DJ Industry-Related Terms

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DJ Ducky

DJ Ducky

Resident Duck
Mar 21, 2008
3,096
36
West Lafayette, IN
ampindiana.com
Hi everybody! I am sorry that it has been so long since I posted here; I've been doing a lot of lurking, though! :triwink:

I am in the middle of an advanced course in technical communication from which I can earn a certificate. My homework assignment for this week has to do with putting together a list of terms for a style guide, and instead of using stuff from work (2 other coworkers are in this class.), I want to use terms from the DJ industry.

For example,

AVOID cordless microphone | See wireless microphone

Wireless microphone - Any of a series of portable microphones that operates on a wireless frequency; used in conjunction with a wireless transmitter. These are used by DJs, event hosts, and guests for announcements including toasts.


If you would like to help a Duck out, feel free to post a term in this thread. It can be as simple as

speaker
amplifier
DMX


Thanks!!! :)
:duckie:
 
not sure if I understand the concept...
(avoid? see?)
but here's a few ideas, based on what I "think" you want...

Segueway / Mix

Record Player / Turntable

Speakers / Monitors

Microphone Plug / XLR connector


and my apologies if I totally missed the mark
 
Avoid using Bipolar EGO Maniac | See Mobile DJ


Mobile DJ: Person who generally has an un-fullfilling full time job (or, in many cases, none at all), and seeks praise as a DJ, in order to feel wanted/needed/special, and less of an outcast.

-Generally has no social skills whatsoever, but sounds ok on a microphone making trivial announcements, and calling out tables to a buffet.

-Migrates to Vegas in February, and Atlantic City in August, for semi-annual mating and gambling rituals with others of the species.

-Can often be heard saying "Ladies and gentlemen, please stand, and welcome to the dance floor for the first time, Mr. and Mrs. <insert socially adept couple's name>".

-Is known to spend inordinate amounts of currency on overpriced gear, in order to help raise their social status to that of nearly a geek.

-Insists on completely dominating your event, in order to downplay the significance of all the other specialized (and high priced) vendors you hired to do their jobs.

-Has less than desirable attire, and may often dress as penguins and/or golf pros when working.

:yoBiggrin:
 
Ausumm said:
not sure if I understand the concept...
(avoid? see?)
but here's a few ideas, based on what I "think" you want...

Segueway / Mix

Record Player / Turntable

Speakers / Monitors

Microphone Plug / XLR connector


and my apologies if I totally missed the mark
Click to expand...


Thanks, Ausumm. You're on the right track. Those are some good examples of related terms and they help. Other stuff that helps is just general, individual/standalone terms and definitions, like "DMX" and its definition.

To word it more simply, I am looking for any and all terms that relate to our "DJ Industry." So far, this is a good start to the list. :)
 
SoftJock Rick said:
Avoid using Bipolar EGO Maniac | See Mobile DJ


Mobile DJ: Person who generally has an un-fullfilling full time job (or, in many cases, none at all), and seeks praise as a DJ, in order to feel wanted/needed/special, and less of an outcast.
Click to expand...


Cute. :)

On a more serious note, I am referring to all of you industry experts here on ODJT for your thoughts.

If you were to write a book or article on what the DJ industry was all about, what terms would you include in the Glossary and how would you define them?
 
AVOID / USE
MC / Master of Ceremonies
Bridal Party/ Wedding Party
Mike / Microphone
Booked / Contracted
Rockit / Anything else (Sorry, but Rick and I were getting to pally in the tattoo discussion):triwink:
 
DJ Ducky said:
Cute. :)

On a more serious note, I am referring to all of you industry experts here on ODJT for your thoughts.

If you were to write a book or article on what the DJ industry was all about, what terms would you include in the Glossary and how would you define them?
Click to expand...


I did -- the smiley doesn't bely the facts ;)


I totally understand what yer looking for Duckster, but our "industry" is no longer about the cool technical stuff -- it's all about sales now.

Almost everything is now defined equally -- it's simply an upsell.


DMX / Intelligent lighting == upsell
Ceremony service == upsell
Uplighting == upsell
Tiny phallic line array == upsell


In the older days, I would have defined it different:

Working the crowd.
Knowing your music from first beat to last.
Teaching dances.
Equipment maintenance.
Basic event time lines.
etc...

Those are just categories, that would be broken down into detailed sub lists. Technical writing does not mean everything has to be a glossary item -- most things are best explained in basic details as to how they're done, in order for the common man to understand them.

Most don't read the glossary... ;)
 
Rick, this is just for a sample terms list. This week's class was about making style guides. I just thought that instead of copying and pasting from my stuff at my day job that I would bring in what I do outside of work, especially where 2 of my coworkers are in the class. I was just trying to give the instructor something different to look at, trying to go out of the box a little for the assignment.

