Being a DJ can be a lot of fun and you can surely make a lot of money from it. However, in order to do so, you will need to have the best equipment money can buy to make sure that you are always on top of your game. There are many things a DJ must have to always put on top performance and you must know what are the most important pieces of equipment to get into the rankings of the best. Follow this article to learn what are the essential items every DJ must have.
What are the essential items you must have to be a DJ?
DJ equipment is not cheap, and it is especially not so if you want to be a good one. You do not want anything to go bad while you are doing your set and in order to make sure everything runs smoothly you should look into the things you always need by your side. Once you get your hands on them there will be no stopping you. Here are the four essential items you must have as a DJ.
Controller
This is the most important thing you need to put among your equipment if you are using a CD setup or an entirely digital one. If that is the case you have to make sure to get the best DJ controller you can get your hands on because it will surely be your best friend while you are on stage. Controllers are a combination of turntables and mixers, and the best thing about them is that they are easily portable. They function through computer software where you basically have everything you need. Here is what a DJ controller consists of:
- trigger pads
- drum pads
- MIDI controls
- mic connections
Controllers come with built-in jog wheels that replicate every feature a turntable has. It also allows you to import the trigger pads just like you would do with a MIDI controller, and it also gives you the option to customize the settings in your computer software. A portable controller will be your best friend while doing a set.
DJ software
Whatever you are using as a setup (digital, CDS, or Vinyl) the one thing you will surely need to have is high-quality DJ software in order to better operate your controller and make the best use of the music library you have. Here are the main things a DJ software can do for you:
- using sounds to the trigger pads
- mashup tracks
- add effects
The most important thing to remember is that you cannot operate the controller properly without it so make sure that you get the best software you can. If you cannot invest in one at the time of getting your items, don’t worry because the controller will come with software. However, make sure that you upgrade your gear as soon as you can.
DJ Headphones
You may think that you do not need headphones when you first start your DJ career but they are actually one of the most essential pieces of equipment you must have on your person at all times. The most important feature of the headphones is that they allow you to hear both decks independently from each other and this will give you the ability to mix way better and you will have an easier time when it comes to transitioning.
Headphones will also be of a lot of help when you are practicing at home and while you are making a decision on what you will play once you are going to do a live set. You will be producing music more easily while you are not bothering anyone because you will be the only one hearing it. With them, you do not have to limit yourself to only creating mixes at home, but rather wherever you go.
DJ mixers
Probably the most important part of any DJ’s equipment, especially if you are the kind of DJ who is using CD or Vinyl turntables because it is the one item that will help you tie sounds together more easily. Apart from helping you create amazing transitions between your tracks, there are a lot of different features you can add to your sound. However, this does depend on the type of mixer you are getting.
There, now you know what kind of equipment you need in order to start your DJ-ing career. Do not miss out on them if you are planning on taking this job seriously. While it may seem simple, it is certainly not, but with the right items at your side, you will have no trouble at all. Get them now and be the best you can.