It’s always recommended that you buy your DJ equipment through an
authorized retailer, but if you simply cannot afford those prices, you may want to
look for some secondhand equipment. If you choose to go this route, make sure that
the seller has a money-back guarantee. Make sure the seller is reliable, and talk to
other DJs to see if they can recommend a trustworthy vendor. If it is at all possible,
try to examine the equipment yourself. Double check that it has all the required
pieces and plug it in for a test drive.

You can also look at mainstream retailers and see if there is any older
equipment on sale. This is a great way to get cheap DJ equipment, but it also ensures
that your purchase is a quality one. Although the equipment might not be the latest
and greatest technology, as long as you know that it’s a reliable piece, it should last
you quite awhile.

As tempting as it is to buy the cheapest DJ equipment you can find, it is really
important that you view these purchases as investments in your career. Buying low
quality equipment can leave you with buyer’s remorse at a time when you least
want it (say the middle of a show, for instance). Finding cheap DJ equipment to buy
can be a tough process. However, if you do your research and take your time, you’ll
discover great deals on great equipment that you might not have found without a
little research.

Find out more by visiting DJ Seller.

The 4BAR light by Chauvet is
a great light for any DJ to carry in their equipment arsenal. This light allows you to
have a complete LED wash light system that can also be positioned
independently. The light also comes with a three-pedal foot switch, so that you
can change your lighting quickly and efficiently. You can also set up automated
light and sound activated programs that can be directly accessed through your
pedal. It also includes a tripod, packing bag, and transport case so that you can
pack your lights with you wherever you go.

Another great Chuavet light is the SparkliteLED Drape. This is a great piece of lighting
to have, as it can replace a boring backdrop with an LED star field. The drape is

roughly 20 feet by 13 feet, and it has 128 LED lights. The lights are split into eight
different sections that allow you to customize the background effects. When you
buy the SparkliteLED Controller, you can control the color, strobing and
brightness of each section. You can also create your own program, and change
up your background as frequently as you want. This piece of equipment ensures
that your audience never has to stare at a boring background again!

The Bob LED is a fun
Chauvet light that adds heat to your stage without actually lighting anything on
fire. The light’s simulated flame looks real, but is all LED technology. It includes 3
legs for table support and a chain if you’d rather suspend it. This is a sure way of
setting your beats aflame!

Regardless of the product you buy, Chauvet lighting is a great way to go
for any DJ.

Find out more by visiting DJ Seller.

Turntables are a specialty of Pioneer, and have been a staple of their business from the beginning. The CDJ-900, for example, is considered one of the best tabletop multi format turntables on the market today. They are great for intermediate DJ’s who are starting to work professional gigs. If you want something a little more high-end, you can try the updated version, the CDJ-2000, which has gained a lot of buzz in the last few months as one of the best global turntables you can buy. For beginners that need something straight forward and easy to use, we have the more basic CDJ-1000mk3. Fully industry standard, this turntable comes with full MP3 compatibility, but carries no other format.

But Pioneer provides various other equipment, as well. One especially exciting product is the DJM-800 mixer. This 96kHz/24 bit digital mixer comes with four channels and 61 MIDI controls. The weight is a little hefty (a bit over 17 lbs), but the sound quality is amazing.

For headphones, it has to be the HDJ-2000. These are professional grade, industry-standard headphones that will get you through every time. They are lightweight (just over half a pound), flexible, and they adjust for a snug fit. The noise cancellation is great, and the sound quality is high. They are yet another example of the intense performance Pioneer DJ equipment will get you.

For us, the greatest we have found is The Crane Stand. A fairly new kid on the block, it has nevertheless quickly become one of the most raved about new items in DJ equipment. Made from durable, high quality aluminum, the durability is amazing. It is an investment that can hold the weight of a laptop without a problem, and remain steady over time. The type of metal also makes it lightweight, at less than 3.5 pounds, and the joints are flexible enough to fold it down to 1”.

But there are plenty of other benefits to the Crane Stand. The three-legged design is a unique concept that make it easy to lock, and gives you some added assurance that it won’t tip over or buckle. The joints are doubled, so you can push it into any number of positions for ultimate convenience. But the best part about this new stand is the fact that you can use it for other equipment,such as projectors and CDJ’s. The increased flexibility of the joints, added to the strength of the metal, makes it a high quality piece for most of your equipment.

This is a must-have for any DJ who wants a high-quality laptop stand that offers versatility as a bonus, and comes at a great price.

But it is more of a problem than even knowing which are better than others. The biggest issues with DJ software is knowing which one is a complete ripoff. The truth is, the majority of software programs on the market right now are bare-bones and often stolen formats from other programs. These are then sold by using expansive marketing programs, sales pages and ‘demonstrations’ on YouTube, and then denying the customer their promised refund.
Customer and program reviews are crucial to avoid this, and going with a trusted source rather than the many pages and websites created by the manufacturers is key. CNET is one of the more respected online consumer review watchdogs on the web. They recently did a list of some of the more commonly known programs on the market right now.
Virtual DJ – Arguably the most well known and asked about pieces of software in the industry, the editors at CNET especially liked this program. This is consistent with other reviews that have named it as the best on the market. The main feature that seems to be talked about is the quality of the samples and effects, that allow for a seamless mix.

Scratch Live (Serato) – Enhanced by studio grade preamps and 24-bit audio processing, this compact new solution produces a warm punchy sound to heighten the senses. Extra outputs allow DJs and electronic musicians to intensify the mix with the Scratch Live SP-6 Sample Player

AtomixMP3 – While it seems to have a few less features than Virtual DJ, AtomixMP3 is much more user friendly. Made for people who are more inclined towards music than they are computers, you can easily create a beautiful, smooth mix with this program. All without having to deal with too many overwhelming advanced features.

