A beginner DJ looking for new gear will come across dozens of options of DJ controllers, CD players, turntables, DJ mixers, headphones, softwares, and speakers to make a complete DJ setup and start mixing. Today we review all the best DJ equipment for beginners in four different DJ setups to choose the one fitting your budget, desires, needs, and skill level. 

You can always head to the nearest music equipment store and find available DJ equipment for rent. However, owning your own DJ setup is preferable for many reasons. Incidentally, some of the best DJ equipment in the market is now more affordable than ever. There are a variety of tools to approach, review, and find the best suitable choice for everyone. 

The basic DJ equipment for a beginner should last at least two to three years of DJing, but it mostly depends on your budget. If you can afford premium equipment from the top brands such as Pioneer DJ, or Allen & Heath, then you will end up with a setup for a decade.

There are plenty of options out there, for every available budget, and personal preference on brands and characteristics. Since the market for DJ equipment is huge, and new models come out often, I made significant research and ask professionals who currently use this equipment.

We will examine each DJ setup separately and suggest the right tools for you. As well, you will find detailed reviews of each model in referral articles with the best-of gear to choose from.

The Best DJ Equipment for Beginners – The ultimate guide for a complete DJ Setup!

The 3 most popular DJ setups:

To round up, here is a list of the most popular DJ setups used by professional and bedroom DJs:

1. Basic DJ Setup: Pair of CD media players and a DJ mixer
2. Vinyl DJ Setup: Pair of Turntables and a DJ mixer
3. Beginner DJ Setup: DJ Controller, DJ Software, and a powerful Laptop.

1. Basic DJ Setup 

PAIR OF CD PLAYERS + DJ MIXER 

 

A. CD MEDIA PLAYERS

Thankfully the cd players that exist in the market now offer extremely useful features. Even a beginner can take full advantage of a player, and its features. The budget varies from $500 for a decent semi-pro player to $2000 for the best player in the market. For a starter, a semi-pro solution is perfect, and prices don’t get higher than $500. All the latest cd players in the market support all audio formats and also have a USB port.

TOP 5 media players for beginners: 

1. Pioneer XDJ 700
2. Pioneer CDJ 350
3. GEMINI MDJ 1000
4. AMERICAN AUDIO RADIUS 3000
5. DENON DJ SC2900

Pioneer XDJ 700: Because no one is using CDs anymore!

The Pioneer CDJ 2000 Nexus 2 is the ultimate best DJ CD digital player in the world right now. However, this professional player is only an unreachable dream for most beginner DJs out there. Pioneer DJ came up with a much more affordable player while keeping the most essential features from the CDJ2000NX2. 

The XDJ 700 is lacking on CD input, but who needs it in 2020, when most DJs have their music in a digital form on a USB memory stick. The large full-color LCD touch screen for easy track selection and all the Pro-DJ features inherited from topline media players makes it an excellent choice for beginners, and professionals. 

B. DJ MIXER:

Regardless of your DJ mixer, there are many available options in the market. Since we are looking for a starter tool, the list has mainly 2-channel mixers but also a budget-friendly 4-channel. All mixers offer all the basic features such as the ability to control equalizers (low/middle/high), sound effects, microphone input, “record out” etc.

TOP 5 DJ mixers for beginners:

1. ALLEN&HEATH XONE:23
2. Pioneer DJM S3 
3. NATIVE INSTRUMENTS TRAKTOR KONTROL Z2
4. RELOOP RMX-22I
5. DJ TECH DIF1S

Pioneer DJM S3: A DJ mixer to match every setup

The most popular DJ mixer, seen in most DJ events, festivals, and party booths, is the DJM 900 Nexus 2. Together with the CDJ2000 make the ultimate DJ setup, but it comes with a cost – a big one.

