Just like you, many of us were once beginner DJs. The world of DJ gear can seem overwhelming, but when you’re just starting out all you really need is a simple setup with a few key pieces of equipment.
We’re here to help you find everything you need to practise at home, develop your skills, and – most importantly – have some fun! Let’s get straight into the gear.
What you need to DJ
The big decision – a DJ controller setup or a turntable & mixer setup? A DJ controller is needed for DJ’ing with a laptop and digital music. A turntable and mixer, on the other hand, are needed for DJ’ing with vinyl records.
You’ll also need:
- Laptop with DJ software (if you choose the DJ Controller approach)
- Speakers
- Headphones
- Cables
Have all the gear but no idea? Check out how to DJ with our step-by-step guide.
DJ Controller – for DJ’ing with a computer
A DJ controller lets you DJ with digital music and a computer, instead of with traditional vinyl. DJ controllers often feature two decks and a mixer combined in a single unit, so you’ll get the complete DJ experience with a digital setup. If you want to DJ with your iTunes collection or other digital music, this is the way to go.
It connects to your laptop via USB, so it’s easy to get set up. Plus, you won’t need more than a 2-channel DJ controller to grasp the basic techniques of DJ’ing as this will let you mix from track to track. Many controllers feature additional production tools such as performance pads for triggering hot cues, loops, and samples. You’ll also find some controllers with mic inputs, built-in effects, and other handy DJ tools.
DJ controllers often come complete with DJ software to get you started on your journey, letting you import your curated collection of music to mix to your heart’s content.
Hercules DJ Control Inpulse 500
The Hercules DJ Control Inpulse 500 provides a comprehensive setup for beginners and seasoned DJs.
Despite being a compact controller that’s easy to set up, it features large jog wheels for precise control over your music, allowing you to make subtle adjustments to pitch and timing, ensuring seamless track blending. And for extra portability, the Inpulse 500 runs on USB power and has built-in retractable feet.
The controller’s 16 RGB performance pads are perfect for creating loops, cue points, and build-ups. They can also trigger samples and sound effects. Onboard filters and effects, including a dedicated hardware filter on the audio input, allow you to craft unique transitions and drops with ease.
What sets the Inpulse 500 apart, however, are the BeatMatching Guide and Intelligent Music Assistant. The BeatMatching Guide helps you fine-tune your mixes, while the Intelligent Music Assistant suggests tracks that complement your current selection, allowing you to focus more on your performance.
The Inpulse 500 delivers high-resolution sound, powered by Velvet Sound digital signal processing from AKM. It comes with Serato DJ Lite and DJUCED software, enabling you to start mixing straight out of the box and explore advanced features exclusive to these programs. If you want something slightly smaller, the Inpulse 200 is a great choice.
For a deeper dive into the controller, check out our Inpulse 500 review and how it compares to the 200.
Numark Party Mix II 2-Channel DJ Controller
The Numark Party Mix II 2-Channel DJ Controller is a great little starter controller.
It’s compact and has the essentials you need for DJ’ing – volume faders, EQs, and free Serato DJ software.
It’s all in the name – the Party Mix II is fun to use and puts on a show.
With integrated LED lights that synchronise to the beat of your music and large jog wheels for incredible accuracy in timing and pitch, this controller goes further than just a portable entry-level piece of gear; it lets you scratch and practise various techniques with precision.
The features are of professional quality. Each channel has a two-band EQ, filter effect knobs, and four performance pads for triggering things like loops, effects, and your custom samples.
The pitch sliders are easy to use and you can sort through your songs effortlessly via the library controls.
Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S2 MK3
Check out this portable, USB-powered, club-ready DJ controller: the Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S2 MK3.
Using Native Instruments’ included Traktor Pro 4 software, you’ll get mixing in minutes with NI’s own Getting Started videos and series of ‘TruTorials’.
Features of the latest Traktor Pro version include high-quality stem separation courtesy of AI and iZotope’s RX technology, flexible beatgrids, and the Pattern Player, which provides the sounds of iconic drum machines.
This controller is the perfect gateway to DJ’ing – you’ll be able to practise your skills on the same software used by professionals.
Turntables and mixer – for DJ’ing with vinyl records
The traditional method of DJ’ing involves a twin turntable and mixer setup. Before digitised music collections and laptop integration, a DJ setup would often be humble and non-flashy whilst lending itself to creative performances.
Turntables and mixers come in a variety of different shapes and sizes, all doing similar jobs with slightly different variations. Below, we have included some of our favourites that blend functionality and usability at a great price.
Technics SL-1200 MK7 DJ Turntable
The Technics SL-1200 MK7 DJ Turntable builds on the legendary SL-1200 lineage, offering precision, durability, and performance for DJs of all levels.
