Best DJ Setup: 5 Setups And Equipment

There is no denying that being a DJ requires a certain amount of equipment, and it is important to get the best – especially if you are going to be charging for your services.

For newbies, knowing the best DJ setup can feel a little intimidating, but it doesn’t need to be this way.

In this article, we are going to be looking at some of the best DJ set ups for beginners and familiarising you with the most essential equipment you will need for this.

Tips For Buying The Best DJ Equipment

One of the most common mistakes that people make is going over the top on price – whilst quality does come at a cost, the best DJ set up for beginners doesn’t need to cost the earth. This is the first crucial buying tip, but there are other things to keep in mind.

• You should think about whether you want a digital setup or something more traditional.
• Try not to overcomplicate things at this stage – starting off with basic equipment is OK provided that it does the job well. Most beginner DJs will do just fine with a two-channel mixer as opposed to something more complex.

The Best DJ Setups

In the main, there are five DJ setups that can be used, and your level of experience will play a part in which you choose.

We will take a look at each of these setups in a little detail to give you the best idea on what will work for you.

Before we move on, however, it is important to remember that if you do not want a lot of hardware, there are an excellent selection of DJ apps that you can use on your electronic devices.

Traditional CDJ Setup

If you are looking for something simple, then a traditional CDJ setup will be your best option. It is easy to learn and doesn’t require much previous experience.

The setup is made up of two multi-players and a mixer which will make the transition between tracks a lot smoother and more fluid. This is one of the most reasonably priced DJ setups, so it is excellent for beginners.

These are also very versatile pieces of equipment since you will have the choice of media – you can play digital music, CDs and even vinyl all from the same setup.

Traditional Turntable Setup

When most people imagine a DJ, they picture someone on a turntable, and this can be a very appealing setup for many DJs. Whilst this is a more complicated setup to learn, many pro DJs suggest that it is one of the best setups for beginner DJs. The reason for this is that once you have mastered beatmatching on a turntable, it will feel like second nature on other types of setup.

Read: 5 Best DJ Turntables

This setup uses vinyl, so you are limited on media, but many people enjoy collecting vinyl, although this does work out a little more costly.

Controller Setup

If you’re something of a tech lover then a controller setup might work well for you. The music is stored digitally on your laptop, and you use the controller to mix, blend and transition.

This is a relatively easy setup to learn, and there are many pieces of DJ software to combine with your controller. Whilst you do have the option to download your own software, a lot of controllers come with their own software as well as a sound card, so you are getting everything in one.

Read: Best DJ Controllers for Beginners

This is probably the best mobile DJ setup thanks to the ability to be able to store music digitally as opposed to carrying large vinyl collections around with you. What’s more, this is one of the most affordable options of all the DJ setups.

Digital Vinyl System Setup

If you want the advantage of learning a turntable but don’t want the hassle of finding somewhere to store a large vinyl collection, a digital turntable setup could be the right one for you.

Many modern club DJs opt for this type of equipment thanks to its versatility in creating unique sounds.

Read: How to DJ in a Club

You might hear this system referred to as a DVS, and it makes us of digital vinyl which you can link up with your laptop. Once again, you will need to download some compatible software for this setup, but there are systems that come with built-in software if you want everything in one.

Whilst you will usually get all of the equipment you need in the package, it does pay to keep in mind that if your mixer does not support DVS capabilities, you must purchase a soundcard separately.

Controller and Turntable Setup

For DJs who want the best of both worlds, the controller + turntable setup is a great idea. This is perfect for beginners but is also ideal for more experienced music masters. Aside from being versatile, this type of setup has many other advantages.

The first component of this one is a controller which will serve as a mixer – it is important that you get one with at least two input lines. You should also look at whether the controller comes with a soundcard or whether you will need to buy one separately. Most do come with one built-in, however.

You can connect your turntables, but if you prefer to use a multi-player, you have this option too. In terms of diversity, you won’t get anything better.

Conclusion

Setting up your DJ equipment is one of the most important aspects of starting or maintaining a career in music. There are several types of setup available and which you choose will depend on your experience, and of course, personal preference.

Read: Learn to DJ Online

There is everything from a simple digital app to a complex turntable system that is ideal for those who want to learn the more intricate details of Djing.