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DJ Equipment
Here is a list of the basic equipment you will need.
The Turntable
There are two types of turntables. Belt drive (BD) tables are less accurate and harder to work with than direct drive tables. Belt drive tables do not get up to speed very fast because they use a belt and a wheel mechanism for their motor. The belt is usually a large rubber band that unfortunately needs frequent replacing. You will eventually want direct drive tables, so I suggest, if financially possible, make the investment early.
Direct drive (DD) tables are driven by a motor, which makes them totally accurate. They are more expensive, but they are definitely your best choice. If you are serious about mixing, do not settle for the less accurate belt drive tables. Many DJs agree that the Technics SL-1200 Mk3 turntable, a direct drive model, is the most professional table available.
Some important features to look for in a good turntable:
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The Mixer
| There are many different types of mixers. Some mixers have more channels than others. Some have fun gadgets and buttons for added effects. You can use any mixer to start with, as long as it has at least two channels, a crossfader, and an equalizer. |
Crossfader
A crossfader is a slider control on the mixer that controls the output of each channel. On a two channel mixer, when the crossfader is all the way to the left, you hear channel 1. As you slide the crossfader toward the middle, channel 2 will slowly enter the mix. When the crossfader is in the middle, you hear channel 1 and channel 2 simultaneously. As you slide the crossfader all the way to the right, channel 1 will slowly exit the mix and you hear channel 2 only. The crossfader enables you to mix the two audio signals together smoothly.
| NOTE: When selecting a mixer, notice if the crossfader is stiff or loose when it is moved back and forth. A looser crossfader gives you better performance. | 
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I have found Gemini and Numark mixers to be excellent and professional. They are also reasonably priced for the average DJ. You can get mixers with extras like samplers, punch outs, and panning controls. These types of extras can really add flavor and style to your mixing. The more inputs a mixer has, the more turntables and CD players you can add to your setup. The more outputs a mixer has, the more amplifiers and speakers you can hook up to it.
Needles
The needle is made up of two parts: the cartridge and the stylus. The needle is connected to the headshell with four different colored wires. The headshell is the part of the needle that is mounted to the tone arm. The cartridge receives vibrations from the stylus, which is the actual needle that is placed on a record. Some needles have an integrated headshell, which is the cartridge, stylus, and headshell all in one unit. A cartridge and stylus are usually sold together. You should replace the stylus when it becomes worn to save the integrity of the record.
There are two different types of needles: spherical and elliptical. Spherical needles are used more for scratching and other tricks. They have better tracking than elliptical needles. Elliptical needles are better for overall sound, but they cost more than spherical needles.
Headphones
The better sound quality the headphones have, the easier it is to hear your mixing. Try headphones on before you buy them to confirm they fit comfortably, especially around your ears. Also, check to see if the cable length on the headphones will be sufficient for your use.
Most headphones can also be used as a microphone. Plug your headphones
into the microphone jack of the mixer. Talk into the left or right earpiece
and it acts just like a microphone. It will not sound as good as a microphone,
but it works.
Main Page | Equipment | Turntable and Mixer
Content and Graphics © 2001 Christopher Totten.