Home DJ setup: easy and quick methods + tips

Every time a friend or relative has a party, they always reach out to you to help handle the music for the day. Of course, you always show up to the party with your Bluetooth speaker, laptop, or mobile phone, and you play your composed playlist that they always enjoy.

You always handle the music mix at every party, and it always sends everyone dancing like it's their last dance, including those who can't dance. And you've started to pick interest in becoming a DJ. All your friends and family think and have advised you to become a DJ.

Finally, you've succumbed. But you decide to start by finetuning your skills as a rookie DJ, so you set out to get DJ equipment for a home DJ set up. But, where do you begin? Don't worry; we've got you covered.

Ready to unleash your DJ skills in your home? Although the path that led you on this DJ path isn't exactly as we've narrated, you can benefit from this list of crucial home DJ setup equipment and how to set it up as a rookie DJ quickly. Keep reading.

How to set up a home dj studio

There are different DJ setups, and these setups require additional equipment. But here, we'll examine 6 DJ setups that are best for rookie DJs.

1. Turntable Setup:

The first thing you should know about this setup is quite an old school. However, Turntable setups are a great way to learn beat matching. This setup is great for building solid foundations in your DJ career. For this setup, you'll need:

• 2 turntables
• 2 DJ cartridges
• DJ Headphones
• DJ mixer
• 2 Slipmats
• Vinyl records

The easy way to set up this equipment is to place the mixer in the middle, then set the two turntables on both sides of the mixer. The cartridges go on the two turntables. Then, connect the mixer and the turntables with your cables.

Related: How does turntable tracking force affect the sound

2. Digital Vinyl System:

The DVS setup is another setup that beginners can try. It is easy to set up and convenient to use. Here, you can use DJ software and digital music files with CD players or Turntables. For this setup, you’ll need:

• 2 Cartridges and Turntables
• 2 Slipmats
• DJ Mixers
• DJ Headphones
• Laptop
• DJ Interface Package; Traktor or Serato would do just fine.

This setup is similar to a turntable setup. The only difference is that the interface and the laptop would sit close to each other, in front of the mixer and turntable set up.

3. CDJ Setup:

The CDJ setup is quite popular, and the majority of professional DJs use this setup. It’s no different from the turntable setup. The only thing is that you’re swapping the turntables for the CDJs. This setup requires:

• 2 CDJs
• DJ Mixers
• DJ Headphones
• CDs or MP3

With the mixer in the middle, set up the CDJs on both sides of the mixer. Viola! You’re ready to play.

4. DJ Controller:

This setup ditches the mixer, and it is affordable. All you need to achieve this setup includes:

• DJ controller
• Laptop
• DJ Software
• DJ Headphones

With this setup, you can directly play your music from your laptop via the DJ software. The DJ controller does the mixing. On your DJ desk, place the DJ controller on it. Then, place your laptop (after connecting it to the DJ controller on the laptop stand. If you use an interface, get a stand for the interface too.

Related: The guide to organize music library

5. Turntable and DJ Controller Mixture:

We do not recommend this setup for beginners as it's a complicated process, and you'll need too much equipment. Although this setup is complex, you’ll get added functionality and great features. To achieve this elaborate setup, you’ll need:

• DJ controller
• 2 DJ turntables and cartridges
• 2 Slipmats for the turntable
• Vinyl Records.
• Laptop
• DJ Headphones
• DJ Software

You'll need a spacious and elaborate DJ Desk for this. With the DJ controller in the middle, set the Turntables on either side of the controller. Then, set up your laptop on the laptop stands and the interface too.

Related: Budget DJ Headphones Review

6. Laptop Alone:

This setup is ideal for beginners who do not have the budget for DJ equipment but no longer want to wait to get into the craft. You’ll need:

• Your laptop or computer device
• Headphones
• DJ software.

You might not use a DJ Desk. You could set it up on a table or your bed, as long as you’re comfortable.

Related: Denon Prime 4 DJ Controller and PIONEER DDJ-400 DJ Controller

All the equipment you’ll ever need

Setting up your home DJ studio is one of the easiest things to do. But of course, you’ll need equipment. Below is the complete kit you should look to invest your money in for your preferred home DJ studio setup.

Turntables/CDJs/DJ Controller:

You might not know which equipment you'll prefer to use as a beginner DJ. So, you might want to try out all three pieces of equipment before you finally decide which equipment suits you. However, it's not wise to buy all three, even if you have the budget for it. So, let's examine the pros and cons of all three equipment as they are core to DJing.

