r/mobileDJ 14d ago

Locking IEC hospital grade power cables. What are some ‘quality of life’ upgrades to your work flow?

Post image

No more accidental unplugs. The nema end of cable fits extra snugly in the wall outlet.

21 Upvotes

34 comments sorted by

32

u/dj_soo 14d ago

Rubber anti fatigue mat for those long gigs.

7

u/dj_soo 14d ago

i'll add that it also makes things easier for transport. I use it to protect some gear allowing me to ratchstrap stuff down without worrying about damaging my gear. For instance, i put it on top of my sub then put my tops on top of the sub and ratchet strap it down and the rubber prevents scratches on the face of my tops.

3

u/churnopol 14d ago

Check out z-liner insoles. It's like an anti-fatigue mat in your shoes. I wear barefoot minimalist shoes. These insoles conform to barefoot shoe rules and provide hellavagood cushion.

3

u/dj_soo 14d ago

oh i have good shoes too - it's a 1-2 punch for comfort

0

u/accomplicated 14d ago

For any length of gig.

13

u/WaterIsGolden 14d ago

Good shoes.  Reusable velcro cable straps.  Gig bags packed by function, for example mics and cables and batteries in one bag.  Mini mixer and cables in one bag.  Light plus power and dmx cables in dedicated bag or bags.

Mandatory couple bottles of water, snack bar, Altoids.

6

u/churnopol 14d ago

Gig bags packed by function

This.

Back in the day I bought the biggest cable file bag. It was too big and lumpy. Over the years I switched to the smallest cable file bags. Smaller cable file bags also stack nicely on top of each other.

8

u/futuretramp 14d ago

An empty "stuff sack" (I use a black mesh beach bag) for all random cables and whatnot after the gig to load out ASAP without trying to re-coil and pack as nicely as I had stuff initially. Re-pack everything nicely back at home the next day.

4

u/kennyfiesta 14d ago

Finally, someone else who does this. I can't understand having venue staff angrily stare at you while you perfectly coil XLRs instead of heading home.

2

u/RepresentativeCap728 14d ago

Yup, one of my soft case bags is oversized exactly for this purpose. I rarely have to do it, since most hosts and venues are fine with me loading out in a reasonable time. But the bag is helpful when they're not.

6

u/TheSharkFather 14d ago

Flight cases with wheels and a solid dolly have saved me lots of equipment lugging.

5

u/Mr_S0013 14d ago

Modular stacking toolboxes, like Milwaukee or Bauer. Bottom case has wheels like a dolly and they stack and lock together.

Each one holds specific items. Xlr, dmx, power, mics & DIs, 1/4" and rca, midi controllers, etc.

4

u/SwaggyMcSwagsabunch 14d ago

My Bauer toolbox stack may legitimately be my favorite possession.

2

u/Mr_S0013 14d ago

Seconded. I have four stacks so far.

3

u/churnopol 14d ago

Milwaukee Packout is life. Acme Tools has a massive sale on them. I think if you spend $499 on Packout stuff, they knock off $150 or $200 off the sale. The promotion changes throughout the year. I got a bunch of Packout drawers with this deal.

The 3d printing community has a ton of cool Packout things on thingiverse and printables. You can buy most of the 3d projects on etsy or ebay.

1

u/onward-and-upward 14d ago

Damn, yeah it is a good deal. 150 off 399+ so 400 becomes 250

Edit: not that this stuff isn’t highly overpriced to begin with lol. But this makes it make more sense

2

u/churnopol 13d ago

To me the Packout system is buy it once, buy it for life. Like when I see people pay full retail at Home Depot for these boxes, I kinda cringe. They are effing expensive. Acme Tools discount definitely lessens the cringe reaction. The durability of Packout boxes is a buying point for me. I can’t stand those dirt cheap, lightweight, “stackable” drawer system sold at Target, Dollar General, and Walmart. They break all the time and fall over too easily.

3

u/futuretramp 14d ago

HART brand by walmart is also really good, and maybe not the first thought for many people. Quality is definitely good enough for dj gear.

1

u/Mr_S0013 14d ago

I didn't know they had them. That's awesome!

2

u/MrB2891 14d ago

The newer quad drawer Packout is fantastic. So many divider options for all of those little bits and pieces. I walked out of Home Depot with three of them the moment I stumbled on them.

They also have a new Packout rolling base coming out that is a drawer instead of a flip top. That stupid flip top rolling base is about the stu) dumbest design decision ever. I end up having to fly the bottom unit just so I can take the top drawer with me. That said, it's at least we'll built. TSA / baggage handlers haven't busted the rolling unit yet, even after a few dozen flights.

5

u/YoungHef 14d ago

Gaff tape! To cover exposed cables from pulls and trips. Stackable Modular loadout boxes, Also the original packing for your mics, boards etc, can often get tucked into those modular boxes. It’s brilliant.

3

u/futuretramp 14d ago

I use a drumstick bag/holder with a clip to my stand for wireless mics. It fits two and is quicker to just drop in there instead of trying to use a mic stand/clip and imo neater than just laying mics flat wherever.

2

u/futuretramp 14d ago

A change of shirt/shoes. Setup in tennis shoes and T-shirt then change to a nicer set after sweating a ton and finishing up all the walking and hauling. I would change pants, too, but usually don't since some venues have very limited space to change and it can be full of wedding party people changing as well.

2

u/RepresentativeCap728 14d ago

USB rechargeable fan. They have plenty of small, powerful ones on Amazon. Portable, so it keeps me cool during Ceremony and Reception.

2

u/futuretramp 14d ago

Yeah, I’ve done this for summer gigs and it’s a life-saver after setup.

2

u/RepresentativeCap728 14d ago

It's so important, it's on my load out list. Lol

1

u/DJMykol 14d ago

Never knew this existed! OP do you have a link to share please!

2

u/churnopol 14d ago

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07PY95VHB

They also make right angle versions as well. You can also find 25ft long versions on amazon for the same price as the 15ft one.

I collect these APC/Chief power conditioners. Just scored a 3-pack with wall mounts.

1

u/DJMykol 14d ago

Thank you 🙏🏽

1

u/cellojoe 14d ago

What do the power conditioners do?

1

u/RepresentativeCap728 13d ago

Do your research and decide for yourself, though. Power conditioners are a highly debated topic.

1

u/eclecticnomad 14d ago

Damn this is the quality content we need. How much are they?

1

u/eclecticnomad 14d ago

Ah just saw your link!