Hiding behind the facade?

This past Saturday, I had a photographer comment/ask why do some DJs use facades?

He said that he thinks it gives the appearance that the DJ is hiding, or has a mess & is trying to conceal it.

I have seen both small ones & oversized ones 2.5ft+
All you can see is the DJs head.

What do you think?

BTW...Way to go Trevor Hoffman (Padres)..You BLEW IT!

This past Saturday, I had a photographer comment/ask why do some DJs use facades?

He said that he thinks it gives the appearance that the DJ is hiding, or has a mess & is trying to conceal it.

What do you think?

BTW...Way to go Trevor Hoffman (Padres)..You BLEW IT!

I think he's at least a little right on both accounts...

Facades are designed to hide our mess... but not really tall enough (if you are standing) to hide behind.

I have been considering a facade myself but am hesitant on getting or building one for myself because it's just one more thing I have to haul in and out of a venue and I'm not to sure if it's worth it or not.

Currently I use just a 4' table with a DJ Skirt but the skirt is too short for the height of my table so I now have to sew a bottom fringe to cover the exposed bottom to the floor.

BTW, if the vendor who makes these is on this board what kind of material is used to make these I'm haveing trouble finding it in the local fabric stores?

I think facades do add a certain professional look to a dj booth and well it also keeps the guests from using your area as a drink tray and keeps them from messing with equipment at least from the front anyway.

at a wedding it keeps eyes focused to the important things in the room the Bride and Groom. Much like gaudy banners, our shiny equipment wires etc can be distracting and yes now that it is mentioned I rarely have to worry about having glasses collect in my area unless Im in full party mode then I make sure Brenton keeps it cleared off in our area.

jon said it well.....

to me, it just looks more professional that having wires about the table. (i'm talking about my set up...not anyone else's). Facades are used at halls to hide extra tables and chairs. Removable walls are used to make a large room look smaller for smaller crowds......why? are they hiding the fact of how big the room really is?

keeping the drinks away from my equipment is a big bonus too!!

for years I've gone round and round about it.... I make a point of hiding my cords,,,,

But I think that they look kinda big and bulky and draw more attention to you.

Pluse it does look like you are hiding and I don't like the way it blocks off the audience. I want people to come up, be personable and give them the felling that they can come up.

Not for them to see some big barrier and they should stay away...

I dunno...

Hey there kids, who wants to see a puppet show?

No facade for me.

My rock hard abs can be seen through my sequin cumber bun.

Facades would make me feel like I'm standing behind a podium. Plus I get way into moving around during power hour. People really need to see just how big of an idiot I am when I get into the music. Keeps em riveted I tell ya.

If I had a sloppy set up I would use one. If I wanted to keep guests at a distance I might use one. I might wake up tomowrrow and want to use one but right now I'm happy with my set up.
http://grapevinedj.homestead.com/Bose_Ritz2.JPG

If I had a sloppy set up I would use one. If I wanted to keep guests at a distance I might use one. I might wake up tomowrrow and want to use one but right now I'm happy with my set up.
http://grapevinedj.homestead.com/Bose_Ritz2.JPG

That's really nice looking... but I see no CD's or computers... is everything in the rack?

THANKS!

Yup, Numark D2 and light controller (Martin 2518) Rane MP 24 mixer along with 2 wireless mic receivers

THANKS!

Yup, Numark D2 and light controller (Martin 2518) Rane MP 24 mixer along with 2 wireless mic receivers

That MP24 is a sweet mixer.

I use a facade because I like the level of privacy it gives me behind my set up. It gives my table a nice flush look. It also comes in handy for hiding the morning wood I get in the evenings from looking at all the hot chicks. Yes I know! I'm a pig.

I use a small facade...almost a table top......I fabbed it myself....Problem I have with it is securing it to the table.

I've been debating a 63x48" facade....My concern is looking like I'm hiding. I'm 5'7"..if I'm looking down.....don't know if it'll look right......

Actually Im in process to go to a fold out top for my system and then all I will have is a fold down shelf for my 30 pack CD binder for my MP3 Discs.

Hiding? Surely thou detractors jest heavily.

