Best DJ Equipment for Beginners: The Ultimate Guide for 2024
Starting your DJ career can seem a bit daunting. But it doesn't have to be. To help you along your DJ journey, we've created this guide to help you decide on the best beginner DJ equipment for your business. So before you swipe that card, pull out your wallet, or tap that Apple Pay, let's learn more about the pieces of equipment that you might need.
In this guide, we'll cover
- Different DJ setups
- The type of equipment you might need
- The price of the equipment
- A little bonus tip (hint, you won't want to miss it)
The best beginner DJ equipment includes
- 1. Speakers
- 2. Mixer
- 3. Turntables
- 4. Headphones
- 5. Laptop
- 6. DJ Software
What Are The Different DJ Set-Ups?
A DJ setup can vary depending on your tastes, DJ skill level, and the gigs you book. The different DJ setups can include a laptop & DJ controller, standalone all-in-one systems, digital vinyl systems, phone and tablet DJing, record decks and a mixer, and pro DJ setups.
Each of these setups requires different types of equipment or even a combination of equipment pieces. Your DJ setup will most likely be unique to your business.
Now that we know the different DJ setups, let's dive into the types of equipment you might need to start your DJ career.
When building your DJ setup it is important to keep in mind how easy it is to use if it fits your price range, how durable it is, and if the features fit your DJing needs.
Best Equipment For Beginner DJs
1. Speakers
As a DJ, high-quality sound is everything. A good speaker can really take your business to the next level and show your audience that your music is the life of the party. Based on research, the best speaker for your money and DJ needs is the versatile Pioneer XPRS102
The XPRS102 pairs a 10" woofer and 2.5" voice coil with a 1" exit compression driver and 1.75" voice coil to deliver pristine audio performance. Complete with a maximum sound pressure level (SPL) of 129 dB and frequency response of 50 Hz-20 kHz, the XPRS102 full range speakers help ensure music and spoken word reproduction is accurate and performs as intended. Impressive right?
This mighty, yet portable speaker is a great option if you're just starting out or are a seasoned DJ. This speaker starts at $699.
2. Mixer
After some thorough research, we've deemed the Pioneer DJ DJM-250MK2 as the best beginner DJ mixer. This mixer features a vast range of abilities. The DJM-250MK2 has inherited some of the professional features of the popular DJM-900NXS2, such as the Magvel crossfader and Sound Color FX filter. Straightforward controls, a clear layout, and dedicated 3-band isolators let you scratch and mix instinctively.
With this mixer, you can connect CDs or turntables and also mix tracks digitally. The Pioneer DJ mixer starts at $389.
3. Turntables
For the best entry-level turntable check out the Pioneer PLX-500 (Black). This turntable starts and stops at high speeds, features great sound, and is priced fairly. Pioneer is the leading brand in DJ equipment and rightfully so. This turntable offers everything you may need to start your DJ career.
Your turntable is a great asset to your DJ setup and this one offers a manageable learning curve, getting you mixing tracks in no time. This turntable starts at $329.
4. Headphones
When it comes to headphones, you'll want a pair that will protect your ears and let you hear your music clearly. The most affordable pair of headphones we could find that gives the best frequency and allows you to make the best decisions for your music is the Pioneer DJ HDJ-X5.
Hear your tracks loud and clear in the booth and on the move with the HDJ-X5. By taking on board feedback from DJs and analysing many different styles of monitoring, we've made sure our new DJ headphone range includes all the features needed for performing at every level. The Pioneer DJ HDJ-X5 Over-ear DJ headphones start at $99
5. Laptop
The best laptop for beginner DJs is the MacBook Pro from Apple. This comes in at number one because of its long battery life and if taken care of correctly, can last you 4 to 6 years. The MacBook Pro is compatible with many different types of software and editing programs.
The MacBook Pro is pricier than other laptop options but it comes with a great lineup of features. It has three Thunderbolt 4 ports, a professional three-mic array, and Spatial Audio that features six speakers. so you can feel confident that your laptop can cover your DJ needs. The MacBook Pro starts at $1999.
6. DJ Software
For the best beginner DJ software, we introduce Serato DJ. This entry-level software is a great option for beginner DJs, featuring easy navigation, and a beautiful interface. This software grows with you. Serato DJ has both a free version and a subscription version that includes a few more features.
This software just went through a recent update, allowing DJs to isolate pieces of a track. Meaning, you can take out the drums, bass, vocals, or melodies of a track. The subscription for this software starts at $129 per year or $9.99 per month. If you're unsure if this is the right DJ software for you, they offer a free 14-day trial.
