Digital DJ Tips says: For any readers who are not up with the concept, a silent disco is where everyone wears wireless headphones, and no loudspeakers or booth monitors are provided for either DJ or crowd, making exclusive headphone mixing the only option.
What is a silent disco & how do they work?
In this article, we’re going to discuss all things silent disco, and give you the information you need to ensure your DJ gig goes to plan. So, what is a silent disco and how do they work? Otherwise known as a headphone party or silent rave, the equipment uses radio transmitters to broadcast music wirelessly to LED headphones.
Do you need a DJ for a silent rave?
One of the best parts of a silent rave is that you don’t need to book a DJ or go to a special venue. All you need is an open space, unique lighting, and some silent disco equipment. Follow the below tips on how to host a successful silent disco. Choosing the right venue is important for hosting any party – the right room can set the right vibe.
How do I set up a silent disco?
There are various silent disco apps that can be used for help with supplying music. Music streaming apps and smartphones are compatible with the silent DJ equipment, so getting set up with a multi-channel disco can be as simple as grabbing a few headsets, opening up Spotify and choosing what music to play.
What equipment do you need to DJ a silent disco?
The possibilities are endless. To DJ a silent disco, you will need the usual DJ playout equipment, for example, laptop and DJ controller, and your DJ headphones. Remember, no speakers needed. You will then need the Silent Disco equipment, which basically consists of a transmitter and headphones for all of your guests.
Can introverts become DJs?
And with preparation, picking your gigs correctly (smaller is good), and judicious use of the headphones (they make an excellent “barrier”), introvert DJs can put themselves in the position where the magic is likely to happen… and once the music and the vibe takes over, well, we all know the feeling that comes next.
Do you have to talk as a DJ?
For mobile, good MCing skills are as important part of the skillset as any other. But even DJs who “don’t use the microphone” sometimes have to – it’s unavoidable. You may have to issue some kind of urgent instruction, or be asked to introduce the next DJ, or want to advertise the next event at the end of the night.
Do DJs have to talk?
When DJs talk, they can engage in conversation with their audience and keep them entertained. Plus, talking can help keep energy levels high and create a festive atmosphere. However, DJs don’t have to talk if they don’t feel comfortable doing so – some DJs prefer to let their music speak for itself.
Do DJs play their own music?
Like when two vocal lines are running over the top of each other, this would be a DJ fail for sure. If a DJ is also a producer, and they are well known for making their own music, then chances are they will play almost entirely their own music throughout their performance.
Should you become a DJ?
Becoming a DJ can make sense if you want to do something for a living that you really love to do. In fact, most DJs are not in the business since they want to make really good money but since this is their true passion and they can’t imagine doing anything else.
Do DJs use real computers?
However, all professional livestreams and most ambitious hobbyist use “real” computers. It could be a dedicated computer for livestreaming (which is what we do at Digital DJ Tips), separate from your DJ computer. Or it could be software running alongside your DJ software on the same laptop, assuming you are a software DJ of course.
What does the DJ do?
Role. “DJ” is used as an all-encompassing term to describe someone who mixes recorded music from any source, including vinyl records, cassettes, CDs, or digital audio files stored on USB stick or laptop.
What does a DJ do in the music industry?
While most people understand that a DJ mixes recorded music for an audience, their role as influencers in the music industry is often overlooked. The DJ community plays a crucial role in defining musical taste, from promoting new house music to introducing genre mashups.
Why do DJs need a computer?
A computer with DJ software is the focal point of many DJ setups. Software like Pioneer Rekordbox or VirtualDJ gives DJs access to huge musical libraries. The software also lets DJs create new and unique mixes. Most mobile DJs also own their sound systems, lighting systems, stages, and more. A DJ’s job is to play music.
Why do DJs use headphones?
A DJ uses headphones to listen and cue upcoming songs in the DJ mix. It can get loud on stage, so a good pair of headphones will protect your hearing well. A computer with DJ software is the focal point of many DJ setups. Software like Pioneer Rekordbox or VirtualDJ gives DJs access to huge musical libraries.
