You’ve learned how to use Ableton LiveAbleton Live: The Ultimate Beginner's GuideAbleton Live: The Ultimate Beginner's GuideAbleton Live is a complicated piece of music software -- but with our beginner's tutorial, you'll be making and recording music in no time.Read More or Garageband and free music loopsUse Garageband and Free Music Loops to Create Your Own TracksUse Garageband and Free Music Loops to Create Your Own TracksMaking music with loops is a blast. Here's your introductory guide to putting together a track with free loops in Garageband.Read More and started making some sick beats. Everyone is telling you that your music is the best they have ever heard and that you should totally DJ for their brother’s cousin’s wedding next week. That means you’ll need DJ equipment.
- Best Dj Controller For Beginners
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- Best Dj Equipment
- Best Dj Controller For Mac
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We are recommending two controllers compatible with TRAKTOR, and three DJ controllers compatible with Serato (they of course are re-mappable to work with other DJ software). The 5 Best DJ Controllers. Without further ado, let’s jump into the list and talk about the 5 best all-in-one DJ controllers under $600. We cover the two TRAKTOR ones first, then the three Serato controllers.
- Fortunately, our guide to the best DJ software The Best DJ Software For Every Budget The Best DJ Software For Every Budget Good mixing software can make all the difference in your performance. Whether you're using a Mac, Windows, or Linux, every level of skill and budget is catered for if you want to start DJing.
- Coming up to the midway point in our guide, we have the Numark Party Mix, a bus-powered DJ controller that is known to be one of the best beginner’s DJ gear due to its simplified controls, plug-and-play features, and compatibility with all Mac/PC operating systems.
If you’re looking to DJ or perform digital music for the first time, then this guide will show you everything you need to get started. Let’s jump right in.
Mobile DJ Prerequisites
Before making any purchases, you’re going to need a few basics first:
- Laptop
- Speakers
- Lights
- Music software
While performing digital music without a laptop is not impossible, it’s certainly not very easy to do. The MacBook Pro is probably the undisputed king of mobile music production, but its price certainly leaves a big dent in your wallet. Do you already own a laptop? Otherwise, our guide to the best laptops under $1,000The Best Laptops Under $1,000The Best Laptops Under $1,000Looking for the best laptops under $1,000? We've rounded up a range of Chromebooks, Windows 10 laptops, and macOS Ultrabooks -- all under a thousand bucks.Read More may come in useful here.
Best Speakers as Mobile DJ Equipment
Besides a laptop, speakers should come high on your list of priorities. A basic set of Hi-Fi speakers may suffice for a house party, but birthdays, weddings, and other events may require something more powerful. While a whole industry is built around live music reproduction, a basic public address (PA) system such as the Peavy audio performer pack or Behringer Europort EPS500MP3 should be enough to get you started without breaking the bank.
Peavey PA, 29.00 x 21.00 x 21.00 inches (APP)Peavey PA, 29.00 x 21.00 x 21.00 inches (APP) Buy Now On Amazon $499.64
If you find yourself in need of a bigger speaker system, it’s possible that large venues may have their own systems, and you can always hire or upgrade at a later date if your system is no longer making the cut.
Once purchased, videos like this one from Soundcraft Mixers will help you learn how to use it:
Lights for Mobile DJs
No party would be complete without a lighting show. Professional and even amateur lighting rigs are remotely operated using DMX controlAn Introduction To DMX Lighting Control - Take Your Lighting To A Whole New LevelAn Introduction To DMX Lighting Control - Take Your Lighting To A Whole New LevelIntelligent lighting systems used to be an expensive domain for professionals only; but with the proliferation of cheaper electronics and computer control systems, incredible lighting effects are now firmly within the reach of the hobbyist..Read More. Even though you may not want or be able to remote control your lights right now, it’s important to consider DMX compatibility for future expansion. When using DMX, it’s possible to sync all your lights up to change uniformly at the same time, as well as create complex light sequences.
Music Software
If you’re just getting started in lighting, the DragonX 4 Bar LED set contains everything you need in a self-contained package, but if you’re really looking to push the boat out, this U`King 4-pack moving head lights set will really wow your audience.
