Since its launch last year the Pioneer DDJ-Ergo v DJ Controller has had all DJ’s talking about it.

This could be said with almost any product from one of the DJ world’s most renowned brands, Pioneer, typically it has an intuitive interface but with a stylish new look. And all of this for a very affordable price, especially by Pioneer’s standards, the Ergo could certainly be the ideal controller for beginner DJ’s and is ready to tackle more professional situations when you are.

Looks

The first thing you notice when you look at the Pioneer DDj-Ergo V is that it is a visually stunning controller and its clear Pioneer had the design high up on their priorities list.

Its curved white shell and contrasting black panel would look perfectly at home in a DJ booth or in you’re living room, a stylish modern living room at least.

The actual panel are designed around the typical two-platter design with the main controls in the centre of the unit. We also notice that convenience was high up on Pioneer’s priorities list as all the controls: the filters, cues, FX etc are all within easy reach and conveniently placed.

To ensure full versatility Pioneer have also included an audio interface with audio circuitry taken from Pioneer’s legendary mixers.

Pulse Control LEDs

As you’ve probably noticed the unique pulse control LED lights, although look really cool.

They’re primarily designed as a visual representation of exactly which functions are currently being used, the tracks that are being loaded, and how accurately the beats match.

So what else could you buy?

The Ergo’s main competitor is probably the Traktor Kontrol S2 which is roughly the same price and comes included with Traktor 2. Also the Novation Twitch which is cheep, lightweight, small and has got loads of cool features, its not as professional as the Ergo but it will save you a bit of money.

I think it really depend on what you’re looking for or even what type of music you’re going to play. If its looks you want then its got to be the Ergo but you probably will get more stability with the Traktor Kontrol.

As a digital controller the Pioneer DDJ-Ergo V comes with Virtual DJ limited edition, but because it is a MIDI based DJ Controller it can be simply configured to most DJ software including Traktor, and it even comes with instructions on how to do this in the box.

Have a watch and see what you think:

Here’s a recap of some of the main features of the Pioneer DDJ-Ergo:

• Ultra-stylish LED design
• Convenient functionality and ergonomic design
• Compatible with most DJ Software
• Built in audio interface
• Mac and PC compatible, designed to dock laptop underneath to minimise space required yet keeping the screen in full view.
• Professional audio circuitry
• Very affordable Price

Overall

The reality is that this is Pioneer’s first crack at a cheap, beginner DJ module and it just feels strange.

Like a cheap Ferrari, they just don’t exist and it just seems that they have made some sacrifices to build quality and stability, and is by no means vintage Pioneer. And it doesn’t live up to the high standards we come to expect. But don’t get me wrong, for beginners this would be ideal, as its really stylish and straightforward. But when you’re ready to step up to a higher level you may need to upgrade you’re setup.

In-Ear Headphones: The Important Factors

In-Ear headphones fall under a lot of names: in-ear monitors, IEM’s, ear buds; whatever you call them, you’re probably reading this because you don’t want the bulkiness of over-the-ear models because you need them to be portable.

Another crowd of you may also already know about the sound fidelity of IEM’s because of how close you’re placing the audio to your ears – they are, after all, inside your ears.

Here are a few things to consider when buying in-ear headphones:

Comfort – Some IEM’s use plastic for their form which can be very uncomfortable over long periods of time. I recommend that you find a pair that is either rubberized, foam or some kind of flexible synthetic material so you don’t get that dreaded itchiness from having them in your ears for hours on end.

Seal – To get the most amount of bass, you need to make sure that the in-ear headphones have a tight seal when they sit inside your ear canal; this reduces air escaping and puts that bass right to your ear drum – you can certainly tell the difference when you find a great pair that perfectly fits your ear.

Price – Price is always a factor and the reason for this post. The most common earbuds are the ones you’d find with Apple products (iPods, etc) but these are rather low end but hey, they’re free. On the steep side, you could pay hundreds of dollars for IEM’s if you’re an audiophile. I say, for the average person, a good mid-range model is more than enough and won’t break your budget.

Sound Quality – Like any music gear, always look at what the earbuds bring to the table. Check the dynamic range, frequencies and stats so you know you’re getting great sound and it’s not intentionally clipping your music or cutting out the low end.

