Is All This DJ Equipment Necessary?

If you're just starting out as a DJ, you might feel overwhelmed by the amount of DJ equipment out there, as well as how expensive it can get. There is a lot of it, but luckily you don't need every bell and whistle you see. Talent is the mark of a good DJ, not how much stuff he or she uses to mix beats. But don't think that the start-up costs of becoming a DJ will ever be low, DJ equipment is going to run into the thousands, no matter what. Check out the tips below for keeping your costs as low as possible.

Before you start buying anything, you need to figure out what your budget is, what sort of DJing you want to do and what sort of transport you have access to. The bare minimum you should invest in is: one set of speakers (at least), sub-woofers, a multiple-drive CD player, RCA cables, a microphone and cables, an amplifier, a soundboard (it doesn't need to be huge) and headphones. Turntables aren't necessary, but you should have a set; it will not only help your act but your image as well.

Depending on what kind of gigs you'll be playing, you should look into lighting effects. If you're planning on playing bars or more low-key places and events, you probably won't need to worry about the lights. If you're going to be spinning at clubs and dance parties, you'll want to be able to create a light show that syncs up with the kind of music you're playing. Basic lighting set-ups include: a lighting control board, dimmers, eight par can fixtures (at least), two tree stands and four DMX effect lights. Hazers are nice, but not necessary. It's similar to a fogger but will create a more subtle but awesome effect.

Now that you know the basics and some of the extras, shop around. Find the best prices you can on what you absolutely need, and see if there are things you can by secondhand. Things like RCA cables and headphones don't have to be brand-new just test them out first. Tree stands can be bought at a discount or secondhand as well. Check out eBay, or a web site that sells discount DJ equipment.

As mentioned before, all this is going to add up in terms of cost. Keep in mind, though, that if you're truly talented and passionate, you have a good chance of making back the money you spend on DJ equipment in no time. If you establish yourself and build up a following, you'll be in demand and able to in turn create your own fees. And if in the end it turns out DJing isn't the cup of tea you were hoping, you can always sell the stuff.

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