Tech Blog

[#1]

Starting to DJ is a definitely an undertaking and it can be a bit stressful. I personally never wanted to blame equipment for my shortcomings which lead me to seek out the best gear, keeping costs in the back of my mind, (until I hit the cash register) but that's not the case for most of us.

Finding a friend who's also into DJing is a great place to start to try out equipment before buying and see what works best for you. Remember, every DJ is different and there is no one size fits all set up or style, what I suggest might not work with your style or preference, but always go with what you feel most comfortable with, but I digress.

After spending hours on your friends gear, you need to make a list of what you'll need for your first bedroom gig or for your first actual DJ gig should you be at that stage.

There are absolutely a few things you can't get away without having, if you want to just impress the opposite sex or plan on being the next A-Trak first invest in the following.

• Headphones
• Music
• Table
• Patience & Courage

Additional equipment you may or may not need depending on your gig:

• Turntables or CDJs
• DJ mixer
• Sound Cards (serato, traktor, etc...)
• Speakers (studio or event)
• Cables (equipment specific cables + extension cords and powerbars are far too often overlooked)
• Laptop stand (not always necessary but convenient)

To say sound is the most important part of DJing is an understatement, and if you can't hear your music properly, there's no way you'll be able to play it properly.

Invest in a good pair of headphones and you'll be on your way. Hearing the song you're cueing up in a loud room is different from your basement and much more difficult. You'll want a pair that give you clean, clear sound at low, mid and high frequencies + can endure the strain you'll be putting them through.

First, lets understand what the headphones are used for. When you're DJing, you'll be playing a song over the speakers while you prepare the next song and then mix the two. You'll have to get used to listening to two different songs often at different speeds and try to match the tempo and the beats for smooth blending. (That's an entire other lesson that you can probably find tips on in the futureshop forums)

Knowing this, you should have headphones that allow for easy on&off access and one ear listening while you play to hear simultaneously the song you're cueing up and the sound in the room.

- Your headphones will be going with you everywhere and need to fold up compactly for safekeeping (replacement parts are often hard to come by)

- You'll want headphones with only one side of the headphones connected by a cord. This will ease the quick on&off of your headphones without tangling you up mid mix.

- Save those earbud headphones for jogging, they won't do you much good on the dance floor. They block the sound outside and overpower your ear. Unless you're a pro avoid them (if you are a pro DJ, you probably aren't reading this)

- Note the difference between the studio headphones and DJ headphones. Studio headphones tend to cancel outside noise and can also be pricier than you'll need.

- Avoid wireless headphones at all costs.

What you'll want is a pair of headphones that fit like a headband, have a swivel ear cups for one ear listening, and fold up for traveling. Take a look at some of these options, more expensive doesn't necessarily mean better but do some research on more premium models from each of these suppliers to find a pair that works for you.

I've personally broken 3 pairs of Sony pro headphones which run over $200 at the hinge, never the driver, and they offer no replacement parts, I'd personally avoid them to keep your wallet happy.

Sony $74

Skull Candy $89

Sennheiser $129

Shure $119

Stanton $99

Monster $349

Those are a few you'll be able to find that I would suggest to new DJs, feel free to drop a comment here and we can talk more about headphones.

Next blog I'll jump into the rest of what you'll need before getting behind the decks.

Feel free to follow me on twitter ( @newmoney ) and let me know that you read the Future Shop blog.

Peace

[#2]

I picked up the Shure 750DJs a few months ago. They're mint, you should check em out.

[#3]

Sick! How do you like them?

I've currently got the Xone XD-53's and from a construction standpoint their light years better than the Sony MDR-V700DJs

[#4]

Sweet, Allen & Heath make wicked headphones.

I love the Shures.

Very Lightweight, built like a tank, bayonet clip for the cord, they sound phenomenal. It comes with an extra set of cushions which is a bonus. Amazing for the price ($190)

/en-CA/product/shure-shure -headband-headphones-srh750dj-srh750dj/10141945.as ...

Are you going to check out the new Monster cans when they come out? There supposed to be pretty mint.

[#5]

Yeah I'll definitely check out the shures, construction is super important with lugging gear around all the time.

I'm waiting for a chance to get my hands on a pair of those. When I do, I'll definitely let you know how they sound and if they're worth the price tag.