(Part 2) Top products from r/Beatmatch

It depends on how invested you think you're going to be right off the bat. If you want to drop a few hundred bucks then there's a few options but if you're not sure I'll go over that too.


Firstly, figure out if this is something you kinda sorta want to do but you're not sure or if you're like "Hell yeah let's git it!". If you're not sure then download Virtual DJ or the free version of Traktor Pro 2 (these are my preferences you can also do mixxx or serato or whatever) and play around with it. There's a way that you can map your computer keyboard to these and just play around with music and see if this is something you'd like to do. Side note: I love Traktor so much more than Virtual DJ and the only limiting factor is the amount of time you can use it during the demo then you just close and re-open it to reset it every 30 minutes or hour I don't remember exactly which is way less annoying for practicing.



Once you figure it out for yourself and you know whether you want to do it or not then you need to buy a controller. To do this you can obviously come back here for advice but I'll lay out the basic advice everybody gives here anyways: Most budget controllers come with demo versions of the software so it doesn't do jack for you tbh. But you need to figure out how much you want to spend so I'll put some advice here.



Craigslist is your friend: Like I said above most controllers don't come with full software versions so if you can find the same controller you want used for cheaper go for that one (duh). If you want to buy new or you live somewhere there's not much on Craigslist here's some great options for a budding DJ.



Numark Mixtrack 3 $149 - This is a great controller, it's actually the one I started on and still have and use for when I'm going to a friend's house or something because it's lightweight but pretty sturdy. It works with Traktor and VDJ (when looking for controllers Virtual DJ LE is the demo version just so you know) and I have a few different .tsi files for it that I've personally made for that controller specifically (.tsi is the file extension for the controller mapping i.e. what tells the software what the controller is doing right now). The biggest drawback of this controller is that it doesn't have any audio outputs so you'll have to use the one from your laptop (the 3.5mm jack or if you have a USB interface for like a headset or something that works too). That's why it's so cheap but you'll need a 3.5 mm splitter and possibly an RCA to 3.5 mm jack in order to make it work with headphones and speakers (you need the headphones to listen to the song that you'll be mixing into). You'll need one of these if you have RCA input speakers and one of these so you can have headphones and speakers playing at the same time.




If you want to avoid that hassle you can buy the Numark Mixtrack PRO 3 but it's about $100 more for very nearly the exact same thing. You basically get gain knobs and audio outputs.



Another commonly suggested controller is the:



Pioneer DDJ SB2 & DDJ RB ($247)

This is a dope controller. I don't personally have one but I do have another Pioneer Controller and I've used the SB2 before (a friend of mine has it). These are very similar controllers the main difference being that the SB2 works with Serato and the RB works with Rekordbox DJ. With the SB2 you get Serato Intro and the RB you get a full rekordbox license. Serato Intro, to my knowledge, is just a toned down version of Serato but it's fully functional (not like the demos of Virtual DJ and Traktor which cut you off after a time). The whole argument of which one you should use is really up to personal preference and you should watch people use them on YouTube and stuff to get an understanding if you don't fall in love with one instantly.



This last one I'm only putting here because it's a nice controller and it comes with Traktor which is one of my favorite all time softwares (plus my friend worked at NI recently so there's a bit of nepotism here).



Traktor Kontrol S2 $399


Nice controller, lots of effects (IMO Traktor's effects are unparalleled) super solid build quality and it's got all the audio outs and everything. Not quite as budget as some of the other ones here but it's still really quite good and has a bit more in way of audio interface and can have other stuff lined into it which opens up some other creative doors.


I hope I helped to shed some light on this for you and if you have any questions, please, feel free to ask. :) Happy Spinning!

I spent more time researching this call than anything else in my rig right now. I really wanted to stick with Technics, but I was concerned that their jettisoning their turntable product line would yield sharply rising costs for maintaining their decks over time. So, the next best thing is super OEM.

The whole idea of super OEM is that the guts of all the decks available out there are the same; the differences are essentially cosmetic. Well, the Audio Technicas are simply the least expensive super OEM decks out there that I could find. Plus, Audio Technica is heavily committed to DJ specific product lines such that I felt a strong likelihood of ongoing cheap maintenance if I ever needed that.

