How to be a DJ [part 2]: Choosing Your Equipment

So, you've decided to start DJaying maybe as a hobby or your way to epic stardom. You read the previous overview I wrote about how to actually be a DJ and now lets dig into the next step: How to figure out what the hell you're supposed to buy anyway. 

The answer is complex.

The market is flooded with amazing products from top of the line manufacturers of equipment. All of it looks technically complex and expensive. Then there is the other market which is also flooded- low end products that get the job done just as well. So what do you do?

First, you have to determine how serious you are about the whole thing. If you're just playing around, and want to try it out- shoot for the low end products. If you have a bit of experience and want to really see where it can take you- still aim for the low end products. If you have a TON of cash to throw around and just love technology - then do whatever the eff you want. 

Second, figure out exactly what kind of music you want to DJ. Depending on that you'll know whether you want to stick with old-school vinyl (which I highly recommend for beginners as no one knows how to physically beat-match these days) OR if you want to stick with modern technology.


Third, evaluate your budget. How much are you willing to spend? Do you want new equipment or would you prefer something second hand? I suggest getting your stuff second hand- there are tons of people who always wanted to get into it and then give up without even touching the equipment who are reselling on craigslist or kijiji. 


Fourth, are there any particular brands that you like? I'm a huge KORG fan so I use their mixers ( Zero 8) , and I love Numark (NDX 800's) as affordable and classy piece of equipment. This stuff of course never leaves my studio- and it's totally just for me.  


If you're looking to be mobile I would recommend two high class options. The first is great for beginners and I've told two friends to buy it and they LOVE it. Its the M-Audio Xponent It's cheap ($299), it comes with some very nicely designed software called TORQ and it's so easy to set up anywhere and use with your laptop. The effects are beyond awesome and it allows you to use endless sampling. 


Because mobile is the more popular route, I'll keep giving you more options here. Personally, I use Traktor Pro as my preferred mixing software these days and It's best to pair it with Kontrol S4 which is a bit expensive ($899) but it's wickedly brilliant! It integrates seamlessly with Traktor Pro and you can link all of this up with Ableton Live for adding your own loops and samples.

Being a Numark fan I have to throw in this one. The Numark NS6 is a beauty to be reckoned with. It's a 4- Channel digital mixer (as if you have four cdjays) which can be synced with both Serato and Traktor Pro for unbelievable quality and control. I would highly recommend this to both professionals and amateurs.  

Another great addition to the awesome midi mixer line up is of course Allen & Heath Xone 4D for the pretty price of $2,799. This one is a heavy duty machine that is probably best for a club set- up. So, if you are an industry professional looking to give your  guest DJ's a great experience at your club - this is what I would choose and they will be more than delighted to use this as their muse for the night. 

Now, you probably noticed that I haven't mentioned the famous Pioneer brand. The reason for this is because I see their equipment as bulky, overpriced but great for club standard. Their mixers and CD-jays are top of the line and they last forever. I wouldn't tell you to buy their stuff as most of you are just starting off. In fact, I've played in clubs and used Pioneers without any practice on them before. Even if you invest in second hand CD-jays of an unknown brand for a fraction of the price, you'll learn the basics and that should be good enough for you if you decide to pursue the exciting DJ lifestyle.