Its S-shape tonearm is made from lightweight aluminium, which helps reduce wear on your records and keeps your stylus tracking perfectly. The white stylus illuminator is a handy touch, especially in low-light conditions.
A resonance-free platter with two layers of aluminium and deadening rubber ensures consistent, clean playback every time. It’s a solid, reliable foundation for your mixing.
Thanks to digital pitch control, tempo adjustments are super accurate. It’s great for smooth mixing and cuts down on issues like wow and flutter.
The coreless direct drive motor then keeps playback stable and is perfect for scratching or tight transitions.
Audio Technica AT-LP140XP Direct Drive DJ Turntable
The Audio Technica AT-LP140XP Direct Drive DJ Turntable is a premium turntable perfect for both DJs and music enthusiasts.
It features a DC servo direct-drive motor, providing consistent and reliable performance, whilst an adjustable dynamic anti-skate control and dedicated phono-level output ensure excellent sound quality.
The S-shaped tonearm with adjustable tracking force enhances audio performance across different records.
Plus, the turntable has an AT-HS6 headshell and AT-XP3 DJ cartridge with a conical bonded stylus for exceptional audio fidelity.
And thanks to a die-cast aluminium platter, you have the stability and precision that’s ideal for scratching and mixing.
SubZero 2 Channel Mini DJ Mixer
The SubZero 2 Channel Mini DJ Mixer has all the essentials – volume dial, two-band EQ, and 30dB on each channel. Easy, simple to use, and perfect for starting out!
Laptop with DJ software
Your laptop is the brains of the operation. This will hold your digital music collection that you cue up in your playlist for creative mixing and beat-matching.
There are many different DJ software available that all feature professional tools to do your job effectively. Two of the most popular software programs available currently are Serato DJ Pro and Rekordbox, both of which offer fantastic integration to many DJ controllers for a seamless setup and easy-to-use performance tools. Read our guide to DJ software here, we compare the two giants – Serato and Rekordbox – as well as offer some great alternatives.
Another great piece of DJ software is Native Instruments Traktor Pro 4. It’s renowned for its studio-grade effects, stem separation, and the ability to stay in sync across all four decks. Plus, the Traktor Pro 4, the latest version of the software, includes flexible beatgrids and a Pattern Player, which gives you iconic drum machine sounds.
If you’re struggling to make a decision, it’s worth researching the controller you want to purchase as often these come complete with software. This will give you a good idea of what it’s capable of and should inform you if you want to change software depending on your needs.
Speakers/studio monitors
A pair of studio monitors is an ideal way to listen back to your tracks and mixes to make sure they will sound great on larger speaker systems in live music venues. They project all the details of your mix and provide you with a more interactive experience that lets you get in the groove more so than any other way of listening back to your music.
It’s worth remembering that the bigger the studio monitor, the more headroom and bass you’ll achieve in your sound. This may not always be ideal for small, compact home studios.
If you have a larger room with more space, you could invest in larger speakers or even a subwoofer for a really punchy sound – it’ll make you feel like you’re playing mainstage at Tomorrowland!
Adam Audio D3V Desktop Studio Monitor System
The Adam Audio D3Vs are perfect if you need a pair of compact desktop monitors with a bass response that belies their size.
With 3.5-inch aluminium woofers and dual-sided passive radiators, they can produce frequencies as low as 45 Hz, while hand-folded 1.5-inch D-ART tweeters ensure crystal-clear high frequencies.
What’s more, the monitors boast DSP room acoustics switches, meaning they deliver a consistent sound regardless of their environment or placement.
In essence, they fix any audio issues that might arise from poor speaker placement or room acoustics, so you can have a studio-quality mix even with a less-than-ideal setup.
Plus, practically, they’re a dream to use. As well as a USB-C input for convenient connectivity to computers and mobile phones, the D3V monitors come with a headphone output and detachable stands.
Presonus Eris 3.5 (2nd Gen) Studio Monitors
Ideal for multimedia and DJ purposes, the Presonus Eris Monitors ensures an even response across the full frequency range.
A wealth of connectivity options ensures that no matter how you’re setting up your DJ system, you will always be able to fit in these speakers. The rear panel features RCA and balanced TRS inputs for easy connections to your gear, while the front-panel 1/8-inch Aux In lets you quickly plug in mobile devices. A built-in headphone output on the front panel is ideal for private listening sessions.
With 25 watts of power per side, they offer a strong low-end response with exceptional clarity. Their improved speaker voicing ensures smoother transitions and precise audio reproduction, perfect for music production, video editing, or even gaming.
