Now, you don’t need to kill your DJing dreams just because you have a low budget. Another worry for you might be not knowing what are things needed in your setup. So, let’s begin with the essential DJ equipment you need to have as a beginner:

1. DJ turntable

You might want to be one of those DJs who like to perform the old-fashioned way. For this purpose, you need a set of turntables. These devices are basically CD or LP players. The DJ holds and reverses the slip pad to produce electronically simulated special effects. 

The turntables also have several other functions that are not found on the regular CD or LP players. One example of such functions is flash memory storage for multiple tracks.

2. DJ mixer

When you’re using vinyl or CD turntables, a mixer allows you to bind the sound together. This makes DJ mixers extremely important in the equipment of DJs. A mixer allows you to make transitions between the tracks. It also lets you add many different features to your sound. 

However, this would depend on the type of mixer you’re using. You can use a mixer to scratch in an appropriate manner through the slider. It can be used to create mashups with your tracks. A mixer can also be used for plugging in the headphones, speakers, or your computer for recording and mixing.

3. DJ Controller

By using a controller with your laptop, you’ll find it much easier to transport the setup. A DJ controller helps you control the DJ software on your laptop. It can scratch like a record player, play music files, and also add special effects. You can also use a DJ controller to create beats during your performance. 

It can also be synced to your lighting to set up a light show that moves according to your music. Controllers include pushbuttons, jog wheels, faders, and other features. They can be configured the way you want to perform. This piece of equipment can save you the trouble of bringing your record collection to the show. 

4. DJ Software

When you’re using your DJ controller, you’ll need some decent software to operate it and utilize your music library. The software adds effects, mashes up tracks, organizes files and playlists, and assigns sounds to your trigger pads. Besides all of these functions, you can do much more with the DJ software. Often, there’s an array of software included with the DJ controllers. 

Such programs allow you to learn how to use your controller, begin mixing, and create your own music quickly. Some of the options in industry-standard software are Traktor, Serato, and Virtual DJ. Most of the DJ controllers come with a version of the compatible software. So, you don’t need to worry about buying software for your controller separately. 

5. Monitor speakers

If you’re just practising and creating music at home, you may need a good set of monitor speakers. Headphones would be great if you want to mix without anyone hearing you. However, nothing compares to the experience of hearing your music through speakers. 

Today, you don’t have to spend too much for getting a decent set of monitor speakers. You can use your computer speakers if you don’t want to spend on monitor speakers owing to budget constraints.

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For achieving this purpose, they need to build a good collection of music. So, if you’re into DJing, you’ll be researching, sourcing, and getting a vast music collection organized. This is one of the ways to build your career in this field. To select the right tracks, you’ll need a good knowledge of music, both old and new. 

It is a daily ritual for many DJs to listen to music and collect as much as they can. They use multiple sources in their search for some exciting music and uncover some true gems in this process. Here we’ve presented some of the best sources you can get your music from as a DJ:

1. Free DJ music downloads

A great way to get some good music is to download legally from the artist or record label. You can bookmark the websites of all your favourite record labels and artists. The next step would be to check whether they are running a mailing list. 

Many of the artists and record labels often send out links to their exclusive tracks and some free music. An alternative way would be to message them directly and ask them for some free music.

2. Record shops

There are certain music retail shops, from where you can get some fabulous collections. They’re also excellent places to connect with people and experience a good musical environment. You can make a list of record stores in your neighbourhood and pay them a regular visit. By doing this, you’ll get to know about the latest releases. It is also a good idea to visit the nearest record store when you’re away from home.

3. eBay

In its heyday, eBay was one of the most popular websites for getting all kinds of stuff. Today, it has declined in popularity. However, you can still utilize this international platform to buy a good music collection. Many of the DJs buy vinyl records or CDs on eBay and then get them digitized. 

On this particular site, you can pick loads of records or an entire collection at once. DJs who perform at weddings usually use this website for building a collection of classic hits.

4. Subscription streaming service for DJs

In recent times, there are some emerging services that offer streaming specifically for DJs. One of them is Beatport. It has a new service that allows you to pay for accessing their vast music library. You can do this with a monthly subscription. By using the service, you don’t need to buy individual tracks. It also has a variety of options in the subscription. 

Some of them give you the chance to store a limited number of tracks offline. Using the subscription streaming service also has its downsides. You’ll need strong internet connectivity at the venue where you’re performing. In the absence of a reliable internet connection, you’ll need to depend on the downloaded tracks.

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This is done by the controller while utilizing many of the other pieces of equipment. Usually, the DJ controllers are designed to mimic the classical way of two-CDJs and mixer setup. However, they can be designed to handle functions much more than this one. A typical CDJ and mixer set-up can be a lot more expensive than a DJ controller. 

This is one of the major reasons why many DJs go for the latter. Some of the performers like to have plenty of sampler drum pads for the purpose of playing different sounds. A few others want to mimic a traditional DJ setup. Some want an affordable set-up to continue pursuing the art of DJing as a hobby. 

Then there are those who are established DJs and always on the move. There are different types of DJ controllers available for all of these individuals. However, along with a DJ controller, you’ll also need the cables. Here we’ll discuss the three types of cables used in a DJ controller.

1. Quarter-inch Cables

You’ll be typically using these cables to connect PA speakers and DJ headphones to your sound system. Some controllers and mixers also require the use of quarter-inch cables. Quarter-inch cables are a popular type of cord for all sorts of DJ setups. For controllers, you can use these cables with around 20 feet of length. 

You might be using these cables to connect to your PA speakers. In this case, you’ll need quarter-inch cables of a different length. You must get the ones with their length in the range of 50 to 100 feet. This would allow you plenty of room during your performance.

2. RCA Cables

There’s a certain type of cord that you’ll need for connecting the DJ controller in your setup. Such cables are known as the RCA cables. These cords are generally connected in the red and white ports on the back of your controller. They connect to the matching red and white ports on the audio interface you’re using. 

In case you have an audio interface with only quarter-inch cables, you can get an RCA to the quarter-inch adapter. You must purchase a healthy chunk of RCA to quarter-inch adapters if you don’t have them already. These are the type of adapters that every gig bag of a DJ must-have.

3. XLR Cables

You may not necessarily use these cables with your DJ controller to connect to the PA system. Yet, they are used on audio interfaces, controllers, and mixers commonly for connecting to a microphone. Usually, you’ll not need more than a couple of XLR cables. You need one XLR cable to be used as your main microphone cord. 

The second would be a backup just in case the other one breaks in the middle of a set. It’s always a good idea to keep yourself prepared. XLR cables are an essential component of a professional DJ setup. If you don’t already have the XLR cables, you must get them as soon as possible.

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