“I’m just starting out DJing, what should I buy?”
We get asked this question all the time. Which is great as it means that new people are continuing to take up DJing as a hobby. It means more money flowing back to the hardware (and software) manufacturers, which in theory should push R and D, and new product development. Whenever a new piece of DJ tech is worth adding to this list we will do so.
We all started somewhere. My first mixer was the venerable X-Fade DSM-15 in 1994. DJThumpa had a Gemini 626. When we asked you what your first mixer was loads of you got in touch. So if you are new, what DJ tech do you absolutely need? Btw – For DJ lessons we recommend Club Ready DJ school where you can currently get 16 free videe lessons.
The best dj equipment for beginners
Technically the absolute least a DJ needs is a single product that plays music and can be heard by a crowd. The lady in this photo is clearly the DJ here. But modern definitions of DJing have really moved on to mean the ability to mix between 2 songs and at a significant volume. So while you can DJ to a crowd from cassette, on the bus (please don’t) or from various other means that is where we are concentrating the best DJ equipment for beginners products in this list. (However we are curious about where the lady behind the DJ got the iPad from in 1940).
1. What’s the best DJ controller for a beginner?
For a long time we highly recommended the Pioneer DJ DDJ-400. (In fact it is still worth buying if you can get a good price for a secondhand one). These day’s there is a new king for beginner DJs though.
Pioneer DDJ FLX-4
Features we love:
- Intuitive layout with club-style arrangement
- We rate the build quality and ease of use
- Integration with Rekordbox DJ software
- Lightweight and portable
- Tutorial feature in Rekordbox for beginners.
- Performance pads for hot cues, loops, and samples.
DJWORX summary:
- The FLX-4 starts you out on a journey via Rekordbox that goes right the way through to club ready gear. However, if you want to stay at the budget DJ controller point then that’s fine, as this controller will enable you to be creating mixes with decent transitions in no time.
- We’ve got one as our travel controller, perfect for small parties.
- As a reminder though the FLX-4 still requires a laptop.
What other entry level DJ controllers are also best DJ equipment for beginners?
Features we love:
- Deep integration with Serato DJ Lite software
- 6-inch capacitive-touch jog wheels are very good
- 16 performance pads is more than enough for a beginner
- Filter knobs on each channel for that fien tuning of the sound
DJWORX summary:
- Solid build and intuitive controls
- Excellent value for beginner DJs
- Responsive jog wheel
Hercules DJ Control Impulse 500
Features we love:
- Comes with Serato DJ Lite and DJUCED software
- Large jog wheels
- Solidly built
DJWORX summary:
- A great budget DJ controller if you don’t want to go the Pioneer route
- Would we consider this best DJ equipment for beginners? Probably not, but it’s great fun, portable and easy to use.
2. Headphones
Audio-Technica ATH-M50X
Features:
- Excellent sound quality with deep bass and clear highs.
- Durable construction.
- Comfortable over-ear design.
- 90-degree swiveling earcups for one-ear monitoring.
- Detachable cable.
Reviews:
- SoundGuys: “The ATH-M50X offers superior sound quality and durability, making it a favorite among DJs.”
- What Hi-Fi?: “A top choice for both sound quality and comfort. Perfect for DJing and studio work.”
- Amazon: Users praise the clarity of sound and comfortable fit, making long sessions bearable.
Reloop RHP-15 DJ headphones
Features we love:
- Excellent value
- These are definitely no-frills workhorses
DJWORX summary:
- Read full review Reloop RHP-15 DJ.
- £55 is definitely edging into the budget zone, but you get some decent cans for that price range.
- Based on the build quality, price and sound quality, the Reloop RHP-15s really do a better job as your general day-to-day cans sitting in front of your computer, also doubling as DJ headphones should you need them.
- If you treat them well, and use them like this, you’ll get a good bang for your buck
Pioneer DJ HDJ-X5
Features:
- High-quality audio with clear sound at high volumes.
- Robust construction for durability.
- Comfortable fit with memory foam ear pads.
- Swiveling ear cups for flexible monitoring.
Reviews:
- Professional Audio: “Great for beginners and pros alike, these headphones deliver precise audio for accurate mixing.”
- Amazon: Users highlight their durability and excellent sound quality, suitable for both live and home DJing.
Sennheiser HD 25
Features we love:
- Lightweight and comfortable over long periods
- Good sensitivity levels due to lightweight aluminum voice coils
- Detachable, single-sided cable
- Good sound isolation
- These are currently our workhorse, we take a pair to every gig
DJWORX Summary:
- Still the industry standard (Read our full Sennheiser HD-25 review from 2013).
