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How to Set Up DJ Speakers

Deejays set up speakers as part of their turn table equipment when playing music for events. There are two types of speakers: active and passive. Active (or powered) speakers have a built-in amplifier. Passive (or unpowered) speakers have to draw power from another source. After determining if the speakers are active or passive, use the following steps to guide you through setting up either type of speaker.

Things You'll Need

  • 2 speakers (active or passive)
  • 2 ¼-inch mono cables
  • Power strip
  • Extension chord
  • Speaker tripod or heavy-duty tables
  • Music source (deejay rig or CD player)
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Instructions

  1. Passive Speakers

    • 1

      Set up speakers to the left and right side of the deejay rig on a tripod made for speakers or a heavy-duty table. Turn the power off on the amplifier and music source.

    • 2
      A power strip is the best source for plugging in the equipment.

      Plug the extension chord in the power source and the other end into the power strip. Plug in the speakers, amplifier and music source into the power strip.

    • 3
      It is good to keep additional mono cables with DJ equipment.

      Plug in main output on music source (CD player or deejay rig) into main input on amplifier. Locate main output on amplifier and left jack (plug). Plug in 1/4-inch mono cable to left jack and into the back of the left speaker. Repeat for the right.

    • 4
      Use levels to adjust amplifier.

      Turn the levels on the music source and amplifier to zero. Turn on the power to the music source and then to the amplifier.

    • 5
      Select music from a vinyl record, CD, disc or removable drive.

      Select music to play in the CD player or deejay rig then adjust level to the halfway point. Turn up the left channel volume on the amplifier to the desired level. Repeat this step for the right channel.

    Active Speakers

    • 6
      Active (self-powered) speakers include their own amplifier.

      Set up speakers to the left and right side of the deejay rig. Turn power off on the amplifier on the back of the speakers and turn the power off on the music source.

    • 7

      Plug the extension chord in the power source and the other end into the power strip. Plug in the speakers, amplifier and music source into the power strip. Plug in the speakers and music source into the power strip.

    • 8
      The volume can be easily located to adjust.

      Turn down the volume on the music source and amplifier on the back of the speaker to zero.

    • 9

      Turn the power on to music source and then to the amplifier on the back of the speaker.

    • 10
      After the equipment is set up, the DJ is ready to entertain.

      Select music to play in the CD player or deejay rig then adjust level to the half way point. Turn up the volume on the back of the speaker to the desired level. Repeat this step for the right speaker.

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