Recommended DJ equipment
To give you some guidance in the jungle of DJ equipment, here are my recommendations and reasoning why I think they are the best.
Some links on this page are affiliate links. I get a little bit of commission when you buy the product.
Table of Contents
DJ software
I have 3 favorites:
Virtual DJ
Regretfully by the industry seen as “the kids toy”, but I don’t think this is justified
I reviewed Virtual DJ and I’m impressed by the user interface and user-friendliness for beginner and professional.
On top of that, it is one of the fastest software on the market.
Alternatives:
Rekordbox – because it’s industry standard and has the best compatibility with other soft- and hardware. Not because it’s the best. See Rekordbox review.
Traktor – for the professional DJ. See Traktor review.
A full feature comparison and reviews of all DJ software, you can find in my article on the best DJ software.
DJ controller
A controller always needs a computer with DJ software to operate.
AlphaTheta DDJ 200
This is primarily meant for beginners and meat to be used with a phone or tablet with the software WeDJ.
It is just a simple DJ controller that also works with Rekordbox software and a bunch of others.
It has not built-in sound card to connect a headphone or an amplifier.
You also miss output volume and track navigation buttons.
For a beginner ok, but If you really want to DJ, look at the DDJ FLX4.
Price: below $200 – Check price on Amazon
Check out my DJ starter guide for guidance on equipment and software.
AlphaTheta DDJ FLX4
It starts here, with the DDJ FLX4
A complete DJ controller that can do everything a digital DJ needs.
It also has Bluetooth support and USB connection!
It has a built-in dual channel sound card with RCA jack output for an amplifier and a headphone output.
The only difference with the more expensive controllers is the build quality.
This one feels kind-of cheap to be honest.
Price: around $300
I personally own its predecessor, the DDJ-RB.
Check out my DJ starter guide for guidance on equipment and software.
Standalone Player + mixer
Standalone all-in-one equipment doesn’t need a computer with software to operate.
Music can be exported to a USB drive and be inserted in the all-in-one DJ player/mixer.
AlphaTheta DJ XDJ-XZ
Semi professional all-in-one with 2 players and a 4 channel mixer from Pioneer.
Supports USB, Serato and Rekordbox.
With the feel of the professional CDJ 2000 NXS2.
A buddy of mine has it, and I played with it, that’s why I’m comfortable to recommend it.
Price: around $2500 – Check price on Amazon
Sound card
When you want to DJ, but don’t want to buy a DJ controller, you need a sound card.
Because you need an audio output for the amplifier and an output for your headphones.
Personally, I’d say: buy a DJ controller with a built-in sound card for $100 more.
You have extra knobs and less hassle with cables and converting to the right output connectors.
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th gen
Simple, affordable audio interface with a good audio quality.
Personally I own it’s predecessor the 2i2 2nd gen, and am pretty happy with it.
Price: around $200 – Check price on Amazon.
