Wedding DJ survival kit

Here's a short video discussing essential backup gear to have on-hand while DJing weddings. After many years of being a wedding DJ based in CT, I've put together my perfect package of DJ equipment that seems to get me out of any unexpected situation I may have. I hope you enjoy and please leave me some comments about what you may have in your gig bag that I don't have in mine. Thanks!

[@djnoy842]

Yes I agree with you regarding helping other vendors who are unprepared. There was one videographer who needed to patch in to my mixer to capture the speeches but he didn't have the cable but I had mine. In the end it was about teamwork

[@atlas3863]

DJ Noy that’s what separates a well seasoned DJ that cares about repeat business and the fly by night that doesn’t give 2 shits. most Customers have no clue if their consumer grade equipment is compatible with pro equipment. even if they did know most of them probably wouldn’t know how to solve the problem especially if the equipment isn’t on site yet.

[@DandyDoesIt]

You have a wonderful attitude! I agree we are there to serve!

[@djcar5181]

As soon as you mentioned being prepared for the videographer because we get paid good money to make somebody's day special I hit the subscribe button. Good on ya.

[@johnhyde8315]

Ethical DJ like me. We need more of your kind in the industry.

[@TeaBagginsMcGee]

Excellent video brother! Love the custom powercon 4 plugs that double as extension cables and the wireless speaker idea!!!

[@djhurtutorials]

Thanks for your excellent idea especially the powercon on your extension, that's very useful

[@Lordblanca]

Are you kidding, that is the best config I've seen to date. You are a definite follow and bell !

[@rlxray2402]

Thanks for the awesome video and I appreciate you taking some time and sharing great advice.

[@robbspencer]

I couldn't agree more about making everything work even if someone else is not prepared. My focus is making the event the best it can be. I will help anybody anytime any way I can. Especially if it's audio. I guess doing live sound and playing in bands before djing has taught me about being ready. I always have my ipad open and ready with all the same music i need for the night just in case. It has saved my butt more than once!

[@arabicdjtoronto4498]

Always good to be prepared! totally agree!

[@DJCharlieHorse]

taking your idea for powercon quad boxes!! that is brilliant!

[@Mortgage.Borges]

Great video. Thumbs up. Good info on putting together a DJ “survival kit.”

[@djtekitizi]

Thank you for this very informative video.

[@DJBigMac209]

great video! I had to start bringing a bag with paper towels and a regular towel. I opened a soda bottle right before the guest arrived and forgot it had been shaking around the tote , luckly I turned from the controller when I opened it and spray and fizz everywhere. So I would say towels,but no doubt you've probably thought of that

[@jdentertainmentdjmcservice409]

Love It , been Djing since 1994 , great setup and yes agree really do not need to be the hero but nice to make your Bride & Groom happy at the end of the day ! again Great video and good idea's ! James

[@rjpimprov]

Superb! Agree on the sennheiser. Guys need to spend the money where it counts. And you can never go wrong with their products.

[@djgoya1729]

Great video. loving the powercon...

[@Joaquin77]

thanks for the advice and the tips. You never know when you will need THAT cable that will save the night! wish you the best and keep the content.. saludos!

[@JSEntertainmentCo]

Thank you!

[@aldarroch3303]

Great tips. Going to share with my Los Angeles ADJA group.

[@henryesparza8663]

Just make it work, Best way to put it. Be the hero

[@tuneroneff]

Thank you. For sharing.

[@DJ.Kvn_]

Very resourceful , thank you for doing this

[@JSEntertainmentCo]

Thank you for watching!

[@jessezepeda3990]

Great Video. Much appreciated from another fellow Dj.

[@JSEntertainmentCo]

Thanks... I have made quite a few updates. I'll make a new video soon.

[@djdannybhtx]

Great Video!!

[@DJMichaelKhoury]

Great video. Thank you for the tips.

[@JSEntertainmentCo]

Thanks!

[@djpuma007]

Best wedding kit ever

[@djenphuze558]

I added black and white all purpose ties, they come in handy!!!

[@lucidsamples]

thanks for video , appreciate it

[@JSEntertainmentCo]

Lucidsamples Thank you for the comment!

