Selecting Your First DJ Equipment

Have you always admired the DJ's in their booths at every club you go to? Have you decided that you want to be that person? Well to get started in the business you will need beginner DJ equipment. DJ equipment can be very expensive and to get started it is best to do plenty of research and find out what you need. If you know someone who is already a DJ enlist their help in your search.

Basic equipment usually includes at two turntables, a mixer, slip mats, cartridges, and headphones. Occasionally you do not have to buy the cartridges because some turntables come with them already built in. The most highly recommended set of turntables are the Technics 1200/1210 turntables.

They are the most common set included on a club's equipment list, so if you have your own set then you will always be familiar with the turntables at a club you are performing at. Since that brand of turntable is so expensive however, a good alternative are the Stanton T80 Direct Drive turntable. If you are just looking at DJ-ing as a hobby then there are many options for DJ equipment as an all in one package deal.

This type of gear is not for someone who is considering becoming a professional in this business, but someone who is simply looking to start a new hobby. A good beginner mixer is the Numark X6 DJ Mixer with Effects. It is a mid range mixer that allows you to learn more about mixing and creating your own style. If you choose to buy the Stanton turntables then you will not need to purchase cartridges since it comes with them. Be careful while installing your cartridges since there are different settings for different styles of DJ-ing.

The included instructions with the cartridges will explain how to set up the different styles. Headphones are one of your most important tools to use for your music. A good, light set will be best because they will not cause ear pain with hours of use, but will block out most outside sounds in order for you to focus better on your mixing.

The first step after choosing to purchase equipment is setting up a budget and deciding how much you want to spend in order to get started. You can always upgrade or add more equipment once you decide whether this type of performing is right for you. Finding a mentor will help ensure your success as a DJ, but practicing your mixing just like you would practice any other instrument is the key to success. DJ equipment is an investment, so quality is always better than quantity. If you have lots of equipment, but it sounds awful then you can not improve your performance versus having the basic equipment with good quality.

Numark is a good brand name to consider if you need DJ equipment. They make quite a number of different kinds. While of course it is important to choose a good brand name, one that has a good warranty and that you know will last you a long time, it is also very important to choose the right piece of equipment to meet your needs.

If you are a beginner DJ then most likely you will not need the more professional, higher end equipment. While it can be fascinating to work with something more modern looking, it is important to work with something that you can understand and work well with. Also, beginner DJ equipment does not cost as much as professional equipment. Make sure to get something suited to your needs; if your needs are simpler then do not be afraid to start out with something simpler and easier to use and then build up from there as you gain more experience.

For professional equipment the prices vary. Numark's DVD01 Professional DJ Dual DVD/CD Player is about the most expensive; it costs over $800. Numark's mixers range in price from around $140 all the way up to almost $500, depending on which one you buy. The 4 channel mixer is the most expensive, the dual CD/Player Mixer is only $200. This particular piece of equipment is geared to more professional DJ's. You can also get the Numark CM100 Club Series DJ Mixer which is the cheapest one on the market; it costs a little over $100.

While it is possible to get any one of these items from a shop selling musical equipment, one good way to find bargains or hard to find items is by shopping online. There are many online retailers and often you can either find something that is not sold in a shop in your area, or find something at a better price than the shops in your area are selling for. One thing to keep in mind, however, is that if this is your first time buying a mixer or other such equipment then it is often a lot easier to actually see the item you are buying up close. Also, it is likely you will have to pay for the shipping of you buy online, although some online stores will throw in shipping free of charge along with your purchase.

Also be sure to find out exactly what kind of warranty is offered along with your purchase. While Numark is a good brand name, you should always have a good warranty in case anything happens, as, after all, you are most likely investing quite a bit of money in buying whatever piece of equipment you end up choosing.