Making the transition from the bedroom to the club

[mute]

Obviously there is a bit of an adjustment to be made between mixing comfortably at home in your spare room, to playing in a big (and loud!) room.

I've played out a few times now, and have done alright, bar a few major screw ups. It's frustrating to mess up a mix that you could do easily at home! But them's the breaks I guess. I'm pretty confident in my mixing at home, and have really been surprised at how different everything sounds in a different environment.

Anyone keen to share their tips on making this transition any easier?

Thanks in advance. :)

[richcur]

1. First few times you play out, prepare the set in advance (removes one aspect of stress)
2. Turn up early to get in the groove, meet other DJ's, have 1 or 2 drinks, get settled
3. If a fuckup is in process or imminent, relax and bring down the fader of the offending track to fix in the headphones / or stop and restart it. Don't try to repair so that the whole club can hear, you'll only snowball your stress level
4. Get used to mixing in the headphones just in case the venue's monitors are shit or non-existant
5. Take more tracks than you need
6. Don't fill your set with what everyone else is playing, take a few risks and stand out from every other DJ
7. Have fun coz the crowd feeds off your energy just as much as that of the music

[FH_Jimbob]

^^ good advice.

Most important enjoy yourself - being relaxed and confident will make everything alot easier. If this takes a couple of drinks for "dutch courage" so be it - just dont make it a habit :P

[stubs]

have 1 or 2 drinks, get settled

best advice right there. one or two bevs. can make the difference between you playing like you do in the comfort of your own room or not being able to lift the needle because your hand is shaking too much.
It also helps if you watch the guy before you use the mixer so you have some idea of how the whole set up works. using a xone for the first time fucked me up royally one nights:mad:
oh and check the trims... not all djs are kind

[Bracko]

there's a few things you can do to help.... turn one speaker off and put the other directly behind you, move it to another room, point it away from you, mix only through your headphones, only though the monitors.... you get the idea.

try and prepare yourself for anything you'll experience, because when you're in a club it'll be 10x worse.

one of the best things you can do if you can is put 100% of the main mix through a 1/2 delay (this helps if you have band mates)... not more than a month ago i was faced with a room that had no monitor with a 1/4 beat delay from the cans to the room.

[DJ D one]

^^^Good advices up there...learning to mix in the headphones...essential...specially for bars...

D1

[scottwalker]

My main tip would be to get your monitoring levels comfortable before you have to get the first mix in...spend a bit of time playing with y0ur headphone level and the monitor level to find the correct balance for you. Channel the nerves into mixing skill and the rest of the set should be a breeze :thumb:

edit: next important rule - KNOW YOUR TUNES inside out - that way you will know exactly when and when not to mix in/out

[BMoney]

The massiveness of sound in a club/bar can defo be overwhelming, there's some good advice up thar ^^^.

[wulvo]

Fuk if they dont have monitors tell em to get fuked lol.

jks, but yeh, lol.

And even the best dj's fuk up.

[DJ D one]

^^^Definitely the problem with some bars that are not really setup to accomodate the Dj.

Scottwalker xcellent advice mate, if you cannot get the right level that can screw you big time...at least it can be very confusing.

D1

[Funkedub]

It also helps if you watch the guy before you use the mixer so you have some idea of how the whole set up works. using a xone for the first time fucked me up royally one nights:mad:
oh and check the trims... not all djs are kind


lord yes !!

This is one of the thing that's hard to prepare yourself for ... the new/rogue/complicated mixer

I've done more than one gig where the X-fader has been turned off (hello why ?1?!?) so when i thought i was only having the one track come through ... both were ... plus the shitty monitoring situation made this very hard to pick up.

So yea, getting familiar with the mixer is often a major hurdle.

From my experiences like this i learnt to make the 1st few tracks ones i know really well and could mix with my eyes and ears closed. That way i'm not freaking out coming to grips with the mixer and trying to pull off that shit hot mix you always nail at home.


Another thing i recommend ... bring your own stylus !!!

I couldn't count the number of gigs i've played on dodgy stylus ... it sucks a whole heap when you can't even wind a record back without it popping out of the groove ... but errr ... if you use CDs ... ignore this ^_^

[Nick Vidal]

lord yes !!

This is one of the thing that's hard to prepare yourself for ... the new/rogue/complicated mixer

I've done more than one gig where the X-fader has been turned off (hello why ?1?!?) so when i thought i was only having the one track come through ... both were ... plus the shitty monitoring situation made this very hard to pick up.

So yea, getting familiar with the mixer is often a major hurdle.

From my experiences like this i learnt to make the 1st few tracks ones i know really well and could mix with my eyes and ears closed. That way i'm not freaking out coming to grips with the mixer and trying to pull off that shit hot mix you always nail at home.


Another thing i recommend ... bring your own stylus !!!