The Pioneer DJM S3 is a  two-channel mixer dedicated to the Serato DJ Pro software. However, you can connect it to turntables or players and fit in any DJ equipment and setup. It offers high-quality sound, a scratch-friendly layout, dedicated filter knobs, and a highly durable Magvel crossfader, inherited from the topline DJM-900NXS2. Premium features that are mostly seen on more expensive gear.

For more info, check the best DJ mixers for beginners, and the best DJ mixer in the world.

2. Vinyl DJ Setup 

PAIR OF TURNTABLES + DJ MIXER

TURNTABLES:

There is a significant and constant enhanced production of vinyl turntables. When the output of the Technics 1200 turntable stopped in 2010, we had to recheck our list for new models; thankfully, we found some pretty good options for every available budget. It is not the best option for mobile DJs, as you will need a big DJ desk.

 “The old-school DJ equipment for beginners is alive and keeps rise in popularity”

TOP 5 turntables for beginner DJs:

1. TECHNICS SL-1210MK2 Professional Turntable
2. STANTON STR8-150
3. RELOOP RP 8000
4. AUDIO TECHNICA AT-LP120
5. PIONEER PLX 500

Check out the best DJ turntables in the market today!

3. Beginner DJ Setup 

DJ CONTROLLER + LAPTOP with DJ SOFTWARE

“The most affordable, common, and best choice for beginner DJs.”

A. Laptop for DJing

I guess that most of you already own a PC or laptop. As a beginner, you do not need the latest iMac or MacBook Pro to start DJing. Start with the one you already own and then find one of the best laptops for DJing to invest your first savings.

If your computer is powerful enough to overcome the requirements of your DJ software, you will have an excellent experience. Thankfully, softwares do not require super powerful capabilities. You can take a look at their websites the specifications of each software and check if it is compatible with yours. Links and more info will see below. All softwares are MAC and WIN compatible, so you don’t have to worry about that.

Also, try to keep your laptop clean from nonrelative softwares and large files that may slow its performance. Because nobody wants dropouts, “clicks”, or even a complete computer crash and close in the middle of your gig.

All PCs offer USB ports to connect your DJ controller. So, you have no concern here if your controller will connect with your laptop. 

You probably already own at least one PC or laptop, but I recommend having one just for your music. DJ software and DAW‘s use lots of CPU and memory, and you don’t want your laptop to freeze or “crack” during a live performance.

TOP 5 Laptops for DJing:

1. APPLE MacBook PRO
2. ACER ASPIRE V15 NITRO
3. ASUS ZENBOOK PRO UX501VW
4. DELL XPS 15
5. ASUS ROG GL551

B. DJ software

The DJ software, installed on your PC or Laptop, emulates turntables and a DJ mixer. With a DJ software, you can perform and mix a complete DJ set by simply “drag-drop” a track from anywhere in your computer into the software. You can create, and edit music libraries of your choice in no time. By creating music libraries in your software, you will be able to scan and analyze your music. That will offer the BPM, the key of your tracks, and many other essential DJ information. The mixer is a replica of a traditional DJ mixer, you will have to invest in a DJ Controller, otherwise, you will have a hard time mixing with your mouse and PC keyboard.

Even cd and vinyl junkies at some point in their career tried DJing with software, and many loved it. In 2021, with the right tools, you can achieve a live performance impossible to perform years ago with a standard setup. Plus, DJ software is more flexible and budget-friendly. The first 3 (Traktor Pro, Virtual DJ, Serato DJ) are the most popular DJ software used by professional DJs and musicians around the globe. Most of these softwares offer a free trial version to “try before you buy”. 

Traktor Pro 3, Serato DJ Pro, and Pioneer Recordbox DJ are the most popular DJ softwares in the market. Prices here vary but are approximately one to two hundred dollars. However, every software offers a trial version for you to check before buy. Plus there are DJ controllers out there that offer a free Lite version to start DJing right away.