Overall, the design, comfort ability, price and sound quality of in-ear headphones have been on the rise over the last few years because of portable MP3 players like the iPod – this is a good thing for all of us. Even though you may not use them on the go, in-ear headphones are an excellent selection if you do not want something heavy sitting on your head like over-the-ear headphones.

Now let’s look at some of the in-ear headphones I would recommend under $150 …

The Best In-Ear Headphones

Sennheiser CX 500-B

Price: $24 – $33

See the Sennheiser CX 500-B Reviews

Bose IE2

Price: $58 – $100

See the Bose IE2 Reviews

Klipsch IMAGE S4-WH

Price: $61 – $80

See the Klipsch IMAGE S4-WH Reviews

Sennheiser CX 880

Price: $77 – $110

See the Sennheiser CX 880 Reviews

Monster Turbine

Price: $60 – $95

See the Monster Turbine Reviews

Sennheiser IE6

Price: $110 – $250

See the Sennheiser IE6 Reviews

Shure SE215-K

Price: $100 – $200

See the Shure SE215-K Reviews

Bose TriPort

Price: $57 – $60

See the Bose TriPort Reviews

Sony MDREX310LP

Price: $50 – $80

See the Sony MDREX310LP Reviews

Logitech Ultimate Ears 600

Price: $74 – $80

See the Logitech Ultimate Ears 600 Reviews

Beats by Dr. Dre (IEMs)

Price: $49 – $150

See the Beats by Dr. Dre Reviews

Optional Headphone Accessories

Before you go, I wanted to also make a suggestion of getting a headphone amp. Headphone amps are just like you expect, they amplify the sound much like you’d do through studio and PA speakers. These are great additions to get even more value out of your headphones because it truly picks up on your ability to get involved with the music – I have an amp and I’m able to hear a whole different level of small details in the music that I didn’t know was there.

Headphone amps are generally inexpensive and require you to take up a bit of extra space; you probably won’t be carrying these around but they are great for those that are really into their music.

Here are some of my suggestions for headphone amps:

• Behringer HA400 :: Price: $40
• FiiO E5 :: Price: $18
• Pyle-Pro PHA40 :: Price: $20

These are great little starters but don’t forget that they do go higher end if you’re looking for even more sound quality – you could end up spending $200 on a headphone amp at some point which may be totally worth it – give em a shot.

Final Thoughts

I think in-ear headphones can be a great addition to your music listening equipment. The cheap earbuds you find at most big box stores are fairly basic, you’re missing out on a lot of your music and you’re sacrificing a lot of comfortability.

If you have trouble, take a look at this guide to choosing headphones which should dig a bit deeper into some of the things worth considering when picking up a pair.

Other than that, I hope you enjoyed the post and hope you find what you’re looking for!

Awesome, you’re off to a good start since you’re here. What I’ve done is put together a list of some of the best DJ programs for beginners. These aren’t what I would call “high end” DJ programs but they certainly get the job done and can get you started before you drop serious money on the higher end DJ software like Traktor, Serato or Ableton.

Okay, enough of all that, let’s take a look at what’s available out there as far as DJ programs for beginners …

Virtual DJ

Virtual DJ - A good place to start

Virtual DJ is probably the best selection as far as DJ programs for beginners go because it has one of the best set of features and options or mixing and even doing a bit of visual DJing while you’re at it. You get two full decks, mixer, effects, file browser, visual elements and the ability to record and save your mix.

Out of the programs listed in this post, this is the one that I recommend checking out first because there is a free version of Virtual DJ available and if you want to upgrade it’s less than $100 which is a dirt cheap steal if you ask me. You get everything you need to get started so this is obviously the best choice; plus, there are a lot of Virtual DJ tutorials available on the web that will help you get started in no time at all.

MixMeister

Definitely worth checking out

MixMeister is sort of a mix between DJ mixing software and Ableton Live mixing capabilities; you can do your normal DJ thing but you could also do live mashups with the higher end versions of MixMesiter which is really great if you have the money to invest toward the software.

Overall, MixMeister may be a little bit too much for you when you’re first beginning but it’s definitely great for the intermediate level and even some expert level DJing because it’s quite robust and aims to give you a ton of flexibility in your ability to DJ. The higher end you get, with the software, the more features you unlock so if you’re willing to drop about $400, you can do everything up to live video mixing which can take your DJing to the next level because you’ll be putting on a bitchin’ show. Verdict? At least give MixMeister a try and see if it’s something that fits into your style and gives you the features you need to do your DJ mixing. There are a few trials of MixMeister available from their website too.