I couldn't count the number of gigs i've played on dodgy stylus ... it sucks a whole heap when you can't even wind a record back without it popping out of the groove ... but errr ... if you use CDs ... ignore this ^_^

I never use the crossfader

always come prepared with everything you could possibly need, e.g. slipmats & spare needles are often forgot by many a dj

find out what mixer the club/bar has before you arrive, that way you can look it up on the web and get a rough idea of how it works

try asking the dj before you whats the sound like, or if theres anything about the mixer/speakers you should know

and to quiet those first time nerves, try getting excited about a gig rather than nervous!

even the best djs make mistakes - if you do, don't make a big deal of it. just correct your mistake and move on. most people would've forgetten it even happened 5 minutes later. things sound a lot worse when you're doing the djing than when your out in a crowd; plus the loud sound systems sometimes cover up your errors - mind oyu they can make a horrible train wreck sound much louder.

and yes like otherse have said, try mixing with headphones only, or put the delay on the mixer (nice trick btw bracko :thumb: )

[Tristan W]

this delay thing ??? can I have little more detail. It is to to do with the set up (sound eng) or are you talking about the effect on the mixer

[Nick Vidal]

you can do it with both the setup and the effect. read Bracko's post again :)

[Tristan W]

Aaaaah it is to do with practising not performing:blush: got ya

[johnjay]

biggest problems i had/have

1.spend more time on the gains as its a lot more noticeable

2.learn to mix in your headphones.

3.Learn to mix in your headphones with both chanels cued in your headphones as some mixers don't have split cue

4. booth may be fuked so you'll have to use your headphones

5. equipment will probably be fukd, so if u can change channels do it if a channel isnt working

now if you're using a mixer that doesnt let you cue both channels and there's no booth then i guess theres nothing i can say on what to do then

[mems]

this may be a stupid question, but i havent played out and probably wont for a long time... so ive always wondered say you playing the first set of the night/ event or what ever, how do you know how loud to have the master volume.... this is a legitimate question, no matter how stupid you think it is.... cos what might sound loud near the decks might be quiet at the back of the room (vice versa and depending on speaker positioning).

so does the club tell you how loud to play, or you use your best judgement (obviously within legal parameters).... pray tell...

[Funkedub]

^^^

put on a track and go for a walk around the venue :thumb:

otherwise .. wait for someone to complain about it being too loud ... or wait for some person with a Db meter to tell you that you're being naughty

[crazy_tripper]

yeah i actually had a habit of playing stuff too softly when i first started because i didn't want to be one of those djs playing everything too loud hehe

[noiser]

i played my first set last sat, just in this bar. but any way. definately worth being really good at mixing just in your headphones. something i've now been practicing a lot more since then. it did go well, if y'all were wondering. i don't think its always the best idea to work out your set before you start, better to work it out on the spot. however, have a few mixes up your sleave just in case

[FH_Jimbob]

^^^ I've always been for "on the spot" mixing... spent a while coming up with a brilliant scheme for it - but in this case we are talking about somones first go out of the bedroom... And if they are anything like the countless new faces i have seen come through the door with all the shakes and nervous faces I cant see any harm in perhaps working out a fair section of your mix if only to reduce the stress level. Dont ask me to back up that point of view though - my best work always seems to come "on the fly"... but then again i dont get nervous much anymore!


so does the club tell you how loud to play, or you use your best judgement (obviously within legal parameters).... pray tell...


Normally the promoter/appropriate staff member will be around as you clamber into the booth - normally i get them to walk out into the middle of the floor and do a soundcheck. Normally just raising the level until you get a hand signal from em. If they/you have time you can do an EQ check also - same principle but with your pots.

Each place is different.

[Dunpo_Rob]

I went from a bedroom DJ to doing 21st's and house parties... i kinda built up an immunity to nervous drunk people ahahah i particularly enjoyed watching those tripping on acid be mezmerized by the flashing lights on my cdj's.

I'veo nly done about 3 nightclub gigs... but they venue wasn't that big.... i think its more of a case of djing in a club where you and the crowd can connect via the music... so itdoesnt matter what track you play the people will dance enjoy and get exhausted... and thus head to the bar (most Clubs like this part). and thats my 2 cents...

[Bracko]

^^^

put on a track and go for a walk around the venue :thumb:

otherwise .. wait for someone to complain about it being too loud ... or wait for some person with a Db meter to tell you that you're being naughty

/packs db meter for next gig :P

[Funkedub]

^^^^


you can share mine ... we can go clubbing together with it :blush:


i don't think its always the best idea to work out your set before you start, better to work it out on the spot. however, have a few mixes up your sleave just in case


the way i pack my tunes for a gig goes a bit like errrr ... well in a 90 minute set i'd probably have 3 sections of around 30 minutes each. these will vary slightly in feel and vibe. 3 movements if you like.

Each movement is made up of those tracks i know work together.Obvious mixes and others i'm just very familiar with.Then i throw in a few extras and just in cases and spares and a couple more to pad out each movement, and another one or 2 for the unexpected.

