DJ Equipment/gear and accessories to make beats, spin records or to start start parties. What makes DJ’ing so popular? Imagine yourself playing music at a cool place, partying, socialising with other cool people, and GETTING PAID for it! No wonder so many youngsters wish to be a DJ. Find a wide range of DJ Equipment – DJ Controllers, DJ Headphones, DJ Mixers, DJ Sets, lights and more – for professionals, as well as for beginners.
Essential DJ Equipment to Rock the Dance Floor
When you are beginning out, renting the DJ equipment could be a good option, but as you start getting more work, it does make sense to buy your own gear. And when it comes to choosing the right equipment, doesn’t matter if you’re doing this just as a hobby or are already a pro, having the right set of DJ gear makes life a lot easier.
In case you’re a beginner and really serious about DJing, it would really help if the next time you visit a dance club, just make a trip backstage to check out the DJ equipment.
And it’s not that you’ll need just one equipment; you will need a few!
- Use an all-in-one controller (such as Traktor S4, NuMark Mixtrack, etc.) in conjunction with a software running on the laptop.
- In case you already own some equipment, you may want a hybrid set up, something that blends analog with digital, allowing you to use your laptop in conjunction with the decks or CDJs that most clubs provide.
- Use the laptop and not rely on the CDJs or turntables in the DJ booth. In this case, you could use a smaller controller that links to the laptop and use the house mixer provided by the club.
DJ Software
It is easier (and cheaper) to get hold of a DJ software and start playing around with it, compared to owning DJ equipment.
Most DJ mixing software nowadays come with powerful tools with an easy-to-use interface, making it quite easy to do track mixing. The plug-and-play convenience, easy storage and transport, makes it something difficult to ignore.
It is also best for most beginners, who can easily get confused with the various DJ equipment. Just start with a DJ software, learn the ropes, and then decide what is best for you.
A DJ Software makes it easy to mix and add loops, offers great visual cues to help you create stunning mixes, supports most audio formats, comes with video and karaoke capabilities, and offers support for MIDI controllers.
DJ mixing software provides you with the ability to cross fade between tracks, preview tracks via headphones, and allows real-time pitch and tempo control.
You also have the ability to assign a BPM (beat per minute) to the loaded track, and switch around the tempo in order to synchronize it perfectly.
There are no more heavy record crates to hump around from party to party for the professional mobile DJ, which obviously makes his or her working life a lot easier to cope with. This is because you can convert the vinyl into a huge digital music library, which can be transported to work in a laptop or external hard drive.
Best DJ music software
The Best DJ music software (not the free ones) are versatile, easier to use and helps you to create things faster, compared to the free ones. When going for commercial software, always look for added features that make the software unique, without making it too expensive. There are many are doing professional work using DJ Software nowadays.
Here are the top DJ software available on the market today:
Native Instruments Traktor Pro
Traktor Pro 3 is a 4-deck professional DJ software (by Native Instruments) used for automatic beat-matching, beat detection, seamless looping, add effects and much more.
You will be surprised by the versatility of the onboard Sample and Remix Decks, and its ability to create a diverse range of music.
Traktor Scratch is now rolled into Traktor Pro 3, which means DVS DJs using timecode vinyl can now work with any digital audio interface (soundcard), including TRAKTOR SCRATCH Certified soundcards and mixers.
Website: Traktor pro-3
Serato DJ
With Serato DJ, you can switch between mixing on 2 or 4 decks and it comes with massive onboard library. Serato DJ also works with any MIDI controller. Serato tries to make things easier with its products (which also means fewer configuration options), which appeals more to those who want to enjoy music with as little effort as possible. You can checkout the free version, Serato DJ Intro to get a feel for the software.
Mix Vibes CROSS DJ Package
CROSS is a digital vinyl and MIDI DJ software that works with both Windows and MAC platforms. Not very well known, but a stable and useful software that works on multiple platforms. It comes with lots of features, nice effects, supports iTunes library, and supports variety of DJ MIDI controllers.
Virtual DJ
Virtual DJ (VDJ) software lets you mix, scratch and remix your favorite music & video files, just like a real DJ does.
Virtual DJ (VDJ) includes the following: Two decks/players. An audio mixer for combining the outputs of those two players. A browser to search songs in the collection. It comes with a powerful sampler, audio & video effects, and you can easily scratch & remix.
You can use the free version (doesn’t do everything the pro version does) to get a feel of the DJ software.
And using it is very simple: Load a song and press play. Load the next song, cue it. Swap from the first to the second. Repeat!
