Beginner DJs Guide to DJ Equipment

milltown · 13-01-2014 2:35pm

SamAK wrote: »

I'd guess that active speakers defo have their own control, not sure about passive....

Yeah this is a home mixer really, i'm not exactly going to be connecting to a club system anytime soon...and seeing as you have one. how do the faders feel? Was browsing forums and saw someone commenting that the 250 is a battle/scratch mixer and as a result the faders have very little resistance...

I was also looking at the Allen&Heath Xone 22....anyone know anything about them? Are they worth the extra 75 quid?

The faders are pretty free alright but not quite scratch mixer switch flipping free. I leave the crossfader set to "thru" and mix with the channel faders anyway, so that takes one of them out of the reckoning for me anyway.

The 250 and the Xone 22 were both around the €300 mark when I started shopping and what I was reading said the A&H won out on sound quality but the reliability seemed to be atrocious, with a lot of them getting returned. Then Pioneer dropped the price of the 250 by €100 and the decision was simple. To my ears there's nothing wrong with the sound quality of the Pioneer.

Keggers2 · 17-01-2014 2:23am

(Just posted this in another thread but it seems a bit quiet so I'm reposting it here)

Hey, a friend of mine (who doesn't have a boards account, which is where I come) is just getting into DJing. He got this decks a while ago as a present

http://pioneerdj.com/english/product.../ddj-wego.html

And then picked up these speakers; http://www.gear4music.ie/Woodwind-Br...PA-Speaker/GUV

So now my question is what's the best and most cost effective way to fill in all the necessary gear in between? I've tried to do a bit of research but I keep getting lost in a maze of power amps and different input types.

Sooo yeah, any and all help would be much appreciated!

SamAK · 17-01-2014 5:40pm

Keggers2 wrote: »

(Just posted this in another thread but it seems a bit quiet so I'm reposting it here)

Hey, a friend of mine (who doesn't have a boards account, which is where I come) is just getting into DJing. He got this decks a while ago as a present

http://pioneerdj.com/english/product.../ddj-wego.html

And then picked up these speakers; http://www.gear4music.ie/Woodwind-Br...PA-Speaker/GUV

Sooo yeah, any and all help would be much appreciated!

Both of those links are dead!

Keggers2 · 17-01-2014 9:58pm

SamAK wrote: »

Both of those links are dead!

Wow, sorry about that! I don't have a clue what happened!

Here are those links again; http://pioneerdj.com/english/products/controller/ddj-wego.html

http://www.gear4music.ie/Woodwind-Brass-Strings/Behringer-B1220-Eurolive-Pro-Passive-PA-Speaker/GUV

Eathrin · 28-01-2014 1:13pm

Hi guys, I'm DJing at a ball where about 100-200 will attend. I have no idea what kind of speakers I should hire for this event.
http://www.soundworks.ie/dj_pa_systems_for_hire.html
Looking here, the 1000 or 2000 watt packages should be sufficient. Any thoughts?

Eathrin · 28-01-2014 1:13pm

Hi guys, I'm DJing at a ball where about 100-200 will attend. I have no idea what kind of speakers I should hire for this event.
http://www.soundworks.ie/dj_pa_systems_for_hire.html
Looking here, the 1000 or 2000 watt packages should be sufficient. Any thoughts?

The_Honeybadger · 28-01-2014 11:18pm

Eathrin wrote: »

Hi guys, I'm DJing at a ball where about 100-200 will attend. I have no idea what kind of speakers I should hire for this event.
http://www.soundworks.ie/dj_pa_systems_for_hire.html
Looking here, the 1000 or 2000 watt packages should be sufficient. Any thoughts?

2000 should do it. Best to leave as much headroom as you possibly can. Nothing sounds worse than an inadequate system getting thrashed to pieces.

SamAK · 29-01-2014 2:20pm

Question for the Technics peeps - what way round do you have your counterweights? Numbers facing you or away?

milltown · 29-01-2014 5:10pm

SamAK wrote: »

Question for the Technics peeps - what way round do you have your counterweights? Numbers facing you or away?

Facing me. Only reason to have them the other way around is for scratching I think.

MiamTea · 30-01-2014 2:49am

Sorry guys , I'm a real newbie to this stuff, it's the boyfriend who's into DJing, I'm just trying to get him a birthday present! When buying vinyls for mixing, should you get albums, singles, or does it matter?

