As any DJ will tell you, accidents can happen—even with the utmost care and caution. Here are our top tips for keeping your DJ equipment safe before, during and after a show.
1. Prepare backups
When you’re playing to a lively crowd, the last thing you want to happen is for the sound to suddenly cut out because of a technical problem, leading the dancefloor to quickly empty. Unfortunately, this can happen to the best of DJs, and it’s how you respond to such setbacks which will determine whether your gig is a success or failure.
Ideally, you should plan for the worst and hope for the best. If you’ve stored your tracks on a USB stick, make sure you back them up across several other USB sticks in case the one you’re using fails.
You might also want to bring another audio source—such as an iPad, iPhone or CD player—as a backup in case your laptop or speaker fails. After all, with the time and effort you’ve put into finding and organising your playlist, it’s worth taking these extra steps to make sure it’s safe.
2. Store your gear in a locked room at the venue
Wherever you’re playing, there’s always the chance that your DJ equipment could be lost, damaged or stolen. It’s likely that your equipment cost a fair bit of money, so it’s important to store it somewhere secure. This way, you’re much more likely to be successful in making an insurance claim if the unfortunate happens.
If you have Equipment cover with Insure4Music and your equipment is lost, damaged or stolen, we will cover you for repairs and replacements, as long as this equipment was hidden from view inside a locked room or in a vehicle hidden from view and there are signs of forced entry.
3. Control your booth
Let’s face it, you’ll have to deal with rowdy revellers all year round—but sometimes, people can enjoy themselves a bit too much, and things can get out of hand.
One of the best ways to keep your DJ equipment safe is to be extra vigilant about what goes on in the booth. Being approachable and friendly is fine, but you can’t afford to be overly accommodating.
Not saying ‘no’ or creating a distance between you and your audience means you could get people with drinks coming dangerously close to your equipment or even entering the booth, which heightens the risks of spillages and injury.
Being on good terms with the venue’s security will give you peace of mind if your equipment is in danger of being tampered with or damaged. Although you’d hope it doesn’t escalate to this level, it’s reassuring to know someone can lend you a hand.
4. Elevate your gear
If possible, you should avoid leaving any of your gear on or near the floor. This not only gives you easier access to your controls and prevents you from having to hunch over all the time (posture is important for DJs, you know!), but it also helps to protect your kit from drink spillages.
Using laptop and controller stands to elevate your equipment above the booth table is the best way to avoid such hazards—and you can buy these for as little as £15 online. That’s a small price to pay to make sure your set isn’t cut short!
5. Get specialist DJ insurance
If you DJ live, you need specialist DJ insurance for a number of reasons. Firstly, almost all venues will ask you for proof that you have Public Liability insurance before even allowing you to play.
This covers your legal liability if you’re held responsible for an accident that causes damage to the venue or injury to a person. As mentioned above, your DJ equipment can be lost, stolen or damaged at any time— but most home insurance policies won’t fully cover you if you make a claim.
That’s why Insure4Music has created specialist DJ insurance. Our Public Liability cover starts from just £20 a year, and if you take out Public Liability with us, you’ll get your certificate emailed to you within minutes. You can then show this as proof to the venue you’re performing at.
What’s more, we offer Equipment cover starting from £25 a year which protects your equipment against theft, loss and damage—whether you’re at home or out and about. Get an instant online quote today and make sure you never miss a gig.