I still would have preferred the Technics if I could have gotten them on the cheap, i.e. over the lifetime of ownership. But the Audio Technicas have served me well; they sound great, I like that I can swap over to USB functionality at the flip of a cable in the event that I want to rip a sample really fast for production, and they're built like a tank with heavy weighting such that I've never had a problem with them skipping or anything in performance. Three things I actually like better than Technics is that its really simple to adjust the brake and start speeds (as well as reverse the deck) at the punch of a button, you can go really light or really intense on the pitch fader as well as your rpm (if, for some crazy reason, you want to pick it all the way up to 78), and there's a light indicated center position for the pitch fader that does NOT click into position problematically as some Technics releases, e.g. 1200 MKII.

If you're on the fence about this one, I suggest looking at comparison videos of Technics vs. super OEM to see which option you like best since just about everybody I researched worth their salt went with one of those options. With the exception of Qbert, who uses both!

Honestly, I wouldn't buy either of those. I don't know what your particular monetary situation is, but I made the mistake of buying a cheaper set of cans when I set out to DJ which broke in less than 5 months going to gigs once or twice a month. I then bought a pair of ATH-M50's and haven't looked back. I strongly suggest that you save up to buy a pair of these as there is a good reason that they're touted as one of the best value entry-level DJ headphones. The fact is, if you pay less, you're likely gonna end up with another pair that will break, and even if they don't break, most of the headphones in the <$60 range will not offer isolation good enough for anything but really small gigs. To be fair though, I recently played a show with my ATH-M50s where, even blasting them full volume, I had to strain to hear them over the speakers we were using. Regardless, the sound quality is impeccable for that price and they're pretty durable. That said, if you absolutely cannot put up the money for them, I can give you a few other options:

These are supposedly pretty good and only a little out of your price range. They're the better version of your MDR-v55s, and while I haven't used them myself, I've personally seen several really good DJ's use them on pretty big sound systems to great effect.

You might also try these Sennheisers which are still a little out of your range but evidently not too bad.

I definitely would not buy either the Pioneer HDJ-500 or HDJ-1000 which are both notorious for breaking.

Ultimately, you get what you pay for. If you're just a bedroom DJ, you can probably get away with either of the choices you've listed, but if you plan on ever doing anything outside of your bedroom, you're going to eventually NEED a better set of headphones. If I could go back in time with the knowledge that I have now, I would definitely pony up the extra cash for the ATH-M50's (you might even look into getting a used pair if you have to) as they really do sound leagues better than the $100 headphones I had before them and are far more comfortable and durable.

I answered this recently in another thread. Personally as long as you already own a laptop I think this is one of the best "bang for the buck" inexpensive way to get into DJing. This equipment is amazing for house parties and the like and can even get you playing in underground clubs just fine.

-----

Definitely look into alternate controllers. I really think both the Numark Party Mix and the Hercules Starlite make good choices for beginner DJs. It lets you get in with all the necessary controls so you can learn what you like and don't like without spending much money.

• https://smile.amazon.com/Hercules-DJ-DJCONTROL-STARLIGHT-DJControl-Starlight/dp/B07F8FQ8ST/
  
• https://smile.amazon.com/Numark-Party-Mix-Controller-Built/dp/B01FHJLE6M/
  
  You really don't need much to get started - both those controllers will easily take you through your first several years of learning. Also for beginner DJ software I recommend:
  
  
• Algoriddim DJay - it has Spotify support which is huge in the beginning, you don't need to build up your library to practice DJing and you'll always have every request when doing a house party.
  
• Mixvibes Cross DJ I've used several pro packages and Cross is by far the easiest to use. One of the biggest features it has that I haven't yet seen anywhere else is that it can match on phrase as well as on beat. Cross does this by keeping track of beats and bars and starting all tracks on the 1 of the phrase. Even if you accidentally triggered your incoming song on the second bar once you hit Sync it'll snap the incoming song to the second bar as well so that the 1's will line up next time around.
  
  Also if you need speakers, I highly recommend starting with a PC speaker system that has a subwoofer, usually called a 2.1 setup. This Logitech 2.1 setup is an extremely great value for what you get and is plenty loud enough for pretty much any house party:
  
  https://smile.amazon.com/Logitech-Z623-Watt-Speaker-System/dp/B003VAHYTG/

Logitech z623 again and again.

