So, You Want to Be a DJ?
- Chris Waby
- Jan 13
- 3 min read
Here’s the Affordable Way to Start Your Journey!
As well as being a mobile and underground DJ, I am also a DJ tutor. As a DJ tutor, one of the most common questions I get is, “How can I/my kid get started without breaking the bank?” And honestly, it’s one of my favourite questions.
Helping aspiring DJs find their rhythm (literally) is what I love most about what I do. Whether you’re aiming to light up local parties or dreaming of headlining music festivals, the first step is getting your hands on the right equipment. But where do you begin without draining your wallet? Let me break it down for you.
The Affordable DJ Setup: What You Really Need
First things first: DJing doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Sure, the pros have setups worth thousands of £££s, but entry-level gear has come a long way in recent years, offering incredible features for a fraction of the price. Let’s look at the essentials:
1. DJ Controller
For beginners, a DJ controller is the ultimate starting point. It’s an all-in-one piece of gear that integrates the functions of a mixer, turntables, and software interface. Here are a few budget-friendly yet reliable options:
Pioneer DJ DDJ-FLX4: Between £250-£300. This is one of the common entry-level controllers I find myself recommending. This is user-friendly, compact and works seamlessly with Rekordbox, and Serato. You can also connect to an iPhone, iPad, or Android via Bluetooth, so it’s a great choice for mixing and learning almost anywhere and anytime!
Numark Mixtrack Platinum FX: Priced at £200-£250, this controller offers great value with features like jog-wheel displays, performance pads, and Serato DJ Lite compatibility.
Hercules Inpulse 500: A solid pick under £300, it includes onboard tutorials to guide you through your first mix, making it perfect for absolute beginners.
2. Headphones
You’ll need a decent pair of headphones to cue up tracks. Look for something with good sound isolation so you can hear your beats clearly even in a noisy environment.
Affordable Pick: Audio-Technica ATH-M20x (around £50)
Mid-Range Pick: Pioneer HDJ-CUE1 (about £60)
3. Speakers
If you’re just practicing at home, you don’t need massive speakers. Studio monitors or even a decent pair of computer speakers will do just fine.
Mackie CR3-X: Compact and affordable at about £90 per pair.
Edifier R1280T: A fan favourite at around £100 with great sound quality for the price.
4. Software
Most DJ controllers come bundled with beginner-friendly software like Serato DJ Lite or Rekordbox. This saves you the added cost of purchasing software separately and makes learning the ropes much easier.
5. Laptop or Computer
If you already have a computer, you’re golden. Most modern laptops can handle DJ software just fine. If not, look for one with decent processing power and at least 8GB of RAM.
Why Start Small?
Starting with entry-level gear is a smart move for several reasons:
Low Commitment: You get to explore DJing without spending thousands of dollars upfront.
Learn the Basics: Fancy equipment won’t make you a better DJ—practice will. Entry-level gear helps you focus on mastering the fundamentals.
Upgrade Gradually: As your skills grow, you’ll know exactly what features you want in higher-end gear.
A Few Pro Tips for Getting Started
Practice Beatmatching: Even with auto-sync buttons available, learning to beatmatch manually will make you a more skilled DJ in the long run.
Explore Genres: Don’t limit yourself to one style of music. Experimenting with different genres can help you discover your unique sound.
Record Your Mixes: Listening back to your mixes will help you identify areas for improvement. Most DJ software makes it easy to record.
The Bottom Line
You don’t need to empty your savings to get started as a DJ. With an entry-level controller, a solid pair of headphones, and some good speakers, you can dive into the world of DJing without hesitation. Most importantly, have fun with it! DJing is all about sharing the music you love and creating moments that people will remember.
So, are you ready to drop the beat? Let’s get mixing!
If you are interested in taking up some additional help and are thinking about taking on board a DJ tutor - please get in touch with Waby DJ Services!
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