To Serve and Protect…Your Gear

Our gear is the tool that allows us to perform and do what we love, and most of us care for it accordingly. Still, we wonder why it needs to be replaced seemingly every couple of years, even though we think we are being extra careful and cautious. And it only takes once, however, for that mistake to happen-just one hurried load-out that means hundreds of dollars of repair expense.On the Case
The first step to properly protecting your investment, whether it’s a simple piece or the most important aspect of your rig, is to properly guard it from the rigors of the road. Protecting your gear from the road means storing and transporting it in some sort of case or bag. I guarantee you that no professional audio/video company will ever transport their hardware (other than speaker cabinets) without some sort of additional casing. It not only shields the gear from bumps, nicks, and in some cases drops.
There are many casing options available at reasonable prices. Amongst most mobile DJs, the traditional choice has been carpeted cases. Most find that they do less damage to seats in passenger vehicles and that they provide adequate protection. Carpeted cases are also often beneficial to those in colder climates, as the carpet on the exterior of the case can provide some insulation. Years of heavy use, however, will make most carpeted cases look shabby and worn. The carpet will then look like your old letterman jacket with a few years’ accumulation of fuzz.
More recently, the dip in price in flight-style cases (smooth sided, with heavy-duty panels) has made them more attractive financially as well as visibly. These cases have been the standard among touring production companies for decades. Everyone from TV to exhibition companies use this style of case, due their durability, their easy load-ability with forklifts, and also their ability to be tagged for easy identification. Flight cases-unlike carpeted cases-can be painted with stencils to ensure that contents are not lost and can be easily discernable from similar cases.
As I already hinted, one downside of flight-style cases is that they are typically a little more expensive than carpeted cases. Although flight cases will wear and become scuffed, they tend to do so at a less rapid pace then carpet cases deteriorate, meaning the added investment will equal more usable time.
Another style available for consideration is the molded case. These heavy-duty plastic cases tend to come in much smaller sizes than either carpeted of flight style, but the protection offered is still pretty good. Molded cases gained their popularity, ironically, in the airline industry, as they are lighter than flight-style cases, therefore allowing more cases to be loaded. A slight downside of molded cases is their inability to take as much pressure as either flight or carpeted cases. For normal DJ uses, though, they work great for consoles, mixers, and amplifiers.

Bad Weather Warning
An often overlooked factor in protection among mobile entertainers is the effect that weather has on gear. For anything that has any sort of microchip inside (controllers, computers, CD players, some mixers), extreme cold or heat is not advisable. Most other types of gear, including lighting, and PA equipment (amplifiers, speakers, mics, etc.) also have low tolerances to both hot and cold temperatures; not properly storing or transporting your gear in a climate-controlled environment can lead to early failure due to condensation or silicon-melting heat. Almost everywhere in the country has, at certain points in the year, extreme heat or cold that is responsible for gear failure, or at least temporary downtime.
It is advisable to keep your sensitive gear in a climate controlled location that does not reach less than freezing or over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Also important are fans and cooling devices when performing outdoor events in extreme heat (not only for your equipment but also for your most important piece of gear: yourself).

Appearance Ticket
There is nothing worse than having an event at an upscale venue and showing up with shabby equipment. Even with careful care of your gear, wear will become evident after a few years. Options such as patching (for carpeted cabinets) or painting (for textured cabinets) may sustain your equipment for a little while longer. Painting is relatively easy and may be as simple as removing a grille and spraying or touching up scuffed corners. I would recommend covering every internal component, no matter if it is in the spraying area or not, with plastic or newspaper. Paint splatters can be not only annoying but damaging to gear functionality when in an undesired location.
When painting and patching aren’t enough, spray-on bed liner (the kind seen on vehicles) is a valid choice. Cases and speaker cabinets are perfect candidates for this procedure, as it adds about 1/4″ inch of textured protection to the outside of a surface. Besides providing a classy and sparkling finish to your gear, spray-on bed liner doesn’t wear and doesn’t affect sound quality when used on speakers. (See the Mobile Beat Gear Book, issue #111, December 2007, for an article detailing this process.)
And don’t forget the original purpose of spray-on bed liner. For those with trucks or vans, spray-on bed liner wards off dings and scrapes to your box and bed paint from metal corners and sharp edges. If you want any sort of resale value from your heavily used touring vehicle, spray-on bed liner is the way to go.

