Our Technical Setup
Unlike many other events and venues we like to ensure all our performers are forearmed with knowledge of the equipment we use at our parties. We prefer not to use 'controllers' as these provide an inconsistent and sometimes inaccessible experience. By providing the industry standard equipment we hope that we give everyone the best experience in the booth.
Depending on venue and production size we have three configurations, you will be notified which to expect.
All booths will have locally controllable monitor speaker and access to a microphone should you wish to use one.
Minimum setup
- 2 x Pioneer CDJ3000
- 1 x Pioneer DJM-V10
(Mixer inputs 3 & 4)
Medium Setup
- 3 x Pioneer CDJ3000
- 1 x Pioneer DJM-V10
(Mixer inputs 3,4 and 5 or 2,3 and 4 depending on layout)
The full 'Jay Roberts'
- 4 x Pioneer CDJ3000
- 1 x Pioneer DJM-V10
- 1 x Pioneer DJS-1000 (coming soon)
- 1 x Pioneer RMX-1000/2000 (coming soon when released)
(CDJ's will be 2,3,4 and 5, DJS 1 or 6 depending on layout, RMX on send/return FX loop)
About the DJM-V10
Some people seem to be really scared of this mixer, like mortally paranoid crying to their mum. We think its awesome which is why we use it.
We've no plans to get an A9 as technically its a lower model designed to be above the 900NXS2 but not in the flagship range.
The DJM-V10 is a 6-channel mixer with a lot of other features.
It operates just the same as a 900 series that you're likely familiar with.
You also get both 1/4" and 3.5mm headphone jacks - so no more needing to scrounge one of those gold adapters that you never return.
And it also has two entirely separate headphone sections - A and B so if you were doing a back-to-back one of you can use the A and the other can use B without having to pass headphones around and keep changing levels. Both can monitor whatever they want independently of the other.
Search youtube for various videos about it and if you need some familiarisation time this can be arranged - contact Mikaela early enough.
Booth Monitor
We will always aim to provide at least one booth monitor, larger setups will have the 'texas headphones' type configuration.
The level will be able to be controlled locallonly on the DJ mixer via the BOOTH knob.
The booth monitor(s) are separately EQ'd and maximum level set both to protect equipment and your ears by our sound engineer, if its not loud enough please ask.
Microphone
Most of you won't need this but should you wish to scream "1,2,3,4" or "put your f---ing hands up" or whatever floats your boat at the crowd we have a wireless mic available.
Please be aware this is NOT plugged into the DJ mixer - please see the 'recordings' section
We do this because the mic pre-amps on all pioneer's mixer ranger are dog sh-t in our opinion.
If you need a return feed for comfort in your headphones let us know well in advance and we can easily make this available.
Recordings
FRESH aims to record every event in full and then provide individual, fully mastered and ready to upload exports of your sets.
We record the output from the DJ mixer, any microphones and also some ambient mics pointed at the crowd to gather any reaction (cheering etc).
This can take our engineer a short while to produce after the event but our aim is to provide a 'live feel' to the recording, this means it will be slightly 'wet'.
Making your own recording because you want to be different.
Sometimes you might want a dry recording - although we can provide this as we record in multi-track mode, you are welcome to connect an iPhone or other iOS device to the mixer and use the DJM-REC app available from the app store (not available for non-iOS devices).
If you do this, it is entirely at your own ability to do so, please do not ask our technician on site, google how to do it in advance. Its not that hard - install the app and bring a USB to iPhone cable and ensure you're downloaded the app in advance.
Here is a link to Pionner's website about using this feature. https://www.pioneerdj.com/en-gb/product/software/djm-rec/dj-app/overview/
This takes a recording from the REC-OUT bus on the mixer.
In case you go to another gig with similar setup, DJM-REC is compatible with: DJM900NXS2, DJM-V10, DJM-V10LF, DJM-A9, DJM-750MK2, DJM-450 and DJM-TOUR1.
It should be as simple as plug-in, open the app, press record.
You will need to properly manage changeover if the person before you is doing same.
Red-line policy
BIGGER SIGNAL equals QUIETER!
Red-lights are for prostitutes only not DJ mixers. Whichever idiot got everyone onto this path of running the mixer into the red needs catching and giving a good going over.
Don't do what someone else does just because your hero DJ does it - if they ran off a cliff would you follow them?
Our policy is that our equipment after the DJ mixer has a very harsh compressor/limiter designed to absolutely crush your sound and make it quieter - its still going to sound distorted and awful but at least you won't be able to blow the speakers.
Our second policy is we will stand and laugh at you for sounding quiet.
Keep all channels to 0db/+3db or thereabouts including the master channel.
You worry about mixing, we'll worry about loudness to the public. Some venues have a sound limit policy, if we exceed it their system will cut the power off to the DJ booth.
Our engineer will deliver the best sound to the audience for the system and number of people present.
You are likely behind the sound system and think its not loud enough when its probably at an uncomfortable level.
"It sounded quiet so I had to redline it" is not an acceptable excuse.
If the limiter does cut in it does it on a ratio (we're not going to tell you what) so reduce the mixer and the room sound will come back up automatically.
Why so complex?
Its not that complex - it just sounds like it is but its really not. We feel that giving you as much information as possible helps prepare you and calm any nerves.
Nothing worse than an event organiser not telling you what gear will be available and you having to whing it and feel you didn't get your best performance.
Leave that worry behind with FRESH.
Your experience will mostly be plug your USB in, plug your headphones in and entertain the crowd.
Why no vinyl? You're not a real DJ unless you're playing on vinyl (and other out dated rubbish)
Lets start by saying we absolutely LOVE vinyl, its richness, tactile feel, the sleeves, the smell, the everything but its 2023 - Leave that heavy and extremely expensive vinyl collection on your shelves at home where it belongs.
In your collection! Not in a box being dragged about and at risk of loss or major damage.
We've zero interest in pandering to turntable problems and having to move things around in the booth because of this, that or the other.
Plus a box of vinyl takes up floor space we just don't have.
As a travelling gig, its unlikely we'd be able to reduce the bass-feedback properly while maintaining stability of the turntable.
All it will take is one punter jumping up and down and your needle will skip.
Don't go there about concrete slabs and half tennis balls and other hacks. Zip it! Not interested.
And ultimately the only people that will care if you're playing on vinyl or digital will be you or the other DJ's - the crowd doesn't care - they really really don't.
We'll confirm your digital status (no tyrannical reference intended) before confirming your booking.