It's my workspace and I got sick of of the three or four mandated *******s at every event that find it neccessary to:
1) stand alongside me and chat for an hour about when they used to be a DJ;
2) the ones that (pre-mp3) took it upon themselves to search through the CD cases;
3) the blonde babe in the black sheath dress who just consumed her annual allocation of chardonnay in two hours who is in my face telling me I'm either incredibly cute or my music sucks;
4) the kid(s) around the age of 2 to 5 whose parents think it's really cute the little poops are hiding under my table, climbing my speakers, running behind the table to see what the man (me) is doing;
5) the waiter or waitress that is compelled to bus the dirty dish tray right behind me while introducing the cake cutting or some other hightlighted "the focus is on me" activity;
6) the table cloth and skirt provided by the house were last cleaned when Nixon resigned;
7) "There isn't enough tables. We ran out. Will these two 4' tall round cocktail tables work? It's all we got."

My Quality Control Assuredness Program, my space, my area, especially if I don't feel like wearing trousers that day..

http://www.capcapello.com/sets/franklinplaza/fklnplz2.jpg

cap,
that's not a facade....that's a bunker!!!:sqwink:

j/k....always liked your setup!!!

I use a small facade...almost a table top......I fabbed it myself....Problem I have with it is securing it to the table.

I've been debating a 63x48" facade....My concern is looking like I'm hiding. I'm 5'7"..if I'm looking down.....don't know if it'll look right......

If that's 63"w x 48"h.... I'm 66" tall without shoes on and probalby 67" with shoes I see no problem with the height of a facade.... besides a facade would hide my 36 pack abs.... lol

Being accessible and approachable can happen with or without a facade. It is mostly in your demeanor and presentation. We don't have a facade, but our wall of equipment keeps guests on one side and us on the other. We try not to appear hiding, but yes, sometimes it can look that way. In our case, without rescaling our system (down) it's hard to avoid 'the wall'. (It's a safety anyway as it keeps people from parking directly under the trusses.)

I don't use a facade, mainly because I tend to think similar to the way the photographer did. To me, a facade isolates the DJ from the rest of the crowd. It doesn't literally isolate him, but it gives that impression. I use a Road Ready slant rack system. I will use a piano stand to use one of the case covers as a table next to the rack, but thats it. Sometimes I will use a black tableclothed table behind me, but thats only for larger events.

Dear Fella’s

From what I’ve read so far, a façade could easily serve two purposes: What you want to see and how you want others to see you, thus making it a matter of personal style.

Since I started in 85, I’ve never used them, because I wanted people to see me “performing” on the wheels of steel and getting the “feel” of my mixes.

My philosophy behind that has not changed, but it is interesting to see why people choose to wanting to use one, from the guy that can barely see above his deck to the “stay back” approach.

Either way, I personally respect the way people want to do it, as long as their equipment does not appear messy and the cables are tucked in. (when I was younger I didn’t notice those details).

Bottom line, the way I see it, is one less item to carry and set up/tear down. I want people to approach me, and if someone starts to annoy me I give them a piece of my mind, in a courteous but firm manner.

Excellent post and great feedback from everyone, thank you for sharing.

Kind regards,


Rig

photos:
top: wysiwyg
mid: back in 85
bottom: this is what I see. (I added my serato laptop stand over the left tabletop player not shown)
:sqwink:

LOL: in case you wonder why my friend is touching the mixer, was because he felt the microphone was not loud enough. (thanks Eric)

Cap... BTW, you are incredibly cute.

My Quality Control Assuredness Program, my space, my area, especially if I don't feel like wearing trousers that day..


Now there's an image I wish I din't have...

To me, facades in general make the set up look neat and clean.

Since Pro Wood doesn't exisit anymore and I am having a difficult time having someone else produce a similar set up, I am considering going with the DJ Skirt booth.

BTW, I had a company willing to reproduce the boards and connectors from Pro Wood but the cost was too high.

Um, er, ah, psssst, Mr. DeeJayRig? There's a guy in a blue jacket messing with your mixer. Shoot him. Shoot him quick. Looks like he pulled out some of those hidden wires and the christmas tree lights you mentioned too, the good for nuthin freak! Shoot him!

