| Many "How To Hire A Disc Jockey" articles overlook | | | | you like it. Is it full and warm or hollow and "tinny". Does |
| one of the most important criteria for choosing | | | | it sound like an AM radio or more like what you might |
| entertainment. Your ears. | | | | hear in a movie theatre? Is the base "punchy" but not |
| Forget checking for a business license (anyone can | | | | overwhelming, allowing room for the mids and highs? |
| get one), or endorsement by some distant, "official" DJ | | | | Are the highs making dogs howl? Are the mid-range |
| association. | | | | (vocals) present enough? Is the overall sound flat or is |
| How the DJ's system sounds is critical. Most DJs are | | | | there "depth"? |
| not experts in the technical realm of sound technology. | | | | Remember, this is what you and your guests will be |
| They may not even know what signal to noise ratio, | | | | hearing all night long. |
| total harmonic distortion or frequency response is. DJs | | | | While the sound can be enhanced by the use of |
| often put together a sound system that is limited by | | | | equalizers and sonic enhancers, the right speakers are |
| how much they can afford to spend. The resulting | | | | key. Whether it's JBL, Yamaha, Mackie or others, |
| sound may turn out to be shrill (too many highs), | | | | speakers have their own sound characteristics. And |
| unclear or "muddy" and even distorted. | | | | off-brand, budget speakers are often lacking in sound |
| This is where your ears come in. Ask for a live audition | | | | quality. Ask the DJ why he chose the speakers he |
| so you can gage for yourself how the DJ's equipment | | | | has. |
| looks and sounds. We always offer a live listening | | | | I personally dislike "hissing" brass or cymbal sounds |
| experience to our clients. This is the only way to know | | | | (highs) or too much bottom end (bass). For me, the |
| if you like it. If your DJ is not willing to "audition" for you, | | | | midrange is where the melody is and I like to hear it. |
| it may be because he is embarrassed by the look or | | | | Warm and full vocals, keyboards and guitar with the |
| audio quality of his rig. This is a red flag. | | | | highs and lows serving as complimentary bookends. |
| Have your prospective DJ play a song you know. | | | | For example, I'd rather hear emphasis on Sinatra's |
| Think of one that that incorporates bass, drums, | | | | voice over his bass player. |
| keyboards and vocals so you get a full range of | | | | Now go find the sound YOU like. You're already an |
| sounds. Dance songs are usually good. Ask the DJ to | | | | expert as you've been listening all your life. And you will |
| turn it up for a moment. Now close your eyes and | | | | have piece of mind as your event approaches, |
| listen. | | | | knowing your guests will experience sonic satisfaction! |
| You don't have to be an acoustic expert to know if | | | | |