Summer has arrived and that means everyone is ready for warm weather and outdoor parties. For a DJ, outdoor events can mean logistical headaches, power/connectivity issues, and hot/sticky conditions.
Fear not! We’ve put together a quick list of essentials that will make any outdoor DJ gig a breeze. Prepare your survival kit and keep it handy for those summertime events “alfresco.”
When transporting your gear from one place to another, it’s best to use protective cases like Pelican Hard Cases or Gator Cases. These study cases are oftentimes waterproof and will keep your gear safe and organized.
Along with your gear set up, it’s important to make sure you have the right speakers to fill an outdoor event space. For example, an outdoor event with between 150 and 300 people would require larger 15” speakers with 600 to 800 watts.
If you’re in a remote location that does not have power outlets in close range, a portable generator is a must. They range in prices anywhere from $200 to $4,000 USD depending on the watts. If investing in a generator isn’t feasible, you can also rent them from places like Home Depot.
Power strip(s) or surge protectors are a necessity for plugging all of your gear into one main power source. They also keep your music going strong through any sudden power fluctuations. We like this Numark Production Hub that has a combination of six AC outlets and four USB data ports.
Same as with a power strip, having a few extension cords on hand will guarantee that you’re always plugged in and ready to go. Black ones are nice for clean looking set up, while brightly colored cords are more visible and great for safety at nighttime gigs.
Lots of uses! Clean up unwanted drink spills, place them on DJ gear to soak up condensation from humidity, or even use them to dab your forehead.
A small table or floor fan will keep you cool in hot and humid temperatures. Plug it right into your power strip and you’re ready to go!
A flashlight is great to have if the outdoor event is at night, but it can also come in handy during the day when you’re setting up/breaking down your equipment. A mini flashlight like this one from Amazon will do the trick.
Investing in a water resistant/proof 10 x 10 pop-up tent is definitely worth it! Protect your gear from sudden rain or prolonged exposure to sunlight, plus keep yourself in the shade. It’s a win-win. Pop-up tents are usually easy to set up and some come with velcro walls for extra protection. Check out this affordable one from Walmart.
If it starts to rain unexpectedly, you’ll be glad to have a tarp handy. Throw it on top of everything to instantly protect your gear. Tarps are cheap, lightweight, and easy to carry in your new survival kit.
Always remember to stay hydrated!
Avoid any glare and look cool in a nice pair of polarized sunnies. It’s summertime after all.
For even more tips on DJing outdoor events, check out these stories: