In-house Sound Systems

By Guest Blogger, Micahael Coombs, WPICC of Prodigy Entertainment, and President of the Canadian Professional Disc Jockey Association

Michael has won the 2008 & 2009 "Best Wedding DJ" Awards from the Canadian Wedding Industry Awards

This past week I had the opportunity to speak to a number of DJ's and Band Leaders about an issue that is causing ruckus throughout the Live Music and DJ industry, and will effect some of you directly as well.  The In-house sound system.

Over 3 years ago I was doing a Wedding for over 300 people.  I gave them probably one of the best introductions that I have ever done and then hit play on the venues CD players.  "Blip".  The song didn't play.  So I hit it again.  "Blip".  The song still didn't play and after repeatedly hitting the worn button, the song finally came on.  Only after having 600 eyes turn to me in disgust having screwed up the Bride & Grooms grand entrance.  And all this could have been avoided, if the equipment the venue forced my clients, and I, to use was not only up-to-date, but well-maintained.Over 3 years ago I was doing a Wedding for over 300 people.  Everyone was seated and I was conducting the introductions for the Bridal party.  The crowd was ecstatic and having a blast!  Cheering, clapping and whistling; it was an amazing atmosphere!  After the Maid of Honor and the Best Man came dancing into the ballroom, it was time for the Bride and Groom.

Over the last few years I've seen many venues install in-house DJ systems, where the DJ or Band has to plug into the existing system, or from a DJ stand-point, not bring in any equipment at all.  Now like anything, there are pro's and con's to this arrangement, and I can understand why some venues do it.  Aesthetics would be a main reason.  Having speakers hidden in ceilings, under stages etc. looks great!  However, the DJ should be allowed to bring in their own "console" and plug into the in-house set-up.  With the amount of different CD players, MP3 units and computer DJ programs on the market that DJ's are using, trying to force every DJ to use archaic and worn-out, run-down DJ systems, and having their clients pay for it is a travesty.  Again, would you tell a Band that they can't use their own instruments, but have to use instruments supplied by the venue?  No.  So why enforce it on DJ's???   

When you're looking at a venue that supplies its own sound system, here are a few things that you should ask or be aware of:

1) Will there be a tech there all night in case something goes wrong?  If being forced into using an in-house system, there should be a tech on-site to handle any issues that may arise.  Not a phone call away, ON-SITE! I was at an event last year, where the MIC had to be turned up for speeches and no one on the staff knew how to do it, or even where the mixer was???  And there was no tech on-site to fix the problem.

2) Is there an additional fee if your client was to bring in their own DJ to use the in-house system and not the in-house DJ service?  Some venues will charge well over $500.00 to allow an "outside" DJ into the premises.

3) The DJ should be allowed to bring in their own DJ console and plug into the house system.  Most venues will allow this, however you may have to push a little.  It's like telling a photographer that they have to use someone else's camera to shoot the wedding.  Yeah, right.  If you wouldn't force another vendor to use unfamiliar gear, then why a DJ? If you want the DJ to do the best job they can, wouldn't you want them to feel comfortable with the equipment they are using?

4) What's the Back-up plan???  I've heard more stories this past week of in-house sound systems going down in the middle of Weddings and Special Events than I could ever imagine.  And when it does, all the venue can say is "sorry".  If you are being forced into using an in-house system, ask what their back-up plan is in case it goes down?  If they tell you that it has never gone down and not to worry, find another venue.

5) What will it cost???  Some venues fail to inform the client of how much the sound rental is for the evening.  Then a month out, they get a bill for anywhere between $500 & $1000 that they didn't know about.nice!  Get the cost up-front so you know what your dealing with.

So, when using a venue with an in-house sound system, please keep the above items in mind and ask lot's of questions.  Ultimately, you want all your vendors to perform to the best of their abilities and be comfortable in their surroundings.  You don't want any vendor to screw up because they are unfamiliar with what their forced to work with.  You can't repeat a Wedding, so why take that risk?  Be sure that the DJ knows what their getting into and be sure the venue will allow them to bring in their own "instruments" for the sake of making your party as exciting and stress free as you have envisioned it!