Hey Cap, you mean this guy?

Looks like he put the lights where they belong.

In one of my bar venues I have to set up on what amounts to a wide counter. A facade is a must to hide the wiring.


At events I may use a facade, but in a strange way... If it's Karaoke, I reverse the rack and work from the IN FRONT of the facade, encouraging interaction. When doing straight DJ work its from the side for the same reason, but a bit more limiting. ( protection purposes).

I love Caps bunker and as a matter of fact I'm building one for my parties. I'm using PVC pipes and black spandex, I'll post some pictures once it's done.

When explaining my FACADE to my potential Brides they thank me for knowing who is the Guests of Honor for the day and where proper focus should be directed.

http://www.capcapello.com/sets/franklinplaza/fklnplz2.jpg

Interesting...it looks like a big playpen or a place where parents can put their children!
Maybe some barbed wire along the top?...LOL!

Personally I have always been envious of Caps setup. I was even thinking of shaving my head :sqerr: J/K. Its always looked very nice. Some how my wife just thinks I want the plasma for fun. I have not had my setup with the new Bose system set like I want it to look. The last 3 events I have done with them had very limited room I want my L-1's at the side of my table much like Albany's setup. But so far I have had to deal with less the desireable setups. Two weeks ago I was behind a pillar. Thats ok I still did a good job for our clients. I guess the bride was more concerned about her guest liking there seats than if I had to DJ behind a pole lol.:sqlaugh: And Yea I know I could have setup sideways but we live and learn and everything still went great. Also ignore the picture dates I had to reset the camera. And yes my bass bins are hid under my table. When I get a real good pic of my setup I will post it on my web site untill then these will not go on it.

Dave I really like how you hung your lights above the L-1's in the last pic outdoors. It has a nice Symmetry. OH by the way phone me.

Hi Jon thats how I normally hang my lights just like that The only thing I would have liked a little bit different would have been to have more room out to the sides.

I would have liked to move the L-1's out just a bit more to the sides then it would have been perfect. I'm a perfectionist when it comes to having everything looking just right thanks Jon.

Again at my last 3 weddings I felt very cramped. I can't wait till I get to have the room I want. Then I'll take a nice pic and put it on my website.

Interesting...it looks like a big playpen or a place where parents can put their children!
Maybe some barbed wire along the top?...LOL!


That IS funny... but still, I LOVE Cap's setup...

Interesting...it looks like a big playpen or a place where parents can put their children!
Maybe some barbed wire along the top?...LOL!The little poopies never to be seen again, muahhahahaha.

Barbed wire?? Just once or twice when I DJ'd events for ADJA old car owners from Phoenix during their Cotton Picker's Balls (there were two I believe).

Interesting thread on the pros and cons of using a facade. I can see the benefits on both sides.

Personally, I don't use one yet, because I'm too cheap and a bottomfeeder!

Interesting thread on the pros and cons of using a facade. I can see the benefits on both sides.

Personally, I don't use one yet, because I'm too cheap and a bottomfeeder!

I will tell you that the facade we have "The Topper" from DJ skirts is awesome. It's about 230 dollars and worth every penny. Its good for a table from 4 feet to 8 feet. And comes with a carry bag.

Figured it was about time I commented. :D

Facades are fine if and when you are allotted the linear space to set them up. In our experience, this doesn't occur often. Close quarters are usually the order of the day, I'm afraid.

Before yas all start to preachin' at me about well-you've-got-to-be-assertive and you've-got-to-let-them-know-you-need-the-space, I've got some news for you: When you're loading in an hour before the show and every one of the waitstaff is busy as three people and the house has already been set up for the client, the last thing you're gonna get accomplished is a huge footprint where one does not exist.

And if anyone thinks that we're gonna start dragging tables and chairs around to make room for a huge-assed facade, you're nuts. We don't have time to rearrange the furniture.

Folks, I learned many years ago to keep it as small and indiscrete as possible. :)

We don't need a facade. We stack the rack cases on a dolly board, make all connections and hang a custom-made drape over it. Shirl made the drape for less than half of what those skirts retailers want. It looks nicer, too.

