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Originally posted from and thanks to FM:
So, you want to be a DJ huh...?
Yet of course have no clue what to buy...
Hopefully this basic guide helps a little bit...
A lot of what you end up buying will depend on your budget/how much you have available. Also, there are usually numerous makes and models of certain equipment. Buy what you think is the best, or that you're most comfortable with using (everyone's style is a little different). If you can test them somewhere (store, friend's house), it's highly recommended to do so.
Either way, look to probably spend anywhere from as low as 6/700 to as high as 4000 for a whole setup...(US $)
Turntables
First off, only get a direct drive turntable. The reason is in the terminology: belt drive is just that..driven by a belt. The startup/slowdown time is a little slower and it's harder to cue and manipulate...stay away from those.
Despite all the arguments and wonders, Technics are still the ones to get. MKII's as the baseline will run around ~$700/pair, give or take, and depending on where you get them from (used is cool if possible). The main reasons being is that they are the industry "standard" and if you decide not to pursue this/sell them off down the road, you will get back nearly, if not 100% of what you paid for them (provided of course you didn't treat them like pure shite...which is a semi-oxymoron because any Technic will still work even if beaten down ).
Buying second-hand? Try to test them first if you can, to make sure no serious services may be needed. It's usually little things as is; tone arm holder is a little loose, tone arm weights may be a slight bit off, slider may not fully click at 0, etc., most of which can be fixed for a small fee...overall most sales though are legit.
If you still don't think so for some reason, think you may do this for the short term, or maybe aren't looking to play out somewhere, Numark and Stanton make some good turntables. The kicker as mentioned above though is that they'll wear faster then the Technics (even if cared for properly)...but their features in many cases rival those of the Technics.
Styli
Need something to play records with..
Ask yourself: will I be scratching a lot, or just playing out? If you're a beginner, I'd lay off the scratching anyway as is; you've a lot more to learn first before trying to scratch.
Types
A styli that is reserved for the higher priced models is the Linear Contact (LC). This type of styli provides a vertical contact area several times more than that of the elliptical, thus enabling it to respond to minute grove modulations.
The elliptical stylus has two radii, with the front being wider than the side radius. Elliptical styli are available in several sizes, such as 0.2 x 0.7 mil, 0.3 x 0.7mil and 0.4 x 0.7 mil. The first number is the side radius. The smaller the side radius, the better its music retrieval potential.
The conical stylus is probably the most widely used stylus. This is because it usually comes as an original part of a fully equipped standard turntable. It is the simplest and least expensive among all of the styli shapes. Its spherical tip, typically with a radius of 0.7 mil, touches the center of the groove walls. The conical stylus can be found with lower to moderately priced turntables.
Ortofons are usually a great brand to go with. Again, depends on your budget, but don't get any dirt-cheap styli; you'll wreck your records (and the styli) in no time.
To start with, I'd get something probably more in the conical range, depending on prices in your area....you don't need "perfect" sound quality in your bedroom (unless you're running a club-sized soundsystem) and you can save some bucks now...down the road when you get better and want to play out, it's best to upgrade then.
Also, when you do get to play out, ALWAYS carry a backup set with you if you can...they come in mighty handy.
Styli typical life shelf is around the 300 hour mark, so you should replace them after such time.
Mixers
Mixers are somewhat to personal preference. I'd rank features in order of importance as:
1. Channels: 2 fr the basic obviously (but try to have at least 3 or 4 for some expansion).
2. Split Cue in headphones (very important in listening and distinguishing the records when matching beats).
3. EQ controls (High, Mid, Low); preferably on individual channels.
4. Other: Kill Switches, BPM Counters, FX, etc.
You can get a simple one for around $100 (less in some cases), Pioneer's are a top choice for many (DJM-300, 500 or 600), Rane's & the Xone 64 if you've got serious cash to burn, while Numark's and the like are good alternatives. Some slag on the Behringer 700, but I kinda like it.
My philosophy is this: if it's in the home/bedroom, isn't going to really go anywhere, and is used on a simple lower-wattage system, no need to buy a top-brand mixer unless you seriously have the money and are serious enough about doing this. Mixers are usually built ok, and as long as you aren't slamming the crap out of it, the parts will last a reasonable amount of time (but yes, certain models are made pretty poorly and won't last very long at all....be forewarned).