[@Jrosp2si]

I always carry a cheap portable controller in addition to my big rig gives me more control and I typically use it for the ceremony or cocktail hour

[@dennispeaks]

Thanks for your post, I am not a DJ but I emcee events and officiate weddings, sometimes I need to bring my gear and like you I always carry with me just in case. I will be adding a few more things to my kit!

[@JSEntertainmentCo]

Thanks for the comment Dennis. That video is a couple of years old now and I've streamlined my "kit." I'll likely be producing a new survival kit video soon!

[@dennispeaks]

@@JSEntertainmentCo we will be looking forward to seeing what changes you have made. I like your attitude, I always bring plenty of cables, extra batteries, cell phone cables and power strips at events and booths, people are always and what we do to help make the event successful does not go unnoticed. I was just at an event over the summer at a park, the DJ who is a good friend of mine had his gear there and the city forgot to unlock the power box. Fortunately I had my battery powered Amplivox sw915 digital travel partner handy and saved the day.

[@JSEntertainmentCo]

@@dennispeaks That's an awesome ending to what could have been a disaster!

[@henniewagner]

Great video! I would just add stuff like a flashlight, pocket knife, earplugs etc.

[@DazzaDirect]

@JoeBunovsky great video , practical information well presented, i really liked your idea of using a sennheiser transmitter kit tx/rx kit in reverse to overcome the dreaded long runs and doorway/access issues, what are your systems UHF or VHF ? The only thing i couldn't see that hasn't been mentioned below (torch/earplugs/swiss knife mentioned already) were cable ties (zip-ties? you may call them) i usually have a CO2 and a first aid kit too, thanks for the video !

[@llewellyn56]

Very nice setup. Lots of DJ.s can learn from you. I worked at a country club. Wow the stuff i havw seen scary. They always ask for batteries cable and extention cord and duck tape. Some guys call themselves DJ’s

[@helmanfrow]

The only thing I would change in your kit (or add to it) is a passive stereo DI, not just mono; for balancing and unbalancing stereo signals.

[@djilyaz]

I wish i could be as organized and prepared as you, my gear and cables are a mess.

[@haimtob1]

great video only thing i think you could add is an apc back ups unit

[@scarrypolpetta9006]

I loved the video and I really like your kit, if only I could suggest something it is to have some 240v adapters and maybe a piece of wire with a female plug on one end and just bare ends on the other so that, in case of extreme emergency you can wire your own outlet off of whatever plug or panel they have on site, not something i would do every week but it has saved my ass multiple times when everything available was 3phase industrial power

[@JSEntertainmentCo]

Interesting. I hadn't thought of that. I appreciate the tip.

[@luisacevedo324]

I got to say to be honest out of all the people that I check out cuz you never know when you get good ideas you have a tremendously awesome idea very very nice got to do a couple of those myself way to go brother

[@JSEntertainmentCo]

Thank you Luis!

[@luisacevedo324]

@@JSEntertainmentCo no...thank you.. and good luck on ur dj-ing jorney

[@JamesMesidor]

nice and helpful bro

[@DJTeddyg1]

Wow thats cool. Another Dj that thinks like I do. Ive been Djing for 24 plus Yrs and u never know what could happing at a gig. But to make It more organized you should slim it down a little. Because if your gear is well maintained you should have very little or no problems. In any case is alway good to be prepared.

[@djenphuze558]

The tablet good idea, how do you do the power boxes? That's a cool idea, and what's the name of the wireless mics kit , I may have to borrow that one!!!

[@zjames1324]

really awesome kit! where did you source black 12/3?

[@dhd2313]

Bluetooth adapter. Ya never know man ... Great video. What is the model of the seinheiser adapter sir ?

[@Borderlands808]

I always carry an extra speaker too.

[@musicmaestrodj]

Excellent video! Btw, that is a 1610 case. ;-)

[@joebunovsky9797]

Thanks! Yes I realized I mentioned the wrong case after the video but didn't want to go back and change it :-) I've got a bunch of 1650's so I guess it was on my mind.

[@DJDynablend]

Is that a Porsche? Nice video, good tips

[@tecatecalifas]

Me puedes decir porque un conector de powercom es azul y lo otro blanco por favor

[@Erikgmz]

Wow nice video. I love the idea about the wireless speaker system can you share the model# if you don’t mind thanks

[@djdave3304]

what kind of pro audio adaptors to you have? That is a great ideal and I never though of it and I am not sure which ones to get?