Cables on the floor are simply covered with a carpet mat. Lay a mat over the snakepit of cables and that's that. I stow the coils on my side of the stack and they're covered. No one sees it.

I can stand behind that rack stack and work or I can walk around it and interact with the crowd. Wolfie don't hide behind no facade. I like to party and git down with the crowd. :)

Um, er, ah, psssst, Mr. DeeJayRig? There's a guy in a blue jacket messing with your mixer. Shoot him. Shoot him quick. Looks like he pulled out some of those hidden wires and the christmas tree lights you mentioned too, the good for nuthin freak! Shoot him!

lol
THAT PICTURE WAS TAKEN in 1985, and the guy who's "messing" with the mike volume is none other than my friend "mindmotion"
http://mindmotion.fatmixes.com/
should you care to google him he's one of the best dj's alive on the west coast...
The xmas lights was not my doing, That picture was taken at a company party and the lady decorated the table... again, :rofl: I wanted to present the contrast...

Back off!! LOL!!

Figured it was about time I commented. :D

Facades are fine if and when you are allotted the linear space to set them up. In our experience, this doesn't occur often. Close quarters are usually the order of the day, I'm afraid.

Before yas all start to preachin' at me about well-you've-got-to-be-assertive and you've-got-to-let-them-know-you-need-the-space, I've got some news for you: When you're loading in an hour before the show and every one of the waitstaff is busy as three people and the house has already been set up for the client, the last thing you're gonna get accomplished is a huge footprint where one does not exist.

And if anyone thinks that we're gonna start dragging tables and chairs around to make room for a huge-assed facade, you're nuts. We don't have time to rearrange the furniture.

Folks, I learned many years ago to keep it as small and indiscrete as possible. :)

We don't need a facade. We stack the rack cases on a dolly board, make all connections and hang a custom-made drape over it. Shirl made the drape for less than half of what those skirts retailers want. It looks nicer, too.

Cables on the floor are simply covered with a carpet mat. Lay a mat over the snakepit of cables and that's that. I stow the coils on my side of the stack and they're covered. No one sees it.

I can stand behind that rack stack and work or I can walk around it and interact with the crowd. Wolfie don't hide behind no facade. I like to party and git down with the crowd. :)


That's what I'm talking about!! Maybe I'm too old school, but I like to interact with the crowd... Heck, I am a DJ not a priest.

I have three set ups... (actually four, if i count the wedding ceremony system).

Last june I had a gig on a luxury yatch, and the space for a dj was very limited... Anyway...

I have a carpeted coffin for my turntables
A carpeted cube that sits on top of a carpeted rack on wheels
An SKB cube that I normally set it on top of a table, (see pictured)
And the Pioneers...

I have used facades before, but people pay me to put on a show... and want to see me "spinning" ...

1) stand alongside me and chat for an hour about when they used to be a DJ;

Omigosh, it's happened to me more than once..The most recently a wedding (my 10 hour, never again, but fun in Utica, 2 weeks ago)..A man approached me with no friends and kept telling me over and over and over and over....About he likes Jazz during dinner.....:sqmad:


2) the ones that (pre-mp3) took it upon themselves to search through the CD cases;


All the time..Very, very annoying!!!!! :sqmad:




3) the blonde babe in the black sheath dress who just consumed her annual allocation of chardonnay in two hours who is in my face telling me I'm either incredibly cute or my music sucks;

Offered a sexual *prize* if I played her song next, even though I was in a Hip Hop set and she wanted Michael Buble...





4) the kid(s) around the age of 2 to 5 whose parents think it's cute to come and ask *What are you playing next???*

4a) They ask for a request and the stand there until you play it...


5) the waiter or waitress that is compelled to bus the dirty dish tray right behind me while introducing the cake cutting or some other hightlighted "the focus is on me" activity;

Yes!!!! I've asked them not to come in the back of me...Accident waiting to happen...

Interact with the crowd? Approachable? Love to be a part of the action? Clean looks? Limited set up space? Old school?

You must be saying that anyone who owns or uses a facade haven't figured out how to do all the above because they're so mentally and physically handicapped that they haven't developed methods and strategies to get out of our little cages nor learned how to rearrange panels so they'll fit anywhere?