Mixxx

It's free. Completely free.

Finally, one other DJ program worth checking out for beginners would be Mixxx. Mixxx is an open source DJ mixing software which means it’s absolutely free and people can improve upon it because the source code is openly available to those that are willing to give it a shot.

Mixxx may not look like the sharpest tool in the DJ shed but it’s still got everything you need to get into mixing and for the price of free – yes, free – you really can’t beat it if you’re out of money and need to put all your money toward DJ equipment. Mixxx gives you the things you’re looking for such as importing your music, crossfading, beatmatching, effects and more. You can even hook up your midi gear to the program which is excellent since even some of the other DJ software that’s out there has limited support for midi equipment. Mixxx is available, for free, for Windows, Mac and Linux which you can download here.

Conclusion

Aaaaand, if you’re looking for midi DJ controllers for mixing with these pieces of DJ software than take a look at my recommendations for the top DJ controllers under $300. Coupled with a midi controller and some DJ software, you’ll be ready to begin DJing once you hook the two together.

Take some time to learn the interface of each of the DJ programs otherwise you’re going to stumble around while you’re trying to mix. In time, you’ll probably outgrow these programs so then start considering moving onto the bigger programs out there that is a bit more professional (as noted in the beginning). However, have fun and practice your ass off with these DJ programs.

Where do you start? Well, just as you did when you were setting up your DJ setup, you’re going back to the basics to figure out which upgrades are more needed and not just wanted. Here’s how it works …

Take a look at that budget

if you've got this kind of money than have at it

Since you’re upgrading your gear, your budget will be a little different compared to when you were just getting started because it’s less about choosing the basics and more about finding the right gear that’s going to replace ones that are fading.

As you could expect, set aside a workable percentage (%) of your monthly income that would go toward your DJ gear. Take a look back at how much you paid for the previous piece of equipment. Look around at what websites are selling DJ equipment at a great price or check up on sites like Craigslist; some new vendors or retailers may have popped up since you last bought DJ equipment.

What do you need to replace?

Now that you have a workable budget going, take a look at what you’ll need to replace. If it’s been a few years since you’ve bought DJ equipment than you may be in for a surprise at some of the equipment that’s available these days; if you’ve only bought equipment a few months ago than you can pretty much tell what’s available out there.

Will your upgrade be …?

• A new mixer because the old one is bleeding the sound?
• A new pair of turntables because you skimped out on quality ones in the beginning?
• Some headphones because you accidentally broke the old ones or blew them out?

Be honest with yourself, if your gear doesn’t really need to be upgraded than just spend money on new music because, after all, it’s the music you’re playing that matters and not so much the gear. However, if your ability to DJ is effected by faulty equipment than it’s perfect sense to make the upgrade or replace equipment in your setup.

Is it worth the upgrade?

this doesn't really relate to anything, I just found it awesome

So you need to replace a piece of DJ equipment and you’re eyeballing that new unit that has all the cool wiz-bang features that you keep hearing about. Let’s get honest for a second: do you really need that upgrade or could you just buy the same piece of equipment and still mix awesome music?

There are a lot of reasons why you may upgrade. A mixer may have the effects and feature you’ve been looking for to take your mixing to the next level. Maybe the turntables you’re checking out are of higher quality and will last you way longer than the ones you have. Perhaps the headphones you want to pick up are more comfortable than the ones that are hurting your ears while wearing them.

To put it bluntly, there’s no real reason to upgrade your gear unless it’s going to have a significant upgrade to your DJ setup. To spend a load of money on a new mixer that does one new feature that you never use is kind of pointless especially when you could throw that money toward other things such as promoting yourself and DJing.

However, if the piece of DJ equipment really is going to make an impact and give you better opportunities to make better mixes than it makes perfect sense to get that new piece.

Final Thoughts

DJ equipment is generally built to last; there are some DJ’s that have been rockin’ their gear since they first got it and they’re still going strong. Remember, the equipment isn’t what makes the DJ – it’s the music. If there’s no real need to upgrade your gear than just skip out on it and invest your money toward other things else make a logical decision on picking up a new piece of gear based on your budget, if it’s replacing something that needs to be and if it gives you greater flexibility in your DJing.

