Why to Choose Physical DJ Mixers over Software

Mixers are an essential part of any DJ equipment packages but there is some controversy over whether or not you should choose to employ a physical mixer over a virtual or software one. The DJ mixer allows you to effect many different changes over the music that you are playing, whether you want to add some awesome effects for the benefit of your audience, or you want to adjust the sound for a particular type of venue. The sound mixer is without a doubt one of the most important pieces of equipment that you can have, but what are the benefits of using a digital one?

The Digital Advantages

When you have a digital device, you won’t find yourself having to worry about making room in your bag, or even worse, damaging your mixer during transport. In addition to that, digital mixers tend to have more options, and can even be upgraded to comply with your own person standards. They are not physical, after all, and many pieces of mixer software are actually a more modular solution, meaning they can take any form from ridiculously simple to outrageously complicated.

As you can see, there are definite and clear benefits to going with the digital option, but there are also several disadvantages. For example, it must be installed on a computer and this is all dependent upon whether or not the computer can handle the software, as well as whether or not the computer is functioning. If your operating system crashes, or a piece of your hardware fails, you will need to pay to replace the computer, and it could be more expensive than simply fixing a broken component on the DJ mixers.

There are definitely advantages to using a digital mixer, but there are also problems that you will have to deal with. Are there more advantages to using a physical mixer? It’s a bit of a trade off, as with anything, but let’s take a look at some of the benefits.

The Physical Advantages

Purists are going to tell you that physical is the only way to go, and they may very well be onto something. There is really nothing quite like actually having the controls beneath your fingers and being able to control them with expert precisions. You will also find that you do it without the lag that often accompanies a computer program (sometimes).

The biggest advantage, is that a physical mixer isn’t going to be at the mercy of software bugs. In other words, it’s just going to work, and it’s going to work well no matter what situation you put it in. Can you say the same for a piece of software?

Digital DJ GearOf course, the disadvantage of using a physical mixer, as you probably know, is going to be the bulk. If your setup is mostly stationary, it will be fine, but as you probably know by now, mixing boards can be huge, and carrying them around can become a virtual impossibility. There are smaller mixers, of course, but they won’t have the full range of control, which is why many DJ’s have switched over to the digital standard.

Mixers are a normal part of any DJ equipment packages, and to be quite frank, there is no rule that says you cannot go for the digital AND the physical variants. We tend to favor the physical, for the reasons mentioned above, but to be a digital DJ today, you have to put your own spin on the art, which is not unlike the requirements of the vinyl DJ’s of old. Find your style, develop it, and most importantly, make sure that you stick with it. DJ’ing is a different experience for everyone, especially in the digital world.

 

Buy DJ Equipment for Vinyl Setups

The world has gone digital, and the same of course is true for DJ equipment, as you probably know by now. If you want to revisit the old days, however, vinyl DJ controllers are still around and can still be purchased for various reasons. The big question however, is why would you want one, given all of the advancements that have been made today? You can, after all, expect to do all of the same things on digital equipment that you could on vinyl.

The first thing that we would like to point out about vinyl, is that it is the beginning of DJ’ing. It is the Alpha, so to speak, and using it will give you an idea of where all of this came from. For beginner DJ’s, getting a little bit of perspective is an absolute must. Of course, nostalgia is just a small part of the whole picture. There is far more to it than that!

A Skill You Need

DJ equipmentSo do you really need to learn a vinyl setup? Absolutely. One of the reasons for learning, is so that you will be able to use one if you ever encounter one in the real world. Even if you don’t always use one personally, at least as your main equipment, you can still reap the benefits of being able to play at any club or venue, regardless of the equipment they have. For example, you might not be able to bring your own equipment, or maybe it is an impromptu DJ session. Whatever the case may be, there is always good reason for knowing how to manually beat match, and trust us, it will make you the star of the show. There are plenty of great DJ equipment packages that you can take advantage of which will help catapult you to super stardom before you know it.

