DJ Seller.com Blog

The Right Deck: DJ CD Players vs. Turntables

When looking for the right deck for your equipment, you basically have two main options: DJ CD
players or turntables. Each will have a number of variations (such as mixers or just based on the
features they offer), but you will almost always be dealing with one of the other. So, which one is write
for you?

What’s the Difference?

There is one key difference between these two decks: a turntable plays vinyl records, and a DJ CD
players plays and records CD’s. Simple, right? Of course, this is not the only difference you will
usually find between the two.

Quite possibly the greatest factor involving a decision will be based on sound quality versus effects.
Many people who prefer a turntable do so because it allows for a more classic sound, which can really
only be found in vinyl. Of course, this creates a problem of choice and availability, and CD’s are still
pretty good when it comes to the quality.

With DJ CD players you will have more effects, generally built into the deck. For example, a CD mixer
will have the mixer built into the deck itself, unlike a turntable which has no such features available
for the user. But these effects have a much for electronic sound, which is great if that is what you are
looking for, but a major con if you prefer the warmer tones of vinyl.

So, which is better? The short answer is: neither. They are both great pieces of equipment, but
are based on the specifications of the user. Of course, there is the issue of cost. DJ CD players are
relatively less expensive to replace, fix upgrade. Vinyls are also harder to find and usually cost way
more than a CD, and are more easily damaged.

In the end, turntables are more delicate and easier to break, and more expensive, but give a different,
more natural sound. DJ CD players have less quality to the audio, but are ore feature based and cost
less to maintain. Which you choose is up to you.

Picking Up DJ Equipment as a Beginner

Alright, so you have the skills, you have the desire and you have the cash. But what you don’t have is
the DJ equipment, or the best way of going about picking some up for the first time. As a beginner,
this can be a daunting task. There are plenty of options, but if you have taken a bit of a look around
the net you are sure to have come across about a dozen reviews on equipment that broke during gigs,
malfunctioned or had bad features or sound quality. When you are making your living as a DJ, this can
spell the death of your career, so follow these steps to make sure you don’t get ripped off.

Make a budget before you buy. You need to look at exactly what you can afford, and work
within that range. If you can’t really afford much of anything, then you should do one of two
things; 1) get a loan if you are looking to do this professionally, or 2) take some time to save up
until you have enough money to spend on quality DJ equipment.

Pay close attention to consumer and professional reviews. I don’t mean random websites, here. I
am talking about consumer forums, product review websites and magazines. Anything that will
give you plenty of data to see the average experience using certain pieces of DJ equipment. This
is especially important when you get into headphone, turntables and lighting/effects.

Purchase your DJ equipment in a package, but select the right one. There are so many stores
that offer package deals, and you will be amazed at the discounts you can get buy getting a
bundle instead of purchasing each item one by one. But keep in mind that you want all reliable
brands, so still research each piece of the package before buying.

Finally, be careful of used products. While you can find some great ones from professionals
who have upgraded, you can also find a lot of junk that people want to get rid of for a decent
profit. Don’t be hasty in buying used a DJ equipment…do it in person, so you can try it out, first.

Why DJ Lighting is Crucial for a Successful Gig

When you are setting together a show, you will be tempted to put everything into your equipment, song
selections and other audio-based concerns. This is all important, but you also need to pay attention to
the visual atmosphere, which will ultimately lend to the overall end result of the gig. This is centered
around your effects, and in particular your DJ lighting.

For some events you will relying on natural light to brighten things up, such as when you are outdoors
during the day. But any time you are dealing with something inside (which will be almost always)
you want to pay special attention to your lighting set up. You want something that will add to the
atmosphere. If you are playing a club, go with something moody or pulsing or even sensual. For a gala,
sparkling and bright. For a holiday event choose something festive.

Many DJ’s never suspect that they will be required to put interior decorating into the equation, but
the whole feeling visually or psychologically can completely ruin even the best music sets. At first, it
might be hard to get it right, but over time it will become more intuitive and will come more easily.
You will even learn to begin using DJ lighting to enhance your reputation.

Where do you get what you need? Any good DJ seller will have an effect section of their store. You
are better off buying in a package, but be careful to check that everything works properly. New bulbs
and even whole lighting sets are going to be more frequent expense, so look for something that can be
easily upgraded or repairs, and matched with other products for an overall effect.

Make sure you don’t jump into things with both feet in the beginning. That set of orange and red
flashing pumpkin light effects might seem like an awesome purchase for Halloween, but keep in
mind how often you will use them. You want more neutral items that can be applied in any number of
situations.