Taking up DJing used to be a clear path; all you had to do is just get your hands on the latest turntables you could find in addition to a mixer and some records. Nowadays, however, you are presented with a wide variety of options to choose from. There are digital vinyl systems, CD desks, laptop software, and apps. If you’re new to the field, let us walk you through the types of DJ setups.
- Turntable
- DJ Controller Setup
- CDJ DJ
- Computer Only Setup
Know Your Essentials
Once you’ve settled on the DJ setup you like, you’ll want to have a list of items to purchase for a decent setup. A typical DJ set includes turntables, top mixing devices, monitor speakers, DJ software, headphones, and vinyl records. The best thing about these items is that you can mix and match equipment to see what works best for your style. Don’t let the amount of gear overwhelm you at the beginning; it all comes down to quality over quantity.
DJ software platforms are plenty, and they are all helpful to kick start your DJing career. It’s ok not to be aware of all the different platforms; they offer user-friendly interfaces. You can start practicing with free software to test out the features, and then think of getting the premium option. On the other hand, if you have a DJ software package, you can then skip to finding equipment that fits it perfectly. Many DJ controllers come with built-in software, and that adds to their functionality. The key here is to get comfortable with the process to turn up the beat. As a beginner, you’ll want to stick to the software your controller is made for.
Space
Keeping in mind the space you have for the gear is a crucial point. If you don’t have enough accommodations for the equipment, you can consider buying small DJ controllers to be comfortable while mixing. This way you’ll not be tired of hulking out the equipment for each time you DJ. Regardless of the space you got, there are always options that meet your goals.
Establishing your first DJ setup can be a hectic task. You’ve got a lot of options to choose from. However, your budget is one key element that is going to set things in motion. If you follow our tips, you’ll be guaranteed to start mixing tunes with a bang!