DJ Ronnie Roux Blog

What Sound Should I Use For My Event?

(2 minute read) What sound should I use for my event? Sound choices can impact an event in many ways. Voice projection, bass response, room size, and the amount of people can influence the recommended sound. If the event is mostly MC announcements, the recommended sound would be different than a dancing event. You might want more highs, so the MC’s voice can carry across the room better. With a dancing event, you might want more bass to create a party vibe.

Room Size

What sound should I use for my event in different room sizes? Room size can also play a role in sound recommendations. Does the room have carpet or concrete? Are there 50 or 500 people in the room? Large rooms and big crowds will absorb sound. Rooms without carpet can sound tinny.

Small Events

Smaller events (less than 100 people) use our RCF J8 system. This is a small column array that works best in small rooms. Ballrooms typically use bigger sound.

Networking Events

Speaker outcomes are to carry the sound over talking guests. Networking events typically do not need large subwoofers. Sound is often lower, to avoid competing with the networking guests. The goal of this event type is to create good vibes and areas to talk during the event. Speakers focus on the dance floor and 30′ beyond. In some cases, satellite speakers are also used on the perimeter.

Dance Events

Medium to large speakers are typically used for this. Unlike a networking event, dance events may require larger speakers. They enhance the party atmosphere and provide a solid bass response. Speakers generally focus on the dance floor and 30′ beyond. In some cases, satellite speakers are used on the perimeter.

Speaking Engagements

Awards and speeches generally require clarity across the whole room. Floorplans, guest count, and the size of a room will determine the sound proposal.

Trade-Show DJ

We do not recommend loud set ups for this type of event. This will prevent talking to potential clients. A moderate sound system is typically used.

If you’re unsure on what sound to pick in our Price builder, reach out and ask a question. You can Contact us via phone, email, or website chat.

DJ’s Who Stream Music

(2 minute read) With new technology, streaming music has become very common with DJ’s. Our company even requests a digital playlist from clients. Once the list is received, we cross reference it to our data base. The client can make updates throughout the event preparation. Some DJ’s use streaming as their only tool for music playback. It’s considerably cheaper to pay a monthly fee, than to invest thousands of dollars to own a hard copy.

So…what DJ do you book? Do you hire the guy who streams any song you want or the DJ who has a hard copy of the song, ready to play in a zone with zero Wi-Fi? The choice sounds clear, but do most clients don’t even think to ask that question.

Does it matter if your event DJ is streaming music? I think it does. Although Wi-Fi signals are pretty common, they are still not guaranteed.

Think about these scenarios

• Is a DJ relying on the venue for Wi-Fi?

• Does the DJ show up with their own jetpack?

• What happens if the venue has no Wi-Fi and the cellular signal is poor?

• Can the DJ finish the event, if Wi-Fi is not available?

For New Year’s Eve, a major streaming platform crashed. How many DJ’s were relying on that service? A good DJ will have your playlist downloaded and ready to play. Ask your potential DJ the above questions. Make sure you’re comfortable with the answers.

Check out this Reddit chat. It’s a quick look at DJ’s who experienced streaming issues.

Music investment is timing consuming and costly for many DJ companies. Those costs get applied to event quotes. The 3 hour booking of a DJ, is not just 3 hours. For many DJ’s, music preparation is days before. Prepared DJ’s will have music on their laptop, plus a back up device.

For a deeper dive into Picking a DJ for Your Event, check out this blog post.

For Pricing, you can get instant quotes on our website. They are hassle free.

“Picking a DJ for Your Event”

How does one pick the right DJ for their event? The answer is very subjective. DJ’s aren’t held accountable by a licensing board. You have no idea of their knowledge and experience. The business with the best looking website, is not always the best match for your event. Does a client put all their faith into a DJ with a paid-for-website or look for other forms of evidence? Do you pick the DJ who has the most followers on Instagram and Facebook?

For me, it’s not necessarily about the best looking website on the market. I like to dig a little deeper. Online reviews are probably the best results. Today’s clientele, have no issues writing reviews on any business they have encountered. Even with my own research of other businesses, I usually go to the review section of Facebook and Google. In some cases, I have even driven to a further destination, to work with a company that had a higher-star rating.

Does a large following on social media mean anything? In some cases it could. The DJ could be well known in the city and play in public venues. In some cases, the followers are paid for. I wouldn’t put all my eggs in a basket, for this topic.

Once you get your top DJ choices picked, now you have to make contact. Personality of the DJ is very important. They are potentially the center of your event. Often set up center stage, with everyone looking at them. Are they polite, professional, and there for you?

Topics to Think About

Which DJ is showing up to your event? Is it the recipient of the good reviews you read?

Some DJ’s want to play their own style of music. Is the DJ open to your playlist choices?

Is the DJ comfortable playing your music genres?

How prompt is the DJ on text / email inquiries?

Does the sound equipment match the amount of people attending? Speakers too small could under perform in a large room.

Does the DJ have a music backup, in case their laptop fails?

How much experience do they have with your party type? Event flow can be drastically different with weddings, corporate functions, school dances, or a 50th birthday in a Lyon’s Hall.

Even though a radio edit exists for a song, is it appropriate to play at the event?

Do they carry liability insurance? Many venues now ask the DJ for this.

There are many things to ask yourself, before hiring a DJ. The Knot has a detailed article you can read. https://www.theknot.com/content/questions-to-ask-dj

DJ Ronnie Roux