I was in a similar situation where I just got the wifey ok for the controller but couldn't spend $300+ on speakers for bedroom DJing.

Got the Logitech z623 for $120 and holy crap are these things loud. The sub woofer has excellent thump to it. Best inexpensive speakers imo

I have my setup in the garage and it sounds great. I've brought the setup to a bachelor party and played for 20+ people and it was plenty loud. The subwoofer is a bit bulky but to be expected.

Edit: those Ave ones the other commentor posted look pretty badass tho. Not bad for $100. Maybe worth checking out as well

Edit exit: the Logitech are actually on sale for $105 right now

Logitech Z623 200 Watt Home Speaker System, 2.1 Speaker System https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003VAHYTG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_CKodAbMWSDDMH

Your first link is the Mixtrack Pro II; basically the revised edition of the original Mixtrack Pro. An audio interface is included in the controller, so you won't need to purchase any external accessories to connect it to your computer, just the USB cable that's included.

Your second link is the Mixtrack II (NOT Pro); this is the same thing as above, but DOES NOT include an audio interface. You'll need to buy an audio interface like this in order to use it with your computer and DJ software.

The third link is the original Mixtrack Pro, which does have a built in audio interface.

You can't really go wrong with the Mixtrack Pro or Mixtrack Pro II, it mostly depends on whether you're willing to spend the extra money for some more buttons and improved design; there's not really anything you can do on one of them that you wouldn't be able to do on the other. I would recommend against the regular Mixtrack II though, just because it doesn't have built-in audio; you'll have to spend some extra money to buy an interface. I have yet to try to Mixtrack Pro II, but I have played around with the original model and can say that the Mixtrack Pro is a great beginner controller. Construction is plastic but still solid, and all the basics you would need are there.

Have you decided on any DJ software yet? The Mixtrack Pro comes with VirtualDJ LE, and the Pro II comes with Serato DJ Intro. Both are limited versions; enough to play around on, but if you want to really get into DJing you will want to upgrade to a full version. The controllers will also work with Traktor as well (my software of choice), if you download a mapping.

For newbies I would honestly recommend the Pioneer DDJ SB2 for Serato and the DDJ RB for Rekordbox (although the SB2 now works with Rekordbox, too). Those are both $250. The SB2 was my first controller and I loved it. The build quality is great. The pads are very responsive and the knobs are good.

DDJ SB2
https://www.amazon.com/Pioneer-DJ-DDJ-SB2-2-channel-controller/dp/B0149XD9CY/

DDJ RB
https://www.amazon.com/Pioneer-DJ-DDJ-RB-2-channel-Controller/dp/B01F73LVL6/

I upgraded to the XDJ-RX2 and it has amazed me how great the SB2 was now that I'm using a top of the line controller. The core features and necessities are very similar and I can't say enough about the build quality. I think you would be very happy with that choice.

Buy yourself an intro controller. [This is the one I use]
(https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0149XD9CY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_mNcuzb6TREJMA). You can even go a little cheaper with a Numark, or just search for a controller youre comfortable with. I strongly recommend one with a built in soundcard so you can have more range to learn more at the beginning.

If I'm not mistaken, the Pioneer SB2 comes with Serato DJ, so you have a DJ Software now. If not, you can download either Virtual DJ, or Serato DJ Intro to start getting your feet wet.

I recommend looking up tutorials on youtube. Ellaskins has A TON of super helpful and educational videos on everything from intro steps, to advandced techniques.

After that it's pretty much practice practice practice! For more info on production, check out r/EDMProduction. Check their wiki tab or dig through that sub, you'll be able to find plenty of info their.

Good luck! And remember to have fun with it!

First of all, congrats!

1. Sync will be your friend. Fuck beatmatching by ear at this point. It takes time to perfect and you don't have that much time.
   
2. Buy a mid-range controller you can practice on. Personally, I love this one. If you can bring it with you and plug it into the mixer at the club - great (ask the venue). If not, try to rent some CDJs and practice on those. Otherwise, you'll be working with entirely unfamiliar equipment the night of, which is obviously not ideal.
   
3. Start curating songs you can use in your set. Maybe even pre-plan your entire set to reduce stress (don't pre-record). Make sure the songs are high quality - at least 320 kbps and preferably lossless.
   
