Laptop DJ: Equipment and Must-Haves!
DJ’ing has become very popular in the last few years especially since technology has allowed a non-technical person to become a Pro DJ in a few weeks when equipped with the right Digital Scratching Tools available on laptops. This article will teach a person to DJ and what equipment they will need after the purchase of a laptop to start mixing beats like a pro.
Purchase a laptop. Look for a good brand Laptop that you know will not crash during a gig. If you are looking for a PC, I would recommend closely looking at customer reviews, talk to electronic store sales people, and even ask your friends what laptops they may recommend. The great thing about a PC is that a consumer can get a phenomenal computer with all the bells and whistles for a very affordable price. The problems PC’s face are viruses that infiltrate that operating systems and crash the hard drives erasure program, music, and important data.
Consider a Macbook. They are absolutely more money and don’t offer all the bells and whistles the new PC’s are coming out with, but they do offer stability, consistency, optimal performance, and are not nearly as susceptible to the viruses a PC can get.
Demo (trial) DJ Software before you buy it. You can get a bunch of free DJ programs to start with BUT these programs do not offer what the paid programs do. There are so many free programs that they are unnameable at this point but the ones that you should look into are Virtual DJ, Traktor, etc. These are programs that must be bought but offer things like, playlist controls, beat mixing features, sync mixing features, skins that look like real mixers, etc. The free programs will not do what you really need to do as a laptop DJ.
You can stop here if you just want to practice before getting into the equipment you’ll need to start DJ’ing gigs. You can even DJ smaller partied with good laptop speakers any time you want. To become an advance DJ with good sound equipment, move on to the next section.
You have your laptop and DJ Software, now you need a mixer. You have to plug your laptop into a mixer of some sort. You will output the speakers from your mixer. Mixers are fairly inexpensive and can be bought at your local music store. A 4 channel mixer would be fine. Some DJ Software Programs offer an USB external sound card. These sound boxes allow for separation of the Left and Right Channels. If you do purchase a usb external sound box you would run a 1/4″ cable out from the LEFT channel to channel 1 on the mixer. You would run a 1/4″ cable out from the RIGHT channel on the box to Channel 2 on the mixer.
IF you DO NOT have an USB external sound card, then you will be using the “OUT” or “Headphone” jack and run an 1/8″ out of the computer to 1/4″ into Channel 1 on the mixer.
You have your laptop, DJ program, Mixer, now you need speakers.To keep you set-up simple but still powerful, invest in POWERED (Active) speakers. (Speaker that you need to plug in to get to work). If you get passive (non-powered speakers) you will need separate amplifiers connected to you mixer. Powered speakers are more expensive but will punch/kick your music better and your dj set-up will be much simpler.
You have your laptop, DJ program, Mixer, now you need speakers. To keep you set-up simple but still powerful, invest in POWERED (Active) speakers. (Speaker that you need to plug in to get to work). If you get passive (non-powered speakers) you will need separate amplifiers connected to you mixer. Powered speakers are more expensive but will punch/kick your music better and your dj set-up will be much simpler. You will need 2 XLR cables. The female end will get plugged out from the mixer and into the speakers (Left/Right outputs). Buy 2 Speaker stands if possible.
You have your laptop, dj software, mixer (optional usb external sound card box), 1 1/’4 – 1/8″ cable, powered speakers, 2 xlr cables, and speaker stands. You just need your favorite music and you are ready to start practicing to become a pro DJ on a laptop.
