Most people who are learning to DJ also create electronic music. If you’re one of them, you’ll want to produce tracks and mixes that sound good on big systems. It’s not enough to only use algorithmic mastering services to improve the quality of your mix. That’s where acoustic treatment comes in. Follow these tried-and-true steps to make your room - and your mixes - sound better.
Get good speakers at head height
You’re familiar with the music producer’s curse: you make a dope sounding track, but when you play it on your friend’s system, it sounds weird. There’s no bass, or too much. The mids are screaming, or the whole thing sounds too quiet. Good speakers at the solution to half of this problem. With a pair of studio monitors (not desktop PC speakers or hifi speakers), you’ll have a clearer, flatter EQ response from your signal. It’s an absolute must for anyone serious about producing music and DJing professionally.
Get some room insulation
Just as important as good speakers is a dead room. So many factors ‘color’ the sound in the room, but having acoustic foam insulation will reduce the low end dramatically and rid you of some of the dreaded reverb. Unwelcome audio is the enemy of a clear mix, and must be destroyed. Use corrugated foam on as many flat surfaces as you can to absorb the sound bouncing around your room.
Learn a bit about sound
You want to level up as a DJ? Study a little bit about how sound works. If you only spend your precious DJ practice and fun time doing the same stuff, you’ll stagnate. So make friends with the learning process. Look up stuff like ‘how sound behaves’ (here’s a great video channel with visualizations). The science of DJing is far more predictable and reliable than some of the crowds at your gigs!
Even though most DJs are known for their hype value and bangers, being a DJ is so much more. Your expertise as a sound engineer will stand you in good stead. Learning a bit about DJing and sound will enable you to make good judgment calls on a variety of rooms and spaces. And besides that, you get to sound like someone who knows what they’re talking about, which is pretty hot!