First DJ set up ?s

Welcome aboard ...

These days, I would go active .. the built in DSP, limiting, etc. make it tough to get sonically close without a lot of outboard gear. As for controller .. depends on your mixing style and what you intend to do musically. If you are active in mixing/dropping/blending, there's no doubt that a controller of some sort would make it easier. If you're doing basic cueing and simple mixing, then a controller might help, but you can certainly do things with a simple live sound type mixer, which would also make it easier to integrate mics.

Not sure of your budget, but I would allocate 60% to speakers, 30% to a mixer/controller and the rest to mics and cables. If you have a budget over $2K, then maybe there's wiggle room for wireless mics.

Personally, I don't favor buying cheap "starter" gear .. I would normally recommend simpler, but better gear.

rickryan.com said:

Alto Alto Alto

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no, no, no ...

I concur with what Steve said. Active speakers is where it's at right now. While you have to run power cords too, you're already running speaker cable, so 1 more wire is nothing. If you're performing outdoors, I might opt for a beefier passive system with better throw. On most active speakers, you will find the following warning: 'keep out of direct sunlight'.

Controllers - it really is all about what you want to do. If you only need simple / medium services, a small controller will suit you fine. For years, I ran a 2 channel controller into a 4 channel mixer which hosted a dual cd deck, mic's and anything else I needed. If you want more features, then the price goes up.

As for Alto, it really is simple. Just like you can't defeat the laws of physics, you can't build something and sell it cheap that's as good as something that's alot more expensive without cutting corners.

Example, you will never get Dodge Challenger performance out of a Chevy Cobalt.

Does the Alto work? Absolutely. Does it work for all the things you want it to? Maybe, maybe not. Is it a premier brand? I don't think so.

Rule #1: You Get What You Pay For.

DJ Bobcat said:

Alto DOES seem to be a polarizing brand, but every time I've seen someone trash them, it's someone who never owned them and never used them at a gig. I've been using my Alto's (TSSUB15's and TS110A's/TS112W's) for 3 years now, and love the way they sound... nothing but compliments from clients and guests. I have the funds to buy a pair of more expensive Italian speakers, but don't have a good reason for pulling the trigger on the purchase. I'm not trying to sell you on Alto, I'm just saying, when you gather opinions on any product, you might just want to ask if the person has owned and/or used the product they're critiquing. If they're basing their opinion on hearsay, then you have to question their credibility. Everybody says you get what you pay for, but consider this... Kia took the top spot in J.D. Power's annual report card on vehicle quality for a second consecutive year.[emoji4] BMW did not.

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Kia does make a good car, especially the Soul. Could you use a Kia to perform work made for a pickup? Absolutely - but why would you? It's not built for it. You'll wear out parts alot quicker and cause other parts to break or be damaged. Even worse, believing that the Kia is made for the same standard that the pickup is, is not accurate. The Kia Soul is an entry level car - and that's exactly how they're priced and marketed. The heavyweights in the entry level arena, the civic and the corolla, cost more - and again, there's a reason for that. Is some of it the name? Absolutely - but look at all the engineering and work they put in to get that vehicle where it is. To believe the new kid on the block can achieve the same for alot less is ridiculous.

In the data switch world, many claim to build pieces equivalent to Cisco for alot less. There is yet to be one that is equivalent or better. Computers, you can buy decent systems for around 5-700 bucks. You can also find computers for $300. Do you think they'll perform the same or be of the same quality? If not, why do you think a lower priced speaker is any different?

Many of you won't roll to an event for less than 'x' amount and complain about the ones that will go out for less. What's the difference? You want to buy the cheap stuff but you want people to pay you more than the cheap guy. That makes no cents (sense).

Alto may be decent, but from all aspects, it appears to be entry level equipment.

Similarly, you can buy a lower priced controller. It will do the basic things and maybe a few advanced things. It will not be the same as a higher priced board in any capacity. I usually look at the low's, look at the high's and aim for the middle .. usually.

Except, I do own Alto ... And I'd still say no, but that's just my opinion. As Tig said, they will work, but build quality isn't at a point I would recommend them in general.


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If this is your first foray into the world, also consider this:

Do a price estimate of what the first round of 'x' gear will cost you.

Now consider if you want more power and better performance, what will it cost you to migrate to 'x'

If the difference is not significant, then go for it. If you do not want to have to repurchase, then educate yourself on what you want, where you should be - and invest along those lines. I would rather invest and have the extra power available vs having equipment that cannot perform at the level I need it to.