subject: 5 Things to Look Out for When Buying DJ Equipment [print this page] In the not too distant past, almost anyone could be a DJ for a night. All you needed was a turntable, a stack of records, some heavy duty speakers, and a smile. That just isn't enough anymore. With technology steadily making inroads into every industry, naturally being a DJ has not been left out. In the modern world, not only do you need mixers, CD players, and a whole slew of high tech DJ equipment, you also need to know how to use it. In the following article you will read about five things you should know or watch out for when buying DJ equipment.
The first thing is location. Where you plan to be a DJ has much to do with what DJ equipment you should purchase. If you plan on being at one place all the time, you could most likely make it work with older equipment. Naturally, less modern equipment will be heavier, and more likely you will need more of it to achieve a high sound quality. If you plan to be a mobile DJ, you will need DJ equipment that can be easily taken down, set up, and transportable. It stands to reason that this equipment will cost more and will need more careful attention.
The second thing you should watch out for is hype. There are many places where you can purchase DJ equipment, and a simple search online will give you countless options. However, when it comes to your equipment, you should not believe everything you read. While it is true that a better or more expensive mixer can do more, and often produce a better set, your DJ equipment is only going to be as good as you are. Simply put, you can buy the best, most expensive mixer on the market but if you don't have the talent to use it, you have just wasted your time and money.
The third thing to watch for is what kind of care your equipment will need. Once you have decided what format you will be using, you need to make sure you are able to properly maintain it. For instance vinyl, although a dying breed, is easier to learn on than say mp3 or CDs. As far as the necessary DJ equipment, a decent turntable, mixer, and speakers will get you started. Before you buy your turntable, you should make sure that its components can be easily and economically replaced. You should also have some replacement parts on hand for every gig. Keep in mind that vinyl records do get dirty and must be cleaned and cared for. A bad needle or dirty record will produce poor sound quality.
Fourth on the list is to make sure you have done your research. Just because one brand says its the best does not mean it is, and you could end up spending more than you need to and getting low quality anyway. With the internet wide open there is no reason to make an uninformed decision about your equipment. If nothing else, ask a fellow DJ what DJ equipment they would recommend. That will give you a starting point and you can expand your research from there. Be aware that more expensive does not necessarily have to mean better.
Finally, number five has to be your special effects. When buying your special effects lighting, you need to shop with care. If you will be a mobile DJ, you will want to be able not only to transport your lights, but also set them up once you get there. You will need to make sure that all are UL tested, and that you have plenty of replacement bulbs. This falls into the maintenance and upkeep of your equipment as well. Although they may look really cool, some lighting packages may be rather more difficult to get bulbs for than others. You also need to make sure that you are able to use your lights the way you want to. You should make sure that your DJ equipment is completely compatible with your lighting equipment before you make the purchase.
Shopping for DJ equipment does not have to be a chore. Do some research, comparison shop, and make informed decisions about your DJ equipment. The extra effort will be well worth it.
