DJ Equipment

So you want to set up your DJ equipment and spin some tunes but you don’t know what you need well maybe I can be of some assistance. Two years ago I was in the same position and researched the different types of equipment and accessories that I would need because I was just starting out and on a limited budget. I bought a lot of things online secondhand and you can do that too if you don’t have a lot of money to spend – you get lots of bargains that way too. Having been a DJ for a while now I have revised the list and added a few favorites and posted it here to share with all you prospective DJ’s who are a bit lost and don’t know what DJ equipment to buy.

What DJ equipment to buy:

1. Cans/Headphones – good quality headphones are an essential piece of DJ equipment and ones that block out external noise especially are best so that you can hear your music in them clearly and queue up properly for the transition. You want them preferably with a swivel cup so that they are easy to wear one sided, comfortable to wear for long periods of time and it doesn’t hurt if they look good at the same time after all to a DJ image is everything;

2. Turntable – most DJ’s will have a turntable as part of their DJ equipment they most won’t use it all the time but there are sets where it becomes an essential part of your creating that right sound. The trick is to shop around for a good secondhand deal, there are heaps online and you can pick one up to add to your DJ equipment that suits your budget as well as your style;

3. Professional DJ mixer – I prefer the analogue for the sound that it gives me but I have both analogue and digital mixers as part of my DJ equipment and I use them for different purposes. My analogue machine has auto harmonic tuning, 50 different effects, digital inputs/outputs, full midi output and many other awesome features I love this machine and it is a favorite in my DJ equipment;

4. Speakers and Stands – if you are supplying your own speakers (it’s always good to own a set or two as it gives you flexibility) make sure they are good and made from sturdy construction they are going to be traveling a lot. Poor quality speakers are a waste of time and don’t bother adding them to your DJ equipment. If you cant buy new buy secondhand but always test them before you buy. When you buy speaker stands to add to your DJ equipment make sure they are sturdy and are appropriate for the speakers you will be using them for. Accidents can damage people and speakers and either way it’s not a good result;

5. Patch leads – always have heaps of good quality leads in your DJ equipment they can make the difference between good and bad sound. If you are smart learn to make the yourself it’s not hard save yourself some hard earned cash and make sure you always have a quality supply;

6. CD player – good quality, high output and flexible is what you are looking to add to your DJ equipment. The CD player from home will probably no do the trick you will want one with heaps of features and easy to use controls. You will be operating in the semi dark so the easier the better. Oh and multi stack five at once makes your life a whole lot easier as well – oh and pitch control get one with pitch control;

7. Road Cases – good strong cases will protect your DJ equipment and mean that you will be able to use it for years. They are a good investment as you will be carrying your DJ equipment around if you are working as a DJ and wheels are good too because they can get heavy;

8. Microphones – carry your own microphones with you I usually have a couple in my DJ equipment that I take everywhere with me and a couple of spares at home. It depends on what I will need at the gig and I can always borrow/hire some if I need to;

9. Rack – carry your effects easily with you with your DJ equipment so that you can always be at your creative best wherever you are performing;

10. Laptop – this depends on if you use a laptop as a part of your DJ equipment I always do and find that it is an invaluable part of my DJ equipment. I prepare lists and arrangements before a gig that I can drop in so if you can I recommend that you use a laptop as part of your DJ equipment.

So that’s my list there are lots of other pieces that you can add to your DJ equipment this is a pretty basic list and as you get more experienced you will find that you will use different pieces of DJ equipment to create your own unique sound. There is no right way to DJ as long as people love what you do, having a good time and dancing their socks off so get your DJ equipment together and get out there and have a fantastic time and feel that music.