BaZmO* · 30-01-2014 2:38pm

MiamTea wrote: »

Sorry guys , I'm a real newbie to this stuff, it's the boyfriend who's into DJing, I'm just trying to get him a birthday present! When buying vinyls for mixing, should you get albums, singles, or does it matter?

You can use both, but if it's for mixing, singles (12") are generally better due to the way they are made.

PeteEd · 30-01-2014 9:43pm

i have my 1210's almost 15 years now but i have been doing contract work up and down the UK for 3 years now and so they are gathering dust back home.

I've built up a nice hard drive full of music over the last few months and have ordered a Kontrol S2, though i'm a little lost as to what laptop, OS and spec to run Traktor on?

I currently have a well used hp probook 4330s and was intending to buy another laptop solely for running Traktor on and nothing else, anyone care to offer any advice or rcommendations

SamAK · 30-01-2014 10:07pm

MiamTea wrote: »

Sorry guys , I'm a real newbie to this stuff, it's the boyfriend who's into DJing, I'm just trying to get him a birthday present! When buying vinyls for mixing, should you get albums, singles, or does it matter?

I'd be much. much more concerned about the content of the vinyl over whether it's an album or single!

Unless you really, really know his music tastes, i'd say leave the music selection to him and perhaps buy him something else, perhaps an new pair of headphones or something?

I wouldn't mind my (hypothetical) GF buying me a nice pair of Sennheiser HD25'S

http://www.residentadvisor.net/feature.aspx?1954

SamAK · 30-01-2014 10:15pm

PeteEd wrote: »

i'm a little lost as to what laptop, OS and spec to run Traktor on?

I've used Traktor on a good few Windows laptops, and never had any issues. Here's the recommended system specs from Native Instruments -

http://www.native-instruments.com/en/products/traktor/dj-software/traktor-pro-2/specifications/

Doesn't need anything super fancy or powerful really, but the more RAM you have, the faster it will analyse songs when you import them....

The only problems i've had with digital dj'ing is latency (the lag as the audio works it's way along the signal path), but the Kontro S2 should have a built in soundcard that is more than capable of processing audio fast enough without any crackles or dropouts!

I have one of these little guys, and it's wonderful. You won't need one if you're getting a Kontrol though -

http://www.native-instruments.com/en/products/traktor/dj-audio-interfaces/traktor-audio-2/

Just a thought - would you consider a digital to vinyl system, seeing as you already have 1210's? That way you can hook up your laptop to the decks through a soundcard, and mix them with control vinyls! Best of both worlds!!

http://www.native-instruments.com/en/products/traktor/digital-vinyl/traktor-scratch-a6/

PeteEd · 30-01-2014 10:30pm

Thanks SamAK

Just a thought - would you consider a digital to vinyl system, seeing as you already have 1210's? That way you can hook up your laptop to the decks through a soundcard, and mix them with control vinyls! Best of both worlds!!

played around on friends Serato alright and would be nice but i'm travelling quite a bit so i've had to leave my 1210's in Ireland and i'm looking a set up which is a bit more mobile

So as long as i spend a little more on RAM and meet the rest of the spec Windows will be fine?

SamAK · 30-01-2014 10:56pm

PeteEd wrote: »

So as long as i spend a little more on RAM and meet the rest of the spec Windows will be fine?

I've used Traktor on laptops with anywhere from 2GB to 6GB RAM,all Windows 7, and with processors varying from 2ghz to 3ghz, and the only difference i've noticed is how quickly the song analyses when you drop it on the deck.

That's my personal experience over the last two years or so.

If anyone has anything else to add, feel free!

As for the Mac vs Windows debate...well you'll get die hard fans of either platform swearing that the other is crap. But for simply running Traktor, I don't think it matters a damn. I've never had any windows machine crash on me mid-set.

You won't need to spend too much on a lappy if you're just running dj software on it. But maybe invest the difference in an S4, so you have 4 deck control? If you're open to the idea of getting very creative with looping and remix decks etc.....might be an idea! That's one of the joys of digital mixing, you can really take it one step further if you want to.

Best of luck!!

SamAK · 31-01-2014 1:26pm

Another question for the vinyl heads -

Got my Shure M44-G's today, been fiddling around connecting cartridge to headshell and got one done so far...