If you’re doing DJing as a profession than you will want to invest in a DJ table to ensure that your gear never gets wrecked from less than stellar venues that are out there. This post will take you through everything you need to know about DJ tables (and stands) …

What is a DJ Table?

A DJ equipment table holds all of your equipment; it quite literally is a stand for your gear to sit on with the exception that the DJ tables are often built so they form to your gear and they’re sturdy enough so you don’t easily have the stand tipped over from some drunken dancer.

Most DJ stands and tables are road-ready for mobile DJ’s. You can setup your table by just unfolding it which makes it extremely efficient for your DJ business since you can pack it up and lug it around without needing a van or truck.

DJ tables and stands are made by a wide range of companies that aren’t deep in the DJ equipment business but still offer excellent gear for this specific need. Some of the companies include Odyssey, Sefour, Road Ready, SpaceTek, Grundorf, QuikLok and many more. Prices for the DJ tables run anywhere from $100 – $300; the higher end obviously coming with additional features and sturdiness.

A stand is literally just … a stand. You put your DJ gear up on the table so you don’t have to worry about whether your venue has one available; this is especially important if you’re doing weddings or local parties.

How is a DJ Table used in DJing?

As noted, you can never be sure if the venue or event you’re going to have a place for your DJ equipment. There’s nothing worse than not being able to setup after you’ve traveled all the way. Additionally, a DJ table gives you a professional appearance so you’re not stuck asking people if they can help you setup once you get to the party.

The DJ tables are used to hold the heavy gear such as your turntables, mixers and monitors where stands are generally used for laptops or speakers if you have the type for them.

The table also keeps people behind the DJ booth rather than letting people walk right up and mess with your equipment; there are times when someone might get a little too loose from the party and stumble around your area and may even knock over stuff – this is why you need to have a strong stand so nothing gets wrecked.

Top 3 DJ Tables on the Market

Running a mobile DJ business? Than you may be in the market for a DJ table; here are the top three in the market that’s worthy of your time and money:

Odyssey CTBC2060

The Odyssey CTBC2060 is about as basic as you can get in terms of a foldable table for DJ’s. This table comes with port holes so you can run your cables along without them getting in the way. It’s foldable for when you need to pack it up and carry it around. The surface is stable and sturdy enough for all of your gear; nothing too fancy but certainly gets the job done.

Learn more: Check out the CTBC2060

Marathon MA-Table

The Marathon MA-Table is a bit sturdier with the metallic supports while also being a bit lighter which comes in handy after a tired night of DJing. Again, nothing entirely too special about the table but what can you really expect; it’s something to put your DJ gear on so you can rock the party. The table is easy to fold and has locking leg braces so you don’t accidentally kick the support out from underneath it or if someone bumps up on the table.

Learn more: Check out the MA-Table

Odyssey FZF5437T

With a name like that, you’d expect the Odyssey FZF5437T to be something from space. This DJ table is a step ahead of the others on the market because it’s more or less built like a tank; it literally looks like a carrying case for gear … but it’s a table. The FZF5437T is slick and sturdy as hell with aluminum support edging; great for your home studio or on the go. You’re going to pay more for this table but it will definitely be the last time you’ll need to buy one.

Learn more: Check out the FZF5437T

You can expect to spend anywhere from $100 – $300 for a good DJ table. Make sure that the one you buy has supports for the legs else it’s going to tip over if you’re getting too rough with it. Also, make sure that there is enough space for your gear else you’ll be so cramped that you can’t easily get to mixing.

A DIY DJ Table for Less than $100

Having a professional table is important if you’re a mobile DJ that wants to represent their business but I know there are people, perhaps you, out there that don’t have a lot of money to dump into a DJ table. Here’s the great news: I’ve built one before on the cheap using easy to access materials and all of it under $100.

I wouldn’t recommend lugging this around to your venues but it’s perfect for the bedroom:

• 8 cinder blocks
• 1 flat, wooden door

You can pick up cinder blocks at Lowes or Home Depot for about $2 – $3 a piece so you’re spending no more than $20 for the blocks. The door you can pick up, easily, for about $20 – $50 at a local thrift store. Make sure the door is solid wood; it’s going to be heavy but that’s a good thing because you don’t want your gear sitting on top of a flakey piece of door.

