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Digital DJ Equipment
Digital DJ equipment is currently the most used by DJs to play and mix music. Unlike traditional
DJ setups, which use two turntables and a DJ mixer, digital DJ systems rely on computers and
specialized DJ software to play or mix music.
But even CD players have now been equipped with all digital refinements and can score with numerous functions, ease of use, and large displays.
Whether you're looking to transition from a classic setup to the digital realm or searching for a new DJ controller, this guide on digital DJ equipment will surely help you!
Digital DJ Equipment and Accessories in the 21st Century
DJing without record crates - that was unthinkable until a few years ago. Today, laptops, streaming options, and controllers can easily replace the turntable. The digital revolution is making itself felt.
There are some advantages that DJ controllers offer over traditional DJ setups:
- Space-saving: DJ controllers are typically more compact and lighter than traditional DJ setups, as no turntable or DJ mixer is required. This makes them ideal for DJs on the go or playing in smaller spaces.
- Simplicity: DJ controllers are usually easier to use than traditional DJ setups. They have knobs and buttons that help the DJ manipulate and mix the music. Often there are tutorial functions or useful mixing tools to help new DJs navigate.
- More features: DJ controllers often offer more features than traditional DJ setups, as they can access DJ software that offers many useful functions, such as creating cue points and loops, editing pitch and tempo, and adding effects.
- Flexibility: With a DJ controller, you can play music from various sources, such as an external hard drive or a streaming service. This gives DJs more flexibility in choosing the music they want to play.
- The price: Both purchasing a simple entry-level controller and digital music or streaming options are much more affordable than searching for rare vinyl records in record stores.
Should I buy a DJ controller or opt for a CDJ player with mixer?
The choice between a DJ controller and a CDJ player with mixer ultimately depends on your personal preferences and needs. If you're on a limited budget and seeking a simple, flexible way to play and mix music, a DJ controller might be the better choice.
However, if you're looking for the best possible audio quality and are willing to spend more, a CDJ player with mixer could be the better option. It's also worth considering future scenarios, as virtually all clubs and festivals worldwide feature a CDJ player and mixer setup, which DJs should know how to operate.
For beginners, we always recommend starting with an affordable controller paired with reputable software like Serato or rekordbox. There, you can learn and explore all the basics.
The next step would then either be a professional controller mirroring the club layout, as found in the CDJ+mixer combination. This way, you get a good feel on the controller and can handle the "big" devices as well. Alternatively, in the semi-professional realm, an XDJ player + mixer could be an option if you can do without a CD slot.
Here's an overview of the pros and cons between a DJ controller, a CDJ setup, and a traditional setup with turntables:
Pros | Cons | |
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DJ Controller |
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CDJ Setup |
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Traditional Setup |
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No Such Thing as Bad Sound
Digital music isn't considered music, so say die-hard turntable fans. The sound of vinyl certainly outshines digital sources like CDs and MP3s due to their analog signal. Analog audio signals have smooth curves, whereas digital signals form curves with an approximate stair-step pattern.
However, sound losses can still be kept within limits with digital signals. How noticeably the sound loses its richness depends mainly on the sampling rate. High-resolution formats like FLAC or the good old lossless WAV have also made their way into modern devices. Thus, the aspect of vinyl sounding better can actually be disregarded.
By the way, the revolutions play a major role in good sound. 7" and 12" singles spin at 45 revolutions per minute, with high cutting and playback speed. Hence, they sound almost like a master tape due to the high dynamic range.
The Truth About Digital Creativity
Aside from poorer sound quality, digital DJing is criticized by many for being something anyone can do. With analog DJing, mixtapes were still mixed using real records and with a lot of effort on turntables and mixers. The quality of a mix back then largely depended on the person behind the equipment. To become a disc jockey, one really had to understand their craft.
The digital revolution is increasingly making DJs' work easier:
The art of timing is now taken care of by
software programs. However, those who demonize digital DJing as uncreative are missing out on professional
optimization opportunities for their own art. Apart from the mass market, the digital equipment market
offers noteworthy solutions without vinyl pressing, and without any loss of quality. Creativity
also remains with digital DJing: It's just different.
Further Links
- The best DJ controllers under 300 euros
- The best DJ turntable for beginners
- DJ Mixer vs. Controller - What's better for your setup?
- Ultimate DJ Setup Guide - Everything you need to know about the right equipment for DJing
- Pioneer DJ Controller - Comparison of all DJ controllers
- Pioneer CDJ Buying Guide - Which Pioneer CDJ is best for you?
- Pioneer DJM Mixer - Comparison of all Pioneer DJ mixers