So, you want to be a DJ but are feeling overwhelmed with creating a beginner setup? What equipment do you need to get started as a DJ? Read our article to find the best DJ beginner equipment you need.
Becoming a DJ can be quite a daunting yet exciting initiative as it allows you to release your creativity through music. By being a DJ, you get to have first-hand access to the different components that will enable you to create your brand or style. You get to mix various music pieces, alter their tempos, and even completely modify them to suit your hearing preferences. While all these are delightful possibilities for you, there is a need to identify the most suitable DJ systems for beginners.
What equipment do you need to get started as a Dj? The market is, of course, filled to the brim with various audio devices that you might gladly like to include in your beginner setup. Still, it would help if you remembered that not all of them are necessary or even appropriate based on your level of expertise. While it is great to have many options to choose from—or even a lot of purchases to bring home, such a catch-all process can only make everything complicated and expensive. You can, in fact, quickly start building your DJ setup without spending on unnecessary items that may only complicate your job and prove useless in the process.
DJ Gear Setup Guidelines
There are various types of DJ gear setups. What equipment do you need to get started as a DJ? Many beginner setups are streamlined to the point where you only need to have an efficient laptop and software to begin your DJ career. Some, however, choose to add a couple of turntables—a CD or vinyl player and a mixer—to further enhance their DJing capability.
To further improve such simple setups, you can also opt for a laptop equipped with a DJ interface package, which allows you to use various options and effects. You can even make your setup even more flexible as you add a DJ controller to the mix. Such a DJ accessory permits easier management of built-in sliders, turntables, and pads.
However, if you’d rather begin working with mp3 music formats, you can expect a beautiful job when you have a small DJ kit composed of a laptop, appropriate software, an audio interface, and a DJ controller.
Use and Function
Make sure that you check each potential purchase for its use in your overall DJ setup. Knowing the purpose of each piece of equipment allows you to minimize trial-and-error instances and even mix and match your existing audio components. For example, if you already have a laptop, you can upgrade its memory and built-in storage capacity to make it more appropriate for your DJ job. You can even purchase an external hard drive to store up more music. Every component must have an essential use and purpose so that you don’t have to buy the things you don’t need.
Simple versus Complex
While it is fantastic to have a complex DJ setup on the get-go, you must remember that the more equipment you put into your system, the more complicated it becomes. If you are a beginner DJ, you should be better off starting with as simple a setup as possible. Know the purpose of each piece of equipment so that you merely purchase the ones you need and leave the more complicated stuff for later. You can add a few components, including a heavy-duty laptop, the right DJ software, and a couple of turntables to initiate a few quality mixes. Gradually add up a few more devices as you slowly learn more DJ skills along the way.
Budget and Build
While it is more convenient for your wallet to stick to budget-friendly equipment, it may be better for you in the long run to choose DJ setup components that last longer than usual. Many quality brands provide beginner DJ equipment that does not cost much. What you can do is to opt for a low-end model of a prestigious audio equipment brand rather than opt for the generic, run-of-the-mill options that you can easily find in the market.
Nonetheless, branded audio equipment can be more expensive than their lesser-known counterparts. You should set aside a budget that can cover the costs of a small beginner DJ setup that has the open potential for future additions. Such a plan can save you more money as you build your DJ career and learn a few more essential DJ skills. Do not forget to know, of course, the purpose of each piece of equipment so that you do not waste money in this exciting process.
The Different Types of DJ Equipment
To help you further locate the best types of DJ equipment for beginners, here is a list of the components you should check out:
Speakers
Many people opt to hire a DJ, especially during special events, because a DJ is a more flexible sound system than a simple laptop or audio player. While some clients willingly agree to hire or even purchase efficient party speakers or loudspeakers to cover the whole venue, you will also find many who expect you to bring your own. In a way, they hire you as a package deal, complete with the necessary DJing equipment, including DJ speakers and so forth.
To begin building your DJ setup and identify the purpose of each piece of equipment, you need to take stock of all the different audio devices you already have. By doing so, you only have to purchase the devices you don’t have and save some cash as you go. Do you have some speakers already? While you don’t need to buy those hulking tower speakers that provide good music to large party rooms, you might want to check out your old speakers. They might be adequate for small- to mid-sized venues already.
If not, check out some of the new models of monitor speakers that are surely available in your favorite audio equipment store. Monitor speakers are fantastic alternatives because they enable you to monitor the audio feedback you create, allowing you to isolate audio from the ambient noise of your crowd. Nevertheless, make sure that they possess the following features:
- Noise-canceling function
- Monitoring capacity
- Superb audio quality
- Bass and treble controls
- Remote access
- Multiple inputs
Turntable
As stated, you should know the purpose of each piece of equipment. Included in the essential list of beginner DJ devices is the turntable. What is a turntable, and what does it do?
A turntable is a piece of audio equipment that allows you to play your vinyl records. While many turntables have added player functions and can even act as multiple-player systems, you should pick out one that serves both your needs and your budget. They should also allow you to scratch and mix music to your heart’s desire.
