A Perfect DJ Tutorials
Click to call by smartphone Click to call by iPhone Email:
dennis@aperfectdj.com
Call: (951) 699-9717
Tips for making your DJ Services
the best that they can be.
These
tips are written for the average consumer to improve services.
We truly want your event to be a success so this information is provided to assist in planning, comfort and safety.
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A) Addressing a microphone:
Speak directly and "straight-on" into microphones as
illustrated at right and "Image X" below. The recommended distance from your mouth to the tip
of the microphone is within 6 inches of it. This is important to
maximize the efficiency of the microphone and to make your voice sound
better. Sounds can bounce off of surrounding walls, surfaces
and especially from the voices of guests and environmental noises. Please instruct your guests who
will use the microphone to do the same. Remember, that it is human nature
to not like the sound of your own voice through a sound system so
many people who are not accustomed to using microphones usually pull them away
from their mouth (increasing the distance between the microphone and your
mouth is the wrong thing to do). Let your sound-man regulate the
volume. Please follow these guidelines to
avoid audio problems.
("Image X") The correct way to address a microphone: 
("Image Z") The wrong way to address a microphone (off-axis): 
B) Lapel Microphones: (We have them but we don't recommend them) All
too often people will arrive 15 minutes
prior to a wedding ceremony and demand that they use only a "lapel
microphone" (also known as a "lavalier microphones"). (All
requests for microphones must be made at time of booking.) Sometimes even the bride and groom will ask for them as
well. The bottom line is that we do have "lapel microphones" but they
are not recommended. Why?
1) "Lapel microphones" are "small diaphragm
microphones" that tend to have very poor sound characteristics
when compared to "large diaphragm microphones."
(This is why law enforcement agencies use full-size, "wired"
[not wireless], "large-diaphragm microphones"
strapped to their uniforms.)
2) "Lapel microphones" still require a "battery/antenna pack" that
includes the use of a small wire (many brides do not like battery packs,
antennas and
wires to be visible in their wedding pictures and especially not on their
gowns).
3) When "lapel microphones" are accidentally touched,
adjusted or brushed upon they create lots of unwanted additional noise.
4) Wind anomalies are very common and the number one cause of
unwanted noise associated with these types of microphones.
5) When you see them used in television they are used on a
controlled sound set environment and not in a "live sound situation."
6) Since you are not speaking directly into them
(as outlined in paragraph "A") they have poor sound characteristics
(lapel microphones are usually addressed at a 90º angle).
Even when using only one "lapel microphone" it does not "reject" unwanted noises
from wind, guests and environmental sounds the way "directional, large
diaphragm" microphones do.
7) Still, by far the worst problem with them is that if you
have multiple numbers of lapel microphones you get exponentially multiple times the "wind
noise" and "ambient noise" (other guests and environmental
noises). For officiants, it is usually that they are not familiar with
how to use microphones properly and they would rather shift the blame of
inferior sound onto the soundman. Yes, it can be done but usually with
literally thousands of watts of power behind them which is beyond the budget
of most customers. Please note: People sound much better and
true-to-life with a
"large diaphragm" microphones which is why your favorite recording artist
most likely uses "large diaphragm microphones" and not lapel
microphones for live sound use.
8) For weddings we recommend one "large diaphragm,
directional, wireless" microphone that is placed upon a tri-pod boom-stand.
These stands can be placed off to the side so that they minimize their view
in pictures and allow the users to speak "hands-free." In windy conditions they can also be outfitted with a "wind
screen" to reduce noise.
9) Try not to move these microphones (or any microphone)
around during use as this causes additional unwanted noise.
Note: Additional microphones on stands can be utilized for
additional vocalists, musicians, prayers, etc.† Please inform your DJ
of these requests when booking your DJ so that accommodations can be made.
C) Avoiding speakers: Try to keep the microphone away from
the speakers. A problem known as "feedback" (a loud "squeal" or "woof")
is irritating to most guests and this happens when someone is too close to
the speakers. The sound system is attempting to replicate itself
infinitely and your guests will not like this effect. When coming up to
the front of the room to make announcements, speeches, toasts, etc. avoid
standing directly in front of speakers.
D) NEVER tap on a microphone to
see if it is on (please tell your guests this!). It may be
funny in the movies but the truth is it can cause hearing damage to your guests
and damage to the speakers of the sound system. Remember, you are
contractually and financially responsible for equipment failures due to misuse
by you or your guests.