Any bets those who pooh-pooh facades with these observations have never actually used or tried a really good one?

How about this?

A consistent, clean, and uniquely designed presentation is every bit a trademark as a company logo, a business name, an ad. Vendors, clients, and banquet halls pay attention to this as it impacts how they look too. When someone walks into a room and sees the presentation/setup, they should automatically recognize it's you even without a sign, a business card, or ???

If the approach toward setup space is gumby-like (take what's given and be happy), it is clear not enough effort was taken with the client and the facility in advance of the event to prevent such detrimental happenstances, especially if the DJs schedule is active and vibrant and will be working at these same places over and over again for the length of their careers.

Lastly, a wise and prepared performer will have their setup requirements clearly defined in their contracts and what the results might be if not strictly provided BUT have an alternative game plan for those rare instances when dealing with a dolt of a manager.

Is anyone else noticing that with the age of computer djing, setups are getting even more convoluted? Many could benefit from a facade to hide their monstrosities.

Mark : Another excellent point and the same holds true for the reverse, hiding their mini-docks.

If perception is reality, and if bigger means better, a small setup in our eyes means fast, easy, sleek, simple, and efficient...but what about the other side?

"I paid $1,000 for that? Cheesh, I could've used my i-pod for that and saved a bundle."

Yes. Add the mystery.

"What's he/she doing back there? What's he/she using? How the hell did he/she do that?"

"I am the Wizard. Pay no attention to the man behind the screen."

agreed with cap.

I don't think putting a facade in front of the gear makes anyone less approachable.
perhaps if the facade was 7 feet tall and no one knew you were there, or if you sat down behind the facade where no one could see you, but I think what you say and your body language is what makes people feel you are approachable, not a facade that makes the equipment look neater.

4493

one of my employees...being approached by a child at a show. Even bending down to talk to the child...he is above the facade...when he stand...he is well above it....and approachable.

I've seen some pictures of other set ups that don't need a facade...and if you don't need one, don't get one....but if you think you shouldn't get one just because people will think you are less approachable, you'd be incorrect.

Interact with the crowd? Approachable? Love to be a part of the action? Clean looks? Limited set up space? Old school?

You must be saying that anyone who owns or uses a facade haven't figured out how to do all the above because they're so mentally and physically handicapped that they haven't developed methods and strategies to get out of our little cages nor learned how to rearrange panels so they'll fit anywhere?

Any bets those who pooh-pooh facades with these observations have never actually used or tried a really good one?

How about this?

A consistent, clean, and uniquely designed presentation is every bit a trademark as a company logo, a business name, an ad. Vendors, clients, and banquet halls pay attention to this as it impacts how they look too. When someone walks into a room and sees the presentation/setup, they should automatically recognize it's you even without a sign, a business card, or ???

If the approach toward setup space is gumby-like (take what's given and be happy), it is clear not enough effort was taken with the client and the facility in advance of the event to prevent such detrimental happenstances, especially if the DJs schedule is active and vibrant and will be working at these same places over and over again for the length of their careers.

Lastly, a wise and prepared performer will have their setup requirements clearly defined in their contracts and what the results might be if not strictly provided BUT have an alternative game plan for those rare instances when dealing with a dolt of a manager.


so mentally and physically handicapped?
gEE That's a bit harsh, don't you think? I truly believe one can state an opinion, and not run the risk of being called a retard.

The moment one posts on these boards, one runs the risk of being subject to criticism, not subject to abuse.

Some like the reverend look, others preffer the practical approach. See the piano on your picture? That piano has many keys, and each key plays a different tune. If all the keys on that piano would play the same tune, it wouldn't need such a bulky case, to host one cord. Besides it would be so boring. So you want a grand corral around you when you dj? so be it... screw it, hire a masonry guy and bring a ton of bricks to your events.

We don't need a facade. We stack the rack cases on a dolly board, make all connections and hang a custom-made drape over it. Shirl made the drape for less than half of what those skirts retailers want. It looks nicer, too.

Fred:

I've seen your rig but didn't notice how the drape fits in. Do you use velcro?

With the way my rack is set up, I think I could benefit from a drape to hide the wires in the back.

