Ultimate DJ Setup Guide - Everything You Need to Know About the Right Gear for DJing

One of the most interesting things about being a DJ is the variety of electronic devices you encounter. Many people don't necessarily start out wanting to mix, but because they find all the blinking gadgets and tools interesting. Whatever your motivation, it's important that you think about the right setup and understand how everything relates to each other.

In the following guide, you'll get all the information you need to find the suitable DJ setup for you.

Here's the table of contents so you can quickly get to the setup you want:

• 01 Laptop DJ
• 02 Laptop + Soundcard
• 03 Laptop + Controller
• 04 Digital Standalone
• 05 Analog Standalone
• 06 Analog + Digital Standalone
• 07 Turntables + Controller
• 08 DVS System
• 09 Hybrid System
• 10 Hybrid Controller System
• 11 Live System
• 12 Live + DJ Software
• 13 Live + Standalone

It's important to know that you can start with a small budget, but there are practically no limits upwards. So it's good to start with a clear vision from the beginning and keep in mind what you want to achieve in the end.

Regardless of the type of setup we're talking about, there are 4 key points:

• 1. MEDIA - your music; it can be analog or digital
• 2. PLAYER - a software or device that plays the music
• 3. MIXER - this is where the tracks you want to play are mixed together sequentially; the mixer can be software or an external mixer; the media passing through the mixer are called MIX
• 4. SOUND - the signal from the mixer goes to the speakers (or to the amplifier if you're using passive speakers); we won't mention it in our setup examples because the sound system doesn't affect the DJ setup used, you just need to pay attention to the connections

The connection between these stations is through cables. Therefore, you should always pay attention to which inputs and outputs you have available when connecting your devices to the sound system.

Let's start with the most practical and accessible setup:

LAPTOP DJ

• MEDIA = Laptop
• PLAYER = Laptop
• MIXER = Laptop

The simplest setup is Laptop + Speakers.

In this case, you only need software, the most popular being Serato DJ, Traktor, rekordbox, and Virtual DJ.

Most DJ programs offer everything you need to mix: 2-4 decks (players), a mixer, effects. Initially, the software analyzes your music so you can perfectly synchronize the beats with the SYNC function, then you adjust the volume/eq to smoothly transition from one track to another.

The sound can be sent directly from the laptop output to two speakers.

It's a cheap and quick solution for small house parties, but the biggest drawback is that you're not using a real mixer with physical buttons, but the mouse, so sometimes you might accidentally cut off or boost the sound, you can't fine-tune the EQ, and you can't work on two channels simultaneously.

Hotkeys can be helpful but still not ideal. Also, it's worth noting that DJ software can consume a lot of processor and memory resources. At least a 2-core processor and 8 GB of RAM are recommended.

If you want to use headphones (which we highly recommend) to listen to your next track, you'll also need a soundcard for that.

In this case, the task of the soundcard is to distribute the sound coming from the computer, between the speakers and the headphones. With the software's CUE system, you can choose which channel to listen to through the headphones.

You might rightly wonder why the arrow is pointing from the soundcard to the headphones when the headphone cable should be plugged into the soundcard. In any case, the arrows indicate the direction of the signal.

In this case, the soundcard receives the signal from the laptop via a USB cable and then sends it to one channel to the speakers and the other to the headphones.

Desktop computers can be used in exactly the same way. An additional bonus is that it's very easy to record your mixes with the software.

LAPTOP + CONTROLLER

• MEDIA = Laptop
• PLAYER = Laptop >>>> Control via DJ Controller
• MIXER = Laptop >>> Control via DJ Controller

Let's think a little further about the previous configuration. As mentioned earlier, simply mixing with a laptop comes at the cost of user-friendliness.

DJ Controllers offer a solution to this problem. The difference is that the sound card in this case is built into a controller that not only distributes the sound but also assigns the functions of the software to the buttons, knobs, and jog wheels.