E) Documentation: Complete your planning documentation
and return it to us at least two weeks prior to your event. There is a lot
of planning involved and you want your event to run smoothly.
F) Setup: It is recommended that the sound
system and speakers be setup directly adjacent to the dance floor
(See example "A").
A Perfect
DJ recommends this setup since projecting sound across rooms, walkways, open
spaces and areas where attendees are seated, walking or lingering requires
higher volume levels to reach the dance floor area and therefore may expose
guests to extreme sound levels. These high levels can produce uncomfortable and
sometimes hazardous conditions. Do not assume that your event facility, wait staff or event coordinator already know this.
Example "A" (Recommended) shows the DJ and speakers (green arrows) directly adjacent to the dance floor. Also note the tables in red that require consideration since these tables will experience higher sound levels.
Example "B" shows a bad way to setup the DJ since speakers must project high sound levels through seated guests. (Unsightly wiring must be run to place speakers next to dance floor)
Example "C" shows another example of the wrong way to position your DJ. (Note that wiring run through guest areas can be a trip-and-fall hazard)
Example "A" 
Example "B" 
Example "C" 
G) Accessibility: Your DJ should be allowed to set-up, operate equipment and otherwise perform in
an area that allows full eye-contact with guest(s) of honor and in full site of
all activities. Also have an event coordinator or designated person give verbal
and/or visual cues for the DJ to announce guests.
This is the only way to assure
that you receive professional Emcee services.
H) Space Allocation: Your DJ should be allowed at least a minimum 8-foot by 8-foot area for setup,
space for setting up speakers (and lighting stands if applicable). Your DJ
requires a minimum of one 15-20-amp circuit outlet from a reliable power source
within 50 feet (along a wall) of the setup area (longer runs can damage power
amplifiers due to a lack of amperes). This circuit must be free of
all other connected loads. Additional outlets on separate circuits for lighting
(if contracted for) are required. The total output wattage(s) shall be
determined by DJ Service (size of the sound system) depending upon event, number
of guests and venue.
I) Tonal
Characteristics and Sound Levels: A Perfect DJ shall make
every attempt to reproduce pre-recorded material as acoustically accurate,
linear or “true-to-life” as is technologically possible. However, you must
recognize that (according to our agreement) the DJ Service’s performance shall
primarily be governed according to the direction of the "event facility
management" and/or the direction of local authorities (including law
enforcement agencies)
or ordinance in regards to equipment placement, volume (in decibel or sound
pressure levels), dynamic and tonal characteristics of music.
J) Lighting: When you are paying for "intelligent dance floor
lighting" please remember that even though you may be proud of those flood
lights that you have installed on your property, your guests are more
uninhibited and more likely to remain dancing and stay all night if you allow
most of the illumination to come from the DJ's lighting.
K) Wedding Officiants: If your wedding officiant would like a sound check
they must
arrive 60 minutes prior to scheduled ceremony start time. Regardless, officiant
must see your DJ for fitting and adjusting of microphone prior to the start of
ceremony.
L)
†Musicians:
If you have musicians, vocalists and/or speakers that are performing at your event and
you are receiving "sound reinforcement" services (amplification of live
music acts) it is very important that they arrive at least 120 minutes prior
to the start of the event if they wish to have a sound check.
M) Guest Seating: It is recommended that you take into consideration where you seat your guests in relation to the sound system. Many older guests do not like the higher volume levels associated with being close to the sound system.
N) Hearing Aids: If your guests are wearing "hearing aids" it is important to note that these devices are a mechanical replacement for the extremely sophisticated human auditory system made up of the ears and human brain. Since it is very costly to duplicate the extensive processing accomplished by the ears and brain, hearing aid manufacturers will exaggerate certain frequencies in order to allow the listener to hear under normal wearing situations. However, modern sound systems can be uncomfortable in certain frequencies to these patients since these appliances are made to be cost effective. These persons should also be seated with consideration of proximity to the sound system.
O) Last Words: Remember that as part of our planning we ask that you help us determine the types of music you do and do not want to hear. Please let us know if you would like us to avoid specific songs, music of certain genres, recording artists or with questionable or explicit content.
The bottom line is to keep your guests comfortable, dancing, eating, drinking and remaining at your event all night long. This is the best insurance to maximize your overall investment in your event.
Click to call by smartphone Click to call by iPhone Email:
dennis@aperfectdj.com
Call: (951) 699-9717
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