What Equipment do I need to DJ

May 28th, 2010 · 12 Comments · dj equipment

what dj equipment do i need to dj 1 What Equipment do I need to DJ

You want to become a DJ but don’t know what DJ equipment you need.

This is a common problem for all DJs starting out; it’s no wonder, as the variety and choice available these days is unbelievable and at the very least confusing.

When looking for your first DJ setup the trick is to keep it simple, perhaps most importantly you need to make sure you only end up buying once. By this I mean get it right the first time so you don’t have to prematurely upgrade. The last thing you want is to get talked into buying some wiz bang DJ setup that when it’s all said and done is crap.

Your first DJ setup should stand the test of both time and your DJ career.

Buying DJ Equipment – Tip #1

Avoid “DJ in a box” packages as they are often very basic and are insufficient for what you want, as a serious budding DJ.

Buying DJ Equipment Tip – #2

Get advice from someone you trust, do your research and shop around. If you have the option, play around with a friend’s DJ equipment first for a genuine feel of what you will be getting.

Buying DJ Equipment – Tip #3

Second hand is always an option, particularly with quality DJ equipment like Pioneer and Technics, brands that are built tough to last in the club environment. They are also designed so problems can be fixed.

Buying DJ Equipment – Tip #4

If you don’t have money for the higher-end equipment to begin with, do not let that hold you back. Buy what you can afford and upgrade further along the track, when you can.

Equipment Needed to DJ

A minimum of 2 input devices – Depending on whether you decide to use vinyl, CD, or a combination of both, you’ll require at least 2 input devices, which are generally either turntables or CD decks. You are only limited as to how many input devices you can use by the amount of input channels on your mixer. In order to put two tunes together you require at least two devices. Anything after that is a personal preference.

A DJ mixer – Used to control and mix the music from your first input device to your second input device. It is the control centre for your mix. Initially, any standard two-channel DJ mixer will suffice, but as you get better and begin to understand the different levels of sound quality and response you can get from its functions, you will demand more from your mixer. At that point you can upgrade as you require.

Headphones – Using headphones, you can listen, cue and mix the next tune without anyone else hearing what you are doing. Headphones are probably your most important piece of equipment, determining not only the comfort in which you will be mixing but also the quality of sound you will be hearing to conduct your mixes. The equipment you use is based totally on personal preference, but I suggest experimenting with friends equipment, or at least trying before you buy if possible.

Sound system – Either a home hi-fi system or an amplifier and speaker setup, although these days (depending on your budget) powered (amplified) speakers are definitely an attractive option not only for sound quality but for their ergonomic and sleek designs. I find them perfect for my home set-up.

If you have any DJ equipment questions that need answers feel free to drop me a line to ben@djmastercourse.com anytime.

Alternatively check out the DJ Master Store for the equipment I personally stock and recommend. Quality equipment at lowest prices!! FREE Shipping…

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 What Equipment do I need to DJ

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12 Comments so far ↓

  • Cornerty

    What are your thoughts on newly released DJ controllers? Can they help budding DJs? Would you recommend them?

  • Benny

    Hi Cornerty,

    I think the new DJ controllers are awesome to learn how to become a DJ with.

    I definitely recommend them to the budding DJ! You are fortunate to live in a time when all these options are available and are often reasonably priced, the new DJ controllers are perfect for your home DJ setup.

    Benny

  • Shawn

    Where can I go to take some one on one DJ lessons here in Chicago

  • Benny

    Hey Shawn,

    I’n not sure about in Chicago BUT the DJ Master Course is similar to a one on one training course but better as you can work through it at your own pace. It is everything you need to learn how to become a quality DJ. Click on my name to find out more!

  • tony

    i recently bought a pioneer DDJ T1 ,i was wondering your thoughts on this deck as a start to become a dj?

  • Benny

    Perfect Tony!

  • Alankar

    Hey Benny what’s up??

    hey i’m not clear about the demo cd thing……can you help me out……and is it ok to work under a dj in the beginning or i should go on my own??

  • Benny

    @Alankar if you can learn under another DJ that is only going to help speed up your learning process, at which point you can go out on your own!

  • Eric

    Hey there i have two questions,
    Question one: What’s your opinion on the numark mixdecks dj controller?
    Question Two: how much would you charge if your were to dj at a party

  • Benny

    Hi Eric,

    I have answered your questions below:

    1) perfect to get you started!\

    2) If I was just learning i would play for free for the experience and to get myself out there, if you do a good job then more gigs should start flying in, at which point you could start charging then!

  • Laura

    Where are some other places can you get Dj equipment???

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