As you could imagine, just line up your cinder blocks to the height that you want (generally around mid waist) and then put the door on top. For added value, drill some holes into the back of the door so you can feed cords through so they’re out of your way.

DJ Table Accessories and More

DJ tables have caught on so you can imagine that there are additional items for them, including:

• DJ Skirts – These are draped over the table to give it a nice look so you don’t have exposed legs. You could get a graphic designer to add your name to the skirt to give yourself a bit more promotion.

• Laptop Stands – These stands hold your laptop if you’re a digital DJ. You don’t have to worry about your laptop sitting on top of the table where it may fall over from heavy usage.

• Equipment Desk – These are more like stands/desks that fit on top of your DJ table where you can have your laptop, midi controllers, synthesizers, drum machines and more. These are more used for someone doing live performance but you could definitely take advantage of them in your mobile DJing.

Most of the accessories for the tables are to make it look better and keep your gear organized but it’s certainly worth throwing a few more dollars at to make sure that your gear is safe and sound while playing.

Final Thoughts

Boring subject for today’s post? Maybe. But, it’s important that we look at all the different types of equipment you may be using when DJing which definitely includes DJ tables. If you’re professional than you need to look the part.

CD turntables are a great middle ground for DJ’s because you can play CD’s and tap into digital gear using Traktor or other tools to play your MP3′s.

Here is BeginnerDJ’s list of the top five CD turntables under $500; guaranteed to avoid burning a hole in your wallet.

DJ CD Turntables: A Basic Buyer’s Guide

DJ CD turntables can be a bit tricky when picking out because there are two criteria to remember if you’re debating a purchase:

• If jog wheels are your preferred method of mixing.
• If CD’s are the right format for you.

The CD turntables on this list will be quite similar in form and function so it’s less about which brand you want and more about whether or not CD DJing is right for you.

You see, jog wheels can be a little off setting at first because they are so far removed from the classic vinyl feel but haven’t gone to the extent of being just a button to push like on some midi gear.

Additionally, the CD format is starting to die out in place of MP3 and other digital distributions. You’re far more likely to find newer music on websites like Beatport than you will in music shops these days simply because that’s the way the industry is moving.

The upside is that programs like Traktor, Serato and Torq helps to bridge the gap between CD and digital as they offer up time coded CD’s that let you fully control DJ software with the touch of the turntables. This use of time coded CD’s give you a ton of flexibility in your mixing which can become one of the main factors when you purchase DJ gear.

Finally, CD turntables have an inherent advantage over vinyl gear because of the built in effects and controls which can often be mapped out to DJ software. This flexibility keeps you on the edge of any current releases and updates on DJ software but also lets you build a massive CD collection which is perfect for classic releases that haven’t been put into digital formats at this time.

The Top 5 DJ CD Turntables under $500

To make it to the list, I’ve compiled the criteria (from above) of the top five DJ CD turntables that fit within the budget of being under $500 while making sure to have all the “essential” elements for DJing; take here at the list:

#1: Pioneer CDJ-200

The Pioneer CDJ-200 tops our list because Pioneer has proven, time and time again, that they know how to create great DJ gear. You won’t go to a club in the world and find CD decks that aren’t Pioneer which is why a pair of CDJ-200’s are perfect if you’re in the market and need them to be under $500.

Learn more: Read Pioneer CDJ-200 Reviews, Specs and More.

#2: Denon DNS1200

For less than $500, the Denon DNS1200 is cram packed with tons of features for DJing; you’ve got built in effects like echo, loop, filters, brakes, reverse, dump and much more. This CD turntable is right up there with the Pioneer CDJ-1000’s in terms of offerings but at nearly half the price.

Learn more: Read Denon DNS1200 Reviews, Specs and More.

#3: Numark NDX800

Rounding out at number three, the Numark NDX800 puts up a great fight against Pioneer and Denon. The NDX800 brings all the features you’d expect; full digital music support, USB, effects and jog wheels. At a little over $300, this CD turntable will make you think twice before choosing the others.

Learn more: Read Numark NDX800 Reviews, Specs and More.

