I need help!

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David

New DJ
Aug 26, 2010
22
0
48
Florida
Okay, so I got all my equipment and I need to hook it all up.

I am a TOTAL newbie, need some help on the correct method to hook up.

I will be running DJ and Karaoke.

Here is a list of my equipment.

Computer - Custom built, 4 GB Ram, Quad Core Processor, Dual Video Cards, 2 1/2 TB of Hard Drives



Speakers - 2 Yorkville PR418 and 2 Peavey 15''



Amplifiers - QSC GX5 , and also a Sunn SPL 7520



Mixers - Behringer Xenyx 802 and Samrick SM-122



Microphones - Pyle Pro PDMW 3000 Wireless x2



Extras - Behringer Feedback Destroyer FB-D , Behringer FX2000 Virtualizer 3D Effects Processor

I made Bold the pieces I am planning on using.

Can anyone give me a step by step, on the correct wiring of this?
 
Dav do you have Karaoke discs, and a disc player? What songs do you have and what format. Your gear looks acceptable.
 
Well at the moment I have no Karaoke, however I have a friend who might be getting out of it, and offered to sell me his discs if that happens. So not sure about the songs. He said they were CDG. Mainly I just wanna hook everything up in the rack, I don't wanna have to rewire things later. I built my own box and it only has an access panel, rather than an open back, so I wanna hook it all up correctly the first time.
 
Welcome David,

It may not be as simple as you ask. A list of gear is only helpful to those that are familiar with those particular pieces. You also do not mention rack(s) or cabling. Also, you say that you are a TOTAL newbie. Well, you are going to need a certain level of understanding to accomplish your task, even with guidance. So, before we fool around with $3000 dollars worth of stuff, what exactly is your level of pro audio knowledge?

For us to help you from our desks, we would have to hit the web to get pictures or online manuals for each component, get an opinionated game plan and then begin the lengthy process of trading posts with you. Not a practical idea.

Next the question is, once you get it set up do you know how to run everything? Sounds like a silly question, but it seems that knowing how to use all those things without knowing how they're configured would be unusual.

If your equipment was purchased locally (like from Guitar Center), your best approach would be to consult your salesperson. If not, hit those manuals. They're pretty clear.

Good luck.


.
 
Well, I will admit my knowledge is limited. I plan on reading the manuals, didn't know if it would be an easy answer. I thought it would be listed, like this piece first, this piece next etc...

As for where I bought the equipment, I wish I could do that. I bought alot of it on eBay and Musicians Friend etc...and what wasn't bought was handed down, i.e. the Feedback Destroyer, and Speakers.

I guess I will hit the books...thought it would be easier to answer.
 
Quite funny you mention easy. I have been perfecting my craft over 37+ yrs. Even as a self proclaimed dummy that didnt conquer this over night I hope one would recognize this as a craft and not for those who are not gifted.
 
I understand it is a craft, and I have DJ'ed before, however I usually used in house equipment that was already established. I also hosted a Heavy Metal Show back in my late teens. I am confident I can run a show, I have vast music knowledge..and I listen to almost every genre.

I have hooked all the pieces up already except the Feedback Destroyer and Effects...

I am not a total goof, I have just never had to build my own rack like this from stratch.

I have the utmost respect for DJ's and KJ's. It would be my hope that you didn't question that.

I only made reference to easy as part of the actual cables etc. I have limited equipment, and not even a portion of what I have read most people on here are running. Just need some friendly advice.
 
I apologize for my sarcasm some here can hel better with your needs. Please look forward to their help? I am an old Crotchety bastard. Forgive me.
 
Well, I will admit my knowledge is limited. I plan on reading the manuals, didn't know if it would be an easy answer. I thought it would be listed, like this piece first, this piece next etc...


I guess I will hit the books...thought it would be easier to answer.

There's a line in the original "Dawn of the Dead" movie where they raid the gun shop at the mall. The lead guy picks up the best rifle there and says..

"Ain't it a shame....The only person that could miss with this gun is the sucker with the bread to buy it."

Sadly, that analogy works in reference to this industry more times than you can count. In other words, it takes more than a notion and some money to start a profession. It's like buying an airplane without a pilots license.

I'm sure you'll get plenty of offers for assistance here. However, it will be better for you to get some "physical" assistance. See if your friend with the karaoke business can help you. That would be a good start.



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I understand the reason for the sarcasm, I myself am sarcastic, about 90% of the time. I am the new guy who doesn't know anything etc...I get it.

I just need someone who can try to help coach me on this.

We all started somewhere...in every walk of life.

If it helps, I am using 1/4 patch cables for hook ups. This was what I could afford starting out.
 