This means you can completely set aside the laptop and use the controller to select tracks, start them, increase or decrease volume, turn EQ knobs, and beatmatch with the jog wheels and pitch fader.

The laptop does the work in the same way; the controller is only used for software control, much like using a mouse, only much more convenient.

Through a USB cable, the controller communicates with the software. Two of the key elements are the jog wheels, which allow you to move the music back and forth. Once you've set the tempo, you might find that the beats don't align nicely. Therefore, you can gently adjust the track position with the jog wheel until the beats overlap correctly, creating smoother transitions.

Why do we need a Jog Wheel if we have a SYNC button?

In truth, we don't always need it, as the SYNC function simplifies the whole process with one button press, but it doesn't always work.

Sometimes the software fails to properly identify the music, and SYNC just doesn't work, requiring manual intervention. It also makes sense to learn ear-based beatmatching, as it can be useful when playing on a player that doesn't have this function, or doing a back2back session with another DJ who doesn't use it, or if you don't want to spend time mapping your music through the software (though it's recommended).

The controller is one of the most popular solutions because it's available in various price ranges and with many features. The software is easy to use, and most manufacturers provide the software itself. It's important to note that typically a specific controller works with one or at most two software programs and is tied to these.

Early controllers didn't offer the luxury of being mapped by the manufacturer, so it was necessary to assign each function of the software to the buttons and knobs of the controller individually.

Today, this is entirely unnecessary; we recommend buying a controller that is pre-mapped for a specific software. There are also unofficial mappings; for example, you can download a mapping for a controller developed for Rekordbox to use it with Traktor, but this rarely works well.

The exception is when you're a professional or have specific ideas and need a different set of functions. We'll address that later.

Why are there cheaper and more expensive controllers and what's the difference between them?

Prices are influenced by the following factors:

Quality of the sound card

If you're playing with a larger sound system, the issue with the built-in sound card will be the first problem that arises. The weaker the sound card, the greater the signal loss and the weaker the signal it can send through the sound system. Therefore, entry-level controllers are recommended for audiences of up to 50 people.

Number of channels

The number of channels you can control through the controller. Although most 2-channel controllers can be assigned to all 4 channels of the software, it's cumbersome to switch between them. If you're using all channels and sometimes layering 3-4 tracks, you definitely need the additional channels, although most DJs will only use up to 2 channels at a time.

Features and user-friendliness

How many functions can be assigned to the controller. Typically, even the simplest controller has at least 2x8 Hot Cue/Sampler Pads, Cue button, Play button, Pitch Fader, Jog Dials, EQ, Volume Fader, Browse function, Loop In/Out.

With more advanced controllers, you can control more effects; they have a more precise Pitch Fader, a larger and more responsive jog wheel, etc.

Jog wheels

If you can do without a lot of beatmatching/scratching, you don't need to worry much about the jog wheels. Traktor X1, Z1, Xone K2 Controllers are the ideal choice; Traktor S8, if you need more advanced features.

As a rule of thumb: the larger, the more comfortable, but anything with a diameter larger than 10 cm is quite usable. They typically come in a range from 11 to 21 cm.

Displays

Many manufacturers have revolutionized standard controllers, which still have the drawback of requiring you to look at the laptop. The most advanced controllers display important information on one (or more) screens, so you no longer have to look at the laptop while mixing.

Standalone capability

Does the controller work without a laptop or not? Expensive controllers even work without a computer. You can export your tracks assigned by the software to a USB drive, so you don't even need a laptop for DJing.

Connectivity options

While entry-level controllers usually have RCA outputs designed for smaller speakers, more advanced controllers have XLR outputs essential for larger sound systems to filter out signal losses and buzzing, especially when working with cables longer than 3-4 meters.

In larger applications, it's extremely important whether the controller has a BOOTH output for DJ monitor speakers or not. Also, pay attention to MIC inputs if you intend to use a microphone.