#4: Stanton C.314

The Stanton C.314 tips into the fourth place of our list as an affordable CD turntable complete with the usual wiz bang features that you find in others. Nothing entirely too special but that’s not a bad thing because it certainly gets the job done. Only downside is the lack of newer features like USB.

Learn more: Read Stanton C.314 Reviews, Specs and More.

#5: Gemini CDJ-600

Bottoming out the list is the Gemini CDJ-600; a CD turntable that has all the basic features that you could need in DJing but not much else. That’s not to say that Gemini didn’t do a great job on this turntable but there’s a lot more to be wanted; it works perfect for a super tight budget.

Learn more: Read Gemini CDJ-600 Reviews, Specs and More.

Conclusion

As you can see, the list fills out quite nicely and will be perfect for any beginner DJ that wants to get started with CD turntables without destroying their budget. Overall, I would lean toward a set of Pioneer’s since they have long since been regarded as the best when it comes to CD turntables.

CD DJ turntables are remarkable workhorses that fit right between the ages of vinyl and digital; it’s no wonder why they have become standard in clubs across the world. You can get the best of both worlds if you choose to use CD turntables; the best part is that you don’t need to break the bank when buying them.

Don’t fret because BeginnerDJ has put together a list of the top five items to consider …

Tip #1: Consider your budget

You obviously have to consider your budget before you buy anything because there’s no point in hyping up your purchase if you can’t even afford it. Likewise, you shouldn’t set your budget too low so you get stuck with mediocre gear that breaks after a few months of play.

Consider your budget before you even start to research the different types of DJ controllers on the market. Once you have your budget you can accurately dig around the net (or at local shops) for something within your price range.

Tip #2: Consider your music format

The second thing to consider is which type of music format you really want to play. If you’re leaning toward vinyl than you really don’t have business looking into getting a digital DJ controller where as if you are in the market for CD turntables than it may be best to make the leap and go full on digital.

Look through your music collection and remind yourself what type of format you truly use the most. If you’re all MP3 than digital is right for you; if you’re half and half on CD than you may want to pick up a hybrid system but if it’s vinyl than you’re definitely not in the market for digital controllers.

Tip #3: Consider the included features

Next up, you’ll want to begin digging through the features offered by the various manufacturers and the controllers they’ve put out. If an extra feature is nearly $100 more than your budget than you could save up just a tad more to get it otherwise remember the essentials for mixing on digital (jog wheels, eq and sliders) which should keep you on point.

Some features aren’t really worth the hundreds of dollars that you may need to spend extra. Likewise, you don’t want to buy something where you’re kicking yourself later because you don’t have a much needed (or desired) feature. Find something right in between; enough to get you mixing but not where it breaks the bank from the upgrade.

Tip #4: Consider the flexibility of your gear

What happens when you start getting gigs but you’re stuck with over 100 pounds of vinyl turntables and another 50 in your DJ bag? Well, that kind of sucks especially when it may be a smaller gig at a local club. The flexibility of your gear matters especially when you start traveling which is why digital DJ gear has caught on so greatly.

Consider how much you’d be moving around in a realistic manner. If you know you’re bouncing from club to festival to bar and other events than you’ll probably want a DJ controller that can handle quick setup and is relatively light.

Tip #5: Give it a live test

If you can, always try to get hands on with the DJ equipment you want to buy. Testing out gear and practicing a bit will, duh, help you get a true feel for what you’re about to pick up. You can try out gear at some of your local DJ shops or always see if websites offer a trade in so if you don’t like it you can exchange it out.

Bonus Tip: Ask your fellow DJs

Finally, I’m not even sure if this is a tip, but ask fellow DJs what gear they’re using and what they may suggest. In fact, see if you can swing by and test out some of the gear they use. Their own choice in gear could help you in the long run especially if you get something similar; you could practice together and maybe form some kind of alliance (Sasha and Digweed style) and rule the clubs.

Thinking about becoming a DJ? Take a look at these five digital DJ turntables and controllers which would be perfect if you’re making the push for digital DJing and without breaking your budget.

#1: Hercules DJ Console RMX

The DJ Console RMX, by Hercules, tops the list by offering up one of the most economical options for new digital DJs. At a current price of $265, you can gain the full flexibility of mixing on a DJ controller with built in effects, jog wheels and a pre-packaged copy of Virtual DJ.