Seeing as this is my first time ever doing it, i'm concerned about the potential to get it drastically wrong and fvck my needles or records at an abnormal rate! Should I attach the weight that came with the cartridges? How much of a pain is it to get everything set up fairly well?

Any absolute do's/don'ts, or is it a lot of personal preference?

I'm not a scratcher, just club mixing...

seanbmc · 14-05-2014 3:05pm

Looking for a decent set of speakers that won't break the bank.

I've two ****ty speakers at the moment with an old subwoofer that I robbed from my PC setup.

Can anyone recommend a semi decent set of speakers/amp that won't break the bank? The speakers I have at the moment aren't doing my records justice at all.

Cheers.

Right Turn Clyde · 18-05-2014 12:43am

You can't go wrong with a set of KRKs. They're all active monitors, so you won't need a separate amp.

fiachr_a · 07-08-2014 6:28pm

If you find some old 78 rpm records in the attic or charity shop press both speed buttons on the turntable to play. 33 + 45 = 78!

BaZmO* · 07-08-2014 9:31pm

fiachr_a wrote: »

If you find some old 78 rpm records in the attic or charity shop press both speed buttons on the turntable to play. 33 + 45 = 78!

Jaysis that's mad. I never copped that they both add up to 78. Although, I think you might be wrong about the pressing the two of them together to give you 78!

Right Turn Clyde · 07-08-2014 11:12pm

BaZmO* wrote: »

Jaysis that's mad. I never copped that they both add up to 78. Although, I think you might be wrong about the pressing the two of them together to give you 78!

That works on some tables, but not 1210s. It's great for instant chipmunk vibes.

BaZmO* · 07-08-2014 11:28pm

Right Turn Clyde wrote: »

That works on some tables, but not 1210s. It's great for instant chipmunk vibes.

You'd need a different type of needle for a 78 though.

Right Turn Clyde · 08-08-2014 3:04pm

BaZmO* wrote: »

You'd need a different type of needle for a 78 though.

Yeah you need a different stylus for it to play an actual 78 rpm record correctly, but any record can be played at 78. Hence the chipmunk vibes. It''s probably bad for the stylus and the record though.

fiachr_a · 25-09-2014 5:22pm

On the tips of headphones/leads: one black ring is mono, two is stereo.

Gatame · 11-10-2014 5:01pm

Can anybody recommend a soundcard in the 100-150 range?

Tin_Cup · 29-12-2014 2:09pm

Hi guys, long time lurker of the forum! Looking for some advice.

I worked as a dj a good while back (late 90's / 00's vinyl / cd's) and trying to get back into the mix of things. Looking to go down the controller route but struggling to choose which software / controller combo to go for. Keep all music in itunes (playing mostly tech house / techno etc, no scratching) and have enjoyed using the new djay pro software released recently directly on macbook.

In particular I liked the look of traktor and the NI controllers as the integration looked really tight but the new djay pro software has thrown me for a loop. From what I can see Serato is also top notch but have not been able to demo it properly.

Long winded and I apologise but I was wondering what set-ups you guys are using at the moment ? Also if you are out playing do you bring your own controllers / software with you? or use the in-house set-ups?

Many thanks in advance and apologies again for the long post! Look forward to hearing about your kit

The_Honeybadger · 30-12-2014 10:51pm

Tin_Cup wrote: »

Hi guys, long time lurker of the forum! Looking for some advice.

I worked as a dj a good while back (late 90's / 00's vinyl / cd's) and trying to get back into the mix of things. Looking to go down the controller route but struggling to choose which software / controller combo to go for. Keep all music in itunes (playing mostly tech house / techno etc, no scratching) and have enjoyed using the new djay pro software released recently directly on macbook.

In particular I liked the look of traktor and the NI controllers as the integration looked really tight but the new djay pro software has thrown me for a loop. From what I can see Serato is also top notch but have not been able to demo it properly.

Long winded and I apologise but I was wondering what set-ups you guys are using at the moment ? Also if you are out playing do you bring your own controllers / software with you? or use the in-house set-ups?

Many thanks in advance and apologies again for the long post! Look forward to hearing about your kit

What is your budget?

Serato would be my choice of software if I was starting out. Most of the controller manufacturers are now natively supporting serato and some are even providing the full pro version of the software free when you buy the controller. Pioneer, denon and vestax (among others) all do fantastic controllers that would be perfect. It really depends on you budget after that.

