Many DJs are switching to a digital set up with computers to avoid lugging around hundreds of records.
With the advent of computer technology, more disc jockeys are using digital equipment instead of turntables and records. With a DJ system, all music can be stored on a computer's hard drive and played with the touch of a button. A DJ sound system, however, need to be connected to a computer for it to work properly.
Instructions
1. Turn down the master volume on the main mixer of the sound system, and unplug the power. Set up the computer where the DJ will be performing. Open the music player program that the DJ will be using and begin the music with the computer's volume turned up half way.
2. Set up the direct box next to the laptop. Plug in either a USB or firewire cable into the direct box, and then into the laptop. Turn on the direct box if it is self-powered (most compact models use the computer's power supply).
3. Plug the main output cables (that once ran into the record player or mixing table) into the direct box, noting that the direct box can accommodate either an XLR or 1/4-inch cable connection.
4. Plug in the main mixer and turn on. Slowly push the sliders of the main volume up until the music that is playing on the laptop is audible. Adjust the sound quality on the laptop by right clicking the speaker icon in the bottom right hand icon tray. Select "Open volume control," and move the sliders up and down on the "treble" and "bass" interface until the mixer is producing a balanced sound.
5. Adjust the knobs that control the treble and bass on the mixing board to increase clarity or boost a certain range of sound (for example, in a large open echoing room, it may be necessary to boost the treble more than the computer is able to).
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