I’ve been mixing for little while in my bedroom using some Korg Nano’s and I’m ready to start taking it in a more professional direction.
Is having your own PA system recommended? Would it be better for a new DJ to get one? I understand playing parties/smaller clubs would help to get your name out there.
The reason I’m asking is I’m looking to buy some gear and really I guess i need to find out if buying a PA would help more or not.
I WANT to get a laptop and a S4. If buying a PA is recommended, I probably will skip the laptop and get something like a Numark Mixdeck for the time being. Eventually I want an S4. Its a beast.
I’d skip on the PA system for now. As Shane says, you defo need a laptop, and where I live even the smallest parties have their own PA systems, not sure what the situation is in your area. You’d probably only be missing out on private parties, without a PA.
already have CDJ’s but didn’t mention that in your first post?
assume the venues you want to play at don’t have a PA system but do have CDJ’s and a mixer?
assume CDJ’s + mixer are cheaper than an S4 and a laptop??
If 1: cool, still I don’t really see the use of having your own PA system if you’re beginning, imo there are currently better things to invest in.
If 2 or 3: not gonna happen.
You could probably get usable low end CDJs + a mixer for less than an S4 and a laptop I reckon… Though you’d most likely end up wanting to upgrade them further down the line if you’re a gear head.
You can also get a used S4 and suitable used laptop for less than 1.000 bucks, I don’t think any CDJ+mixer deal can beat that? Not too up to date on those prices though.
Pa’s can always be rented on the night if needed, think ive needed to rent one like twice in my life, most function rooms for parties generally have a fairly decent one, laptop is by far the most important these days, you can do a set alone on a laptop with a good sound card, mappin keys to different controls
You’ve been correct so far. I agree with you 100%. However our very own moderator over here JesC picked up his CDJs (800s I believe) for $500 in mint condition for the pair. So that is not necessarily too. As for the S4 price, you can definitely find one for around $750 used.
What this man said is true, I would do as he recommended.
Not sure why we’re discussing CDJs… A controller would be far superior, not that I don’t really like CDJs. They’re pretty expensive though.
If you’re new, I would suggest a setup like a laptop and GOOD controller. (Or if you really want, CDJs and timecode) You don’t want to be the new DJ trying to get gigs with a fisher price looking controller. Think about how that looks to a promoter.
As for having your own PA, it’s not necessary for you right now. I’ve played out for a long time, and don’t own speakers. Spend your money on professional gear instead.
Once we know where you want to go we can point you in the right direction.
If you want to learn get yourself a S4, vci-300 (serato itch), vci-100 or one of the numark controllers. You can get a good windows laptop for cheap or use your existing computer until you are ready to play out. For sound if you can’t afford something expensive get a 2.1 desk system for your computer. Get the one that sounds the loudest and clearest to you.
If you want to make cash and be a mobile DJ you can always rent speakers. If you have a gig, take a deposit and use part of it to rent some speakers until you are sure you want to be a mobile DJ. Once you are sure you can go out and buy some decent speakers.
If your goal is to play in clubs you have a ton of options. You can get creative with controllers or go the more traditional method. The S4 and the VCI although they are controllers they still have platters and you can learn to beatmatch with them.
Let’s hear it, we’ve all been there. I started on 2 cheap gemini XBL-10 turntables, a crappy gemini mixer and a boombox with aux input. That was about 20 years ago! = OLD lolz
Point is, if you really want to learn, you can learn on anything. Be the best you can and when you step up to the big league it will show.