TOP 5 DJ software:

1. NATIVE INSTRUMENTS TRAKTOR PRO
2. SERATO DJ
3. VIRTUAL DJ
4. REKORDBOX PIONEER DJ
5. MIXX

We cannot pick just one DJ software for you to buy and start DJing. Traktor Pro, Virtual DJ, and Serato DJ are the most popular and best-featured DJ softwares on the market. We suggest you download and try each software and pick the one that matches your style and skill level. here is a Youtube video with a deep comparison of Traktor Pro, Virtual DJ, and Serato.

Traktor Pro 3 DJ Software

Traktor Pro is a professional DJ software used by the most popular artists in the music scene. Richie Hawtin, Carl Cox, Gareth Emery, Nicole Moudaber, Sasha, Joris Voorn are just a few amongst others. This software has filled sound systems and dance floors across the world, as well as house parties, bars, beaches, and everything in between. 

The mixing software by NI offers four desc with color-coded waveforms that will help you identify the kicks, hi-hats, and snares of the track. There are nine different Mixer FX in Traktor Pro 3 (Reverb, Dual Delay, Noise, Flanger, Time Gater, Filter, Dotted Dealy, Crash, Barber Pole); similar to Pioneer DJ’s Color FX on DJM mixers.

The interface is extremely easy to learn and use. Plus the new, even darker user interface makes it much more visually pleasing in dark environments.

It is incredible what you will get for around $100. This professional-sounding software can take you from a bedroom DJ to a worldwide artist. With Traktor Pro 3 and a DJ controller, you can build your entire music DJ career. 

Some musicians get paid thousands of dollars to perform in festivals like Tomorrowland, Burning Man, Ultra Festival, and they use this DJ software. Why would YOU not invest in it? Seriously, let us know if you have your reasons not to buy it.

For more details about Traktor, prices, and downloads you will find them at native-instruments.com.

Serato DJ Pro Software

The second most popular DJ software in the market is the Serato Pro. It provides similar features, interface, and audio quality to the Traktor Pro, and it is also a choice of many beginners and professional DJs. Fatboy Slim, Skrillex, and Kygo are just some of the names that come to my mind who have performed with this software. Visit Serato.com, and you will find more artists who support it.

The frequencies are easy to identify with the color-coded waveforms. Red shade waves represent low frequencies such as bass and kicks. Green is the natural mid-range frequencies. And with the blue shades, you will see the high-end. 

Serato scratch DJ is also a great choice for scratch and hip-hop artists with its impressive DVS (digital vinyl system) support. 

The Pro version is available for 129 USD dollars, but you can also try for free the Lite version. More details and downloads are available at Serato.com

Recordbox DJ Software

Where there is a DJ, there is also Pioneer’s tools and equipment. DJs such as Armin Van Buuren, Axwell, Nicky Romero, and Chris Lake trust this DJ software for their sets and live performances.

Pioneer’s latest Recordbox 5 offers an improved track loading, browsing, and scrolling. The track analytics delivers the familiar and reliable sound of Pioneer, and to top it all off, you can connect to DJ players with a USB or SD card. 

If you love vinyl, you can also purchase extra the Rekordbox DVS with Pioneer’s highly responsive Control Vinyl to perform smooth, low-latency scratching with excellent sound quality.

Once again, you will spend a little compared to what you will get. It is a little bit more expensive but still, way under the $200 budget. Check their plans and a free 30-day trial at the official website of the Pioneer Recordbox DJ. 

There is no right or wrong, or better for beginners, or cheaper DJ software. The final choice is yours, and it should come down to personal preferences. All these three DJ softwares offer all the tools you need to perform a professional DJ set.

If you want to learn more about the above check the best DJ softwares in the market.

Before you decide, wait and see some DJ controller that offers a free Lite version of the integrated software.

C. DJ controller

DJ controllers emulate the traditional DJ mixer and turntables in one piece of equipment. The interface makes it so easy to mix music through the software in your laptop with the use of knobs, encoders, jog wheels, faders, assignable performance pads, and more. There are three basic things to consider when choosing a DJ controller. Features, software integration, and budget.

