Are you ready to dive into the exciting world of DJing? You’re not alone! In 2023, over 1.5 million people tried their hand at DJing for the first time. Now it’s your turn to join the party! But where do you start? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with this comprehensive guide to building your starter DJ setup.
We’ll walk you through all the essential gear you need to transform your bedroom into a mini club and start dropping beats like a pro. Let’s get this party started!
Understanding the Basics of a Starter DJ Setup
Before we dive into the specifics, let’s talk about what a starter DJ setup actually is. Simply put, it’s the basic equipment you need to start mixing music. A good starter DJ setup is crucial because it allows you to learn and practice the fundamental skills of DJing without breaking the bank.
The key components of a beginner-friendly DJ rig typically include:
- A DJ controller
- DJ software
- Headphones
- Speakers or monitors
- A laptop or device to run your software
When putting together your first setup, it’s important to balance quality and budget. This is why Digital DJ controllers are a great choice.
You want gear that’s good enough to learn on but not so expensive and complicated that you’re afraid to experiment with it. Remember, as you grow as a DJ, you can always upgrade your equipment.
The above list of equipment is basically what my first DJ set up consisted of, I didn’t even have proper speakers/monitors, just my HIFI with my DJ controller plugged in to the AUX ports by RCA cables. Not the greatest sound quality, but does the job to begin with, especially if you’re on a tight budget, like I was!
Also, controller, laptop and software is so easy and quick to set up. It’s more or less plug and play. Setting up turntables or CDJ’s and a mixer, is more complicated and takes up a lot more space!
Choosing Your First DJ Controller
At the heart of your starter DJ setup is the DJ controller. This is the piece of equipment you’ll use to mix your tracks, control effects, and basically be the DJ superhero you’ve always dreamed of being!
A DJ controller is a device that lets you control DJ software with knobs, buttons, and jog wheels (those big circular things that look like oversized CDs). It’s like having a full DJ setup in a compact, easy-to-use (and far cheaper) package.
When looking for your first controller, consider these popular beginner-friendly options for 2024:
- Pioneer DDJ-400 (recommended by me)
- Numark Mixtrack Pro FX
- Roland DJ-202
When choosing a controller, look for features like:
- Easy-to-use layout
- Built-in sound card
- Compatibility with popular DJ software
- Jog wheels for scratching and track control
- Performance pads for hot cues and samples
You’ll also need to decide between a USB controller (which needs to be connected to a laptop) or a standalone controller (which can work without a computer). USB controllers are generally more affordable and great for beginners, while standalone controllers offer more flexibility but come with a higher price tag.
Essential Software for Digital DJing
Next up in your starter DJ setup is the software. This is where the magic happens – it’s what allows you to mix tracks, add effects, and create your unique sound.
Popular DJ software options for beginners include:
- Serato DJ Lite (free with many controllers)
- Rekordbox DJ
- Virtual DJ
- Traktor Pro
Many controllers come with a free version of DJ software, which is great for getting started. As you grow, you might want to upgrade to a paid version for more features.
When choosing software, look for:
- An intuitive interface
- Good library management
- Compatibility and integration with your controller
- Basic mixing features like EQ and effects
- The ability to record your mixes
Remember, the best software is the one you feel comfortable using, so don’t be afraid to try out different options!
I started with Serato then moved on to Rekordbox, which I still use now. But it all depends on your personal preference. There’s no right or wrong here.
Selecting the Perfect DJ Headphones
Good headphones are a crucial part of your starter DJ setup. They allow you to hear the next track you’re cueing up while the current track is playing through the speakers. This is essential for beatmatching and smooth transitions.
Some great DJ headphone options for beginners include:
- Audio-Technica ATH-M40x
- Sony MDR-7506
- Pioneer HDJ-X5
When choosing headphones, look for:
- Good sound isolation
- Comfortable fit for long sessions
- Durable construction
- Clear, balanced sound
- Swivelling ear cups for one-ear monitoring
- As lightweight as possible
Closed-back headphones are generally better for DJing as they provide better sound isolation, allowing you to focus on cueing your next track even in noisy environments.
Setting Up Your DJ Speakers or Monitors
While you can start practicing with just headphones, having a good set of speakers or monitors in your starter DJ setup will help you understand how your mixes sound to your audience.
For beginners, active (powered) speakers are often the best choice as they don’t require a separate amplifier. Some budget-friendly monitor options include:
- Pioneer DM-40
- Mackie CR3-X
- PreSonus Eris E3.5
When setting up your speakers:
- Position them at ear level
- Form an equilateral triangle with your listening position
- Keep them away from walls to reduce bass buildup
- Experiment with placement to find the best sound in your room
- Insert all cables correctly
Like I mentioned earlier, you can use your controller with your bedroom HIFI if you’re on a tight budget. Simply plug RCA cables from the “speaker out” section on your controller, into the AUX in the back of your HI FI.
Additional Gear to Enhance Your Starter DJ Setup
While not essential, these additional items can make your DJ journey easier and more enjoyable:
- Laptop stand: Raises your laptop to a comfortable height and improves airflow
- External hard drive: For storing your ever-growing music collection
- Cables and adapters: Always have spares!
- Carrying case: Protects your gear when you start playing out
As a beginner, you probably don’t need to invest in a separate mixer. Most controllers have a built-in mixer that’s perfect for learning the basics.
Building Your Music Library
A great DJ setup is nothing without great music! Here are some tips for building your library:
- Use legal sources like iTunes, Beatport, or Bandcamp to purchase tracks
- Consider DJ pool subscriptions for access to a wide range of music
- Organize your music with playlists or “crates” in your DJ software
- Tag your tracks with relevant information like BPM, key, and genre
Remember, a good DJ can make people dance with just a handful of well-chosen tracks. Focus on quality over quantity when starting out.
Read more on getting music for DJing purposes.
Setting Up Your Practice Space
Creating a comfortable, inspiring practice space is key to developing your skills. Here are some tips:
- Set up your gear at a comfortable height to avoid back strain
- Use cable ties or cable raceways to keep your setup tidy
- Consider basic acoustic treatment like foam panels to improve sound
- Add some LED strips or a small disco ball for ambiance – DJing should be fun!
Taking Your First Steps as a DJ
Now that you’ve got your starter DJ setup ready, it’s time to start practicing! Here are some tips to get you started:
- Learn basic mixing techniques like beatmatching and EQ mixing
- Use online resources like YouTube tutorials and DJ courses to learn new skills
- Practice regularly, even if it’s just for 15 minutes a day
- Record your practice sessions and listen back to identify areas for improvement
- When you feel ready, offer to DJ for friends’ parties to gain experience
Remember, every great DJ started as a beginner. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes – that’s how you learn and develop your unique style!
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’re now equipped with all the knowledge you need to put together your starter DJ setup. Remember, the gear is just the beginning – it’s your passion and creativity that will truly make the music come alive.
Don’t be afraid to start small and upgrade as you grow. There’s no point in splashing out £7000 for top of the range CDJ’s and mixer right away, what if you don’t take to it?
The most important thing is to have fun and let your love for music guide you. Who knows? With practice and dedication, you might just become the next big name in the DJ world.
So plug in that controller, put on your headphones, and let the beats flow. Your DJ journey starts now – are you ready to drop that first mix? Let’s get this party started! 🎉🎵
