7 Game-Changing Digital DJ Equipment Picks
Unleash your DJ dreams with top-notch digital dj equipment! Dive into our extensive selection of controllers, mixers, and more.
Author:Gordon DickersonReviewer:Darren McphersonJul 14, 202426.6K Shares606.7K Views
Everything was so easy in the "old days.". You had a "mixer," a box that sat between the two turntables and blended them together. And that was all. How times have changed, eh? These days, we are inundated with strange, amazing, and constantly evolving digital dj equipment.
Every new development seems to promise to surpass the last, and manufacturers constantly update, redesign, and reintroduce their products, bragging loudly about their latest features as though they are the only ones worth being aware of.
1. Laptop & DJ Controller
Thus, it can be said that this is the most widely used method of DJing nowadays, at least among our 31,000 students, of whom more than half use laptop DJ software and controllers. It probably doesn't need an introduction to you as a result.
DJing as a pastime was revolutionized by this technology because these simple devices, which combine a mixer, decks, and audio interface into one box, are comparatively inexpensive, have a realistic feel, and are only limited by the capabilities of the software.
Controllers can be purchased for less than £100 to more than £1000, with models suitable for both novice and experienced DJs.
They are the most affordable and capable way to "get into" DJing if you already own a laptop, and when it comes to DJ equipment, the controller category has by far the most options.
2. Pro DJ Separates
This type of setup, which is common in clubs across the globe, consists of two "media players" (also known as "CDJs") and a "club mixer." The purpose of the setup is to play music from a USB drive or SD card; there isn't a computer in sight.
A classic example of a media player is a "CDJ," which is essentially a CD player made for DJs. After the CD is inserted, a platter allows you to manipulate it like a record. In fact, some CDJs from the early era even had "real vinyl."
The majority, however, are "fixed platters," which means that although the circular bit doesn't actually rotate when the music is playing, it can still be controlled with a touch.
When CDJs originally became available, they became quite popular since they allowed you to make your own CDs to use for playing music and provided cue points and looping for the first time.
Of course, CDs are mostly obsolete now; in fact, CD players are still in high demand even though newer devices don't even have CD ports, any more than laptops do.
The majority of features and functionalities used in laptop DJing are present in modern players, including the "sync" button that some record DJs detest.
This kind of setup has become to resemble a large, pricey DJ controller in recent years, but with the computer almost integrated right in. Pioneer DJ, with its CDJ-3000 (and its previous iteration, the CDJ-2000NXS2), is currently the most popular brand in clubs, although Denon DJhas presented a serious competition with its SC6000 Prime and SC6000M Prime media players.
3. Standalone All-in-one Systems
In a single box, these units perform nearly the same functions as the pro separates. They're also far less expensive. Still, you can DJ with them without using a laptop: All-in-one systems that stand alone come with an integrated "computer" and screen.
The concept is that you add your music (typically via an SD card or USB disk) and you can execute most of the standard tasks expected of modern DJs, nice and simple.
Pioneer DJ set the precedent with its XDJ-RX, which has now evolved into the wildly successful XDJ-RX3. However, Engine DJ-powered products from Denon DJ and Numark are currently the industry leaders in technology.
It's crucial to remember that using a laptop to prepare and output your music on a USB drive for use with these systems is still necessary for optimal performance.
While utilizing a laptop and DJ controller is still a viable option, standalone all-in-ones like these offer a more advanced feature set.
However, laptop systems typically receive these capabilities far sooner than hardware systems like these. For example, all laptop DJ software comes with a built-in sampler, but none of these systems do.
4. Records Decks And A Mixer
A DJ mixer and two turntables (often Technics) make up the traditional DJ setup. As a twentysomething DJ, I saved for years to be able to purchase just such a setup. Some DJs still use this equipment, and in some circles, using real vinyl on a system like this is an honor.
The problem is, these days, most music isn't even pressed on vinyl because vinyl is expensive and large, and performing in this manner essentially ignores all of the advancements in DJing over the years.
Furthermore, you can't really do any of the tricks and use very few of the methods (such as looping, key shifting, sync, and so forth) that modern DJs demand from a vinyl system, which drastically limits the possibilities of such a setup.
5. Digital Vinyl Systems (DVS)
You might think of a DVS system as a technique to "adapt" an old turntable setup, usually into a system that can play digital music via controlling DJ software. A DVS might therefore be thought of as a "half-way house," connecting the new digital world with the analogue ways of the past.
This is how it operates. You use special "control" LPs or CDs that, if you happen to listen to them by accident, contain computer code instead of music. It's loud and scratchy, definitely not music.
