Summary:
Learning the basic components of a standard Pro Sound & Light Show DJ System.
We are Disc Jockeys, DJs, Music Mixers. Our DJ Systems are the base tools of our trade, we depend on them for the work we do. Treat the equipment with respect, for without our equipment we are nothing.
The Basic components required in our DJ Systems are
- Coffin
- The case that contains the majority of the Audio Equipment & Light Controller
- Sound Source
- Laptop
- CD Player
- iPod
- Microphone
- Wired Handheld Microphone
- Wireless Handheld Microphone with Receiver
- Mixer
- Has multiple Inputs & Channels to mix different sound sources together and provide “master” output
- PA Speaker
- PA = Public Address
- Professional PA Speakers are rated for higher wattage, higher volume, and designed to operate for extended periods of time.
- Power Conditioner
- Professional Grade surge protector and conditioner
- Reduces electrical hum & feedback due to “dirty power”
⅛” to RCA Cable
Uses: Connecting devices that have ⅛” outputs (headphone jacks) to standard mixer and audio output device inputs (RCA). Some “Powered” speakers have a multiple channel mixer built in, using this cable allows one to connect an audio device directly to a speaker, bypassing the need for a mixer in small set-up situations, like ceremonies.
RCA to RCA Cable
Uses: The standard cable used to connect most audio devices (CD Players, external Sound Card, or even Digital Control Surfaces for DJS.) It is a very simple cable.
RED = Right
WHITE = Left
XLR (Male) to XLR (Female) Cable
Uses: The standard audio cable used in our systems. This cable is used to connect audio devices together when signal quality needs to be high, the distance the cord must travel is long, or if low noise is important. Due to their modular ends, these cables can be strung together into very long runs.
These cables are used to connect our mixers to our speakers, and wired mics to XLR inputs on the mixer.
IEC Grounded Power Cable
Uses: These grounded power cables come in various lengths. They are used to power our speakers, uplights, and other effect lights.
Ungrounded Power Cable
Uses: Only a few of these cables are in our systems. They are used to supply power to the mixer and the CD player.
¼” (M) to ¼” (M) Patch Cable
Uses: To connect the wireless mic receiver to the mixer. May also be used to connect some mixers to speakers.
XLR (F) to ¼” (M) Cable
Uses: Most commonly used to connect a wired microphone to the mixer, or directly to a speaker.
Standard Hand Held Microphone
Connects to your mixer with an XLR to ¼” or standard XLR cable. These mics require no batteries to operate and should be used when wireless is not necessary.
Dual Channel CD Player
Backup Sound Source: 2 Pieces, Disc Tray Unit (Below) is controlled by the Controller Unit (Above) via a proprietary control cable. If the a side of the control unit does not light up or power on, check that sides control cable. Each side of the CD player has a separate RCA output to link each side with a separate channel on the mixer.
Wireless Microphone & Receiver
The wireless microphone runs on 2 AA batteries and sends the audio signal wirelessly back to its receiver. Both the mic and the receiver can select one of 8 channels to work on, though they must batch each other. The receiver outputs the sound to the mixer through XLR or ¼” output.
Furman Power Conditioner
This piece of equipment is where all the components of the system are to be plugged into. This unit cleans unwanted hum from the power and protects all the items plugged into with a fuse and circuit protection. It also has two dimmable and retractable lights on the front end for utility.
Standard DJ Mixer
This device has multiple RCA inputs assigned to Channels 1, 2 or 3. Each channel has both a line and an auxiliary input assigned to it, selectable through a switch at the top of each channel. Each channel also has EQ, Gain, and Pan knobs as well as a volume fader. The mixer also has 2 inputs for microphones on the top of the mic channel area and on the back panel. A master volume control levels the entire board.
Speakers
Signal Flow Diagram