DIGITAL STANDALONE

• MEDIA = USB Stick / USB Hard Drive
• PLAYER = Standalone Digital Media Player
• MIXER = Standalone Mixer (can be analog or digital)

Now let's go the other way around. How do you DJ without a laptop?

If you don't have a laptop with you or don't want to work with one, of course, you need to bring your music on a USB stick.

In this case, the DJ Player is a standalone device with the following capabilities

• Determine where the track should start (CUE)
• Change (Bending) the tempo (PITCH FADER)
• Gently move the track back and forth (JOG WHEEL)

It can have many other functions, but these are the main ones.

The operating principle is exactly the same as an old iPod or mp3 player, but the 3 functions are nevertheless essential to overlay the music.

The CUE point must be set because you don't always start the track from 0:00:00, i.e., from the beginning.

The tempo must be synchronized. You cannot mix a track at 120 BPM with a track at 128 BPM, but the tempo must be set the same for both tracks with the PITCH FADER.

Once the tempo matches, you can gently switch from one track to another with the JOG WHEEL until the beats nicely overlap. This is one of the most important techniques for blending tracks well.

Other techniques can be used to create good transitions (e.g., HOT CUE, Sudden Cuts), but sooner or later, you'll need to learn correct beatmatching.

Although these functions are of crucial importance, many music stores sell players that do not have all three of the above-mentioned functions, which can be confusing for beginners. Therefore, we recommend buying from a store specializing in DJ equipment or at least one with a decent DJ department.

Typically recommended devices include Pioneer CDJs/XDJs, Denon Prime Media Players. Alternatively, you can use entry-level alternatives from Gemini, Omnitronic, and other manufacturers.

After obtaining the media player, the sound needs to be fed into a mixer. For beginners, it can be daunting to see all the connections on the back of a mixer, but basically, there are only inputs and outputs.

This is the operating principle of all mixers: Signal IN and Signal OUT.

The standard mixers have 2 channels, so you can connect the signal from 2 media players. In essence, you can connect as many media players to a mixer simultaneously as there are channels. Media players are almost always connected to the mixer via RCA cables.

A DJ Mixer has volume controls, EQ controls, and a CUE system for each channel.

The CUE system of the mixer (as well as the software) helps you ensure that while your audience is dancing to the track playing on a channel with the volume turned up, you can use headphones to listen to the next track you're about to play: you can set the CUE POINT, tempo, volume, and EQ setting so you can surprise your audience at the best possible moment with a smooth transition!

One of the great advantages of standalone mixers is that, thanks to their construction, they can also handle larger sound systems. Most mixers have XLR master outputs and BOOTH outputs.

You should always decide first how many channels you want to play on, as this determines how many players and how many channels you need for the mixer. If you're DJing alone, a 2-channel mixer is usually enough. For a DJ duo or multiple DJs taking turns, a 4-channel mixer is more practical, but it increases costs.

TIP: If you choose this setup, always bring at least 2 USB drives with music!
Sometimes the file system simply doesn't work, doesn't read the player, plays with noise, so it's always best to have a backup on hand!

ANALOG STANDALONE (Turntable)

• MEDIA = Vinyl Records
• PLAYER = Turntable
• MIXER = Standalone Mixer (can be analog or digital)

Therefore, a disc jockey is also a disc jockey. Until the early 2000s, when digital playback devices replaced turntables, this was the most common form of mixing. The main reason they have survived to this day is that many DJs have kept their collections on vinyl records.

The nostalgia, the tactile sensation, and the visual appeal are the main reasons that keep vinyl alive.

Even though they are somewhat heavy and fragile and susceptible to scratches and dirt (which later leads to a crackling sound), they are still a very reliable media format.

Here you don't have to deal with exporting music and formatting into the right file systems and you never have to worry about not being able to play (although skipping and some noises coming from the dirty or damaged surface can be a problem).

