If you’re thinking of becoming a DJ, this is a great time to break into the industry. People are going bigger and better with their events, and bringing their own music to play at parties just won’t suffice at this point. With that being the case, DJs are in high demand. At the same time, there’s an ever-growing range of equipment available to help you give your clients and their guests what they’re looking for.
That said, you probably don’t have the budget to go all out on equipment right from the start. If you’re like many newcomers to the industry, you may not even know how to operate some pieces of the pieces of equipment you’ll find on the market. Fortunately, a few basic tools can get you off to a great start.
Turntables
Quite a few entertainment experts insist that turntables are crucial pieces of equipment for any DJ. After all, they’re signature tools of the trade. As such, getting new DJ turntables would certainly be a good idea. Options are available in numerous brands, styles, and price ranges. Be sure to choose a high-quality version that’s designed to prevent skipping and other common problems. You don’t necessarily need to buy the most expensive option on the market, but it’s best not to go with the cheapest one, either. If you can’t quite afford a good set of turntables, consider saving your money and relying on other equipment in the meantime.
Mixers
A mixer is also an essential tool of the trade. It’ll allow you to blend sounds from your turntables or other sources. It’ll also allow you to add effects, transition from one song to another, and create your own unique sounds among other benefits. At the very least, it’ll allow you to cue up one track while another one is playing. Again, several versions are available. You’ll find them in many price ranges with a variety of features, and some are certainly more versatile than others.
Controllers
A controller may also be necessary. It can work in tandem with your mixer and turntables to produce the sounds and effects you’re looking for. It can also affect your sound quality to an extent, and it’ll definitely give you more diversity and freedom of creativity. Some controllers also have built-in mixers and can give you turntable effects. They eliminate the need for extra pieces of equipment. Keep in mind, though, the more features they offer, the more complicated they are to operate.
Software and a Laptop
If you’re looking for a basic setup to get started as a DJ, you may be able to get by with just a decent laptop and DJ software. Software generally covers all the equipment you need while also allowing you to import music from different sources, build your library, and create sets. Those are only a few of the feature it may offer. Numerous types of DJ software are at your disposal, each with its own array of features and benefits. Though many people feel software doesn’t quite provide the same sound quality as traditional equipment, much of that depends on the software itself, your speakers, and other factors.
Creating Your DJ Setup
These are some of the basic tools you’ll need to get started as a DJ. Which setup is right for you depends on your style and level of experience. You may need a microphone, speakers, headphones, and other accessories as well depending on the events and venues you’ll be playing. Remember that you don’t necessarily need the full range of equipment to get started; you can always build your collection over time.