Your Event

Music Guidelines

Everything your DJ, band or musician needs to know about performing at The Hackney - from our sound system to noise policies.

Before you book

The basics

These are the rules that apply to every event at The Hackney.

Music end times

All music must finish by 11pm. Live music finishes by 10pm.

No outdoor music

No music is allowed in the outdoor terrace area.

Sound levels

Our team manages sound levels throughout the event. If we receive a noise complaint, volume may need to be reduced immediately.

Volume control

Management reserves the right to adjust volume at any point during the event.

Live music

What we allow and what we don't

We love live music. The space sounds brilliant with an acoustic set or a small band - but some instruments are too loud for our setting. Here's the full list.

Allowed

  • Singer / A Cappella
  • Acoustic guitar (and similar - ukulele, banjo, sitar)
  • Electric guitar and electric bass venue approval required
  • Double bass and cello
  • Violin
  • Small percussion - cajon, congas or bongos limited to one, venue approval required
  • Electric drums
  • Harp
  • Piano
  • Keyboard

Not allowed

  • Brass instruments (including saxophone)
  • Wind and pipe instruments
  • Grand piano or organs
  • Full drum kits and large percussion sets
  • Zaffa bands
  • Dhol players

For DJs

What to expect on the night

Every DJ uses our in-house PA system and sound equipment. No external speakers.

Connections

All connections are via XLR. DJs must supply their own laptop. Confirm compatibility with our team before your event.

Volume

Our team controls volume throughout the night to keep the sound right for the room.

Setup

We provide the full DJ setup including decks, booth monitoring and a DJ desk. Just bring your laptop and your music.

The setup

Professional sound, built in

We have invested in a serious sound system so your DJ or band can focus on the music, not the logistics.

Main system

4x Funktion One F81.2 loudspeakers with SB8 Mini subwoofer - a stereo four-point system designed for the room.

Processing and amplification

NST Audio VMX88 with VR1 remote volume control. Powersoft Quattrocannali DSP amplification. VDC cabling throughout.

DJ monitoring

1x Funktion One F81 for booth monitoring.

Live music mixing

Soundcraft Signature 12MTK multi-track mixer with built-in effects and USB input/output.

DJ setup

Pioneer XDJ-RX3

Our house deck is a 2-channel all-in-one system. It supports rekordbox, Serato DJ Pro, USB, aux and line/phono inputs. 3 USB ports for smooth back-to-back handovers. 2 mic inputs.

Inputs

4x aux and 2x line/phono input terminals. Connect CDJs, turntables, smartphones or any sound source.

USB

3 USB ports - 2 top-loading for USB devices plus 1 laptop connection. Easy back-to-back handovers.

Software

Hardware Unlock device - use rekordbox Performance mode for free. Also supports Serato DJ Pro for browsing playlists and streaming catalogues.

DJ desk

Innox Flexbooth 200 (W 101cm x D 50cm). A clean, professional booth that keeps cables tidy and gives your DJ a proper workspace.

Questions about your setup?

Get in touch and we will make sure everything is compatible before your event.