You’ve networked with everyone you know and casually mentioned about your profession as a DJ. You’ve given them official business cards. You’ve practiced all your skills in the art of music manipulation. Let’s say you’ve hustled your way to the top and it’s finally paid off: you’ve landed yourself your first ever gig. Congratulations!
Now that you’re already booked for your show, you don’t want to promote it as hard as you can only to find out that you’ve forgotten crucial items during your performance, don’t you? This DJ equipment checklist is produced to help you pack smoothly for your first gig. Use it before you leave the house to guarantee a hassle-free DJing experience for your first show.
1. Basic DJ Equipment: First things first, identify what kind of setup you’d like to use for your first gig. Consider the ease of transport, reliability and the access to a vast collection of music when choosing.
Depending on the DJ setup you wish to go with, this can be:
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Simple Computer Setup: laptop, DJ software, audio interface
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Computer/Controller Setup: laptop, DJ software, controller
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Turntable Setup: direct-drive turntables connected to a mixer
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CDJ DJ Setup: CD turntable with USB inputs
2. Decent set of DJ Headphones: If you want to do flawless cueing without having to play the music on the main speakers, you need DJ headphones to isolate the music and listen to it with pure clarity. If your gig is going to last for several hours, make sure to choose a comfortable pair. Also, don’t forget your 1/8″ adaptor.
3. Power cables, adapters, controller leads and spare cables: For digital DJs, these are a must-have. You can’t do anything substantial if you forget these at home. Some may remember to pack the laptop but forget to include the charger, so remember to take note of this. Additionally, always pack extra cables – you never know when your main one will go missing or breaking unexpectedly.
4. Back-up music (mix tape, USB, CDs): One of the worst things that can happen during a gig is your DJ equipment falling apart on the day of your show. In the likely event that your laptop or your DJ controller suddenly crashes and needs to be fixed and you need to leave the booth, you can use your back-up music to fill in the dead air. An app on your phone, a burned CD with your mix tape or a spare USB with your tracks can be the choice for your back-up music.
5. Cleaning accessories: No one wants to have a party with an amazing DJ with unclean and unkempt equipment. It’s important that you pack microfiber cloths to help clean your screens, DJ controller faceplate and other fragile items in your DJ equipment. Wet wipes are another thing you need to bring.
6. Pen, paper and business cards: In a loud paper, it’s essential that you have a pen and paper to take down requests of your audience. You can also use these to communicate with the staff during setup or to order a drink. Additionally, as a professional DJ, one of your jobs is to promote yourself every chance you get. Having an official business card that you can hand out to the friends of your clients, to the club owners, and to the other promoters can help you stand out from the rest. At the end of your show, you can also use this chance to go around the audience and ask their opinion about your set. If they liked it, you can give them a CD in exchange for their email address so you can include them in your “VIP list”. This way, you’re on your way to building your own following.
7. Water, snacks and medication: Hydration is a must for every DJ. For you to pump up the crowd, you need to be energetic too, and you can’t be full of life if you’re dehydrated. The same goes with snacking – low blood sugar will make your irritable and lower your focus. Grab a fruit or a snack to prevent this from happening. Additionally, being a DJ means traveling to meet new people and being exposed a lot. If your immune system isn’t that great, make sure to pack vitamins for increased energy and pack antihistamines for your allergies. Always include painkillers in your kit. You don’t want a throbbing headache to get in the way of your smashing performance, do you?
What’s the most important item in this DJ equipment checklist? Did we forget to include anything? Let us know in the comments below!