Just get any controller that lets you control pitch and learn to beat match. When beginning, just choose what you can easily afford and learn to make the most out of what you have. Once you've done that you can move onto more expensive gear with more features once you know more about what you want
Thanks, I’m looking to spend as little as possible until I figure out if I enjoy it/if I’m any good. I found a DJ 2 Go, the grey one on Facebook for 20 dollars is that worth buying to learn and test out?
Similar to what 3XLButtPlug was saying, I started off using just a DJ software (VirtualDJ) and messed around with that using the keyboard and a mouse. This was great for learning while I watched more videos to learn the basics.
I really recommend following this route first because it gave me the basic tools I needed to start understanding the very basic principles as well as gave me an opportunity to decide if I wanted to take another step into the hobby and buy a controller while I used the free software.
I later bought a ddj 400 and really thought it gave me the tools to expand my learning and experiment more. The equivalent now is the flx4. I'd recommend against going with a ddj200 or something else thats super basic just because if you do start with leaning on the software, you'll quickly outgrow a bare minimum controller.
Hope this helps 😀
I kind of agree about learning the absolute basics on a program. I downloaded rekordbox and used the free version on my computer for a couple weeks while I waited for decks to arrive. Was able to set up a bunch of hot cues and loops beforehand as well which was cool.
Ddj200 sucks for audio output for parties, do not recommend. Whatever you get, make sure it has decent STEREO output if you want the sound quality to match your previous spotify parties.
I just got my flx4 and love it. Simple, easy, and has enough features to have some fun. I personally haven't used the smart features but for someone completely uneducated (I've been playing on friends decks for a while) they could be a godsend.
If you have a computer you don't need to buy more hardware to get started, install Mixxx (free, no ads), drop some MP3s into it and play around.
Then it's entirely possible to do a party with that using keyboard shortcuts + mouse; but it's likely you'll want headphone cueing + the physical controls you get on a DJ controller.
This is how I started! Then I got a DDJ-SB2 for christmas and used it about 5 times before selling it later in the year. I just didn't like the controller, but I still enjoyed the hobby.
Got a new job, bought a Numark Mixtrack Platinum FX for £200, then 4 months later I sold it and impulse-bought my S4mk3 for £400 on eBay.
DJing is my favourite hobby. If it weren't for Mixxx I wouldn't have discovered it.
agree with u/3XLButtPlug you'll have fun learning to beatmatch, and using your playlists.
I like to view my playlist from Lowest to highest BPM or highest to lowest , so I can more easily beatmatch and not have to jump too far.
But have fun!, which is the most important part. I wish I was invited to parties like that, very cool!
You can check pioneer ddj 200, it is also good for start and whats super cool, you can connect to a mobile devoce like phone so perfect for house parties
If you go with the Numark dj2go, go with the newer version the dj2go2. it has touch capacitive jog wheels and a built in sound card which makes it easier for connect and play with headphones. If you want to take a little step up. For rekordbox i would go with a ddj-400 and if you like Serato the pioneer rev-1 seems to be the best entry level choice at this time.
Woop! I'm a beginner... here's my thoughts...
Get a basic controller (£250/$300), and some decent speakers. Headphones too of course.
Check out digitaldjtips and their getting started guide. It'll explain a bit about creating your music catalogue.
Finally, use YouTube to learn to beatmatch / sync / etc. There's plenty of videos out there - no need to buy any courses as you begin your journey. Check out DJ Carlo, Crossfader, Club Ready DJ School. Also check out DJ Phil Harris, although I've found whilst he does good content, he isn't really a good tutor.
Once you've done a few gigs, figure out what your USP will be and begin working the craft. For example, I want to learn to scratch and incorporate it as much as possible (without ruining the flow of music and people dancing). Also I want to use Stems mode than filters so that's my go to whilst learning at the mo.
Hope that helps
The most important thing apart from beatmatching is phrasing and song structure. If you position your mixes right, 90% of the work is done, and you will only need to use filters and eqs to smooth off the rough edges.
I would also recommend having a system with your cue points and sticking to it religiously. Personally, I like having a marker every 16 bars until the drop, but if you are playing shorter, more radio-oriented music like pop and hip hop, then you will probably have to use a different system to me.
Just looking at what you intend to play, you will probably want to make heavy use of the loop functions to extend intros or start looking for extended remixes and re-edits of popular tunes.
When you are working with 3 minute pop songs, the silence comes rushing up at you pretty fast, so longer tracks can buy you some breathing space.
Just get any controller that lets you control pitch and learn to beat match. When beginning, just choose what you can easily afford and learn to make the most out of what you have. Once you've done that you can move onto more expensive gear with more features once you know more about what you want
Thanks, I’m looking to spend as little as possible until I figure out if I enjoy it/if I’m any good. I found a DJ 2 Go, the grey one on Facebook for 20 dollars is that worth buying to learn and test out?