DragonX RGB LED Light 4 Bar, Par Can Wash Light Led DJ Lights Package DragonX RGB LED Light 4 Bar, Par Can Wash Light Led DJ Lights Package Buy Now On Amazon $249.99
Finally, you’ll need some software to mix your tunes. consumer music players such as iTunes or Spotify may suffice for one or two gigs, but you’re going to want something a bit more professional. Fortunately, our guide to the best DJ softwareThe Best DJ Software For Every BudgetThe Best DJ Software For Every BudgetGood mixing software can make all the difference in your performance. Whether you're using a Mac, Windows, or Linux, every level of skill and budget is catered for if you want to start DJing.Read More can help you out here.
Check, One, Two
Best Dj Controller For Beginners
Before you spend the remainder of your budget on gold-studded headphones or a stretch limo to take you to the venue in style, you should probably buy a microphone. How else will the audience hear your epic MC-ing?
The Shure SM57 is one of the most popular, rugged, and reliable microphones you can buy. The SM57 bundle comes with everything you need to get started, including a mic stand and cable.
Shure SM58-LC Cardioid Dynamic Vocal Microphone Bundle with Stand Adapter and Zippered PouchShure SM58-LC Cardioid Dynamic Vocal Microphone Bundle with Stand Adapter and Zippered Pouch Buy Now On Amazon $109.95
If you’re looking for a wireless system, the Line 6 XD-V35 is an excellent digital system that can be used license-free anywhere in the world. You’ll never have to worry about the local taxi company broadcasting over your system during the first dance!
Hearing Yourself
Now that you’ve got your core rig purchased, you’re going to need to hear yourself. Being able to cue your next song in the privacy of your own headphones is not just a fantasy, but is almost a requirement to being able to DJ effectively.
If you’re not sure what exactly you need headphones for, then watch this mini tutorial from YouTube DJ ellaskins:
The Sennheiser HD280 Pro headphones offer outstanding sound quality, along with excellent exterior sound attenuation. While slightly on the expensive side, these headphones have a near legendary status in the pro-audio industry — and for good reason!
Sennheiser HD280PRO Headphone (new model)Sennheiser HD280PRO Headphone (new model) Buy Now On Amazon $99.95
If you’re looking for a pair of headphones that may be cheaper, or lighter, then make sure you read our guide to the best wired headphonesThe Best Wired Headphones 2019The Best Wired Headphones 2019Looking for the best wired headphones? Here are our favorites, ranging from ultra-budget to high-end!Read More. Our guide to headphone stylesIn, On, or Over: Which Style of Headphones Should You Buy?In, On, or Over: Which Style of Headphones Should You Buy?There are pros and cons to each style of headphones, so let's help you decide which is best for you.Read More may come in handy if you’re confused by the many different types and styles available.
Audio Interface
An audio interface is a special box that produces high-quality sound from any computer. Sure, you could get away with using a 1/8th-inch cable out of your Laptop’s headphone jack, but that yields rather pathetic sound quality — and it’s hardly a reliable or rugged connection for a touring DJ.
As YouTuber Audiohackr explains, audio interfaces or sound cards are almost required for good sound quality:
Blu ray drive for mac. The Focusrite Scarlett Solo is small enough to fit into any bag and provides two line outputs, which you can connect as a stereo pair to your PA system. This USB interface has a microphone preamp as well, so you can branch out into live recording in the future.
Focusrite Scarlett Solo (2nd Gen) USB Audio Interface with Pro Tools | FirstFocusrite Scarlett Solo (2nd Gen) USB Audio Interface with Pro Tools | First Buy Now On Amazon $89.00 Best mac auto clicker for bluestacks.
Thunderbolt audio interfaces such as the Universal Audio Apollo Twin MKII SOLO or Zoom TAC-2 are available, but these get very expensive fast.
Firewire audio interfaces like the Focusrite Saffire Pro 14 are available, but you may wish to consider a newer standard, as Firewire ports are rapidly dropping out of circulation.