4. Practice, practice, practice. Mix every day leading up to the gig. Record your mixes and then play them back to yourself. Note what sounds good and what sounds bad. Think about whether the progression and energy levels make sense. You want to start relatively chill and end with some higher-energy tracks to prepare the crowd for the headliner.
   
5. DO NOT play the headliner's tracks. If the headliner plays big room, warming up with deep house or tech house makes sense. Avoid techno, trance, DNB, and other high-energy genres. Also, if you can, get in touch with the headliners' management and see if he has any preferences, restrictions, etc. around what you play.
   
6. Key concepts to look up and incorporate into your mixing: beatmatching (a.k.a. sync for your case), harmonic mixing, and phrasing.
   
7. On the day of: show up early for sound check. Bring all the equipment, cables, etc. you'll need. Don't assume the club has anything you might need beyond whatever their native setup is. If you're loading music onto USBs, bring multiple copies of said USBs. If you're bringing your laptop, make sure to bring your charger (a laptop stand would probably help too).
   
8. Don't panic. Relax. Have a drink or two (but not too many). Smile. Dance. Have fun.

KRK RP8 gen2 -> http://www.amazon.com/KRK-RP8G2-Powered-Studio-Monitor/dp/B001A6IGDG

KRK RP8 gen3 -> http://www.amazon.com/KRK-RP8G3-NA-Generation-Powered-Monitor/dp/B00EO7Z9YM/ref=pd_sim_sbs_267_1?ie=UTF8&dpID=51%2BILc6cLkL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR160%2C160_&refRID=15BDC5CR7AYQB7DWBC5Z

Yamaha HS8 -> http://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-HS8-Studio-Monitor-Black/dp/B00DCYMVB2

All of these will get the job done, as far as practice at home goes! They're great monitors for the cost. (Look for used if you want to save some cash, obviously.) I haven't personally heard the Pioneer's you've mentioned, but the general rule is: larger cones allows for more bass extension, ie. a more complete, accurate frequency response. Adding a sub can be useful but becomes tricky when you want to place everything within your room and still attain a complete AND accurate frequency response. Either option will work but I'd suggest a pair of beefy studio monitors. Best of luck!

Awesome thank you! I'm on a MAC so I think the audio interface would be better than software. What about these other ones from amazon? I'm a cheapskate what can I say. Would they be just as good, or would the one you recommended be better because it works with Traktor?

http://www.amazon.com/Behringer-302USB-Premium-5-Input-Interface/dp/B005EHILV4/ref=sr_1_1?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1409689712&sr=1-1&keywords=audio+interface

http://www.amazon.com/Behringer-UCA202-Audio-Interface/dp/B000KW2YEI/ref=sr_1_2?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1409689712&sr=1-2&keywords=audio+interface

http://www.amazon.com/Behringer-502-XENYX502-5-Channel-Mixer/dp/B000J5UEGQ/ref=sr_1_5?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1409690145&sr=1-5&keywords=audio+interface

If you are into producing i'd suggest a controller like this. It's around $130 and I promise you'll have a lot of fun! Of course you'll need another mixer/controller to DJ at a gig, but to have fun at home it's great.


If you want to get into mixing right now and not live producing, you can't go wrong with the [mixtrack pro] (http://www.amazon.com/Numark-Mixtrack-Controller-Integrated-Interface/dp/B00466HLWO/ref=sr_1_2?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1373175693&sr=1-2&keywords=mixtrack+pro) or the new mixtrack pro II

Okay I'm going to make a copypasta for this simply because it gets asked so much

----

YOU WANT TO BUY YOUR FIRST CONTROLLER? GREAT. HERE ARE SOME CONTROLLERS THAT MIGHT SUIT YOU BASED ON WHAT YOU NEED

This list does not include:

• all controllers (there are even more out there)
  
  
• standalone/all-in-one mixers
  
  
• turntables/CDJs
  
  Prices are based on the American Amazon website and most of the time come with free shipping. Prices last checked March 14 2015.
  
