The DJ Rider
The ‘Rider’ is name of the document that many bands / artists have detailing their demands / requests for performance, backstage, dressing room and similar.
Have a look at some ridiculous riders here : http://www.thesmokinggun.com/backstagetour/
This article shows what I ideally expect venues to be like. Many are, and these are the ones that are a pleasure to work in. Some however are poorly thought out and badly built (usually with no DJ involvement) – these make working efficiently difficult and unpleasant.
While this illustrates a "best case" scenario it does emphasise the necessity of planning, reliability and respect.
In most venues the DJ (and their music) is a key part of the show - by taking the time to offer a professional, quality work environment for the artist you can help make a good night great for all!
Basics :
All items should be in full working order, in good condition and clean.
Decks / Mixers / CD Players / Inputs / Outputs :
Mixer : Pioneer DJM600 / 3000 / 909 or similar
Turntables : 2 – 3 Technics 1210 or similar
Cartridges : Ortofon – Concorde or OM Pro in excellent condition, worn styli are not acceptable
CD Player : 2 Pioneer CDJ1000 or similar
Foldback : (speakers for the DJ)
This is an essential piece of equipment for the DJ who needs to hear the "output" up close – this is to eliminate any delay caused by the distance between the DJ and the house system and to provide suitable sound level / quality. Foldback is often referred to (in the studio) as near field monitoring.
The foldback should be :
- Stereo (2 speakers running in stereo) – this system accommodates DJ’s who use either their left or right ear to listen with, creates a much better "image" to listen to and gives a much better idea of heavy stereo source material or stereo effects (centrally mounted mono boxes are sometimes used)
- On dedicated "booth send" from mixer
- Ideally mounted "near field" – within 60° of centre (dead ahead) and at ear level
- Floor mounted or speakers placed beyond 90° of centre (i.e. behind the DJ) are simply not acceptable
- Speakers should be at, or aimed towards the area of the DJ’s head – this is often achieved by "flying" the speakers over head or stand mounting off to the side
- Of suitable fidelity / quality and power to produce levels clear above the ambient noise / house system without clipping (sounding distorted)
- Amplifiers driving foldback speakers should be well ventilated on not prone to overheating
- Large, high power foldback systems should have limiters / safety protection : this cuts out (or heavily reduces) the sound level during a fault condition. Many musicians (especially drummers) have suffered burst eardrums or hearing damage from accidents with large, unprotected foldback.
DJ Booth - Layout & Ergonomics :
- The DJ booth should ideally be higher than the dance floor / punters and give a good view of the area
- The decks, mixer and other equipment should be on a stable and level surface that minimizes feedback
- Sloping mixers often make visibility and operability much easier
- The DJ should NOT have to stoop or lean to operate the equipment – avoid straining the DJ’s neck / back (a work surface height of 1m is great for most DJs)
- The floor should ideally be carpeted – DJ’s frequently stand still for long periods
- There should be adequate space for the DJs cases – typically behind them – at suitable height so they don’t have to bend
- Ideally the DJ booth should be safe and securable (door)
- Booth should be air-conditioned or at the very last have suitable fans