Something Smells Funny in Here
Years of abuse on the road not only leaves scuffs and scars on equipment, it also may leave an unpleasant odor. Entertainers who use the same rigs in bars that they use for weddings in non-smoking venues may not notice the odor of cigarettes due to familiarity, but non-smoking guests do. Some may even change their perception of your services if they have a close table or if they venture over to request and are offended by the aroma of your equipment (or you!).
One of the most important thins to remember, especially when masking cigarette smoke odor, is not overdoing the masking smell. Too much “pine-tree perfume” could make you and your area of the room smell like a streetwalker. A subtly smelling product not normally used in the entertainment market is Febreeze. It can be applied to almost anything, including cases, curtains, skirts, vehicles, and speaker cabinets. After rentals at frat houses, Febreeze is often the only thing that keeps me from throwing away perfectly good speakers that end up smelling like the inside of a keg.
Cabinets and cases covered in carpet can also develop lint and debris that can be hard to get off without damaging the carpet. For this, I recommend either a heavy duty lint roller or a vacuum cleaner with a hand brush attachment. Doing this every weekend, especially with rental and outdoor gear, greatly enhances the visual appearance of your gear to potential renters or audio-visual clients.

Concluding Arguments
Think about it: Your gear is the second biggest investment that you’ll make as an entertainer. Behind music, nothing is more expensive-and important-than quality equipment. Long-term reliability is something that ultimately cannot be bought, but can only be achieved through taking care of your investments.
Emotional attachment is also a big reason to take care of your equipment. I have pieces of gear that I absolutely love, like my computer rack, which I will do all that I can to make sure it is in top working order. I am sure I could get by without it, but after so many events it’s become like a good luck charm-so why mess with success?
Although some of these tips may seem a bit basic, they are cost and stress-saving and we all need a reminder now and then. Have you gotten a bit lax in your maintenance routine? Following these tips will definitely save you some headaches down the road. And even in the here-and-now, for a long string of back-to-back events you need to be at your best-and that includes your well-groomed equipment.
Jake Feldman is Mobile Beat’s Gearbook Coordinator and Equipment Manager for BC Productions in Des Moines, Iowa.

Get Out of My Dreams, Get (MiN)to My Rig

It was with tongue firmly planted in cheek that I wrote that title, but there is nothing to joke about with the new MiN LED series from Chauvet Lighting, introduced late last year. They mean serious business, even with their miniature size. I had heard that the MiN series was getting rave reviews as extremely solid lights, but I had to see for myself, firsthand. After using them I found that, in fact, the Billy Ocean hit and the new Chauvet series have a few things in common-they both are fun, bright, and colorful!Performance
On my recent jaunt with the fixtures, they performed remarkably. Not only were they powerful enough for a school dance mounted on a truss system, they were also eloquent enough for a formal corporate event when configured in a speaker-top arrangement.

With the MiN lights, Chauvet is offering two distinct compact versions of LED yoke-style heads. For the gobo driven crowd, the MiNSpot offers 9 different gobo designs plus open. As of this writing, as far as I’m aware, this is the first LED spot to feature gobos. The MinWash offers a superbly bright palette for LED color mixing-perfect for accent lighting in a tight space, such as for corner-washing.

Also, the MiN series features great controllability. With DMX capabilities including optional 5 channel or 13 channel modes, both the MinSpot and MinWash are very flexible fixtures. Adding to the arsenal for both lamps is strobe mode, which makes one light seem like three. For the not-so-DMX inclined, an optional “easy controller” is available, along with built-in automatic standalone mode, which is accessible via LED control panels located on the base of the fixture.