  
• Numark iDJ Live, $65
  
  
• Numark Mixtrack, $89
  
  
• Numark Mixtrack Edge, $99
  
  
• Hercules DJ Control Instinct, $125
  
  
• Numark Mixtrack Pro, $139
  
  
• Hercules DJ Control Air, $144
  
  
• Numark Mixtrack II, $149
  
  
• Pioneer DDJ-WEGO 2, $179
  
  
• Stanton sCS 4DJ, $199
  
  
• Behringer CMD Studio 4a, $199
  
  
• Numark Mixtrack Pro 2, $228
  
  
• Hercules Console RMX 2, $229
  
  
• Numark iDJ Pro, $240
  
  
• Numark Mixtrack Quad, $249
  
  
• Hercules DJ Console 4-Mx, $264
  
  
• Pioneer DDJ-SB, $299
  
  
• Pioneer DDJ-WEGO 3, $299
  
  
• Vestax VCI-400, $389
  
  
• Vestax VCI-380, $399
  
  
• Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S2, $399
  
  
• Pioneer DDJ-T1, $539
  
  
• Pioneer DDJ-S1, $545
  
  
• Pioneer DDJ-SR, $585
  
  
• Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4, $699
  
  
• Pioneer XDJ-AERO, $799
  
  
• Pioneer XDJ-R1, $826
  
  
• Pioneer DDJ-SX2, $999
  
  Hope this helps

Check out Ellaskins YouTube channel for excellent beginner DJ videos.

Pioneer makes some great entry level controllers for their software RekordboxDJ, and for the slightly older stuff of theirs, for Serato (and Traktor sometimes).

Best subreddit for beginners.. you're here already :)

Controllers for beginners:

Pioneer DDJ-SB3 $249

Pioneer DDJ-RB $199

Places to get music:

Beatport.com

Traxsource.com

​

I've been using my set of Dubs for about a year now and can say I'm pretty happy with them. Ears definitely don't ring as much or at all post gig. Don't have any issues with mixing while wearing them, I just adjust either the booth monitor and headphones as needed. Only issue I've had is talking to someone in a loud room with them in. If someone comes out to me I tend to take one Dub out just to be able to communicate better. They are a good alternative if you don't (like me) have the money or want to spend on in ear monitors.

https://www.amazon.com/DUBS-Noise-Cancelling-Music-Plugs/dp/B00NW1IZ5Q/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1502377141&sr=8-1&keywords=dubs

Yes. You really only need a DAW to get started. Save up for Ableton Standard, or just go with Ableton Lite. Scale up your setup as you get more interested and you learn the limitations of what you have and figure out what else you need.

You also don't need to go with Ableton. Most DAWs have a free demo version that lets you try out the core features. FL Studio is another popular choice.

Last piece of advice: only watch YouTube tutorials when seeking out specific skills you want to learn. Otherwise you can end up down a rabbit hole duplicating someone else's process and style instead developing your own.

Also get a decent pair of monitoring headphones. Sennheiser 280s are $100 https://www.amazon.com/Sennheiser-HD280PRO-Headphones-old-model/dp/B000065BPB

Assuming they're in good shape. $600 for a pair is pretty common, although they are pretty hard to find in my area also. $400 will get you a brand new Super OEM table, like the Audio Technica ATLP-1240. So that is something to consider.

Hey thanks so much for the help! Just for clarity, would something like this allow me to run 2 speakers connected only to my controller? (that way I don't need a mixer?)

https://www.amazon.com/Stagg-STC3CMXM-Male-Twin-Cable/dp/B003SOR6UC/ref=pd_bxgy_267_img_3?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=0CSYMG319ZZ5KGDXQ0G7

Im not familiar with the exact model you mention, but I'm the biggest advocate of the HD280 Pro's that you'll ever meet. I got my pair like 7 years for that exact same price, so I wouldn't suggest holding your breath too hard for a sale but they're the best headphones you'll ever have.

Just throwing it out there, but I think any "adult" beginner-level mixer will do.

Kids are smart and learn quickly. Kids today are also tech-savvy. If he can handle a computer and a tablet, beginner mixers should not be a problem. Specific advice: Pioneer RB

https://www.amazon.com/Pioneer-DJ-DDJ-RB-2-channel-Controller/dp/B01F73LVL6/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1509983874&sr=8-2&keywords=pioneer+rb+dj+controller&dpID=51qrc550hWL&preST=_SX300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch

Looking at other replies, treat it as a one tier above the Numark one.

