What Is a DJ Tech Rider?
A DJ tech rider is a document that lists every piece of equipment, technical specification, and setup requirement you need from a venue or promoter before your performance. It's attached to your contract and tells the sound engineer exactly what to provide so your set goes off without a hitch.
Why You Need a Tech Rider
Roughly 1 in 3 DJs show up to a gig and find the setup isn't what they expected. Wrong mixer, no monitor, broken CDJ, or a sound system that couldn't fill a living room. A tech rider eliminates those surprises.
- Professionalism. 78% of booking agents said a complete tech rider positively influenced their decision to book an artist.
- Sound quality. The wrong equipment can undo hundreds of hours of practice in one night.
- Liability protection. Documentation shows the failure wasn't on your end.
- Faster setup. Soundcheck takes 15 minutes instead of 45.
- Consistency. Your tech rider ensures a baseline experience every time.
What to Include
1. Artist Information
Full artist/DJ name, management contact, date last updated.
2. DJ Equipment Requirements
Be specific about make and model: decks/players (e.g., 2x Pioneer CDJ-3000), mixer (e.g., Pioneer DJM-900NXS2), your own equipment list, backup equipment.
3. Sound System
Minimum wattage (5-8 watts per person for indoor events), PA system preferences, subwoofer and monitor requirements, sound limiter info.
4. Booth/Stage Setup
Table dimensions (standard: 6ft x 2ft), height (36-42 inches), booth lighting, power (minimum 2 grounded outlets on dedicated circuit), cable runs.
5. Connectivity
Wi-Fi access, ethernet, USB ports, audio interface connectivity.
6. Hospitality
Water, towels, secure storage, parking, guest list.
7. Day-of Contacts
Phone numbers, sound engineer contact, load-in and soundcheck times.
Free DJ Tech Rider Template
Copy this template and customize it for your setup:
TECHNICAL RIDER: [Your DJ Name]
Last Updated: [Date]
Contact: [Manager/Agent], [Email], [Phone]
EQUIPMENT: 2x Pioneer CDJ-3000 (or CDJ-2000NXS2 minimum), 1x Pioneer DJM-900NXS2, 2x wedge monitors
SOUND: PA appropriate for room capacity, dedicated subwoofers, system tuned before performance
BOOTH: 6ft x 2ft table (sturdy, no folding), 2 grounded outlets on dedicated circuit, booth light
CONNECTIVITY: Wi-Fi password, link cables connected and tested
HOSPITALITY: 2 bottles water, 1 towel, [X] guest list spots, secure storage
Tech Rider Examples
Club DJ (Digital)
2x CDJ-3000, 1x DJM-900NXS2, 2x wedge monitors. Pioneer's CDJ platform is installed in an estimated 85% of professional DJ booths worldwide.
Vinyl DJ
2x Technics SL-1200MK7, 1x Allen & Heath Xone:96. Turntables must be on a vibration-isolated surface. No hollow stages.
Hybrid/Production DJ
Artist provides own controller and laptop. Venue provides 2x DI boxes, XLR stereo pair, power strip (4+ outlets). Requires stable power on a dedicated circuit.
Common Mistakes
- Being too vague. "I need CDJs" isn't specific enough. CDJ-900? CDJ-3000? Specify the model.
- Not updating. Update every time your setup changes.
- Forgetting monitors. The most common omission.
- Skipping power. One fried CDJ costs $2,200+ to replace.
- Sending too late. Send with the contract, not the week of the show.
How Blót Makes Tech Riders Easy
Blót's EPK builder includes a dedicated tech rider section. Add your full technical requirements alongside your bio, photos, and mixes. Everything lives in one shareable link. Update once, reflected everywhere.
Create your free Blót EPK and have your complete press kit (including tech rider) ready to send in minutes.
FAQ
What is a DJ tech rider?
A DJ tech rider is a document attached to your performance contract that specifies all technical equipment, sound system requirements, stage setup details, and connectivity needs for your set.
How long before a gig should I send my tech rider?
Send it when you sign the contract. At minimum, venues need 2 weeks. For festivals, 4-6 weeks.
Do I need a tech rider for small gigs?
Yes. Even for a 100-person bar, a basic tech rider protects you. The smaller the venue, the more likely they don't have professional gear.
Can I use the same tech rider for every gig?
Use the same base template but adjust for each venue. A warehouse rave has different needs than a rooftop lounge.
What's the difference between a tech rider and a hospitality rider?
A tech rider covers equipment and technical requirements. A hospitality rider covers personal needs (food, drinks, dressing room). Many DJs combine both.