Whether it’s at a local bar or on the biggest dancefloors – DJs are the masters of entertainment. And it doesn’t matter if it’s just about setting the mood or performing a full DJ set in front of thousands – the art of DJing is all about the moment: playing the right track at the right time to keep the flow going. Different genres and styles require not only musical instinct but also the right DJ equipment – sometimes even just the right cable to connect a tablet to a sound system.
Using the turntable as a sampling instrument was groundbreaking in the early 80s. Hip-hop and rap evolved at lightning speed, and DJs were the stars of the scene. With vinyl and creative scratching techniques, they created a completely new sound – revolutionizing how music and sound were experienced. Today, DJs are global stars in modern music production, working with a wide range of DJ gear for live sets as well as home studio production. Many still swear by “real” vinyl, but digital DJ equipment now dominates, with MP3 replacing records and CDs. The classic setup of two turntables, a DJ mixer and a PA system is almost nostalgic. Digital DJ players, DJ controllers paired with DJ software are now at the heart of every setup. A controller combines two virtual decks with all the mixing features DJs need. The sound is processed entirely through the computer running the software. One of the market leaders in digital DJ equipment is Pioneer DJ, offering everything from USB-ready DJ controllers and CD/MP3 players to DJ mixers, monitors and classic analog turntables.
If you don’t want to give up the feel of real turntables, you can still DJ digitally. A Digital Vinyl System (DVS) provides everything you need. With control vinyls transmitting a timecode signal to the software, DJs combine the authentic vinyl feel with the flexibility of digital tracks. This gives you the best of both worlds: access to massive digital libraries with advanced mixing features, while still scratching and cueing on two turntables. Market leaders like Serato DJ and Native Instruments Traktor Scratch dominate this segment. Instead of a USB turntable, a dedicated audio interface is required, which links the turntables to the software. This syncs the MP3 file in the software with the analog record, mirroring every move you make.
If you’re a hobby DJ making mixtapes for friends, a laptop and software are enough to get started. But if you’re gigging at weddings or parties, you’ll need a more professional setup. This includes not just DJ players, controllers and software, but also a complete PA system, reliable monitors, and lighting effects. Regular stereo speakers just won’t cut it – PA speakers built for DJs and live performers provide the power you need. While massive sound stacks like those used in reggae sound systems look impressive, today’s mobile PA systems are far more practical: compact, powerful, and flexible enough to adapt to any venue.
At MUSIC STORE professional, you can try out DJ turntables, DJ controllers, DJ software, DJ players, DJ mixers and DJ headphones. Our showroom features demo stations from all major brands, so beginners and pros alike can test the latest gear. We also carry a huge range of DJ accessories such as cartridges, cables, cases, DJ furniture and storage systems. In our online shop, most products are available with fast shipping across the USA – from a single cartridge to a full PA system.
Pioneer DJ, Technics, Native Instruments, Denon DJ, Allen & Heath, Numark, plus Rane, Reloop, Mixars, Ecler and Magma.
The DJ world gives you endless opportunities to get creative with your music. Entry-level gear may have fewer pro features, but it still offers everything you need to get the party started at a great price. Our DJ team has selected a few beginner-friendly models to help you learn the basics and start mixing with confidence.