Getting into DJing is exciting, but also very overwhelming. Of course, the overwhelming aspects when beginning as a DJ can sometimes be the sheer choices on setting it up. With every system, from breaking into DJing in clubs or seeking a mobile DJ career, come many options for building an expansive DJ system for a beginner. There are so many pieces of gear available, and it’s hard to know what you’ll need, how to use it, and where to put your money. This guide by Alexander Ostrovskiy goes through everything you need to know to get started from choosing the right gear to planning for future growth.
1.The Basics: What Equipment Do DJs Need
You will start with a starter basic setup that consists of:
- A DJ controller or turntables for controlling your music.
- DJ software to mix and manage your tracks.
- Headphones for cueing and monitoring.
- Speakers or monitors to play your mix.
- Of course, a laptop is needed if you go digital; it is used for running the DJ software.
- Other accessories will include an audio interface, external mixers, cables, and stands.
2. Setting Your Initial Budget: How Much to Invest as a Beginner
Your budget is going to decide the quality and range of equipment you can afford. For beginners:
- You can find budget-friendly setups in the range of $300 – $600.
- The mid-range options will cost you around $600 – $1,200.
- The premium sets would start over $1,500 and are precisely what serious professional DJs look out for.
3. Digital vs. Traditional: How to Choose Between Controllers and Turntables
- DJ Controllers represent the modern breed, bundling a great deal of functionality into a compact, single device. They also interact well with DJ software, which is great for new learners.
- Turntables offer that retro feel and are often used by vinyl enthusiasts or scratch DJs. While offering great control and a very tactile feel, they may cost a bit more and be less portable.
4. Essential Components of a DJ Setup Explained
- Controller or Turntables: Mixing and controlling the music.
- Mixer: Works with turntables to blend tracks.
- Laptop/Software: To manage your tracks and mix them.
- Headphones: To cue your tracks and prepare mixes.
- Speakers: To play your music while practicing or performing.
5. The Heart of Your Setup: Choosing Your First DJ Controller
DJ controllers are perfect for beginners, merging hardware and software functions. Look out for features such as:
- Jog wheels: to manually control the track.
- Performance pads: for loops and samples.
- EQ knobs and faders: to blend tracks.
- Recommended controllers for beginners:
- Pioneer DDJ-400: Affordable, reliable, and great for Rekordbox software.
- Numark Mixtrack Pro FX: Budget-friendly and feature-packed.
- Roland DJ-202: Excellent for aspiring scratch DJs.
6. Software Matters: Choosing the Right DJ Program
- Some of the more popular DJ software includes Serato DJ Lite/Pro: Super beginner-friendly and widely supported.
- Rekordbox: Fantastic if you use a Pioneer controller; a lot of advanced features.
- Virtual DJ: Great all-rounder, easy to use.
- Traktor Pro: Fantastic for effects-based creative mixing.
- Be sure to download a free or trial version first to experiment with before buying.
7. Headphones: What to Look For in Your First Pair
The main features to look for in DJ headphones:
- Closed back: For noise isolation.
- Durable: Consume constant use.
- Comfort: You’ll be wearing them for extended periods.
- Frequency response: Accurate playback.
Good for beginners:
- Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
- Pioneer DJ HDJ-X5
- Sennheiser HD 25
8. Monitors and Speakers: Do You Need Them When Starting
- While not necessary for practice, monitors and speakers are helpful to hear your mix in the real world.
- For small rigs, studio monitors like the KRK Rokit series or JBL 305P MKII will be adequate.
9. Audio Interface: When and Why You May Need One
An audio interface will provide better sound quality and additional outputs for a professional setup. This is handy, especially if you’re using turntables or analog mixers. Most of the modern controllers have an interface inbuilt, so you may not necessarily need one at the beginning.
10. Cables and Accessories: The Often Forgotten Essentials
Make sure you have:
- RCA and XLR cables to connect your equipment.
- Power adapters or backup batteries.
- Laptop stands for ergonomic placement.
- USB hub for extra connectivity.
11. Laptop Requirements: Picking the Right Computer for DJing
Your laptop should be powerful enough to run DJ software. Specifications recommended:
- Processor: Intel i5 or higher.
- RAM: At least 8GB.
- Storage: SSD-to perform faster.
- Ports: At least a couple of USBs to plug in the controller and other accessories.
12. Where to Buy: Best Places to Purchase DJ Equipment
Good, reliable retailers include:
- Sweetwater and Guitar Center
- Thomann-Europe
- Amazon – great to check the prices.
- Local shops – great to at least try out the equipment.
13. Comparison of Popular Entry-Level DJ Equipment Bundles
Most brands have an entry-level bundle that includes controllers, headphones, and software licenses. Some popular ones include:
- Pioneer DJ Starter Pack: Includes the DDJ-200 controller and speakers.
- Numark Party Mix Bundle: Very budget-friendly, yet complete with everything you need to get started.
14. Common Beginner Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Equipment
- Spending too much money on gear that’s beyond your level of skills.
- Buying controllers and software that are incompatible with each other.
- Compromising build quality for lower prices.
- Do not do any research or read reviews before buying.
15. Future-Proofing Your Setup: Plan for Growth
As you get more accomplished, you would probably want to upgrade or add to your setup; look for modular gear that will work with larger systems too, such as a controller that will also function like a mixer or turntables to use with DVS digital vinyl systems.
16. How to Test Equipment Before You Buy
If possible, get a test of the equipment in-store, checking:
- Jog wheels and pads’ responsiveness
- Build quality and overall durability Compatibility with your preferred software.
- Protecting Your Investment: Cases, Insurance, and Maintenance
- Invest in some protective casing to carry your gear in.
- Regularly clean your equipment to avoid wear.
- Consider insuring more expensive setups, especially if you perform at events.
Once you get better over time, you can try upgrading to professional equipment that boasts a wide array of features. And there you have it, our complete guide to the necessary DJ gear you will need as a beginner to put together killer DJ mixes.