Traktor and virtual dj would be the other main software set ups, and there are countless other lesser known but perfectly capable solutions. Pioneer have their own software called rekordbox as well that will work with their controllers. There really are endless options. Most of the above offer free trial versions that you can download. You can figure out which you prefer then.

was.deevey · 31-12-2014 12:01am

I was a user of Traktor for many years, but recently moved to Serato, mainly because the Native Instruments Controllers felt like plastic, and no other controllers have the nice Jog Wheel response within Traktor (as they locked it out).

The Pioneer DDJ-SR (mine) and SX really do feel like proper Dj gear, with a full metal build and knobs all firmly bolted onto the faceplate. Its pretty much as perfect in layout as you can get without having a full CDJ rig.

Of course if you have the budget and intend playing clubs regularly, I'd consider the new xdj controllers and use Rekordbox, which will allow you to use pretty much exactly the same setup as the clubs and you wont need to bring along any extra gear with you assumming they have at least upgraded to 350's/850's/900's/2000's

DJay pro while has a lovely interface, is still miles behind the competiton with almost all other features, with the exception of the spotify gimmick which could be cool except it is limited severely to mobile download quality.

Tin_Cup · 01-01-2015 2:54pm

Thanks for the replies guys appreciate the info. Had a budget of around 600 in mind but don't mind waiting to pick up quality kit (got burned with my first set of gear and swore to go with best quality from than on).

The DDJ-SR looks perfect was.deevey. Great info on the build quality would be something I would prioritise and looks to have everything you could need.

Have been trying out the different demos but Serato was the only one I couldn't due to not having a controller. the fact you both recommended speaks highly of it. Think I was leaning towards djay pro mostly just because I have spent a bit of time with it and only starting to explore the others.

Thanks again for replies happy new year!

cacdit2016 · 27-03-2015 12:51pm

What kind of figure would i look at if i wanted to become an amateur dj?

BaZmO* · 27-03-2015 1:26pm

cacdit2016 wrote: »

What kind of figure would i look at if i wanted to become an amateur dj?

42

mordeith · 27-03-2015 2:30pm

cacdit2016 wrote: »

What kind of figure would i look at if i wanted to become an amateur dj?

You can spend whatever you like. What do mean by amateur? Just bedroom stuff or what?

Swainer · 04-04-2015 9:58am

Can anyone tell me how I can download some up to date karaoke tracks to play with show presenter. Is it easy? Is it possible? I also use virtual dj. I am running with a hard drive

rudiger2.0 · 13-08-2015 10:01pm

Would anyone know where in Ireland to get a replacement stylus for a Stanton 500?

thevinylword · 20-08-2015 9:13pm

rudiger2.0 wrote: »

Would anyone know where in Ireland to get a replacement stylus for a Stanton 500?

Do Aquarius in Celbridge sell them maybe? I remember Kormac of Big Band fame posting on FB about trying to find a needle in Dublin not too long ago

mossy464 · 11-06-2016 2:17pm

Currently looking for a decent controller setup that I can plug in to a laptop to do some mixes. I have a set of CDJ 1000's but they are down in my family home and too bulky for where I currently live. With this in mind I'm looking for a tidy setup so I can keep up my interest in home/bedroom djing while away from home. Any recommendations?

Is the Pioneer DDJ SB2 any good for the price?

tmabr · 17-10-2016 12:16pm

Where do you buy old school vinyl, just bought a cheap set of decks and mixer purely for bedroom mixing.
used to go clubbin in town all through the 90s, sides,asylum,grouchos,ormond,temple,system,shaft, so that kind of old school.

spqr,sensation, way out west sort of thing.

cheers

BaZmO* · 17-10-2016 12:24pm

tmabr wrote: »

Where do you buy old school vinyl, just bought a cheap set of decks and mixer purely for bedroom mixing.
used to go clubbin in town all through the 90s, sides,asylum,grouchos,ormond,temple,system,shaft, so that kind of old school.

spqr,sensation, way out west sort of thing.

cheers

Online is your best bet. The likes of Discogs Marketplace

tmabr · 17-10-2016 12:27pm

cheers man, never heard of them.

aldoboymusic · 30-10-2016 10:54pm

The best bang for back standalone kit is the XDJRX by Pioneer, the only gripe i have with it is the lack of a querty keyboard, other than that it's as close as you can get to Pioneer's flagship Nexus gear...

