Shure SM7B Enthusiasts: Battle of the Preamps
Active Speakers vs Passive Speakers
Shure SM7B Enthusiasts: Battle of the Preamps
Active Speakers vs Passive Speakers
WHAT EQUIPMENT DOES A DJ NEED?
If you’re a beginner DJ and are asking yourself “what equipment do I need?”, we put together a guide on what the best beginner DJ equipment is. We’ve included a variety of equipment, including headphones, monitor speakers, CDJs, and more.
What is a DJ?
A disc jockey, more commonly known as DJ, is a person who plays recorded music for an audience. Types of DJs include radio DJs, club DJs, mobile DJs, and turntablists. DJs actually do quite a lot on stage. They need to seamlessly beat match their music, transition with style, add effects to create their personal signature, read the crowd to adjust the vibe accordingly, and maintain some level of dance or performance at the same time.
What equipment does a DJ need?
Although there is no set ‘DJ equipment list’, A DJ setup can be varied. It usually consists of headphones, turntables, controllers, mixers, speakers, and accessories. Depending on the space available, budget, how much equipment you have and the format of the music you wish to produce, your setup may vary from others.
DJ Headphones
DJ headphones are often overlooked, but they’re an essential piece of equipment that is helpful in a number of ways. They allow you to hear both decks independently so you can mix and transition with ease. A good set of headphones allows you to practice at home and make decisions before you go out into the live arena. It also allows you to produce music without disturbing anyone anywhere. are a great affordable choice with high-quality audio reproduction and effective noise isolation for home recording, studio monitoring, and DJ mixing.
Turntable
The DJ turntable is used to play back music, and in some cases, to mix together sounds from two or more different sources by cross-fading them. It often has controls for adjusting the pitch of the music and changing its tempo, as well as for applying various audio effects such as echo and reverberation. Whether you want to use vinyl or CD, you’ll need a set of turntables to play your tracks. This makes it perhaps the most essential piece of DJing equipment, And any DJ worth their salt should have at least one turntable in their arsenal.
Mixer
Your turntables connect to a DJ mixer. A mixer is an important part of any DJ’s equipment and it’s especially important when DJs are using CD or vinyl turntables as it allows them to get a seamless mix from beginning to end. A mixer can not only be used to make smooth transitions between songs but also comes with a variety of other features. Choosing the right one can improve sound quality and add a range of other benefits.
DJ controller
DJ controller With a CD setup or an entirely digital setup, DJs have the best option for them – DJ controllers. A DJ controller is a convenient piece of equipment that combines the two necessities for DJing: turntables and mixers. What’s great about it is that it’s also pretty portable. It can be taken to gigs with no more fuss than what a guitarist would have. DJ controllers allow you to use computer software as part of your setup and basically have everything you need to bust out a complete set complete with MIDI controls, trigger pads, drum pads, mic connections for MCs and more. The Pioneer DJ DDJ 200 is a fantastic little controller that offers outstanding value for the money. Lightweight and compact with a pro-style layout, it’ll help you learn to mix and, if you want to, develop DJing from a hobby into something more.
Speakers/Monitors
When you’re trying to create music at home, you’ll find monitor speakers a necessity. With so many different options on the market, choosing the best DJ speakers for the home can be quite confusing. Whether they are for your next big house party with friends or a home studio, you will want a sound that is clear and loud enough to do your tunes justice. Pioneer is one of the biggest names in DJ equipment thanks to its mixers, controllers, and media players. Something many people don’t realize is that they also produce quality speakers for DJs too.
DJ accessories
There are a few essential accessories that make our lives as DJs a lot easier. Whether it’s a stand, case, or essential cables to connect everything. If you’re a bedroom producer or working on music from home, we recommend a laptop stand. This ensures your equipment stays safe on your desk and also reduces the risk of spilling drinks all over it. A well-made case ensures that your equipment will be able to travel well and stay safe when you’re on the move. There’s a lot of options out there, but quite often, depending on which controller or laptop you’re using there will be a custom-made case available.
How Much Does it Cost?
The price of a DJ setup is going to depend on the kind of equipment you want and how much you’re looking to spend. There are DJ setups that come in at a few hundred dollars to a couple thousand. If you already own a laptop and plan to use a simplified computer-based setup, you can get away with purchasing only a basic controller and some headphones for a lot less than a full setup. PA speakers and DJ lighting systems can be costly and you don’t need to invest in them right away. You should instead focus on creating quality sound and see what a venue has when you arrive. If you start from scratch and have a little more money to spend upfront, investing in some DJ equipment will be better for you in the long run. An All-in-one solution is easier and more affordable, but since it’s a standalone piece you can’t swap for a mixer with more features, or a turntable with better control and feel.
Are you ready for your next gig?
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