Want to be a DJ but not sure where to start? We recommend the best controllers, turntables, mixers, headphones and speakers.
Best DJ Gear For Beginners
Just getting started on your DJ journey? You’ve made an incredible decision. There’s nothing like sharing the music that you love with a group of receptive people. The energy that can flow back and forth between the DJ and the dance floor is a magical thing. However, before you can learn to harness that power, you need some gear to work with.
I’ve put this list of the best DJ gear together with you, the beginner, in mind. I’m assuming that budget is an issue so I’ve consciously chosen items that you won’t have to sell any body parts for. However, you can be confident that they’re all still quality products that will stand up to the rigours of DJ life.
Best DJ Controllers For Beginners
Most modern DJs will want to start with a decent controller. Pair it with your laptop and collection of digital music, and you’re ready to rock the party. (Battle/scratch DJs, you’ll want to jump ahead to the next section.) And if you need an audio interface, check out this article on the best ones under $200.
The controller you choose will likely depend on your chosen DJ software. The three main ones are Rekordbox, Serato and Traktor, although there are other as well like Djay. Some controllers will work with multiple apps. Make sure that the controller you’re interested will play nicely with your chosen software.
My number one recommendation for controllers is Pioneer DJ DDJ-FLX4. A two-channel affair, it works with a number of applications including Rekordbox, Serato and Djay on Mac, PC and even iOS and Android. Simply arranged but with plenty of professional features, DDJ-FLX4 is an excellent controller for beginners and veterans alike.
If Serato is your app of choice, check out the Hercules DJ Control Inpulse 300 MK2. Designed for beginners, it’s responsive, lightweight and feature-packed. The price is amazing as well.
Traktor is Native Instruments’ proprietary DJ software. If you lean more towards techno or other genres of electronic music, this may be your choice. If that’s you, consider the Native Instruments Traktor S2 MK3. Made for pros but beginner-friendly as well, the two-channel Traktor S2 MK3 has everything you need, including control over samples and loops.
Best DJ Gear: Scratch Turntables For Beginners
There are regular DJs and then there are turntablists. If scratching is your main concern, you may want to consider turntables and a mixer rather than a controller. Here are two recommendations. (For a wider and not necessarily beginner-focussed selection, follow this link.)
Got a scratch you can’t itch? Check out the Numark PT01 Scratch, an all-in-one portable scratch solution. This belt-drive turntable has a built-in scratch fader and speaker so it’s all you really need. It even works on batteries so you can scratch anywhere the mood strikes you.
We’d all love a set of SL-1200s but they’re expensive. For the beginner, consider Audio-Technica’s AT-LP140XP. A traditional record player in the best sense, it’ll satisfy your old-school DJ needs – and will even play records backwards. 1200s can’t do that!
Best DJ Mixers For Beginners
If you’re going the turntable DJ route, you’ll need a mixer as well. While you can always go crazy and splurge on a rotary mixer, I’m guessing since you’re a beginner, something no muss no fuss will fit the bill better.
For the budget-conscious, try the Numark M4. My first mixer way back in the mid-1980s was a Numark so I have a special feeling associated with the company. The three-channel M4 will satisfy your DJ needs and you’ll still have money left over for a couple of records.
The more dedicated DJ can’t go wrong with a Pioneer DJ DJM-250MK2. Pioneer DJ has a stellar reputation in the DJ gear world. This two-channel mixer features a Magvel crossfader, Sound Color FX filter and supports both analogue and digital sound. Hook up CDJs and you can even use Rekordbox with it.
Best DJ Headphones For Beginners
It may be more and more common to see DJs without headphones on their heads but take it from me: even if you habitually use the sync button you’re going to want some headphones to at least troubleshoot if something goes wrong. I wrote a whole article about the best DJ headphones for all budgets, but for the beginner, try these two.
Cheap as chips with a frequency range of 15Hz to 22kHz, the Numark HF175 have rotatable frames for comfortable DJ positioning.
With a maximum SPL of 120dB, the Sennheiser HD 25 headphones are beloved by DJs for a very good reason: they’re gorgeously loud. And not at all expensive.
Best DJ Speakers For Beginners
DJs don’t have to be as finicky with their speakers as producers, who value flat response, do. In fact, you’re probably going to want something with an unnatural boost in the bottom end. Here are two budget recommendations. For more, try this article on the best studio monitors under $300.
Topping out at 108dB, a set of JBL 305P MKIIs will take care of you nicely.
KRK’s Rokit series is beloved by just about everyone. For DJs, a set of KRK Rokit RP5 G5s will provide the sound you need at a price you’ll like.
Best DJ Gear: All-In-One Set For Beginners
Looking for something even cheaper? Try an all-in-one set, like this one from French company Hercules. The Hercules DJ Learning Kit MK2 includes a DJ Control Inpulse 200 MK2 controller, a set of DJ Monitor 32 speakers (15 watts max) and HDP DJ45 headphones. The price is pretty incredible for what you get.
More Information
Image Sources:
- DJControl Inpulse T7 (standard edition): Hercules
- Pioneer DJ DDJ-FLX4: Pioneer DJ
- Pioneer DJ DJM-250MK2: Pioneer DJ