A little bit of History

Over the years, the DJ market has changed considerably. Where records used to be the norm, CD’s managed to take over. For the longest time, it was considered absolutely revolutionary to be able to scratch CD’s just as if they were vinyl. Computers, while somewhat present in the industry, were never used for DJ’ing until later. Advancements in software, as well as computer hardware made them viable, and more advanced laptops made them portable. While they are definitely useful, we still make our case for the vinyl setup.

DJ Equipment for saleIf you’re really interested in reliving the glory days and adding a skill to your collection, then it would be a good idea to consider the Reloop RP-7000 Direct High-Torque Turntable. This is great for DJing at parties, or clubs with support for standard and VS vinyl. The setup we’re referencing here has plenty of capabilities, especially when held in comparison to other DJ Equipment for sale. It features speeds of 33 1/3, 45, and 78 RPM, providing the full experience for any audiophile.

As you can see, there is a lot to like when it comes to vinyl, and once you find a good setup, there isn’t much that you won’t be able to do. When you learn how to operate a vinyl turntable, you will finally be able to appreciate the glory of manually beat matching – something that you would never have the opportunity to experience if you were using a computer exclusively.

Take a look at the available vinyl controllers, and get ready to not only learn a great new skill for your DJ’ing endeavors, but also know how to adjust in any situation, no matter what the venue happens to have on hand. No matter how you look at it, it’s a notch that you want in your DJ belt.

 

Vinyl vs. CD – A Quick Comparison

Vinyl is one of those formats that might be old, but it will never be forgotten. There are those however that truly believe vinyl has outlived its usefulness, and that there are plenty of better, more modern options for us to consider. In the opinion of many, however, there is little that can replace or duplicate the old ways, though that honestly might just be nostalgia talking. That said, let’s talk a bit about the two iconic methods of DJ controllers. You might just find an argument you haven’t heard before.

Vinyl – Classis Control in a New  Era

DJ Equipment PackagesThough you certainly won’t find this one in most DJ Equipment Packages today, there is something about this old method of DJ’ing that people still absolutely love. When you think about the old days, whether it’s the 70’s, 80’s, or 90’s, you might remember a lot of different formats, but no one ever recalls someone DJ’ing with an 8-Track deck or a cassette player. Okay yes, that sounds a little silly (not to mention impossible) but the point we’re trying to make here, is that vinyl is simply where it was at.

First of all, vinyl requires a considerable amount of skill. You’ll have to work long and hard to make sure that you master this tactile method of delivering music to your venue, but let’s face it, you’re going to put on a show that few other people will be able to tap.

The most notable disadvantage here is that you won’t have BPM (Beats Per Minute) detection and you also won’t have a sync button to save you if things get a little out of hand. You’ll have to rely on yourself, but if you have the experience, that’s a great thing! There is nothing more efficient than the human brain, and there’s a good chance you’ve got this one in the bag.

This is not to say that there aren’t certain disadvantages to using turntables, even if you are a supporter of the classics. First of all, they’re heavy. You need highly reliable transportation to carry them around, and quite frankly, you’ll probably pull a muscle transporting them about sometime.

If you don’t have one to take with you, then you’ll have to rely on what clubs have to offer, and because most are upgrading to more recent technology, you’ll probably find that their turntables are in horrible shape, or that they don’t have one. It’s outdated technology for a reason, and everyone is moving into a new era.

Finally, consider that most production companies are moving forward as well, and unless you have the ability to produce your own vinyl recordings, you will find that there is a significant lack of available music. That’s really not something you want to find yourself dealing with! Still, if you can handle these challenges, the vinyl record player might be the best option for an aspiring DJ who wants to bring back the classics.

CD’s – Older but Still Reliable

DJ Equipment PackagesAs with any new technology, people were more than a bit skeptical when the CD was released, but it has proven itself time and again, even though it really doesn’t provide the same tactile feedback that you would find with turntables. Scratching and Juggling is a bit different, as you’ve probably realized, but there are some clear benefits. First of all, CD players and their associated media are lightweight, meaning you can carry them everywhere, and most clubs will keep them in good supply in case any DJ wants to use them. There is always the chance that you’ll experience some skipping, but club decks are high quality, and most importantly they don’t rely upon needles. You typically won’t have to worry about a lens breaking because you were too rough with it, and if you do, then you were probably being way too rough with the deck in the first place.