[@mightyquinn5135]

You mentioned the tent situation where you have to share a breaker with the lighting, kitchen staff etc. You then said that you had a solution and went into how to use a wirelss mic to make a wireless speaker? But if its a powered speaker youd still need to get power to it and that doesnt address the sharing of a breaker. Was hoping you had some amaxing solution but i didnt hear it

[@archiesmith1412]

I recommend d c sound op

[@ralifantis]

don't forget the Domino's pizza light for the top of the car! hahaha

[@manuelcardenas3441]

Have you tried the Fifine wireless mic?

[@Fizyxx]

4:04 - "this...ued to be a case for something else." haha. I know (have) that case

[@JSEntertainmentCo]

LOL... I have a few and use them to carry various things. I've never had anyone comment at a gig but you never know when you'll run into that oversensitive PC person. :-)

[@Fizyxx]

Haha I know what you mean. I came across your channel last night and am very inspired and impressed with your organization, your attitude and your creative craftsmanship. Subscribed and liked!

[@JSEntertainmentCo]

Thank you!

[@thunderkat9503]

@ J&S Entertainment, where do I find the Sennheiser mic kit for wireless speakers and if it is possible could you please do a demonstration video. Thanks.

[@DazzaDirect]

@thunderkat9503 its just a regular sennheiser transmitter kit probably model 100 or 112 used in reverse, cool idea , definitely a solution to have in the box !!

[@TheAssassin1978]

I transmit wirelessly with shure lavalier kits I buy off of Ebay. Same concept but 1/3rd the cost.

[@JSEntertainmentCo]

Smart! If you can get good quality gear at a reduced cost, you're ahead of the game! I picked up a few older G2 Sennheiser kits in the 500Mhz A band at a really great price to have on-hand as I transition the majority of my mic kits out of the 600Mhz B band.

[@pushmotivation-__asher1335]

I’d like to know more about that wireless speaker connector, brand, part numbers, etc

[@JSEntertainmentCo]

Shoot me an email with your questions. I'm happy to help. Http://www.ctweddingdj.com

[@djaceproductions]

LMAO connect consumer grade into commercial grade equipment, ive always bring the accessories pack for auxiliary audio for videographer audio feed

[@Rhys_Official]

I would recommend changing all your PowerCon to TR1. Its the upgraded version of PowerCon and its just a lot easier to work with. Although getting your head wrapped around the connections can be a bit difficult, they have been for a few people I've worked with

[@Socapexxx]

Will you be switching to True1 any time soon? I love it much more over powercon. You don't need the joiners!

[@Socapexxx]

Yea it was a killer at the start having mismatched connectors, but now it's pretty smooth. It's really just a case now whenever I buy something I either make sure It's got true1 or account for changing the connectors. Oh and plenty of powercon to true1 cables too!

[@DazzaDirect]

i had to go and Google True1 we dont really use powercon in the U.K, thanks for the info

[@Socapexxx]

Dazza Direct really? Most of the stuff I know in the UK uses powercon.

[@Seattlemike009]

when you said you do wireless speaker and you extended it what do you do about the delay

[@DazzaDirect]

charge extra for the sound effects and pocket it as its a free built-in echo chamber machine, lol !!

[@OGHoodPreacha]

Brilliant! No first aid items though?

[@OGHoodPreacha]

J&S Entertainment Co. - Connecticut DJ Service No aspirin? Lol

[@djhotjams753]

lmao

[@Turtlebeus]

you need some Milwaukee Packout

[@DJmanuelperez3]

I ready for war bro ... impresionante

[@DJmanuelperez3]

U ready for war

[@toby1kenobe]

No lighting?

[@luisacevedo324]

Hey is that wire. Sj cord or-soow..??

[@JSEntertainmentCo]

Most of my cord is sjoow. I have a few leads that are soow. I use soow for my 100' lead that I use from a generator to a breakout box but generally don't have any need for the heavier duty 600v cord.

[@luisacevedo324]

@@JSEntertainmentCo thanks Joe again beautiful knowledge you're putting out there thanks again pal

[@dez5]

Why use Speakon Connector for AC Power.