Pint-Size
In this age when smaller is considered better for everything, not just DJ gear, the MiN lights are pushing the diminutive envelope. Both fixtures measure 6.8 inches in length/width and stand at an equally impressive 9.8 inches. With added weight specs of a feather-light 8.3 lbs, quality compact LED fixtures are in reach without even breaking a sweat. For even the most formal events, the MiN series fixtures will blend into their surroundings, giving you much needed workspace and less clutter. At my corporate event for an engineering firm, the clients, who know a good design when they see one, were blown away by the compact configuration and light weight of the pieces.

Ease of Use
Not only was the reaction of my engineering clients surprising, equally nice was my setup with each MiN light. The hanging bracket easily attaches to the base of the fixtures and makes for an easy time raising and hanging. One thing I have noticed, though, is that there seem to be only a few good places to carry the lights, which is bound to happen with the compact dimensions involved.

The LED control interface on the base of the lamp was easy to use and straightforward, including slow and fast pans and options for making your beams stationary.

Road Test
When the package arrived at HQ, I was able to take the fixtures on the road right away, with the shipping box weighing less than 20 lbs. and not taking up much space. At the events both MiNs functioned as my primary effects with great results. The kids loved them, the adults loved them, and the big kid in me wasn’t bored with them due to their diverse number of built-in chase and effects patterns.

The Final Verdict
Chauvet has really put out a great product with the MiNs. They’re LED, lightweight, easy to transport and strong enough to survive my road test in freezing Iowa winter conditions. Along with that, when it comes to show time they perform remarkably with rich bright colors and outstanding functions. This series should be high on every mobile entertainer’s list when it comes to building an LED-based setup. www.chauvetlighting.com

Casing The Cabinets

From the automotive world, a creative way to update your speakers with spray-on bed linerScented candles, linen cloths, and centerpieces are the décor. Here you are performing a reception at the most prestigious hotel in town-a market which you want desperately to take hold of. Ratty speakers, scuffed lights, and ugly orange cords pollute the atmosphere. You’re a DJ with a budget, and your system has been on the road for too long. But a new set of speakers will cost some serious capital; yet a professional and prestigious appearance will generate you referrals. What do you do when forced to choose between great sound and nice appearance? One possible solution is to pick the best of both words by coating your cabinets with spray-on truck bed liner.

Retrofitting speakers is not a new practice; however it is usually reserved for upgrading internal components. Now, however, with companies like Line-X, RhynoLiner, or Herculiner, in a day’s work the exterior of your favorite cabinets can become wedding-worthy once again. Gone are the days of stage taping torn and aged carpet, replaced by the security of a professional coating with a cool name.

Strip ‘Em Down

First things first. Most bed liner installers will not allow you to drop off your cabinets with carpet and or drivers (subs and tweeters) still installed. Unfortunately, the most tedious job of the whole experience is all yours: stripping your speakers. It is important, no matter how painful it may seem, to devoid the cabinet of all carpet and components, except for any crossovers (circuit boards) that may be attached (more on this ahead). Make sure you save EVERYTHING.

Next, make sure your wood cabinet is sanded and free of carpet residue, which can cause irregularities in the finished product. Also make sure that all metal edges, handles, wheels, and brackets (tripod cups) are removed.

Finally, make sure that any non-detachable crossovers (circuit boards) and wiring are covered up, as the bed-liner installation pros may not be particularly versed in the audio world. Think of your speakers as a human body and your crossover as the brains-please protect them.

Back in Business

Once the speakers are dropped off for the spraying appointment, you have the opportunity to make any special requests. For instance, I insist that no liner be applied to the inside of the speaker, to avoid any risks related to the electronic components of the speaker.

When you are satisfied with the work, you may re-install all of the components you stripped, save for the metal corners that are unnecessary. Remember that the coating may add as much as a quarter-inch to the outside of the cabinets, so reinstalling handles and grilles may include an extra challenge.

