Just like you, many of us were once beginner DJs. The world of DJ gear can seem overwhelming, but when you’re just starting out all you really need is a simple setup with a few key pieces of equipment.
We’re here to help you find everything you need to practise at home, develop your skills, and – most importantly – have some fun! Let’s get straight into the gear.
What you need to DJ
The big decision – a DJ controller setup or a turntable & mixer setup? A DJ controller is needed for DJ’ing with a laptop and digital music. A turntable and mixer, on the other hand, are needed for DJ’ing with vinyl records.
You’ll also need:
- Laptop with DJ software (if you choose the DJ Controller approach)
- Speakers
- Headphones
- Cables
DJ Controller – for DJ’ing with a computer
A DJ controller lets you DJ with digital music and a computer, instead of with traditional vinyl. DJ controllers often feature two decks and a mixer combined in a single unit, so you’ll get the complete DJ experience with a digital setup. If you want to DJ with your iTunes collection or other digital music, this is the way to go.
It connects to your laptop via USB, so it’s easy to get set up. Plus, you won’t need more than a 2-channel DJ controller to grasp the basic techniques of DJ’ing as this will let you mix from track to track. Many controllers feature additional production tools such as performance pads for triggering hot cues, loops, and samples. You’ll also find some controllers with mic inputs, built-in effects, and other handy DJ tools.
DJ controllers often come complete with DJ software to get you started on your journey, letting you import your curated collection of music to mix to your heart’s content.
After some specific recommendations? Here are a few DJ controllers we think are great for beginners.
Numark Party Mix II 2-Channel DJ Controller
The Numark Party Mix II 2-Channel DJ Controller is a great little starter controller. It’s compact and has the essentials you need for DJ’ing – volume faders, EQs, and free Serato DJ software.
Pioneer DDJ-200
You can DJ with either your smartphone or laptop with the DDJ-200. Once you’ve downloaded Pioneer DJ’s WeDJ app, you’ll be able to DJ with your phone’s music library – perfect if you just want to get straight on and DJ. There’s also some cool transition FX, so you can transition smoothly into the next track with the twist of a knob.
Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S2 MK3
Check out this portable, USB-powered, club-ready DJ controller: the Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S2 MK3. Using Native Instruments’ included Traktor Pro 3 software, you’ll get mixing in minutes with NI’s own Getting Started videos and series of ‘TruTorials’.
This controller is the perfect gateway to DJ’ing – you’ll be able to practise your skills on the same software used by professionals.
Hercules DJ Control Inpulse T7
With two motorised vinyl-style platters complete with 7-inch vinyl records and a slipmat, the Hercules DJ Control Inpulse T7 offers a hybrid analog-digital DJ’ing experience. It’s ideal for both turntablism and general mixing, whilst a club-style layout presents a three-band EQ, filter knobs, and VU metering on each channel, as well as eight backlit RGB performance pads for sampling, hot cues, and live looping.
Additionally, one particularly exciting feature of the Inpulse T7 is its “Stem” technology. This allows you to separate vocal and instrumental parts of a song, making it exceptionally easy to create live remixes!
Turntables and mixer – for DJ’ing with vinyl records
The traditional method of DJ’ing involves a twin turntable and mixer setup. Before digitised music collections and laptop integration, a DJ setup would often be humble and non-flashy whilst lending itself to creative performances.
Turntables and mixers come in a variety of different shapes and sizes, all doing similar jobs with slightly different variations. Below, we have included some of our favourites that blend functionality and usability at a great price.
Reloop RP-7000 MK II
The Reloop RP-7000 MK II features adjustable speed for beatmatching as well as a large start/stop button. There are also shock-absorbing feet that ensure the turntable stays in place and minimise external rumbling or unwanted vibrations when playing music loud.
SubZero 2 Channel Rotary DJ Mixer
The SubZero 2 Channel Rotary DJ Mixer has all the essentials – volume dial, three-band EQ, CUE mix for headphones, and a large LED level indicator. Easy, simple to use, and perfect for starting out!
Laptop with DJ software
Your laptop is the brains of the operation. This will hold your digital music collection that you cue up in your playlist for creative mixing and beat-matching.
