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Beginner's Guide To DJ Equipment Setups

Beginner's Guide To DJ Equipment Setups

Buying your first DJ setup can be a daunting task. Using our knowledge and experience, the Lab breaks it down as simply as possible. Please note, you'll always be able to find exceptions and additions to this guide, but we focused on the most popular DJ setups. If you have further questions, don't hesitate to contact us.

JUMP TO

1.0 Turntable DJ Setup

WHAT YOU'LL NEED

LAB POINTS

  • this is the base / foundational DJ setup
  • recommended setup for learning how to DJ
  • most tactile form of DJing
  • can be used as a digital setup with addition of Serato Scratch Live, Traktor Scratch, etc.

1.5 Turntable DJ Setup using DJ Software (eg. Serato / Traktor)

turntable dj setup using DJ software

WHAT YOU'LL NEED

DJ Interface Package usually includes

  • interface (connects your equipment to your computer)
  • DJ software
  • control vinyl (special records for use with DJ software)
  • all necessary cables (RCA cables, USB cable)
  • please note: some high-end DJ Mixers have interfaces built-in such as the Rane Seventy-Two.

LAB POINTS

  • still allows for tactile feel of the turntable setup
  • setup preferred by many professional DJs
  • allows you to play both vinyl records + digital files
  • DJ software opens up many additional features

2.0 CDJ DJ Setup

cdj dj setup

WHAT YOU'LL NEED

LAB POINTS

  • offers more control + features than a Turntable setup
  • CD turntables with USB inputs can play digital files from thumb drives, hard drives, etc.
  • create custom CDs to play
  • setup preferred by many club DJs
  • can be used with most DJ programs including Serato Scratch Live, Traktor Scratch, etc.

2.5 CDJ DJ Setup using DJ Software (eg. Serato / Traktor)

cdj dj setup using dj software

WHAT YOU'LL NEED

DJ Interface Package usually includes

  • interface (connects your equipment to your computer)
  • DJ software
  • control CDs (special CDs for use with DJ software)
  • all necessary cables (RCA cables, USB cable)
  • please note: some high-end DJ Mixers have interfaces built-in such as the Rane Seventy-Two.

LAB POINTS

  • setup preferred by many professional DJs
  • allows you to play both CDs + digital files

3.0 DJ Controller Setup

dj controller setup

WHAT YOU'LL NEED

LAB POINTS

  • allows for tactile control of music
  • allows most control over DJ software / most manipulation of music
  • you can customize controller setup to your preference
  • very portable

4.0 Ableton DJ Setup

ableton dj setup

WHAT YOU'LL NEED

LAB POINTS

5.0 All Computer DJ Setup

all computer dj setup

WHAT YOU'LL NEED

LAB POINTS

6.0 RECOMMENDATIONS


Need some more help?
You can always reach out to us for help/recommendations or ask a question through a product's page under: "REVIEW & Q+A" (we respond M-F business hours only.)

 

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