Custom DJ Console

I’m constantly amazed at the number of DJs around the world who have approached me about my console. It really isn’t anything special and I built it in my shed with no joinery or building experience.

If you're looking at this page with interest, you're probably a DJ yourself as it's not going to be of much interest to most people! I've had so many requests from other DJs however, I thought I should put these pictures up.

I built the console from scratch. The top and bottom are plywood, the sides are customwood (MDF) and it is covered with an industrial carpet. All wiring and interconnects are hidden internally and the whole console weighs remarkably little.

The skirt, which was made to order by a local curtain-making firm attaches very quickly with velcro to complete the set up.
 
 
Here’s the basics;

• 800mm x 400mm x 200mm (about 32” x 16” x 8”)
• 4mm plywood top, bottom and internal shelf. 4mm is 5/32 inch (= a bit over 1/8 inch)
• 12mm MDF sides. 12mm is almost 15/32 inch (about 1/2 inch)
• Make the box, glueing and screwing pieces together.
• Decide carefully where you want the cut to be to make it into a base and a lid and cut it.
• Strengthen as required.
• Glue on carpet, fit wiring, plugs and other hardware.
• Go out and earn money.
  
  The hardest components to find were the lift-off hinges which allow the lid to be removed. I don’t make consoles for other DJs, mostly because I’m in New Zealand and the shipping and construction costs would be disastrous.
  
  Any joinery company should be able to build something for you cheaply enough. All you need to do is decide on the most effective layout and also consider how you’ll carry it- where the handle needs to go.
  

DJ Richard's equipment set up with the wonderful Bose L1™ Loudspeaker

Another view

Looking out from DJ Richard's side:

The console packed up with the Bose L1™ Loudspeaker

The side of the console seen by guests at events (a curtain attaches by velcro)

 

The side of the console that DJ Richard sees

 

DJ console with the lid off

 

Close-up shot of the laptop bay and mixer

 

Balanced line out left & right, DMX out and mains power in

 

AKG Cordless microphone receiver and Phonic balanced mixer

 

The DJ console lid, showing the lift-off hinges

The DJ console set up at Te Awa Winery, Hastings

And at The Mission Estate, Taradale

At the Wellington School Of Dance, a corporate event- a close-up

At the Wellington School Of Dance, a corporate event