How To Clean Your DJ Controller
Dust, sticky sweat, cigarette buts, and alcohol stains are among the invaders of your DJ controller after a night of the gig. You've got to get your equipment cleaned to get it ready for the next gig. It is also part of its regular maintenance and to ensure that it will give you consistent performance every time. Note that cleaning them also requires extra care. Here's how to clean your DJ controller.
Why Clean Your DJ Controller
DJ Controllers are prone to gather dust and dirt from various sources. When dirt and stains stay in your DJ controller, the harder you could remove them. You should expect your gear's buttons and surfaces to get clogged as exposed to people and parties.
There are good reasons why you need how to clean your DJ controller as much as possible. Foremost, as part of your equipment's maintenance, regular cleaning is required. It will also extend its serviceable life. Dirt can stick and sit on your gear's electronic components and might cause a malfunction that will affect the sound quality.
Aside from regular cleaning, you also need to act quickly for unexpected liquid spills on your DJ controller. Acting too late might cause you costly repairs and, worst, damage your equipment for good.
Guide to Clean Your DJ Controller
When DJs call clean a DJ controller, they call it the post-gig wipedown. Knowing how to clean your DJ controller properly will save you a lot of time and prevent damage to your precious gear. Here's the simple cleaning process:
Step 1. Use a damp cloth to effectively remove sticky dirt or grime that has accumulated on your equipment. The cloth only needs slight moisture to avoid damaging some parts. Don't expect you to get rid of all the dust on your gear using an absorbent cloth because not all DJ controllers have the same features. They differ in texture of the surface and materials used (plastic or metal). Some DJ controllers have smooth surfaces, and some are designed with small corrugation. Be extra careful when wiping on the digital display dials because they easily get scratched.
Step 2. Look for a microfiber cloth because it is the safest cloth type that you can use to clean the delicate parts of your DJ controller. It is very efficient at cleaning, too, because they get as much dust as possible. Use this cloth to wipe off all dust from the digital display carefully.
Step 3. Use isopropyl alcohol to disinfect your gear's surfaces. It is also advisable to use a light-tipped brush or a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush to clean hard-to-reach parts of your equipment whenever necessary. Vacuuming can gather all dust that hides underneath your gear's buttons, crossfaders, and volume faders.
Step 4. It is important to let your DJ controller dry off before placing it back into its carry case. It can develop molds when not entirely air-dried. After drying completely, you can safely put back its plastic protective case, and it's again ready for the all-night party.
What to Look For in Choosing the Best DJ Controller
Besides knowing how to clean your DJ controller, choosing the best DJ controller will also give you the best gig experience. A visually appealing DJ controller is a perfect choice, but be keen on its built-in controls.
The DJ controller size is also a main consideration. You must match the size of your controller to your gig style. You need a larger controller when you are into large-sized parties. A much more portable size option is also what you need for smaller or invitational gigs. DJ controllers also come in pocket sizes that offer utmost portability, making it ideal for bedroom DJs.
Another thing to consider when purchasing a DJ controller is your budget. If you're starting your DJ career and plan to buy your gear, assess its quality and affordability. Do not look for a highly-priced controller that you cannot easily handle. However, if you are a professional DJ looking for an equipment upgrade, choose the best gear that suits your typical job, as you are already familiar with the features that suit your style. Get more tips on DJ controllers.
Conclusion
Learning how to clean your DJ controller will make it look good, perform better, and last longer. Cleaning is ideally needed to be done after every gig. A clean gear makes you have a more energetic performance because you are confident that your DJ controller will deliver top sound quality. It just gives you full control over the music mixes and makes you pull off the best gig every time.