What equipment do DJs use?
At scratching competitions, DJs can use only scratch-oriented gear (turntables, DJ mixer, digital vinyl systems or vinyl records only). In recorded hip hop songs, scratched “hooks” often use portions of other songs.
Can I play other peoples songs at my DJ set?
DJs, musicians and bands all have to be licensed by Performing Rights Organizations to perform or play other people’s music. As a live-streaming DJ, you perform and broadcast music to the public. This means you need public performance rights for the original artists’ music.
Can I play my own music?
playing your own music (or official remixes you made) is absolutely fine, because 99% of the time, you own the rights to your own music, unless you gave a label exclusive rights to it playing other people’s tracks requires royalties to be paid to those artists. “What!
Do DJs really need to know their music?
DJs need to realize that the music they mix, play, use, and purchase is not their music. It doesn’t matter if the music is given to you, serviced to you, or acquired by you…. it’s not your music.
Why are DJs not allowed to share their mixes?
With these explanations in hand, we can move forward and explain why DJs aren’t “allowed” to post, stream, or share their mixes. The simple answer/reason is: DJs don’t have the license to share, post, broadcast, or stream the music comprised in the DJ mix they created.
Do producers need permission to use other people’s music?
For the most part, this means producers making a track or DJ’s recording a mix, have to be careful what they use in their works and where they distribute such things. Likewise, producers have to be very careful when using other people’s music in their own creations; they have to have the permission to do so.
How does a DJ set work?
A DJ set involves the DJ playing pre-recorded music and curating the set for the crowd. If you’re playing a live set, you’ll likely do a longer show in front of a bigger crowd. Transporting and setting up all the equipment for a live set is expensive and time-consuming, so promoters want to get their money’s worth.
How does a DJ mix a set?
DJ sets are mixed by using a DJ mixer connecting to two or more DJ turntables, also known as DJ decks, CDJs or DJ Controller. The beats of two or more tracks are matched by tempo and phrases allowing DJs to transition smoothly between tracks. Do DJs plan their sets? Some DJs do plan their DJ sets and some do not.
What does a DJ do at a party?
A DJ provides the soundtrack to the party and is usually the main event, similar to going to see a band. DJs must constantly work to refine their craft and to produce new music under their own names if they want to stay competitive. They must have a deep love and knowledge of their chosen genre in order to keep the crowd on the dance floor.
How important is a DJ set?
Ending strong with a DJ set can be just as important, usually from experience playing out or listening to other DJs, the MC will usually say last track. This tends to peak everyone’s interest and see what epic track the DJ is going to play.
How do DJ controllers work?
Modern DJ controllers streamline the process of cueing up, crossfading, and manipulating tracks. These controllers include dedicated crossfaders that let DJs seamlessly transition from one track to another, and they often have built-in media players as well as Bluetooth connectivity for wireless input devices.
Why is it called a silent disco?
The name “silent disco” got properly established in 2005 with the Bonnaroo Music Festival advertising an event that mentioned how several different DJs would be performing that evening and how silent party headphones were being provided for the audience to wear.
What is a silent disco?
A silent disco is a type of party where everyone wears wireless headphone sets that are connected to the same channel, allowing them to listen to the same music everywhere. It works by utilizing FM transmitters, receivers, and stereo earphones or professional-grade headphones with no sound element emitted from the source itself.
Why should you have a quiet disco party?
Perhaps the biggest reason why your party will be way better is because it will be unique. Silent discos may be on the rise, but they certainly aren’t the norm. If you want a party that stands out and keeps people talking about it days and days later, then a quiet party is one you should consider.
How many channels can a silent disco have?
There can be as many as 3 channels running at the same time but 2 channels does the job nicely. What are the pros and cons of silent discos? No loud speakers means less noise so you can party later than normal, the only con is its harder to communicate with someone who cant hear you so it’s a kind of a personal experience.
What is a silent concert?
A silent concert (or headphones concert) is a live music performance where the audience, in the same venue as the performing artist, listens to the music through headphones.
