Hi friends. I was at Herrang this month for a few weeks, where I heard one million DJs, some of them truly exceptional (Yulai Liu!), some of them good, some ok.
Anyway, the interesting thing was hearing how sound quality depended on what technology people were using. In this particular event the tech crew are truly top shelf. And they’ll work with you to make stuff sound good. I routinely ask them to help me improve the sound quality when I’m DJing. And they are VERY happy to stop you sounding shit. đŸ˜ƒ
I have rubbish hearing now, so I can’t really hear minute changes in levels or whatevs. But I did notice that when a DJ was using spotify the quality of sound they got through the speakers was really bad. And because it ‘sounded bad’, they’d turn the volume up so they could ‘hear it’. So then it actually sounded worse.
I’m not sure if it’s because people were using the free version of spotify (v the premium one), but the quality was really truly bad.
I noticed it mostly when a new DJ took over (using spotify) after another DJ who was using their own collection. How do I know who was using what? I asked, or I’d seen their screen earlier.
I don’t ever smack talk a DJ when they’re playing or about to, because that’s not ever ok. But I did think to myself ‘Someone has to talk to them about this.’ Because most of them were newer DJs (ie post-covid), or less experienced, they didn’t realise that getting into EQ stuff could help the sound.
If you’re a spotify-using DJ reading along, please take some time to compare the sound quality between using spotify and using another media player on a big sound system. Do it before the gig or after. Turn it on, turn it up, walk around. Play with the EQ. Ask a friend to walk around with you. They don’t need to be a tech person or a DJ – just a human with ears. Your laptop soundcard is not good enough to reveal the differences.
What’s the problem, and what’s the solution?
– The problem: the quality of the actual music file is shithouse. Not the original recording. The song file thingy.
– The other problem: the DJ doesn’t have enough experience to hear just how awful the sound quality is. So they don’t correct it. They turn the volume up because they ‘can’t hear the song properly’. The instinct is right (it doesn’t sound good, so it needs fixing), but the solution isn’t.
– Solution: yes, they could swap to spotify premium or to buying music. But let’s be real: that’s not possible for everyone. Not now, anyway. They could start to slowly collect music, which is better than getting a massive dump of music all at once. But what can we do right now?
Actual solution: Learning to work sound gear.
This can be tricky if you’re shy or scared or not in a position to take social risks. But here are some things you can do:
– Ask for help.
If you’re at a big event (or a small one!) approach a nice-seeming DJ or tech person and ask them if they have time to talk. Then ask them one million questions, take photos, and write everything down. Don’t just talk, ask if you can adjust the knobs yourself. That physical experience is super important.
Remember that a lot of sound guys (I specify men) can be awkward, shy, or have rubbish social skills. That’s ok, so do a lot of lindy hoppers. But this might mean you have to be extra patient and brace for a weird interaction. That’s ok. Jazz is weird.
And some DJs can be arseholes who don’t want to share. That’s also ok – it’s their problem. Just say “Thanks anyway,” and let it go.
Ask after a gig, or in the afternoon, or at another time when people aren’t crazy busy. Mid-sound check is not a good time, nor is mid-set. But you can ask at lunch time and then perhaps they’ll let you sit in on a set to see things happen in real time.
You might offer to pay them for an hour of their time (think of it as being like a private class with a good teacher). Most of them won’t let you pay.
Take a buddy if you’re scared. That’s totally legit (and also something I do).
– If you see me at an event, DEFINITELY ask me.
I love doing this stuff with people. Because tech changes, and I have a rubbish memory and am actually awful at equalisers and things, so I like a refresher.
At Herräng this year I did a tech tour with Chinanski (lovely tech guy) and we took a little group into every DJ booth in the desk, we twiddled knobs, we climbed on the stage, we played with the mic. I encouraged them to come talk to me when I’m DJing and they could play with the sound desk. And one person did, and now I have a new friend and also she will be the best DJ ever because she was LOCKED IN.
NB: I will always prioritise women, enby, and trans folk because DJing is still a massive white penis fest.
– There are other great DJs who’re happy to do this stuff. They’ll chime in in the comments (hopefully!)
So go hard, my DJ friends: you are worth more than a dodgy sound.
[photo is of Jan, my favourite tech person at Herräng, fixing up the dodgiest tech set up ever. I was using records for the first time (in combo with my laptop and the mic), and I was shitscared. So I asked for help, and then I learnt a lot, and it went well. I didn’t scratch a single record.]