- Our Sennheiser HD 25s are like Triggers broom, as it is so easy to swap parts, but they still keep going.
- The main thing is that they sound great.
3. DJ Software
Serato DJ Lite
Features:
- Free to start.
- User-friendly interface.
- Robust library management.
- Essential features for mixing and effects.
- Wide controller compatibility.
- Download Serato DJ lite here
Rekordbox DJ
Features we love:
- Unsurprisingly the Rekordbox integration with Pioneer DJ hardware is everything you would hope for
- For beginner DJs it is possible to keep it simple with Rekordbox and get straight into mixing
- Cloud library sync has a quirky set up, but is an impressive feature
DJWORX summary:
- If you want to work with CDJ’S most people will want to use Rekordbox
- Rekordbox is a comprehensive library management tool that comes into it’s own when used with Pioneer CDJs
- A lot of features (Some might say too many?)
- Improving with every iteration
- Download Rekordbox here
Virtual DJ
Features:
- Free for home use.
- Extensive effects and customization options.
- Video mixing capabilities.
- Compatible with many controllers.
- User-friendly interface.
- Download Virtual DJ here
4. Speakers
KRK Rokit 5 G4
Features:
- Professional-grade 5-inch studio monitors.
- DSP-driven Graphic EQ with 25 settings.
- High-quality drivers for precise sound.
- Versatile connectivity options.
- Acoustic iso-foam pads.
Reviews:
- Sound on Sound: “The Rokit 5 G4 delivers accurate sound reproduction, making them perfect for mixing.”
- Music Radar: “An excellent choice for both beginners and pros, offering great value and performance.”
- Amazon: Users praise their sound clarity and build quality, ideal for home studios.
Mackie CR3
Features:
- Compact 3-inch multimedia monitors.
- High-quality sound at an affordable price.
- Front-panel volume control and headphone output.
- RCA, TRS, and Bluetooth connectivity options.
- Wood cabinet for improved sound quality.
Reviews:
- MusicTech: “The Mackie CR3s are excellent budget monitors, delivering impressive sound quality for their size and price.”
- Amazon: Users highlight their affordability and good sound quality, making them a popular choice for beginners.
Pioneer DM-40
Features we love:
- Read our full Pioneer DM-40 review
- These pack quite a punch
DJWORX summary:
- Stick them on your desk, or in your studio and these will be PLENTY loud enough
- The Bluetooth feature is great for listening purposes
- Very reasonable price
5. Accessories
DJ Stands
You are spoilt for choice here. There are two we recommend.
Recommended – Reloop Stand Hub
- combination of multi-functional laptop stand & advanced USB C-Hub with power delivery support
- stable power routing and connectivity for all your devices
- Flexible assembly with 6 different positions for a wide range of applications and places
Recommended: read our full UDG Creator DJ Stand review
Features:
- Adjustable height and width.
- Sturdy and durable construction.
- Easy to assemble.
- Ideal for various DJ setups.
Quality
Solid build, with the only fiddly bits being the height adjustment mechanism and the sticky hinges.
Features
The detachable middle shelf adds plenty of extra storage. Height adjust and hinge system means a set up for any needs.
Value
At around £129, the Creator Stand is just competitive with other brands.
USB Hub
Recommended: Anker USB 3.0 Hub
Features:
- Multiple high-speed USB 3.0 ports.
- Compact and portable design.
- Reliable power delivery.
- Compatible with various devices.
Reviews:
- PC Mag: “Anker’s USB hub is reliable and fast, making it perfect for connecting multiple devices.”
- TechRadar: “A versatile and high-quality hub, essential for any DJ needing multiple USB connections.”
- Amazon: Users appreciate its durability and speed, finding it indispensable for their DJ setups.
Summary – The Best DJ Equipment for beginners
The best DJ equipment for beginners really boils down to whether you want to go down the AlphaTheta (Pioneer) route, or keep you options a little more open. Having the right DJ equipment for you as a new DJ makes a significant difference in the learning process and how quick you will pick it up.
The Pioneer FLX-4 and Numark Mixtrack Pro FX are top choices for controllers due to their intuitive designs and comprehensive features. The Audio-Technica ATH-M50X headphones provide excellent sound quality, while Serato DJ Lite and Rekordbox DJ offer robust software options. Adding KRK Rokit 5 G4 or Mackie CR3 speakers ensures good audio output, and accessories like the Reloop DJ stand and Anker USB 3.0 Hub keep the setup organised and functional. This gear offers a solid foundation for developing DJ skills and enjoying the journey into DJing. For DJ lessons we recommend Club Ready DJ school where you can currently get 16 free videe lessons.
