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.

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1.0 Turntable DJ Setup

WHAT YOU'LL NEED 2 x DJ Turntables 2 x DJ Cartridges (needles) DJ Mixer Slipmats (felt mats that go between record + turntable platter) DJ Headphones Vinyl Records RCA Cable (to connect mixer to audio output) 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)

               

WHAT YOU'LL NEED 2 x DJ Turntables 2 x DJ Cartridges (needles) DJ Mixer Slipmats (felt mats that go between record + turntable platter) DJ Headphones Computer DJ Interface Package such as Serato Scratch Live, Traktor Scratch, etc. 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 Rane Sixty-Two / Sixty Four and Traktor Z2. 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

WHAT YOU'LL NEED 2 x CD DJ Turntables DJ Mixer DJ Headphones CDs or MP3s 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)

               

WHAT YOU'LL NEED 2 x CD DJ Turntables DJ Mixer DJ Headphones Computer DJ Interface Package such as Serato Scratch Live, Traktor Scratch, etc. 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 Rane Sixty-Two / Sixty Four and Traktor Z2. LAB POINTS setup preferred by many professional DJs allows you to play both CDs + digital files

3.0 DJ Controller Setup

WHAT YOU'LL NEED DJ Controller Computer DJ Software 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

WHAT YOU'LL NEED Computer Ableton Software Controller designed for Ableton (not necessary, but recommended) Audio Interface LAB POINTS great for DJing with tracks that you built with Ableton requires a lot of track setup for DJ sets lots of effects can be added to your mix very portable check out Building A Track With Ableton Live Videos read our audio interface guide

5.0 All Computer DJ Setup

WHAT YOU'LL NEED Computer DJ Software Audio Interface (not necessary, but recommended) LAB POINTS if you have already have a computer, this is an inexpensive option most compact setup harder to be creative without controller most portable we recommend Native Instruments Traktor Audio 2 for this setup read our audio interface guide

6.0 RECOMMENDATIONS

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