rant.

Kinda tough to keep things on track.... Summary of original post: I believe that using too simplistic LOOKING equipment for pro work can lead to people getting the mis-conception that it's easy (because they, as non-pros, have no idea what it takes), giving them the idea they can do it themselves, costing us jobs.


Look, I'll make this easy. Would a wedding, set up and run as described above, do the following ( in the majority ): ( I understand that these are opinions only. I am using an actual as a hypothetical. I want answers JUST in GENERAL, not about this specific wedding)

1) Gain the DJ a lot of new referrals

2) Cause some people to believe they could do it themselves

ALSO

How would such an event affect pricing for future events based on what the guests have seen?


Note to Goodnight: This post is not about you or your skills, my friend. I'm sure you'll do a professional bang-up job. It also sounds like you're giving the lady what she wants. Once again, my rant isn't on the true quality and professionalism of you or any other DJ. It's about mis-conceptions that some guests may gain.....
 
Joe, when you say "set up and run as described above' what type of set up were you refering to? Could you quote it?

I agree whole heartedly with the point you are trying to make with this thread Joe but some of the folks are getting off track...

Pretty soon some here will be saying that they can keep the same flow on the dance floor with a pair of ipods as they can beat-matching / mixing... Which again, has nothing to do with your thread...
 
Yes, running an entire wedding reception with an ipod, mixer and powered speaker could have an negative effect on a persons perspective with what we do.

Yes, I would have a problem with anyone that advertises themselves as a professional using that type of equipment on a regular basis.

No, I do not think that will get the person djing many referrals from many guests.

I do think that a quality shows in more ways than just equipment.

I do think that if I attended a reception with this type of dj and equipment, I would blame the b/g just as much, if not more for the event being a flop. (if it were). They are being cheap! Not wanting the reception to be a success, and would probably leave early.

However, in a pinch, it still is the talent and experience of the dj that makes the event. I know of many dj's that could still make an event successful if forced to use that type of equipment. They wouldn't want to. But they could, and might even get some bookings 'because' their talent was showcased, not the equipment. I am sure many questions would be raised before one got a booking from this type of event.

Just because someone uses ipods dosn't make them poor. Any more than someone going out and buying 20 grand of high end (name your brand) equipment and lights make them good.

Most quality dj's wouldn't do a true full fledged event by choice with an ipod. If necessary, It can do the job.
 
maestro said:
I found that many prospective clients have expressd their concern that a computer based DJ will not provide the same high quality sound as CD based DJ.
Click to expand...


Although this is not germaine to this thread, I gotta break your heart. Although most won't notice, there ARE a few discerning ears out there. Yes it can be hard to detect, but MP3s ARE inferior to discs. Please don't take my word for it ( know ya won't anyway ). All it takes is an oscilliscope. MP3s, no matter how they are downloaded/copied, contain random key and beat changes, as well as compressions that CDs don't. Yes, the difference is minimal, but it's there.

However, this has absolutely NOTHING to do with this thread, which is STRICTLY about prospective client misconceptions....
 
maestro said:
Joe, when you say "set up and run as described above' what type of set up were you refering to? Could you quote it?

Jeez, this is getting tougher.....here ya go:

-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Click to expand...

Originally Posted by GoodKnightDJ
Tomorrow we're going over a friend's to relax for the 4th. I am taking along one powered speaker, speaker stand, and an iPod.............................

This year it will take me less than 10 minutes to set up and the iPod will be on shuffle all day.........

In three weeks I am doing a last minute ceremony ( I'm assuming this is a wedding-Joe)......I am going to use the same set up I am using tomorrow. I'll have my Nano in hand and select the songs straight from there. No mic is needed although I'll have one ready. She's paying me my ceremony system fee for this.......

------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
Flyingdjdan said:
However, in a pinch, it still is the talent and experience of the dj that makes the event. I know of many dj's that could still make an event successful if forced to use that type of equipment. They wouldn't want to. But they could, and might even get some bookings 'because' their talent was showcased, not the equipment. I am sure many questions would be raised before one got a booking from this type of event.

Just because someone uses ipods dosn't make them poor. Any more than someone going out and buying 20 grand of high end (name your brand) equipment and lights make them good.

Most quality dj's wouldn't do a true full fledged event by choice with an ipod. If necessary, It can do the job.
Click to expand...


Maybe I'm getting grumpy because of the hour, but WHY IS IT SO DIFFICULT TO STAY ON TRACK???????

