The world of DJing, while relatively straightforward, definitely has its fair share of factors to take into account and consider.
From learning the different terms to getting a firm grasp on the various DJ techniques, becoming a DJ isn’t nearly as simple as many may have initially thought.
While understanding the types of equipment you’ll need to DJ isn’t especially complex, it is an essential ingredient of any type of performance you can expect to give.
The good news is that you should be more than capable of building up any starter DJ setup on even the most modest of budgets – largely thanks to the many different brands making equipment at more competitive rates and for earlier and earlier beginners.
Below, we’ve created a guide that goes over the different items you should have when going out for your first performance.
What DJ Equipment Do I Need? (in short)
To get you started on the DJ gear ladder you will need a DJ controller, a set of speakers, a pair of headphones, and a laptop (or smartphone or tablet) to run your selected DJ software.
You can then upgrade this DJ setup with CDJ’s DJ mixer or turntables.
Different Setup Types
Before jumping into the specifics of what you should be buying, you must decide on what type of setup you expect to put together.
There are a few setup options available for you to consider.
That said, we’ll focus primarily on the three main starter setup options that any new DJ should choose from.
These include the following:
Basic Setup
For people that are interested in becoming a DJ but have very limited funds or individuals that are only mildly interested in it primarily as a hobby, the requirements are surprisingly quite sparse.
This setup only requires a laptop and functioning DJ software. It is the cheapest setup option and cannot be used in any professional or performative setting.
Still, this is a great way to get your feet wet with DJing for next to nothing.
To perform using this setup, you’ll need the following:
- A Functioning Laptop Computer
- DJ Software
Intermediate/Advanced Setup
If you’re an individual that has already decided that they want to take their DJing to the performative or semi-professional level, you’ll want to look at one of the different advanced setups listed below.
In addition to the laptop, you can either choose to add in a set of turntables and a mixer or opt for an entirely digitally based setup that switches the turntables and mixer out for a DJ controller.
Turntable Setups require the following devices:
- Two Turntables (Either Vinyl Or CDJ)
- Mixer
In addition, you can consider upgrading your software by using a laptop and a DJ interface package. This will give you several different effects, features, and options.
Digital Controller Setups require:
- Laptop Computer
- DJ Software
- DJ Controller
- Audio Interface
Now that we’ve outlined the different options of starter setups you may be interested in investing in, let’s now go into more detail with the different types of equipment you’ll need for each of them.
What Equipment You’ll Need
DJ Controllers
DJ controllers are the newest kid on the block with an entirely digital setup.
While there is a bit of pushback by older veterans in the DJ sphere, these devices have increasingly become a hit with the younger crowd, mainly because of everything you’re allowed to use them for despite their much more affordable asking price.
DJ controllers operate by combining a pair of turntables with that of a mixer.
Most controllers are entirely plastic and lower in weight. This means that they can more effectively be moved around and transported from place to place (something larger turntables simply can follow).
They include a built-in set of jogwheels that essentially act as a stand-in set of turntable platters.
This is what’s used to simulate the “scratching” ability that turntables naturally have.
In terms of its software, DJ controllers require pairingwith a computer and computer software if you want them to properly run.
This gives users everything they’d need to start setting up an effective DJ experience – complete with drum and trigger pads, mic connections, and MIDI controls.
Read this next: Best DJ Controller: The Ultimate List
Software
The next essential things you’re going to need is some decent DJ software.
Whether you’re using a DJ controller or just your laptop, DJ software is an essential ingredient for your performance. It helps to create different track mashups as well as can be used to assign different sounds to various trigger pads.
DJ software is ideal for arranging different sound playlists, adding sound effects, and ultimately using your controller in a proper way.
Based on the device you’re using, the software may play a larger role in its use overall. For example, DJ controllers and CDJs outright require software to run, with many often having either the complete or incomplete version pre-installed on the device.
This isn’t the case for all devices, however. Many controllers don’t have any software on them or are open to a variety of options.
These options include Serato, Virtual DJ, and Rekordbox, just to name a few. If you’re looking to upgrade your controller option, seeing what software runs best with it is your best bet.
Read this next: 8 Best DJ Software Options
CDJs
CDJs operate as entirely individual digital DJ decks with both USB support as well as an onboard display setting. This means that, unlike DJ controllers (more on them later), CDJs can be used entirely on their own without the use of a laptop.
Here, all you need is a USB memory stick with all your favorite tracks.
While CDJs are similar to DJ turntables in that they are both single-jog wheel devices that need to be connected with a mixer, they share much with controllers as well.
For example, like controllers, CDJs use jogwheels, which don’t technically need a CD to operate if you don’t want to.