Do you listen to your own music at a silent disco?
One unique part of a silent disco party is that everyone can listen to their own music. Each silent disco headphone set can connect to each guest’s phone so they have full control of the music for their dancing.
Does a silent disco have a DJ?
No, at a silent disco, each person has their own headphones and can choose which channel they want to listen to. This means that everyone can listen to the music they want to hear. You can even have more than one DJ playing different types of music at the same time.
Where should a silent disco party take place?
A silent disco party makes your venue choice easy since it can take place nearly anywhere – your home, a wedding venue, a local event space. When choosing a venue, you should consider the number of guests you’re inviting to ensure you don’t rent a space that’s too big. For starters, you risk losing the party vibe if you have guests too spread out.
Do silent disco headphones need to be turned on?
However, the beauty of silent disco headphones is that you only need to turn them on. Because the receivers are already programmed into the radio frequencies that the transmitters broadcast, they will automatically play the music when that channel is selected. There’s no need for Bluetooth or infrared, just good old-fashioned radio waves!
Do people listen to the same music at a silent disco?
Does everyone listen to the same music at a silent disco? One of the best parts of a silent disco is everyone can listen to their music channel of choice. If you have multiple DJs, or even just multiple MP3 players, you can stream up to 3 stations, letting your guests pick their favorite to dance to.
How do you change the music channel on a silent disco?
To change channel you simply press the switch button on the side and the headsets will instantly change to the next channel. Because there are three channels of music playing, people will be singing to different music at the same time. This makes silent discos great fun and allows you to play a variety of music on each of the three channels.
Do people talk at silent disco?
At a Silent Disco Party, extended conversations are effortless. If you don’t want to miss your favorite song during the conversation, keep the headphones resting around your neck instead of removing them entirely. Leave the volume on and you can still hear the music coming from the headphones.
Do silent disco headphones really work?
When the silent disco headphones are on, the sound is crisp and clear anywhere in the venue – whether you are in front, in the back or even in line for the restroom (just because you need to take a break, doesn’t mean the music has to :).
How do I choose the best silent disco sound & lighting?
The best silent disco sound and lighting come from smart devices, which require an internet connection to operate. To ensure your silent disco is one for the ages, check your internet connection as you set up your event.
What to expect at a silent disco?
A silent disco is a party where there is no music playing through a speaker system. You can only hear the music playing through glowing headphones. On the headphones, you can rotate anywhere from three to ten channels of music. You can adjust the size of the headphones, as well as the volume, to your preference.
How long does a silent disco party last?
Outside the headphones, a silent rave is silent, which gives the effect of a room full of people dancing to nothing. Typically, these events last as long as the headphones do, which can be up to 10 hours with the right headphones. One unique part of a silent disco party is that everyone can listen to their own music.
How does silent disco work?
Silent disco works through wireless headphones. The DJ wears a transmitter that sends the music through radio frequencies to your headset, just without all of the noise you would normally hear at a party or concert. Each transmitter has its own frequency channel.
Where can you throw a silent disco?
A great aspect of a silent disco, is you can throw it literally anywhere. Since everything is battery powered and completely wireless, you can actually have a party in the middle of the desert, or in the most remote place you can imagine!
Why are silent discos popular at music festivals?
Silent discos are popular at music festivals as they allow dancing to continue past noise curfews. Similar events are “mobile clubbing” gatherings, where a group of people dance to the music on their personal music players. [citation needed]
How did DJ get its name?
Originally, the word “disc” in “disc jockey” referred to phonograph or gramophone records and was used to describe radio personalities who introduced them on the air.
Why are DJs called disc jockeys?
The first question to answer is why they’re called a disk jockey in the first place. Every name has an origin story, and the term disc jockey is no exception. First, it’s important to mention the man who made DJing possible — Thomas Edison.
What does it mean to be a DJ?
That’s right DJing doesn’t just mean you mix music together. Many DJ’s forget that they are there to please the people that they are playing to. These people have paid good money to see them so getting it right is important. Therefore to become a DJ you also need to learn how to read a crowd.