[Here is](http://www.amazon.com/Last-Night-DJ-Saved- Life/dp/0802136885/ref=pd_sim_b_2) annother great read if you liked the first book.

If you have $130 I would highly recommend the Logitech Z623. I've had them for 2 years and the bass is amazing. It has a bass knob so you can adjust it to whatever you like but it'll get loud enough to shake your entire room. It's loud enough for any apartment or house party.


https://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Z623-Speaker-System-Black/dp/B003VAHYTG

Do yourself a favor and read Last Night a DJ Saved My Life. You won't regret it!

You can get a cheap 2 channel mixer for less than $100 (especially if you look for used/refurbished at Guitar Center/Sam Ash). Though, if you aren't performing as a DJ (mixing), you could use a soundboard style mixer. Something like this.

I don't know anything about karaoke programs, but with a little 4 channel mixer you should be able to use one source for non-karaoke playlists, one source for karaoke playlist, and two channels for two microphones.

As far as sign up sheets/apps, if you google "karaoke sign up apps" you'll see a few free programs that might work for you.

how to DJ right

and for more historical perspective: Last Night a DJ Saved My Life.

Same authors, good reading

The easy way around this is to plug everything into a small line mixer like this one. Then everyone can happily plug/unplug their gear without interrupting the music. This is assuming there are no spare line inputs on the mixer you're using for the CDJs.

Also the S2 has RCA and TRS (1/4") outputs. No XLR.

Hearing loss is something that I take seriously. I had my eardrums burst (not noise related) a while ago and it essentially cut me out of everything involving music for two months. The best way I can describe it is when your ears are plugged up on a plane and everything is muffled, they just never unclog. It was like listening to a song with the high and mid frequencies cut out and I didn't feel comfortable doing any work until they healed

That being said, a good pair of musician ear plugs are imperative. The ones you mentioned seem good, I and a lot of other Djs like DUBS, the frequency attenuation is focused on the midrange. It blocks out the most harmful sounds but still lets you hear someone talking next to you. Another option are the V-Moda Faders, I can personally vouch for the sound quality of these as well.

I usually wear one in one ear and have the other ear covered by my headphones. It lets me hear the monitors and my incoming track comfortably. Sometimes I leave with the ear without the earplug still ringing so if the monitors are too loud then I wear both with one headphone over the ear but I have to crank the volume on my headphones up quite a bit. It's all up to your personal comfort level, if you have any doubt hearing damage may occur don't gamble with it

Did you know Amazon will donate a portion of every purchase if you shop by going to smile.amazon.com instead? Over $50,000,000 has been raised for charity - all you need to do is change the URL!

Here are your smile-ified links:

https://smile.amazon.com/DUBS-Noise-Cancelling-Music-Plugs/dp/B00NW1IZ5Q/ref=sr_1_1

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^^i'm ^^a ^^friendly bot

What's the difference between:
http://www.amazon.com/Numark-Mixtrack-II-Controller-Trigger/dp/B00CEIA1G4/ref=sr_1_3?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1373175693&sr=1-3&keywords=mixtrack+pro

and

http://www.amazon.com/Numark-Mixtrack-Controller-Integrated-Interface/dp/B00466HLWO/ref=pd_cp_MI_1

...with respect to audio/speaker setup? Either one plugs into any kind of speakers?

http://www.amazon.com/Klipsch-ProMedia-Certified-Computer-Speaker/dp/B000062VUO

I use these at home. I got them for 90 dollars refurbished and they are fantastic.

Its this.

Thanks. Two questions

• if you have tunes with not-excellent quality (still decent) can you use an amplifier/mixer to get them to store-bought quality?
  
  
• should I work up to affording this mixer, or should there be something I get before that? (at an amateur level not often using professional equipment)

These have been getting pretty stellar reviews and are around 375 USD each brand new: http://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-AT-LP1240-USB-Direct-Turntable/dp/B007R9B0UQ.

I'm waiting a few months to get myself a pair to replace my Stanton STR8-60s.

http://www.guitarcenter.com/Nady/MM-242-4-Channel-Mini-Mixer.gc

This is not bad if you want something soon and on the cheap, but it doesn't have an EQ which is also something you'd want. You'd also need stereo 1/4" to 3.5mm cords... And assuming your controller has 1/4" outs.

