DJ Equipment For Beginners

Finding the right equipment is important. Learning how to dominate the industry with your equipment is true success in the industry.
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Single iPod/iPad, Direct To Speakers
Note: Least Expensive way to effectively play songs at a party through a single iPod

* iPod/iPad
* iPod DJ Application if desired
* 10 - 12" Speaker (active) If desired, you may use one speaker
* 1/8" - 1/4" cable to plug into first speaker from iPod/iPad console
(or 1/8" to XLR Male to plug into first speaker from iPod Console)
* 10 - 12" Speaker (active) - This speaker is daisy chained from 1st speaker
using XLR Female - XLR Male to plug into second speaker FROM first speaker
* Speaker Poles Optional but suggested

Note: #1 Recommended Startup System For Aspiring DJ's using a single iPod

* iPod
* Single iPod Player / Mixer
* Speakers (10' - 12" active) use Male to Female XLR cables to connect

Double iPods with Dual iPod Console / Mixer

* 2 iPods
* Double iPod Console/Mixer (2 separate channels:
Numark IDJ
Pyle-Pro - I Mixer Dual
* Mixer (2 or 4 channel mixer) RCA cable to connect Console to Mixer.
* Speakers (10" - 12" active) (XLR out from mixer to Speakers.

Laptop DJ System - Laptop To Speakers:

* Laptop
* DJ Mixing Software: PCDJ -
Virtual DJ - Traktor - DJay)

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Laptop Media Controller optional, but recommended instead of mixing with a laptop mouse:

Vestax
Hercules
Numark
Ion Audio
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* Speakers (10" - 12" active) 1/8" - 1/4" cable to plug into first speaker
(OR 1/8" - XLR Male to plug into first speaker, this depends on the input" on the speaker)
* 2nd Speaker (active) - This speaker is daisy chained from 1st speaker
using XLR Female - XLR Male to plug into second speaker FROM first speaker.

* Laptop
* DJ Mixing Software (Traktor, Virtual DJ, PCDJ, DJay)
* Laptop Media Controller optional, but recommended to mix (controllers: Vestax, Hercules, Numark, Behringer, etc).
* Mixer (1/8" out from laptop to RCA / 1/4" / XLR input on mixer)
* Speakers (10" - 12" active) (XLR out from mixer to Speakers)

Laptop DJ System: The NS7 System
Laptop: Mac/PC
Laptop Controller: Numark NS7 (with Serato Itch)
Speakers: Mackie 12-15" Powered, RCF 12"-15" Powered
Subwoofer: JBL, Mackie, RCF 15"-18"

OR

Media Player/Controller System: Pioneer SEP7000 or with CD players: Pioneer MEP7000
Mixer: Pioneer DJM Models
Speakers: Mackie 12-15" Powered, RCF 12"-15" Powered
Subwoofer: JBL, Mackie, RCF 15"-18"

Recommended DJ Equipment & Checklist

Name Brands

It's important to look for "name" brands. Name brands are the brands most often showcased in stores like Guitar Center, Sam Ash, Musician's Friend, etc. Name brands are usually higher in cost, however quality and product ratings are usually better. If budget is an issue, consider intermediate DJ brands.

Gemini, Behringer, American Audio manufacture less expensive products, however the quality and reliability is inferior to brands like Denon, Mackie, or Pioneer. Numark, is really making a great name for themselves with their new technology including the NS7.

MP3 and CD Players: Here are some of the most popular Dual CD/MP3 Players.
Brand/Cost Analysis: Gemini CDMP-6000 ($399.95), Gemini CDX-2400 Rackmount ($170.00), American Audio CK 1000 Table Top Dual ($399.00), American Audio Velocity Professional Dual ($599.00), Numark CD Mix-1 Dual (199.00), Numark CDN22 Rack Mount Dual CD Player (149.00), *Denon DN-D6000 Dual CD MP3 Player ($850.00), Pioneer CMX-3000 Dual Rackmount CD Player ($1,000).

Notes:
You can obviously see a price differences but a cd controller selling for $200 is going to feel and look cheap compared to the Pioneer CMX selling for a thousand dollars. However, for a new DJ, wet behind the ears, this $200 may be a great starter piece.

Many DJ's are throwing away their CD's and purchasing MP3 or Media Controllers that have external hard drives or iPod connections. I run all my parties with MP3's no CD's. Although I have a Denon 4500 CD player in my system , it is only used if someone has a CD they need me to play. CD players will soon be a thing of the past.

Media Controllers

Brand/Cost Analysis: Numark's IDJ Mixing Console for iPod ($160.00), Numark's IDJ2 DJ Console for the IPod and External Hard Drive connections ($399.00), Numark's D2 Director Mass Storage Player and Manager, Denon DN-HD2500 Hard Disk Media ($599.00), Numark's NS7 DJ ($1300.00), Pioneer MEP-7000 Professional Media Player with CD Decks ($1400).

Notes:
Most of these Controllers can be used with popular Laptop Mixing Software like Traktor, Virtual DJ, PCDC, and Serato Scratch / Itch. Some controllers like the Vestax VCI-100MV Mixvibes Edition DJ Controller are specifically designed to control laptop software and are NOT multi-functional like the Pioneer and Denon Media Controllers. The Numark's NS7 DJ ($1300.00) is getting some big attention from Serato users.

