DJ Gear Guide: How to Build the Perfect DJ Setup

We Show You the All The DJ Gear You'll Need to Start Mixing, Scratching and Beat-Matching

We show you what DJ Gear you need as a beginner DJ and everything you need to start spinning those tunes and banging those beats. Whether you're aiming to be a working DJ covering parties and weddings or have ambitions of rising like the greats, like the duo that is Daft Punk or the rockstar-style Frenchman DJ David Guetta, we'll break down each piece of DJ equipment you need to raise your DJ game and level up your mixing.

What Does a DJ Do?

Good question. In simple terms, a DJ plays and mixes music at a bar, club, wedding, party, gig, and more. They control the beats and carefully select tunes to keep the atmosphere going. Sometimes, that can be high-energy dance beats at a club or something more chilled and low-fi at a local bar.

That's the basics, but let's delve in a little deeper and explain more of the actual practices that DJs do while playing the music.

Mixing Tracks

Have you ever been to a party where "Uptown Funk" by Mark Ronson bounced before seamlessly blending into the classic track "Billie Jean" by Michael Jackson? That's mixing.

DJs select and listen to both songs and match the speed, volume and vibe of the first song to the same of the second song, alongside the volumes. They blend the songs until the second song comes to the forefront, and the first song fades. They slowly replace the first song with the second without any stops and starts. That's a skill, and that's why DJs need good DJ gear to mix tracks.

Beat-Matching

Beat-matching is the specific trick of matching the beats of one song to the next. They take the first tune's speed, known as the tempo, and either slow it down or speed it up to the second song. This DJ skill ensures you stay in rhythm with your dance moves when bouncing on the dance floor. DJ gear is essential to get this tempo matching spot on.

Scratching

Picture yourself at a party with the DJ spinning top tunes. Suddenly, a distinctive "zippy" or "scratchy" sound catches your ear. That's the DJ showcasing their artistry with a technique called "scratching." This DJ technique is the DJ putting their own stamp and style on the tune. It's usually rhythmic and works within the song, adding layers and musical colours to the tracks they're playing.

Creating an Atmosphere

Set the scene: You're pulling your best dance moves to Daft Punk's Get Lucky, attuned to the song and your feet moving in time. You feel elated; you feel amazing. And then suddenly, "Always on My Mind" by Elvis kicks in. You'd stop and look confused at the DJ.

Now imagine "Get Lucky" blends into Dua Lipa's "Levitating" instead. That would be classed as a good transition due to both the songs' feel, beat and sound. That's building an atmosphere between tracks, which keeps the crowd dancing.

Reading the Crowd

Okay, so you're DJing at a party, you drop Superstition by Stevie Wonder on, and everyone is up bouncing, having a fantastic time and moving in sync. It's at this time when you need to read the crowd and use your DJ detective skills to decide what track to play next to keep the party bouncing.

If the crowd isn't enjoying a particular song or style of music, the DJ has to quickly change the tone and feel, selecting a song that gets the party back on track.

DJ Gear: What Equipment Is Required to Be a DJ?

What are the Different Types of DJ Gear Setups?

You can make several types of DJ gear choices when starting as a DJ. Some DJ gear choices, such as a laptop and software or two turntables (vinyl or CD) and a mixer, are a more streamlined setup. Other flexible setups include adding a DJ controller with built-in turntables, sliders, pads, and other controls.

For those happy working with MP3s rather than CDs or Vinyl, you can create a DJ gear setup that consists of a laptop, a controller, an audio interface, and software. And of course, don't forget the headphones!

Headphones

A pair of good-quality headphones is essential for DJs. DJ headphones allow you to listen, cue, mix, beat-match and more. It is one of the most critical tools that any DJ could own. You'll also be wearing them for a long time while DJing, so comfort is essential when selecting. When practising your art, the headphones need a good low-end response and isolation to get accurate audio and song manipulation.

