Starting a DJ business - Things I need

[frostdude1]

Hi everyone
I have been a long time reader of this forum and I am now looking into starting my own DJ'ing service for weddings, corporate events and private parties.

I'll list the things that I already own and things I need, and please give me any advice you can offer

My budget is roughly $6000 at the moment

Things I own:
1) Laptop (and a backup)
2) 2 headphones
3) VCI-300 controller

Things I need:
1) Sound - The most important thing. I assume most of the gigs will be around 100-300 people for weddings
2) Lighting - This is something very important because I have seen how uplighting and great light work takes an event to another level
3) DJ Facade and what sort of table or stand to put my DJ setup on top of
4) 2 wireless microphones

[DYM]

Good for you, actually give us a budget.

Now first question: What are your means of transportation?

[frostdude1]

Thank you
I have a van that I can lower all the seats in the back and use as space

[DYM]

1) Sound - 2 RCF 312A's + RCF 705 Sub + Stands ($2200)
2) Lighting - T-Bar + (4x) Colorstrip + (2x) INTSCANLED300 ($2200)
3) DJ Facade - Dragoon Front Board Facade + 4' Folding Table ($600)
4) 2 wireless microphones - (I personally only use 1 wireless mic + a wired mic)
5) Misc. - Scrim King, Cables, Gaff Tape, Extensions, Velcro, O-Clamps, DMX - ($1000)

It's around your budget, do some research. Best of Luck

Edit: Two of those Colorstrips are for uplighting your facade.

Edit 2: Go for Global Truss totems and Moving Heads instead of the T-Bar and Scanners.. Check out Blizzard Lighting.

[frostdude1]

Looking around the forum, I love the setup by Donnie Lewis
a clean professional look similar to that, is what I what I'm going for

[frostdude1]

1) Sound - 2 RCF 312A's + RCF 705 Sub + Stands ($2200)
2) Lighting - T-Bar + (4x) Colorstrip + (2x) INTSCANLED300 ($2200)
3) DJ Facade - Dragoon Front Board Facade + 4' Folding Table ($600)
4) 2 wireless microphones - (I personally only use 1 wireless mic + a wired mic)
5) Misc. - Scrim King, Cables, Gaff Tape, Extensions, Velcro, O-Clamps - ($800)

It's around your budget, do some research. Best of Luck

Thank you very much ... I'm going to research these. Best of luck to you too

[frostdude1]

Go for Global Truss totems and Moving Heads instead of the T-Bar and Scanners.. Check out Blizzard Lighting.

Nice .. is there a specific moving head you recommend?

[Al Poulin]

For sound, in the case of weddings from 100-300 people, I would recommend a set of light and compact - but high output and good sounding powered tops COMBINED with a pair of good powered subs.

For compact tops, my personal favorites are the following :

Yamaha DXR8 (I am actually purchasing a pair TODAY after reviewing them a few weeks ago!)
RCF Art 310A
QSC K10

Combine any of these with a set of good powered subs - my favorites are Yorkville's LS720P - but the new Yamaha DXS subs might look/match better with the DXR8s (or RCF subs in the case of the 310A) and you will have a compact and portable system that will sound good and look good too. There are actually so many good options out there today. If you don't want to carry subs (or don't have the room), my favorite sounding powered 15" is Yamaha's DXR15 - which I have also tested and feel could handle crowds between 100-200 people by themselves on stands. (300 might be pushing it - but it depends on the crowd and venue of course). Yorkville NX750Ps could also work stand alone BUT are heavier, bigger and more $$$.

Al - Party-Time! DJ Services

[DYM]

Nice .. is there a specific moving head you recommend?

There are two types of moving heads: Gobo + Wash

A great WASH moving head is Blizzard's Flurry Tri. It is simply a moving head that shoots out color.

Great GOBO moving heads are Blizzard's G60, Chavet's G Spot 260, Chavet's Intimidator 250. These moving heads have different gobo wheels, color wheels, greater torque, and a greater distance of movement. Also a bit more money.

Both have different applications.

[DJMC]

I'm not saying having equipment isn't a good idea, but my Want List would be different if I was starting out!

1) Source of Clients (without breaking the bank) -- I'd like to be able to market without Bridal Fairs or Yellow Pages, instead using SEO to stand out from the crowd.

2) Unique Selling Poing (USP) -- you need to stand out from the crowd, with a sales pitch that is different from the run-of-the-mill pack.

3) Easy to remember name & URL -- having a short URL (5 characters or less is ideal).
"DJ-MC.ca" would be an ideal web address. It has two key words (DJ & MC) plus its 5 characters or less.

4) equipment -- this would be my concern, only after #1 thru #3 are met.