That generally fills the bag and gives me all the fresh options i need as well as some familiar turf. So i've kinda got these 3 movements with plenty of scope and freedom to move around in them ... but with enough familiar parts to keep it cohesive and maintain some kind of narrative :ahoy:

and always always bring more tunes than you think you need ... always

[noiser]

^^^ yeh that sounds like a pretty swell idea funkedub

[littlebrains69]

2cents - Enjoy it... Be a fuckwit and dance around, sing, jump up and down and enjoy your mixes. If people are dancing and see you enjoying yourself rocking to your own mixes they will get a better vibe and think your the shit.

[holtless]

^^ not being a DJ by profession, but being an avid clubber, I can attest to this.

I personally LOVE seeing the DJ having a good time, having a laugh, even a dance. Steve Lind always looks like he's having a fucking great time behind the decks.

[Bracko]

you can do it with both the setup and the effect. read Bracko's post again :)

depends if your mixer has the cue setup in pre or post.

hence why i mentioned using an external delay like bands use ;D

[LMAC]

i must say that this is a fantastic thread. lots of little things that you would never think of until confronted with the situation. cheers to all the experienced dj's for sharing your tips, i'm very interested in this talk of techniques and experiences.

[Adzuom]

agreed^
the advice in this thread def. applies to me (bedroom banger) so cheers everyone for doling it out

[Bill]

first gig this weekend...the brown underpants are on standby

[toons]

Goodluck Bill!!! Not a bad first gig either.

[Bill]

yeah, talk about setting the bar high :lol:

[Lmoe]

just a question.

why is it good to learn to mix in your headphones for a club?

I assumed that when playing out in a loud club, it would be impossible to clearly distinguish each track in your headphones cause it would have to be so loud in your ears to drain out the club sound.

Or is it much easier? Cause I have a club gig coming up in a couple of weeks and was told NOT to do headphone mixing???

confused az!

[Funkedub]

^^^^


buy some decent cans and you'll be able to hear everything just fine in the club :thumb:

[dj_restless]

awww im still trying to get out so far so good

[Tristan W]

Why would they say not to headphone mix???????

[rancho]

just a question.

why is it good to learn to mix in your headphones for a club?

I assumed that when playing out in a loud club, it would be impossible to clearly distinguish each track in your headphones cause it would have to be so loud in your ears to drain out the club sound.

Or is it much easier? Cause I have a club gig coming up in a couple of weeks and was told NOT to do headphone mixing???

confused az!

dont do what anyone tells you, take their recommendations on board but ultimately just do what youre comfortable with. its good to learn to mix in your cans coz not all booths have great sound. if youre in a booth with no monitors, of if theyre shit turn them down... its no where near as loud as the d-floor and if you have quality headphones theyll cut out the sound just fine :thumb:

[scottwalker]

^^ Exactly - if the monitors are too soft then you need to mix in your cans, and conversely if the monitors are too loud you wont be able to mix in your cans!! So learn to do both before playing out :thumb:

[rancho]

mixing in your headphones also comes in handy when its 2am and you feel like a mix but your housemates dont feel like listening :lol:

[MrSnoop]

Have a couple of drinks, but dont drink Chartreause....... it has the tendency to help confuse you, and you may pop the wrong CD and bring silence to the club/bar...

[blazet]

Haha the old Chartreuse is bloody dangerous!

[ianwil1976]

This thread is awesome. Big up to all the pros and their advice! :thumb:

Sounds like I really need to learn to mix in my headphones!

[brooklyn909]

Mixing in your cans is also great for your 3AM mix up when everyone else in your house is:boring: .

[SloppyJo]

good advice richcur, actually all of you.

oh yeah, and have a bat before you head out for the evening :)

[skitz000]

^^^Haha great advice from the film Theres Something about Mary

[jimrocks]

first gig this weekend...the brown underpants are on standby

How did it go mate?

[johnjay]

Mixing in your cans is also great for your 3AM mix up when everyone else in your house is:boring: .
or the 5am mix up

[Tredman]

ive done a few but have been lucky enough not to have any screw ups thank god

[dominionofgozer]

get a scratch mixer. i remember djing at dj competitions and thinking damn these mixing accent to many sounds in other words because it is so loud every slight change is noticed.


get a scratch mixer everything is the same volume except for the trim. thats what i would use and i mix trance.

[DJSketch]

huh?

[SydneyDiscoKIng]

get a scratch mixer. i remember djing at dj competitions and thinking damn these mixing accent to many sounds in other words because it is so loud every slight change is noticed.


get a scratch mixer everything is the same volume except for the trim. thats what i would use and i mix trance.

Dude you really need to lay off the weed hey, its seriously frying your brain. WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU ON ABOUT?

[Dj Ruckus]

Most important I think is to train your ears, Practice using a booth with one can and also just ya phones... Nearly every event you will play at will be different. Also when buying your mixer I would recomend looking at something the venues you want to be playing at use. It can be extremly daunting using a completly foreign mixer for the first time... Also someone said ALWAYS bring your own stylus, I dont know if i completly agree to this. If you are playing on a big system it's going to be set to the stylus there, Virtually every stylus has a different sound/volume so always a good idea to speak to the sound tech before u change anything...:)

[Matty_neal]

So where is a good place to start when looking for a gig? your local pub on a thursday/friday/saturday night? hows it all work?