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DJ Steven Sluyter is truly an amazing guy! I like how he mixes his songs and this blog is a great help for beginner DJs out there. Thanks, Steven!

Stephen Sluyter - The Basic Setup for a Beginner DJ

Let’s say that you have found the thing that you want to do and that is to be a DJ. You found passion in beat mixing and have a list of DJs that you follow on social media. You realized that you can catch up to them and just like Steven Sluyter, you need to start from the basics of DJing. This blog will teach you the basic setup for people like you, a beginner in the industry.

Essential equipment for beginners by Stephen Sluyter

1. The basic computer setup

This is the most compact equipment for a DJ by far. With this, you will be able to select from a vast library of digital music online. At the most basic level level, beginner DJs invest in a basic audio interface in which it converts digital audio and sends it in the DJ mixer.

Audio interfaces like Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 or the PreSonus Firestudio offer a couple of inputs and outputs for sending digital audio to the club’s sound system. Most interfaces offer a headphone jack so that you can preview the music before mixing it into your set.

2. Controller setup

Using a laptop to DJ is sometimes frustrating because you have no control over the mix. Tasks like crossfading and beat matching have to be performed with the keyboard, and they are undoubtedly easier when you have faders and knobs. Controllers are now becoming accepted within the mainstream as the new generations of DJs are raised on the internet.

DJ controllers such as Traktor Kontrol Z1 offers a two-channel mixer, crossfader, and basic EQ functionality. The larger one, Kontrol S2 MKII, includes remix decks and jog wheels for hands-on cueing. There is also Pioneer DDJ-SR which is a two channel controller that is designed to work seamlessly with the Serato DJ software. Steven Sluyter on risinghype usually choose which perfectly fits the occasion.

3. Turntable setup

This offers a tactile feeling that cannot be replicated by software and controllers. For those who wish to master the intricacies of beat matching and mixing, Steven Sluyter recommends starting with the classic turntable setup.

Two turntables: the most popular DJ turntable is the Technics SL-1200, but it is out of production and has a high price online. One of the alternatives is a pair of Numark TT 250 USBs or Stanton T.92s.

Mixer: your turntables connect to a DJ mixer that will give you control over the volume, EQ, and effects for multiple audio channels. It is common to find Pioneer DJM-800 or a high-end Rane mixer in a club but you don’t need to spend that much for a quality unit. If you are on a serious budget, go for the Numark M101USB or if you want a solid two-channel mixer with additional features, go for Pioneer DJM-350.

Headphones: you will need a decent set of DJ headphones to cue up and mix between tracks. DJ headphones are designed to replicate low end and treble frequencies like you hear them in a club, while also using a closed-ear design to isolate the sound. With headphones models like Pioneer HDJ-2000MK2 or Sennheiser HD 25, you can never go wrong.

4. CDJ setup

CDs has overtaken vinyl as the medium of choice and since the DJ world adapted, CDs become a popular alternative in the club space. While having access to an LCD screen with info about frequencies, cue points, tempo and more, DJs can cue up and mix tracks using jog wheels using CDs or a USB stick. CDs are more expensive than the average controller and they might be worth the investment if you are serious about DJing. If you’re on a budget, you can try Gemini CDJ-700 or MDJ-1000.

These are the basic equipment that are best for beginner DJ and if you are ready to start, you can always visit stores online and find these equipment. Steven Sluyter also recommends to think first before purchasing the equipment. Be familiar with your craft and perform at venues, then you can start to invest in better DJ equipment.

Also remember that using a better controller or speakers does not technically translate to being a more skillful DJ. It will give you more control over the sound that can translate to more people liking your sound. As a DJ that is just beginning in the industry, it is always good to familiarize and practice mixing with these equipment.