24packman
Hey everybody,
Decided this past week that I want to get back into the DJ business. Started a few years back, but never really got off the ground. Couldn't really afford the equipment, high school budget... Got to DJ a party this weekend and remembered how fun it was. Now that I've decided to get back in, I just can't decide what to get. I want to stay with Virtual DJ because that's what I was taught on, but I do want step it up a bit with a nice mixer board and controllers. The setup I wish I could get is a DN-x1700 Mixer matched with 2 DN-s3700 Turn Tables. I just feel like I am dropping too much cash in this to be just starting out though. Then you include Speakers, Cables, etc it gets pricey. Where would be a great way to start off, without breaking the bank. Thanks!
Decided this past week that I want to get back into the DJ business. Started a few years back, but never really got off the ground. Couldn't really afford the equipment, high school budget... Got to DJ a party this weekend and remembered how fun it was. Now that I've decided to get back in, I just can't decide what to get. I want to stay with Virtual DJ because that's what I was taught on, but I do want step it up a bit with a nice mixer board and controllers. The setup I wish I could get is a DN-x1700 Mixer matched with 2 DN-s3700 Turn Tables. I just feel like I am dropping too much cash in this to be just starting out though. Then you include Speakers, Cables, etc it gets pricey. Where would be a great way to start off, without breaking the bank. Thanks!
Posted Sun 24 Mar 13 @ 8:25 pm
DJECoast
One financial approach may be to get a good 4 channel controller, something once your'e established can be used as a back-up and or stand alone mixer.
Speakers are going to be a huge first expense, but one I personally wish I'd done differently.
Two 15" powered tops will get you going but your'e going to need & want subs soon. I would start pricing all the major brands, JBL, QSC, EV, Mackie, Yamaha and get a feel for what a 4 speaker set-up is going to run and how your going to transport it.
Bottom line, if you spend less initially, your'e just going to spend more later upgrading, thats been my experience. I've got $2400 in 15" speakers sitting in my house collecting dust after getting what I really wanted. Had I bought a good system initially, even in pieces, I would've spent allot less.
Example being, get two of the best tops on the market and pair them with the matching subs later, one at a time if need be.
Same applies to all gear, if you compromise quality and try to be cheap you will pay twice. If you are passionate about DJ'ing and can hustle the gigs you will make it back.
Good luck!
Speakers are going to be a huge first expense, but one I personally wish I'd done differently.
Two 15" powered tops will get you going but your'e going to need & want subs soon. I would start pricing all the major brands, JBL, QSC, EV, Mackie, Yamaha and get a feel for what a 4 speaker set-up is going to run and how your going to transport it.
Bottom line, if you spend less initially, your'e just going to spend more later upgrading, thats been my experience. I've got $2400 in 15" speakers sitting in my house collecting dust after getting what I really wanted. Had I bought a good system initially, even in pieces, I would've spent allot less.
Example being, get two of the best tops on the market and pair them with the matching subs later, one at a time if need be.
Same applies to all gear, if you compromise quality and try to be cheap you will pay twice. If you are passionate about DJ'ing and can hustle the gigs you will make it back.
Good luck!
Posted Mon 25 Mar 13 @ 2:48 am
GadgetMan
Another option is to invest in the best laptop and controller you can afford. Then look at renting sound and light. Any profit left over you can save and then reinvest when you have enough.
Multiple reasons for doing this:
1. A decent laptop and mixer/controller is essential. Something like the Denon MC-6000 will give you a very good MIDI controller as well as a backup 4 channel mixer to boot.
2. Owning the laptop and controller means you can practice anywhere, plug in to any system and rock the party...
3. Hiring sound and light means you can tailor what you need to the event/venue. This is crucial as you start out as you don't want to buy for the sake of buying and end up with gear that's not suitable.
Also, once you get to know the venues you will play at regularly you will know what the maximum size rig is you will need to invest in.
4. Hire different gear and from different places if possible. Try different sound and light setups. This will help you decide what to invest in when the time comes. Also working with different hire companies will allow you to build relationships which may help when you come to buy.
5. Don't rush, take your time. It's taken me 12 years to get to a rig I am comfortable with - and I still want to make changes...