FutureDecks Pro – An affordable alternative to the more expensive professional programs, FutureDecks Pro is the same quality for about half the price. There are a lot more controls that are often needed, but better too many than too few, and they are nevertheless easy to navigate. A little less user-friendly than AtomixMP3, but perfect if you have some experience in DJ software.

But finding the right equipment isn’t easy. What is harder is getting a good setup for a decent price, as lighting equipment is notorious for being expensive and easy to break. Just going with cheap DJ gear isn’t enough, either. Replacements are not fun to deal with, as they can cost almost half what the original set piece did, and occasionally the entire thing will have to be sent back to be replaced on the warranty.

If you want to get a great set without breaking your checking account there are a few good tips to know. First, you should always buy high quality DJ equipment. It might seem cheaper at first to get a discount brand, but when you are forced to buy regular replacements or constantly repair it you will see a huge difference in price. You also run the risk of having a malfunction during a gig, which can cost you clients and reputation. Just like buying pro audio equipment, you have to get a professional, high quality lighting setup.

Second, you should look out for lighting packages. Plenty of shops offer package deals for lighting equipment that will let you build a complete set for less. This is especially good if you tend to hold larger club or stage shows that require more lighting and effects than most small gigs. The most common packages you will see are with full sets of LED lights, strobes, and stands. But there are also some that are more effect-centered.

Third, don’t buy used if you can help it. If you are really strapped on cash and have no choice but to go second hand make sure you see them before you buy, and that you have a chance to test them. Some people take great care of their equipment, but if they have had it for a long time than even the best cared for can give out. Be cautious, and always remember the adage ‘buyer beware’.

Fourth, pay attention to store policies. You will want to be able to return an item if you need to. But with most DJ equipment, and especially lighting equipment, many places will not allow you to return items once they have been opened, or else require the original packaging. Others won’t allow you to return something if it has been bought online, or will charge a restocking fee. Make sure you are aware before you buy.

One thing that you do have going for you right now is the recession. Larger companies, businesses and parties that have to have someone who can deal with the music live are looking for individual contractors to handle it. This saves them money, which is a plus for them and a huge plus for you. You can take advantage of this fact and build long term relationships with these clients, but first you have to get your name out.

While some of this is going to require you to fork over some cash, there are ways that you can get free advertising and publicity, which is going to be the biggest factor in landing jobs. It is even more important to market yourself than it is to have talent, and if you have both you are golden. Make sure to take advantage of all of the below methods to get the full effect.

• DJ Directories –  A quick Google search will take you to a great deal of free online directories where you can leave a ‘business card’ of sorts to help draw business. You just create an entry for the areas you play, with information of where you are willing to travel. You can also search for specialized boards and directories by doing a simple keyword search, such as Los Angeles DJ equipment

• Personal Websites/Blogs – Blogs are usually more effective, as they have been getting a higher priority from search engines, and will show your results more prominently. Having a website that shows all pricing information, location, a resume, and any contact information is one of the first things people look for. A blog can give the added bonus of giving people a chance to keep up with all coming live gigs.

• CraigsList – Who doesn’t look at CraigsList as a first stop when they need something? Regularly ad and update an ad in your city’s CL, as well as any you might be willing to travel to.

• Print – Old fashioned print is still a great way to get the word out. Print out fliers and post them around local businesses, campuses, and even on telephone posts. With the competition so fierce online, and so many results making it confusing to navigate, plenty of people look at local bulletin boards for people to hire.

• Word of Mouth –  You need business cards, and lots of them. Every time you do a gig, leave a few of your cards and offer an incentive if the person refers you out. Maybe this is a percentage off the next show you play for them, or something similar.

But why go with just ‘good’ when you can get the best? The products listed below are the top five best product on the market, as decided by general consumer reviews and expert tests. They are in the five main categories for equipment you need to get started as a DJ, doing real gigs for real establishments. Each one is listed as the best for quality of sound, quality of make, price, and overall positive experiences.

Turntables:

• Technics SL-1200MK2 Direct-Drive Turntable – A better option for someone who has experience with turntables, this piece by Numark is great for professionals. Comes with a 3.7kg torque and excellent sound quality. It is multi-directional, and designed for great noise cancellation from any environmental sources. The one negative with this turntable is that it has been discontinued. But it can still be bought from most stores or websites that sell Numark brand equipment, as well as other Numark DJ cd players.

Mixers:

• Pioneer DJM-800 Professional DJ Mixer  – Anyone in the business has heard of Pioneer, which automatically gives you a plus for the DJM-800. The better of most DJ mixers, this comes with a 24-bit, 96kHz sampling capability and Auto Harmonic Tuning. The quality is extremely high, and like most Pioneer products it has a reputation for being long lasting without repairs or replacements being an issue.

MP3/CD Compatible Turntables:

• Pioneer CDJ-2000 CD MP3 Player – The digital age is quickly changing the way that DJ’s share music and mixes. Having a CD/MP3 compatible turntable is crucial, especially one that plays high quality media formats. The Stanton is an affordable alternative to the more expensive models, like Sony or Numark.

Cartridges and Styli:

• Shure WHLB Whitelabel Party/Club DJ Record Needle – One of the more irritatingly expensive items in your kit will be a styli, and it is an item that often has to be replaced more than others. You can get this needle from Shure that is about a hundred dollars less than most brands, and longer lasting to cut some cost.

Headphones:

• Technics RP-DH1200 DJ Headphones – When you buy a pair of headphones you will want to make sure they are high quality and multi-functional. These Technics are a good example of that. They are great for studio work or stage shows. They have excellent noise cancellation and great sound quality.