Lots of DJs don’t realise that that weird looking mic jack on the club mixer or their own gear actually could get them out of a hole one day, because it fits not one but two types of microphone plug – even your headphones at a push!
Fact is that a lot of mid-tier and high-end DJ controllers and mixers have microphone inputs onboard, and most of them have what’s called a combo XLR / TRS mic socket (sometimes called an omni socket). It basically lets you plug in a microphone whether it’s got an XLR jack (the one with three pins) or a 1/4″ jack.
Keep this in mind the next time you’re at a gig and you need to plug in a mic to the mixer or your controller: first check what kind of socket it has. If it’s a combo socket, you’re in luck. If it’s only either an XLR or a TRS (1/4″) jack, you need to find the appropriate lead to hook your mic up.
Any gig horror stories you’d like to share as regards MCing or mic issues? Share them with us below.
Joey Santos