As long as the turntable works well and the cartridge is set to the right weight, you can be sure to play everything you have in your collection. The only thing you need to worry about are the heavy bags/flight cases.

The theory is exactly the same as the digital version, the difference lies in the handling of the tracks.

While with the digital playback device you move the music back and forth with the jog dial, here you literally tap the record or the turntable platter (the bolder ones use the pitch fader and accelerate/decelerate the music until the beats are perfectly synchronized).

Turntables are also popular among hip-hop and scratch DJs. Advanced digital playback devices can emulate scratching, but most scratch DJs still use vinyl records.

You should only buy direct-drive turntables if you intend to use them as a DJ. Belt-drive turntables should be avoided.

Direct-drive means that the turntable platter is rotated by the motor via a shaft. However, the shaft does not directly contact the motor, but rotates via magnets, so that the motor is not damaged if you hold the turntable platter still or move it back and forth while it is moving.

In contrast, belt drive works exactly the same as conventional washing machines. The motor and the platter are connected by a rubber belt, the motor turns the belt and the belt rotates the platter. If you move the platter in this case, the belt may slip or even break.

Therefore, belt drive is not recommended for DJ use.

For direct drive, the Technics 1200/1210 is the gold standard, but there are also many other affordable turntables on the market.

For all turntables, you need a cartridge with a needle (you can buy them together or separately). For DJ use, Ortofon Concorde or similar cartridges from Ortofon are recommended, but if you have a headshell cartridge included in the package, that's fine too. However, if you're spending money on it, you should opt for the Concordes.

If you decide to set up a turntable system, it's worth reading the basic settings, which will take about 10 minutes.

Once that's done, it works just like in the previous version: RCA cable into the Mixer (PHONO input) and you're good to go. Almost any mixer that works with digital playback devices also works with turntables, as long as it has a Phono input.

Those who mix with turntables cannot avoid learning beatmatching. Advanced digital players have SYNC buttons, but with turntables you have to do everything by ear, and that's what makes it so exciting.

ANALOG + DIGITAL STANDALONE

• MEDIA = Vinyl Records + USB Drive
• PLAYER = Turntable + Standalone Media Player
• MIXER = Standalone Mixer (can be analog or digital)

The two systems mentioned above can be combined. You can use a turntable and a digital player simultaneously, or 2+2 if you have a 4-channel mixer.

Why would you combine the two devices?

Quite simply: Some music is only available on vinyl and some only in digital form. This way, you can play everything and mix everything together. Since you mix by ear, you can either operate the jog wheel or use the record to keep everything nicely in sync.

The principle is the same, you just vary the type of players.

The setup with 2 turntables and 2 digital players is visually impressive and looks very professional, but consider that you need almost 2 meters of space if you set them all up side by side.

If space is tight, you'll need DJ stands (you can only place the digital players on stands, the turntables need to be on a flat surface).

TURNTABLES + CONTROLLER

• MEDIA = Laptop + Vinyl Records
• PLAYER = Laptop >>> Operated via DJ Controller + Turntable
• MIXER = Controller

With higher-end controllers, the standalone mixer functionality works - essentially as if you had a standalone mixer with built-in sound card integrated into the controller.

In this case, on the back of the controller are PHONO inputs, just like on the mixer. From here it's simple: turntables go into the PHONO input, the other two channels are controlled by the software, so you can mix just like before, but you need the laptop (unless the controller operates standalone).

DVS (Digital Vinyl System) / TIMECODE

• MEDIA = Laptop
• PLAYER = Laptop >>> operated via turntables + timecode vinyl
• MIXER: Standalone Mixer + External Sound Card / Standalone Mixer with Built-in Sound Card / Controller with Built-in Mixer

It seems like an inexplicable phenomenon when the DJ plays via vinyl and still has a laptop on the table. Especially when the same two tracks play all night, the needle on the player, but why do we still need the laptop?