As far as DJ Equipment Packages  go, CD’s are far less expensive than most of the other alternatives on the market. Naturally you won’t want to use your original discs, which is why using CD-R’s is preferred. Because these can be picked up for pennies on the dollar, it’s going to be far more cost effective, and will definitely help your operation out.

Unlike the turntable DJ Equipment for sale, CD-decks can typically read from USB drives and have BPM detection which puts it ahead of turntables significantly.

So what’s the word? Which one should you use? It’s not an easy decision by any means, but honestly, it all depends on what kind of job you’re trying to do. Do you want to go for the classic look, feel, and sound? Or do you want to try something a little easier. You have the pros and cons laid out, so go look for DJ Equipment for sale and make your decision!

The Top Four DJ Mixers on the Market

DJ mixers are the center of any DJ setup. When looking for DJ equipment for sale, having a good mixer can make or break a setup. At it’s core a good DJ mixer takes the audio from the turntables and combines them. By doing this it smooths the transition between songs. This in turn allows the DJ to control the mixer using FX and other external functions. The fader control is the mixing of two more tables together.

Finding the best mixer to go with your setup can be difficult. Mixers have a variety of features including more outputs, inputs, extra knobs for controlling the FX level, or even an additional MIDI connection. If you’re on the market for the best DJ mixer money can buy. Here are some of the best ones on the market to date.

DJ mixer

 

1) Behringer DDM4000 is One of the Most Affordable DJ Mixers

Behringer is considered a beast mode mixer. The brand has a good reputation for always being a stable product and being budget friendly. The Behringer mixer is usually best for getting away from the beginner mixers and into more professional territory. The DDM400 features 4 stereo channels, 32 bit sampler built in loop, 4 multi-FX section, works with a variety of DJ software through MIDI, 2 Dual BPM counters, and two mic inputs.

The Behringer mixer has been around for nearly a decade, and it’s built for durability as well. It’s an investment that will last a DJ for years to come as long as it’s handled with care. It’s one of the best, and affordable mixers on the market if you’re a DJ looking to move up from the beginner’s level.

2) Stanton M.203 is Reliable

This DJ mixer is usually on sale for about $100 or less depending on where you purchase it. It has a solid build while still remaining affordable. It features 1 switchable phono/line, two stereo channels, 1 line RCA for each channel, adjustable crossfader curve, mic input, headphone output, RCA master record & record output, tune control, and cue pan fader.

The M.203 is considered one of the best entry level mixers on the market. Many beginners have used it with successful results, but DJ’s who make a living through their work use it as well. For the solid build of the mixer and it’s simplicity. It always delivers no matter what. It does not have digital ins or outs like other up to date mixers, but it makes up for it in power.

3) Numark M6 USB is one of the Best Mixers

Numark is one of the more famous brands when it comes to DJ equipment. Similar to the Stanton for being affordable. Numark is a favorite in the industry for it’s XLR mic channel, four input channels, multiple inputs for mic/line/phono, US connectivity, works with OS systems, and the crossfader is replaceable. The LED metering is perfect if you like a visual for your levels, and is excellent for DJ’s who play live. The M6 USB has a reputation for having a stable build and being a high quality mixer.

Some DJ’s prefer to use a digital rig versus the traditional DJ setup. The Numark has USB connectivity, but it’s still compatible for the standard analog setup for DJ’s who like to keep it traditional.

4) Allen & Heath Xone:22 is Considered One of the Best DJ Mixers

Allen & Heath are considered to be the cream of the crop on the DJ mixer market. This mixer has a high reputation for being one the best pieces of music equipment to own. The Allen & Heath brand have always produced high quality music equipment worldwide, and this mixer is no exception. Some of it’s main features are an external power supply, 2 stereo channels, 3-band EQ, external FX loop, low and high pass filters, dedicated local monitor, signal monitoring, mic input, and crossfader curve switch.

