DJ Music: Digital DJ equipment for Club DJs

DJ music comes in many forms. It's the Club DJs ability to play many types of music and make it sound good. That's why they get paid the big bucks.

To most it's not a mystery why the Club DJ is the most sought after Disc Jockey. One of my favorite Club DJs who crosses all categories of DJing is DJ Cash Money out of Philadelphia, PA. He has some of the fastest hands on the faders and turntables that I have ever seen.

Most Club DJs use Technics SL-1200/1210 Turntables for their DJ music.

Most of the time when the more well known Club DJs go from club to club that have what is called a Rider.

A Rider is a detailed list of DJ equipment or anything the Club DJ requested before arriving at the venue. Depending on what the club already has all the Club DJ may need to bring are the stylus.

But since the digital age has arrived DJ Music has taken on a new form for the Club DJ. Club DJs also brings a laptop loaded with Final Scratch, a digital mixer and a digital turntable.

Now you can even DJ with an iPod.

Numark iDJ Mixing Console for iPod

I know it's not real DJing but plenty of people are doing it. Learn more about iPod DJing.

More music for DJs with Final Scratch here.

Tip: The key to any successful Club DJ is flexibility and adaptability. DJ music for the Club DJ can change at any given moment based on crowd feedback, your mood as a Club DJ and being able to anticipate tempo change. Having the right DJ equipment makes these transitions easier.

Here are some additional pieces of DJ equipment that are used to make DJ music in the digital age.

Below is a picture of DJ Blaak's mini DJ production set. He uses a Technics SL1200, Stanton Mixer and an Akai MPC60. Fatnice is in production in this picture.

Technics SL1200, Stanton Mixer, Akai MPC60 - DJ Equipment Guide

Technics SL-1210M5G Pro Turn table

It's a step up from the Technics SL-1200 MK5. It has an enhanced anti-skate feature computerized pitch adjustment for a +/- of 16%, an adjustable braking speed and long life blue LEDs. It's just a solid as its siblings but with a whole new look and enhanced features.

Technics SL-1210M5G Pro Turntable Black

Remember to keep in mind that you need height adjustment if you are going to be a Club DJ.

Stanton ST-150 Digital Turn table with S Tone Arm

Stanton makes this same model (STR8-150 Digital Turn table) with a straight for arm for Battle DJs. Club DJs need to be flexible and so does their equipment. Playing music on DJ equipment that does not meet the demands of a Club DJ can leave the crowd unsatisfied. But what it all comes down to is knowing your DJ equipment.

Stanton ST-150 Digital Turntable with S Tone Arm

If you have sub par DJ equipment but you know how to get the most out of it then you can get away with it. You know your DJ equipment best. No sense in spending money if you don't have to.

Club DJs can use just about any mixer for DJ music. Here are a few I specked out that I have always enjoyed because I've had the most fun with them.

Numark CM200USB 5-Channel 19" Rackmount DJ Mixer with USB

Designed for the mobile computer-based DJ, the CM200USB has 2 USB ports so you can play audio from your computer without needing drivers or soundcards, make use of your software's multiple soundcard feature, and record and playback your mix at the same time (full duplex). The CM200USB's 5 channels each include PFL gain controls and a 3-band EQ with Kill function.

Numark CM200USB 5-Channel 19" Rackmount DJ Mixer with USB

Rane MP44 DJ Club Mixer

For the Club DJs that cross over into the digital arena Rane makes a wonderful mixer in the MP44 DJ Club Mixer.

Rane MP44 DJ Club Mixer

Rane MP44 DJ Club Mixer Features:

Channel assignment to the A-side, B-side, or post-crossfader
Phono/CD and line inputs
Channel gain trims, overload indicators, and FlexFX loop assignment
Three-band full-cut accelerated slope tone controls
Two aux outputs (one unbalanced, one balanced)
High-performance VCA controls for House and Booth levels provide low travel noise and long life
High-performance master limiter with true RMS detectors limits both house and booth levels
Optional Rane VR 1 Remote Level control may be used to externally control the house output