This week’s DJ LIFE Mobile Monday DJ spotlight, presented by QSC, shines on DJ Josh Staley from Columbus, Ohio.
DJ Josh Staley is this week’s DJ LIFE Mobile Monday spotlight. Presented by QSC, Staley is a mobile DJ of Josh Staley Productions, based out of Columbus, Ohio. From the heart of Ohio to dance floors across the country, DJ Josh Staley has earned a reputation for transforming weddings and private events into high-energy, unforgettable experiences. Known for his signature all-white setup and obsession with audio excellence, Josh doesn’t just play music – he creates moments. With a deep love for quality gear and intentional design, his approach blends professionalism, creativity, and genuine connection with every crowd he encounters.
Backed by an elite team and supported by his wife and kids, Josh has turned a mobile DJ business into a full-on lifestyle. Whether he’s showcasing pristine QSC gear at a luxury wedding or bringing futuristic gear ideas to life, Josh is living proof that the mobile DJ world is thriving with innovation and heart. DJ LIFE sat down with him to talk gear, life lessons, pet peeves, and why quality matters more than ever…
DJ LIFE: What does being a mobile DJ mean to you?
DJ Josh Staley: Being a mobile DJ means I get to bring joy anywhere. I’m not limited by the walls of a club or the stage of a venue—I get to deliver powerful, emotionally charged sound and unforgettable experiences to people wherever they are. It’s not just about playing great music with good vibes; it’s about creating a moment that draws people in and unites everyone within earshot. I carry the tools to build an atmosphere that connects strangers and turns gatherings into celebrations—anytime, anywhere.
DJ LIFE: Can you tell us about your current DJ setup?
DJ Josh Staley: Most people know—I’m obsessed with an all-white setup. I work with three primary rigs, but the heart of my setup is a 65″ white Toadmatic DJ booth that houses four channels of Shure ULXD wireless audio w/ Beta 58 mics. These things are beasts—virtually feedback-proof—and I’ve got them wrapped in white vinyl with powder-coated grills to match the aesthetic.
My main controller setup includes the A-Trak edition Rane 70 and two Rane 12 MkIIs, all skinned in white from 12inchskinz. I even made custom control vinyl featuring my kids’ faces as a reminder of my “why” every time I perform. All audio runs through a Yamaha TF-Rack mixer, and I monitor with custom-molded 64 Audio in-ears.
For speakers, I rotate between a few, but my go-to for ceremonies and receptions lately has been the QSC KC12s. They’re incredibly clear, easy to EQ, featherlight, and they reward a great audio chain. These speakers aren’t trying to cover up bad gear—they amplify quality, which is what QSC understands about the evolution of our industry. I also use LD Systems Maui 44 G2s and DAS Audio Vantec 20As paired with Event 121A subs when I need to destroy a venue.
DJ LIFE: What would your perfect or dream setup look like?
DJ Josh Staley: Honestly, I’m almost there. But if I could make a wish list:
- A compact, rack-mounted mixer made by Digico.
- Arctic white KC12s from QSC—with matching 18-inch subs (yes, please).
- A fully autonomous gear cart that floats into venues like it’s the year 3000 (but then we’d be underwater… wait, maybe that’s how it floats!)
DJ LIFE: Do you have any favorite or new gear that you’re currently using?
DJ Josh Staley: I just picked up the AlphaTheta Omnis-Duo for ceremonies, and I’ve really been enjoying the flexibility and feature set—it’s incredibly intuitive.
And of course, the KC12s continue to blow me away. What I love most is how they instantly ease the minds of venue managers who worry about loud bass or overpowering sound. They see the small footprint and assume it’s going to be tame—until the first song drops. They’re discreet but mighty.
DJ LIFE: What are some of the biggest pros and cons of being a mobile DJ?
DJ Josh Staley:
Pros: I’m basically on tour every weekend. I get to refine my craft constantly, meet new people, and build a unique show from scratch every time. I get to be a part of memories that couples, families, and friends will talk about for the rest of their lives. That’s an incredible privilege.
Cons: Tear-down at 1 a.m. Venues that insist on using their “state-of-the-art” sound systems—usually built by someone who hasn’t done live DJ work in years. And, of course, the time commitment. This job is not 9 to 5—it’s a 24/7 mindset.
DJ LIFE: Do you have any DJ-related pet peeves?
DJ Josh Staley: Yes—and I say this with love. When DJs choose to cut corners instead of investing in gear that would clearly elevate their client’s experience, it hurts our whole industry. Clients might not have the vocabulary to describe what’s missing, but they feel it. Quality matters. Every detail matters.
DJ LIFE: How has being a DJ impacted your personal/family life?
DJ Josh Staley: This career has given my amazing(ly patient) wife Michelle, our kids, and myself an incredible life. The busy season is tough—we’re always navigating the balance—but during the off-season, we make up for it in epic ways. This year, I got to take my son to Joshua Tree, the Badlands, and his favorite place ever: Radiator Springs. I was able to work remotely while knowing my amazing team—Leanne (COO), DJ Vince K (my right-hand man), Kellen (Padawan), Molly (Admin), and Hannah-Marie (Full-Time Assistant)—had everything under control back home in Ohio.
DJ LIFE: What is the most important life lesson you’ve gained from being a DJ?
DJ Josh Staley: It might sound cliché, but: Never arrive. Always stay curious. Keep learning. Ask questions. Be humble enough to listen and adaptable enough to pivot. Most importantly, keep God first and strive to give your absolute best in everything—whether it’s for a crowd of 5,000 or just one person hoping you will play their song. Life is a journey. Live it fully, leave an impact.