While this DJ mixer is on the lower price end for the Allen & Heath brand. It doesn’t suffer from lack of high quality or power either. The Xone:22 is perfect for beginners or a DJ just starting out to go pro. One of its best key features is perhaps its low and high pass filters. This can give you some amazing sound effects if your channel needs a bit more flair. Not only that, but the Xone:22 mixer is very budget friendly. It has many of the essential features a DJ needs to start out, is very powerful, and comes from one of the best brand names on the market.

Each of these DJ mixers offer a wide variety of features. Quite a few of them are recommended for beginner DJ’s to use when their first starting out. Their features can range from simple to complex. Each DJ mixer on this list comes from different brands, but are reliable. They’re affordable mixers that are budget friendly and won’t put a big dent in your wallet. Some of them are considered more for professional and pro use versus the beginner level. However, some mixers like the Stanton M.203 are used by DJ’s who make it a living to DJ.

Picking out the best mixer for you and your setup falls down to what you need from it. Along with price, features, and how you’re planning to make your DJ setup work. Either way, you can’t go wrong with any of these mixers.

Should a Belt Driven Turntable be Part of your DJ Equipment?

When it comes to DJing and which method of playback is best, it is really a personal decision. The way music sounds varies from person to person, so when trying to decide between computer-generated technics, direct drive turntables or belt drive turntables, it is best to try them all and choose the one that sounds best to you and fits your budget. Whether you are just starting out, or you are looking to buy DJ equipment to replace or update your old stuff, keep in mind that not all sound equipment is created equal. If you’ve been thinking a belt drive turntable is something you would like to try, keep reading to find out why it may or may not be the ideal choice for you.

First of all, let’s take a look at the three different types of playback DJs might use.

DJ Equipment

Computer Technics, Direct Drive Turntables and Belt Drive Turntables

Computer technics are self-explanatory. DJs use a computer, usually a laptop, to control music playback. While it is the most common type of playback used today because it is easy and fast, it doesn’t always produce the best sound quality. One of the biggest pros to using computers to play music is they provide a consistent speed at which the music is played. There is no variation in BPM so the music always sounds the same.

With a direct drive turntable, the motor that turns the platter is directly underneath the platter. While this provides a fairly consistent speed, it also allows vibration and motor noise to interfere with sound quality. If a DJ uses a turntable, it is most likely going to be of this type because the motor placement allows him to manipulate the platter by hand, stopping and even reversing the platter for ‘scratching.’ Another reason this type of turntable is popular is because it is often a cheaper option than its belt drive counterpart.

On a belt drive turntable, the motor is offset from the platter. The motor is connected to the platter with a belt loop that acts as a shock absorber. This helps prevent vibration and noise from the motor from reaching the platter. Sound quality is typically much better on a belt drive machine than a direct drive one.

Unfortunately, belt drive turntables are often more expensive, and they have the wear and tear factor with the belt loop needing replaced periodically. For someone just starting out in the DJ realm, it might not make sense to purchase a belt drive model right away. However, it is something to think about in the not-too-distant future for several reason.

Reasons to consider DJ Equipment Packages for Belt Drive Turntables

Audiophiles the world over have argued about which turntable is best for DJing without ever really coming to any one conclusion. DJ equipment packages for belt drive turntables may not be for everyone, but for some, it is the only way to go. Here’s why.

Spinning Vinyl shows a Dedication to the Art

Show up at an event carrying a couple of crates of vinyl records and a mono stick, and watch how everyone treats you with respect. Spinning vinyl isn’t just a job, it’s a passion.

It shows your Respect for the DJs that came before you

There’s nothing quite like hearing stories told by old-timer DJ who mastered their craft on a turntable. There is a certain amount of respect for these guys and gals who used their ears and their hearts to make beautiful music for the masses. When you choose to follow in their footsteps, you show an unspoken respect that’s rightly deserved.

Using a Turntable forces you to focus on your Music

Anyone can download a rockin’ playlist to their computer and DJ like a pro in a crowded nightclub. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to do that. However, it does take talent and a true understanding of what people want to hear to find and play the best, most unique collection that paying customers beg to hear. The trick to being a great DJ is having a collection that includes some of the most unique and unheard sounds around. When you use a turntable, it opens up opportunities to have music that only gets released on vinyl. You’ll spend a lot of time searching record shops, garage sales and Goodwill stores in search of that awesome collection. You can even buy your records online if you want. Making a rockin’ collection this way forces you to really listen to the sounds and focus on what appeals to you most.