Thanks, everyone, for contributing. I should have enough for a small list. :)
 
Speaker/Speaker System. :)
 
Decks - Any Device used to produce tunes (i.e. Turntables, CDJs, in line CD players, Media Players, MIDI controllers, Etc.)
Mixer - Device used to route audio from decks to PA and Mix them together or separately to avoid dead air.
PA - Public Address - Speakers.
Gear - All-encumpassing term for a DJ's accoutrements.
Hole or Gig - Job
Residency - Long-Term Hole
Martins - Intelligent lights, not necessarily of the Martin brand (Like "Kleenex" or "Sharpie")
Vibe - Feel of a track or crowd
CDJ - Any Table-Top CD Player or Media Player
Fisher-Price - UnSkilled DJ
BassBin - PA Sub-Woofer
Lines - Cables
Rig - Light/Audio Trussing or Stands
Mooch - Anyone at the Show that isn't paying you or directly involved with paying you.
NuTrik - Odd grey and blue line from Amp to PA (Not DJ specific but it seems to Phuck up some people)
DMX - Intelligent Light control protocol
DMX Controller - Intelligent light controller
VU - Outbound Decibel monitor
Cartridge - Needle
Vinyl - Record
Pitch - Platter/Track Speed
BeatMatch - Putting Two tracks in sync
Hot (in reference to sound as in "This track is coming out to hot") - Overly loud music (Amps peak and clip at this point or at least should)
Gain - Mixer volume
Tired/Played out - a Track that has been played so much you acctually want to hear the new Lady GaGa or Katy Perry, or whoever track (i.e. Stereo Love or we no speak Americano.)
DVS - Digital Vinyl System (i.e., Traktor Scratch, Serato Scratch Live, VirtualDJ, Torq, etc.)
Routing - Path of audio or DMX/XLR lighting lines (i.e., Decks>Audio Card>Mixer>CrossOver>Amp>PA)
CrossOver - Frequency Isolator mostly used when rocking passive subs
Booth - DJ's quarters
Drop (When referring to music) - Audibly noticeable change in beat
Train-Wreck - Not fading to next track before the track ends creating dead air and pissed of dancers.
Delay - Audibly noticeable delay from booth to club sound
Monitors - Headphones or Booth speakers
Digits - That cute betty's phone number for use after the event

if I can think of anything else I'll add
 
Try this


• Amp - Short for amplifier.
• Acapella - A track containing only vocals - no background music.
• Anti-skating - A control to keep a turntables stylus centred within a records groove.
• Balance Control - A control that adjusts the left/right balance of your sound.
• Auto Warp - An Ableton Live function that allows the program to calculate and time stretch music.
• Bass - The low frequency normally associated with the kick drum and bass, this can be controlled with your mixers EQ controls.
• Battle - An event where DJs battle against each other, battles are usually associated with hip hop culture.
• Battle Record - A 12” vinyl filled with samples and loops usually used for scratching.
• Beat Matching - A mixing technique used to establish a similar tempo with two or more tracks.
• Beats Per Minute (BPM) - The number of beats per minute, a standard measure of tempo.
• Belt Drive - A turntable driven by a belt using a pulley system to rotate its platter.
• Booking agent - A person who deals with all the details of your DJ bookings and manages your DJ Diary.
• Booth - The area where the DJ & their equipment are in an event or club.
• BPM Counter – A device used to automatically calculate the BMP of a track.
• Cartridge – The part that holds the stylus in place on your turntable.
• Channel – Referring to the channel within which audio is to be played on your DJ mixer.
• Counterbalance (counterweight) - The adjustable weight mounted at the rear end of the tonearm on a turntable.
• Crossfader - A transitional slide control on a mixer for fading in one channel while simultaneously fading out another.
• Crossfader Curve Control - A control that allows adjustment of the crossfaders fade curvature.
• Cuing - A term referring to when a DJ listens to a track through headphones while playing another through the sound system.
• Demo - The item you will be sending off after completing these DJ courses!! A promotional mix sent to potential bookings.
• Direct Drive - A motor system used to rotate a turntables platter.
• DJ - Errm... not sure you should be here if you have to read this!
• Effects Unit – An external device added to your audio stream to add effects to your mixes.
• EQ Controls - Controls that allow the filtering of differing frequencies on your DJ mixer.
• EQing - Altering the colour of sound from EQ control manipulation.
• Fade - A gradual increase or reduction in the level of the audio signal.
• Fader – On a DJ mixer this refers to a sliding control used to adjust the volume of your tracks.
• Flight case - A light weight, hard wearing carry case for a DJs equipment, vinyls and CDs.
• Gain Control - A control which increases or reduces the output level of your tracks giving extra movement in volume.
• Genre - A category of music e.g. Techno, House, Hip Hop, D&B, Trance, Hard House etc.
• Hamster Switch - A reverse feature for a crossfader on DJ mixer. Scratching hamster style is to scratch with a reversed crossfader.
• Headshell – The adaptor used to hold the cartridge in place on the tonearm of a turntable.
• High Frequencies – The high frequencies of your track controlled by your EQ controls.
• Indie Label - A non commercial record label separate from the big corporate companies.
• Intelligent - A term used to describe detailed music that requires extra attention of the listener with complex and cleaver sounds.
• Kill Switch - A switch or button to turn on and off output or individual frequency ranges within a channel, i.e. treble, mid and bass.
• Line Input - An input used by an audio devise
• Master – The master (main) volume control of your mixer.
• MC - In DJ terms, referring to a person rapping.
• Mid-Range Frequencies – Frequencies that fit between the bass and high frequencies. These are also controlled by your EQ controls.
• MIDI - A communication signal used by electronic instruments to broadcast information to each other.
• Monitor - A speaker in the DJ booth that allows the DJ to hear without the delays or echoes caused by space in a large room.
• Needle - A term referring to a turntables stylus.
• Phono Connection – A connection used by turntables.
• Pitch control - The control on your DJ equipment used to alter the speed of your tracks.
• Platter or Plate - The top section of a turntable driven by its motor or belt.
• Promo - A pre-released version of a track.
• Sampler - A device used to record samples of music.
• Slipmat - A felt-type material used to reduce friction between the turntables plate and the vinyl.
• Stylus - The part of a turntables arm that makes contact with the vinyl being played.
• Tempo – The speed of your music
• Time Code – The time structure within which music is created.
• Time Coded Vinyl – Special 12” vinyl used with systems to allow a computer to play music file directly from your turntables movements.
• Tone Arm - The pivoting arm on a turntable.
• Tracking - The ability of a stylus to follow the grooves of a vinyl.
• Turntable – HAHA just testing…
Click to expand...