Larger jogwheels also make beatmatching and scratching considerably easier than just on your laptop computer while also being bigger than the ones you’d likely see on a controller in the first place.
One interesting facet regarding CDJs is that they are often referred to as “club gear”.
This is because, of all the different types of DJ performance venues available, the vast majority of them use CDJs as the expected gear for performing DJs.
While the price between a good set of turntables and an effective CDJ can vary somewhat in price.
It’s because of this that they aren’t ideal options for those that haven’t decided how far they want to take DJing.
Still, if you’ve been involved with DJing for a while now, investing in a good set of CDJs can be a great career decision.
Read this next: What is a CDJ? (And Why a CDJ Set Up is Still Killing it!)
Mixers
Just as, if not slightly more, important than the turntables, a DJ mixer is what’s used to perform several different tricks and effects as well as the ability to seamlessly transition from one track to the next.
In addition to the variety of different FX options and performance pads, a mixer uses a crossfade slider which allows either track to make that transition.
Mixers also often include the ability to tweak and control the EQ levels as well as put together sound mashups.
Read this next: 16 Best DJ Mixers: Top Picks
DJ Turntables
Next up, after software, is setting up a turntable. Depending on what type of setup you’ve decided on for yourself, turntables can be an essential part of your performance.
These can range from larger turntables that are used to play vinyl records or smaller turntables that can be used to specifically play CDs.
Unless you are exclusively using your laptop or are using a DJ controller, turntables are a requirement to play music as a DJ.
In addition to playing music, turntables are also instrumental for any that are interested in “scratching” – a unique sound made by manipulating a spinning record or CD on a turntable.
Scratching is a fairly “old school” method of performing that is still a fan favorite for many DJs even now.
As such, you’ll all but need a good set of turntables if you want the best effect.
Read this next: DJ Turntables: Let’s Uncover the Best DJ Turntables
Headphones
Headphones may seem like a fairly standard piece of equipment for a music-based profession, but the reality is that headphones play a much more significant role than you may have first realized.
While performing, DJs use headphones as a way to hear both decks individually from either speaker.
This makes it possible for them to more effectively mix and transition the two tracks as they’re playing (something extremely difficult if you can only hear one track at a time).
You must invest in, not only good headphones but specialized headphones. This is because non-DJ headphones are likely to suffer in the sound quality as well as the overall build and durability, all things that you need if you plan to perform and take DJing seriously.
Read this next: 12 Best DJ Headphones – Top Picks for All Budgets
Speakers
Speakers, in general, are a very important part of the DJing experience.
After all, it is through speakers that you’re going to be able to project your music out to the crowd in the first place.
There are two major types of speakers available: PA speakers and Speaker Monitors.
PA Speakers are meant primarily for when you plan to go out and perform to an audience. Depending on the size of the venue you’re performing at and how many people you expect to play to, PA speakers can greatly vary in size, with larger venues and crowds requiring larger speakers.
The good thing about PA setups is that, at least when it comes to performing at clubs and established party events, you generally won’t need to stress yourself with bringing your PA system.
Still, it’s always good to have that as an option.
Read this next: Best Portable PA System Picks (Top 10)
Speaker Monitors are kind of the exact opposite of PA speakers.
Rather than meant for a large performance or to a crowd of people, monitors are meant exclusively for your use at home or in your studio.
Monitor speakers function primarily as an alternative to headphones and are used when creating tracks and recognizing how the audience would realistically hear the music when playing out.
Read this next: Best DJ Speakers: Our Top Picks for 2022
Accessories
In addition to all of the various items listed above, there are a few individual accessory items worth considering as well.
While these things aren’t “essential”, they will make your performance flow better and easier than without them.
For bedroom and studio DJs, investing in a DJ laptop stand, and DJ table for your controller and laptop will be great for ensuring things are level, neat, as well as tidy.
Meanwhile, for those that plan to hit the road, it may be worth it to consider getting a sturdy case for your controller, CDJ, or turntable setup.
Read this next: 20 DJ Accessories You MUST Have!
What DJ Equipment Do I Need? Takeaway
We end on our ‘what DJ equipment do I need’ takeaway.
Depending on what you ultimately want as a starting DJ, your experience may be wholly different from someone else that is also interested in performing.
Do you want to start small and test some sounds out with just your laptop and some DJ software, or do you want to try throwing a controller into the mix?
Are you interested in seeing how old-school turntables worked, or are you interested in playing around with a pair of CDJs?
When it comes down to it, what you want and how you expect your DJ experience to go largely depends on how you start it.
I strongly suggest that all beginners consider a simple or functional DJ controller as their start.
Not only will this give you a real taste of DJing and all that that truly entails, but it can be done at a fairly reasonable investment without spending too much money on your end.