[@JSEntertainmentCo]

Although very similar they are not Speakon connectors. They are PowerCon connectors which are locking as well and the way the quad's are build, you can daisy chain them together or choose different lengths of cord. They come in handy when producing live stage events for laying down power to different sections of the stage.

[@SteveScheets]

Where in ct are you outta?

[@JSEntertainmentCo]

Stephen Scheets Madison. And you?

[@SteveScheets]

Joe Bunovsky milford

[@almas7123]

“Paid good money,” how much do you charge? Where I’m from plenty charge about $400, some less. I personally don’t think that’s good money. Just curious what you charge?

[@JSEntertainmentCo]

Http://CTweddingdj.com/weddings

[@JSEntertainmentCo]

I won't put gear in my truck for any event regardless of how simple or short duration for under 750. My wedding package price reflects the typical 20+ hours of planning and production that goes into each reception I produce. Obviously, overhead costs are factored in as well... Insurance, music subscriptions, gear, etc.

[@Borderlands808]

If you get into doing weddings, you can charge/make over 1k. I know DJs who make 1,500-2,000 dollars per wedding or more. These are at high end fancy hotels usually.

[@cfwproductions]

How much RAM on that surface pro ( I have the surface pro 4

[@JSEntertainmentCo]

It's a Surface Pro 4 I believe. i7 with 16GB ram and 1TB SSD.

[@cfwproductions]

@@JSEntertainmentCo Now that is something 👍 My pro 4 only has 4 GBs of RAM which isn't the best 😂

[@JSEntertainmentCo]

@@cfwproductions yeah... I won't tell you how much I paid for it with the dock and keyboard 😒

[@cfwproductions]

@@JSEntertainmentCo You ain't kidding unfortunately 😬

[@cesargallardo1000]

Con you do a tutorial of the quad boxes ?

[@joebunovsky9797]

Already did one. Check it out: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aH6nonVsjJpqpK8

[@Earthcitizen4609]

Your prepared for Armageddon great 👍

[@JESUS4R3AL]

The quad power connector was a good idea, I however did something a bit different, I purchase a six wires flexible cable from Amazon, and a 10 plug under cabinet power strip, opened the power strip, and wired the cables to different sections, on the other end I installed the male power plugs, and I connect them to different sockets on my dj table power strip box, now I can control different lights, on and off with the flip on a switch... yes I know DMX right?, well DMX is great for many things, but for light with gobos or laser, is better to keep them running on sound, so I need it a way to shut them off at will.Great Video BTW.the quad power connector was a good idea, I however did something a bit similar, the quad power connector was a good idea, I however did something a bit similar,

[@Aaronproductions]

You put a 20amp outlet on a power cord that’s 15amps. That’s going to cause overloads

[@JSEntertainmentCo]

Not sure how you figure that. The only thing that causes an overload is an overload. If you choose the correct length and guage cord for the job, the rating of the plug matters not.

[@Aaronproductions]

Joe Bunovsky you have all 15amp plugs, meaning the prongs are straight, you need to have a 20Amp cord end with the neutral prong bent (that’s why that have a “T” instead of straight slots for 20Amp ONLY devices

[@JSEntertainmentCo]

I'm never drawing 20 amps. I understand your point but it's strictly for safety sake.

[@djcar5181]

Its always you're problem. Go the extra mile to keep the party rolling. Its the game we chose.

[@Seattlemike009]

Sorry but powercon needs to saty overseas

[@Socapexxx]

Why? What's wrong with having an international, industry standard? I deal with lights being sent from overseas to Australia, then being sent back. If the light does not have some kind of universal connector (powercon, IEC, CEEForm, True1), I cut it off and put my own on.

[@DazzaDirect]

where abouts are you @ , powercon isnt too big in the U.K, no jokes ive been to venues still using 8 pin bulgin dmx equipment and 5 pin din lines, only advantage i see is on far away items like powered boxes where they beat iec320 in that they lock

[@proper60]

The dj is at the bottom of the barrel. No one makes less money and puts in More work than us. I dont show up to an event thinking of anyone other than myself. Videographer, photographer, they all make more money than the dj. Why should i pend my money on stuff i dont need just incase i need to bail out a unprepared soul.

[@rosecat9738]

I would like to share with u on what I made but I can’t seem to be abLe to send u pics. Message me then I can.