I browsed through the FAQ and other areas online and this is what I have come up with so far. I’ll be using a windows laptop (specs are fine for available software) and playing for house parties (family) exclusively. Mostly outside, crowds of ~50-100 at least 3 or 4 times a year. I have basic understanding of music theory and realize the time and effort required to eventually play to a crowd. My budget is flexible (within reason).
Speakers: QSC K10s with KSUB, open to suggestions based on the party environment I’ll be playing to. I’ve read this set-up covers most people’s needs.
Headphones: Sennheiser HD25s seem to be the gold standard.
Controller: I’ve read the Pioneer DDJ-SB2 is great for starting out, but if the other equipment is intermediate level, I think the controller should be as well. This would prevent the need to upgrade later. A budget of around $500 seems more reasonable.
Software: undecided, haven’t played around with them enough to make a decision, but I’m flexible.
Have I missed anything essential? Is the quality of the equipment suitable for what I would like to use it for? Should I tone it down/up?
Seeing as how the SB2 comes with Serato DJ Intro, I’d suggest going with the upgrade to Serato DJ proper. Whatever happens, you’ll have to pay for DJ software, so might as well go with what works out of the box?
Oh yeah, of course. I hadn’t made a commitment to any particular software, so whatever comes with the hardware I’ll be OK with. I wasn’t dead set on the SB2 though. Figured I’d try to get something of a higher quality. Just wasn’t sure which controller to go with.
Not Quite true, for a few extra bucks you get the full version software AND a better controller
E.g. The DDJ SR comes with the full version of Serato DJ, which, factoring in the software upgrade price is really only $150 more than the SB for a MUCH better controller, which is something to consider.
The “Better, for more money” balance is a tough one. In this case I do agree, the DDJ SR is a controller that you will be happy with and not outgrow for years. IMO, it is worth the stretch to wait and buy that one.
spending a lot on speaker system , there is some room to consider. Though qsc are fine but less/cheaper is also an option for crowd not exceeding 100 peeps…
I agree, you could half your cost on the PA speakers and put some more $ into the controller or even buy a few cheap lights.
Its not worth spending the majority of the budget for 4 or 5 family/friends gigs a year.
IMHO get a decent controller, a set of reasonably priced monitors ($100-150) for practice and a Behringer, Mackie or similar cheaper PA rig for those occasional parties.
Thanks everyone for the suggestions so far. I’m not familiar with the quality of speakers necessary for these events, so this was very helpful. What should I be looking for when comparing speakers? For example, I looked at the Mackie brand, it looks like the only difference between the SRM350 and SRM450 is a 10 inch vs 12 inch high-output LF driver and the weight. Is the 450 worth the extra $100? Do I need 2 for the size of the party?
It looks like the majority suggests the DDJ SR for a controller. I looked into it and the quality looks like something I was leaning towards. I think I’ll go with that one.
because i needed a better sound system i recently bought a second hand set, like new. 2 electro voice elx 118 P subwoofers and 2 elx115p tops, for small party’s i just can take the tops and add 1 or 2 subs when needed. Because i bought it second hand i was able to save 1000 euro’s on the new price…
If you must know, I’m not payin for it… The family member who is usually in charge of finding a DJ for the parties decided they would rather buy the equipment and have another family member do it. They understand the quality may not be as good, but it’s fine.
The way I see it, I’ve built myself a number of PCs over the years and am relatively savvy with computer hardware/software. I’ve played guitar and drums for years and have always had a passion for music. I’ve never played an instrument I hated playing. Who knows, maybe I won’t enjoy this one. At that point, it becomes a part time job I can do with my family while I finish up college. I agreed to play out whether I like it or not.
Otherwise I agree with your points. If it was just me, I wouldn’t be diving in head first without having touched a controller before. In the mean time I’m doing as much research as I can on the subject to make sure I do it right. As with any instrument I play.
Deevey, thankyou for the advice regarding the “practice” speakers and the PA system. Your last comment about where to allocate funds made a lot of sense. I’ll hold off on the sub for now. We will see how things sound without it.