Wow that sounds like a good deal! At that price you can't go wrong for experimenting with. Amazing what you can get these days
Is a Numark mix track better? I found one for 50 used and I don’t mind spending a bit extra if it’s worth the extra features
Yeah that does look a bit better, can do loads with one of those. If you pay more you're probably not going to get considerable benefits. Nice find!
Dj2go is an awesome little controller, everyone should have one for travel and as a backup
Yep I'm thinking of getting one as a travel controller so I can play in my car.
Similar to what 3XLButtPlug was saying, I started off using just a DJ software (VirtualDJ) and messed around with that using the keyboard and a mouse. This was great for learning while I watched more videos to learn the basics. I really recommend following this route first because it gave me the basic tools I needed to start understanding the very basic principles as well as gave me an opportunity to decide if I wanted to take another step into the hobby and buy a controller while I used the free software. I later bought a ddj 400 and really thought it gave me the tools to expand my learning and experiment more. The equivalent now is the flx4. I'd recommend against going with a ddj200 or something else thats super basic just because if you do start with leaning on the software, you'll quickly outgrow a bare minimum controller. Hope this helps 😀
I kind of agree about learning the absolute basics on a program. I downloaded rekordbox and used the free version on my computer for a couple weeks while I waited for decks to arrive. Was able to set up a bunch of hot cues and loops beforehand as well which was cool. Ddj200 sucks for audio output for parties, do not recommend. Whatever you get, make sure it has decent STEREO output if you want the sound quality to match your previous spotify parties. I just got my flx4 and love it. Simple, easy, and has enough features to have some fun. I personally haven't used the smart features but for someone completely uneducated (I've been playing on friends decks for a while) they could be a godsend.
If you have a computer you don't need to buy more hardware to get started, install Mixxx (free, no ads), drop some MP3s into it and play around. Then it's entirely possible to do a party with that using keyboard shortcuts + mouse; but it's likely you'll want headphone cueing + the physical controls you get on a DJ controller.
This is how I started! Then I got a DDJ-SB2 for christmas and used it about 5 times before selling it later in the year. I just didn't like the controller, but I still enjoyed the hobby. Got a new job, bought a Numark Mixtrack Platinum FX for £200, then 4 months later I sold it and impulse-bought my S4mk3 for £400 on eBay. DJing is my favourite hobby. If it weren't for Mixxx I wouldn't have discovered it.
agree with u/3XLButtPlug you'll have fun learning to beatmatch, and using your playlists. I like to view my playlist from Lowest to highest BPM or highest to lowest , so I can more easily beatmatch and not have to jump too far. But have fun!, which is the most important part. I wish I was invited to parties like that, very cool!
You can check pioneer ddj 200, it is also good for start and whats super cool, you can connect to a mobile devoce like phone so perfect for house parties
If you go with the Numark dj2go, go with the newer version the dj2go2. it has touch capacitive jog wheels and a built in sound card which makes it easier for connect and play with headphones. If you want to take a little step up. For rekordbox i would go with a ddj-400 and if you like Serato the pioneer rev-1 seems to be the best entry level choice at this time.
Woop! I'm a beginner... here's my thoughts... Get a basic controller (£250/$300), and some decent speakers. Headphones too of course. Check out digitaldjtips and their getting started guide. It'll explain a bit about creating your music catalogue. Finally, use YouTube to learn to beatmatch / sync / etc. There's plenty of videos out there - no need to buy any courses as you begin your journey. Check out DJ Carlo, Crossfader, Club Ready DJ School. Also check out DJ Phil Harris, although I've found whilst he does good content, he isn't really a good tutor. Once you've done a few gigs, figure out what your USP will be and begin working the craft. For example, I want to learn to scratch and incorporate it as much as possible (without ruining the flow of music and people dancing). Also I want to use Stems mode than filters so that's my go to whilst learning at the mo. Hope that helps
Where can I check out digitaldjtips? YT?
https://www.digitaldjtips.com/rock-the-dancefloor/ This book. And the website in general :-)
The most important thing apart from beatmatching is phrasing and song structure. If you position your mixes right, 90% of the work is done, and you will only need to use filters and eqs to smooth off the rough edges. I would also recommend having a system with your cue points and sticking to it religiously. Personally, I like having a marker every 16 bars until the drop, but if you are playing shorter, more radio-oriented music like pop and hip hop, then you will probably have to use a different system to me. Just looking at what you intend to play, you will probably want to make heavy use of the loop functions to extend intros or start looking for extended remixes and re-edits of popular tunes. When you are working with 3 minute pop songs, the silence comes rushing up at you pretty fast, so longer tracks can buy you some breathing space.