I currently have a Beringher 2000 and am looking for quite an upgrade. I'm looking to spend around $1000, give or take a couple hundred. I don't really consider myself a beginner DJ; I know how to beatmatch, what all the EQs do, etc. I think I have a pretty deep knowledge of electronic music but I'm definitely no at mixing pro yet. Any suggestions on what I should purchase? I was thinking of buying a pretty decent mixer and 2 so-so cdjs. Thanks for the help!
Posté Sun 21 Sep 08 @ 7:04 pm
fatboyfoster
Denon DN-HC4500 controller with the denon DN-X500 mixer, got mine for under £700 and they are brilliant!!!! but you will need a pro liesence of VDJ to get the correct mappers and stuff.
here is a pic of them.....
here is a pic of them.....
Posté Mon 22 Sep 08 @ 3:44 am
iammrcandyman
I would say keep saving. I would recommend pioneer cdj 400's with a good mixer. You will not regret spending extra money on equipment, it'll pay for its self.
Though the cdjs alone will cost around 1400 if you plan to keep djing then there's not reason to settle for something you will want to upgrade again in a year or two. You will end up spending more constantly changing what you have, rather than keeping your equipment.
Though the cdjs alone will cost around 1400 if you plan to keep djing then there's not reason to settle for something you will want to upgrade again in a year or two. You will end up spending more constantly changing what you have, rather than keeping your equipment.
Posté Mon 22 Sep 08 @ 12:13 pm
Before posting I was actually thinking of getting 2 CDJ 400s and the DJM 400 mixer. Problem is I feel hesitant about spending that much money with not being the greatest dj yet but I really feel like I'll get into this soon enough. It makes sense to not go cheap considering I'll probably upgrade after a year but that amount of money just seems like a lot. I know pioneer is one of the best, if not the best but aren't you paying a lot for its name. Wouldn't it make sense to go like 1 step lower and save a couple hundred bucks?
Posté Mon 22 Sep 08 @ 4:48 pm
DJSpecter
well let's just say you start off with the following
Pioneer CDJ-400 x2: $1400 (avg)
Pioneer DJM-800 : $1700 (avg)
Total : $3100
or you start with the following:
Numark iCDX x2 : $1000 (avg)
Numark X9 : $380 (avg)
Total : $1380
now yes that looks like you are saving money and it's true that you are....however considering resale value, years that equipment will be used, and the cost of repairs (if any) and i think the choice becomes obvious...if you are serious about dj'ing just save up for better equipment because in the long run once you have the best equipment that works for you, you won't be going out and buying a new mixer/cdj every 2 years or so.
Pioneer CDJ-400 x2: $1400 (avg)
Pioneer DJM-800 : $1700 (avg)
Total : $3100
or you start with the following:
Numark iCDX x2 : $1000 (avg)
Numark X9 : $380 (avg)
Total : $1380
now yes that looks like you are saving money and it's true that you are....however considering resale value, years that equipment will be used, and the cost of repairs (if any) and i think the choice becomes obvious...if you are serious about dj'ing just save up for better equipment because in the long run once you have the best equipment that works for you, you won't be going out and buying a new mixer/cdj every 2 years or so.
Posté Mon 22 Sep 08 @ 5:14 pm
jimmy b
I would say, go with getting the good stuff now.
If you go out and buy the cheap equipment now, you would use it for a few months and when your DJ skills start improving and you start getting gigs, you would want to buy the good stuff anyway, trust me you would.
So in fact you will be buying 2 lots of equipment. It is far better and cheaper(if you get what I'm saying) going for the better equipment.
If you go out and buy the cheap equipment now, you would use it for a few months and when your DJ skills start improving and you start getting gigs, you would want to buy the good stuff anyway, trust me you would.
So in fact you will be buying 2 lots of equipment. It is far better and cheaper(if you get what I'm saying) going for the better equipment.
Posté Mon 22 Sep 08 @ 5:27 pm
So with what's been said I think I should save up and buy better quality equipment. What do you suggest I purchase? I'm thinking 2xCDJ 400 and the DJM 400. Should I get a different brand? Should I get something better than the 400s? Thanks for the help!
