DJing is an extremely rewarding profession, but it takes hard
work, persistence and years of experience for a newbie to evolve into a
sought-after disc jockey. The ability to create great music is a prerequisite
to success in this profession, and the first step in that direction is buying
the right set of equipment that will support the kind of disc jockeying you
intend to take up.
In the excitement of quickly setting up their personal DJ
system, many new DJs often end up with the wrong equipment that either does not
suit their mixing style or costs a lot more than their budget. Your mixing
style, your budget and the types of parties you’ll be playing are important
factors to consider when shopping DJ equipment.
Buy DJ gear suited to
your party environment
DJing paraphernalia used by a hobbyist or a mobile DJ is very
different from that of a Club DJ or a house party DJ.
For instance, club DJs usually follow the traditional robust
setup of standalone mixers and music players, with controls on a laptop, which the
DJ is expected to bring along. Mobile DJs generally use all-in-one DJ
controllers, which are convenient, portable and combine all the essentials of
DJ mixing in one mean device. DJs who work pool parties, house parties and
other small-scale indoor events also do well with a singular control system and
a two-channel mixer.
Scratch DJs who thrive on turntablism prefer a robust mixer
equipped with adjustable faders supporting a digital vinyl
system.
If you love both mixing and scratching and are looking for an
affordable option that combines the best of both worlds, you want a mid-range
controller with large jog wheels and motorized faders.
Fix a budget
Once you’ve figured out what type of equipment will work best
for your style, set up a budget and stick with it. If you’re just starting out,
avoid investing in complex, high-end equipment that costs a fortune and look
for deals and offers online. Once you have established yourself you can upgrade
your equipment by investing in a modern-day compact disc turntable (CDJ) that
can play from not only CDs but also USB drives and sound cards.
Also consider buying pre-used equipment—it can save you
hundreds of dollars, which you can use to upgrade your present DJ system when
the time is right. Another great way to assemble a system within a modest
budget is by buying an inexpensive all-in-one controller for beginners.
To end up with DJ gear that offers great value for money but
does no compromise on the features, take a look at this buying guide for the best dj controllers in town.
Avoid the cheap stuff
Lastly, don’t waste your money on the low-quality equipment
just because it’s cheap. Even if you’re playing for a birthday party next door,
you need to create great sound no matter how small your audience—your early
gigs will go a long away in establishing your reputation as a good DJ.