You can also customise the sound to suit your space with the high- and low-frequency controls. Whether you prefer deeper bass or a brighter treble, these monitors adjust easily. Compact and stylish, the Eris 3.5 fits perfectly into small spaces, making it a versatile addition to your studio.
For wireless use, opt for the Eris 3.5BT, which come with Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity.
KRK Rokit RP7 G5
Hugely popular, the KRK Rokit RP7 G5 Monitors are a fan favourite amongst DJs for their thumping sound with plenty of headroom to crank the volume.
A clear and focused sound ensures accurate recreation of your mix, giving you a proper idea of how your mix will translate to live venue speakers.
With a two-way system, they deliver exceptional clarity, thanks to an acoustic axis point positioned between the tweeter and woofer. For the best results, place the monitors so the acoustic axis aligns with your ear level. Adjustable angling ensures the sound is perfectly directed for your setup.
Equipped with bi-amplified Class D power, these monitors provide excellent transient response and dynamic range while maintaining consistent performance during long sessions. This makes them ideal for achieving professional-quality mixes.
Their robust design, featuring a 7-inch Kevlar woofer and a front-facing bass port, ensures precise low-end performance. The RP7 is a versatile choice for any studio. And thanks to a distinctive black enclosure with yellow trimmings, you’ll not only sound great but look great too!
DJ headphones
A good set of DJ headphones is an essential tool and the most convenient way to monitor and listen back to your mix. Block out outside noise and listen in detail to ensure you have your cue set up correctly before playing it through your home monitors or front-of-house PA.
The perfect DJ headphones should be extremely comfortable for long listening periods and have a closed-back design for optimised sound isolation.
SubZero SZ-MH200 Monitoring Headphones
The SubZero SZ-MH200 Monitoring Headphones deliver great-quality sound and exceptional clarity.
Tuned specifically for studio use, these headphones offer a wide dynamic range, making them ideal for mixing, editing, and general playback. With both a 3.5mm stereo plug and a 6.3mm adapter, they’re compatible with audio interfaces, mixers, computers, and mobile devices, ensuring versatility for any setup.
The closed-back earcups minimise sound leakage, keeping your recordings clean while providing an immersive, isolated listening experience – you’ll want this when DJing with headphones! The ergonomic pads ensure comfort during long sessions, and the non-slip headband stays securely in place.
With a three-metre cable, these headphones give you plenty of freedom to move without unplugging.
Offering professional features at an affordable price, the SZ-MH200 is a reliable addition to any studio or live setup.
Sennheiser HD 25 Headphones
An industry classic. Featuring an aluminium voice coil to ensure excellent transient response and signature Sennheiser sound, the HD 25 headphones are ideal for listening back to punchy electronic music.
Designed for noisy environments, their high attenuation of background noise ensures you hear every detail of your mix.
A compact design with an iconic headband and flip-away earcup lets you listen for prolonged periods, even with single-sided listening. The headphones are lightweight, adjustable, and perfect for long sets.
Plus, they’re built to last, with a robust construction and a tough, detachable cable that stands up to the demands of travel and performance.
AIAIAI TMA-2 DJ Wireless
Specifically designed for DJs, the AIAIAI TMA-2 DJ Wireless headphones let you customise your design to fit your needs.
These headphones feature customisable modular components, allowing you to swap out parts like earpads and headbands for a tailored experience.
There’s the H02 headband for stability and grip, E02 earpads for high isolation, and 40mm bio-cellulose diaphragm drivers for powerful, bass-heavy sound. This makes them perfect for loud environments like nightclubs, where you need to clearly hear those low-end frequencies.
However, one of the main USPs of these headphones is their wireless design. Using ultra-low latency and W+ Link technology, they give you an exceptionally stable connection that allows you to beatmatch with complete precision. It’s pretty much the ideal set of headphones for DJs – no restrictions, just an untethered, detailed mix with brilliant accuracy.
Durability meets comfort with the reinforced headband and soft PU leather earpads, ensuring stability during long sets.
With punchy audio fidelity and a user-friendly design, the TMA-2 DJ Wireless combines functionality, performance, and sustainability seamlessly.
Cables
Of course, without cables, you can’t make the magic happen! They may be the least glamorous part of your setup, but they’re essential for connecting everything together.
The more you expand your setup, the more cables you’ll need so it’s always worth stocking up, whether that’s RCA, USB, XLR, or 1/4-inch jack cables. A good point to remember, it’s always worth buying multiples of each should any of them fail on you during a performance.
Practise and have fun
Now that you know what you need to set up your own home-DJ studio, all that’s left to do is to fire up your gear, practise, and, most importantly, have fun. Why not take a look at our extensive range of products available to see how you can expand your setup in the future?
Thanks for the information ℹ plan on starting my own Dj