Buying new DJ equipment is as challenging as it is exciting. There are plenty of options, so being too eager and not doing your research beforehand can lead to bad decisions. Therefore, we have prepared a brief guide to be the place you can start your research.
The Basic DJ Gear
Here’s a general list of DJ gear to look for when you first start DJing.
- Gear to play audio such as a DJ controller, DJ media player, computer, smartphone, or turntables
- An audio interface
- You’ll also need to find good DJ software for your computer, or if you are an Apple user, setups for iOS
- If your other gear doesn’t include mixing options, you’ll need to get a standalone DJ mixer
- DJ headphones and a speaker system
However, bear in mind that controllers you can find today can already include mixer, player, and software control surface features and provide connections to audio, USB, or iOS gear.
Equipment For Beginners
If you are at the beginning of your DJing journey, you can go with classic Pioneer DJ controllers. Pioneer has made a name for itself from the very beginning for having the best kits out there.
Also, if your goal is to become a club DJ, you have the option of buying separate independent players at Pioneer. Moreover, you will find Pioneer players and mixers in basically any club that’s worth something. So, you will be practicing on the same gear you will later use in clubs.
On the other hand, there’s the Denon DJ Prime kit. Many users think Denon offers the same quality but for half of the price. So, more and more clubs are investing in Prime setups, and it has proven to be a great choice.
Basically, it’s up to you to decide which gear suits you best.
Equipment For Mobile DJs
If you are a mobile DJ, you definitely need a reliable kit. So, it would help if you focused on finding a quality controller that can endure transportation hardships. Equally important is the DJ software you’ll be using. So, we recommend trying Serato DJ or Traktor Pro 2.
In this case, Pioneer gear has an advantage over Denon DJ, because Denon supports only Serato DJ so far.
As far as the speaker system goes, you’ll probably want active speakers instead of powered ones. Their size and easy setup will make transportation easier.
Bedroom DJ Gear
If you are looking for new DJ equipment but are planning to stay in your bedroom or play only at house parties, you can use a less expensive kit. Pioneer offers great beginner gear that will allow you to play your music from CDs and USBs or connect your computer.
However, Denon also has quality entry-level controllers you can check out. Although they’re a bit more expensive, they also come with some fantastic features, and price-performance-ratio is better than their equivalent at Pioneer.
For bedroom DJing, you might want active speakers because power speakers take up a lot of space and have loud cooling fans.
Choosing the Right Software
There are so many software options you can use. Many of them are really cheap or even free for Android and Apple users. For instance, you can try Mixxx before buying something more expensive.
Also, many controllers come with some version of the software, and you can use free samples. Trying different programs is important to discover which one suits you best. Traktor, Serato, and Ableton Live are some of the most popular DJ software companies out there.
Conclusion
So, now you have a general idea about what to look for. We recommend opting for quality gear, even if it’s a bit more expensive. This way, you can have something that will last longer and let you develop your skills over time. Have fun choosing your new DJ equipment!
Leave a comment
Have something to say about this article? Add your comment and start the discussion.