Buying DJ equipment for the first time can be a daunting task. With so many different possibilities are, it is easy to be overwhelmed or confused. Here are some guidelines to help in selecting your first DJ set.
Decide on a budget.
Your budget will strongly influence what you can buy DJ equipment. This may seem a small step, but before you write only the amount of money you would spend to take into accountTheir reasons for buying the first equipment. It 's something you like to try to see if you want? If so start with a DJ economic system can help you if you want to continue to pursue. It's something that you were already interested in DJing for years and I am serious? In this case, you can save a unit of better quality. It may be useful to make a large initial investment, as it is from cheap materials and slow modernizationcertainly cost more in the long run. Economic equipment could lower grade as well, which may impede the learning curve. Expect to spend at least $ 200 on the lower end, $ 1000 for a super respectable, and only there for the more advanced systems.
Choose your platform.
Here it will be difficult. DJ now offers a wide range of possibilities. I do not claim to treat all here, but I on the platforms and the most common touchAdvantages and disadvantages of each.
Records (2 turntables and a mixer)
Back in the day, this was the only option with the rare exception of mixing between tape decks. This is also my preferred option. Here's why: DJ Vinyl is an art. It takes skill and strength and I think that if you get vinyl records, you end up with a best in DJ. Nobody says you have to strictly vinyl (although this is definitely an option), but learning the art form to remainoriginal platform does definitely have its' merits. Besides the skill involved, there's also the searching out of music, which allows you ample time to explore genres, hone your "digging" skills, develop a relationship with your music, and talk to other like-minded music lovers. Not to mention that nothing says "DJ" like showing up with crates full of records. Obviously I'm biased here. The cons of using all vinyl would be carrying those crates full of records, the time it takes to find your music (no instant downloads), cost of the music, and the lack of helpful tools available readily on digital DJ systems.
Digital DJing & DJ Interfaces aka Serato, Ableton & Traktor
This platform has been gaining significant popularity ever since the release of Stanton's Final Scratch around 2004. Since then Rane's Serato Scratch Live, Ableton Live, and Native Instrument's Traktor are typically the most popular with numerous DJing programs available. Digital DJ Interfaces allow the DJ to control MP3s on their computer.The diffference between Serato or Traktor and Ableton is that Ableton allows you to control the music via midi controllers where Serato and Traktor use traditional DJ platforms- either turntables or cd players and a mixer. They all offer a type of "internal mode" where you are essentially DJing with only your computer. There are also many products that don't use any interface at all. The pros of using these programs are ease of use (mixing tools, crate layouts, cue points etc), added options and effects such as loops and recording, and ease of obtaining music. The cons are instability of systems (I've seen a DJ's computer crash in the middle of their set), the cost involved in up front purchase of systems and computer, and I've even heard DJs complain of having too much music (yes, there's such a thing).
All In One DJ Systems
These systems are all-in-one box sets that usually include all you need to start DJing. They can range from a turntable set up to an all-in-one midi controller with software, to a CD player/mixer combo. They can range in price from $199 up to $1000+. Since these all-in-one sets vary considerably, it's hard to make sweeping pro/con arguments, but some things to consider follow. If the system is an attached turntable/mixer/turntable or CD player/mixer/CD player combo remember that if one part of the system goes out you won't be able to just change out the broken part and continue using the working parts. On the positive side, having everything in one package is convenient. On the negative side, you're limited in terms of customizing the individual pieces you want.
Choose your specific equipment.
Now that you know what you have to spend and what platform you'll be using you have simply to choose what brand and model of equipment you'll be buying. OK maybe not so simple. My best advice here is to do the research. Ask friends, colleagues, go online and look at reviews. Call your local DJ store and ask them what they think. Get overall opinions and feelings on brands as well as models. Research what is in your price range, and make an educated decision based on a combination of features, brand confidence, and product reviews. Remember when it comes down to it, there is a lot of personal preference going on in the DJ market. There are many great products to choose from and you can find one that'll fit your needs.
Don't forget the extras.
Now that you have your turntables and mixer, you can start mixing right? Wrong. Here's a short list of things you may need that didn't come with the main components of your set up:
-Headphones
-Needles
-Interconnect Cables
-Records/CDs/MP3s
And speakers! After all you'll need something to hear yourself on. But that's a whole other article.
Conclusion
There are many options available when choosing your first DJ set-up. First narrow your search via your budget, choose what platform you want to play on, consult others on what models to get, and don't forget the extras.
