Need some mobile tips in setting up and appearance.

[fackedd]

So I dont do many many mobile gigs nowdays as id rather play in clubs but I thought I'd take it more seriously and try to look more professional for the few mobile gigs I do.

What's the go with using sheets or some sort of material to cover cords? For example on your table to make it not look so messy under and around your table. Also around speakers ect ect. Any other tips to make shit look clean & tidy would also be helpful.

Also I just bought a strobe, was looking for a way to control it externally. Anyway was thinking about maybe getting a remote control mains operated switch to cut the power on and off from the strobe? could this damage it though? Don't want to spend too much as I bought the strobe for like $80 on ebay.

[imadje]

I just use a sheet to cover the front of the table. I dont even have my own, I just borrow a tablecloth from the venue staff. Once it goes dark it's all about the flashing lights.

know nothing about strobes but if you doing private you better check if any epileptics are coming.

[fackedd]

how do you stick the sheet to the table? just use tape?

[imadje]

I take a flight box with my controller in, I lay the sheet down then stick the box on top.

Worked equally well with my old coffin case that held two cdjs and a mixer.

but yes I always carry gaffa tape just in case. Sometimes it comes in handy if the sheet is massive and flapping all over.

[SourceRaver]

I just use a black sheet and gaffa tape to hold it down. Black is good as it helps to hide any black cables running from the back of your set up. Always get to the venue early, set up and then spend some time tidying your cables. The extra time also comes in handy for troubleshooting any problems or collecting that one bit of gear you forgot. Use your gaffa to tape down any cables that are on the floor and likely to be stepped on (even by you). Good cable management is a sign of professional Dj...

A mains controller should be fine with the strobe. Just be carefull as strobes require a lot of power and will easily trip a circuit. Turn on all your gear and strobe before the gig to make sure there is enough power. Think of it as a 'stress' test so that nothing cuts out during the gig itself.

[SourceRaver]

Oh...yeah, forgot to mention that some strobes (eg 1500w) will fry your remote controlled mains operated switch. Mine have a max load wattage of about 1000w so check the instructions on the box.

[fackedd]

mmm, the strobe I bought is actually a 1500w one off ebay. might have some problems than.

[fackedd]

So i still dont get it foolish on how you run the cords behind the sheet if you've got the flight case sitting on it?

Isn't the purpose of the sheet is to run the cords in the gap of the sheet between the table and have the powerboard underneath it?

fk this shit is annoying lol.

[imadje]

ah sorry man, hadnt followed what you were saying...

I just use the flightcase to hold down the sheet. I aim to have all the cords underneath the table so they are hidden by the sheet but I still have a short run of cables that comes into view. I have a laptop stand too so all the cables that have to attach go under that then I group them all together with some ties and I'm left with just one bundle of cables which i tape down along the top of the table from under the laptop stand to off the side of the table and under.

does that make anymore sense?

next time i set up I'll try take a photo but my main season for mobile work just fin. It's student parties and clubs again now the academic year has started. Corporate xmas do's not far off tho.

[SourceRaver]

Maybe just get another bit of black cloth and place it over the back of your set up once your finished (to hide the cords).

[fackedd]

yeah not really, I understand it's hard to explain without any pictures though.

I swear someone posted some pics of it once in "post pics of your setup" thread.

[imadje]

soz man. i was looking for that pic too but cant find it.

To be honest though my setup may not look much tidier than yours anyway... i just try group things together as I'm setting up.

And once the lights are all going no one notices shit anyway!

[pill]

I got my mrs to make a setup with two parts (just got a fuckload of material from lincraft). Normally call ahead and ask the venue if they supply you with a table and tablecloth, and otherwise i use my own.

The two parts thing is like a top part and then velcro that goes around the front and exposed sides to slip the cables through. Although, with my new setup, most of the cables come down the back of the table now anyway (the side i sit on).

90% of the time function centres provide you with a table though so for most weddings etc youll be right.