Starting Out as a DJ: What Should I Buy?

If you’re looking to venture out into the industry of becoming a DJ, an arsenal of appropriate equipment is essential to get started. While splashing thousands upon thousands of dollars on the most prestige technology you can get your hands on is hardly necessary for a beginner, there are a few bits that are pretty crucial to your early learning curve. Deciding where to spend your limited start-up budget can be difficult, and so can knowing which brands to go with.

In light of this dilemma, we have laid out a few tips and tricks for getting started on your DJ journey, highlighting a few ‘dos and don’ts for first-time buyers.

Photo Credit Erik Mclean/Unsplash.com

A laptop

This is the very basis of your DJing equipment, as, although other devices are needed to demonstrate a higher level of musical control, the software used requires a laptop to run on. However large your ambitions may be, buying a laptop to run your software is step one.

DJ Controller

While it is indeed true that you can start to learn to mix and mash on a PC or laptop, the limitations imposed by the use of a mouse with the music software can be a bit of a hindrance to your progress. Investing in a DJ controller is, then, a pretty wise allocation of your funds.

While the top of the range DJ Controllers might set you back over a grand, you can find plenty of alternatives that are less bank-breaking and will be just as satisfactory for your needs as a start-out DJ.

Eventually – if you hope to do sets in a club or other similar venues – you will likely have to learn how to use a pair of CDJs or operate a vinyl, as these are the standard equipment in such places. For now, though, one of the cheaper DJ controllers should be more than sufficient.

#Pioneer DDJ-SR2 Jog Wheel – Credit Andrei Copaci/Unsplash.com

Headphones

While the image of a DJ clutching one hand to their ear and the other to a turntable is a pretty cool aesthetic, there is a purpose beyond just looking at the part. A high-quality set of headphones is essential to have an outlet for your secondary music output. While the crowd jams to the music playing out of the speaker, DJs are listening to the upcoming track in their ears in order to anticipate the mixing required to create a smooth transition. So, while they’re probably not essential while you practice in your room, a solid pair of headphones is a great purchase for when you start to perform. Plus, looking cool is a great bonus.

Cases and Mounts

If you do indeed start to do sets for friends, parties, or even clubs, juggling all your equipment with two hands is not practical nor professional. In this circumstance, then, investing in protective transport cases for your equipment is a great idea – this might also just save you from replacing any broken equipment as a result of your juggling. As mentioned, though, this can come later on in your DJ journey.

For starters, sort yourself a solid laptop and DJ controller and see where your passion for music production takes you.

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Tags: DJ

About the Author

Dr. Jerry Doby Editor-in-Chief of The Hype Magazine, Media and SEO Consultant, Journalist, Ph.D. and retired combat vet. 2023 recipient of The President's Lifetime Achievement Award. Partner at THM Media Group. Member of the U.S. Department of Arts and Culture, the United States Press Agency and ForbesBLK.