Lastly, you’ll learn how to scratch

It’s been said that scratching is easier on a direct drive turntable, but it is possible on a belt drive turntable as well. You can even ‘scratch’ on a computer, but the sound just isn’t the same as coming from true vinyl.

You might say you aren’t going to scratch, but we bet you at least try a little bit.

Buy DJ Equipment for sale

If you’re in the market for a new turntable, DJ mixers, DJ controllers and more, give us a call at 973-506-8001 to find the best DJ equipment on the market today. Our staff has a love of music and an expertise in the field unlike any other. Let us help you get the equipment you need to get your DJ business rockin’.

Buy DJ Equipment to Get Yourself Started

So you want to try your hand at being a DJ, and why not? It’s a great profession and definitely a very specialized one. Disc jockeys have been around for decades, and if you’re ready to give it a try, you could be in line to discover your next great hobby or perhaps even your new career. Before you can do so, however, there are a few things that you will need to make sure you have, at least in terms of equipment.

Obviously some equipment is going to be more expensive than other equipment, and technology has changed over the years, moving from analogue to digital, and allowing for more inclusive formats, but the base of the equipment is still the same, and the most important piece of advice we would give you is this: don’t get overwhelmed.

When you are on the search for reliable and affordable DJ equipment for sale you are going to find a ton of different options, some of which will be very easy to understand, and some that will be very complicated. As a beginner DJ, you first need to learn the basics by purchasing gear that doesn’t cost much, and secondly by sticking to only what you need. The more complex equipment certainly has its place, and you will undoubtedly work your way up to them, but for the moment, let’s take a look at the basics, and what extras you might want to consider.

 

The Computer

There Are many different types of computers but they all tend to serve the same purpose when it comes to running a DJ booth or station. If you are more of a stationary type person, a typical desktop computer will do the trick. If, on the other hand you find yourself moving around a lot, a laptop computer would be ideal. The most important thing however is making sure  the computer you choose has adequate RAM and a decent processor.

At this point you can probably slack on the video card as you will not need high graphics output to play music, but do note that you will need a good sound card to output audio. Remember, without a good computer, the rest of your equipment may very well be useless whether you are talking about DJ controllers, DJ audio interfaces, or any number of other items.

Your Headphones

When you’re mixing music, you need to make sure that you can actually hear it, even if you can’t hear anything else that’s going on around you. Most club settings will be a bit noisy, to say the least, and you need to be able to hear the finite details of each song. The right headphones will not only need to be comfortable (you’ll be wearing them for hours), they will also need to be capable of noise cancellation.

A good pair of phones will probably cost somewhere around $300 to start but they will be well worth it.  As you learn more about the art of DJ’ing, you may be able to do what is known as ‘waveriding’, otherwise known as DJ’ing without headphones, but this takes some practice, and you will need to get a bit more experience under your belt before you try to undertake it.

Your Speakers

DJ equipmentIn almost all DJ equipment packages you are going to find a pair of speakers which you will use to play the mix through. Now sometimes you won’t necessarily need these simply because the venue you are playing at will probably have speakers set up throughout, but if you are practicing at home and want to perfect your art, it probably won’t hurt to have a good set. They can be expensive, but if you are working as a DJ, it is an investment that will most certainly be returned on

The DJ Controller

If you’ve ever watched a DJ movie from the old days then you’ve probably see the turntable and perhaps wanted to give it a try. Well, you still can, but a DJ controller, often known as DJ Mixer, and it has replaced the typical turntable. With this you will be able to control your computer based DJ software pretty easily, and it is considered to be one of the most useful pieces of DJ equipment on the market. Yes, you could use your computer as the DJ controller if you really wanted to, but let’s face it, having a physical controller on hand is definitely the way to go, especially if you are a professional.

These are a few of the items you will need to get started and as we said before, there are many other pieces of equipment that you can consider employing as you gain more experience. For now, get your feet wet and enjoy the journey.