If you're willing to wait for Amazon this is a little more versatile in terms of connections and does have an EQ.

https://www.amazon.com/Behringer-802-Premium-8-Input-Preamps/dp/B000J5XS3C/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1521050188&sr=8-3&keywords=4+channel+mixer&refinements=p_72%3A2661618011

The Klipsch 2.1 for $150 sounds better than the Logitech imo.

I had a similar problem. Furthermore in my case it would take me up to 2 hours to get serato to connect to my controller. I got an Amazon basic cable and it works wonderfully. Here is a link to the one I got.

Something like this would probably do the job nicely, and you could plug in a mic.

Would I be able to run a cable like this https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NH11KIK/ref=asc_df_B00NH11KIK5039287/?tag=hyprod-20&creative=394997&creativeASIN=B00NH11KIK&linkCode=df0&hvadid=167151358503&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=18176725852370964003&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9026906&hvtargid=pla-181858139331 from my mixer to my laptop and be able to record? The laptop doesn't have a 3.5 mm input, just usb ports, lan and a headphone jack.

Allow me to clarify (forgot this was r/beatmatch and not r/djs)

1. A new pair of HS8s for $700 is for use with critical listening.
   
2. A pair for $400 is likely over 5 years old, used in a smoking environment, and probably on its third owner. Ideal quality "budget" speakers.
   
3. A pair being sold at any price without original packaging and documents is worthless junk.
   
   OP won't be able to hear the difference between any of the three conditions. But for the brief time he spends mixing his 128kbps pirated music, which I imagine is playing from some neglected laptop connected via headphone jack, he'll have a new benchmark for what "good" sounds like and maybe become a better DJ.
   
   Or they immediately blow the speakers...
   
   Yamaha HS8 Studio Monitor, Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DCYMVB2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_FdZUCb0HPK66B

That only has 2 channels of output, meaning you could only output mono to the house if you wanted to reserve 1 channel for headphones.

If you get a couple of rca Y-splitters from the dollar store that'll work though.

http://www.amazon.com/musical-instruments/dp/B002MV4JUM Something like this would be more suitable and less hacky.

You think something like this would work?
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IRVQ0F8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_pNkPyb0EW15X7

This was me last week, researching beginner gear. Here's what i found... Traktor Z1 comes highly recommended (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DCP4O6Q/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=3EZB37GZBB0QG&coliid=IANFVHSDOHHYS)

and also try to see if you can find the Traktor S2 used (or new, if you can afford it) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EYZMCXK/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=3EZB37GZBB0QG&coliid=I2C2347UBO6E81

Would any of these be suitable for my situation. (I do want to scratch)

Stanton

Audio Technica

Just checked the CMD 4a, it doesn't have XLR or TRS outs, so you'll need to buy RCA male to either 1/4" TRS or XLR male connector. The difference between TRS and XLR, other than the different plug, is that XLR is balanced while TRS is generally unbalanced, although it can be. Really balanced cables only matter for running longer cables, do you should be fine with the cables mentioned above unless you need these speakers to be more than 20-30 feet (about 6-9 meters) from your controller.

Edit: this cable is about 3 meters long and would let you connect two speakers (a left and right channel) if you wanted to. You can go longer if you need to but that is the type of cable you should look for.

Traktor is pretty simple to use and can do lots of the hard work for you. I know you said $100 but the Kontrol Z1 with Traktor LE2 is $200 and you can always resell the controller if you don't like it.

These are the speakers I currently use, and yeah my PC has a soundcard but I'm not sure the model at the moment.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000062VUO?_encoding=UTF8&ref_=de_a_smtd&showDetailTechData=1#technical-data

I don’t think I do mate! Do you know of any cheap affordable ones?

