The Best DJ Starter Equipment for Beginners

Starting your journey as a DJ can be overwhelming, with countless options available in the market. However, choosing the right equipment can make a significant difference in your learning curve and overall performance. This article will guide you through the best DJ starter equipment for beginners, ensuring you can hit the ground running with the right tools at your disposal.

Key Recommendations for Beginners

For beginners, the most important pieces of equipment are a laptop DJ software such as Serato or Virtual DJ, along with a decent entry-level controller. These controllers are designed to be simple to use, offering basic functions like faders, pads, and jog wheels. This setup allows novices to gain essential skills without the need for expensive, more advanced equipment.

Top DJ Controllers for Beginners

The best DJ controllers for beginners are either the DDJ 400 from Pioneer, the Kontrol S2 Mk3 from Native Instruments, the Roland DJ 202, or the Mixtrack Platinum FX from Numark. Each of these controllers is designed to be both affordable and user-friendly, allowing you to focus on honing your skills.

Roland DJ 202

Well-built construction Jack-of-all-trades design Includes both Serato DJ Pro and a simplified version for beginners Relatively expensive

The Roland DJ 202 is a great all-rounded option. It is well-suited for both live performance and mixing. Despite its built-in software, it still requires frequent upgrading to unlock all its advanced features. This can be a significant expense, but the overall functionality and build quality make it a solid choice for beginners.

Pioneer DDJ 400

Large faders and advanced FX control for mixing Designed after club-standard CDJ gear Small low-quality jog wheels that make scratching difficult Only unlocks software when plugged in

The Pioneer DDJ 400 is particularly suitable for those who want to focus on mixing and are prepared to invest in learning. Its club-standard design prepares users for professional equipment they might encounter in venues. However, beginners might find the small jog wheels challenging for scratching, which is a crucial skill for many DJs.

Numark Mixtrack Platinum FX

Extremely high-quality jog wheels Scratch-optimized FX design Lite software only Does not feature dedicated control for Serato Pro features

The Numark Mixtrack Platinum FX is ideal for DJs who are particularly interested in scratching or hip-hop mixing. Its high-quality jog wheels make complex scratches much easier, and the scratch-optimized FX enhance the overall experience. However, the controller does not come with the full Serato Pro software, requiring a 100 upgrade for all advanced features.

Additional Essential Components

While choosing a controller, don't forget about your headphones and speakers, as these are crucial for your audio experience. Here are the recommended options:

Headphones

Audio-Technica ATH-M2 50

These headphones are essential for beatmatching and cueing up the next song. They allow you to listen to a track without affecting the mix, which is vital for a DJ. DJ-designed headphones, like the Audio-Technica, even let you swivel one cup outward to listen to the master output while hearing the cued track in the other.

Speakers

Mackie CR4

For professional-sounding mixes, monitors are the best choice as they are tuned for accurate playback and come with low-latency amplification. Consumer speakers can distort your audio and aren’t ideal for DJing. However, if you don’t have monitors yet, old bookshelf speakers will suffice, but you’ll want to upgrade eventually.

Remember, the key to being a successful DJ is not to break the bank. World DJ champion Carlo Attendo started with a basic rack-mounted dual CD player that couldn’t scratch and still took 30 seconds to load a track. With the right equipment and dedication, you can achieve great success in the world of DJing. Best of luck on your journey!