Useful Links:
Its important to have some variations in your music else it can quickly become monotonous. Using the same “bits per minutes” for the entire night or for a long mix can quickly get boring.
DJ Controllers & Control Surfaces
An all-in-one DJ controller houses a sound card (digital-audio interface), mixer, and deck controls in a single interface. A Modular DJ controller has a full control surface, and usually comes with analogue mixer and separate sound card. All you need to start hosting wild DJ parties is one of these, connected to a computer (PC or Mac), amplified speakers.
With DJ Controllers, its easy to get hands-on tactile control of your DJ software using all those knobs and faders.
DJ Controllers are increasingly becoming popular as part of the modern day DJ setup. Most DJs are shunning their turntables, standard mixers and CDJs, and opting for these DJ equipment with better controller capabilities.
Popular manufactures of DJ controllers and control surfaces include Serato, Traktor Ableton, Pioneer, Numark, and more. Their products have graced the worlds greatest venues and assisted the biggest mega-mixers out there.
Pioneer Pro DJ DDJ-SX2 DJ Controller
The Pioneers DDJ-SX2 (2nd-gen DDJ-SX controller) is packed with several pro features that instantly turn your Mac or PC into a professional DJ powerhouse. Features dedicated buttons for Serato Flip, updated 5.2″ jog wheels, a low-noise mic input and multi-color pads. Use it with Analog Turntables or as a Mixer. Buy on zZounds
Pioneer DDJSR Pro DJ Controller
The Pioneer DDJ-SR DJ Controller is a plug-and-play USB controller perfect for intermediate players who want to go pro. The 2-channel sibling to Pioneer’s very popular DDJ-SX DJ controller, the DDJ-SR also gives you control of Serato DJ’s 4 virtual decks, although in a smaller footprint. Buy on zZounds
Numark Mixtrack Pro 3 All-In-One DJ Controller
Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S2 MK2 DJ Controller
The new Traktor Kontrol S2 MK2 DJ controller (from Native Instruments) is a two deck controller with some innovative features, and that you can easily transport to your gigs.
It comes with the full version of TRAKTOR PRO 2, the software that most pro DJs of all genres use. If two decks, a rocking sampler, and tons of awesome effects sound like your idea of a killer DJ rig, then you’re going to like the Traktor Kontrol S2.
The Traktor Kontrol S2 MK2 DJ controller gives you absolute hands-on control over the included TRAKTOR PRO 2 software. Features a powerful mixer engine, an amazing effects engines, and 8-slot Sample Decks for instant sample and loop playback. Buy on zZounds
Numark iDJ Pro Professional DJ Controller for iPad
The iDJ Pro from Numark is a professional DJ controller features two turntables that become touch-sensitive once your iPad is docked into the system. Once it is in place, using the Algoriddim djay 2 app, you can access iTunes library and songs on Spotify. It also has a mic input that allows the DJ to MC.
This is a great product to own if you do small gigs or wish to travel light, just plug it into powered speakers (available on most venues nowadays), and you’re ready to rock the floors. It would be nice if it had a video output though.
DJ Headphones
Monitor your music with crisp, high-resolution sound from these premium quality DJ headphones that keep unwanted vibration and noise out.
DJ headphones use special materials which helps to hear the tracks with better sound quality; vibration and outside noise are kept away. The better design enables higher sound resolution with a wider frequency range.
DJ headphones use exceptional materials that create greater sound quality. The better ones have nice cushioning that provides a more comfortable fit. The housings ensure unwanted vibrations and noise do not reach the ears. The construction ensures better performance of the drivers and produces a clearer sound.
Here are some popular choices when it comes to buying DJ headphones.
Pioneer DJ HDJ-X10C Professional over-ear DJ headphones
Pioneer DJ not only produces visually appealing headphones, but also makes headphones with sound quality are absolutely on point. The X10 line of headphones are based on Pioneer’s famous HDJ-2000 line, but with improved sound quality, durability and water resistance.
The X10 C features carbon fiber ear cups to make it lighter and for improved bass response (although it doesn’t seem to be much lighter than the original). The carbon fiber and gold plated hinges give the headphones sleek luxury. The headphones are expensive, which will most likely deter many from buying it.
Here are some more good options.
- Pioneer HDJ-2000-K DJ Headphones
- Sennheiser HD205-II Professional DJ Headphones
- Stanton DJ Pro 300 Headphone
- Numark HF325 On-Ear DJ HeadphonesNumark HF325 On-Ear DJ Headphones
DJ Mixers
DJ Mixers come with a comprehensive feature set, have rugged construction, and enable DJs to make seamless transitions from one song to another; this is done via the cross-fader, which is usually not found on a conventional mixer.