Edit; I do have this if this helps https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B00IRVQ0F8?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_image

https://www.amazon.com/Pioneer-Pro-DJ-DDJ-SX2-Controller/dp/B00MRX3NBQ

https://www.amazon.com/Sabrent-External-Adapter-Windows-AU-MMSA/dp/B00IRVQ0F8?adgrpid=54530774285&hvadid=274737741295&hvdev=m&hvlocphy=9012095&hvnetw=g&hvpos=1t1&hvqmt=e&hvrand=14103651398692699561&hvtargid=kwd-1059371388&keywords=usb+sound+card&qid=1537924799&sr=8-3&tag=hydsma-20&ref=mp_s_a_1_3

USB A Male to USB B Male

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00NH11KIK/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?qid=1454007570&sr=8-2&pi=SX200_QL40&keywords=usb+a+to+b+cable&dpPl=1&dpID=41GqSLLamyL&ref=plSrch

1/4" TRS Stereo to 3.5mm TRS Stereo adapter

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000068O3T/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?qid=1454007688&sr=8-2&pi=SX200_QL40&keywords=1+4+trs+to+3.5mm+adapter&dpPl=1&dpID=31tLIDKLK6L&ref=plSrch

Check out traktor stuff, probably along your lines.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00DCP4O6Q/ref=mp_s_a_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1479417904&sr=8-6&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=traktor+kontrol&dpPl=1&dpID=51cj705soDL&ref=plSrch

Audio Technica LP1240

Guys, I may go for vinyl.
What do you think of this hardware?

Mixer: http://www.amazon.com/Behringer-DX626-BEHRINGER-PRO-MIXER/dp/B000972KQG/ref=sr_1_17?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1420590916&sr=1-17&keywords=dj+mixer

Turntables: http://www.amazon.com/Stanton-Direct-Drive-Turntable-Cartridge-Pre-Mounted/dp/B001JY9MB4/ref=sr_1_27?ie=UTF8&qid=1420518632&sr=8-27&keywords=turntable

Interface: http://www.amazon.com/Numark-DJ-Multi-Channel-Interface/dp/B000S5Q2EK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1420590366&sr=8-1&keywords=dj+interface#customerReviews

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Stagg-STC3CMXM-Twin-Male-Cable/dp/B003SOR6UC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1451992509&sr=8-1&keywords=xlr+to+rca i ordered this x2

I have never heard of "cinch cables", and a web search only turns up what are basically zipties, so I don't know what your friend is on about.

Bring an RCA-to-RCA cable, definitely, since you'll most likely be plugging your controller's RCA output into one of the RCA line inputs on the club's DJ mixer. But I'd also bring either an RCA-to-phono cable, or a pair of RCA-to-phono adapters, because sometimes you'll need to plug into a PA style mixer instead, which will use 1/4" phono jacks for its stereo line inputs.

I also carry an RCA-to-XLR cable - I don't need it very often, but it's nice to know that I'll always be able to plug in, no matter what kind of crazy situation I encounter.

The build quality of the KRK's is not evident when you use them, but it absolutely shows when they stop working. They have the reputation of having substantially higher failure rates compared to other products that they compete with, according to professional retailers who repair them all the time. Rokits are popular and trendy, but they aren't built with the same quality as Yamahas. Regarding the flat response, if you're looking for a sound system with more color, I'm not sure that I would necessarily go with KRK's or studio monitors over other products, as studio monitors are designed to give you a neutral sound.

I sold my KRKs and bought Paradigm Shift A2s and am tremendously happy that I did.

Let me draw a small comparison between the two products through amazon reviews. While both are great products with great ratings, you'll see some evidence of what I'm trying to get across when you look at non-5 star reviews.

KRK Rokit 8's on amazon have worse reviews than the 5s, and have fewer ratings, but regarding reliability and build quality we can assume that they are at least equal to Rokit 5s. The Rokits have 76% 5 star ratings, 10% 4 star ratings, and 14% 1, 2 and 3 star ratings. When you dig into the reviews, people complain about them failing after several months, or having other reliability problems.

Yamaha HS8s are more reviewed, and have higher ratings across the board. 89% of customers have them 5 stars, 7% have given them 4 stars, and only 4% have given them 1, 2 or 3 stars but with no mention of problems regarding serious performance issues.

Of course, these amazon reviews only say so much, but hopefully you understand the idea that I'm trying to get across. KRK cuts corners with QC and it's very evident in the big picture, there are other brands to look into with a bit of research.

https://www.amazon.com/KRK-RP5G3-NA-Generation-Powered-Monitor/dp/B00FX7MMRO/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1505242802&sr=1-1-spons&keywords=rokit+8&psc=1&smid=AJFLJ7J2AIXGD

https://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-HS8-Studio-Monitor-Black/dp/B00DCYMVB2/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_sims?ie=UTF8