DJ Equipment Buying Guide

So maybe you've decided to pick up a side job mixing the turntables  or starting up your own business as a disc jockey.  Where do you begin? What equipment  do you need to get started? And, most importantly, what do you wear? There are lots of considerations to be made when when it comes to being a DJ and creating entertainment at parties or events.  Consider the steps below and remember not to put too much pressure on yourself when you are spinning those turntables--have some fun too!

Step 1: Sound

Fortunately, you've got lots of options when it comes to purchasing equipment and creating your very own sound. Consider how high-tech  you want to get when it comes to price and effects --is DJ-ing something you just want to do once in awhile, or will you want to practice and play at least once a week? Think about this and plan out your budget before purchasing; it will make things easier when picking out your supplies.

DJ Mixer  An important part of being a DJ is transitioning between songs. Getting a mixer will allow you to do this more effectively since you can cue up songs in your headphones and get them ready while another song is playing.	Headphones  These are essential so that you can hear what it is that you're playing and make sure that songs are mixed correctly. They are also great for listening to how you sound when speaking to an audience.	Microphone  If you tend to DJ at large parties or events, a mic is especially helpful. Use it to announce the next song or to get the crowd excited. Make sure that you have one with good sound quality if you plan on performing in a large venue.	Sound System  A sound system pulls your whole act together, ensuring that all of your music is amplified to the maximum amount. These are also useful for broadcasting your performances to a radio station.	Samplers   A sampler, sometimes known as a synthesizer  or keyboard,  can play multiple notes at the same time and create truly original sounds. Some keyboards now also allow you to hook up to a computer or USB drive  so that you can record music onto your computer.

Step 2: Technique

Deciding your music style is important to your career as a DJ. For example, if you choose to play primarily hip hop music,  you will appeal to a different clientele than if you play primarily pop music  mixes. Once you've figured out what kind of tunes to play, you've got to know the terminology and the technique. Any "spinning" action performed by a disc jockey is called scratching, which is the act of moving a record back and forth while cutting the sound on and off with the mixer. There are all types of ways to scratch--below, a couple of helpful terms to know.

• Scribble: This is a type of baby scratch, but faster. It is the action of moving the record backwards and forwards while the motor and the fader are open.
• Cut: To do this technique, open the fader  and then close it while rewinding a record back to its start. This requires a lot of skill when pushing the record at exactly the right speed, and may not be easy to master right away.
• Chirp: Meant to sound like the chirp of a bird, this involves fast baby scratching and opening the fader in the middle parts of the scratch. The fader is closed when the record changes direction, and if it's done quickly enough, it will make a chirping noise.
• Uzi: An extremely fast scribble scratch that occurs over a short part of the record. Strength and control is needed to create the quick scratching movement.
• Tear: This is a type of complex baby scratch that leaves the fader open but requires you to move the record back and forth. As the record is moved, the music will stop briefly due to the open fader and it will create a specific sound.

Step 3: Clothes

Just like any other job, even DJs have a uniform that they wear to work. Think about clothes that best express your style and that you feel comfortable working in. See some suggestions below.

Hats  Lots of DJs spin while wearing a hat. As long as you know it won't get in your way or distract you while you are working, it's a definite fashion statement to make. Consider one that shows off your fashion or personal interests and best represents you. Obviously, if you are working a formal event, skip the hat.	Shirts  If dressing casually, consider a nice button-down shirt  for the men or a cute colorful top  for the ladies. A nice blazer  to dress up the look can add a touch of class. Consider formal white shirts for events like weddings and parties.	Pants  A nice pair of khakis  or corduroys  are a great idea for staying dressy, yet relaxed at the same time. If you are in a more casual setting, then consider jeans and remember that a dark wash  always looks nice.	Shoes  Some brightly colored sneakers  for the guys or cute flats  for the girls work great since you will be on your feet a lot and will want to be comfortable. For more formal events, you may need to wear slightly uncomfortable shoes, but make sure they are at least walkable.

Related Guides

Music	Turntables	Electric Keyboards	Hip Hop Gifts

External Links

• DJ.wikia.com: All you need to know about scratching.
• Wikipedia.org: A history of disc jockeys.
• The-dj-equipment-guide.com:  A wealth of information on being a DJ.