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.

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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)

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)

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

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



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