I ask a lot of stupid questions on here, but I need your help. In a couple of months, I have my first gig with my friend where I am going to need to provide speakers, and lighting as far as I know. Ill most likely just end up renting for now. So my big question is, how the hell do I wire everything? I will most likely run a mic too, and Ill probably be running an S4 with a MacBook.
Most PA speakers have TRS, XLR or both. XLR is pretty much the standard connection for most systems. With your S4 i would recommend picking up a mixing console (not dj mixer, most of these you can run a mic through as well) run your s4 into that with the RCA’s and XLR outputs from that into the speakers. Of course if you have access to a proper mixer as well you would not need the console.
Get Powered speakers if you can, i can’t tell you how much of a PITA setting up amps is
Our usual setup is 2 dj mixers (my denon is the “master” mixer where the speakers get hooked up to) 2 or 4 wharfedale pro active 15" and a sub, all XLR so easy to setup.
Yes, you can run speakers directly from the S4 using either RCA or TRS outputs from the S4. I’m pretty sure you can also input a mic into an S4, although I’ve never done it. You’ll need TRS cables from the S4 to the PAs, or TRS → SLR cables from S4 to PAs.
I live in a world without light, so can’t tell you anything about lighting.
Incase you have someone else djing not using the s4.
Its just the proper way of setting up. giving you a bunch of inputs to plug into.
Lighting is interesting to work with. You will need a lot of extension cord, make sure you get sound active lights instead of dmx only. Cause you wont want to have to program or have someone control lighting while you dj.
2 tops and 2 subs would be decent for your first gig.