DJing does require a certain level of technical ability. Of course at the end of the day, it’s all about the music and knowing how to deliver good times. But having a technical side will certainly remove some of the frustration when real-life debugging is required. Here are a few things to watch out for.
Headphones
If you need one mini-jack headphone adapter, buy three. Always have a couple in your bag. They tend to vanish. Having to ask the DJ before you if you can borrow (or buy) theirs is a little embarrassing. Another common problem is faulty cabling, which crackles or causes one of the sides to fail. Most of the value of a pair of headphones is the cans themselves, so you can replace cabling with a soldering iron. Finally, if your headphones aren’t working check if they’re plugged in! Don’t worry, it’s a common mistake.
Club equipment
Nightclubs are like train stations. Loads of traffic. People in clubs also tend to put their drinks on any surface available. Speakers, DJ booths, equipment tables. Next to the DSP. If you gave them a chance, they’d rest their beer on the mixing desk. People steal mixer and crossfader knobs. Things get messed up quickly, and moisture gets in everywhere. Faulty club equipment is the source of many woes. As a professional DJ, there’s not much you can do other than being prepared to play on equipment that’s a little ghetto sometimes.
No Sound
No sound? Problem. But one you’ve diagnosed and fixed before, even under pressure. Remember to follow the signal flow, starting with the memory on your computer and ending with the front of house speakers. It’s probably software. Usually is. Check the volume, but also check the EQ. Sometimes it’s filtering out all the frequencies, even if the volume is up. If it goes dead in the middle of your set, here’s a pro tip: frown at one of the venue employees. The crowd will follow your gaze and assume it’s their fault!
You’ve got this. Ain’t a problem you can’t fix. The secret with hardware and technical issues is to remain calm and breathe. Extra oxygen means clearer thinking. Also remove anyone from the scene who is panicking or isn’t helping you think it through. Remember your Jedi training. And remember your DJ course material.