Next, you can either utilize a DVS-capable mixer or put a unique box—often referred to as a "breakout box", between your record decks/CD players, and mixer. When you plug in your laptop, your DJ software follows every move you make on your decks or CDJs, intercepting the computer signal from the control vinyl or CDs and sending music from your hard drive to the mixer and speakers.
In addition to using "regular" DJ equipment, you may also utilize DJ software.Benefits? You can still enjoy many of the advantages of using DJ software, whether you choose to use the club's equipment or your own.
Even though you still receive all the benefits of digital, it "looks" like "real" DJing. DJs who have already worked with analog equipment may find switching to digital more intuitive.
Setup is challenging (though the wireless "Phase" system makes it simpler), and if you have to purchase the analog equipment first and then add a DVS system to make it "digital," the cost will increase.
6. Laptop-only DJing
In actuality, DJ controllers provide users with a practical, realistic method of interacting with DJ software. It is also possible to operate any DJ software without having any other devices connected to the computer. Additionally, some DJs decide to go exactly this route.
For some DJs, a controller is one box too many, whether it's because they're just starting out and can't afford one, they want to travel light, or they just like the minimalist look. I actually didn't start off this way since, in 2004, I couldn't locate a Midi controller (the technical term for how digital music instruments communicate with computers and each other).
So, I hacked my computer and modified it so that all of the keys controlled my program. I spent several years DJing in that manner!Even still, this is about as basic as digital DJing gets.
If you choose the "laptop only" option, you will still require an audio interface to provide you with two audio outputs (one for your speakers and one for your headphones).
7. Phone/tablet DJing
It's now possible to DJ using a phone or tablet. It's not only true, but it's also a lot of fun and highly addictive. With programs like Algoriddim's djay Pro AI proving to be enduringly popular, DJing on tablets and smartphones isn't going away anytime soon. It's genuinely incredible what you can achieve with such gadgets.
This is essentially just a tablet/phone version of the previously discussed laptop-only DJ system. In fact, it's full circle, as many DJ controllers now support tablets and phones, allowing you to utilize your device directly in place of a laptop in these kinds of setups.
You'll need an audio interface for those crucial audio outputs, much like with laptop-only systems, since most tablets and phones these days don't even have headphone connectors.
FAQ's About Digital Dj Equipment
What Is A Digital DJ?
You can 'touch' and 'control' DJ software on your computer as well as your digital music files using it as a physical interface. Through USB, the controller will transmit a MIDI digital control signal to your computer. The controller device, software, and computer will all be able to communicate with this signal.
What Equipment Do DJs Use?
To DJ using a laptop and digital music, a DJ controller is required. For vinyl record DJing, however, you'll need a turntable and mixer. Additionally, you'll need: laptop running DJ software (should you opt for the DJ Controller method)
Can I DJ Without A Computer?
Yes, most DJ controllers that don't require a laptop have a number of ways to access your music collection. Frequently, they come with built-in storage, SD card slots, or USB ports, so you can import and store your music right on the controller.
Conclusion
DJs may now replicate traditional mixing with authenticity thanks to digital dj equipment. Due to its portability, ability to remember customized parameters for each set, and ease of usage, digital mixing has become a highly sought-after method of contemporary production and performance. Because digital is so practical and allows DJs to readily expand their creative bounds, even the most successful DJs in the world use it.
lot of DJs use many methods, using professional digital dj equipment for paid events in addition to software with a controller at home, or holding onto their turntables out of nostalgia but creating mixes on an iPad these days.
Gordon Dickerson
Author
Gordon Dickerson, a visionary in Crypto, NFT, and Web3, brings over 10 years of expertise in blockchain technology.
With a Bachelor's in Computer Science from MIT and a Master's from Stanford, Gordon's strategic leadership has been instrumental in shaping global blockchain adoption. His commitment to inclusivity fosters a diverse ecosystem.
In his spare time, Gordon enjoys gourmet cooking, cycling, stargazing as an amateur astronomer, and exploring non-fiction literature.
His blend of expertise, credibility, and genuine passion for innovation makes him a trusted authority in decentralized technologies, driving impactful change with a personal touch.
Darren Mcpherson
Reviewer
Darren Mcpherson brings over 9 years of experience in politics, business, investing, and banking to his writing. He holds degrees in Economics from Harvard University and Political Science from Stanford University, with certifications in Financial Management.
Renowned for his insightful analyses and strategic awareness, Darren has contributed to reputable publications and served in advisory roles for influential entities.
Outside the boardroom, Darren enjoys playing chess, collecting rare books, attending technology conferences, and mentoring young professionals.
His dedication to excellence and understanding of global finance and governance make him a trusted and authoritative voice in his field.
Latest Articles
Popular Articles