Posté Mon 22 Sep 08 @ 6:51 pm
Caliente123
Whats Up Verna. If you want to save money, check out craiglist for some used cdjs. Buy the 800s, they are cheaper and work great.
here is an example.. 2 cdj 800s and a mixer for 800 bucks
http://newyork.craigslist.org/brk/ele/850740557.html
here is an example.. 2 cdj 800s and a mixer for 800 bucks
http://newyork.craigslist.org/brk/ele/850740557.html
Posté Mon 22 Sep 08 @ 6:53 pm
lamont76
werd. imo, you will want something with more feel in the future - i had an icdx, loved it until i got tired of the limited scratching and got 2 gemini cdt-05 hybrid turntables... retail 1,200... bought 2 on ebay (different times) for less than 500 together. love it. vinyl feel is amazing even with cd mode.
i got a urei mixer, wish i had a djm400 really. but yea, imo, get the 800s or at least a cd player with a moving platter. you will want them lol
i got a urei mixer, wish i had a djm400 really. but yea, imo, get the 800s or at least a cd player with a moving platter. you will want them lol
Posté Mon 22 Sep 08 @ 7:35 pm
How reliable is used stuff? I'm always hesitant about buying used electronics.
Posté Mon 22 Sep 08 @ 7:50 pm
Caliente123
It depends on who you buy it from. you check out the equipment to see that its not beat up or anything. You test and look at the condition. I bought a used Denon X 500 mixer, a Used Denon HC4500 in mint condition. I bought 3 qsc plx amps cheap, Crown ce 1000, laptops etc. You look it up on craigslist and test it out. if it works good then get it. There is nothing wrong with buying used equipment. Look at the technics 1200s, more people buy them used than brand new. I bought tons of electronics used and never had an issue. I only shop for items that are in great to mint condition. I always make sure that the person im buying from test it out. I have to hear it or mess with to make sure its working or else i wont pay.
The Denon Hc4500 when it first came out, i paid 390. The guy sold it cause no software was working properly at that time with the denon. Its in Mint condition
The Denon X 500 mixer i paid 300 bucks in mint condtion
The QSC plx 1602 amp, Great condition i paid 400
I bought 2 1200s with needles, 1 numark mixer 3 channels and the sony MDR V700 dj headphones, everything for 580 in mint condition
I bought a CDJ 1000 for 300 bucks in great condition.
I look for deals because i dont want to pay the full price.
I bought 2 Pioneer CDJ 1000mk3's for 1900 bucks mint condition. Its gonna be a year now are they still kick but
a Pioneer DJM 500 black 12 inch mixer for 400 bucks, really nice
The Denon Hc4500 when it first came out, i paid 390. The guy sold it cause no software was working properly at that time with the denon. Its in Mint condition
The Denon X 500 mixer i paid 300 bucks in mint condtion
The QSC plx 1602 amp, Great condition i paid 400
I bought 2 1200s with needles, 1 numark mixer 3 channels and the sony MDR V700 dj headphones, everything for 580 in mint condition
I bought a CDJ 1000 for 300 bucks in great condition.
I look for deals because i dont want to pay the full price.
I bought 2 Pioneer CDJ 1000mk3's for 1900 bucks mint condition. Its gonna be a year now are they still kick but
a Pioneer DJM 500 black 12 inch mixer for 400 bucks, really nice
Posté Mon 22 Sep 08 @ 11:14 pm
HiTower
I agree with Caliente123 when it comes to buying used gear. I wouldn't recommend buying used unless you can put your hands on it before you buy. I bought a used CDJ 1000 about 5 or 6 years ago, and it's still going strong next to the one I bought brand new. Someone else mentioned Craigslist. I agree this is a good source, too. I just started dealing with that site about a month ago, and I wish I'd known about it sooner. I found some really great deals on there.
For what it's worth, IMO, Pioneer is the way to go with CD turntables. Also, Pioneer mixer sound quality is great.
For what it's worth, IMO, Pioneer is the way to go with CD turntables. Also, Pioneer mixer sound quality is great.
