When I first started mixing, I remember it was with a Radio Shack 4-Channel mixer! Wow, those were the days. I thought I was it! Well ladies and gentlemen (mostly gentlemen), we are living in a world of technology and with it comes phenomenal DJ tools.
Many people keep on emailing me with lines like, "... I am a noob at this scene and would like to know where to start..."
Well, the first thing you want to ask yourself is this one question: Do I want to make this DJ thing a hobby or do I want to make it my profession? If your answer was the first option of this question, then do NOT continue reading this article, instead, go to guitar center and buy yourself a complete DJ system for about $2000.00.
Now, if you answer was the latter part of the question, then this is what I recommend you get in order to have the essentials for being a TRUE DJ!
Keep in mind that all of these are just suggestions and that you should go into your nearest DJ Equipment Supplier favorite store and try many different set ups. For example, I run my set up with a Windows based Laptop. I do not have the Pioneer DVJ or Mixer. So please use this article just as a suggestion and nothing else. If I had the money to buy the equipment I wanted, then my set up would be just like this:
DVJ-1000 - It’s here – the fully loaded DVJ-1000. Offering the same operation and layout as the CDJ-1000MK3, but with enhanced DVD video and audio playback, the new deck allows DJs to easily create and add visuals to their sets. Scratch, loop and manipulate digital video and audio for the ultimate DJ experience.
Technics SL-1200MK2 Or 3 - Remember what DJs used in the club before the 1200s? Nobody else does either.
That's because our heavy-duty design, vibration-resistant construction, and mechanical precision make a lot of what those early DJs did possible. This deck was the first to feature a Direct Drive motor, quartz movement for total accuracy, adjustable tone arm weights, anti-skate control, a pop-up target light and a sliding pitch control. With each new improvement, as form follows function, the Technics turntable has become a thing of beauty.
From the community centers at the beginning of the disco era to the clubs of today, Technics decks have been the standard for over thirty years.
SVM-1000 - The world’s first reference audio and video combination mixer designed for elite DJs, VJs and club venues to enhance their audio/video performance and provide their patrons and fans with an all encompassing sensory experience.
Serato Scratch Live - Using regular turntables or CD players, you can scratch and mix files from your Mac or Windows computer's CD or hard drive, add in a live mic input for scratching, and even bypass to standard vinyl if you wish. Scratch LIVE is the complete digital solution for the vinyl junkie - take your entire collection wherever you go and leave your precious vinyl at home!
EON515 - In addition to acoustic performance the EON515 features three full size deep-well handles, light weight, and balanced ergonomics. The new generation of EON products offers true portability and ease of handling. Five standard M10 rigging points and integrated pole mount socket increase the system’s utility. The extremely rugged copolymer enclosure has been designed for main and 45° monitor orientation in the left and right hand configuration. A full screen-backed steel grille offers additional protection for both the woofer and compression driver components.
EON518S - The EON518S is an 18-inch, direct radiating, high performance powered compact subwoofer system. Designed to extend low frequency performance of any EON system. It also offers the convenience of an integrated crossover and stereo loop-thru capability. The EON518S is comprised of a 460 mm (18") Differential Drive® woofer driven by a 500 watt Class-D digital amplifier.
Trackmaster.V3 - With very high output and little cue burn, the Trackmaster.V3 is perfect for any club / scratch situation. The Trackmaster.V3 integrated design eliminates the need for mounting the cartridge on a headshell.
HDJ-2000 - The HDJ-2000 is Pioneer’s premier professional headphone. Featuring lightweight magnesium construction and high flux magnets, the HDJ-2000 represents the best in sound quality, fit and durability. Whether you’re playing live or working in the studio, the HDJ-2000 will meet all of your headphone needs.
MacBook - To build something truly different, you need to work in a truly different way. Apple designers and engineers work together through every stage of product development. It’s a partnership that makes innovation possible. And it’s exactly how the new MacBook was created. With its breakthrough unibody enclosure, industry-first features, and environmentally sound design, it’s a revolution in the way notebooks are made.