• Turntable:
  Although age-long music equipment, Vinyl turntables have their place in the DJing field. Of course, you’ll still see vinyl turntables in clubs in the 21^st century, and it's for a couple of reasons. With Vinyl turntables, you can quickly grow your ear beat matching skills which is a vital skill for DJs that would be successful. It also allows you the luxury of playing DVS time-coded and recording vinyl. However, turntables are large, and their formats are unpopular in clubs.
  
  
• CDJs:
  Recent CDJs afford you the luxury of seeing the audio wave of any music you play. This equipment is your ticket to becoming a professional DJ that stands out. The best part is that it is easy to learn. It also doesn’t consume too much space, and it's primarily used in clubs. The only issue is that you’d have to find a way to survive without record vinyl as CDJs aren’t compatible with record vinyl.
  
  
• DJ Controller:
  This equipment is more elaborate. It usually comes with a DJ mixer and two turntables. Its design, features, and how its function is similar to CDJs, which makes everything easier. As an all-in-one piece of equipment, it is pretty affordable for beginner DJs and hobbyists. One thing I love about DJ controllers is that you can connect them to music streaming platforms. However, you'll need to use DJ software and a laptop. More so, you won't find DJ controllers in every club.

Related: dB level for mixing

Mixer:

You won't need a mixer if you've decided to stick with the DJ controller option as it is an all-in-one piece of equipment, and it comes with a mixer. However, if you want to DJ with a CDJ or Turntable, you’ll need a mixer. Now, DJ mixers have different channel options.

For starters, you can use a 2-channel mixer as they allow you to connect two CDJs, and it helps save space. If you want to connect 3 to 4 CDJs or turntables, you should opt for a 4-channel mixer. There are mixers with more than 4 channels.

Feel free to invest in them if you feel it’s necessary. But for a beginner who’s just setting up, a 2-channel mixer is best for you. Other features you should consider before you buy a mixer are if the mixer is DVS enabled and if it has USB ports for recording purposes.

Speakers:

The next critical piece of equipment for a home DJ studio is the speakers. While there are two types of speakers (active and passive speakers), it’s best to opt for active speakers. It's space and money-saving compared to passive speakers. You should also check to see if it comes with the option to control the frequency it emits.

Related: Pioneer DM 40 DJ studio monitor speaker

Speaker Stands:

Speaker stands come in handy when setting up your DJ equipment. However, they are not compulsory. You can either get floor-standing speaker stands or brackets that help you mount your speakers on a wall.

Headphones:

Every DJ you've seen always has a headphone. Trust me when I say that it's not for decorative purposes. You’ll need headphones to listen in on the sounds you produce. Get high-quality headphones from a reliable brand that won't ruin your eardrums and would make a great sound.

Cables:

You'll need to connect all the equipment. Now, don't run off into the market to get random wires. There are specific cables that you should look to get. They include Jack cables to Phono RCA(1/4 inch), USB cables, Phono to Phono RCA cables, and Jack (1/4 inch) to Jack (1/4 inch).

Laptop:

If you choose the DVS or DJ controller setup, you'll need a computer. Just ensure that you get a core i7 laptop with ample memory space like 500GB to 1TB. The RAM is also crucial. Opt for laptops with 16GB RAM. However, if you'd instead use a CDJ, you won't need to invest in a computer.

External Hard Drive or USB memory:

It's not enough to create your music; endeavor to back them up too. You can either use a Hard drive or simply back it up on Google Drive or Dropbox. It is a great way to create a timeless playlist and portfolio.

Adapters and Accessories:

You’ll need some accessories and adapters while DJing. Some of these adapters include plug-in extensions, mini-jack adaptors, cases for your DJ equipment and laptop (especially if you're using a DJ controller or DVS), etc.

DJ Desk:

Of course, you're not going to set up your equipment on the floor. Like you've seen with other DJs, they always set up their equipment on a DJ table. The most popular DJ desk is the IKEA DJ desk, as they are affordable. You also have the option to buy separate parts. Just ensure that you get a DJ Desk that’s not taller than you are.

Sound Proofing:

This equipment comes in handy if you intend to keep the peace with your neighbors, especially if you've got neighbors that are remote workers. With accurate soundproofing, you won't disturb the neighborhood's peace, especially when you play loud music.

Other equipment that’ll come in handy in your home studio includes lighting, a webcam for when you want to go live on social media, a camera stand, and a camera for recording and other recording devices. A laptop stand would also come in handy.

Wrap up

Trust me when I say that you don't need to have the entire DJ equipment to start DJing. You could invest in the equipment required for any of the above DJ setups to practice with as a rookie.

Remember that the best way to learn beatmatching and become a pro is to start DJing with Turntables. If you have the budget, you can get yourself all three major DJ equipment, including the DJ controller, CDJs, and Turntables. Then, as time goes on, you’ll realize which equipment is best for you.