Allow extra time to hook up a DJ sound system.
If you're a mobile DJ or need to provide your own equipment for a gig or event, setting up the system takes time. But the process becomes easier when you do it frequently. Always allow extra time to hook up your DJ system-in case problems arise.
Instructions
DJ Hook Up With CD Players
1. Remove the equipment from their cases and arrange and to set up the equipment prior to connecting any wires.
2. Place the DJ mixer between the turntables or CD players. Put the speakers near the DJ equipment table-either on the floor or on their stands and facing outward. Make sure the speaker wire and plugs are able to reach the power strip or you will have to use extension cords.
3. Place the monitor on the floor next to the DJ stand or on a separate table-either on the left or right side, depending on your preference.
4. Connect the DJ mixer to the amp using an XLR connector-three-prong connector either male or female-which is labeled on the back end of the mixer. Make sure the connections correspond to the right channels. If using channel one to connect from the mixer to the amp, then you should also be connected into channel one of the amplifier, then into the speaker. Make sure the amp is turned off and the gains (volume) is all the way down prior to plugging it into the power strip.
5. Plug the speakers directly into the power strip or extension cords, and then into the power strip or outlet. Do not turn the power switch on until everything is plugged in and connected.
6. Turn the master volume down on the mixer prior to powering up. Adjust any switches or levers to correspond with the channels you're using. Adjust the crossfader's curve and assign the crossfader channels, if needed. If you use the crossfader as you mix versus using the channel's volume control, the designated channels must be assigned or the crossfader won't execute properly.
7. Connect both CD players into the mixer using the RCA connectors. The RCA usually has two connections-red and white. Plug the red wire to the back of the player in its corresponding color. Connect the other end of the cable to the back of the DJ mixer and into the channel you're using-also using the red or white input that corresponds to the wire's colors.
8. Plug the CD players into the power strip and turn the power on. Double check that the pitch control is set to your preference-CD players have a pitch adjust that can go +12/-12. The standard for most CD players or turntables is +8/-8.
9. Place a CD into one of the CD players and test your levels to make sure everything is connected properly. Turn up the gains on the amp and adjust your master volume on the mixer. Adjust the treble and bass as well as the volume levels on the back of the speakers, if any.
DJ Hook Up With Turntables
10. Follow the directions of steps one through six.
11. Connect both turntables into the mixer using the RCA connectors. The RCA usually has two connections-red and white. Plug the red wire to the back of the player in its corresponding color. Connect the other end of the cable to the back of the DJ mixer and into the channel you're using-also using the red or white input that corresponds to the wire's colors.
12. Connect the turntable ground wire from both turntables to the grounding screw also located on the top of the mixer. You will see a medium-sized screw labeled "phono ground" or "ground." Unscrew it just enough to wrap the exposed portion of the grounding wires, then tighten the screw. If you hear a buzz or hum you may need to unscrew it, reattach the wires and tighten the screw again.
13. Attach the needles to the turntable tone-arms and put slip mats on both platters.
14. Plug the turntables into the power strip and turn the power on. Place a record on one of the platters and adjust the master volume on the mixer. Turn up the gains on the amplifier and adjust any levels on the speakers, if any.
Tags: power strip, into power, into power strip, back mixer, into channel, master volume