DuffyD24 · 23-11-2016 3:32pm

Good post, I started out on a Denon HD2500 and Numark M2 mixer, if you can learn on some of the most bog standard gear you'll be fine. Once you can learn to beatmatch, everything else you do and all the other features are for showing off! But once you can mix on bog standard gear you should be able to mix on anything with a bit of adjustment to the new equipment. Translating the beatmatching just comes down to getting a feel for the new equipment. Now having said that, that works for most CDJs and equipment like that but I'm still working on vinyl mixing! haha! Train your ear and the world is your oyster!

DuffyD24 · 23-11-2016 3:36pm

mossy464 wrote: »

Currently looking for a decent controller setup that I can plug in to a laptop to do some mixes. I have a set of CDJ 1000's but they are down in my family home and too bulky for where I currently live. With this in mind I'm looking for a tidy setup so I can keep up my interest in home/bedroom djing while away from home. Any recommendations?

Is the Pioneer DDJ SB2 any good for the price?

Dude if you can, try and find the DDJ T1 from pioneer! Great quality piece of kit. The new Pioneer controllers have a very plastic/fischer price kind of feel to them, very flimsy. The T1 is top quality! Can pick one up for anything between 300 and 500 on adverts or some of them!

was.deevey · 28-11-2016 6:29pm

DuffyD24 wrote: »

mossy464 wrote: »

Currently looking for a decent controller setup that I can plug in to a laptop to do some mixes. I have a set of CDJ 1000's but they are down in my family home and too bulky for where I currently live. With this in mind I'm looking for a tidy setup so I can keep up my interest in home/bedroom djing while away from home. Any recommendations?

Is the Pioneer DDJ SB2 any good for the price?

Dude if you can, try and find the DDJ T1 from pioneer! Great quality piece of kit. The new Pioneer controllers have a very plastic/fischer price kind of feel to them, very flimsy. The T1 is top quality! Can pick one up for anything between 300 and 500 on adverts or some of them!

For 300 you should be able to pick up a S/H DDJ-SR. For 500 probably a DDJ-SX MK1, both of which are built like tanks and far better than the first Gen S1/T1 Pioneer controllers.
The Numark NV is a tidy little controller as well, and worth looking at as well. You should be able to pick up a Mk1 for under 400.
If you already have CDJ's you'll only be disappointed by the feel of low end stuff (any bottom end controllers) .. I'd try and get something mid tier second hand.

Help!!!! · 13-03-2017 6:40pm

What equipment would I need to use if playing in a nightclub that has a DJ booth? I have a laptop, loads of music, would I be able to play by just downloading DJ software or would I need something else? Looking to start a monthly alternative night

was.deevey · 14-03-2017 12:44am

Help!!!! wrote: »

What equipment would I need to use if playing in a nightclub that has a DJ booth?

If its a nightclub they probably already have gear in the booth, the usual would be Pioneer CD Players and a mixer - anything from the past few years and you can just plug in a USB filled up with your MP3's. No need to complicate things if its unnecessary so check first.

mossy464 · 30-06-2017 10:56am

was.deevey wrote: »

For 300 you should be able to pick up a S/H DDJ-SR. For 500 probably a DDJ-SX MK1, both of which are built like tanks and far better than the first Gen S1/T1 Pioneer controllers.
The Numark NV is a tidy little controller as well, and worth looking at as well. You should be able to pick up a Mk1 for under 400.
If you already have CDJ's you'll only be disappointed by the feel of low end stuff (any bottom end controllers) .. I'd try and get something mid tier second hand.

Thanks for the recommendations. Only getting around to this now. Once i've sorted a controller i'd be best flogging the CDJs. How much would one expect to get for a pair of CDJ 1000 MK3's and a DJM 400.

krustydoyle · 30-04-2018 9:14pm

Well folks,

looking for an at home set up (deck, mixer and speakers) and whatever else I need...

Where should I go to buy them?? Deck doesn't have to be top of the line (audio technica, numark )

All help is appreciated

Thanks

milltown · 30-04-2018 10:23pm

What's the goal? Vinyl, CDs or MP3?

krustydoyle · 30-04-2018 10:59pm

I've built up a decent vinyl collection over the years so I wanna get back into it.. So have a good set up where I can listen to it whenever I want..

Beginner DJs Guide to DJ Equipment

Comments