DJ Equipment?

Question

HI, I would like to start DJing. However I have no idea about the equipment required. I am 13 so my budget is not massive, at most £300. I do not have very musch space so I was wondering if viynl or cd is better. I like techno, dance and hip-hop. What is the best stuff I need to get started.

I was also thinking about the computer DJ stuff you can get, were you have an outside contoller type thing and the music is played on the computer, what are these?

Thanks.

Actually, more like £350

Answer 1

If you are just starting out and still in learning process, then I suggest that you get software and use it with the computer you already have. Before you get one, make sure you have sound card that supports. Typically software based DJ will require mulitple sound out ports for your speakers as well as your headphone.

Vinyl or CD?

Go for CD. Currently, I own turntables(Stanton STR8-100) and have used CD based(Pioneer CDJ-1000 MKII) at the clubs. In comparision, I would say CD is better for space wisely and more suitable for mobile/space due to the fact that sometimes you can use mp3/CD for playing. However the drawback will be the quality of the sound. Only bad thing is that it's missing some sound due to compression although it's the sound that we normally can not hear(frequency level that where dog, etc. can hear where normal humans can not)

As for the software I have used in past, I will recommend followings :

Native Instruments, Traktor DJ or Traktor DJ Studio.
Traktor DJ is more simpler and easy to use, but DJ Studio is also can be used live and do more stuff. (www.native-instruments.com)

Mixman StudioXPro
I do not think it's really good for DJ, but good practice with matter familiarizing sounds. I have used it during my beginning as DJ for trying out new things. It's fun, but in my opinion not really that good for me. There are some people do use it for actual club mix, so I can not really say that it's all bad. They do have a external controller that work with their software. Also with the minor configuration and so on, you can use this with the Traktor DJ.(www.mixman.com)

PCDJ Fx
This particular I have not used, but looking at the specification and etc. This particular software is almost identical to Traktor DJ. There PCDJ Blue, Red, and Fx. From looking at it, I would recommend you to use or get Fx if you are getting one. Any one of these software works with external device, DAC-3/DAC-2.(www.pcdj.com)

Also there are other ones that I used, but well :

Stanton FinalScratch(It's good, but you need to have external devices to work with it)
Virtual DJ(It's so-so for me)

If you need more help, just message me.

Answer 2

♥Im opening up a business in a few months where im having a studio and Dj center... for all the equipment that I looked up it's well over 10,000 for the studio equipment.... dj equipment is probably cheaper but I doubt you'll be able to get much with $350.. my suggestion keep saving your money for right now and have a real DJ teach you something.... if you need any other help I could probably direct you where to go if u have any more questions! Good Luck! :D ♥

Answer 3

Use your PC / Laptop until you can afford high -end equipment.

Now invest on your collection of music. and get an Amp speakers

DJ software you may like is Native Instriuments Traktor, Virtual DJ, Tactile, donload free trials of these until you find the one you are comfortable with.

Mp3's are much easier to manange and don't take much space as Vinlys and CD which may get scrached and broken. plus you also can have backups

Answer 4

For low cost I would definately recommend starting with CDs. A very good cd player that I started with was the Pioneer CDJ-100, unfortunately I recently sold my pair for about $200 each (american, not sure exactly but probably a total of 250 - 300 british pounds).

You should be able to find some good deals on Ebay.

Answer 5

Great idea