Making Money As A Mobile DJ with DJ PA Systems

This DJ equipment review is a guide geared towards teaching you how to build DJ PA systems and how to buy the right parts for your specific application such as buying DJ equipment for parties and how to charge your customers accordingly.

PA systems are built for Mobile DJs. Mobile DJs are very unique people in the sense that they are somewhat of a Battle DJ and Club DJ rolled into one. A little from column 'A' and a little from column 'B', if you will. Why is this?

Well, for one reason they have an assortment of DJ music just like the Club DJ but from time to time they showcase some Battle DJ skills on their turntables for the crowd when asked.

Mobile DJs use DJ PA systems to cover all types of events such as, proms, parties, corporate events, conventions, national television events (usually sports), wedding receptions, bar mitzvahs, college parties, engagement party weddings, family reunions, high school parties, office parties, honeymoons and other special occasions.

On average I've found the going price to procure the talents of a Mobile DJ range from $350 to $2500. My buddy, Gamez, that produces music with me, says he has charged as much as $750 for 6 hours including setup and break down.

Audio Choice C100 100W Portable PA System

Here is an oversimplified break down of what you should charge your customer for the use of your DJ PA system:

1. Gas and mileage to and from the event if you have to drive more than 50 miles charge anywhere from $1.00 - $1.39 per mile for every mile over 50. You can figure this out on mapquest.com

2. Vehicle fee - you need to keep your vehicle in proper working condition. It's part of your livelihood. That is what this charge is for.

3. DJ PA system and DJ equipment rental fee

4. Set up and break down fee

5. Time playing music

This is how it breaks down but to your customers they only want to know how much and how long they have your services.

When you approach your customer with the price the only thing they NEED to know what they are being charge for is the time they book. So you need to charge them accordingly.

Make sure you charge them about at minimum $100 for gas, mileage and vehicle fee. Role that into the whole price but don't tell them they are being charged for that. I've found that you lose more customers that way.

The one difference between the Mobile DJ and the other two is that the Mobile DJ is a self contained entertainment unit because of the DJ PA system. Every piece of DJ gear the Mobile DJ has must be movable.

Yamaha EMX212S-BR12 PA Package

You can get discount PA Systems by clicking this link.

Well, here is a list of DJ equipment you will need if you are considering a career as a Mobile DJ.

First you need to consider what type of DJ PA system you will need. Choose a system that is flexible. The most flexible you can get is by buying individual components that you spec out yourself. If you are doing large events where the focus is dancing like college parties then you need to buy individual components.

This is a bit more expensive but you know you are getting the best components and you are not locked into one brand.

Here is an example.

Amplifiers

You are looking for low impedance and gritty power from 400 watts on up. I like to start from 500 watts myself. Also look for LED indicators for overload to the amp and heat sensors. These indicators are crucial to helping you protect your system from a crash and burn.

Here are a couple of choices for you to consider.

Crown CE2000 Power Amp
Crown CE2000 Power Amp

Speakers

When buying speakers remember that the larger the magnet, the bigger the sound. 2 inch titanium magnets are good. Make sure your speakers can handle large amounts of watts from your amps and have an automatic kill switch to protect your speakers from blowing.

Take a look at these:

Yamaha S115V Club Series V Speaker

The Yamaha S115V Club Series V Speaker is all about big house sound. Gigging bands, mobile DJs, and houses of worship helped make the first 4 generations of Yamaha Club Series Speakers incredibly popular. The refinements of generation V continue this success story with larger enclosures for improved low-frequency performance, improved drivers for higher power handling, redesigned crossovers, stronger grilles, and dual Speakon and 1/4" connectors. With professional features, excellent sonic performance, and great value, Club Series loudspeakers deliver premium quality night after night.The S115V 2-way enclosure features a 15" driver and 2" tweeter with a titanium diaphragm. Frequency response: (-10dB) 55Hz-16kHz. 500W program handling, 1,000W peak. Sensitivity: 99dB. 19"W x 28"H x 15"D. 61 lbs.

Microphones

All that needs to be said is Shure. They're sturdy and reliable.

Shure SM58 Mic

Legendary for its uncanny ability to withstand abuse that would destroy any other microphone, the Shure SM58 has not only helped to define the sound of rock vocals on stage, it's also been used as a hammer to build stages and gone on to perform flawlessly later at the gig. Using a club's house system? You'll be singing through an SM58. And in the studio? Guess what mic Bruce Swedien used to fatten up Michael Jackson's vocals on the Thriller album .The Shure SM58 Mic is world-renowned for its distinctive upper-midrange presence peak that ensures an intelligible, lively sound. Perfectly fits the hand, balanced for total comfort during long gigs. Frequency response is a smooth, vocal-tailored 50Hz-15kHz, and the price is a bargain considering its life expectancy.

