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.
- This is a guide for DJ turntables + equipment. For listening turntable guides, read our Beginner's Guide To Turntable 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
Need some more help? You can always chat with us with the lower left tab on the page (M-F business hours only, email us all other times), check out our Shop Recommendations, or visit our store in New York)