What do I need to become a DJ?

If you're considering investing in DJ equipment, either just for fun at home or for going out and doing paid gigs, it's important to know what you need to get started. There are so many options for DJ Gear in 2020 and at such a wide range of costs & qualities, it can be quite confusing to a newcomer / an old-timer that's looking to update and adapt to more contemporary technology.

Top-end brands and their equipment can run into the thousands and is completely unnecessary for the majority of DJs that are just fade mixing and using setlists for general parties and weddings. DJ equipment has changed significantly over the last few decades, with the switchover initially from traditional vinyl of the 70s and 80s, into the 90s CD era and now to MP3 / digitally stored media. This has drastically altered the equipment required to integrate with modern sound systems, with turntables and tabletop CD systems making way for laptops and DJ Controllers.

The "glory days" of nightclubs and discos were all based on physical media formats and these were the tools of the trade for mobile and bedroom DJs until quite recently. Though both vinyl and CD are still going strong, with enthusiasts for each defending their beloved formats, the majority of modern working DJ’s will be using all digital setups just simply for ease of use and transport, with all their library being accessible from a laptop or USB drives, etc.

With all that said, the year is now 2020 and technology has never been simpler to use! Once you've built a cracking lineup of tracks that is going to please your intended crowd get yourself stuck into some DJ essentials. First things first - here's what you'll need to become a DJ:

Naturally, the very first item to get your hands on is a DJ Controller as this is the main hub of your performance, YouTube is bursting with content that will teach you all you need to know to get the disco ball rolling which may indeed be taught on a different DJ Controller, however, the terminology used will be the same, so using this more affordable controller will be a doddle after a wee bit of practice.

Of course, you'll need some headphones to go with your setup too so you can queue the next track up, luckily we have you covered there too! Additionally, it's always a good idea to have your own mixer nearby so you can personally control your audio output entirely, keeping it balanced and sounding professional. This mixer also has an XLR Microphone input with loads of onboard vocal effects, but we'll discuss this more in a while.

Cost so far: £312.99

Now for something to mount it all upon!

Any self-respecting DJ brings along a couple of stands at least! Granted, sometimes the venue may have them there already but you cannot bank on all of them having the gear you need to make your set go without a hitch, even if you do end up having to leave them in the car you absolutely must grab your own gear as you can never be too sure. These stands will house your controller, mixer and your laptop computer comfortably, letting you focus on your mixing.

Cost so far: £512.98

Finishing touches

Not imperative for folk starting out, but a good first impression is always key for repeat business, here we've added a few effect kits and a light bridge to hang them onto. This will give your set some visual flair and ensure you stand out from the rest of the pack. If followed to the letter, you'll have lasers & strobes on the go, a couple of spotlights and even your own smoke machine to get the optimal results from your lighting, also included in the list is one of our "Jellyballs" An EM Bestseller that reacts to your beats, this can be placed by your feet while the translucent material on the DJ stand mentioned above allows this lighting through without revealing all of your unsightly cables and other gear.

Cost so far: £702.98

Going the extra mile

Contrary to the title of this blog, items 9 and 10 are in no way necessary, they're merely additional ideas. As mentioned earlier the mixer has XLR Inputs and here you have a great little microphone kit to help address or even sing to your dancefloor, whatever you feel like! If you're doing a DJ set and there are youngsters present, hook up a little bubble machine and watch all your future bookings come rolling in, you've truly got an act that has something for everybody and in a world where everybody does very similar things to one other, standing out is the best thing you can possibly do!

Total Cost: £763.07

At ElectroMarket, we're dedicated to helping the patrons of our industry deliver an astounding party experience for all without bursting the bank account. For a little over £750, you'll have everything you need to begin making it happen in the DJ industry. This gear will pay for itself over a few of your gigs and is such a great financial investment you can carry forward into the future! Be brave, take the plunge and see where it leads you!