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Originally posted by itsdchlorine First off, I wanted to know what is a good setup for someone new.

Depends on your budget.

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Originally posted by itsdchlorine I want value. So I've decided to go the CDJ route. I want to start off with something I can build upon. So I was looking at the Pioneer CDJ-200 or the CDJ-400. Is that a good start? As for the mixer I was looking into the DJM-400.

Pioneer gear is built well, so chances are they wont' break down after a year or two...or ten. I would probably advise against getting the CDJ-200s, as they are probably going to be phased out due to the launch of the CDJ/DJM 350 line. Have you looked at those yet?

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Originally posted by itsdchlorine I'm planning on buying used and would like to know what to look for when testing and checking the CDJs and the DJM.

If you're buying used from someone online, check to make sure all the knobs are there and where the unit was used, whether it was in a club or in a home. You can also read this article I wrote on the subject of buying used gear on ebay .

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Originally posted by itsdchlorine Lastly, Is a computer necessary to DJ? I've been looking at setups and see laptops/macs, but I don't know why it's need. Can someone please fill me in. I just thought DJs mix/blend tracks together.

You're most likely going to use a laptop to purchase, download, and burn your songs to CD. However, unless you want to use a DVS or software mixing program, a laptop is not needed.

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Originally posted by itsdchlorine I'm planning on buying used and would like to know what to look for when testing and checking the CDJs and the DJM.

Honestly, the best bit of advice I could give here is to actually make sure you enjoy using it and feel comfortable.
If you aint buzzin' after throwing down some tunes - maybe it ain't for you.
I've seen too many guys get decks because it was "cool" and then use them for 2 months before letting them gather dust.

I remember when I road tested a set of decks the first time before I bought them (first time I ever used decks in fact)

The guy that was selling them told me to bring up some vinyl and a few beers.

He showed me the basics. We talked, drank a couple of beers then for the next 2 hours I was totally lost in a euphoric kind of "wow - this shit completes me" state of mind as the guy kindly let me go for it on his decks and mixer.
Best drug I have ever experienced to this day.


I probably only nailed about 3 or 4 mixes for the duration of those 2 hours but I knew after those 2 hours, I wanted to part with a grand of my money and still do not regret it..........Make sure you don't!!

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Pick up the book "How To DJ Right" by Bill Brewster. Should answer most of your questions but I think you're on the right path in terms of gear. You want something not too expensive to start out, if nothing more than to make sure you stick with it. You won't need a computer to start, although you may want to move into one down the line for a more advanced setup. Start out on CDJs and learn the basics first, and you'll be a step ahead already.

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Sweet, alright.

Well to answer some of the questions posed on me.

My budget is somewhere in region of 600-800 dollars. But like I said I want value.

Next, this isn't an investment I just thought about and wanted to get into off of a whim. I have been looking into DJing for quite some time. lol. Funny, A.B, when you mention that people buy setups, don't practice or have fun with it, and decide to give it up, because I find those type of people on Craiglist selling their setup for cheap because of that.

That's why I asked what I should be focused on when I go and check a setup before buying.

Lastly, I have a computer to do all my downloading and burning of music. I just didn't understand why some DJs have laptops/macs while mixing, and some don't I still don't understand.


As for now I've gotten a lot of helpful tips from you guys. I will get that book, and be sure to strengthen my resolve to become a DJ. Any other pitfalls or things I should be on the look out for while starting out?

djkopernikus put in a load of effort and threw together this great thread for people trying to get into dj'ing for the first time.

It's got everything you need to understand how to get started.

Definitely recommend you trawl through it and i guarantee you'll be a lot wiser after watching a few of the vids.

HTH

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The CDJ400s and 400 are a good idea.

Computer isn't needed to DJ unless your looking to use something like Ableton, Traktor or Serato.

Best thing is to do lots of research and studying up on it.

djtechtools.com is a good site that offers a bunch of advice, but its mainly geared towards laptop DJing..

also check out Ellaskins on youtube...he has some great tips that anyone can use to start.

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