Choose the right equipment to start deejaying!

In this article I will introduce you some good "must-have" to start as a DJ. First, You should buy you a "discobar", I invested in the Pioneer XDJ RX wich is a all-in-one solution!

In my point of view, bringing my laptop to play in a club doesn’t sound very comfortable. That’s why I have chosen the standalone and controller Pioneer XDJ-RX to leave my laptop at home. I just bring my small 30 GO USB device and here we go!

This all-in-one solution is a really good value as it will fit all your needs. This single unit allows you to play with your laptop via Pioneer’s software Rekordbox but also in standalone with your USB device. The product is also cost effective because it integrates a DJ player and DJ mixer in a single unit and carrying the high operability of Pioneer’s DJ products. The workstation is quite light and very easy to plug.
Something else that is important, you can play in duo (often my case) with 2 different USB devices. There are 2 device insertions on each deck section.

The screen

The Color Waveform screen clearly displays all the information you will need such as Beat Grid, BPM and waveforms. The buttons on the left of the screen allow you to easily switch from USB 1 to USB 2 and Rekordbox. You can also set it up in midi mode for your laptop.

The deck section

It has all basic features and more. You can enjoy 4 pads to set cue points, loop length, loop slices and samples (all from 1/2 to 1/16). For the beginners or the laziest you can press the Sync button to synchronize automatically your set. The jogs are a bit small in comparison with the original CDJs but you get quickly used to.

The mixer
With only 2 channels, for more experienced DJs it could lack 1 or 2 more. Color Sound effects are amazing and split by channel. You also have the basic Pioneer mixer effects with 2 parameters (intensity and ratio). In the middle of the table you have the rotary selector which allows you to explore your files.

Rekordbox

This software program allows users to manage music files to be used for DJ performances. You can manage in various ways (analysis, setting, creation, history saving). All you have to do is to install (first download it at www.rekordbox.com) Rekordbox on your laptop and plug it via LAN cable.

Average price: 1650 €

Main features:
• Next generation, all-in-one DJ solution
• Large full-colour screen for at-a-glance information from both players
• Two USB ports enable DJs to record even while both ports are in use
• Performance mixer boasts high-quality Sound Colour FX and Beat FX
• Driven by rekordbox USB or rekordbox app so no need for a laptop or CDs
• Loops and Cues, Beat Countdown, Key Analysis Indicator and Active Loop
• Can be used as a stand-alone mixer thanks to multiple connections
• Will support control via the rekordbox app from June 2015 (wired connection only)
• Midi control, Auto standby
• rekordbox dj included
• Different medias devices: Iphone/Ipad/Laptop/USB
• PC Playable file: MP3, AAC, WAV, AIFF, (iOS version of rekordbox: MP3 and AAC only)
• USB storage support file systems: FAT, FAT32
• Sampling rate: 48 kHz, A/D, D/A converter: 24 bit
• Frequency Range: 20 - 20000 Hz
• S/N ratio: 110 dB or above (USB)
• Total harmonic distortion: 0.003% or less (USB)
• USB ports: USB A port x 2, USB B port x 1
• Other ports: LAN (100Base-TX) x 1
• Audio input ports: Phono/Line x 2 (RCA), MIC x 2 (1 x XLR/¼-inch jack, 1 x ¼-inch jack)
• Audio output ports: Master out x 2 (XLR x 1, RCA x 1), Booth out x 1 (Jack)
• Headphone monitor out x 2 (Front ¼-inch jack, MiniPin)

Accessories:

I would recommend to buy a flightcase to safely move your workstation. I personally bought a slipcover instead of a solid flightcase for practical questions.
You should also buy an audio helmet. I have the Sennheizer HD205 which is for me the best value-pricing on the market. I have it since more than 7 year. It is very robust and provides a very good sound quality and insulation. If you lose it, it is not that much expensive.