So, you want to begin your journey as a DJ. But you are a beginner and don’t know how to set up your DJ system. Well, you are in luck because in this guide we are going to discuss in detail how you can do that.
In this guide, we are going to discuss in detail how you can setup DJ speakers, what equipment you are going to need and some other tips on the topic. So, let’s begin.
Buying A DJ speaker
Before you even begin setting up, you need DJ speakers first. There are so many types of speakers with different features, advantages, and disadvantages. So, knowing how to buy the right one for your specific need is vital to get the most out of your DJ speaker setup.
Here are some things that you should keep in mind while choosing a DJ speaker –
Active or Passive Speakers
The first thing you should determine is whether you want active speakers or passive speakers. It depends on how you are going to use the speakers.
If you want a set of speakers for DJing in a particular club or for a studio and you have a decent level of knowledge on audio tech then passive speakers can be really great. In this case, you can handpick each equipment involved in the music producing process and get better output.
If you see yourself traveling a lot and need your speakers by your side then active speakers are the better option. It comes prebuilt amplifiers and other sorts of equipment that you might need. So, no need of going through the complex process of setting it up. Just plug and play. Also, they are usually more compact and portable compared to passive devices making them great PA speakers for mobile DJs. Investing in a good active music system can be as good as handcrafted passive speakers.
If you want to know more about the differences between active or powered and passive speakers then you can check out our article passive vs powered speakers.
Size of Woofer Cone
The Woofer cone size is measured in inches. It determines the level of low end (bass) the device can handle. Woofer cones of high-end speakers are usually around 15 inches or above. But they are expensive. Best DJ speakers for outdoor are speakers that are 15 inches or larger.
But if the speakers are for personal use then 8-10-inch speakers are the best DJ speakers for home and small venues.
Subwoofer
Subwoofers are great if you have small speakers (8-12 inches). They add an extra bit of bass to your music they make it sound richer. But they are going to add some weight and cost to your overall system so keep that in mind.
Brand
Some of the best DJ speaker brands are Bose, QSC, JBL, and Yamaha. Do your research and invest in the best speaker you can afford. Especially, if you are going with an active speaker as they don’t have many options for making upgrades.
Wattage
The power requirement is a good way to tell the power of your speakers. Speakers requiring higher watts can probably reach louder volumes. Speaker for house parties do not need the expensive power-hungry models. 200-watt speaker will do fine. But for large venues or outdoor DJing with lots of people more powerful speaker might be required.
Features
Many speakers come with some extra features. Especially, the more expensive ones. So, checking them out would be a good idea too. Just make sure you are paying for features that are actually going to help you.
Setting Up the DJ Speakers
So, you’ve got your desired speakers. Now, how do you set them up? Well, it is pretty easy really. All you need is a few pieces of equipment and plug them in.
Active Speaker
Active speakers are the easiest to set up. They come with an amplifier built-in so that’s half the work already done for you. Here’s a list of things that you are going to need –
- Active speakers
- Mixer
- Microphone
- XLR leads (3x)
- RCA lead
Get your mixer and first connect it to your speakers. Grab the XLR leads and plug in one lead into the right output of your mixer. Plug the other one into the right speaker. Then do the same with the left speaker and your speaker will be connected to your mixer. You can also connect a microphone to your mixer through a line.
Then it is time to give power to these devices. First, power on the mixer and then the speakers. Powering on in this sequence will avoid damage to your device. Do the opposite when powering off.
Passive speakers
Passive speakers don’t have built-in amplifiers. So, you are going to need to do a bit of work. Here’s what you’ll need –
- Passive speakers
- Amplifier
- Mixer
- 1/4-inch XLR jack
- Speak-on
- XLR Lead
- Microphone
- RCA – 3.5 mm jack
First, connect the amplifier to the mixer. Use the L&R main outputs to connect the amplifier to the mixer. The plug the speakers into the amplifier using the speaker leads. Connect the microphone to your mixer and you are all set.
The power-on sequence should be first the mixer, then the amplifier, and then the speakers. Powering off should be done in the opposite sequence.
Positioning the Speakers
When it comes to DJing the position of the speakers is very important. If it is a small party and you’ve got low power speakers than it shouldn’t matter where you place them. But for large speakers in large areas positioning needs some attention.
Do not put your speakers on the ground. This will cause two problems. First of all, the sound will be too high for audiences in the front and too low for people in the back and front. High frequency sounds don’t travel that well. And are easily blocked by crowds.
To tackle this problem, you need your speakers to be above the ears of your crowd. If the DJing platform is above the crowd then this you can just put them there. But if it is not then you should buy a few speaker tripods to raise them up.
You don’t have to do the same for the subwoofer. They produce low frequency sounds that can travel far and are not as easily blocked. So, putting them on the ground facing the crowed would be okay.
Where Will the Speaker Be Used?
Using the right type of speaker in the right place is key to making your DJing easy and most enjoyable to your crowd.
Active speakers are best suited for personal use and for mobile DJing. If you find your self traveling a lot then these will serve you the best. You’ll find yourself carrying less luggage. They are great for small parties like weddings, backyard parties, etc.
When DJing at a large area with hundreds to thousands of people consumer-grade active speakers might not cut it. You are going to need specialized equipment to ensure the music reaches every person in the crowd properly. So, in this case, Passive systems take the cake. Passive speakers are great for large venues, live concerts, spacious clubs, and large parties.
Caution While Using DJ speakers
To ensure the safety of you, your crowd, and your expensive equipment there are a few precautions you should take. These are as follows –
- Do not use speakers near combustibles such as gasoline, thinner, etc. to avoid accidental air explosions.
- If you are using tripods make sure that they are strong enough to support the speakers.
- Use safety wired if you are going to mount the speaker on a high platform.
- Connect the devices before giving power to any of them to avoid electrocution.
- Make sure that water or dust does not reach your speakers. Failing to do so may cause speaker failure, electrocution, or fire.
- Do not set the speaker too close to you or to your audience as it may cause irritation and even injuries.
- Handle of all your equipment gently including the speakers. Excessive rough handling may damage the equipment.
- Power on the device as we have indicated to avoid damaging the speakers.
- Power off the speakers as we have instructed to avoid damaging the speakers.
Conclusion
Setting up your DJ device isn’t really that hard. It just takes some patience and getting used to the process. At first, it might seem to take forever. But in time you could do every in just a matter of minutes.
Buying the right DJ speakers for your specific task and setting them up properly will create an excellent experience for you and your audience. So, pick the right speakers, buy the right equipment, and follow our guide to properly position and setup DJ speakers. Follow our precaution guideline to avoid unpleasant accidents and you will be all set.
Thanks for taking the time to read our little guide. Best of luck with your DJ setup. Thanks for stopping by.