I’ve got everything I need… Except a PA system. Help!
Hey guys, I’ve almost got all the things I need to finally start playing some shows (s2 is on the way), but I’m starting to think that I should get a PA system so I’ll be able to be a little more flexible of a DJ.
Here’s what I’ve got:
Kontrol S2
Laptop
Headphones
Dual RCA Cable
If I go ahead and get some powered monitors, will that be enough to get me bumpin’ some tunes? If so, what monitors do you guys recommend? I’m looking at 300-600 for one or two monitors.
Renting from a reputable place can be a good option for starting off. Also Guitar Center sometimes has really great deals on Used speakers w/ a one month free warranty.
Don’t forget about speaker stands!! A lot of people forget about these…
Can find a decent starter pa system for around that price range I believe check out the packages on www.idjnow.com they have been around and have purchased from rem before with no issues
Definitely looking at a PA system, already have a set of monitors for home use. I’m trying to see who’s used what, and whether or not I’ll need anything else in addition to some active monitors like an amp or mixer or something. Hopefully the S2 and RCA cables is enough, but if I need anything else I’m gonna have to go get it!
I would get 2 passive speakers and an amp (It’s generally cheaper that way) and they might come with speaker cable, because you really dont want to have rcas going all over the place trying to get to different speakers. I find its best to have the RCA’s going straight into the amp, and then the amp’s speakon / 1/4" cables going to the speakers, because they’re generally about 5 meters.
Also, as carma said, DO NOT forget about stands. It raises the speakers to head height. Which makes the room feel so much louder.
Remember to not push the speakers too hard, because they can blow (Learnt from experience) And perhaps invest in a sub in the near future - They make a HUGE difference to house parties - They just thicken up the sound a LOT.
What speakers you’d want to get could depend on the size of the room that you’re djing in. I do house parties for some of my friends in a smaller house and I have a set of passive Harbinger 120’s that I got from a Guitasr Center for 200 -including the amp-during a sale they were running. They’re not the best but these kids don’t really care about perfect sound. I also have a powered behringer (B210D white) that I use too. The behringer sounds nicer but was the same price for one. Just something else to think about.
I’m not looking for something top of the line, but I’m aiming for an amp and two speakers that are versatile and will last me a little while. I’m just starting out, so funds are low of late…
i haven’t heard alot about them on this site, but if you are looking for a good PA but not super expensive I suggest Peavey, thats what I use and they are pretty amazing
Don’t buy anything shitty. If your budget is tight save up, i started with a couple behringer 215d 500 watt powered speakers, I’ve made money from doing gigs and after a year I reinvested some money into a set of jbl515xts. Building your setup into good quality gear takes time.
craigslist can be a good spot to find speakers but i would steer clear from a 60 watt system. you can find some pretty good deals on 12"-15" cabs. but this all depends on the types of house parties you will be playing for. i did plenty of college parties with my peavey system(2xPV115 @400watts program) and got lots of compliments. I could keep the volume down low in small houses but could really pump it at the big frat parties. If you do buy on craigslist make sure to hear the speakers before you buy them.
if you have any guitar centers around you go take a listen. they will be able to show you the difference between those harbinger’s and some higher end speakers. Once you get a feel for how much power you need then you can search more online. you could find a much better used set for $300 than the harbinger system you posted.
what types of house parties will you be playing at?
I’ve been playing and continue to play my fraternity’s parties, and I’ve got a couple of sorority charity events lined up. These all range between 100-200 people. I’m looking for a system that has enough power to play that and then some, maybe up to 400-500 if I get to play any festivals or larger outdoor events as the weather begins to get nicer. I’m looking to spend around 200-500 bucks, but less is better right now as the initial investment for DJ’s is somewhat hefty
For these types of parties the harbingers will not cut it. If your looking to buy new speakers take a look at the behringer eurolive line (ex. Behringer EUROLIVE B212D). They are modestly priced and have decent sound quality.
For used gear check on craigslist. I have a friend that got a full system off a band that was selling their whole system.
For house parties you have a more defined space and sound will bounce off the walls so you can get away with less of a system. But once your outside you need much more. Also once you save up some money you can start looking into a subwoofer. Those really add to the sound and make party music sound much better.
