Buying Your First Set of DJ Equipment

Setting yourself up with a whole rig of shiny-new DJ equipment for the first time can be exciting. But with so many options to choose from, it can also be surprisingly challenging.

The good news is that, with just a few basic pointers from the pros, narrowing things down to what you need does not have to be difficult. With costs in mind, these are 6 important tips for anyone looking to buy their first ever set of DJ equipment:

1. Establish Your Budget

Right off the bat, you will want to consider exactly how much you can comfortably afford to spend. Costs quickly climb when you start putting all the pieces together, hence it is important to figure out what kind of budget you are working with.

If you are set on going pro, you’ll also need to ensure you leave enough to one side to fund your everyday lifestyle, until your music starts paying the bills.

2. Shop Online for the Best Prices

It’s always wise to compare prices online! You will get the best possible deals by shopping with specialist online retailers with the lowest UK prices and ideally, free shipping on qualifying orders.

3. Consider DJ Finance

There is also the option of spreading the costs of your equipment purchase over several months or years with an affordable DJ finance package. If you have limited funds to play with right now, DJ finance could help you get hold of the gear you need for a small down payment.

4. Get a Quality Controller

Anyone starting out as a DJ for the first time should set their sights on a decent controller, which can then be hooked up to a laptop using major DJ software like Traktor or Serato. You will need a good pair of headphones and a decent set of speakers too, but there is a good chance you will be able to hook up the gear you have already got at home to your DJ controller.

5. Tempted by Turntables?

It’s worth considering during the early days at least whether you really need a set of turntables. As most DJs these days choose a digital setup for simplicity and added versatility, you might not necessarily need classic decks at all. Bear in mind that if you go with decks, you’ll have the added costs of a mixer, needles, cartridges, speakers, slip mats and so on to factor into the equation.

6. Independent Reviews and Recommendations

You will find some of the most helpful information out there in the form of real-life customer reviews and recommendations.

Likewise, it’s a good idea to direct your questions at independent retailers, rather than those owned by or affiliated with big brands. Unless you can count on their advice as honest and unbiased, it’s advice you shouldn’t be listening to!