What's in a DJ Booth Hire Package?

"Can I just hire some CDJs and a mixer?" is probably the question we get asked the most. The short answer is yes. The longer answer is that most people end up needing a bit more than that, and a proper package saves you from finding out the hard way on the night.

We put together DJ hire packages for all sorts of events around Christchurch. House parties, school balls, corporate functions, weddings, festivals. Here's what actually comes in a standard package and what the upgrade options look like.

The Standard Package

A typical DJ booth hire from us includes:

• 2x CDJs (usually CDJ-2000NXS2)
• 1x DJ mixer (DJM-900NXS2 or A9)
• DJ booth/table with black cloth
• 1x monitor speaker so the DJ can actually hear what they're mixing
• All cables, power boards, and a basic lighting wash behind the booth

That's enough to get most DJs up and running without any surprises. The booth keeps things looking tidy and gives the DJ somewhere to put their USB drives, laptop, and whatever else they've brought along. The monitor is important because in a lot of venues, the main speakers are pointed away from the DJ, which means they're mixing half-blind without one.

CDJ-3000 vs CDJ-2000NXS2

We carry both. The CDJ-2000NXS2 is still industry standard and most DJs are comfortable on them. The CDJ-3000 has a bigger screen, better jog wheel feel, and improved track browsing. If a DJ specifically requests 3000s, we can sort that. For most parties and functions, the 2000NXS2 does the job perfectly well.

If you're putting on a show with touring DJs or acts with a specific rider, check the rider first and let us know. We stock our DJ backline to meet most common rider requirements.

Add-On Options

The booth setup is just the DJ's workspace. You'll usually need sound and maybe lighting on top of that. Common add-ons include:

• Speakers: A pair of tops on stands for a small venue, or a full PA with subs for bigger rooms. Check out our speaker hire page for the range.
• Lighting: Moving heads, wash lights, a hazer, maybe some uplighting. We can do a basic party package or a full design depending on the event.
• Extra CDJ: Some DJs want a third or fourth deck. Easy to add.
• RMX effects unit: For DJs who like hardware effects.
• Laptop stand and DI box: For DJs who use Serato or Traktor alongside CDJs.

Dry Hire vs Operated

Dry hire means we deliver, set up, and leave you to it. You or your DJ runs the gear for the night, and we come back to pick it up afterwards. This works well for private parties and events where a competent DJ is already booked.

Operated means we stay on site. We set up, run sound, handle any issues during the event, and pack down at the end. This makes sense for bigger events, festivals, school balls, or any situation where you don't want to worry about the tech side. It also means if something goes wrong, like a CDJ playing up or a speaker needing a swap, someone is there to sort it immediately.

For most house parties and small functions, dry hire is fine. For events with 200+ people, a venue with specific requirements, or multiple acts through the night, we'd recommend having an operator on site.

What We Need From You

To put together a quote, it helps to know:

• The venue (or at least whether it's indoors or outdoors)
• Rough guest count
• Whether you need speakers and lighting as well, or just the booth
• Whether the DJ has any specific gear requests
• Date and rough times

We deliver and set up around Christchurch and wider Canterbury. If you're further afield, we can usually make it work. Just get in touch and we'll figure it out.