The only thing I use the table given me for is paperwork and drinks. So, essentially, with a drape, I could drop the facade and that would be one less thing to carry (and more room for the 42" LCD).

DeeJayRig : Withdrawn. No need to start anything unproductive.

Withdrawn: My point's been made.

4493

one of my employees...being approached by a child at a show. Even bending down to talk to the child...he is above the facade...when he stand...he is well above it....and approachable.

I've seen some pictures of other set ups that don't need a facade...and if you don't need one, don't get one....but if you think you shouldn't get one just because people will think you are less approachable, you'd be incorrect.

I Scott, i totally understand your point. I am sure that if people really want to get to you, they will, even if you're in a platform above the ground, and all in all I believe it boils down to styles.

On the other hand, writing on these boards it's like thinking out loud, and it stills One's opinion, without being rude, the fact that some resent that expression is totally a different ball game.

I have considered, explored, tried the facade, and went as far as building my own, out of 3/4" plywood, very nice, I paid $250 to have it sprayed with the same stuff they spray truck bed liners. I found out that by doing so, then I was forced to carry a table, in addition to limit my mobility it added more stuff to carry and to set up.

Maybe some day I revamp the idea of carrying one (I gave the other one away).

I didn't mean to clown anyone, that was not my intention, much less call anyone a mentally challenged individual, that's plain rude, unnecessary and unacceptable in my book, since I volunteer my time twice a year to play at their events.

At my age I like to travel very light.

Regards Mr Hanna

DeeJayRig : Withdrawn. No need to start anything unproductive.


eye-eye captain

point well taken.

Rig

okay guys I appreciate efforts to adjust in a heated conversation it proves we as a group here at ODJT have proper intentions at all times when posting naturally as humans we can disagree at any moment ask my girlfriend. However its how individuals adjust and let it cool down that separates the slugfest forums from one which we prefer sharing and comradery amongst our members. I trust this thread will continue to head in a positive direction. Thanks for allowing me a moment.

Cap... BTW, you are incredibly cute.

Uh, Tyrone, I don't think he likes you like that.

RaskyKat : Mind your own business. :sqwink:

Tyrone: And you were saying? http://www.capcapello.com/avatar/blowingkiss.gif

Fred:

I've seen your rig but didn't notice how the drape fits in. Do you use velcro?

With the way my rack is set up, I think I could benefit from a drape to hide the wires in the back.

The only thing I use the table given me for is paperwork and drinks. So, essentially, with a drape, I could drop the facade and that would be one less thing to carry (and more room for the 42" LCD).Thanks, Tom.

Yup, it's suspended from the hinge pins on the console rack case via Velcro strips. Another pair of strips secure it to the sides on the cover latches. We use black Velcro strips. It's not noticeable.

The beauty of this ~ the drape hides the open-back rack cases. It looks like crap when we're setting up but once that drape is put on, it's sweet stuff.

Just our preference but we don't utilize venue-provided tables. They just get in the way. Any horizontal surface is an open invitation for guests to use as a dump. So we don't use 'em. If the venue sets up a table for us we ask for it to be removed. If they're too busy, we remove it ourselves. We can't get loaded in and set up with a banquet table in the road.

We have a small, pedestal-type table that we can use for the laptop and/or paperwork. It's actually a photographer's tool called a posing stand.

That being said, I appreciate you guys' preferences. You've got sweet setups. Work best with what works best for you. Remember, some of us work with true FOH systems.

All I'm askin' is... don't preach. State your opinion on the topic and let it go at that, please.

here is what a setup of mine is like
I dont use a BIG overside @#!$ board

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a335/djdennis/gear1setup-400x400.jpg

depending if the venue allows me to put up big light stands I keep them at times small and I can place them on top of the Dominator speakers :)

here is what a setup of mine is like
I dont use a BIG overside @#!$ board

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a335/djdennis/gear1setup-400x400.jpg

depending if the venue allows me to put up big light stands I keep them at times small and I can place them on top of the Dominator speakers :)

I used to place my lights on top of my speakers the same way, but I noticed my lamps were getting burned off faster, due to the vibration....

Sweet set up...