There are many different DJ software available that all feature professional tools to do your job effectively. Two of the most popular software programs available currently are Serato DJ Pro and Rekordbox, both of which offer fantastic integration to many DJ controllers for a seamless setup and easy-to-use performance tools. Read our guide to DJ software here, we compare the two giants – Serato and Rekordbox – as well as offer some great alternatives.
If you’re struggling to make a decision, it’s worth researching the controller you want to purchase as often these come complete with software. This will give you a good idea of what it’s capable of and should inform you if you want to change software depending on your needs.
Speakers/studio monitors
A pair of studio monitors is an ideal way to listen back to your tracks and mixes to make sure they will sound great on larger speaker systems in live music venues. They project all the details of your mix and provide you with a more interactive experience that lets you get in the groove more so than any other way of listening back to your music.
It’s worth remembering that the bigger the studio monitor, the more headroom and bass you’ll achieve in your sound. This may not always be ideal for small, compact home studios.
If you have a larger room with more space, you could invest in larger speakers or even a subwoofer for a really punchy sound – it’ll make you feel like you’re playing mainstage at Tomorrowland!
Presonus Eris E3.5 Inch Active Multimedia Monitors, Pair
Ideal for multimedia and DJ purposes, the bi-amplified design of these Presonus Eris Monitors ensures an even response across the full frequency range. A wealth of connectivity options ensures that no matter how you’re setting up your DJ system, you will always be able to fit in these speakers.
Pioneer DJ DM-40BT Active Monitor Speakers
The ultimate compact studio monitor. Specifically designed for DJs and producers, the Pioneer DJ DM-40BT Active Monitor Speakers feature the added bonus of Bluetooth connectivity for wireless music streaming. Constructed with a front-facing bass port, you can be sure that all of your deep sub will be accurately presented with punch and power.
KRK Rokit RP5 G4
Hugely popular, the KRK Rokit RP5 G4 Monitors are a fan favourite amongst DJs for their thumping sound with plenty of headroom to crank the volume.
A clear and focused sound ensures accurate recreation of your mix, giving you a proper idea of how your mix will translate to live venue speakers. And thanks to a distinctive black enclosure with yellow trimmings, you’ll not only sound great but look great too!
DJ headphones
A good set of DJ headphones is an essential tool and the most convenient way to monitor and listen back to your mix. Block out outside noise and listen in detail to ensure you have your cue set up correctly before playing it through your home monitors or front-of-house PA.
The perfect DJ headphones should be extremely comfortable for long listening periods and have a closed-back design for optimised sound isolation.
SubZero SZ-MH200 Monitoring Headphones
Specially designed for studio and recording, and perfect for DJ’ing at home, the closed-back SubZero SZ-MH200 Monitoring Headphones offer an excellent punchy sound and over-ear design for maximum comfort.
Sennheiser HD 25 Headphones
An industry classic. Featuring an aluminium voice coil to ensure excellent transient response and signature Sennheiser sound, the HD 25 headphones are ideal for listening back to punchy electronic music. A compact design with an iconic headband and flip-away earcup lets you listen for prolonged periods, even with single-sided listening.
AIAIAI TMA-2 DJ Preset
Specifically designed for DJs, the AIAIAI TMA-2 DJ Preset modular headphones let you customise your design to fit your needs.
A titanium-coated speaker produces powerful, thumping bass with crystal clear fundamentals to ensure you can hear your low-end even in loud nightclubs.
Cables
Of course, without cables, you can’t make the magic happen! They may be the least glamorous part of your setup, but they’re essential for connecting everything together.
The more you expand your setup, the more cables you’ll need so it’s always worth stocking up, whether that’s RCA, USB, XLR, or 1/4-inch jack cables. A good point to remember, it’s always worth buying multiples of each should any of them fail on you during a performance.
Practise and have fun
Now that you know what you need to set up your own home-DJ studio, all that’s left to do is to fire up your gear, practise, and, most importantly, have fun. Why not take a look at our extensive range of products available to see how you can expand your setup in the future?
Thanks for the information ℹ plan on starting my own Dj