This is not about the DJ, it's not about talent, it's not about whether a DJ is bad or good by his equipment. It's about FREAKIN' prospective client perception of how hard our job really is, and how it affects our customer base. THAT"S IT!!!!

PLEASE don't talk about talent, music/sound quality, your iPOD experiences, etc... I am trying to get and learn from opinions ( either agreeing or DISagreeing with mine) on ONE issue. If you don't have or don't wish to post an opinion on that subject and no other-fine. Then please just skip the thread. Thanks in advance for your cooperation.
 
PLEASE don't talk about talent, music/sound quality, your iPOD experiences, etc... I am trying to get and learn from opinions ( either agreeing or DISagreeing with mine) on ONE issue. If you don't have or don't wish to post an opinion on that subject and no other-fine. Then please just skip the thread. Thanks in advance for your cooperation.
Click to expand...

Joe,

If one only takes part of what a dj is or does, (especially the equipment), and puts the emphasis only on that part...

Then they are just as guilty on misleading the misconsecptions of what and who a dj is and does.

Yes, running an entire wedding reception with an ipod, mixer and powered speaker could have an negative effect on a persons perspective with what we do.

Yes, I would have a problem with anyone that advertises themselves as a professional using that type of equipment on a regular basis.

No, I do not think that will get the person djing many referrals from many guests.
Click to expand...

Sorry I offended with additional information and thoughts.

This is why I made my additional comments.

None the less, I did answer your questions.
 
JoeChartreuse said:
I agree. However, going back to my original rant, that's ONLY IF YOU'VE BEEN GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY TO DO THE JOB IN THE FIRST PLACE
as opposed to not getting the job because some one THOUGHT it was easy enough to do themselves. Please see post #1.
Click to expand...

Joe,

You didn't read into the rest of my post. I would suggest that anyone ambitious
enough to ipod their own event was never really a prospect or would wind up being a hard sell.

I don't think my using a laptop has decreased my "opportunities". If fact, it's proven to be quite the opposite. My clients are impressed with how fast I can call up songs, organize their cocktail, dinner & dance lists and the fact that my nose isn't buried in the CD case for half of the event looking for discs.

As for the sound quality argument posed earlier? .... Hell, even my dog can't tell the difference. If you rip/tweak your own files, they will sound wonderful.

I'm a self proclaimed "do-it-yourself-er". Rarely do I hire a professional for anything that I think I can do just as well or good enough. I got to where I am by being resourceful and will never spite someone for doing the same.

Just take a look around these boards. Not many a day goes by without a few posters looking for the "cheap" way out or how they can do things for themselves.

Don't sit and worry about who didn't give you an opportunity, just take extra care of those that did.

:sqwink:
 
joe,
after rereading the original post....i still believe that technology is NOT killing this industry. Will it nudge a small percentage of people that were on the fence anyway? perhaps. But i believe that MOST people have at least seen what a good dj can do for a party and understand why they would want one.

I think the bigger downside to technology has been flooding the market with new "DJ's", people who think they can be a professional DJ because it's so "easy".
 
Flyingdjdan said:
Joe,

If one only takes part of what a dj is or does, (especially the equipment), and puts the emphasis only on that part...

Then they are just as guilty on misleading the misconsecptions of what and who a dj is and does.



Sorry I offended with additional information and thoughts.

This is why I made my additional comments.

None the less, I did answer your questions.
Click to expand...

Yes you did answer, Dan. my apologies for going off. It wasn't really directed at you. It was an accumulated p***-off at a late hour. I started this thread to gain insight ( which you DID give me-thank you ), and after 5 pages there have only been a few germaine posts, of which yours was one. Again, please accept my apologies...:sqembarrassed:
 
Flyingdjdan said:
No harm...

Maybe you would be better off doing a straight answer poll with specifically worded answers.
Click to expand...


Haven't figured out how to do a poll here.... Besides, by asking for comments on posts #1 and #79 specifically, I kinda did that. Ah, well.....
 
In the early 80's I used to use a TEAC A-3340s (4 track Reel to Reel) and make continuous play reels at home from all of my tapes and records. I would carefully make the segues perfect and made sure toe songs fit perfect. This is fun and superior results cause I could do it at home and take my time making the perfect 10" reel mix. I forget how long they would last at the slowest speed, but I would use that and no one said anything. When they requested a song I would simply say if I have it I will play it. If it was on the tape, I would play it. For weddings I would still use a cassette deck with all my songs recorded to one tape. (no one ever told me it was a legal issue!!)
I remember going to Kmart and buying a brick of Memorex or TDK tapes. I would carefully select the right tape for my decks!

