🎧 The Best Beginner DJ Setup
by CRL CRRLL | Music Gear Mondays
So you want to become a DJ? Welcome to the club — literally. Whether you're trying to rock parties, livestream your mixes, or just want to play around with music at home, getting started as a DJ can feel overwhelming. But with the right gear, music, and education, you’ll be on beat in no time.
In this post, we’ll break down a simple beginner DJ setup, give you a quick history of how DJing started, show you where to get music legally (and affordably), and point you toward DJ schools that can help level up your skills.
🎚 A Brief History of DJing
DJing dates back to the 1940s, but it really exploded in the 1970s and 1980s when pioneers like Kool Herc, Grandmaster Flash, and Larry Levan pushed turntables to their creative limits. From the underground hip-hop parties of the Bronx to the warehouses of Chicago house music, DJ culture evolved into a powerful global force.
Fast-forward to today, and DJs use everything from vinyl and CDJs to fully digital setups with USBs or laptops. No matter the gear, it’s all about one thing: moving the crowd.
🛠 What You Need: The Best Beginner DJ Setup
Here’s what I recommend if you’re starting from scratch:
1. DJ Controller
A controller combines decks and a mixer into one device — easy to carry, easy to use. I recommend starting with an affordable and versatile controller like:
🔗 Pioneer DJ DDJ-FLX4 – great for Rekordbox or Serato beginners
🔗 Numark Mixtrack Pro FX – solid build, beginner-friendly layout
🔗 Hercules DJControl Inpulse 200 – great for practicing beatmatching manually
2. Laptop or Mobile Device
Most DJ software runs on Mac or PC. Apps like Rekordbox, Serato DJ Lite, or DJay Pro even work on tablets and phones if you’re super mobile.
3. Headphones
You’ll need a solid pair of headphones to cue tracks properly. I like these:
🔗 AIAIAI TMA-2 DJ Headphones – modular and great sound
🔗 Sony MDR-7506 – industry standard for years
4. Speakers or PA Setup
When practicing at home, a decent pair of powered monitors does the trick:
🔗 KRK Rokit 5 G4 – clear sound and strong bass
🔗 Mackie CR3-X – budget-friendly option
🎵 Next Step: You Need Music!
Once you have your setup, you’ll need music to play — but downloading random MP3s from the internet isn’t the move. Most pro DJs use record pools, which are subscription-based libraries that let you legally download music for DJing.
Here are some great beginner-friendly options:
🔗 Crate Connect – great for open-format DJs
🔗 BPM Supreme – huge catalog across all genres
🔗 DJCity – perfect for club and radio DJs
Some even offer intro plans or free trials, so you can test the waters before diving in.
🎓 Learn the Craft: DJ Schools to Check Out
To really level up, consider taking lessons or joining a DJ school — online or in-person. These programs can help you build technical skills, understand music structure, and even teach the business side of DJing.
Here are some dope schools worth checking out:
🏫 Denver DJ School – local hands-on training for all ages
🏫 Point Blank Music School – online and global programs backed by Ableton & Pioneer
🏫 Beat Junkie Institute of Sound – LA-based school from legendary DJs with online classes too
🔚 Final Thoughts
DJing isn’t just about pressing play. It’s about reading the room, selecting the right music, and creating moments. With the right gear, the right music, and the right mindset, you can go from bedroom DJ to dancefloor hero in no time.
Check out more of my favorite gear, tools, and accessories over on my Amazon page:
👉 CRL CRRLL Amazon DJ Picks
And don’t forget to subscribe to Music Gear Mondays on YouTube for weekly breakdowns, tips, and reviews to help you on your DJ journey.
