Forget checking for a business license (anyone can get one), or
endorsement by some far removed, “official” DJ association. Send
them their required fee and they will endorse you too.

Whether your entertainer is “certified” on paper or not, how his
or her system sounds is critical. Most DJs are not experts in
the technical realm of sound specifications. They may not even
know what signal to noise ratio, total harmonic distortion or
frequency response is. The truth is, DJs often put together a
sound system that is limited by how much they can afford to
spend. The resulting sound may turn out to be shrill (too many
highs), unclear or “muddy” and even distorted.

This is where your ears come in. Ask for a live audition so you
can gage for yourself how the DJ’s equipment looks and sounds.
We always offer a live listening experience to our clients. This
is the only way to know if you like it. If your DJ is not
willing to “audition” for you, it may be because he is
embarrassed by the look or audio quality of his rig. This is a
red flag.

Have your prospective DJ play a song you know. Think of one that
that incorporates bass, drums, keyboards and vocals so you get a
full range of sounds. Dance songs are usually good. Ask the DJ
to turn it up for a moment. Now close your eyes and listen.

You don’t have to be an acoustic expert to know if you like it.
Is it full and warm or hollow and “tinny”. Does it sound like an
AM radio or more like what you might hear in a movie theatre? Is
the base “punchy” but not overwhelming, allowing room for the
mids and highs? Are the highs too brassy, making dogs howl and
babys cry? Are the mid-range (vocals) present enough? Is the
overall sound flat or is there “depth”?

Remember, this is what you and your guests will be hearing all
night long.

While the sound can be enhanced by the use of equalizers and
sonic enhancers, the right speakers are key. Whether it’s JBL,
Yamaha, Mackie or others, speakers have their own sound
characteristics. And off-brand, budget speakers are often
lacking in sound quality.

Ask the DJ why he chose the speakers he has. Often great
sounding, name brand speakers are not much more expensive than
low-end, budget cabinets. If the DJ is scrimping here to save a
couple of bucks, what else is is he cutting corners on?

I personally dislike “hissing” brass or cymbal sounds (highs) or
too much bottom end (bass). For me, the midrange is where the
melody is and I like to hear it. Warm and full vocals, keyboards
and guitar with the highs and lows serving as complimentary
bookends. For example, I’d rather hear emphasis on Sinatra’s
voice over his bass player.

Now go find the sound YOU like. You’re already an expert as
you’ve been listening all your life. Do a little earwork and you
will feel confident as your event approaches, knowing your
guests will experience complete sonic satisfaction!

-DJ Craig

http://www.djcraig.net/

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