DJs use a wide variety of equipment both in the studio and on the road at gigs. Most of this equipment requires power of some sort, which in turn means they will have a charging cable. Not to mention the different equipment that needs to connect!
All of this can add to quite the mess and clutter of cables. Fortunately, the DJing community has developed numerous ways (and products) of effective cable management to ensure systematic organisation and easy arrangement.
In this blog, we’ll introduce you to not just some important cable management techniques but also the range of affordable equipment you can use to organise your cables easily.
The Importance of Good Cable Management
Effective cable management is crucial for both aesthetic and functional reasons.
It gives off a more professional appearance
Nothing looks more professional than a clean set-up. As a DJ looking to make a good impression on not just the audience but the clubs you play at, looking organised is a good way of proving your attention to detail, professionalism and trustworthiness.
It helps you set up and pack away quicker
Having the right cable management products and systems allows you to set up and pack away your DJ equipment more easily and more quickly. This gives you more time to prepare for your performance, rather than frantically untangling wires and looking for cables.
It keeps you and others safe
Dangling cables are a safety hazard. Not only are you or someone else around you likely to snag a hand or leg on a wayward cable and risk bringing your gear crashing down, but more importantly, without effective cable management, you could cause serious injury.
It enhances the lifespan of your equipmentÂ
Neatly arranged cables reduce the wear and tear on your wires and connectors. With less risk of damage, there is less risk of malfunctions over time, saving you money and effort. Badly coiled cables or wires subject to unnecessary friction and pressure can become damaged much more quickly.
How to Manage Your Cables
The right cable management system for a DJ depends on… the DJ!Â
The way your cables are organised needs to complement your workflow and align with your intuition and preference. Nevertheless, there are some tried and tested techniques that could inspire and guide you towards finding the cable management technique that is best for you.Â
Note: These strategies are not mutually exclusive, and the most well-organised DJs will employ more than one of them.
1. Bundle like cables together
Keeping cables of similar functionality, size or features bundled together can be an easy and intuitive way of keeping everything organised and easy to find.
Using cable ties or velcro ties can help prevent tangling and make transporting and re-using cables easier than ever.
2. A colour-coded system
Colour-code systems are extremely practical. They provide an easy and visual way of quickly differentiating between different cables, such as power or audio cables.
Colour codes are highly customisable and can not just help with packing away or setting up, but can be highly functional for keeping your cables not just front of mind, but front of eyes as well!
3. Use cable mats
Cable mats are handy accessories that can be used to cover and protect cables in areas where there is heavy foot traffic and high levels of activity.
Cable mats are good tools for keeping cables organised, protected from damage and preventing people from tripping over them as they walk past.
4. Tacking down cables
Tape, such as gaffer tape, and other adhesives is another way of securing and protecting cables along the floor.
Tape allows for even greater flattening of cables against floors and other surfaces – however, it can be more cumbersome and inconvenient to set up and pack up every time.Â
5. Table skirts
Table skirts help pool excess cables underneath and safely tucked in your studio desk or workspace.
This keeps your various cables from inter-tangling, makes the space look more tidy and conducive for music making, and allows you to easily access the cables you need.
Cable Management Accessories Available at DJ City
DJ City is one of the largest retailers of all things music and DJ equipment in Australia. If you are looking for the right product and accessories to make your cable management easier, more convenient and neater, make sure to check out our range today.
Gaffer Tape
Gaffer tape is multi-purpose, highly useful and an invaluable addition to your DJ set-up kit. At DJ City, we stock the classic black, inconspicuous variety as well as many other different colours to suit your management strategy and aesthetic preferences.Â
Reusable Velcro
Using reusable velcro strips is a cost-effective and hassle-free way of managing your cables. Our multi-piece sets of velcro are custom designed for use with cables and by DJs.
Like our gaffer tape accessories, they come in standard black and in coloured packs.
Cable Ties
Cable ties, especially branded DJ City ties, are highly secure and reliable cable management products. Of course, they are less reusable than velcro strips but if you are working on a more permanent set up, for example in your home studio, cable ties provide all the organisation you need.
Cable Sleeves
Cable Sleeves are nifty accessories that assist you in not just keeping your cables organised but also keeping them hidden and out of sight.
Our sleeves are super simple to use: All you need to do is wrap your cables, stick it in the spot you want and enjoy a tidy and secure set up.
Multiport Deck
A multiport cable deck, such as the mbeat MB-DOCK-D11 or Gorilla charging station, might be more of a financial investment than other accessories on this list, but its multiport feature offers multi-purpose functionality.Â
If you’re decking out your home or professional studio, a handy and reliable working station will keep everything you need where and how you need it.Â
Need a hand with your cable management strategy?
The team at DJ City are always happy to lend a hand to help you find your perfect cable management strategy.