There's a line in the original "Dawn of the Dead" movie where they raid the gun shop at the mall. The lead guy picks up the best rifle there and says..

"Ain't it a shame....The only person that could miss with this gun is the sucker with the bread to buy it."



.

Funny you mention this...George Romero is my favorite...and I understand what you mean.

And trust me when I say I am STRUGGLING to buy what I have.

I will talk with Dan (Karaoke Guy), but I rarely see him.
 
sorry for our obsolescence here but so many feel that suddenly buying gear and a Hard drive full of music that one can suddenly command our business. I am certain more technical folks better than myself can help you hone your skills with the tools you have. I only hope you command prices within your region which arent out to lowball the market.
 
In a "nutshell": computer and microphone into mixer; mixer into amp; amp to speakers!

But yes, read your manuals or search online. Having the gear is a start...understanding amplifier power, speaker limits, types of cables and connectors, ohms, mono/stereo hookups, and yadda yadda yadda is also something you will need to know to get it all to work.

And just because sound comes "out", please don't assume that you have everything correctly wired up. You need to understand that you run the risk of blowing speakers, and/or amps, or even having something catch on fire, if your wiring is incorrect.

This forum is a great place to learn "a lot about a lot", but please be sure to read your manuals (at minimum) and get a solid understanding of your componenets. Keep your manuals in a binder and take it with you when you have a gig.

And please please please, pay attention to what some of these "old timers" are advising you on. There are helpful and superbly knowledgeable folks on this forum. But at the end of the day (or the start of a gig), understand that none of us can be there to get the ball rolling for you.

Are you using software? If so, be sure to use it and use it and use it before you go to a gig.

I could go on, but I'm sure others will chime in.

BTW, welcome to the best DJ forum on the web!
 
Okay, so I got all my equipment and I need to hook it all up.

I am a TOTAL newbie, need some help on the correct method to hook up.

I will be running DJ and Karaoke.

Here is a list of my equipment.

Computer - Custom built, 4 GB Ram, Quad Core Processor, Dual Video Cards, 2 1/2 TB of Hard Drives



Speakers - 2 Yorkville PR418 and 2 Peavey 15''



Amplifiers - QSC GX5 , and also a Sunn SPL 7520



Mixers - Behringer Xenyx 802 and Samrick SM-122



Microphones - Pyle Pro PDMW 3000 Wireless x2



Extras - Behringer Feedback Destroyer FB-D , Behringer FX2000 Virtualizer 3D Effects Processor

I made Bold the pieces I am planning on using.

Can anyone give me a step by step, on the correct wiring of this?

Start at your mixer:

Mixers - Behringer Xenyx 802

Connect your: Computer - Custom built, 4 GB Ram, Quad Core Processor, Dual Video Cards, 2 1/2 TB of Hard Drives

Via a 1/8" to dual 1/4" stereo Y-cable from the headphone jack to the mixer.

Connect your:
Microphones - Pyle Pro PDMW 3000 Wireless x2 to two seperate inserts on your mixer.

From your mixer's Main Outputs connect to the Amplifiers - QSC GX5

From the amp's output connect that to the 2 Peavey 15''

That will get your basic system up and running... as for the subs you will need a crossover.

As for the other equipment you have the Feedback destroyer can be inserted into one of the Aux Send/Returns on the mixer as well as the virtualizer.

Hope that helps.
 
In a "nutshell": computer and microphone into mixer; mixer into amp; amp to speakers!!

this is is the simplest way to get rolling.
hook it up this way to get started, and hold off on the feedback destroyer and effect unit until you've got the basic setup working properly.
you can always add them later
I'm sure the manuals for the "extras" mention their proper placement in the chain.
 
If you listed a location in your profile you might find someone nearby who can provide an hour of hands on setup assistance for the price of a beer. :tricool:

After you get the connections figured out you need to learn about gain structure, speaker placement, crossover configurations and much more....


Scott
 
Welcome David,
They have pointed you in the right direction with the equipment. Now the hard part. You need to have a lot more than basic knowledge of music, and you need to learn to read the crowd and general mood in order to select the right music. You also have to remember you're not going to be able to play the music you like, you need to play the music the crowd wants. So it's better to head to different gigs with people that can teach you some of these basics. That takes time, but it's necessary. I would do that and see if you can bring and keep the groove going over time. See what the DJ is playing and try to think of the correct song to follow if you and the PRO DJ select the same song or something similar you may have it in you.

Please do that before spending several thousand dollars in a music library.
 
Jacobs words are golden the art isnt merely attained by accident. Books will teach ya but a gift will make for easy and quick success.
 
Geez, you guys sure know how to welcome a guy don't you.