The models we will see here offer knobs, buttons, jog wheels, performance pads, and faders. You can also work with waveforms, samples, apply effects, connect turntables, CDJs, and instruments to your setup.

Since we are beginners and we cannot spend a lot, we will look at DJ controllers from 200 to 400 USD dollars. And just because we sacrificed on the budget, it doesn’t mean that we will also sacrifice on quality. All models we will see below are produced by brands extremely reliable and well-known in the music industry such as Pioneer and Native Instruments.

There are a few factors to consider when buying a DJ controller, but the most important is the DJ software that you are planning to use with it. Many controllers offer perfect integration with the major DJ software like Serato or Traktor pro. Although you can still manually map every controller to every software, why get into that trouble when the package also offers free lite or even a full version of its supported DJ software.

This is the most futuristic DJ equipment you will find in 2020!

5 DJ controllers for beginners setup:

1. NATIVE INSTRUMENTS TRAKTOR KONTROL S2 MK2
2. PIONEER DJ DDJ-SB3
3. NUMARK MIXTRACK PRO III
4. DENON DJ MC4000
5. BEHRINGER CMD STUDIO 4A

Pioneer DJ DDJ SB3

The Pioneer DJ DDJ SB3 is a two-channel Serato dedicated DJ controller, suitable for every budget. Even if it is a compact and light tool, Pioneer still managed to include big knobs and fades with a nice feel, dedicated per channel filter knob, drum pads, and two large, low-latency jog wheels for great scratch response and accuracy.

With the DDJ SB3, mixing, beat-matching, and smooth transition between tracks will become an easy task even for beginner DJs. Except for Serato, SB3 will also map with all major DJ software such as Virtual DJ, and Traktor Pro. Do your online research but here is where to find Traktor mapping for SB3.

 

Pioneer DDJ 400 Recordbox DJ controller

Pioneer DDJ 400 Recordbox DJ controller has a similar club-style layout to the CDJ-2000NXS2 and DJM-900NXS2. It offers a built-in sound card with plug-and-play USB connectivity. It also comes with Rekordbox DJ license key and a Rekordbox tutorial feature to help you learn how to DJ.

There are 2 big buttons similar to CDJ’s that give immediate access to Play, and Cue. Under the jog’s, 8 performance pads give you access to Hot Cues, FX Fade, Pad Scratch, and Sampler.

Each channel offers 3-band EQ, filter and gain knob per channel, good quality faders (with VU meters to check the volume), and a crossfader. The filter function applies a High and Low Pass filter to either channel.

DDJ 400’s jog wheels, buttons, and faders are suchlike to the premium and famous NXS2 media players and mixers by Pioneer.

For just over $200 you get a high-quality DJ controller produced by Pioneer, and you will also save from purchasing a DJ software. Win-win-win situation.

Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S2 Mk3 DJ Controller

Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S2 Mk3 DJ Controller offers similar features to the above model by Pioneer. On this familiar club-standard layout, you will be able to browse tracks, adjust Beat-grids, use effects and features like Flux Mode, directly on the Traktor Kontrol S2.

There is a big knob on top of each jog wheel to browse through your library and pick your next song. There are two channels with a 3EQ band on each side and very robust knobs and faders that will guarantee long-term use.

Traktor Kontrol S2 Mk3 is light, durable, affordable, and comes with a full version of Traktor Pro 3. That’s right, for a little above $300 you will get professional DJ hardware and software by top brand Native Instruments. A great addition to every starter DJ equipment list.

There is an alternative option for those who do not want jog wheels or performance pads and prefer a more compact gear. The majority of famous DJs who perform live with a controller and software, choose Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol X1 MkII.

Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol X1 MKII

The most popular Traktor controller in the market!

So what is so unique about this little DJ controller? You can browse, cue, sync, and loop while with the touch-sensitive strip and knobs you will experience quick software navigation.