Headphones
Sony 500/700/900 seem to be the most common ones and the Pioneer 1000's are pretty nice...again whatever the budget says...but something reasonable, because otherwise it's going to sound like mush when you're listening in them.
A lot of the top-end models (900, Pioneer 1000, Technics, etc.) all pretty much have the same specs (impedance, maximum decibel level, etc.), so there it's going to come down to what feels better on the ears and the head. Again, try and test a model or 2 if you can. I love my Pioneer's for example, others don't care for the feel. Personal preference.
CD Players
Ok, so you want to mix CD's instead of records. Fine, don't let people tell you otherwise...it's never what you use, but how you use it and the output that counts the most.
A LOT of this comes down to personal preference and features. Pioneer's & Denon's however are usually the 2 brands to best go with. Pioneer's make more of the single play units; Denon's make the dual deck units. Again the same reason applies with the Technics; buy the better brand, because you'll get a high return if you decide to sell them off for whatever reason need be.
A simple model to start with are the Pioneer CDJ-100's. They usually do the trick nicely. Comparable on the Denon side would be a DN-2100 for dual deck (if you can find them since they are no longer made), or the 2600-F (same deal).
Splurging? CDJ-1000's from Pioneer bar none. MKII's if you can But if you really like the Denon 5000's better, I won't argue too heavily against it...
Then of course there's the Technic DZ-1200's if you like cool, new stuff...ahh the choices are plentiful.
Monitors
JBL, Peavey, and EAW's are all good brands...should only need a lower-end model wattage-wise anyway, unless you can seriously crank the tunage out in your place w/o violating 37 local noise ordinances. 1 can suffice; 2 if you can spring for it. They beat computer speakers as is...
*************************************
Finally, stay off of the DJ-in-a-box kits..I've always hated those, as while they might give you some half-decent decks, the mixer tends to be lower-grade sometimes (brand dependent), and the headphones definitely blow...always better to piece together stuff, as you can build up exactly what you want and find the best prices overall.
Also, try to spend the money on the decent/better equipment. You'll learn how to mix and mix more properly vs. working on crappy equipment...and learn quicker.
This is also by no means a complete list, but a guide to help you get started.
So, you want to be a DJ huh...?
Yet of course have no clue what to buy...
Hopefully this basic guide helps a little bit...
A lot of what you end up buying will depend on your budget/how much you have available. Also, there are usually numerous makes and models of certain equipment. Buy what you think is the best, or that you're most comfortable with using (everyone's style is a little different). If you can test them somewhere (store, friend's house), it's highly recommended to do so.
Either way, look to probably spend anywhere from as low as 6/700 to as high as 4000 for a whole setup...(US $)
Turntables
First off, only get a direct drive turntable. The reason is in the terminology: belt drive is just that..driven by a belt. The startup/slowdown time is a little slower and it's harder to cue and manipulate...stay away from those.
Despite all the arguments and wonders, Technics are still the ones to get. MKII's as the baseline will run around ~$700/pair, give or take, and depending on where you get them from (used is cool if possible). The main reasons being is that they are the industry "standard" and if you decide not to pursue this/sell them off down the road, you will get back nearly, if not 100% of what you paid for them (provided of course you didn't treat them like pure shite...which is a semi-oxymoron because any Technic will still work even if beaten down ).
Buying second-hand? Try to test them first if you can, to make sure no serious services may be needed. It's usually little things as is; tone arm holder is a little loose, tone arm weights may be a slight bit off, slider may not fully click at 0, etc., most of which can be fixed for a small fee...overall most sales though are legit.
If you still don't think so for some reason, think you may do this for the short term, or maybe aren't looking to play out somewhere, Numark and Stanton make some good turntables. The kicker as mentioned above though is that they'll wear faster then the Technics (even if cared for properly)...but their features in many cases rival those of the Technics.
Styli
Need something to play records with..
Ask yourself: will I be scratching a lot, or just playing out? If you're a beginner, I'd lay off the scratching anyway as is; you've a lot more to learn first before trying to scratch. Types
A styli that is reserved for the higher priced models is the Linear Contact (LC). This type of styli provides a vertical contact area several times more than that of the elliptical, thus enabling it to respond to minute grove modulations.