The Pioneer DJ HDJ-X5 Headphones in Black are an excellent choice for beginner DJs. With crystal-clear monitoring, top-level comfort and exceptional sound quality, they allow you to easily monitor those bangers and disco beats—a fantastic choice for a DJ newbie.

Monitors

A good pair of monitor speakers is an essential DJ gear beginner DJs use to practice their art at home. HiFi or computer speakers are okay, but they're designed differently to monitor speakers and don't always give a genuine sound to what you're hearing.

Monitor speakers, like the Pioneer DJ DM-50D Active Monitors, offer a flatter sound and a more accurate representation of the tunes you're mixing. It's a great addition to your DJ setup. Plus, Most monitors already have built-in power amps, so you don't need a separate power amp to power the monitors.

Input devices

Input devices can either be a pair of turntables for vinyl if that's your bag, or a pair of CDJs, like the Pioneer CDJ-3000 Pro DJ Multi-Player, which can play CDs and MP3s.

Vinyl turntables are a classic choice for DJs, and with the resurgence in vinyl in the UK, they are a solid choice for getting that authentic DJ setup. The downside is that vinyl records are bulky, and you will have a lot of them to take to gigs—this is where forward planning is crucial, finding out what sort of music the venue expects you to play and that you don't turn up with some dance classics when he venue usually plays funk and soul.

CDs are less bulky to carry around, but you lose that classic DJ vinyl sound; you won't get that scratching effect if you go the CD route.

For the most minimal setup, you can use MP3s, which means you don't have to carry around lots of expensive vinyls and CDs

Mixer

A DJ mixer is one of the main tools in your DJ gear setup. A DJ mixer allows you to do all audio mixing and create all the different effects and tricks that a DJ would use. A good mixer will enable you to transition from song to song flawlessly, apply effects and look after all the audio signals you have to deal with from time to time. A simple 3-band EQ and gain on each channel makes it easy to control the sound from your turntables, MP3 player, or CDJ.

The Pioneer DJ DJM-250 MK2 2-Channel DJ Mixer is a fantastic, solid option for beginner DJs. It's a simple, compact 2-channel DJ mixer with a Magvel Crossfader for pure, clean track blending and mixing.

Controller

Many DJs opt for a DJ controller and laptop setup for a more effortless and straightforward setup. A DJ controller is an excellent choice if you no longer use vinyl or CDs.

A DJ controller mimics the function of turntables and mixers. Using Dj software, it allows you to do all the physical DJ techniques like mixing and scratching using knobs, faders, assignable backlit buttons, touch strips, and many other DJ control components.

They range from the basic Pioneer DJ DDJ-FLX4 2-Channel DJ Controller featuring everything you need to start your DJ career to controllers like the Pioneer DJ DDJ-FLX10 4-Channel DJ Controller, which has all advanced bells and whistles and extra features for those serious about creating a DJ career.

How Much Does Beginner DJ Equipment Cost?

You can spend thousands on DJ gear, buying all the top-spec headphones, controllers, monitors and more. But you can also start with a basic pair of turntables, A mixer, headphones or monitors, which will get you started in the world of DJing. If you're going down the MP3 route, a basic controller, laptop, and headphones would be great.

You don't need to buy a PA system, speakers, lights and more right at the beginning; you can pick these up as you go along, and most venues have their own PA system and lights for you to use when you're there.

You can look at the DJ gear in the DJ section of 8Music, which allows you to select the right gear for your beginner DJ needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much should you spend on DJ equipment?

Getting a good DJ set up can go into £1000s. However, you can probably get a decent Set of DJ gear for around £500.

What is the most common DJ setup?

A lot of modern DJs are opting for a controller and laptop. However, many DJs worldwide still use a pair of turntables, DJ mixers, and DJ headphones.

Do DJs Bring Their Own Equipment?

Yes. Expect to bring your DJ gear to a venue—turntables, controller, mixer, headphones, vinyl, CDs, etc. However, it's good to check with the venue firsthand or even visit the venue to see what DJ gear they have and speak to the venue manager.