Many turntables—or turntable systems—can execute the following:
- Play several other formats, including CDs, cassettes, and so forth
- Have multiple inputs like AUX and RCA
- Can convert records to digital formats via laptop
- Have built-in speakers for better playing convenience
DJ Controller
Another essential component of your beginner DJ setup is your controller. DJ controllers allow you to manipulate audio from either your turntable or laptop through fading, looping, and so on. When you plug your controller into your computer or turntable, you easily control your sound output, which then permits you to make a lasting mark of originality in your event. There are several DJ contoller brands in the market, including Numark Party Mix and Pioneer DJ.
When finding the best DJ controller, make sure to identify the following traits:
- Intuitive feature to allow you to mix and match music pieces
- Has multiple effects to create your personal DJ brand of music further
- Has premium audio output, complete with solid lows and vibrant highs
- Has various inputs and outputs for better flexibility
DJ Software
The next stop is your DJ software. There are several DJ software in the market including Serato DJ Lite. While this component isn’t hardware, it is a crucial addition that you can install on your laptop. With appropriate DJ software, you get to have a broader list of DJ effects and options that you can easily manipulate via your computer. It allows you to interchange controls between your digital music and turntable, as well.
Nevertheless, obtaining the best DJ software should have you bearing in mind these traits:
- Must be user-friendly
- Compatible with your laptop and turntable specs
- Has the best and widest array of DJ effects that you may want or need
- Should be copyrighted and original
DJ Headphones
Getting to know the purpose of each piece of equipment is crucial to building the best beginner DJ system. As you obtain the most appropriate and durable speakers, turntable, controller, and DJ software in the market, you should also remember your headphones.
This piece of audio equipment is a must, especially if you want to control your music fully. It allows you to monitor your audio directly, precisely, if you purchase one that has the following characteristics:
- Noise-isolating function
- Superb audio quality
- Neutral and undressed audio feedback
- Capacity to switch on and off bass or treble boosts
- Wireless and wired capabilities
- Lengthy battery life
Laptop
Of course, obtaining the best DJ equipment for beginners requires having a heavy-duty, industrial laptop that allows all these capabilities for you. A laptop permits you to digitize your sound so that you can conveniently switch music in the middle of an act, specifically when the moment calls for a particular music genre. Also, it allows you to conveniently stock up a vast library of records so that you have a diverse collection for all the future events you are asked to manage. In a sense, many gamer laptops are much better at handling such DJing activities than the more conventional types.
So, when purchasing your DJ laptop, make sure that you take note of the following:
- Built-in storage capacity
- High memory (RAM) capacity
- Multiple input capability
- Compatibility with all your DJ software and hardware
- Solid, durable build
- Up-to-date programs
- Capacity for online music streaming and so forth
Nevertheless, if you already have a laptop, you can minimize your spending and simply make do with it. If your old laptop doesn’t have a huge storage and memory capacity, you can have it upgraded for you. If you have technical knowledge of how computer upgrades are done, you can even do it yourself. You can even purchase an efficient external hard drive for more music storage capacity.
Carrying or Storage Case
It would be best if you remembered that all these DJ devices are expensive. All of them are electronic, as well. So, they require hard, durable cases to help you store and transport them easily without the danger of them breaking into bits. Thus, make sure that you have appropriate cases for each of these DJ devices so that you don’t have to worry about the changing weather conditions that you get to encounter along the way to your event or during actual events, as well.
Remember to check your cases for the following features:
- Durable and well-constructed cases
- Snugly accommodates your device without damaging it
- Light and portable
- Easily stored when not in use
Conclusion
When becoming a DJ, you need to have the best DJ equipment for beginners without unnecessary items. You can always integrate your old audio equipment or even existing laptop specifically if they can do the job. Nevertheless, if you are entirely new to the music industry, you need to consider purchasing these items:
- Speakers – for broader and better audio coverage and to monitor your music output
- Turntable – to play vinyl records or even to play multiple audio formats when purchasing a turntable system, including CDs, cassettes, and so forth
- Controller – to easily manipulate music from your laptop or turntable and integrate your desired effects
- DJ Software – to manage and control your music, providing you with a broader array of music effects via your laptop
- Headphones – to easily monitor your audio output, especially if you purchase one that has a superb noise-canceling function
- Laptop – to fully execute all your DJing activities via an efficient monitoring system, to easily digitize vinyl records, and to use appropriate DJ software to widen your music mixing capabilities
- Carrying or Storage Cases – to provide you with easier equipment transportation, to easily store your equipment, and to prevent equipment damage, especially during transportation
Nevertheless, you need to realize, as well, that you do not have to go for the most advanced DJ equipment for beginners. Know the purpose of each piece of equipment first before even deciding to purchase one. What equipment do you need to get started as a DJ? As you use this article to guide you, make sure that you only buy the essential devices first and slowly build your system repertoire as you become more adept at DJing.