This DJ Glossary lists terms commonly used by a DJ for various parts of equipment, measurements, situations. etc. Its been compiled as a helpful guide, if there are terms that aren't on here that you think should be then please let me know and I'll add them

have a nice day
 
I am not big on the importance of using "actual" terms. As long as it's clear what we are talking about, I could care less if someone says the 'correct" word. Using wireless mic or cordless mic makes it perfectly clear to me what they are talking about.

It's only when people use terms that could make the meaning unclear that I think it's important.

I also avoid using "industry terms" that make it unclear to the client what I am talking about.

I don't say "I will MC your event". I say, I will coordinate the event with all of the vendors and everyone involved in every thing we do. For example, I'll let your parents know exactly when their dances are coming up. I'll make all of the announcements and introductions and do it with class and elegance"
 
Scott, even though you and most DJs and clients could care less as long as the point gets across, what Ducky is talking about is technical communication and style guides.

From what I understand a style guide such as the one she is making for her homework would be used more within a corporation. While everyone may call it an amp, within a company "amp" could refer to anything, but the term "amplifier" refers to an actual unit that amplifies power. Within a corporate structure where documentation is being created (user manuals, internal projects, production, etc) terms must be standardized. That way there is zero confusion as to what is being talked about.
 
Maybe other than us talking shop I would say KISS ,, as long as the client is happy and gives good reviews, the technical terms do not matter, I mean there is probably some stuff I dont know, just saying
 
DJ J Mac said:
Scott, even though you and most DJs and clients could care less as long as the point gets across, what Ducky is talking about is technical communication and style guides.

From what I understand a style guide such as the one she is making for her homework would be used more within a corporation. While everyone may call it an amp, within a company "amp" could refer to anything, but the term "amplifier" refers to an actual unit that amplifies power. Within a corporate structure where documentation is being created (user manuals, internal projects, production, etc) terms must be standardized. That way there is zero confusion as to what is being talked about.
Click to expand...


Gottcha, I probably should have read the OP more thoroughly
 
Thanks all for the help! As it turned out, I didn't need a gazilion terms. However, I was able to provide the instructor with a taste of the glossary Jon and I could use for training future DJs for our company. As promised, the homework is attached. I will continue to add to this glossary, but for now, it's time for some sleep! :)
 

Attachments

  • AnnaMcDonald_HW3-TermList.pdf
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DJ Ducky said:
Thanks all for the help! As it turned out, I didn't need a gazilion terms. However, I was able to provide the instructor with a taste of the glossary Jon and I could use for training future DJs for our company. As promised, the homework is attached. I will continue to add to this glossary, but for now, it's time for some sleep! :)
Click to expand...
Looks good Ducky. :) I'm keeping it around as a reference.
 
softjock rick said:
avoid using bipolar ego maniac | see mobile dj


mobile dj: person who generally has an un-fullfilling full time job (or, in many cases, none at all), and seeks praise as a dj, in order to feel wanted/needed/special, and less of an outcast.

-generally has no social skills whatsoever, but sounds ok on a microphone making trivial announcements, and calling out tables to a buffet.

-migrates to vegas in february, and atlantic city in august, for semi-annual mating and gambling rituals with others of the species.

-can often be heard saying "ladies and gentlemen, please stand, and welcome to the dance floor for the first time, mr. And mrs. <insert socially adept couple's name>".

-is known to spend inordinate amounts of currency on overpriced gear, in order to help raise their social status to that of nearly a geek.

-insists on completely dominating your event, in order to downplay the significance of all the other specialized (and high priced) vendors you hired to do their jobs.

-has less than desirable attire, and may often dress as penguins and/or golf pros when working.

:yobiggrin:
Click to expand...

rotflmao!!!!
 
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