There is a multi-purpose touch strip that delivers ultra-precise command over track position, pitch bend, and FX. X1’s touch-sensitive encoders respond to reveal Traktor’s views and functions. You can instantly switch to the Browse view at the touch of the Browse button.

The RGB cue point trigger buttons will help you visually identify cue points from loops or load markers. Orange, blue, and green are the primary colors shown on this controller as well as the software. You will have clear visual feedback – so you can stay focused even in the darkest clubs. 

X1 Traktor controller is very light (weighs as much as a book), durable, and very easy to transfer anywhere you play. It comes with a 50,00 € e-voucher to purchase TRAKTOR PRO 3 or any other downloadable NI software to expand your sonic arsenal.

However, X1 takes only one channel of music from the computer, not two. So you will need either a DJ mixer with a built-in audio interface or you will have to purchase an external one. Most famous DJs prefer to connect a Traktor Audio interface to the DJ mixer and Laptop. That way you can use the club mixer to mix two or more tracks properly.

Another option will be to add the Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol Z1 DJ Mixing Interface to use for mixing, eq, and filtering. A great option if you want to release your hands from the standard DJ mixer and extra spendings on a USB audio interface. While with the X1 you will control loops, cue points, and effects on two-track desks.

Roland DJ-202 Serato DJ Controller

You will probably find Roland’s innovative music instruments in every recording studio in the world. They cannot be missing from the equipment for DJs.

Roland DJ-202 is a two-channel, four-deck controller that’s powered via USB and capable of being transported and set up with minimal effort. Though it is quite compact, Roland still manages to offer large, low-latency platters, dedicated 16 performance pads and transport controls, onboard sequencer, and mic input with professional vocal FX16.

All knobs on the mixer are pretty big, and you will have no difficulties performing and mixing. As the Serato controller, it also has dedicated knobs on each desk to quickly browse, pick, and play your next track in your DJ software. For more information, take a look at the best 2-channel DJ controllers under $400. 

The standout feature of this controller is the eight built-in drum kits from Roland’s legendary TR-909, TR-808, TR-707, and TR-606. Bass Drum, Snare Drum, Closed Hat, Open Hat, Tom, Rim, Clap, and Ride. You can add your sounds or loops to the tracks, and perform like a pro.

DJ 202 comes with a Lite version, but if you purchase in the U.S., you also get a free Serato DJ Pro upgrade. So for only $300 you get a fully-featured DJ controller and professional DJ software. If you want a built-in drum machine check out Roland’s big models DJ-505, and DJ-808.

DJ Equipment You Need To DJ

1. DJ HEADPHONES

One of the most useful tools in a booth is good-quality DJ headphones. It mostly depends on your personal preference on frequency response, comfort, and brand name. Small on-ear headphones might work for some, but for DJs with a big head, like me, we prefer big and round ear pads.

For many mobile DJs, this is the one tool they will carry everywhere they go. With a good quality pair of headphones, you will protect your ears from So make sure you will make the right choice, as it is an essential tool for every DJ.

In the loud environments of clubs, bars, home parties, or festivals, you need a pair of headphones that will offer great sound isolation. How to find that? The closed-back type of headphones offers excellent sound isolation compared to Open-type. Better sound quality is most likely to find on open-type, but this is not always the case. The models for under $100 we will see below are closed-back types.

The second most important feature to consider when buying DJ headphones is the sound quality and performance at specific frequency ranges. Deep bass and crisp mids and highs will help you beat-match and mix without the need to pump up the volume. So we need crystal clear sound on low and high frequencies.

As a DJ, you want headphones that deliver high-definition bass and super-transparent highs across an ultra-wide dynamic range.

With our studio headphones, we do want a flat and accurate frequency response. But, for DJing, we want to listen to the audio elements that are most important for mixing. 

If the headphones you pick also have rotatable ear-cups and soft pads, you will end up with a durable and extremely comfortable piece of equipment. 

