Beginner DJ Guide: Choosing a DJ Starter Kit
What do I need to start DJing?
Four things: a DJ controller, something to run the DJ software on (a laptop, phone or tablet, depending on the controller), headphones to cue the next track, and speakers to hear the mix. A DJ starter kit puts the controller, headphones and speakers in one box, so the only thing left to bring is the device and your music.
What is the best DJ starter kit for a beginner?
Pick the kit that matches what you will play from and how much gear you want included. Every kit below is built around a 2-channel controller.
| Kit | Controller | Speakers | Headphones | Also included | Software |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hercules DJStarter Kit | DJControl Starlight | DJMonitor 32 | HDP DJ M40.2 | Serato DJ Lite | |
| Hercules DJ Essentials Kit | DJControl Inpulse 300 MK2 | DJMonitor 42 | HDP DJ60 | Serato DJ Lite, DJUCED | |
| AlphaTheta DDJ-FLX2 with headphones and monitors | DDJ-FLX2 | Hercules DJ Monitor 32 | Hercules HDP DJ45 | Cable ties | rekordbox, Serato DJ Lite, djay |
| Pioneer DJ DDJ-FLX4 with headphones and laptop stand | DDJ-FLX4 | Pioneer DJ HDJ-X5 | Ultimate JS-LPT100 laptop stand | rekordbox, Serato DJ Lite, djay | |
| Pioneer DJ DDJ-FLX4 with HDJ-CUE1 headphones | DDJ-FLX4 | Pioneer DJ HDJ-CUE1 | rekordbox, Serato DJ Lite, djay | ||
| Pioneer DJ DDJ-REV1 with speakers and headphones | DDJ-REV1 | Pioneer DJ DM-40D (pair) | Pioneer DJ HDJ-X5 | Serato DJ Lite | |
| Pioneer DJ DDJ-REV1 with Bluetooth speakers | DDJ-REV1 | Pioneer DJ DM-40D-BT (pair) | Serato DJ Lite |
For the most complete setup, choose a kit with both speakers and headphones: the Hercules DJStarter Kit, the Hercules DJ Essentials Kit, the DDJ-FLX2 kit or the DDJ-REV1 kit with speakers and headphones.
Which beginner DJ controller should I buy?
Start from what you will play from. If you already have speakers and headphones, a controller on its own is the lowest-cost way in.
| Controller | Plays from | Software | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hercules DJControl Starlight | PC or Mac | Serato DJ Lite | Compact, with 4 pads per deck and 1/8-inch master and headphone outputs |
| Hercules DJControl Inpulse 200 MK3 | PC or Mac (USB-C) | Serato DJ Lite, DJUCED | Light guides that help you learn to beatmatch by hand |
| Hercules DJControl Mix | iOS or Android phone (Bluetooth) | djay | Runs on an external battery or USB power |
| Hercules DJControl Mix Ultra | iOS or Android phone (Bluetooth) | djay | Built-in battery rated up to 10 hours |
| AlphaTheta DDJ-FLX2 | Laptop, phone or tablet (USB-C) | rekordbox, Serato DJ Lite, djay | USB bus powered, 3.5 mm master and headphone outputs |
| Hercules DJControl Inpulse 300 MK2 | PC or Mac | Serato DJ Lite, DJUCED | 5.5-inch touch-sensitive jog wheels, light guides, RCA master output |
| Pioneer DJ DDJ-REV1 | PC or Mac | Serato DJ Lite | Battle-style layout, like a scratch mixer between two turntables |
| Hercules DJControl Inpulse 500 | PC or Mac | Serato DJ Lite, DJUCED | Aux input with its own filter for a phone or media player |
| Pioneer DJ DDJ-FLX4 (also in white) | PC, Mac, iPhone, iPad or Android | rekordbox, Serato DJ Lite, djay | 8 pads per deck, RCA master output, 1/4-inch mic input |
| Reloop Buddy | Phone, tablet or computer | djay | Built-in USB audio interface, RCA master output |
| Reloop Ready | Laptop | Serato DJ | Compact enough to sit above a laptop keyboard, USB bus powered, RCA output |
Do I need a laptop to start DJing?
Not always. The Hercules DJControl Mix, DJControl Mix Ultra and Reloop Buddy are built to run the djay app on a phone or tablet, and the AlphaTheta DDJ-FLX2 and Pioneer DJ DDJ-FLX4 also work with phone and tablet apps. The other controllers here run on a PC or Mac. If you want to DJ with no computer at all, look at an all-in-one DJ system with its own screen in our DJ controllers.
How much does a beginner DJ setup cost?
On this page, a beginner DJ controller costs about $110 to $350, and a complete starter kit with a controller, speakers and headphones about $270 to $570. Check each listing for today's price. A controller can play through your laptop or phone at first, so you can add speakers and better headphones later.
Can I teach myself to DJ?
Yes. The Crossfader online video courses we carry walk you through the controller you buy: the DDJ-FLX4 course has 37 lessons (5.5 hours), the DDJ-FLX2 course 52 lessons (6.5 hours), the Serato DJ course 23 lessons (3.5 hours) and the rekordbox course 34 lessons (5.5 hours). They are video lessons only; you need your own controller to follow along. The Hercules Inpulse 200 MK3 and Inpulse 300 MK2 also have built-in light guides that show you the right moves as you learn to beatmatch.
Should I start on a controller or turntables?
Most beginners start on a controller: it costs less, it works with digital music and streaming, and it fits on a desk. If you want to learn on vinyl, see our DJ turntable packages.
What else will a beginner DJ need?
Cables, if your speakers or computer need them. The Hosa DJS-141 cable kit includes a 3.5 mm to dual RCA cable for connecting a controller to speakers, a USB-C to USB-A adapter and a headphone splitter in a carry bag. If your kit has no headphones, see DJ headphones. For more on building a first setup, read our guide to the DJ equipment you need to DJ.
Can someone help me choose?
Yes. Call us at 1-800-700-4542 or visit our Downtown Los Angeles showroom at 934 E 11th St, Monday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm.