Welcome to the electrifying world of DJing! Before you can start spinning tracks and mixing like a pro, you need to know what gear to get – and how much it’s going to cost you. Did you know that the average professional DJ invests between £2,400 to £8,000 in their setup? Don’t worry, though – whether you’re a bedroom DJ on a budget or an aspiring club headliner, we’ve got you covered. In this guide, we’ll break down the full DJ setup price for 2024, helping you understand what equipment you need and how much you should expect to spend. Let’s dive in and find the perfect setup to match your style and budget!
Understanding the Basics: What’s Included in a Full DJ Setup?
Before we start talking numbers, let’s get clear on what actually makes up a full DJ setup. At its core, a DJ setup consists of a few essential components:
- Music playback devices (turntables, CDJs, or controllers)
- A mixer
- Headphones
- Speakers or monitors
But that’s just scratching the surface! Depending on your style and needs, your full DJ setup price might also include:
- A laptop or tablet for digital DJing
- DJ software
- Effects units
- Cables and adapters
- Cases for transporting your gear
The choice between analog (vinyl) and digital setups can significantly impact your full DJ setup price. Vinyl setups often cost more upfront but have a classic feel that many DJs love. Digital setups, on the other hand, offer more flexibility and often come at a lower initial cost.
One thing’s for sure – when it comes to DJ gear, you often get what you pay for. Investing in quality equipment can save you money in the long run. Trust me, there’s nothing worse than having your gear fail in the middle of a killer set!
Budget-Friendly Beginner DJ Setups: Starting Under £400
Don’t let a tight budget stop you from pursuing your DJ dreams! There are plenty of options for those just starting out. A basic full DJ setup price can be as low as £300-£400 if you’re smart about it. I paid £250 for my Pioneer DDJ 400’s and used the AUX port in the back of my HI-Fi for speaker OUT, using RCA cables.
Sure, I had to buy the Hi-FI years before but it is a costless option if, like me, you have a Hi-fi system already and a tight budget for DJ gear. Yes, the sound quality is inferior to proper speakers made for DJ monitoring, but it does the job to begin with, and enables you to quickly start getting your mixes out!
For beginners, I’d recommend looking at all-in-one DJ controllers. These nifty devices combine playback controls and a mixer in one unit, perfect for learning the ropes. The Pioneer DDJ-200 (around £139) or the Numark Party Mix (about £109) are great options to consider.
Pair your controller with a decent pair of headphones like the Audio-Technica ATH-M20x (£49) and you’re almost set! Many controllers come with free versions of DJ software, so you might not need to factor that into your initial full DJ setup price.
Pro tip: Don’t forget to budget for cables and a sturdy stand for your laptop. These little extras can add up!
Mid-Range DJ Setups: Stepping Up Your Game (£400 – £1,600)
Ready to take your DJing to the next level? This is where things start to get exciting! A mid-range full DJ setup price typically falls between £400 and £1,600, offering a significant step up in quality and features.
In this range, you might consider controllers like the Pioneer DDJ-800 (around £779) or the Denon DJ Prime 2 (about £999). These offer more professional features and better build quality.
You’ll also want to upgrade your headphones. The industry-standard Pioneer HDJ-X5 (£89) or the punchy Sennheiser HD 25 (£129) are solid choices.
At this level, you might also start thinking about adding monitor speakers to your setup. The KRK Rokit 5 G4 (about £149 each) are popular among DJs for their clear, balanced sound.
Remember, as your full DJ setup price increases, so does the quality and longevity of your gear. It’s an investment in your craft!
In my experience, quality DJ gear, especially from the likes of Pioneer DJ (now Alphatheta) holds its value very well.
Professional DJ Setups: Club-Ready Gear (£1,600 – £4,000)
Now we’re talking serious business! If you’re looking to play in clubs or at major events, you’ll need gear that can handle the pressure. A professional full DJ setup price typically ranges from £1,600 to £4,000.
At this level, many DJs opt for a setup that mimics what they’ll find in clubs. This often means a pair of Pioneer CDJ-3000s (about £2,169 each) and a DJM-900NXS2 mixer (around £2,169). Yes, that’s a hefty £6,507 just for your main kit!
But wait, there’s more! You’ll need top-notch headphones like the V-Moda Crossfade M-100 (£220) or the Pioneer HDJ X10 (£250) and possibly some in-ear monitors for noisy environments.
Don’t forget about accessories either. A good flight case to protect your gear, high-quality cables, and maybe even a backup USB drive can all factor into your full DJ setup price.
Top-Tier DJ Setups: No Expense Spared (£4,000+)
For those with champagne tastes (and budgets to match), the sky’s the limit when it comes to DJ gear. A top-tier full DJ setup price can easily exceed £4,000 and go up to £10,000 or more!
At this level, you might be looking at boutique mixers like the Rane MP2015 (about £2,599) or the Allen & Heath Xone:96 (around £1,599). Pair these with high-end turntables like the Technics SL-1200G (£2,799 each) for a truly audiophile-grade setup.
For the digital DJ, there are cutting-edge all-in-one units like the Denon DJ Prime 4 (about £1,599) that offer unparalleled features and connectivity. And of course the latest all in one unit from Alphatheta/Pioneer DJ, the XDJ-AZ (about £2,800.)
Don’t forget about your listening environment either! High-end monitor speakers like the Genelec 8040B (about £1,079 each) can make a world of difference in your mix quality.
At this price point, you’re not just buying gear – you’re investing in a professional-grade setup that can handle anything you throw at it, and hold its value like a classic car! (as long as you look after it, of course 🙂
Additional Costs to Consider in Your DJ Setup Budget
When calculating your full DJ setup price, don’t forget about these often-overlooked costs:
- Software licenses: While some DJ software comes free with controllers, pro-level software like Serato DJ Pro (£299) or Traktor Pro 3 (£89) can add to your costs.
- Music: Whether you’re buying tracks individually or subscribing to a DJ pool, budget for ongoing music purchases.
- Maintenance: Regular cleaning and occasional part replacements (like crossfaders or needles) should be factored in.
- Insurance: Protecting your investment is crucial, especially for high-end setups.
- Upgrades: As technology advances, you might want to upgrade parts of your setup over time.
Where to Buy Your DJ Setup: Best Retailers and Deals
Now that you have an idea of the full DJ setup price range, where should you shop? In the UK, retailers like DJKit, Juno Records, Bop DJ and Westend DJ are reputable options for DJ gear. Online giants like Thomann, Bax Shop and Gear4Music also offer competitive prices and wide selections.
Don’t shy away from second-hand gear, especially when you’re starting out. Sites like eBay and Facebook Marketplace can be goldmines for deals on used equipment. Just be sure to test everything thoroughly before committing!
Keep an eye out for seasonal sales, especially around Black Friday and the January sales. Many retailers offer bundle deals that can significantly reduce your full DJ setup price.
If you’re eyeing a particularly expensive setup, some retailers offer interest-free financing options. Just be sure to read the terms carefully and factor the payments into your DJ budget.
Conclusion: Investing in Your DJ Future
Alright, future superstar DJ – now you’ve got the lowdown on full DJ setup prices for 2024! Remember, the cost of your setup is an investment in your passion and potentially your career. Whether you’re starting with a budget-friendly controller or going all-out with a pro-level rig, the most important thing is to choose gear that inspires you to create and perform.
Don’t be afraid to start small and upgrade as you grow – even the world’s top DJs started somewhere! Maybe you’ll begin with a £300 controller and eventually work your way up to that £10,000 dream setup. The journey is all part of the fun!
So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to start building your dream DJ setup and let the music play. Who knows? With the right gear and a whole lot of practice, you might just be the next big name in the DJ world. Now go forth and drop that beat!
Remember, the perfect full DJ setup price is the one that fits your current needs and budget while leaving room for growth. Happy mixing!
