There is quite a big list when it comes to choosing DJ essentials and equipment that suits your preferences and needs. It’s also important to choose a setup that is right for your gigs. For a Disc Jockey who performs in events and clubs, CDJs are the equipment you can expect to be present in the venue of any large show. CDJs are specialized digital music players for DJing. They come in a line of media players that allow for control and manipulation of CDs, USB (or other digital audio formats) using an emulated vinyl turntable surface.

The Art of Mixing Music

With the advancement of technology, there is a vast range of top CDJ models to choose from. One line could be ahead of the other, while some might have advanced features than the rest, but there is one thing that is similar to all CDJ latest models and every one of them pretty much revolves around USB now. This makes organizing a huge selection of thousands of tunes clear and easy.

CDJs are also loved for their wide variety of unique features and controls, which includes settings that allow you to bring your preferences with you when traveling, Wi-Fi Music, Active Loop, HID control of Rekordbox DJ, just to name a few.

The Trademark of the CDJ 

What makes CDJs the best choice? 

As different models come with different features to offer, there’s just so much to go around with CDJs. Here are some of the features that are commonly offered by most CDJ models;

Music Formats: MP3, WAV, AIFF, AAC, FLAC, ALAC

Audio Response: 4 – 20,000 Hz frequency range, 115 dB signal-to-noise ratio, output level 2.0Vrms, distortion < 0.003%

Audio Sources: USB storage (FAT, FAT32, HFS+), iOS or Android, Mac or Windows PC. While other models extend its feature to optical drives (CD, CD-R/RW).

Power Consumption: Ranging from 14-51W

Surprisingly, given their broad offering of features, they also come in a very portable size — a CDJ typically has a dimension of 12.6 inches x 4.15 inches x 15.82 inches on average.

Getting Your Hands-On

Export. Plug. Link. Play.

Thanks to Rekordbox, using CDJs is as easy as Plug and Play. Set your cue points, keys, and any loops you want the software to remember, export your playlists to a flash drive, plug directly into CDJ and the lists of all your tracks and memory information will appear on the screen. Link the two together, scroll through your library and select what you want to play — then you are ready to create some dancefloor mayhem! 

The Takeaway

Being comfortable with what you use is important as a DJ, but the product and outcome will always come down to the skills of the Disc Jockey themselves. The essentials and equipment are all nothing but instruments to help the DJ spin the tunes and mix the music the real talent and creativity lies in carefully selecting your tunes, knowing what goes well together, and being able to read and feel the vibe of your audience throughout every set. 

Compatibility with the equipment is just an additional point…

 

FAQs

What CDJs are specialized digital music players for DJing?

They come in a line of media players that allow for control and manipulation of CDs, USB (or other digital audio formats) using an emulated vinyl turntable surface.

How does the Art of Mixing Music work?

With the advancement of technology, there is a vast range of top CDJ models to choose from. One line could be ahead of the other, while some might have advanced features than the rest.

What makes CDJs the best choice?

As different models come with different features to offer, there’s just so much to go around with CDJs. Here are some of the features that are commonly offered by most CDJ models.

 

Different types of DJ equipment

DJ Headphoes

You can’t DJ properly if you can’t hear what you’re doing or gauge what the audience is hearing. This is why a top-class pair of headphones is essential in any DJ setup. There are hundreds of great headphones on the market, but what you need to factor in when buying is whether they will be in-ear or over-ear, the cup size, orientation, comfort, and durability, among other things.

Different types of DJ equipment

speakers

 If you haven’t got some already and need to add speakers to your shopping list, you’ll want to avoid cheap brands and opt for some which are powerful but suitable for your DJing environment. You wouldn’t go out and buy a huge PA system if you live in a cupboard under the stairs, and you wouldn’t invest in some tiny desk speakers if you are mixing in a large room with thick walls and high ceilings. A set of speakers that fit somewhere in the middle is best.

Different types of DJ equipment

DJ Software

If you’re looking to play solely digital, you’re going to want to invest in some good software. Some DJs who play from USB still do not use software, but the truth is, it can seriously help you stay organized. Software not only allows you to prepare your tracks into neat and tidy playlists, but it also detects the BPM and key of all your tunes, lets you set hot cues, make loops, mashups, and other really cool stuff that wouldn’t be possible if you simply stuck all your tunes on a USB stick or burned them to CD. If you’re just starting out as a DJ, there’s no question that using a high-quality software program will make mixing easier and your sets sound better.

Different types of DJ equipment

Controllers

 DJ controllers are highly convenient because they are an all-in-one setup that you can carry around with you, then plug in and play right off the bat. They also eliminate the need to spend thousands on individual pieces of gear. There are many different types of DJ controllers that are ideal for beginners, each with different functions, personalities, and more. Some are fantastic for multi-deck mixing, changing the volume, tempo, track settings, looping, panning, playing drum pads, and even scratching.

Different types of DJ equipment

mixers

For any analog DJ setup, a mixer is an essential bit of kit. Besides being used to make seamless transitions from one song to another, they also have a wide range of other functions. The crossfader can be used to make epic scratch performances, while the vertical sliders control the volume levels, panning, and can be used in conjunction with effects. They also act as a soundcard to process the music signal you’re sending out to your audience, and let you cue up your next track in your headphones while the current song is playing.

Different types of DJ equipment

Turntables

As mentioned, mixing on turntables is the classic way of DJing, and even some digital DJs still have a vinyl player or two in their repertoire. Turntables are ideal for those who want to get into scratching. They also allow you to switch between songs and albums, slow down tempos, alter the pitch, and do other creative tricks. While laptops and digital DJ setups are the most popular in this day in age, we still recommend learning how to mix on vinyl, even if you don’t plan to buy turntables or use them in your setup. The saying is true – if you can play on wax, you can play on anything.