DJ mixers have come a long way since those two-channel, three band EQ ones (and that too without any effects). DJ mixers today come with several controls to fine-tune the sound, several inputs & outputs, USB ports and more. Professional DJ mixers come with built-in processor that give a warmer, more nuanced sound.
A mixer basically takes incoming signals, processes them, combines them, and reroutes them as a mixed signal.
Here are some features that are more specific to DJ mixers:
- A DJ mixing console will have one or max two XLR inputs, as most DJs require only one microphone to perform.
- DJ mixers also include a cue feature
- DJ mixers also have Cross-faders that allow DJs to smoothly transition from one song to another.
- Instead of taking a guitar or piano as input, a DJ mixer will most likely receive input signal from turntables, CD players, controllers, or samplers.
- DJ mixer also have Multiple outputs: Master for the dance floor, booth for immediate stage monitoring, and cue for headphone monitoring.
Some DJs connect a controller to either side of the mixer. Some DJ’s use four turntables, a computer, and more.
However, most DJ consoles do the heavy FX work using controller units or computer software. The DJ mixer is primarily used for leveling and EQ’ing – EQ shaping, adjusting gain, and volume of each channel.
Top DJ mixer brands include Ableton, Akai, Allen & Heath, Behringer, Denon, DJ Tech, Native Instruments, Gemini, Numark, Pioneer, Presonus and more; these manufacture a range of DJ mixers designed to meet your home or studio or live needs.
Most DJ mixers typically only have two or four channels, but certain models do offer more. You may choose from basic units or ones that fully loaded. DJ mixers typically cost a few hundred dollars, but professional units can cost more.
Here are some popular choices:
Numark’s M6 USB Mixer
This four-channel mixer is for beginner/intermediate DJs. Though basic, it has everything you need to get your act together, and that too at an affordable price.
This club-style design works with any standard audio source, including turntables and CD players, and also has a USB computer connection. When connected to your Mac or PC, the plug-and-play connection allows you to mix in audio from music-player software, and record into virtually any audio recording application.
4-channel (each with gain, three-band EQ), Dedicated XLR mic channel and additional mic input on channel 4.
Pioneer DJM-750 4-Channel DJ Digital Mixer
If you have always wanted a Mixer from a good brand and something that is robust, this is the one to consider. You can tweak effects with the Boost Color FX knob, and you can stream 4 channels off your laptop via USB at 96 kHz/24-bit quality.
Buy on zZounds
DJ Accessories
DJ work is part of the show business, and here it is important to look professional if you want more and bigger shows.
That is why, in order to look and sound professional, you need to invest in quality equipment and accessories.
Performing live is exciting but it can also throw up challenges, and unexpected developments can always pop up from nowhere. Besides, the mark of a true professional is experience combine with quality equipment. That is where these DJ accessories help you so that you can perform better.
You can definitely manage with quality equipment, but good gear, lighting and accessories are essential to round out your show. Beginners may be happy to own the most basic setup, but professionals who perform regularly need much more to put up a splendid show.
And the more you earn from your shows, the more you can invest in buying equipment and accessories. That is how it works, and what most pros do.
So if you have recently started performing, it could be a good time to think about what DJ accessories you may want to buy, to take you to the next level.
From DJ turntable cartridge cases to scrims, you can now choose from a wide range of accessories to complement your main DJ gear.
Guide to DJ Accessories
Whether you’re a digital DJ or a hardcore traditionalist, you’ll need accessories to complete your DJ rig. Here are the accessories that DJ players use or may require for better performance.
- Turntable Cartridges and Stylii
- Phono Preamps
- Slipmats
- Crossfaders
- CD scratch repair kits
- CD Dividers
- Power Conditioners / Surge protectors, Extension cords
- Clamps, Cables, Poles
- Cross Faders
- DJ chairs
- Gig Bags
- Laptop Stands
In addition, you may also require electrical accessories to help you run the show smoothly.
Turntable Cartridges & Needles
Cartridges hold the needle in a traditional turntable, and in the case of more modern versions holds the magnet, thus transmitting sound to your speakers.
So to get good sound quality from your audio equipment, you need a good turntable cartridge, be it for a DJ performance or for a private home party.
Most high-quality turntable cartridges do not include needles or magnets. The stylus on modern magnet-driven turntables not only delivers high-quality sound, it also avoids scratches on your precious vinyl albums.
However, there are many DJs who prefer the sound of more traditional turntable cartridges, and that’s why they are still in demand. Having said that, you need to remember that not all cartridges will work on all turntable systems.