DJ Tutorial: Self-Introduction & Equipment/Beatmatching Introduction
|
|
Gator*G-MIX-B-1515 Mixer Gig Bag*DJ Equipment Case NEW $39.99 |
|
|
CUE 6.0 PRO DJ MIXING SOFTWARE $393.21 CUE is the new standard in DJ software. Play audio and video files at the same time including: DVD MP3 WMA AC OGG VOB WM V DIVX MPG WA V AVI Karaoke (CDG) files and more. Mix scratch juggle and sample audio and video files with your choice of 4 custom designed interfaces. With VST plugins sampling looping video transitions and effects and more CUE s the next step in professional DJ software. BPM D… |
|
|
Pyle Pro PYD1270 12 Channel 2-BUS Mixing Console $111.13 - 4 Mono Input Channels (CH 1, 2, 3, 4) – 4 Stereo Input Channels (CH 5/6, 7/8, 9/10, 11/12) – Master & Phones/Control Room Level Controls – EFX Send Level Control – Stereo Headphones Jack – Main & Control Room Out Jacks 1/4” – Mono Effects Send 1/4” – Effects Send Routable to Control Room – Stereo Tape In & Out Jacks RCA – Tape Input Routing to Control Room and/or Mix – 5 Segment Dual LED Level… |
|
|
Pyle Pro PYD6070 6-Channel 2-BUS Compact Mixing Console $85.34 - 2 Mono Input Channels (CH 1, 2) – 2 Stereo Input Channels (CH 3/4, 5/6) – Master & Phones/Control Room Level Controls – EFX Return Level Control – Stereo Headphones Jack – Main & Control Room Out Jacks 1/4” – Mono Effects Send, Stereo Return 1/4” – Stereo Tape In & Out Jacks RCA – Tape Input Routing to Control Room and/or Mix – 5 Segment Dual LED Level Meters – Mono Channel Section – Gain, Pan… |
|
|
DJ Equipment: Mixing Console, Technics SL-1200, Final Scratch, Scratch Live, Cdj-1000, DJ Mixer, Cdj-500, Vinyl Emulation Software $20.25 … |
|
|
PylePro 4 Channel Professional Mixer (Refurbished) $89.99 4 Channel Professional Mixer |
|
|
DJ Tech U2 MKII All-in-one Mix Station $371.59 5 Effect with Real time control Filter, Flanger, Echo, Brake, ScratchAll-in-one solution: 2x Player + 1x MixerSong Data Base management to find songs quickly |
|
|
Acesonic AM-898 Karaoke Mixing Amplifier $589.99 The Acesonic AM-898 DSP Karaoke Mixing Amplifier is a powerful digital mixing amplifier that is perfect for your karaoke needs. This mixer is packed with 600 watts and loaded features that will satisfy your need for power and functionality. |
|
|
Numark NS7FX Motorized DJ Software Performance Controller Kit $1179.99 High-resolution digital DJ controller with effects, built for Serato ITCH and compatible with Scratch LIVE librariesDirect-drive, motorized turntable platters with classic and modern feel settings |
|
|
Acesonic KJV-835 400W Karaoke Mixing Amplifier $589.99 With a built-in 3.5-inch LCD display, MP3+G playback and WAV recording this Acesonic AM-835 rack-mountable karaoke mixing amplifier will change the way you karaoke. This amp allows recording of both audio track and on screen graphic during MP3+G playback. |
|
|
Behringer Pro Mixer Professional 5-Channel DJ Mixer with Advanced Digital Effects and BPM Counter $201.49 The new PRO MIXER DJX750 merges intuitive operation with built-in digital effects processing for clean, transparent sound that will set your dance floor on fire. This Behringer mixer features five channels with advanced effects for your customized dj set. |
|
|
Numark C3USB 5-channel Rack DJ Mixer with 2 USB Ports $220.06 Five-channel rack DJ mixerTwo (2) USB jacks, each assignable to input or outputUSB input for connecting computers for audio input |
|
|
PylePro PEMP6 6 Channel Professional Stereo Console Mixer $198.49 6 Input Channels With Xlr ConnectionLow Noise High Precision Microphone Preamplifiers6 Trs 1/4-inch Line Input |
|
|
PylePro 2-channel USB/ iPod DJ Mixer $75.99 3-band EQ, Gain, and Volume control per channelMaster level controlMicrophone input with Gain, Tone control |
|
|
Pyramid 19-inch Rack Mount 4-channel Professional Mixer (Refurbished) $78.49 2 Turntable/8 Line Level (CD, Cassette Deck, Minidisk, Etc)/ 2 Mic Inputs7-Band Graphic Equalizer for Right Left ChannelsIndividual Rotary Controls for Mic Bass Treble |
|
|
PylePro 8 Channel Mixer With RCA/XLR/8 TRS Line Inputs, LED Indicators, 3 Band EQ $199.99 8 Input Channels With Xlr ConnectionLow Noise, High Precision Microphone Preamplifiers8 Trs 1/4-inch Line Input |
|
|
Pyle 19-inch Rack Mount 4-channel Professional Mixer (Refurbished) $89.99 4 x U 19-inch rack mount mixer4 x stereo channels3 x band rotary EQ control for MASTER |
|
|
DJ-Tech DDM-3000R Professional Red DJ Mixer $408.56 Professional 4-channel ultra-low noise DJ mixer with stylish, red designState-of-the-art 24-bit digital effects with advanced parameter control |
|
|
Pyle PYD725 Audio Mixer $66.99 DJ equipment is a 2-channel professional mixerAudio equipment has one 1/4-inch DJ mic input Professional mixer has four line RCA inputs |
|
|