Shure Beta 58A Mic

DJ Mixers

These are two of your basic DJ Mixers. Plenty of inputs, bright LEDs and functionality. These are two very dependable mixers and when treated properly they can last you a long time.

Don't forget DJ cases for your DJ equipment.

DJ Turntables

I gave you some choices to build your own DJ PA system with different brands because I did not want to lock you into only one choice. These are all excellent products.

Remember to buy cables, cases and appropriate accessories for all of your DJ equipment and DJ PA system.

Power strips and extension cords and plenty of them.

As you can see building DJ PA systems don't come cheap but they will last a long time and will make you money many times over.

If you are considering buying a self contained DJ PA system for small parties and music is being played for people to dance to then you should consider the Kustom KPM8420 PA system.

It has everything you need to get started as a Mobile DJ. With a 400 watt powered amplifier all cables included for your speakers and microphones and a pair of speaker stands this DJ PA system is more than enough for your first gig.

If your clients are of the corporate nature and image is everything to them and price is of minimal concern then for superior sound and quality I always looked to Bose. After a little research I found that the Bose 802 III/MB4 System Package was the best in its class for DJ PA systems.

Bose 802 III/MB4 Speaker Package

Bose innovation does it again. The 802 III/MB4 System Package includes the cutting edge Panaray Digital System Controller, 2 AKG D2200s mics, a pair of 802 III speakers, and earth-shifting bass from 2 MB4 subwoofers for serious bottom end. (Select optional system cables based on the needs of your setup. Package does not include a power amp which is necessary for operation.) The 802 Series III loudspeakers deliver the audio quality you need for medium-size clubs, large indoor venues and outdoor spaces. Speakers use 8 advanced technology 4.5" drivers to deliver warm, full, detailed sound without conventional tweeters and woofers. The 802 Series III speakers are designed to withstand the rigors of outdoor use with newly upgraded transducers built to handle snow, rain, extreme cold, and intense heat without missing a beat. The Panaray MB4 Modular Bass Loudspeakers provide massive bottom-end response and wide bandwidth. Modular design makes it easy to stack and add multiple units for custom bass arrays. Each MB4 contains 4 - 5.2" low-frequency drivers. They can sit on the floor, suspend from the ceiling, or be mounted on a wall. The Panaray Digital System Controller gives you a level of control and ease of use previously unavailable in active EQ systems. Bass can be directed to specific areas of a venue with uncanny accuracy, i.e. to the dancefloor and not to the bar. Presets store various EQ settings for...

The DSP interface allows you to create a bass array with the MB4 subwoofers so you can control the direction of the bass with pinpoint accuracy.

Bose® 1800-VI Amplifier (Quantity 2) one for the loud speakers the other for the sub-woofers. This will give you up to 2000 watts of power. This amp costs a little under $1000. When you buy Bose you not only buy top quality you buy the name as well.

You also need a mixer like the Mackie 1642-VLZ PRO Mixer(no FX) or the Mackie CFX-16 Mixer (w/FX) for additional components such as mics.

The more I read about the system the more I liked it. Here are few of the best benefits.

Directional control of the MB4 sub-woofers.
Active EQ on the speakers.
Customize settings or use presets with the Panaray Digital Controller.
Software upgrades not hardware upgrade for the controller. Save you money in the long run.
Built in limiter as not to over power the speakers.

The package from Musicians Friend includes the following.

Panaray® System Digital Controller (Quantity 1)
Panaray® MB4 Modular Bass Loudspeaker (Quantity 2)
802 Series lll Loudspeakers (Quantity 2)
SS-10 Stands (Quantity 2)
AKG D2200S dynamic microphones(Quantity 2)

You can expect to spend about $6000 when it's all said and done. But you will be extremely satisfied with your purchase and You'll never have to buy another PA system again. It will also retain a high resell value if you decide to sell it.

By the way, I would recommend you buy your DJ equipment (DJ turntables, DJ mixer, and DJ accessories) first before you buy your DJ PA system.

If you plan on buying components to build your DJ PA systems then you should build your DJ PA systems gradually if you don't have the money to buy everything at once.

I hope this DJ equipment review of DJ PA systems was helpful to you.

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