Pioneer HDJ-2000 and Sennheiser HD-25 II are probably the most popular DJ headphones amongst the top DJs in the world. If you want to take a closer look check the best DJ headphones. There are, however, but great options from well-known brands for under 100 dollars.

SENNHEISER HD25: Top DJ headphones for beginners and pros!

Our top recommendation for every beginner DJ out there is the Sennheiser HD 25. This pair is solid, light, extremely comfortable, and with high-quality sound. The bass response is punchy and deep, the mids are smooth, and the highs are crisp. HD 25 offers everything you want from your DJ headphones at a reasonable price. There is also a light version for those with a tight budget who cannot afford to lose on quality.

There is a large list of professional DJs such as Above & Beyond, Carl Cox, Skrillex, Tale of Us, that use this pair of headphones and so should you. With the HD25 you will make an investment for many years of DJing. 

Pioneer Pro DJ Black HDJ-X5-K Professional DJ Headphone

With these DJ headphones, you will finally get the Pioneer sound you always wanted while spending just 100 dollars. Except for the high-quality sound and very appealing and robust design, the HJD-X5 offers soft ear pads and an adjustable headband for a comfortable fit. The swivel mechanism allows you to wear them comfortably, whichever way you prefer, for long periods. Plus, the cables and ear pads are replaceable which makes those headphones a long-term investment.

This closed, dynamic type of headphone will perform in the 5 – 30000 Hz range with a sound output level at 102dB. It is also available in a silver edition to match your style and preference. Pioneer DJ headphones with the above characteristics and prime sound quality for under $100.

Sony MDRV55 Red Extra Bass & DJ Headphones MDR-V55

This closed-back type of headphones offers great noise isolation. The padded, adjustable headband will provide excellent comfort. And the 40mm neodymium driver unit frequency up to 25,000Hz and 105 dB sensitivity rating will give you loud and clear sound.

Sony MDRV55 is a great value for money choice for a beginner DJ. There are a couple of hundred great reviews on the Amazon store to prove that this is a good pair of DJ headphones.

Behringer HPX2000 Headphones High-Definition DJ Headphones

The last headphone, we will suggest for you is produced by Behringer and is probably the most affordable pair for DJing. This over-ear pair of headphones are an excellent choice for casual listeners as well as beginner and professional DJs.

The two rotating, reversible ear cups with the cobalt capsules offer a high dynamic range, as well as deep bass and transparent highs. You will have a great sound for the money you will pay to get this pair. The design and material feel and is cheap. However, it provides great comfort, even for long DJ and mixing sessions. HPX2000 is Amazon’s choice, and you will find thousands of great reviews about this product.

2. DJ Speakers / Studio monitors

Studio monitors are not only perfect for recording studios but home DJ booths as well. There are popular brand-names that offer excellent sound quality at very affordable prices.

5  DJ speakers for home setups

1. Yamaha HS 5
2. KRK Rokit G4 Rokit 5
3. JBL LSR 305
4. PreSonus Eris 4.5
5. Pioneer Pro DJ DM40

PreSonus Eris 4.5: The best monitor speaker for a home DJ setup

The Eris 4.5 by PreSonus is a small monitor speaker, mostly seen in home recording studios. It offers a nice flat sound response with highly detailed and smooth mids and highs. The low frequencies are not its favorite part but in a home setup, it will deliver the job. Eris speakers are a very affordable choice for every beginner on a tight budget. 

Pioneer Pro DJ DM40: The best speaker to match your DJ equipment

Pioneer DJ is one of the best and most recognizable brands for DJ equipment. The compact DM-40 monitors provide excellent audio quality to your home DJ setup. A front-loaded bass reflex system offers a rich and tight bass while keeping the mids and highs balanced.

These monitor speakers are good for small setups and home practice. For live events, you will need much bigger speakers with significantly larger sound output.

For more info and a comparison of the submissions, check out the best DJ Speakers for home use.

FAQs:

Which is the basic DJ equipment setup?