The Hercules DJ Console RMX is built to be a workhorse; the steel design will take a beating even when you’re in the heaviest of mixing.

You’ll find everything you need to get started with DJing in the RMX. Jog wheels act as your turntables, built in knobs let you control the sound, pitch faders helps you control the mix and additional inputs for microphones and gear lets you get started for less than $300.

Learn more: Read the full Hercules DJ Console RMX specs and reviews.

#2: Numark Mixtrack Pro

Second on the list is the versatile Numark Mixtrack Pro; it deserves its place because it’s quickly become the ‘go-to’ for digital DJ equipment because of all the available options it offers. At just over $220, the Mixtrack Pro is an economical choice for budding Digital and Mobile DJs.

You’ll find everything in this DJ setup: 2 jog wheels for controlling your mix, full knobs for sound and effects controls, sliders to adjust the sound (and mix), additional effects controllers and plenty of outputs to sync up with Traktor or the included Virtual DJ LE software (or other midi DJ software).

The Numark Mixtrack Pro is perfect for getting started; you’ll get everything you need if Digital DJing is your chosen choice. With a price like that with all the included features it certainly deserves its place at #2 on the list.

Learn more: Read the full Numark Mixtrack Pro specs and reviews.

#3: Vestax Typhoon Midi Controller

Vestax create some of the best DJ midi controllers and turntables in the business with their smashing hits in the VCI series. However, VCI’s are a bit expensive for many which is why the Typhoon makes our list. At $265, the Typhoon offers up a comparable set of features you find in others as it aims to be an all-in-one bundle.

One major benefit of the Typhoon is the built in sound card. You won’t need to run off to buy a completely new one for your computer; everything is included. However, there have been some known sound problems with the unit but you have to take the good with the bad especially when you aim for under $300.

Is the Typhoon right for you? Well, if you’re a fan of Vestax and understand their offering of great products that certainly so otherwise you can take an assessment of the other on the list.

Learn more: Read the full Vestax Typhoon specs and reviews.

#4: Reloop Mixage Interface Edition DJ Controller

Reloop is a relatively new contender in the digital DJ controller market but they’re not one to turn a blind eye toward. Reloop has come out the ring swinging with their release of the Mixage controller. The Mixage is starting to gain traction with many beginner DJ’s especially for it’s $250 price point.

Expect to find the same set of features that seems standard in Digital DJ controllers such as jog wheels, mixers, knobs and input/outputs. However, one advantage with going with the Reloop Mixage is the inclusion of Traktor 2 LE which is a very robust DJ software (I personally use Traktor Scratch and love it).

The Reloop Mixage is a bit basic, overall; there are some features mixing that you find standard higher end equipment such as kill switches and greater control on EQ’s but for a fresh entry in the market, Reloop is making its mark.

Learn more: Read the full Reloop Mixage specs and reviews.

#5: Gemini DJ CTRL-SIX Midi Controller

Coming in at #5, the Gemini DJ CTRL-SIX midi controller is what you’d expect from a midi controller from the jog wheels to the EQ knobs. There’s nothing really special to say about this unit but there’s not much bad about it either; it’s sort of the “in between”, a unit that would be popular if it had the same attention as many of the others.

For $250, the Gemini DJ CTRL-SIX will certainly get you started with Digital and Mobile DJing. The unit includes a soundcard so, as we discussed, you’re starting off on a good foot. It’s solid, has the features you need and will stand up to the test of mixing.

Learn more: Read the full Gemini CTRL-SIX specs and reviews.

So, there you have it; the top five Digital DJ turntables and controllers for under $300. When you’re on a budget, you generally have less options but when it comes to DJ controllers you have all the great benefits of high end gear for less than half the price. Get started with DJing today.

Your headphones allow you to listen between tracks so you can cue them and make the transition which builds your mix. For this reason, you’ll want to invest in a great pair of headphones as they will be heavily used throughout your work.

This post will share the top five DJ headphones worth picking up. The best part, of it all, is that each of these can be purchased for under $150. Let’s take a look …

Pioneer HDJ-1000

The Pioneer HDJ-1000’s have a sleek and comfortable design made for DJ’s that will be putting in many long hours behind the decks. The dynamic range on these bad boy’s are right up there with audiophile headphones (5 – 30,000 Hz). For less than $150, these have quickly become one of the most widely used pair of headphones for DJ’s; it’s no wonder because they can handle anything you throw at them and still sound like you just bought them.