Interestingly, the effects of adding spray-on bed liner to your speakers will be immediately noticeable. Even though they are the same cabinets with the same shape and sound, you will be surprised at just how many people are visually oriented, and will respond to the new look. In a wedding setting, where appearance is important, your newly coated speakers will have the same effect as a new pair, although I would be hard pressed to find a speaker on the market with this particular coating. At the same time, you may just be saving a piece of you. Speakers that have been on the road with you for years are almost like old friends. For a small price, wouldn’t you want to save your loyal comrades?

School House Rock

How to rock the house, in high (school) styleOften in life, the most rewarding experiences come with the most work. It seems the more a person works; the more they are rewarded with pay, satisfaction, and piece of mind. As many businessmen will note, there is really is nothing more soul-satisfying than a job well done. In the DJ world, large school dances are the closest some of us get to being rock stars and playing in front of thousands-all the while living out our life-long dreams. The feeling of 3,000-plus people singing the song, swaying and dancing to the music, and thousands of watts of sound rippling through the room is, in my humble opinion, unmatched by any pharmaceutical or recreational drug available.

Professional Production Process
Disc jockeys have been filling up their off nights with school functions since the inception of the industry. Few, however, give the school market the respect and time that it deserves to make each event a success, particularly the large ones. There are some who really take the time to create the production values (sound/stage/video/lights), and there are some who treat these shows as a way to make a quick buck without all of the planning involved in a wedding or mitzvah. If you are wondering why your school client list and return bookings are lagging, its because your competition realized a long time ago that the days of simply showing up and playing at major school dances were over.
To start with, any entertainment company that does not have a solid relationship with all the sponsors (students, faculty and parents) probably will not last for long. Little things ARE big things in the school market just as in the wedding market. Confirmation calls, edited music, timeliness, and general courtesy will go a long way to building your reputation with a school.

Secondly, being prepared is key. For all of my major events, I request meetings at the venue with students, faculty and venue staff to go over our plans for the evening. It is also important (if not in person) to at least meet by phone with the photographer and designer for the evening, to try to anticipate any and all “bugs” that may arise during the event. It is also important that if there is an event theme, that you coordinate with each entity to stay true to the vision of your ultimate bosses-the students.
Once you have met with your students, faculty and staff, you have developed a relationship that reassures everyone involved that you are a professional and will do everything in your power to make the occasion a success. After all, that is the reason why you were hired.

In addition, viewing the venue also helps you determine the amount of production that is necessary for your event. It’s wise to ask your students what their vision of the production is-from “low key” to “high tech.” For those of you playing the home game, this is the perfect opportunity to up-sell your client (on production and interactive features, such as video and textlive) while they are at the venue and excited about the prospect of something new and exciting.

Thirdly, it is important to allow as much direct input as possible into the music that will be played. For all of my school events, I allow direct access to all students via the DJ Intelligence online system-allowing pre-event requests in a neat format. At my events, I then play the danceable requests, leaving off selections that will “tank” or be too vulgar. It is imperative to purchase and become familiar with any new music that has been requested. The students are counting on you to be their entertainment “tour guide” for the evening, and if you don’t know the way, the party can get lost rather quickly.

Next, you must call and confirm all of your plans and keep a lookout for anything that may have changed since your last conversation or meeting. Open communication will alleviate most of the pressure you may have put on yourself by confirming your role in the event. Talking with your sponsors a week or two before your event will also clear up any miscommunications that may have occurred since the first meeting.
Additionally, one or two weeks may be needed to kick start the process of getting paid from the schools. Different school districts have different processes and some may require a physical signature on not only an invoice, but an “independent contractor’s form.” Whatever the case, just make sure no one forgot about you.

Fully Equipped to Rock
When your clients expect professional services, they also expect professional equipment. All equipment that is used should be attractive-sonically and aesthetically. All speakers should be aimed, calibrated, and elevated if necessary, and should be properly amplified, not overdriven. A good concept to embrace is the idea that if it needs to be overdriven, then you need more. No matter how good they are, or what brand of speakers you’re using, a single pair will not do for a large group of people. Sound, in its finest form, embraces the philosophy of even distribution. Distribution entails careful planning and a slight fringe overlapping of signals designed to increase quality and decrease distortion and destruction of equipment. In other words, your system, at show volume, should be peaked at about 60% of its total capabilities to be able to handle the variance of signals.