Nothing is fake here, everything has its purpose.

Here's what you need:

• Laptop + DJ software with DVS functionality (most DJ programs are DVS-capable)
• Sound card (can be an external sound card, one built into the mixer, or a controller)
• 2 turntables
• 2 pieces of timecode vinyl
• Optional: controller, if you don't want to operate the laptop

In all cases, you connect the laptop to the sound card via a USB cable.

The turntables are connected to the input of the sound card (it's important to have a DVS-compatible sound card, as most sound cards do not have a PHONO input! e.g., Traktor Scratch A6, Pioneer Dj Interface 2, Denon DS1).

The 2 channels of the LINE inputs of the mixer are connected via the LINE output of the sound card.

The special timecode vinyl is placed on the turntable and controls the position of the music in the software. During normal playback, you only hear a constant beep, but the sound card converts this into a digital signal, allowing the software to play the music exactly as if it had been read from the vinyl.

Rotating the vinyl forward moves the music forward; rotating it backward moves the music backward; lifting the needle stops the sound; placing the needle at the beginning of the disc jumps the track to 0:00:00. Additionally, some settings in the software are required, which can be found on the manufacturers' websites.

With a mixer with a built-in sound card, no external card is needed. In this case, the USB cable is plugged into the mixer and the turntables into one of the PHONO channels of the mixer, and the necessary settings are made in the software. Depending on the mixer, additional settings may be required.

Make sure you do not select LINE as the input source for the channels to which you've connected the turntables, otherwise, you'll only hear an annoying whine. Always select USB as the signal source, as the sound comes via the USB cable from the laptop.

IMPORTANT: Each software manufacturer has its own timecode vinyl.

So, for example, you cannot use Serato timecode vinyl with Traktor.

Traktor X1 / Xone K2 controllers are very popular if you don't want to touch the laptop.

If you have a controller with a built-in mixer and PHONO inputs, you can also use DVS through it if you want to scratch.

LIVE + STANDALONE

• MEDIA: Laptop / Standalone drum machine / Synthesizer / Sampler
• PLAYER: Laptop / Standalone drum machine / Synthesizer / Sampler
• MIXER: Standalone mixer

For those even more adventurous, each of the above setups can be expanded with standalone devices such as drum machines, samplers, or synthesizers.

It's important that everything communicates via MIDI cables, that MIDI sync works, and that everything is in time. Like a media player, individual devices are fed into separate channels of a standalone mixer.

To be honest, the wiring and setup of everything yourself is a nightmare when doing it for the first time, but if you're determined enough, you can create some extremely unique and creative sets, of course with a lot of practice :)

Concluding Words

These (and everything in between) are currently the most common DJ setups.

Each has its pros and cons, but it's mostly a matter of personal preferences. Also, it's worth planning long-term.

For example, if you aim to perform in clubs, owners usually don't appreciate it if you mess up their well-installed mixer and digital players to make room for your laptop and controller. When it comes to live performances, of course, it's a different story.

If you have to set up your DJ equipment weekly at the venue where you perform, you should also consider comfort. It's no coincidence that wedding DJs perform with professional controllers and laptops. These fit into 2 flightcases and thus they have all the equipment they need for the performance.

For beginners, a starter controller is usually the best way to learn the basics of DJing. Those who want to perform live should first become familiar with the software - initially, nothing more than a computer and headphones are needed.

Those daring to become vinyl DJs should consider that vinyl records take up a lot of space. Vinyl is best stored in vinyl shelves and for transport, you need a bag for vinyl records, so they don't get damaged while traveling.

Before purchasing a device, make sure to carefully read the device dimensions in the product descriptions and whether you have enough space for them, if you need DJ stands or a larger table, if you'll be carrying them and if you need a bag.

If you understand the basics properly and take your job as a DJ seriously, you'll surely make the right decision. If you have further questions about equipment, feel free to contact us, and we'll be happy to assist!