DJ Equipment - How to Choose Your First Set Up Purchasing DJ Equipment for the first time can be a daunting task. With so many different options out there, it's easy to get confused or overwhelmed. Here are some guidelines to help with choosing your first DJ Set-Up.
Decide on your budget Your budget is going to greatly affect what DJ Equipment you can purchase. This may seem like an easy step but before you simply write down the amount of money you would LIKE to spend, consider your reasons for purchasing the equipment in the first place. Is it something you'd like to try to see if you like it? If so starting out with an inexpensive DJ system can help you choose if you'd like to pursue it further. Is DJing something you've been interested in for years and are serious about? In that case you may want to save up for better quality equipment. It may be beneficial to make a larger initial investment, as starting with inexpensive equipment and slowly upgrading will definitely cost you more in the long run. Lower priced equipment can be lower grade as well, which can hinder your learning curve. Expect to spend at least $200 at the very lowest end, $1000 for a super respectable system, and only up from there for more advanced systems.
Choose your platform This is where it gets tricky. DJing nowadays offers a plethora of choices. I won't pretend to cover all of them here, but I will touch on the most prevalent platforms and the pros and cons of each.
Vinyl Records (2 Turntables & A Mixer) Back in the day this was the only option available with the rare exception of mixing between tape decks. This is also my preferred option. Here's why: DJing on vinyl is an art. It takes skill and perseverance and I believe that if you learn on vinyl records you'll be a better DJ in the end. No one says you have to stay to strictly vinyl (although that definitely is an option) but learning the art form on the original platform does definitely have its' merits. Besides the skill involved, there's also the searching out of music, which allows you ample time to explore genres, hone your "digging" skills, develop a relationship with your music, and talk to other like-minded music lovers. Not to mention that nothing says "DJ" like showing up with crates full of records. Obviously I'm biased here. The cons of using all vinyl would be carrying those crates full of records, the time it takes to find your music (no instant downloads), cost of the music, and the lack of helpful tools available readily on digital DJ systems.
Digital DJing & DJ Interfaces aka Serato, Ableton & Traktor This platform has been gaining significant popularity ever since the release of Stanton's Final Scratch around 2004. Since then Rane's Serato Scratch Live, Ableton Live, and Native Instrument's Traktor are typically the most popular with numerous DJing programs available. Digital DJ Interfaces allow the DJ to control MP3s on their computer.The diffference between Serato or Traktor and Ableton is that Ableton allows you to control the music via midi controllers where Serato and Traktor use traditional DJ platforms- either turntables or cd players and a mixer. They all offer a type of "internal mode" where you are essentially DJing with only your computer. There are also many products that don't use any interface at all. The pros of using these programs are ease of use (mixing tools, crate layouts, cue points etc), added options and effects such as loops and recording, and ease of obtaining music. The cons are instability of systems.
All In One DJ Systems These systems are all-in-one box sets that usually include all you need to start DJing. They can range from a turntable set up to an all-in-one midi controller with software, to a CD player/mixer combo. They can range in price from $199 up to $1000+. Since these all-in-one sets vary considerably, it's hard to make sweeping pro/con arguments, but some things to consider follow. If the system is an attached turntable/mixer/turntable or CD player/mixer/CD player combo remember that if one part of the system goes out you won't be able to just change out the broken part and continue using the working parts. On the positive side, having everything in one package is convenient. On the negative side, you're limited in terms of customizing the individual pieces you want.
Choose your specific equipment Now that you know what you have to spend and what platform you'll be using you have simply to choose what brand and model of equipment you'll be buying. OK maybe not so simple. My best advice here is to do the research. Ask friends, colleagues, go online and look at reviews. Call your local DJ store and ask them what they think. Get overall opinions and feelings on brands as well as models. Research what is in your price range, and make an educated decision based on a combination of features, brand confidence, and product reviews. Remember when it comes down to it, there is a lot of personal preference going on in the DJ market. There are many great products to choose from and you can find one that'll fit your needs.
Don't forget the extras Now that you have your turntables and mixer, you can start mixing right? Wrong. Here's a short list of things you may need that didn't come with the main components of your set up: -Headphones -Needles -Interconnect Cables -Records/CDs/MP3s And speakers! After all you'll need something to hear yourself on.
Conclusion There are many options available when choosing your first DJ set-up. First narrow your search via your budget, choose what platform you want to play on, consult others on what models to get, and don't forget the extras.
My sources: http://www.smartdj.com/SKB-Cases.htm http://ezinearticles.com/?DJ-Equipment---How-to-Choose-Your-FirstSet-Up&id=4140553