🎧 DJ Etiquette 101: How to Look After Club Gear and Stay on Good Terms with Venues & Sound Crews

Whether you're spinning your first club set or you’ve already played a dozen dancefloors, there's one rule every DJ should live by:

Respect the gear, respect the people.

Club-standard gear—especially professional rigs like CDJ-3000s, DJM mixers, and custom sound systems—is expensive, delicate, and critical to the night running smoothly. And behind that gear are people: venue owners, sound techs, and other DJs, all working to create a seamless experience.

When you step behind the booth, you're not just a performer—you’re part of a crew. Here’s how to play your part with professionalism, respect, and zero drama.

🧼 1. Treat the Decks Like Gold (Because They Are)

Club gear can cost tens of thousands of dollars—and a careless DJ can break something in seconds.

• No slamming the cue or play button. Avoid button bashing—you don’t need to smash them to make them work. These aren’t arcade machines.

• Be mindful of jog wheels. Don’t lean on them, scratch them excessively, or use them like turntables if that’s not your style.

• Never unplug or re-route cables without permission. You could cut audio or cause equipment failure mid-set.

Pro tip: Always ask the sound tech or venue manager before touching anything that isn’t yours.

🥤 2. No Drinks in the Booth

One of the fastest ways to lose a venue’s trust (or your next gig) is to spill a drink on the gear.

• No drinks near the decks or mixer. Spilled alcohol = fried circuit boards.

• Use only designated drink shelves—most booths have one.

• If you must hydrate, secure your drink in a bottle or cup with a lid.

One clumsy moment can cost thousands in damage and cancel the rest of the night.

📦 3. Show Up Prepared, Not Messy

Before your set:

• Have your USBs or laptop clean, labelled, and organised.

• Avoid last-minute software syncs or downloading tracks in the booth.

• Label your headphones or adapters if bringing your own gear.

No one likes a DJ who’s fumbling and holding up the next performer. Be plug-and-play ready.

🎚️ 4. Mind Your Volume & EQ

Respect the sound tech and the system:

• Do not touch the master volume unless you’ve been given permission.

• Keep channel gains clean—don’t redline.

• If it sounds too quiet, let the sound tech handle it from front-of-house.

Redlining doesn't make your set sound better. It makes it sound distorted—and it can damage the PA.

🔁 5. Respect Changeovers and Other DJs

When it's your turn:

• Don’t crowd the previous DJ. Wait until they’re ready to hand over.

• Never plug in USBs mid-mix unless you’ve both agreed.

• When your set is done, eject your USB, unplug your headphones, take your stuff, and clean up.

Leave the booth how you'd like to find it. That’s DJ karma.

🧍‍♂️ 6. Respect Sound Techs and Staff

The sound engineer and bar staff are your allies, not your servants.

• Greet them. Thank them. Ask questions respectfully.

• If something’s wrong, stay calm and communicate clearly.

• Don’t assume it’s the gear—check your settings first.

Soundies remember the DJs who make their lives easier—and so do venue owners.

✊ Final Word: Respect = Reputation

Looking after the gear isn’t just about avoiding conflict—it’s about building your reputation as a professional DJ. Those who are respectful, reliable, and easy to work with are the ones who get booked again and again.

Remember: You're sharing space, sound, and responsibility with others. How you act in the booth matters just as much as what you play.

🎶 Want to get familiar with CDJ-3000s ?At The Galaxy, we’re opening up our booth for local DJs to record a set, practice transitions, and learn how to treat club gear like a pro. Contact us now.