The elliptical stylus has two radii, with the front being wider than the side radius. Elliptical styli are available in several sizes, such as 0.2 x 0.7 mil, 0.3 x 0.7mil and 0.4 x 0.7 mil. The first number is the side radius. The smaller the side radius, the better its music retrieval potential.
The conical stylus is probably the most widely used stylus. This is because it usually comes as an original part of a fully equipped standard turntable. It is the simplest and least expensive among all of the styli shapes. Its spherical tip, typically with a radius of 0.7 mil, touches the center of the groove walls. The conical stylus can be found with lower to moderately priced turntables.
Ortofons are usually a great brand to go with. Again, depends on your budget, but don't get any dirt-cheap styli; you'll wreck your records (and the styli) in no time.
To start with, I'd get something probably more in the conical range, depending on prices in your area....you don't need "perfect" sound quality in your bedroom (unless you're running a club-sized soundsystem) and you can save some bucks now...down the road when you get better and want to play out, it's best to upgrade then.
Also, when you do get to play out, ALWAYS carry a backup set with you if you can...they come in mighty handy.
Styli typical life shelf is around the 300 hour mark, so you should replace them after such time.
Mixers
Mixers are somewhat to personal preference. I'd rank features in order of importance as:
1. Channels: 2 fr the basic obviously (but try to have at least 3 or 4 for some expansion).
2. Split Cue in headphones (very important in listening and distinguishing the records when matching beats).
3. EQ controls (High, Mid, Low); preferably on individual channels.
4. Other: Kill Switches, BPM Counters, FX, etc.
You can get a simple one for around $100 (less in some cases), Pioneer's are a top choice for many (DJM-300, 500 or 600), Rane's & the Xone 64 if you've got serious cash to burn, while Numark's and the like are good alternatives. Some slag on the Behringer 700, but I kinda like it.
My philosophy is this: if it's in the home/bedroom, isn't going to really go anywhere, and is used on a simple lower-wattage system, no need to buy a top-brand mixer unless you seriously have the money and are serious enough about doing this. Mixers are usually built ok, and as long as you aren't slamming the crap out of it, the parts will last a reasonable amount of time (but yes, certain models are made pretty poorly and won't last very long at all....be forewarned).
Headphones
Sony 500/700/900 seem to be the most common ones and the Pioneer 1000's are pretty nice...again whatever the budget says...but something reasonable, because otherwise it's going to sound like mush when you're listening in them.
A lot of the top-end models (900, Pioneer 1000, Technics, etc.) all pretty much have the same specs (impedance, maximum decibel level, etc.), so there it's going to come down to what feels better on the ears and the head. Again, try and test a model or 2 if you can. I love my Pioneer's for example, others don't care for the feel. Personal preference.
CD Players
Ok, so you want to mix CD's instead of records. Fine, don't let people tell you otherwise...it's never what you use, but how you use it and the output that counts the most.
A LOT of this comes down to personal preference and features. Pioneer's & Denon's however are usually the 2 brands to best go with. Pioneer's make more of the single play units; Denon's make the dual deck units. Again the same reason applies with the Technics; buy the better brand, because you'll get a high return if you decide to sell them off for whatever reason need be.
A simple model to start with are the Pioneer CDJ-100's. They usually do the trick nicely. Comparable on the Denon side would be a DN-2100 for dual deck (if you can find them since they are no longer made), or the 2600-F (same deal).
Splurging? CDJ-1000's from Pioneer bar none. MKII's if you can But if you really like the Denon 5000's better, I won't argue too heavily against it...
Then of course there's the Technic DZ-1200's if you like cool, new stuff...ahh the choices are plentiful.
Monitors
JBL, Peavey, and EAW's are all good brands...should only need a lower-end model wattage-wise anyway, unless you can seriously crank the tunage out in your place w/o violating 37 local noise ordinances. 1 can suffice; 2 if you can spring for it. They beat computer speakers as is...
*************************************
Finally, stay off of the DJ-in-a-box kits..I've always hated those, as while they might give you some half-decent decks, the mixer tends to be lower-grade sometimes (brand dependent), and the headphones definitely blow...always better to piece together stuff, as you can build up exactly what you want and find the best prices overall.
Also, try to spend the money on the decent/better equipment. You'll learn how to mix and mix more properly vs. working on crappy equipment...and learn quicker.
This is also by no means a complete list, but a guide to help you get started.