What is the history of DJing?
The history of DJing covers many decades of musical innovation and technological advancements since the art form first emerged. From the early origins of DJing with records on radio stations to the advent of digital tools and AI, it’s been responsible for many music genres.
How did DJs change the world?
The following decades transformed people’s perceptions of the role of a DJ as others explored how DJs could use their role to create new art forms. In 1943, DJ Jimmy Savile held the world’s first live DJ dance party in the upstairs flex room of the Loyal Order of Ancient Shepherds in Otley, England.
How to DJ without a speaker?
3 Ways To DJ In Just Your Headphones
- By using the Cue Mix knob. The Cue Mix knob on a Numark Mixtrack Pro FX controller. …
- By using the Headphones Split button. The mono split button on a Pioneer DJ pro mixer. …
- By DJing in headphones listening only to the main output. A track from a mix that I planned (in Serato).
Can you use a DJ controller without speakers?
Technically it’s possible to use a DJ controller without speakers being plugged into the RCA outputs. In order to use a DJ controller it requires being plugged into a laptop via a USB cable. Configured correctly can allow for music to play through the laptop speakers. It’s possible to DJ with just headphones too.
Is DJing without equipment a good idea?
DJing without equipment can be difficult, but it will help you perceive the principal elements and understand what each “button/knob” signifies within the DJ software. This is problematically only due to the simple fact that you can only click on one thing at a time (basically equivalent of mixing with one hand, only slower due to no hardware).
Can You DJ with headphones?
If you want to DJ only with a set of headphones for a short time, please buy suitable and spongy around the ears. There’s barely anything worse than owning a set of budget headphones that squash and bind your ears back after 40 minutes of mixing. Ear weakness is dangerous, and loud music can affect your hearing.
How do you make a good DJ?
Watch/listen to as many sets in your tastes as you can, and take notes. Come back in a month and take more notes. When you find something cool, mark it down and try to repeat it later. Today’s DJ software will function surprisingly well on its own, even without using dedicated hardware (like a controller).
Do DJs make their own samples?
Many DJs start off their careers using audio samples from sites that provide free clips or beat packages, then graduate to making their own songs and samples, while others prefer to use samples because of how it lays some simple foundation.
Do DJs have to make their own music?
DJs don’t necessarily have to make their own music. By nature a DJs job is to play an array of music produced by other artists. DJs can produce their own music to add into their DJ sets. Where do DJs get their songs? DJs can buy music from iTunes, Beatport, Juno and Amazon for example.
Why do DJs use samples?
Add a truly personal touch to every DJ set. Every DJ understands the power of using samples in their DJ sets. Whether you want to use them to scratch, for drops, to dabble in controllerism, or just to add some “spice”, using your own unique samples makes you stand out from the crowd and adds an impressive new DJing skill to your repertoire.
How do I use samples in my DJ sets?
Take your use of samples in your DJ sets one step further by compiling your own unique sample set, just like the best scratch DJs. Add a truly personal touch to every DJ set. Every DJ understands the power of using samples in their DJ sets.
How do DJs make music ‘radio ready’?
The purpose is to make sure your music is “radio ready” and that your music production quality is on par with other music out there in the realms of say Spotify, Apple music etc. A fair amount of DJs start out by remixing other tracks by re-editing existing songs and then allowing them to play remixes in their DJ sets.
What should I wear to a silent disco?
A tank top is a perfect option if you’re planning to dance the night away; you’ll stay cool and comfortable, no matter how hot it gets. If you want to go all out and make a statement, you could choose some eye-catching, attention-grabbing shoes like high-heels, platform shoes, or even sequinned sneakers.
What to wear to a disco party?
To stand out of the crowd, perhaps it’s time to dust off your grandma’s multi-colored shirt and get your groove on. I’m sure she will be proud of you! If you want a couple of disco outfit ideas, consider a rainbow sequin jumpsuit and flared pants for a matchy look. Well, this is kinda over the top but that’s exactly what you should look for!
