How to Soundcheck DJ Equipment

Nothing kills a dancing mood faster than a terrible sound coming from the speakers. A good DJ ensures the dancing lasts long into the night by performing a sound check on his equipment before the party even starts. It's a crucial part of setting up your equipment and only takes a few minutes.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Turn on one of your players, whether it's a turntable, a CD player, an mp3 player or your computer, and play a song.

2. Listen to the sound. Make sure it's coming from all of the channels and has the right balance.

3. Move the speakers until the sound is balanced when you're standing directly between them. If you have two speakers and you're standing halfway between the speakers, the volume and sound should be the same in both of your ears.

4. Adjust your mixer until the balance is between the bass and the treble. The bass should be slightly louder. The treble carries over almost everything.

5. Check all of your other players to make sure they're hooked up and you're hearing them through all the channels.

6. Switch on your microphone to check it against the volume of the music. You don't want it to be so loud that it overpowers the music, but if it's too quiet no one will hear you.

Tips & Warnings

• Use songs you have heard many times for your sound check. You'll have a better idea of how the music should sound and what to do to adjust your equipment settings.