Embarking on a journey into the realm of DJ setups unveils a spectrum of possibilities.
From traditional analog configurations to modern digital integrations, each setup caters to different preferences and requirements.
In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the various types of DJ setups, shedding light on the intricacies of analog and digital components, standalone systems, and the nuanced world of amplifiers and speakers.
In this article, this is what we’ll cover
Types of DJ Setups
Laptop Based
- Laptop + DJ software + Headphones
- Laptop + DJ software + Bluetooth Speaker
- Laptop + DJ software + DJ Controller + Speakers
- Laptop + Turntable + DJ Mixer + Soundcard (e.g., Serato/Traktor)
Hybrid / Live
- Laptop + Live Software (e.g., Ableton Live) + soundcard + midi controller
- Laptop + mixer + Media player/controller + drum machine/synthesizer + external effects
Standalone
- Standalone DJ Controller + HDD (USB) with music + Speakers
- Standalone media players + DJ mixer + Speakers
Analog
- Turntable + Analog DJ mixer
Speakers & Amplifiers
Analogue and Digital explained
Firstly! A Note on Speaker Systems
Hi-Fi Speakers, Studio monitors, bluetooth, headphones, what are we playing our music on?
If you’re using a DJ controller or DJ mixer then your stereo will connect to the outputs on that.
If you are DJing on your laptop speakers or headphones, how will you listen to (cue) the track that is NOT currently playing?
This is called monitoring. If you are just starting out with a laptop and DJ software then you won’t be able to monitor between the cue and the master (what the crowd hears). That is totally ok to learn the basic skills on.
DJ controllers and DJ mixers have a system dedicated to helping you hear the sound before you give it to the audience.
The basic setup I’d recommend is a DJ controller and laptop + headphones (pictured below). That way you can plug your headphones into the controller and cue the next track like a pro. Check out my thread on getting started.
If you want to understand more then head to my breakdown below
Laptop Based
YO! The first floor of DJing! Just about everyone who starts now will begin with a laptop or even on your phone using a DJ app, which is pretty cool.
Grab your laptop and some free DJ software and get started. Or you can connect your laptop to a DJ controller or even to the latest Mediaplayers like the pioneer CDJ 2000/3000/ via HID mode. Laptop setups can be pretty versatile and scale all the way up to live performances in front of thousands of people!
- Laptop + DJ software + Headphones
- Laptop + DJ software + Bluetooth Speaker
- Laptop + DJ software + DJ Controller + Speakers
- Laptop + Turntable + DJ Mixer + soundcard (Serato/Traktor)
Hybrid / Live
Hybrid/Live setups involve using a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW; e.g., Ableton Live) to trigger any number of audio files.
- Laptop + Live Software (e.g., Ableton Live) + Soundcard + MIDI controller
- Laptop + mixer + Media player/controller + drum machine/synthesizer + external effects
This is basically like bringing your whole recording studio with you. Unlimited potential!!! You can mix full songs, make tracks from scratch, record and manipulate on the fly or simply trigger samples. The basic setup would be a laptop with audio software (DAW) and a MIDI controller. For sound output it could be connected DJ mixer via an audio cable or a soundcard directly to your speakers. You could make it as simple or complicated as you like–the possibilities are endless and deserving of its own article.
Quick Bit of Controller History
In 2004 a New Zealand company (Serato) in partnership with American company (Rane) created DJ software/hardware combo (called Serato Scratch Live) that enabled DJs to use turntables to play digital music files. Called a Digital Vinyl System (DVS), this revolutionized DJing at a time where the only way to play digital files in a DJ context was to burn them to CD and play them in a CD player. Around the same time DJ controllers were being created that used MIDI technology to control the music.
Standalone (DJ controllers/Media Players)
Standalone setups don’t require a laptop to play the music. So either you are playing on Vinyl or a device that has a computer inside, pre-loaded with software that processes the music and a converter (D/A C) that amplifies the audio to ‘line level’ outputs that can be plugged directly into your amplifier/speaker system.
