Hey Folks…I won’t burden you all with a bunch of newbie questions. Just need a point in the right direction for now.
Quick bg…I am an L1/B1/T1 owner. Been one for a few years now. Been gigging around my area for the past couple of years (guitar and piano). Have posted on the other forums here. I am exploring the DJ market with my L1 system and am wondering where to start without bugging you all with a bunch of questions I can read myself.
For example…is my L1 enough? I see pix from some of the posts with a L1/B1/B1 setup and some with 2 L1s.
Anyway…any help, advice, would be sincerely appreciated!
Thank you
Hazen
edit title - previously “Newbie question…but not a “pesty” one! Please help!”
Hi Hazen,
I have 2 L1 systems and a compact. I use a single L1 system with 2 B1s for 95% of the wedding receptions I DJ, although I’m using my second system and my Compact often for cocktails & canapés as well as wedding ceremony sound. I love having the option for multiple zones and masses of back up.
You’ll survive on one, but you’ll want to buy another in due course I’d imagine. Make sure you build that into your pricing, by working out how soon you’d like another system, divided by how many events you’ll be working between now and then, and add that to the fee you planned to charge.
Thanks so much Richard for the quick response and your input! I thought about your suggestion…that is…taking my initial income and put it towards another L1. Plus I’ve been wanting to get one for my gigging with the idea, I can take on a partner and not have share one system with two instruments.
But back to DJ’n. I assumed after all these years, that with IPODS and Laptops that DJ’n would be a great deal easier…add to that the simplicity of the L1 and I would think it has become a dream come true!
So my next quick question…are you guys using a laptop for the most part to organize your music? Are you running your tunes off an IPOD?
Again, if this is all posted somewhere, please point me in the right direction! I do not want to be a “do a search” pest! 
Thanks
Hazen
You’re welcome. I use my own custom-made DJ console and I’ve used the incredible OtsAV software on my laptop as my music source. I sometimes use my iPad for music for cocktail hours.
Hazen I’d say do a bunch of DJ work for free at first to get your feet wet. Being a DJ worthy of charging money takes alot more than owning the right gear. It takes years of experience & work to cultivate ones style & skills.
I too use one L1 model 2 95% of the time.
But I now have 3 model 2’s, 3 compacts, and 2 model 1’s for different situations and multiple events.
As with most of the other responses, I use a single L-1 with 1 or 2 B-1’s (as needed) for the majority of my receptions. I do not have the T-1 so I cannot comment on that.
I have 3 L-1 systems (2 for myself and 1 for my wife’s rig)
I run the DJ mixer into channels 1 and 2 when I use the preset “57” and 3/4 if I don’t run presets.
Welcome to the world of DJ.
Different philosophy than many. I will use two L1 model Classics (forerunner to the Model 1) at every event, whether 50 people or 700. I always use 4 B1s whether 50 people or 700, no powered subs.
I love the feel and sound of stereo imagery; the perceived depth the music achieves to the human ear when there’s left, right, and middle audio. To me, running mono is AM radio, while running stereo is FM. Earbuds, headphones, mixers, iphones, droids, mp3 players all have left & right stereo outs. There’s a reason. Humans love stereo. Mono is flat, lifeless, and dull to my ear and thus would not inflict flat, lifeless and dull on my audiences either.
(That’s gonna stir some emotions up for sure. No harm or foul intended but it is my steadfast and unwavering opinion.)
Originally posted by Cap Capello:
Welcome to the world of DJ.
Different philosophy than many. I will use two L1 model Classics (forerunner to the Model 1) at every event, whether 50 people or 700. I always use 4 B1s whether 50 people or 700, no powered subs.
I love the feel and sound of stereo imagery; the perceived depth the music achieves to the human ear when there's left, right, and middle audio.
Just like Cap, I always use 2L1 M1's and 4 B1's on every gig. The sound is so full and complete. I only add extra powered sub when needed on extra large venues. As for my music...just like DJ Richard, laptop with OTS AV software and iPod for backup.
Welcome Hazen
I have to back Cap on that one, sometimes it’s like shooting an ant with a bazooka, bit I too always use 2 L1’s and 4 B1’s I love that stereo sound!
Unfortunately for me (and probably Lou), I play at a lot of old mountain lodges and power is an issue. Add the sound along with some lighting and you are asking for trouble. Hense…the single stick.
Scottie : It’s got to be the lighting, especially if you’re using non-LED fixtures.
Good gosh, I was operating 2 L1s, 4 B1s, 2 ProPar64 leds, 2 VUE-III leds, a 47" monitor, two wireless mics, mixer, laptop, mixer lights, and a Samson power strip, and even at full tilt boogie, drew 8.6 amps total.
Seriously, throw a ammeter on your total package. You’re gonna be surprised at how little power the L1s use to get the big sound. Without lights, my power draw is consistently at 3 to 5 amps max.
Sorry- off topic for a moment…
Sounds like a great opportunity for a point of difference from other DJs in the region- buy a generator like the Honda EU20i and offer it as peace-of-mind backup for your equipment to your clients and venues. I run my single L1 rig off the EU10i no problems at all and it is a dream to use. Safe, clean power.
Richard: Absolutely agree. The Honda EU-2000i (USA model) is quiet, efficient, and approved for electronics because it uses inverted power generation.
EBay EU-2000i Sale
For the Compact, this puppy will drive a single Compact, laptop, and wireless mic for 5 hours non-stop.
DuraCell Portable Power Unit