Apr252009
Getting Started with DJ equipment
It’s all too easy to forget where you first started out as a DJ. That transition from just having a dream of being a DJ to the realisation is quite a step and there are still people out there that want to make their mark on this world as a top DJ.
There are even people out there that used to DJ vinyl, then gave it up for a while perhaps sold their decks and are now looking to get back into DJing using CDs but don’t know where to start.
Someone got in touch with me asking what DJ equipment they should buy and it got me thinking that perhaps I should compile a quick rundown of some of the essential bits of kit for any DJ looking to make a career out of what the love to do.
First up - CD turntables. It all really depends on your budget. If you can, grab yourself a pair of these:
Pioneer CDJ-400. All the technical info is on the web page, but the thing I like most about this turntable is you can plug a USB flash drive in the top of it and play straight from that!! No more lugging vinyl boxes around and detatching your arm socket, you can just carry your set around on a flash drive. Awesome! Plus you get loads of cool effects built in to it too. Great for the price.
Or for CD turntables, there is always the the industry standard: Pioneer CDJ1000 MK3. Check out the videos on this site too. Brilliant stuff.
So now you have your CD players, you want to look at getting yourself a decent mixer. My favourite of all time by far has to be the Pioneer DJM600. I find it in all the clubs I play at so if you want to get back into the swing of things, working on one of these will make you fammilliar with 90% of club set ups.
Keep yourself comfortable at all times and get yourself a decent table to work on too. Practicing your DJing skills at home when in cramped conditions is a nightmare and it really does affect you psycologically. With a Sefour X30 DJ Table you will find a space for all your crap and you will find mixing a lot more easier and enjoyable.
As for headphones, there simply is no contentest. A pair of Sennheiser HD25 mk II’s will see you right. They are phenominal! I have had mine for about 4 years and they have never broken or let me down at all. Great sound and bass reproduction plus they cancel out all other background sound and are extremely comfy even after long DJ sets. Plus, even if they do break, each and every single part is replaceable.
Not the most comprehensive list of DJ mixing equipment that is available out there, but these are some DJing essentials that I would highly reccomend.