I sure wish I had pictures of some of those setups, They would make most oof you laugh.
I even had an old, tall metal equipment rack I bought from Scott of Solid Sound in the early 90's for my studio and racked up some DJ equipment and a PC (for database only) It was aweful but the talent and music were always on time!

Now anyone can get a great setup and bypass all the various setups and trial and error we went through. They can look good right out of the crib, a few thousand dollars will get you a presentable system.

If I showed up with CD's I am sure someone will come up to me and tell me something about "still using CD's" but NO ONE HAS EVER told me about using a laptop. In fact they have been more impressed than all of the other years of my DJ career. I have had someone tell me that this looked easy and it pretty much can run itself, and that "If that's all there was to it...") SO, I asked him to run the next set, I gave him instructions, told him where to click, told him what to say, etc. Gave him his 5 minutes... and he CHOKED!
I gave him another chance, I would do the music, qeueing, segueing, etc. and all he had to do was make the announcement that I pened for him (nothing major) He choked, aske me to play some Ice Baby, and went and got lost in the crowd.

I bet most "DJ's" have other things going on like voice over work, jingle/radio/ commercial production, Sound Reinforcement, I have MANY things going on that are not part of DJ'ing but related as far as talent, and music. DJing is STILL the top money maker, even when some of the other things I do are bigger ticket items. DJ ing is steady!
I worry not. Even if I am only getting 2 % of the customers and the other 98 % think they can do it themselves, I ams still as busy as a 1 man show can be ads still have a life outside of the gigs!
 
MC Johnny Cruz said:
In the early 80's I used to use a TEAC A-3340s (4 track Reel to Reel) and make continuous play reels at home from all of my tapes and records. I would carefully make the segues perfect and made sure toe songs fit perfect. This is fun and superior results cause I could do it at home and take my time making the perfect 10" reel mix. I forget how long they would last at the slowest speed, but I would use that and no one said anything. When they requested a song I would simply say if I have it I will play it. If it was on the tape, I would play it. For weddings I would still use a cassette deck with all my songs recorded to one tape. (no one ever told me it was a legal issue!!)
I remember going to Kmart and buying a brick of Memorex or TDK tapes. I would carefully select the right tape for my decks!

I sure wish I had pictures of some of those setups, They would make most oof you laugh.
I even had an old, tall metal equipment rack I bought from Scott of Solid Sound in the early 90's for my studio and racked up some DJ equipment and a PC (for database only) It was aweful but the talent and music were always on time!

Now anyone can get a great setup and bypass all the various setups and trial and error we went through. They can look good right out of the crib, a few thousand dollars will get you a presentable system.

If I showed up with CD's I am sure someone will come up to me and tell me something about "still using CD's" but NO ONE HAS EVER told me about using a laptop. In fact they have been more impressed than all of the other years of my DJ career. I have had someone tell me that this looked easy and it pretty much can run itself, and that "If that's all there was to it...") SO, I asked him to run the next set, I gave him instructions, told him where to click, told him what to say, etc. Gave him his 5 minutes... and he CHOKED!
I gave him another chance, I would do the music, qeueing, segueing, etc. and all he had to do was make the announcement that I pened for him (nothing major) He choked, aske me to play some Ice Baby, and went and got lost in the crowd.

I bet most "DJ's" have other things going on like voice over work, jingle/radio/ commercial production, Sound Reinforcement, I have MANY things going on that are not part of DJ'ing but related as far as talent, and music. DJing is STILL the top money maker, even when some of the other things I do are bigger ticket items. DJ ing is steady!
I worry not. Even if I am only getting 2 % of the customers and the other 98 % think they can do it themselves, I ams still as busy as a 1 man show can be ads still have a life outside of the gigs!
Click to expand...


No offense Johnny Cruz but have you ever heard of a SPELL CHECKER!!??!:sqmad:
 
JoeChartreuse said:
This is not about the DJ, it's not about talent, it's not about whether a DJ is bad or good by his equipment.............
Click to expand...

Then my answer is no. A dj cannot be judged by how good or bad his equipment is. Is that the right way to answer this?
 
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