I want to DJ my vinyl. How do I get started?

#1

Over the last couple years I’ve racked up a pretty sizeable (objective to me) collection of 12" records. Many different styles but with a focus on dark/hypnotic house and techno. If I wanted to do a live set with these records (I kind of feel obligated to) what would I need? A mixer? Would I need a DJ specific turntable or can I used the one I already have for home listening, a Technics SL-D2. Basically any advice on what my next steps would be is appreciated. Thx.

#2

To start things off, you’re going to need two turntables and a mixer. The SL-D2 that you have isn’t really made for DJing, as I’m pretty sure there’s no pitch slider (that model is aimed at home listening).

While the “standard” is Technics 1200’s, they can be expensive and you don’t need to drop that kinda cash. You just need something with pitch/speed adjust for beat matching and for them to be direct drive (vs belt driven). There are some decent models out there from Stanton, Numark, Audio Technica, and you could also check out Pioneer’s PLX-500.

As for the mixer, there’s a wide variety of choice depending on how many channels you want, onboard FX, cost etc. it really just depends on your needs.

Don’t forget to check out local classifieds!

#3

Thanks for the reply. So you can’t just use one turntable + a mixer and play some kind of loop while switching records or do mixers not have that capability?

#4

@intifaxa I use a one turntable setup with Serato and enable a “virtual” deck to play loops/cue other tracks. I love my Rane TTM-57SL but I imagine there are many other and/or new mixers for you to choose from that have some kind of computer connectivity functionality (it’s kind of a must in this day and age if you ask me).

#5

you could have an echo going while you change records - carribean style…

for beatmatching this viddy helped me a lot a while ago!

#6

As the others mentioned, you can definitely get creative and find ways to loop/keep things going as you switch records. You could even pick up something like a Korg Volca Beats (mini drum machine) to play some rhythmic parts as you switch to the next record.

#7

Could anyone recommend any free software that could help one learn the principles of Djing? I too would like to DJ my vinyl but can’t afford another deck at the moment. Maybe I could do a one deck / laptop set up but either way I’d still need to learn how to beat match and such. Although I saw a video where Mumdance was using his modular to transition between tracks so I guess that’s also an option.

#8

look into algoriddim djay, its kinda become the defacto beginner dj software cuz of its simple inferface and spotify integration. and the pro version has controller support and 4 decks too


if u wanna later dj a bit more pro with digital files and a midi controller, here’s my rec that i use myself
https://www.native-instruments.com/en/products/traktor/dj-controllers/traktor-kontrol-s5/
also u could get a cdj player and a external mixer to mix between digital files and ur vinyl! tho i dont know much about that myself

#9

Perhaps, virtual DJ! I’m not sure if it’s for free, but it could be for free if you put your pirate hat on. Cough torrents cough