Take Tone Arm Mount Length Into Consideration
When replacing turntable cartridges, you need to consider the length of the tone arm mount. Modern systems typically have a half-inch mount (more of a standard in the industry now). So longer mounts may not work with specific turntables, and you should avoid using incorrect cartridges as it could lead to potential damage. So choose the right arm mount length to minimize risks to your records.
Headshell wires are often easily replaced using only a small screwdriver, thus giving longer lives to cartridges (with regular maintenance). Many units are now designed to work with specific equipment, creating even better sounds.
Here we have a wide selection of cartridges available from trusted brands such as Audio Technica, Panasonic, and Shure. Save both time and money by buying turntable cartridges and accessories online from the comfort of your own home.
Additional Equipment (Lighting / Smoke Machines)
Over time, you could also be associated with event management, where you’d try to get things organised on your own.
In that case, you may also want to invest in additional equipment such as fog/smoke machines and DJ lighting to make some additional money.
Portable/Mobile DJ Equipment for Gigs
If you are a mobile DJ who hops on from one gig to another, you should definitely try to travel lightweight and go only for the essential DJ equipment. Most of the time though, the type of mobile DJ service that you run and the gig you are going to perform determines the extras that you need to carry along.
Basically, you’ll need Mixing Equipment, Amps and Speakers, & DJ Lighting Effects.
Portable Disc Jockey Mixing Equipment.
Behringer DX626 Pro DJ Mixer
Basic gear that one needs pretty much falls into both categories. First, you need, at minimum, a 3 channel mixer. Behringer DX626 Pro DJ Mixer is one example where you have one line dedicated just for your mic and two audio sources, whether it be through laptop, CDs, or whatever. This unit even has a BPM counter for smooth connections between songs.
Numark Mixtrack Pro 3 USB DJ Controller with Audio Interface and Trigger Pads
These days, some mobile DJ services are going more digital. Bringing their entire music collection via laptop or iPod. You get everything you need to DJ with your computer: hot cues, looping, and effects controls, a built-in professional DJ audio interface, plus Serato DJ Intro software. You get full control over the music with real time scratching capability and you can change the tempo without any change to the pitch of the audio source.
ADJ Mega Fat Tri Pak Plus Stage Lighting System
The American DJ Mega Tripar Profile Plus is suitable for uplighting and stage lighting. With everything you need to get full lighting coverage in one portable case, this lighting pack from American DJ is great for the mobile performer.
ADJ Zipper Effect Light
The ADJ Zipper lights is an ideal lighting effect for any mobile entertainer, you can light up any venue with beams that sweep across the floor. With 16 built-in shows, it’s got enough variety to suit any event or occasion.
Peavey Xr 8300 / Pr 15 Pa Package
Some places offer amp and speaker packages which I find is not only a good option money-wise but sound-wise, too. It takes the guesswork out of making sure you have enough power for the speakers, or sometimes vice versa. Most of these packages actually come with a powered mixer. But better to use a separate mixer for the audio and run the mic through the powered mixer, which works better if you are working with a partner for a gig. Peavey XR 8300 / PR 15 PA Package is one such package. And it includes the mics you need as well.
These equipment should serve any DJ well, but you still need to promote your disc jockey business, you have to let people know that you’re there. Also, its important to remember that you should invest in yourself, to get the maximum returns. Take care of your voice; a sore throat or loss of voice could mean loss of gig. Also, keep yourself up to date on the latest trends, music charts, dances, etc.
DJ Equipment: Buying Guide
Gone are the days (especially the 90’s) when the DJ had to carry bulks of vinyl (packed in boxes) every single gig. Besides, they also had to spent lot of time browsing through the music collection. DJing was fun back then too, but DJ’s were less productive due to the technology that was available back then.
Changes in technology gave rise to unique DJ’ing styles behind the decks. Surprisingly, using computers was not acceptable to professionals back then (it was seen only for novices) but today its an essential tool in any pro DJ setup.
The good thing is that, with modern technology, you can easily build your own DJ setup, including music library, without having to spend a fortune (it used to be expensive until few years back).
Today, you need a laptop computer, a DJ controller, a set of headphones and a great music library to get started. You can choose from several brands of software and hardware, available for almost every budget.
Choosing the Right DJ Tools – How to Find the Right DJ Equipment / Setup
Would you really look like a singer, if you see a picture of yourself without a microphone in front of you? Similarly, a DJ may not look like one if you don’t see him spin discs on a turntable.
2 Turntables and/or 2 Mixable CD players or Laptop
This is one of the important ones that you need to have. If you are a beginner one would be fine, but experienced DJs use two, so that they can accomplish more. For a long time, Vinyl turntables have been the preferred equipment for most DJs. It gives you the the true feel of DJing.
