Connecting your controller to club gear

I am always being asked, what if I wish to use my controller in a club. In this article / video I will show you the easiest way to connect your controller without having to move the venues gear and change around all their cables.

But before I show you the easiest and best way to connect your controller we should look at why you would want to, why I personally wouldn't and who you may possibly piss off.

Connecting your controller to club gear 1

CAN YOU TAKE YOUR CONTROLLER TO A CLUB?

I understand 100% your desire to take your controller with you when you play. People get really good at playing on their own gear and usually feel more comfortable playing on gear they know back to front. In the past they may have even turned up to clubs only to find the buttons are sticking, as someone may have recently spilt a drink on the gear or perhaps the display screen was less than ideal and a set that they could play perfectly at home on their gear went to shit on the club gear and they said never again and vowed to always take their own - trust me, I get it!

I can 100% understand why you would want to use your own gear, but being a good DJ isn't about being good on one piece of gear it its about being able to play on anything and overcoming challenges as they arise. I personally feel using the venues gear shows you are flexible and personally, unless you know the venue, or the people running the event really really well, I would honestly suggest using their gear. Besides, as much as I hate to say it, there is as little bit of a stigma against controllers in clubs. I have heard people often refer to people using controllers as "that laptop DJ" and it basically implies you only know how to DJ on your gear and are not willing to take on the challenge like everyone else. I also find when using a computer to DJ, you are looking at the computer screen the whole time. The advantage of using club gear is, the gear has inbuilt screens and by removing the computer your remove the veil between you and the crowd and it's easier to interact and once you get use to it, there is honestly no going back.

Connecting your controller to club gear 2

Now you know the general vibe of using computers or controllers in a club, let's say you still want to do it, well the easiest way is to just connect your controller to their mixer and run it through one of the mixers channels. I would personally take my own RCA cable and I would run that from the back of my control (master output) to one of the available channels on the mixer - line input. This way you don't need to both taking our their speakers, you just connect your controller to their mixer like you would another deck.

If there's no where to put your controller, perhaps you could ask politely to move one deck aside so you can fit your controller in next to the mixer, on the desk, and if there really is no space, perhaps bring a towel, or even a mini yoga matt, and put that on top of the decks and then your controller on top of their gear. Again, I don't know how the promoter will feel about this, and it will make the change overs between DJs a little more stressful, but it may be your only option.

Everyone starts on controllers and if you're afraid of playing in clubs check out my controller to club comparison video in my free mini course, I'll link it in below. Its way less daunting than you think, just some small layout differences but on the whole all DJ gear works in the same way.


RELATED POSTS

Trouble-Shooting DJ Club Gear Image

If you're a DJ and have a club show coming up and you're nervous about making the jump from controller to club gear and you want to be prepared for all eventualities in this video I'll give you 5 quick steps to trouble shoot the gear plus a mini checklist of little settings most people over look so if anything goes wrong you'll be able to handle it like a seasoned pro.

The Best DJ Decks in 2023 - A DJ Buyers Guide Image

Choosing the most suitable DJ gear can feel like a daunting task, with the seemingly endless options from different brands with different softwares, it can become overwhelming. This buyer's guide has been written with the goal in mind to help narrow down this process for you and provide some direction, helping you make an informed decision on your next purchase. Regardless of your skill level, goals, or budget, there is something here for everyone.

The Ultimate DJs Guide for Streaming Services in 2023 Image

I was against the idea of streaming initially, perhaps that's the part in my that is resistant to change, but recently for the benefit of my students I dived right into it and TBH streaming has a lot of advantages...

How to Confidently Make The Jump From DJ Controller to Club Equipment Image

Landing your first club gig as a DJ is a pivotal moment in your pursuit of becoming a resident DJ at your local club and possibly making it onto the bigger stages in the future. It is the beginning of being able to share your sound with an audience, build your skills, and get your name out there. It is both an exciting and daunting experience.

Evolution of DJ Gear

In the good old days every DJ used 2 x turntables (most likely Technics 1200 - industry standard) and a mixer to play their music. This involved DJs going out and buying Vinyl / records and then turning up to shows carrying their records in crates.

Rekordbox DJ vs Serato DJ

Pioneer already have market monopoly when it comes to providing Club Standard DJ gear for the majority of clubs throughout the world, but does Rekordbox DJ have what it takes to compete with industry heavyweights, in the DJ Software scene, Serato.

Not yet part of the Club Ready Tribe? Sign up to become a student today and join the strongest DJ community in the world!!

DRUM ROLL... GET THE COMPLETE PACKAGE

Club Ready DJ School Package Image

Buy all the courses and get over 60% off

For a limited time

CLUB READY DJ COURSE: Value: $295
ADVANCED PERFORMANCE PACK: Value: $395
CLUB PACK: Value: $195
ONE TIME BONUS VIDEOS: Value: $75
BONUS CONTROLLER TO CLUB MINI COURSE: Value: $95
FEEDBACK ON MIXES: Value: $45
MEMBER ACCESS TO CLUB READY TRIBE
DIRECT ACCESS TO ME

TOTAL VALUE: $1055

REGULAR PRICE: $1055

>> SALE PRICE: $235 THIS WEEK LAST CHANCE <<

YES! I WANT ALL THIS FOR ONLY $235
And I want to be on time for the reduced price!
Secure Guarantee Image

If you press the button and see the price went back to $1055 it means the promotion has ended and the program is back to its regular price.

This price is a ONE-TIME-ONLY payment and you get to keep the program FOR LIFE.

Search
Club Ready Tribe
Club Ready Tribe Facebook Group Image
Free Mini Course
Mini DL Lessons Image

16 MINI DJ LESSONS FOR FREE!

Not sure where to start? In this mini series I answer many of the questions beginners have about learning to DJ.

Social Media

Find us on Facebook

Follow us on Instagram

Instagram Club Ready DJ School Image

Follow us on TikTok

TikTok Club Ready DJ School Image

CLUB READY COURSES

CLUB READY DJ COURSE

Course 1 Image Usually $295 - BUY TODAY: $135 - Learn more

ADVANCED PERFORMANCE PACK

Course 2 Image Usually $395 - BUY TODAY: $175 - Learn more

CLUB PACK

Course 3 Image Usually $195 - BUY TODAY: $115 - Learn more

THE COMPLETE PACKAGE

Get all of my courses for life!

The Complete Package Image SALE PRICE: $1,055 $235 THIS WEEK LAST CHANCE
Mini DL Lessons Image

16 MINI DJ LESSONS FOR FREE!

Not sure where to start? In this mini series I answer many of the questions beginners have about learning to DJ.

Privacy Policy

BOOK NOW BOOK NOW GIVE ME ACCESS