- Standalone DJ Controller + HDD (USB) with music + Speakers
- Standalone media players + DJ mixer + Speakers
Mobile DJs and smaller venues such as bars and restaurants are more frequently opting for these types of DJ setups as they are cheaper and more portable than club-level gear and offer pretty good sound for the price.
All Analog
- Turntable + Analog DJ mixer
If you turn all power off on your vinyl system and put your ear close to the needle you can actually hear the music as the needle itself generates the sound on the record as it tracks the surface in the groove, creating vibration that you hear as sound.
Analogue and Digital Explained
Sound is just vibrating air. Electricity makes it possible to convert vibration into a ‘signal’ (e.g voltage) that can travel through different components such as mixers and amplifiers, and finally reach a loud speaker that will convert it back into vibration in the air. The hairs inside your ear then vibrate when that sound reaches them, and your eardrum and middle ear amplify and convert it into a neurochemical signal that travels through your brain that is comprehended as sound. Incredible!
Most DJ setups have a digital element which means that vibration is converted into a digital signal by an analogue-to-digital converter (A/D Converter), then processed (computed) and converted back into audio from a digital-to-analogue converter (D/A Converter). There’s nothing wrong with that, but it has implications for understanding how the sound reaches your (and the audience) ears.
Analog and Digital Amplifiers
Analog amplifiers work with continuous electrical signals (voltage), providing a more natural and potentially adding a kind of character (e.g., warmth) to the sound, while digital amplifiers convert the signal into digital data for processing, offering efficiency and precise control over the audio but potentially with a different (potentially more customisable) sonic character. The choice between the two often depends on personal preferences, the specific application, and the desired sound characteristics in a DJ system.
Speakers and Amplifiers
Active speaker systems, also known as powered speakers [this article further breaks down active speakers into active and powered], feature built-in amplifiers within each speaker unit. These systems eliminate the need for external amplifiers, streamlining the audio setup. Each speaker contains its own dedicated amplifier, which is tailored to the specific characteristics of the speaker driver. This design allows for more precise control over the audio signal and enhances overall sound quality. Active speaker systems often include advanced features such as built-in equalization, crossover networks, and sometimes even digital signal processing (DSP). These systems are popular in both professional audio setups and consumer applications, providing a convenient all-in-one solution for audio playback.
Passive speaker systems, in contrast, require external amplifiers to drive the audio signal. These systems consist of separate components—the speakers and an external amplifier. The speakers themselves lack built-in amplification and rely on the external amplifier to provide the necessary power. Passive speaker systems offer flexibility in amplifier selection and allow users to tailor their audio setup to specific preferences or requirements. This modular approach makes passive systems suitable for a wide range of applications, from home audio setups to large-scale professional sound reinforcement. While requiring additional components, passive speaker systems offer users the ability to fine-tune their audio experience based on their unique preferences and needs.
Final Thoughts
As a beginner DJ, understanding the various types of DJ setups can seem overwhelming, but it’s an essential step in finding the right tools to match your style and needs. Whether you prefer the tactile experience of an all-analog setup, the versatility of laptop-based configurations, or the simplicity of standalone systems, each option has its unique advantages and characteristics.Analog setups offer a pure and authentic sound, ideal for those who appreciate the traditional craft of DJing.
Laptop-based setups provide unparalleled flexibility and integration with the latest software, making them perfect for tech-savvy DJs who want to explore digital creativity. Standalone and controller based systems are quite powerful now, making them a great choice for mobile DJs and smaller venues. Traditional options such as all analog turntable based setups are still popular, particularly with the recent resurgence of vinyl.
Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution in DJing. Take the time to explore and experiment with different setups to discover what works best for you. I don’t think it matters what you use, it’s how you use it.
Each setup discussed in this guide can be tailored to your personal preferences, allowing you to craft a unique and engaging experience for your audience.
Happy mixing!