Cheers,
Roy
Multiple reasons for doing this:
1. A decent laptop and mixer/controller is essential. Something like the Denon MC-6000 will give you a very good MIDI controller as well as a backup 4 channel mixer to boot.
2. Owning the laptop and controller means you can practice anywhere, plug in to any system and rock the party...
3. Hiring sound and light means you can tailor what you need to the event/venue. This is crucial as you start out as you don't want to buy for the sake of buying and end up with gear that's not suitable.
Also, once you get to know the venues you will play at regularly you will know what the maximum size rig is you will need to invest in.
4. Hire different gear and from different places if possible. Try different sound and light setups. This will help you decide what to invest in when the time comes. Also working with different hire companies will allow you to build relationships which may help when you come to buy.
5. Don't rush, take your time. It's taken me 12 years to get to a rig I am comfortable with - and I still want to make changes...
Cheers,
Roy
Posted Mon 25 Mar 13 @ 3:20 am
DJECoast
I dont think a new DJ can compete with rental gear built into the price. I just saw a site that wanted $190 for a pair of SRM 450 V2's daily rental.
Renting may be a viable option in a pinch, a gig in the city, double booking or occasional large event but every DJ should have their own set-up.
For residency at a bar / pub and weekend private gigs you need your own gear. Gotta spend it to make it, theres no short cuts unless you work for a sound company.
Renting may be a viable option in a pinch, a gig in the city, double booking or occasional large event but every DJ should have their own set-up.
For residency at a bar / pub and weekend private gigs you need your own gear. Gotta spend it to make it, theres no short cuts unless you work for a sound company.
Posted Mon 25 Mar 13 @ 3:44 pm
GadgetMan
I I don't disagree, but without knowing what you want or need you could end up spending a fortune and not have the right gear...
However I didn't realise renting was that expensive over there.
Other than that there's usually someone upgrading somewhere and some reliable 2nd hand gear shouldn't be too far away.
Cheers,
Roy
However I didn't realise renting was that expensive over there.
Other than that there's usually someone upgrading somewhere and some reliable 2nd hand gear shouldn't be too far away.
Cheers,
Roy
Posted Mon 25 Mar 13 @ 3:58 pm
djnutz
24packman wrote :
Hey everybody,
Decided this past week that I want to get back into the DJ business. Started a few years back, but never really got off the ground. Couldn't really afford the equipment, high school budget... Got to DJ a party this weekend and remembered how fun it was. Now that I've decided to get back in, I just can't decide what to get. I want to stay with Virtual DJ because that's what I was taught on, but I do want step it up a bit with a nice mixer board and controllers. The setup I wish I could get is a DN-x1700 Mixer matched with 2 DN-s3700 Turn Tables. I just feel like I am dropping too much cash in this to be just starting out though. Then you include Speakers, Cables, etc it gets pricey. Where would be a great way to start off, without breaking the bank. Thanks!
Decided this past week that I want to get back into the DJ business. Started a few years back, but never really got off the ground. Couldn't really afford the equipment, high school budget... Got to DJ a party this weekend and remembered how fun it was. Now that I've decided to get back in, I just can't decide what to get. I want to stay with Virtual DJ because that's what I was taught on, but I do want step it up a bit with a nice mixer board and controllers. The setup I wish I could get is a DN-x1700 Mixer matched with 2 DN-s3700 Turn Tables. I just feel like I am dropping too much cash in this to be just starting out though. Then you include Speakers, Cables, etc it gets pricey. Where would be a great way to start off, without breaking the bank. Thanks!
I would suggest working for a multi op that provides equipment for you. And what about music? How do you plan on buying your library? Do you already own a library? My archive would cost $15,000 to buy every song from iTunes today. Never mind my video archive. A multi op allows you to go out and DJ for a paycheck without all the running a business stuff.
If you are set on running your own business, then I would suggest writing a business plan.
A well written business plan will tell you how much money you can spend on gear and music.
Anyone who doesn't understand that last sentence is going to be fighting an uphill battle trying to run a successful business.
Posted Mon 25 Mar 13 @ 4:03 pm