Pyle Steel DJ Mixer and Amp Rack $69.99 Hold your audio equipment on a steel DJ amp and mixer rack DJ gear has a reinforced steel frameRack rolls on heavy-duty wheels |
|
|
Gemini CDMP-6000 Audio Mixer $389.99 Gemini CDMP-6000 Audio Mixer |
|
|
PylePro 16-channel Power Mixer $469.99 Update your audio equipment with PylePro 16-channel power mixerDJ equipment features 16 mono input channels with gold plated XLR balanced inputsUltra low noise discrete mic preamps with +48 v phantom power |
|
|
DJ Tech i Styler Dual iPod DJ Mixer Station with Intelligent Crossfader and DSP Effects $229 Dual iPod docking with adjustable intelligent iPod bracket charging iPod during playing4-Channel Mixer (2 x iPod, Microphone, Jingles)Intelligent Crossfader |
|
|
DJ tech Pro Hybrid303 PC DJ/ DIG Mixer $799 High-resolution controller built for TRAKTOR PRO and DECKADANCETouch sensitive 5-inch jog wheels with turntable feel56 Leds, 104 hands-on control including 29 knobs and 56 Buttons |
|
|
Nady MM-141 4-Channel Mini Mixer $22.49 Nady MM-141 4-Channel Mini Mixer |
|
|
DJ tech Pro 2 CH7 USB Input Twin DJ Mixer $403.91 2 channels -4 Line inputs -2 Turntable inputs2 USB input/output for Computer Playing and Recording9 Effects BPM Synced including In-Loop Sampler |
|
|
Acesonic AM-888 500-Watt Dual 32-bit DSP Karaoke Mixing Amplifier $649.99 The AM-888 is one of the most advanced amplifier. One of the many unique features is the Hi-Low Cut function that eliminates the hissing and breathing that causes feedback. This mixing amplifier is a right choice for karaoke and other audio applications. |
|
|
DJ-Tech iScratch 101V2 Top Load CD/ MP3 Player with DSP and Sampler $329 Direct folder accessFull MP3 playback + ID3 tag displayXXL neon blue LED display |
|
|
Djing for Dummies (Paperback) $13.32 Provides novices with the technical know-how to start and build a successful career as a DJ, featuring tips on the essential equipment, the basics of mixing and song structure, building a foolproof set and creating a great demo. Original. |
|
|
DJ Tech Pro Stage Visa 200 Light 140 Watts Portable PA System with Built-in MP3 Player $399 1 x 140W 5CH powered mixer with 8 x 24 Bit DSP effects2 x 6.5-inch coaxial speakers in lightweight ABS1 x remote control for the MP3 player |
|
|
DJ-Tech iBoost 101 Portable DJ PA System for iPods $369 Dual iPod Docking with adjustable bracketRecharging iPods during playing2 Channel DJ mixer with Crossfader and 3 microphones input |
|
|
DJ-Tech iBoost 303 iPod DJ PA System $999 Dual iPod DocksSupports iPod, iPhone and iPod TouchIntegrated 2-Channel DJ Mixer |
|
|
DJ Tech T545A 15-inch 600W 2-Way Active Loudspeaker $399 Two ways active professional loudspeaker2-Channel Mixer built in with independent control2-Band equalizer for each channel |
|
|
Pyramid RBPA305 300-watt 70V PA Amplifier with Mic Talkover (Refurbished) $104.99 This PA-amplifier features 300 watts output power and controls the volume of up to four mics. This PA-amplifier also includes a lighted VU meter and can be used with all mixers, PA equipment and home audio. |
|
|
How to Dj Right (Paperback) $10.1 A guide to becoming a disc jockey covers such topics as choosing and setting up equipment, harmonic mixing, choosing records, building a record collection, and how to find a job. |
|
|
Acesonic 80-watt Karaoke Mixing Amplifier $129.93 The Acesonic AM-145 80-Watt Mixing Amplifier is designed with performance and value in mind. For those who need a professional karaoke mixing amplifier for smaller environments, this amplifier will definitely meets your needs in term of quality and price. |
|
|
Numark IM9 4 Channel DJ Mixer Kit $255.48 This kit mixes vinyl, CDs, iPod, a microphone or any other line-level audio source with the iM9 four-channel DJ mixer. BeatKeeperTM technology automatically detects a song’s BPM for seamless crossfades from track to track. |
|
|
Numark NS6 4 Channel Digital DJ Mixer Controller Kit $1101.57 The NS6 is a 4-channel Digital DJ controller with complete built-in mixer and four decks of software control. NS6 is a pro-grade DJ controller and standalone 4-channel mixer with effects, allowing you to mix external sources with tracks on your computer. |
|
|
Numark NS6 4 Channel Digital DJ Mixer Controller Kit $1044.1 The NS6 is a 4-channel Digital DJ controller with complete built-in mixer and four decks of software control. NS6 is a pro-grade DJ controller and standalone 4-channel mixer with effects, allowing you to mix external sources with tracks on your computer. |
|
|
Numark iBATTLEPACK Vinyl Plus iPod DJ Kit with Speakers $478.25 The iBATTLEPACK features the iM1 DJ mixer that records your mix to your iPod. with this iBATTLEPACK you can also perform with tracks from your iPod, connect optional gear like CD players, mics, and preview your mix in HF125 DJ headphones. |