Posté Mon 22 Sep 08 @ 11:37 pm
Caliente123
Im there with you 100 % The CDJs are the best that money can buy. I used denon, numark and other brands and they are not the same when it comes to dj ying.
Posté Tue 23 Sep 08 @ 12:37 am
So if I were to get 2 used CDJ 800s, what mixer do you recommend I get?
Posté Tue 23 Sep 08 @ 10:01 pm
Caliente123
Im using the DJM 500. The djm 600 is in silver but more expensive. Since the CDJ 800s are slightly smaller than the CDJ 1000. A 10 mixer would be perferct
For 10 inch
http://www.idjnow.com/StoreModules/SearchResults.aspx/txtSearch=--BranchID=--DepartmentID=346--SubDeptID=31--CategoryID=--PageIndex=1--SortBy=Any--DemoID=0
For 10 inch
http://www.idjnow.com/StoreModules/SearchResults.aspx/txtSearch=--BranchID=--DepartmentID=346--SubDeptID=31--CategoryID=--PageIndex=1--SortBy=Any--DemoID=0
Posté Tue 23 Sep 08 @ 11:09 pm
HiTower
As for mixers, I own Denon (DN500), and Pioneer (DJM600) mixers. They're both great mixers for me. I've also used a lot of Rane mixers that have great sound quality. There are so many good choices with mixers. Once you know which brands are known for good sound quality, the decision is yours based on the extras you want.
Posté Tue 23 Sep 08 @ 11:31 pm
Is it dumb to buy a 4 channel mixer and only using 2 cdjs? Also, looking at Pioneer's web site I assume the ones they sell there are their newest models and things such as the djm 500, 600, etc. are older models?
I'm thinking of getting 2x CDJ800 and a DJM800. How does that sound?
I'm thinking of getting 2x CDJ800 and a DJM800. How does that sound?
Posté Wed 24 Sep 08 @ 5:48 pm
Tear Em 'Up
Verna wrote :
Is it dumb to buy a 4 channel mixer and only using 2 cdjs? Also, looking at Pioneer's web site I assume the ones they sell there are their newest models and things such as the djm 500, 600, etc. are older models?
I'm thinking of getting 2x CDJ800 and a DJM800. How does that sound?
I'm thinking of getting 2x CDJ800 and a DJM800. How does that sound?
No, it is not dumb..it gives you room to grow....
Posté Wed 24 Sep 08 @ 6:19 pm
DJSpecter
Verna wrote :
Is it dumb to buy a 4 channel mixer and only using 2 cdjs? Also, looking at Pioneer's web site I assume the ones they sell there are their newest models and things such as the djm 500, 600, etc. are older models?
I'm thinking of getting 2x CDJ800 and a DJM800. How does that sound?
I'm thinking of getting 2x CDJ800 and a DJM800. How does that sound?
Any reason why you're looking at the CDJ800 instead of the CDJ400?
Posté Wed 24 Sep 08 @ 6:23 pm
Dazmax
Hey Verna.
You dont state wether or not you have all the other kit you need (amp speakers lights and all that good stuff).
I have to agree that you should buy the best kit that you can afford. If you have not already got the equipment that you need to turn your system into a rig capable of earning money and most importantly paying for itself then there is nothing wrong with setting your sights a little lower. Once you are up,running and making some cash then you can plan for upgrading/replacing the kit you have for the kit you want.
IT DONT MEAN A THING IF IT DONT EARN THAT BLING. If you now what I mean.
Everyone has to start somewhere and its not always possible to have all the kit you want at the start.
DAZ
You dont state wether or not you have all the other kit you need (amp speakers lights and all that good stuff).
I have to agree that you should buy the best kit that you can afford. If you have not already got the equipment that you need to turn your system into a rig capable of earning money and most importantly paying for itself then there is nothing wrong with setting your sights a little lower. Once you are up,running and making some cash then you can plan for upgrading/replacing the kit you have for the kit you want.
IT DONT MEAN A THING IF IT DONT EARN THAT BLING. If you now what I mean.
Everyone has to start somewhere and its not always possible to have all the kit you want at the start.
DAZ
Posté Wed 24 Sep 08 @ 6:46 pm