Sound is the key technical aspect of a show. Without sound, there is no show-no reason for you to be there and get paid. As a result of this, your setup time should be dependent on getting your sound right first. From there, you can work on the window dressing of lights and the wow factor of video.

Lighting can make or break a show, but is not as system-critical as sound is, and should be viewed as an art form that compliments the science of sound. A basic light show may seem better for your budget, but a large, innovative light show will get you referrals.
The new norm in lights is, without question, DMX fixtures. If you’re not rocking DMX, you may be rocking the house, but you’re not rocking the future, as your light show will remain basic and become stale. With DMX, preset patterns and chases can be crafted before each “run” or “tour” of schools and changed for the next run, making your production seem more like a traveling rock show than a discount bin at your local DJ supply store.

Keeping It Real
Finally, and most importantly…your performance. Without question, this area is what every show depends on, and on which return business is based. It is important that you feel the energy of the room, amplify it and channel it back into your show. Have enthusiasm for what you do, but DO NOT be phony. There are few people in this world that can do what we do and be truly successful at it; if you’re faking it, it will be felt by the audience. Real professionals NEVER have off nights. The show must go on; the crowds of young people do not care about your personal life. They came to have a good time and escape their regular lives for a few hours.

Schools are a significant form of income and even professional enjoyment, but also a serious responsibility. You are providing a lasting impression for potential life-long fans of your work, who may potentially utilize your services at every future milestone event that necessitates them. Above all, you are providing memories that will last a lifetime and a reputation that will define you.

Beside being a youth event specialist and logistics manager for BC Productions in Des Moines, IA, Jake Feldman serves as coordinator for the print and online versions of the Mobile Beat/ProDJ.com gear guide.

Rock and Roll To Go FX Wireless Review

Today’s DJ has a lot on his mind: professional service, professional sound, and professional lighting. Most DJ lighting rigs are either too pricey and complex or too cheap and cheesy. The new FX Wireless package from Rock-N-Roll To Go Lighting Systems will break neither your back or your wallet, and has the look of a professional Lighting setup.The package consists of two custom made 14″ square truss towers standing (when assembled at full height) at a stunning 10′. The trussing system breaks down into three sections that will stack and roll, providing relief for ever-aching backs of DJs everywhere, and will accommodate for halls with less “headroom.”

In the same way, the custom structure and fixtures are rock solid, after being tested both by a co-worker (tip over in transport-user error) and by U.P.S. without any significant damage. Fixtures, controller, and cords are all well-protected and ready to hit the road in this system. I would, however recommend the extra investment of the fleece “toaster cover,” as it will protect the finish of your trussing from transport (and co-workers/employees).

Each tower contains (6) Par 38 cans with standard bulb sockets, (1) Vertigo, (1) Mini Moon with 15 RPM motor, (1) Snapshot II Strobe and a wireless relay pack. All fixtures are pre-wired and ready to plug into any standard 110-115V outlet, via a normal extension cord. At the heart of the package is the Elation Co-Pilot II wireless lighting controller, which will operate without pesky data cords in most line-of-sight applications at impressive distances.

With its slick packaging, the FX Wireless System is a must have. With all of the lights involved, it is refreshing to see a visually pleasing appearance that will only add to the professional look of your sound and light show. Additionally, the system comes in two finishes: powder coated black or traditional aluminum.

At each event I brought the system to, the clients and hall staffs were impressed at the ease in which the system rolled in and was set up, and all involved appreciated the tear down efficiency afforded. Additionally, at the three events it capably performed (middle school, high school, and corporate), the system was very practical and was not overbearing in smaller setups, as some rigs can be.

Coincidently, to buy the fixtures and mount them yourself to t-bars, it would cost you a lot more and look a lot less inexpensive than the comprehensive package offered by Rock-N-Roll To Go. At only $2,995.00, this package is a steal, with its sleek looks, light weight, ease of transport and use, and its reliability. If you own one trussing system, make it rock-make it Rock-N-Roll.