The canvas of DJ responsibilities at parties and concerts has got much broader than ever before. They are responsible not only for music but for setting up and controlling the lighting and several other aesthetics of the venue. Lighting adds a lot of charm at any concert, nightclub, wedding, or other parties and get-togethers.
If you have just started as a mobile DJ then this title will help you with one of the most important things of your responsibilities as a DJ. It is about setting up the DJ lights which requires a strategy and as well as knowledge of the equipment to maximize it effectively.
Setting up DJ lights for the first time could be tough and then you will gradually learn with experience. The idea here is to ensure not only about operating the lights but also doing it strategically. The following are the key steps to follow in setting up the DJ lights at any venue:
1. Know the Equipment
All DJ lights are not the same just as all fingers are not equal. Therefore, it is important to know the lighting equipment well. Learn more about how to control dj lights. You should know that what type of light it is and what configurations it has got to offer. Once you familiarize yourself with the light then only you will be able to maximize it strategically in any given venue. The equipment could be wash lights, LED lights, strobe lights, UV lights, black lights or laser lights, etc. with still or moving heads. Operating them could differ based on their specific type.
2. Focus on Safety
The DJ lights are categorized under heavy electrical equipment and this warrants all the safety precautions to be taken. If you are purchasing a new set of DJ light or taking it on rent then make sure that it adheres to all the best safety standards related to its cables and other components with which you will be making possible contact. Once you have got the right DJ light then place it on the tripod or any other applicable stand where you must ensure that the stand is stable with smooth legs. Safety also requires DJs to install the light at a safe location at the venue.
3. Placement
The DJs must look to place light in a way that it could cover the venue in the most effective manner. At the same time, it is also important that you should not blind the audience by directing it straight on their faces. This also requires you to understand the range and impact of the moving heads. If you have a 60W light then go with a 3W scanner which would minimize the impact of the light on the eyes of the audience.
4. Operating
Once you are done with the strategic placement of the light and with the cabling then switch on the light for a test run. To operate it, the majority of the DJ lights come with a remote control or a wireless foot switch even. It could be also useful for some DJs on a low budget to go for the DMX controller. If they could spend a little more, then the DMX software along with an interface could be a great option. The DMX software will allow you to make the entire DJ lighting setup quite simpler and flexible.
5. Adding Effects
As you get more and more experience with the DJ lighting then this is the time when you look to add in more effects. You could do so by including light setups including strobes, fog machines, and other such type of things. Make sure that adding every extra light would mean an extra layer of complexity in operating the equipment. Therefore, you mustn’t look to make the lighting setup complicated, or else you will find yourself struggling in operating the equipment. This addition of effects is not for novice users. They must look to keep things simple. Only experienced DJs with lighting should look to add such effects to the lighting system.
Conclusion
If you as a DJ have your own set of DJ lights then you will be on advantage as compared to those who do not have one. You will be more accustomed to the dynamics of the light and that will save you a lot of time and effort while setting up the equipment at any venue. Even if you are new with the DJ lights then following the above guide will ensure that you can set up DJ lights independently and with no secondary support. Gradually with experience, you will be able to add more lighting effects to the overall DJ lights setup.
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