Check out: Pioneer HDJ-1000 reviews.

Sony MDR-V700DJ

The Sony MDR-V700DJ headphones are Sony’s equivalent to the HDJ-1000’s. In comparison, these headphones are nearly identical which includes the dynamic range, style, comfort and design but is a bit cheaper (currently around $90). These headphones have been around for ages but Sony keeps putting them out because they’ve stood the test of time. If you’re in the market for DJ headphones than the MDR-V700DJ’s are definitely worth checking out.

Check out: Sony MDR-V700DJ reviews.

Technics RP-DH1200

Technics has been synonymous with DJing (the 1200 turntables, duh). Although these headphones don’t look anything fancy they are well worth their buck (around $120). What makes the RP-DH1200’s great is the detachable cord (great if you forget you have them on and walk off) and that they handle high sound without distortion. These headphones are meant for heavy duty work.

Check out: Technics RP-DH1200 reviews.

Sennheiser HD-280

You wouldn’t immediately think Sennheiser HD-280 headphones are the ones to pick for DJing seeing that they’re market is mainly aimed at audiophiles and pure listening but these come at a high recommendation from many DJ’s. They have a lower dynamic range than the others listed here (8 – 25,000 Hz) but they can really take a beating and handles high DB like none other. Sennheiser always brings quality; you can bet these are well worth it.

Check out: Sennheiser HD-280 reviews.

Sony MDR-V6

The Sony MDR-V6’s are a classic choice for DJ headphones. Although these lean more towards monitoring your music (such as in production) they still hold their own when it comes to mixing. The specs on this pair are about the same as the others you will find on the list but they do come in as one of the cheapest pair here (around $80). These are tried and testing over years of production; great for anyone just starting or need a new pair.

Check out: Sony MDR-V6 reviews.

There are plenty of factors to look for when choosing a pair of DJ headphones; be sure that they fit your budget, feel comfortable, have a great dynamic range and will handle the stress of hours of music. For under $150, you can’t beat these.

Some of the biggest names in the industry have come from the Chicago area such as Frankie Knuckles and with massive clubs such as The Warehouse. But this post isn’t about the DJs or the clubs, it’s about where and how to find DJ Gear.

Top 5 Tips for Buying DJ Equipment in Chicago

Before you make a purchase, it’s best to understand where you should start – tips! You don’t want to go rushing into purchasing gear that’s waaaay too expensive or too cheap; you want to find the perfect balance for your needs but will also last you a considerable amount of time.

Here are five of my biggest tips when buying DJ equipment in Chicago:

1. Get out into the city and begin asking other DJ’s in your area for their own recommendations.
2. Visit the local DJ equipment shops and dig around into their gear to feel it out
3. Pay close attention to what DJ’s are using around the Chicago area – industry standards!
4. Play around with whatever gear pops up on your radar such as from friends or meetups
5. Consider ordering your equipment online to find a greater discount overall

I know these may sound a bit basic but the real denominator of them all is the fact that you want the best recommendations from people you trust along with being able to play with the DJ equipment so you can find what suits you for your needs.

Where to Find DJ Equipment in Chicago, Illinois

Now you’re probably thinking: “I searched for DJ Equipment Chicago and I landed on this page, where’s the gear?!” I’ve got you covered.

There are quite a few local businesses in the Chicago area that does offer great service for DJ gear, such as:

• Audiolines
• Midwest Pro Sound and Lighting
• U.S. DJ Supply

These shops have nearly all the DJ equipment you’d need to get started with your own hobby, career or business. You can find many of them within Google Maps for easy access, check it out:

View Larger Map

Conclusion & Final Thoughts

This post was a bit specific to the Chicago area but for good reason: it’s the birthplace of House. You can’t think of Electronic Music without thinking about the great impact that Chicago DJ’s had on the scene. There’s just so much music in the area that we’ll probably forever hear that amazing Chicago House sound for the rest of eternity; finding DJ Gear and getting started will bring a new generation of DJ’s to the forefront so get out there, buy your gear and start mixing!