To power DJ equipment, a generator with around 2400 watts is preferred. The size of the generator itself really depends on the brand, but it’s the watts you want to look at. Purchasing a generator for your equipment can be quite daunting. There are numerous factors you need to consider before deciding on the perfect generator.
Mainly, the size of the generator you buy is quite crucial. If you buy a generator that is too small, it might not be able to support the full gear. In such a case, the generator might be overloaded and as a result, it may get damaged.
On the other hand, if you buy a generator that is too big, you will just end up spending more time and money on installation, repairs, maintenance, and fuel.
So, what size generator should you buy? Read ahead to find out.
If you don't care about all the details, in the end, our recommendation is the Honda EU2200i. It's a super quiet and portable 2200-Watt, 120-Volt inverter generator with co-minder.
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Most of your electrical DJ equipment comes with a power rating called wattage. It basically measures the rate at which your device uses energy from the source. The more the wattage, the higher the power the device requires to operate.
For speakers and subwoofers, it might be an indicator of the highest volume you can achieve with them. Higher wattage is not always beneficial though. Ensure that your equipment can actually handle the high wattage before you decide to use it. In addition to that, higher wattage can lead to hiked electricity bills or quicker consumption of generator fuel. Often, the wattage or the power rating is given in the form of Amperes or Watts.
It is important that you know the wattage of the gear before you buy it. You need your equipment at the right wattage to ensure that you save money in the long run. Moreover, it is important in determining the correct size of the generator. If the combined wattage of all your gear is greater than the power output of the generator, then your generator can overload.
You need to ensure that your generator is large enough to bear the power requirements of all your gear such as DJ controllers and speakers. In fact, we recommend that you buy a generator with a larger output than the combined wattage. This will give you more options to expand later if needed without having to change your generator.
Indoor gear, especially when provided by clubs, tends to be at a higher wattage than usual. This is mostly because these clubs have a larger budget than you might have. Most DJ gear uses about 1500-2500 watts in stereo mode or about 2000-5000 watts in mono mode.
Most Outdoor DJ gear uses lesser wattage. This is because you may own all the equipment yourself, making it limited due to budget constraints. Most typical gear uses about 500 watts for stereo mode and 800 watts for the mono mode.
As we already mentioned, choosing a generator for DJ gear can be quite difficult. Luckily for you, we have compiled a buying guide to help you determine the size of generator you should buy.
Firstly, you need to determine how much power you need for all the equipment in your armada. For this purpose, we recommend that you check the label on all your equipment for the amps or Watts input rating of the device.
The ampere or the Wattage reading may not be mentioned on the equipment, or it might be indecipherable. In such a case, you should check the manufacturer’s website. Also, note that most manufacturers list the exact amperes or watts the device needs.
If the device is ampere rated, then you can convert it into Watts by the following simple formula:
Next, add up the Wattage of all the equipment to determine the total input power needed. For instance, if you use the following products, here is how you would calculate the total input power required
Product |
Ampere Rating |
Mixer |
1 ampere |
Turntables |
1 ampere |
Speakers x 2 |
14 amperes |
Subwoofers |
3 amperes |
Laptop |
1 ampere |
Total |
20 amperes |
Total Wattage |
2400 Watts |
For this setup, you need a generator that can easily accommodate 2400 Watts. We recommend you go for one at 2700 or 3000 watts. There can be power surges and you might need more power as you upgrade your equipment.
Next, you should consider the dimensions of the generator. Since you might need to travel with your generator often, try to get a small-sized generator. In addition, you might not get enough space at your venue to keep a generator.
Some outdoor venues might not allow you to have a generator with you, as it might be too noisy and would create too much smoke. Using a smaller generator will make it easier for you to carry and transport. Of course, if you have a lot of powerful gear, a smaller generator might not suffice. You can try getting a trolley that you can push from one place to another.
Another important factor to consider is the average runtime. Your generator might be able to support greater wattage; however, it might not be able to run the greater wattage due to the fuel running out quickly. You should ensure that the generator you use can run for a longer period of time. For this, make sure that the tank size is sufficient enough.
You don’t want your generator to be heard over the music, as it will end up ruining your clients’ experience. You should try to buy one that is not loud. Other than that, you should buy long cables so you can place your generator in a place where it does not disturb your audience.
Below is our list of top Generators for DJs:
In the end, our recommendation is the Honda EU2200i. It's a super quiet and portable 2200-Watt, 120-Volt inverter generator with co-minder.
All in all, the perfectly sized generator can be a gift from God during those awful power cuts. They are especially helpful when you work as an outdoor DJ. Just make sure that you buy the correct size so that you can get maximum power output without stacking up on the costs. Also, remember to watch out for the runtime as well. It can heavily impact how long your generator can run your equipment. Now that you know what it takes, are you ready to buy your very own?
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