However, DJ CD turntables are also becoming fast popular and is seen as the next evolution of DJ equipment. The easy integration of CD turntables in a midi environment make them more flexible and gives you access to an endless digital music library.
You now also get compact DJ Midi Controllers, which makes it possible to replace most physical equipment with DJ programs and software. These are smaller in size and makes them quite convenient to carry around.
It’s also better to invest in a laptop that can handle thousands of songs and can be synced with the other DJ equipment such as turntables and CD mixers.
The ability to produce great music mixes requires experience, but then to be able to bring the dance floor alive, you also need to invest in quality DJ equipment.
The following 3 steps is usually what you need to do, before you select any electronic equipment online. And we are talking about online because it’s the best way to find information, compare brands/products, and also get the best possible deals on products.
So these steps apply even to Disc Jockey Equipment.
Step 1: Research
You’ll need to find a product that matches your budget, as well as your needs. And you’ll have to do some amount of reading as there’s not going to be any salesperson to whom you can ask questions (Of course, you have the option of going to a store and talking to one).
When buying online, you need to go in for the ones that are trusted, offer the most competitive pricing, and have lots of online reviews on the products.
We have listed here on our site the better ones out there, for buying Music/DJ related equipment.
The advantage that such big online merchants have is that they buy in bulk, and as a result save money through economy of scale, which they can then forward to their customers. Another good sign of a trusted online merchant is a well maintained and up-to-date Documentation/User guides section.
Advice for Beginners
If you’re a beginner, make sure you don’t spend a lot of money on procuring a pro set, only to discover later (within a few months) that DJ’ing is not really their cup of tea. You will then have to sell you new setup to someone. So spend less and try to learn the techniques, once you know more about DJing, you can upgrade.
Used DJ Equipment
One of the major expenses that you have to incur, if music is your passion, is on instruments & equipment. You may not realize it, especially if you’re a beginner, but its very common for professional gear to cost in upwards of thousands of dollars.
And the same applies to DJ enthusiasts as well. Fortunately for you, there’s lot of good stuff that you can buy second-hand.
So if budget is a constraint one can definitely consider “used DJ equipment”.
DJing Can be Expensive
It doesn’t matter whether the you want to spin records, CDs or MP3s, at some point of time you have to upgrade to quality instrument, something that comes with a three to four digit price tag.
As a beginner, you might be all excited about, and even satisfied with an affordable pair of Numark turntables (and a basic Radio Shack mixer), but a few months down the line (or probably on a couple of years time), you’ll need gear that does justice to your skills and your imagination.
That is the time to get rid of your existing gear, and buy new ones.
And this is the reason there’s a healthy market for used DJ equipment, as there’s a good supply of products, that are not very old and worn out.
Buying Second-Hand Stuff
There are several advantages of buying used stuff:
- You can start out for cheap
- You can always try out high-end products which otherwise would be quite expensive to buy
- There’s a big market for used instruments & equipment; the reason being musicians “outgrow their existing gear” with more experience.
Read: Buy Used music gear at top online merchants
Where to Look for Used Instruments
There are plenty of places where you can look for (not just for buying but also to dispose of your current lot):
- Bulletin boards
- Local newspapers
- Music shops
- Online services such as eBay, Craigslist
Evaluating the Gear
Here are few suggestions when looking for second-hand DJ equipment:
- Get along someone who understands the equipment, if you’re new to this
- Feel free to bring along your own cartridge and needle, along with a few of your own records, to see how the sound on the used turntable compares
- Take your time going through all the functions and check if they all work
- Cosmetic changes & wear/tear is common and can be ignored
Certain equipment such as Turntables should be evaluated carefully, reasons being:
- It has several delicate parts, counterweights and internal wires
- Most DJs love banging and jostling with their gear
- DJ lifestyle means these gear are constantly travelling, which can take a serious toll on them
So take time to evaluate them carefully. But as mentioned, some wear and tear is expected, but besides that it’s not difficult to find used DJ equipment in good condition.
As with most electronics items & musical instruments, high-end products and the better brands fetch more in this market. So don’t expect them to be dirt cheap! But then you also need to spend more time checking them out to ensure they still perform as per the specs.
Wide range of Used DJ Gear here…
Read: How to become a professional DJ
KeytarHQ editorial team includes musicians who write and review products for pianists, keyboardists, guitarists & other musicians. KeytarHQ is the best online resource for information on keyboards, pianos, synths, keytars, guitars and music gear for musicians of all abilities, ages and interests.
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