4 Ways to Set Up Controllers in a Club

Setting up your controller rig at home is usually smooth as butter and seems to work perfectly every time. Confident in your set-up, you decide to bring it to the next gig and boom- 10 different complications pile up, your nerves go though the roof and the show does not go as planned. Sound familiar? Then continue reading as we have some solutions!

After over 7 years of setting up controllers in club environments, here are my 4 favorite methods for setting up controllers that result in the minimum stress and maximum respect to the other djs. (listed in order of preference)

1) Sound check on your own table 5 hours in advance (before club opens)

This is the ideal scenario for every controller dj with more than just one extra device. Show up to the club early and set up your gear well in advance in a CONTROLLED environment that will not change. Then when you show up to the club 30 minutes before your set you can just glide on with zero stress and maximum impact. In this scenario, everything you need is left on stage except for the laptop (which should never be left behind)

Advantages:

Set up is locked into place
Minimal pre-show stress
Hours to set up, tweak and solve bugs

Disadvantages:

Requires dialogue and coordination with sound techs (costs the venue money)
You’re officially “on the spot” and expected to put on a show!

2) Sound check in the booth 1-5 hours in advance

If you can’t get your own table/mixer/audio link to the mains then you may need to set up in the booth. This is the same as above except that your equipment may need to be moved into place just before playing. In the shot above, I started playing off to the side and then at the start of my set, equipment was moved and I got into the ideal ergonomic placement without disturbing the other dj. Here are the steps to follow:

Set-up all equipment in the most ideal positions possible- test as if you are djing then break down:

Tuck away sound card and leave it or RCA extension plugged into the mixer (mark the input if possible)
Leave the USB cable running to where your laptop will live
Tuck away controllers but keep USB cables running to eventual laptop position
Leave power cable plugged in

Just before your show

Connect controllers and sound card to computer off to the side (out of the way of the other dj)
Bring a long USB cable for the sound card in case your setup area is far from your eventual dj area
Boot up programs and test that audio signals are running into the mixer properly
Check to make sure your controllers are functioning properly
Close laptop if possible and place controllers on laptop

Once it’s time to switch

Move the laptop into position
Place the controllers in position
Everything should be connected and ready to go
Switch over to your input on the mixer
Plug in the headphones and rock it!

3) Set up during your timeslot (if you can afford to ease into the mix slowly)

Bring a record, mp3 player, CD, or anything available that is at least 20 minutes long
Mix into your pre-recorded mix in the least invasive way possible
CD’s off the CDJ’s are generally the easiest
Wait until the other dj has completely left the booth
Set up your gear rapidly but without stressing yourself

4) Super last minute

If an advance setup is not possible then absolutely give yourself a solid 30 minutes to complete the following tasks

Communicate to the opening dj “Hey, I am just casually setting up, no rush, you still have 30 minutes to play. I am going to be setting up a few things around you, please let me know if I get in your way”
Only make moves to plug things in and set up after the dj is done mixing, don’t come anywhere near the mixer during a blend
Take your time, be like Fonsie, and keep the vibe very relaxed

First Steps:

Connect controllers and sound card to computer off to the side (out of the way of the other dj)
Bring a long USB cable for the sound card in case your setup area is far from your eventual dj area
Boot up programs and test that audio signals are running into the mixer properly
Check to make sure controllers are functioning properly
Close laptop if possible and place controllers on laptop

Once it’s time to switch: