DJ Etronik and Lodusounds hold it down for DBM Labs as they win the DMC USA TEAM championships in New York yesterday. They will be flown to London where they will compete against the rest of the world for the best scratch DJ team worldwide!

Enough can’t be said for having the most essential DJ equipment in your possession. Whether you’re a hobbyist of the consummate professional having the right DJ gear makes life a whole lot easier

Essential DJ equipment consists of the following:

Two (2) turntables like the NumarkTTX1 Turntables

Two (2) slip mats - If you don’t know why don’t worry I’ll tell you why later.

Two (2) cartridges like the Shure M44 7 mounted on a Technics Headshell

One (1) mixer like the Rane TTM56 (Mixers)

Rane TTM56 (Mixers)

One (1) pair of headphones like the Stanton Pro DJ 3000 Headphones

Stanton Pro DJ 3000 Headphones

You don’t need amplification at this point to know you have the most essential DJ equipment. Some things you should know before you buy turntables is to make sure they come with head shells for the cartridge. The head shell gets attached to the tone arm after the cartridge is mounted to the head shell.

Another aspect of essential DJ equipment is the quality. You can go the cheap route but just know with DJ equipment you really get what you pay for. Technics SL1200 MK2 (Turntables) have the highest resale value on the market. I bought mine for $350 over 10 years ago and I can easily sell it for $300.

The Shure M44-7 or the Shure M44-7H (H means head shell included with the cartridge pre-mounted) The M44’s have the highest skip resistance you can get with the highest output you can get. Some DJ’s have there favorites and this model is my favorite. I have yet to come across another needle that can compare.

The Rane TTM 56 make the essential DJ equipment list because of one reason. It eliminates any bleed between channels and the EQ is excellent for cutting the lows when you want to create a precise crisp scratch.

When it comes to the headphones the Stanton Pro DJ 3000 headphones are in the top of the class with Pioneer HDJ 1000 and the Technics RP DJ1200. There are a couple of essential things you are looking for.

1. Ear fatigue
2. Sound quality.

You want a nice fit where the ear cup covers your ears and it should feel comfortable. Not too tight not too loose. The sound should not be overpowering and distorted when you turn up the volume. Just let then sit on you head about 10 to 15 minutes while you listen to music. If you feel like the headphones are getting heavy or too tight on you ears then try a different pair. The three I mentioned above should do the trick.

So you’re just about ready to buy your first set of DJ turntables, a digital mixer, and crisp sounding headphones. All that’s left is to make a decision as to which needles you should get. I say needles for a reason and I’ll tell you why later. (more…)

Skip Proofing Your Records with DJ Panek of Ill Vibe Collective

We are an official sponsor of the DMC USA finals in New York this year and we want you to come out and show your support! Come on out, chat it up, we’ll hook you up with some free stuff as well.

Tutorial

Here are DJ equipment tips for beginners to build their own DJ sets from different manufacturers of DJ equipment.

For the beginner DJ it can be a bit much to take on the wild world of DJing when you don’t have a clue and even if you do you may be skeptical of spending so much money for something you may only do as a hobby. I put together some DJ gear tips to help ease your mind.

I can tell you from personal experience that you don’t have anything to worry about. These DJ tips will erase all second thoughts. (more…)