What should YOU look for?

It goes without saying:  The equipment used by a DJ service can make or break the success of an event.  At Sounds To Go, we realize this, and use only high-quality brand-name professional components to deliver the best sound possible to your event, and to ensure your peace of mind about the consistency of the DJ performance you can expect.

  Of course you should make sure that all of the services you are considering use only   

       professional-grade audio equipment and not just home stereo components, or consumer-

       grade electronics.  

  Also make sure that the DJ or service you are considering has "enough" equipment, and the

       right type of equipment to handle your specific event.  Weddings in particular can require

       multiple equipment setups of various types and sizes for the different parts of the event -

       often in different physical locations.  A quality service has multiple systems and can

       construct an audio solution that is right for just about any type or size of event.  While

       there is rarely such a thing as too much equipment at a DJ'd event, its not that

       uncommon, unfortunately, for DJs to not bring enough equipment, or equipment of

       the right type to handle the different aspects of your celebration.

  BACKUP EQUIPMENT!  Although it is rare when dealing with a quality provider who uses

      professional-grade equipment, and who knows how to use and maintain it properly,

      equipment failure can still happen.  What kind of equipment will your DJ have available at your

      event to help minimize the impact of equipment failure or malfunction?  Be sure the provider

      you choose has an answer to this question that makes sense.

What should your DJ be focusing on?

It's not at all uncommon to find DJs and DJ-sites that are more than happy to give you a laundry list of the "latest and greatest" in audio equipment they use, but little to no info about their actual services, creative processes, etc.  Don't get us wrong - high-quality, pro-audio level equipment is NEVER a BAD thing, and it should always be in the PLUS column for any DJ you are considering.  That being said though, in today's digital music/Guitar Center/Best Buy world, literally ANYONE can get a new credit card in the mail, buy some equipment and spend a weekend downloading an illegal music library.  Then you have an "Instant-DJ!"  ... Or do you? 

Think about this:  Does your photographer try to wow you with the name-brands and specs of the cameras, lenses, flashes, and light-diffusers they will be using?  Our guess is not.  In fact, unless you're a camera buff yourself, we're pretty sure these things never even come up.  Our guess is that you don't even care what tools the photographer is using at all.  You care about RESULTS!  You are making a decision to hire an artist based on their previous work, their references, your discussions with them regarding your event, and how they can help you realize your vision.  So why should a DJ be any different?

Oddly though, many DJs like rattling off name brands, specs, and the size of their equipment more than they like planning events and brainstorming original ideas with you - letting you know how they can help you with your event!  These providers simply do not understand that as important-a-role as equipment plays, it is secondary as something you should focus on when considering services for your event.

Pro-audio equipment is a perquisite for being a DJ, but is only a piece of the puzzle - not a sure-fire sign of a quality service provider, and its crucial to keep this in perspective.  Be sure to look at the WHOLE PACKAGE.  If they can demonstrate to you that they have the experience, planning, and performance ability through a strong list of past clients and references in addition to their list of equipment, then GO FOR IT!

A true quality provider will spend more time explaining to you why they are better suited to help plan and execute your event, and will spend more time giving you ideas and explaining their process than they will showing you pretty pictures of equipment.  

While a stellar DJ on lower-grade equipment will still put on a stellar event for you and your guests with no real noticeable downfalls, a hack with the "latest top-of-the-line" will still be a hack, and will deliver a lower-quality result.