DJ Controller
A DJ controller is a fairly essential tool for digital performances. They allow you to spin “virtual” records, as well as providing physical buttons for crossfading, looping, and much more!
The Numark Party Mix is an excellent budget choice, or you could go for something like the Numark Mixtrack Pro 3, which has a few more features (albeit at a higher price point).
Numark Party Mix, Starter DJ Controller with Built-In Sound Card & Light ShowNumark Party Mix, Starter DJ Controller with Built-In Sound Card & Light Show Buy Now On Amazon $91.00
Whatever you purchase, make sure to double check if it’s compatible with your choice of software. Most of them are fairly universal, but you don’t want to end up being disappointed. Best remote access for mac.
MIDI Keyboard
A MIDI keyboard is a keyboard that instructs your computer to play a certain note. Not all DJ software will support one, however, so this will only really be useful if you’re into live beat making or remixing.
![Best dj controller for beginners Best dj controller for beginners](/uploads/1/2/5/3/125324146/152939324.jpg)
The Akai MPK Mini is a solid performer from a reputable brand. Powered by USB, this keyboard also features several pads and dials, which you can use to trigger samples and adjust settings.
Akai Professional MPK Mini MKII, 25-Key Portable USB MIDI KeyboardAkai Professional MPK Mini MKII, 25-Key Portable USB MIDI Keyboard Buy Now On Amazon $98.00
If you’re looking for something wireless you can bring onto the dance floor, then Akai once again have you covered with the LPK 25 wireless keyboard. While this model has fewer options than the one above, it is wireless and provides all you need to jam away all night long.
MIDI Controller
One of the final things you may wish to consider is a MIDI controller. These allow you to trigger samples and adjust settings, but they can sometimes duplicate the functionality found on certain MIDI keyboards, so you may not need one.
The Novation Launchpad is an extremely popular model, and for good reason!
Gaming Controllers For Mac
Novation Launchpad Ableton Live Controller with 64 RGB Backlit Pads (8x8 Grid)Novation Launchpad Ableton Live Controller with 64 RGB Backlit Pads (8x8 Grid) Buy Now On Amazon $118.77
This 8×8 grid of buttons is far more useful than it first appears, and as this video from NovationTV shows us, it can be used to play whole songs:
If you’re after a few more controls to really dial in your sound, the Novation Launchcontrol XL is exactly what you need. With enough controls to launch a ballistic missile, you’ll not go wrong with this model.
Novation Launch Control XL MIDI USB Ableton Live Controller w/ HUI IntegrationNovation Launch Control XL MIDI USB Ableton Live Controller w/ HUI Integration Buy Now On Amazon $154.99
If you’re into your DIY, have you read our tutorial on how to make your own MIDI controllerHow to Make a MIDI Controller with an ArduinoHow to Make a MIDI Controller with an ArduinoAs a musician who has amassed a collection of musical instruments and noise boxes, the humble Arduino is the perfect tool to create a custom MIDI controller.Read More? It covers every step needed to make your own MIDI controller — big or small, the sky really is the limit with this project!
Best Dj Equipment
DJ Equipment Accessories
Once you’ve assembled your DJ kit, there are a few final accessories you’ll need. This Novation backpack is big enough to store nearly all of your gadgets and gizmos, and don’t forget a USB hub to connect all your devices to your computer.
Novation 25 Backpack-Style Soft Carry Case for 25-Key MIDI Controller Keyboards, BlackNovation 25 Backpack-Style Soft Carry Case for 25-Key MIDI Controller Keyboards, Black Buy Now On Amazon $79.99
A spare microphone cable never hurt anyone, and neither did a headphone adapter or surge-protected power strip.
All this gear may seem over the top, but there’s no need to buy all of it at once. You could start with the basics, and add more as you need it, and as you start earning money and building a reputation.
With so much choice available, there’s a lot to take in, but starting any business — especially one in the music industry, is a fun and exciting venture.
Best Dj Controller For Mac
Let us know in the comments below what gear you use!
Best Dj Controller For Virtual Dj
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