1. Pair of CD players
2. DJ Mixer
3. DJ Headphones
4. Pair of DJ Speakers

The Basic DJ setup:

The standard DJ setup in most clubs and music events, consisting of two or more media players or turntables, and a DJ mixer in between them. The cost of that can be anywhere between 1000 to 6000 dollars.

What is the best budget DJ setup for beginners?

1. Laptop
2. DJ software
3. DJ Controller
4. Headphones
5. Pair of  Speakers

Also known as “Mobile DJ setup” or “Laptop DJ setup” it is used by some of the most famous DJs and producers in the world. Kygo, Richie Hawtin, Deadmau5, Marco Carola, Seth Troxler, Laidback Luke, to name just a few. If pros use it, so can you.

The Beginner DJ setup:

What equipment does a DJ need?

1. Sound Sources (Turntables, DJ Players, Laptop)
2. Mixing Device – (DJ Mixer, DJ controller) 
3. Two Sound Outputs – (Headphones / Speakers)
4. DJ Microphone (optional)
5. Audio / Visual Effects (optional)

What is the best DJ setup for beginners?

Five beginner DJ setups for under $400 to perform like a professional:

• TRAKTOR PRO DJ SETUP 1:

1. Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S2 Mk3 DJ Controller
2. Included FREE Traktor Pro 3 DJ software
3. Pioneer Pro DJ HJD-X5 or Sony MDRV55
   

• TRAKTOR PRO DJ SETUP 2:
  

1. Traktor X1 and Traktor Z1 DJ controllers
2. 2 x 50$ vouchers to get Traktor Pro 3 DJ software for FREE
   
3. Behringer HPX2000 Headphones or Sony MDRV55
   

• TRAKTOR PRO DJ SETUP 3:
  

1. Traktor X1 and Traktor Audio Interface
2. 1 x 50$ vouchers to get Traktor Pro 3 DJ software for half the price
   
3. Behringer HPX2000 Headphones or Sony MDRV55

• RECORDBOX DJ SETUP 4:
  

1. Pioneer DDJ 400 Recordbox DJ controller
   
2. Included FREE Recordbox DJ software
   
3. Pioneer Pro DJ HJD-X5 or Sony MDRV55
   

• SERATO DJ SETUP 5:
  

1. Roland DJ-202
2. Included FREE Serato DJ pro software
   
3. Pioneer Pro DJ HJD-X5 or Sony MDRV55

All the above DJ setups are complete sets for beginners and professionals as well. High-quality equipment and tools for DJing while spending the minimum.

How much is a good DJ setup for beginners?

It all comes down to your personal needs for equipment and DJ gear. You can build a complete DJ setup at $400 with a DJ controller, or go up to $2000 for a setup with DJ mixer and turntables. 

Final Thoughts:

We hoped to answer your questions about what equipment does a DJ need. Thanks to the fact that more brands are producing equipment, you can build your DJ setup with the most essential gear, while on a tight budget.

The proper DJ equipment for beginners is more than just a CD player and a DJ mixer. DJ quality headphones, DJ controllers, turntables, DJ software, and many new and unique gear to pick the one that fits your needs.

Once you get all your DJ equipment setup, you are ready to start mixing and practicing. You will probably be unfamiliar at first, but there are plenty of tutorials to educate yourself online and without spending a penny.

There are many options out there to built and create your own unique DJ setup. Add a midi controller, effect processor, or drum machine for more unique and personalized performances. As a beginner, it’s typical to count every penny and go for an affordable setup with the DJ controller. If, however, you can invest more, then you will end up with a top-notch professional DJ setup. When you are ready to learn how to become a DJ, you must know how to do it properly.

If you are a beginner, it may be worth renting DJ equipment and test it. Of course, this option is not available to most of you out there. There is no right or wrong option, but it is good to perform with DJ equipment that you are familiar with. Otherwise, you will end up transferring your tools everywhere you go. 

If you are already familiar with beatmatching and basic mixing, read how to master your mixing skills and How to become a professional DJ.

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