This week’s DJ LIFE Mobile Monday DJ spotlight, presented by QSC, shines on DJ Wrex (Raney Rex Balbuena) from Los Angeles, CA.
DJ Wrex is this week’s DJ LIFE Mobile Monday spotlight. Presented by QSC, Raney Rex Balbuena a/k/a DJ Wrex of Synergy Events, based out of Los Angeles, California.
Being a mobile DJ entails more than meets the eye, and according to Raney Rex Balbuena, it means bringing the party wherever it needs to be. Whether creating unforgettable experiences for people at a wedding, corporate event, or private party, DJ Wrex believes there’s a special kind of energy that comes with reading a crowd and being able to adapt on the fly.
As a true tastemaker, DJ Wrex shares more about how he got his start as a DJ and what being a mobile DJ means to him. We also dive deeper into his current DJ setup, favorite new gear or go-to products. Additionally, Balbuena breaks down the pros and cons of being a mobile DJ, the ways his profession has impacted his personal and family life, the most important lesson he’s learned thus far in his career, and so much more.
When DJ LIFE spoke with DJ Wrex regarding all things mobile DJ, here’s how it went down…
DJ LIFE: What does being a mobile DJ mean to you?
DJ Wrex: Being a mobile DJ means bringing the party wherever it needs to be. It’s about creating unforgettable experiences for people, whether it’s a wedding, corporate event, or private party. There’s a special kind of energy that comes with reading a crowd, adapting on the fly, and making sure every event feels unique and personal. It’s more than just playing music—it’s about setting the vibe and making moments that people will remember.
DJ LIFE: Can you tell us about your current DJ setup?
DJ Wrex: Right now, my setup includes 2x Technics turntables with a Pioneer DJM-S11 mixer, QSC K12.2 speakers, which I use for wedding ceremonies, cocktail hours, or as DJ monitors. For bass, I upgraded to the QSC KS118 subwoofers, which has been a game-changer. I also use a QSC TouchMix 8, for its versatility and its feedback wizard feature. When it comes to lighting, I’m using the Rasha Professional lights which adds a unique touch to events.
DJ LIFE: Do you have any favorite or new gear that you’re currently using?
DJ Wrex: Right now, I’m really enjoying the QSC KS118 subwoofer—it makes a massive difference in sound quality, especially for larger events. Also, experimenting with SoundSwitch has been exciting because it allows me to integrate lighting in a way that enhances the music.
DJ LIFE: What are some of the biggest pros and cons of being a mobile DJ?
DJ Wrex:
Pros:
- The freedom to curate unique experiences for different crowds.
- The ability to control my schedule and work for myself.
- The variety—every event is different, and that keeps things exciting.
- The networking opportunities—meeting great clients and fellow creatives.
Cons:
- Loading and unloading gear can be exhausting.
- Unpredictable setups—some venues aren’t DJ-friendly, which can be challenging.
- Late nights can be tough on personal life and sleep schedules.
- Some events require extra patience, especially when dealing with last-minute changes.
DJ LIFE: How has being a DJ impacted your personal/family life?
DJ Wrex: Being a DJ means working a lot of nights and weekends, which can sometimes take away from personal time and means missing out on family events. At the same time it’s also given me flexibility—I’m able to control my schedule and make time for family when it matters. Having more of an open schedule during weekdays means less crowds when taking my son out to places like the aquarium and getting to enjoy happy hour deals at local restaurants with my wife! Plus, seeing the joy my music brings to people makes all the hard work worth it.
DJ LIFE: How did you get started as a DJ?
DJ Wrex: I first learned about DJing from a pro sound, stage, and lighting catalog that a friend showed me when I was a freshman in high school. We wanted to get turntables, so we started watching videos online from Invisibl Skratch Piklz and The Beat Junkies. Around that time, I also started really listening to DJs on the radio, especially Power 106 and 92.3 The Beat, which inspired me even more. At first, I wanted to be a battle DJ, so I spent a lot of time practicing scratching at home. My first setup was the Numark Battle Pak, which came with two turntables, a mixer, and two speakers. Eventually, I got asked to DJ my family’s backyard parties and school dances, and that’s how it all started. From there, I kept building my skills, learning the art of mixing, and growing into the DJ I am today.
DJ LIFE: What is the most important life lesson you have gained from your experience as a DJ?
DJ Wrex: Preparation is key. The more prepared you are, the smoother the event will go—from knowing your music inside out to having backup gear just in case. Being ready for anything ensures you can handle any challenges that come your way and keeps things running smoothly.