DJ Mixers

Brand/Cost Analysis: Behringer DX626 Pro Mixer ($100.00), Vestax PMC-280 4 Channel DJ Mixer With Digital Effects ($499.00), Denon DN-X1100 4 Channel DJ Mixer ($700.00), or the Pioneer DJM-800 Professional Mixer ($1,700.00).

Notes:
A DJ really can't go wrong with any of these selections but the higher priced mixers offer more features including effects, more mic inputs, talk over, additional sliders, etc. If all you need is something with a crossfader to mix two tracks, you won't need anything fancy.

DJ Speakers

Highly recommend, however more pricey: Mackie, JBL, and RCF.
Brand/Cost Analysis: Mackie SRM450 v2 Active PA ($500.00), Mackie SRM350 v2 Active, JBL EON515 450 Watt 15" Powered ($800.00), JBL PRX535 3 Way 15" ($1000.00), RCF ART312A or RCFART315A Powered Speakers 15" ($1100.00).

DJ Speakers: Less expensive, beginner/intermediate DJ's
Brand/Cost Analysis: Behringer Eurolive B208D Active PA ($180.00), American Audio XSP-10A Powered Speaker ($200.00).

*Don't forget Speaker Poles

Notes:
The best type of speakers a DJ can use is Active/Powered Speakers. Passive speakers would require an amplifier or a powered mixer with more weight added to the rig. A Dj can run an XLR cable out of the mixers, plug directly into the powered speakers, plug the speakers in, and voile, great sound!

Accessories

Hard Case/Rack:

You'll need a hard case/rack case for your system ($200-$400). The Controller/Player and Mixer will be screwed down on the top. In the front of the rack, you'll screw in the dual cd decks (if a cd player is purchased) and a power rack.

Wall:

A portable entertainment "wall" to stand on the back of your table to block the view of the wires and cables sticking out behind your DJ system. If you want to look like a professional, you'll need a "wall".

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Equipment/Accessory Checklist

___ Media Player (iPod, iPad, Laptop, Digitial Media Player/Controller, etc.)
___ Mixer (if there isn't one built into the media player like the Numark iDJ2
___ Case for DJ System
___ Rack Power Conditioner/Strip if you need a Case for your DJ system
___ 2 XLR cables
___ 2 Speakers (12" - 15")
___ Sub-Woofer if desired (you'll need 2 more XLR cables)
___ Headphones
___ Speaker poles
___ Entertainment Portable Wall
___ Power Strip for speakers and lights
___ Black or Dark Extension Cable
___ Black Tape to tape down loose cords
___ DJ Dancing Light (s) if desired to clamp onto speaker poles
___ Back-up Media Player (iPod, iPad, Laptop, etc. in case primary system fails)
___ Dynamic Microphone / Cable (for announcements if applicable)

Are you looking for Cheap DJ Equipment? When looking for cheap DJ equipment you need to make sure that you're considering the quality of the equipment. Unfortunately a multiplicity of junky DJ equipment and DJ software is marketed all over the internet. If you're not diligent in your research, there is a good chance you may buy something that will break or won't work how you expected it to work.

Cheap DJ equipment is usually synonymous with knockoffs (equipment made by sub-par manufacturers attempting to copy a device made by a superior company), devices that break easily, or bare-bone devices missing important features. You are probably looking for the best possible DJ equipment that fits into your budget.

Let's talk about perception for a minute when actually doing a search for cheap DJ equipment. If I searched for cheap controllers to control my audio files on my laptop, I would find a variety of laptop controllers. The cheapest one I may find is the ION Audio ICUE Discover DJ system for about $85.00. This is cheap compared to the Numark NS7FX Motorized Dj-Software Performance Controller With Serato Itch selling for about $1500.00. The ION Audio is definitely cheap and would be fine for a hobby DJ or someone looking to learn how to DJ, however the device is too basic for the serious DJ in training.

For the real feel and experience, someone serious would consider the Numark NS7FX, but it's not cheap. These 2 laptop controllers are of the extreme. The ION Audio ICUE Discover is basically for just playing and cross-fading audio files on a laptop. The Numark NS7 is much pricier but can do just about everything except make your morning coffee. The ION Audio ICUE is good for playing files at home and messing around at house parties while the NUMARK NS7 is used by pro DJs at hot night clubs and big weddings.

Are there other options? There are many options, sometimes too many. Let me suggest some other cheap (in price, not sacrificing quality) DJ laptop controllers.

* Hercules DJ Console RMX
* Behringer BCD2000 B-Control Deejay
* Pioneer SEP-C1 Software Entertainment Controller

My guess is that you're pretty smart and only you know what you truly need. I understand how difficult it is looking for cheap dj equipment and it can be very overwhelming. My job is to make your life simpler with the best options available. Some advice as you continue in your search for cheap DJ equipment is that don't skimp when it comes to your laptop controller. This is the heart and soul of your DJ system. Stick with the name brands and make sure the device you choose has everything that you want it to do. Make sure to sign up for our free newsletter for great Insider Tips and more equipment reviews.