If you’re a music enthusiast who constantly seeks out new songs and artists or the go-to person for curating playlists at parties, you might just have what it takes to be a DJ! One of the most daunting aspects of starting out as a DJ is navigating the vast array of equipment options. What gear does a beginner DJ really need? And what do all those knobs and buttons actually do?

Must-Have Gear for DJs

Spin it like a pro with the finest DJ equipment from the big names in the industry. Beginner DJ gear includes DJ software, mixers, headphones, and cables, with a range of prices depending on the brand, quality, and features you’re after. It’s wise to do some research and compare different options before settling on the best equipment for your needs and budget. Whether you’re setting up your first DJ station or upgrading your control room, here’s the must-have gear every aspiring DJ should consider.

DJ Controllers

Today, DJ controllers (often referred to as ‘MIDI controllers’) are the most common starting point for new DJs. A DJ controller is a single unit that combines controllers for two or more decks, a mixer, and various peripheral functions, along with an audio interface that channels sound to your headphones, amplifier, and speakers.

Simply plug your controller into a laptop where your software is installed and your digital music files are stored, and voilà! You’ve got a complete DJ system. While some controllers can also work with tablets and even smartphones, laptops remain the preferred choice among DJs.

Most DJ controllers require you to bring your laptop to gigs so the software can run, but some models offer an alternative. These allow you to prepare your music on a laptop at home, then export your set list or library to a USB drive, which can be plugged in directly when it’s time to perform. This setup eliminates the need to carry a computer with you and mimics the functionality of high-end pro DJ gear.

Digital Vinyl Systems (DVS)

While DVS systems still require a laptop and DJ software, they let you use your existing equipment for DJing. Suppose you already own a pair of traditional turntables and a mixer. By connecting a special DVS device (also known as a ‘breakout box’ or ‘DVS audio interface’) to the mixer and record decks, and then linking it to a laptop running DJ software, you can use special ‘control vinyl’ or ‘timecode vinyl’ (records that contain computer code rather than music) to control the software.

It’s worth mentioning that, although the ‘V’ in DVS stands for vinyl, all DVS systems also support control/timecode CDs. Since most DJ booths today are equipped with at least a pair of CD decks (and fewer with turntables), you can play nearly anywhere with a pair of these special CDs, a laptop, and a DVS box. One major advantage of DVS systems is their compatibility with older or less digitally savvy equipment. As long as the CD players can play discs and the mixer can mix, a DVS setup allows modern DJs to perform in various settings.

Modular Midi DJ Systems

Just as audiophiles build hi-fi systems from individual components, you can create custom DJ systems by combining specific DJ or MIDI controllers. For example, you might purchase a mixing section of a controller, a couple of dedicated deck controllers, and various button boxes, then connect them all to a laptop running your software. This approach lets you build a control surface tailored to your needs.

When assembling a modular DJ setup, it’s crucial to ensure that one of the components includes an audio interface. If not, you’ll need to purchase one separately to ensure your system functions properly.

Pro DJ Gear

If you’ve ever watched a festival DJ set or peeked into the DJ booth of a top-tier nightclub, you’ve likely seen pro DJ gear in action. This high-end equipment is the modern incarnation of the classic ‘two turntables/CD players and a mixer’ setup. Today’s pro setups typically include two or more media players and a digital DJ mixer—both powerful and pricey.

The latest systems from industry leaders like Pioneer DJ are large modular controllers featuring big colour touchscreens that display waveforms and library information, similar to your computer screen. After years of evolution, these controllers now rival traditional setups in terms of features and functionality.

Wrapping It Up

So, now that you’ve learned about the different types of gear available, what should you choose when hitting the DJ store?  Most DJs will undoubtedly choose a contemporary controller. If you are just getting started figure out how much money you have to spend, then browse for a few controllers in your price range that are built to work with the software brand you prefer and get one that looks good to you.

If you don’t want to join the vast majority of DJs who are content to perform from modern controllers at home and on the road, and instead want to invest in one of the other types of systems, look for one that works with the software you prefer.