(Part 3) Top products from r/Beatmatch

Sony MDR V6's. Easily some of the best sounding, versatile headphones you can get, and usually under $100. They're not going to make your music sound good like some of the Pioneers or (god forbid) Beats, but they will sound accurate above all. They're great for listening, DJing, production, and have been the industry standard in recording for actual decades; they're like the SM58 of headphones. They're also incredibly durable; I've had mine for almost six years now, and only just this last month had to replace the wire running across the headband. Highly recommend these.

> http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B003X1BEKI?pc_redir=1395344490&robot_redir=1

I've been using a pair of these headphones I borrowed from a friend for the past few months. The cord is not detachable, but for the price tag they're not bad at all. A little lacking in the low end though in my opinion, you may find it a little harder to beatmatch without jacking up your cue volume with these. I personally find the ear pads can be a little uncomfortable with extended use, but if that's a problem for you I know people replace them with the Audio-Technica ATH-M50 ear pads and they are apparently more comfortable and improve the sound a bit. Haven't had any real issues with them though, they get loud enough and have a mono/stereo switch so you can use just one ear if you need to, and they're pretty sturdy as well (everything is made of metal besides the top of the headband, which is hard plastic). The cord is coiled and stretches pretty far, I want to say around 8 ft. at full extension. If you end up having any more questions about this specific model don't hesitate to ask!

To simply play files, most laptop or iPod, iPhone or whatever device is going to sound fine. Just buy from quality sources like the iTunes shop and you'll be fine.

If you were running any sort of DJ software, then a USB audio interface might be useful to give you higher level outputs and a dedicated headphone monitor connection. My recommendation if you go down that path is the NI Traktor Audio 2.

http://www.amazon.com/Native-Instruments-Traktor-Audio-Interface/dp/B00FYQFPFU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1404302468&sr=8-1&keywords=Traktor+audio+2

To help with your terminology, you'll most likely be plugging into a house mixer or amplifier input, and thus you'll most likely want a 3.5mm TRS to Dual RCA Cable, like this.

http://www.amazon.com/Hosa-Cable-CMR210-Stereo-Adapter/dp/B000068O3B/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1404302305&sr=8-4&keywords=3.5mm+to+dual+RCA

...but do check what the inputs you'll be connecting to to confirm exactly what cable you'll need.

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

That's awfully general. What size gig do you intend to play? What type of venue? Budget? What connections do you have in your equipment for external sound? These are all things that affect the type of speakers you will want to get.

Generally speaking though, you will want active speakers so they don't require an additional amplifier. XLR is the preferred connector as it is balanced, has a higher signal strength, and can run longer distances without degradation.

I have these for mobile gigs that don't require a big system. http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B005FUWTRC/ref=pd_aw_sbs_3?pi=SS115&simLd=1
They sound good, are light considering their size, and were a good price comparatively.

I always like to buy my expensive equipment from Guitar Center. Not because of brand loyalty, but because they almost always have AT LEAST a 10% off coupon if you look around. If it's something that I'm bringing to a party, i use the money that i saved on their pro coverage where you can basically run it over with a truck and have it replaced.

It won't get much cheaper than what Amazon has it listed at now, but it has gone down before. Use this site for reference.

I personally use the Crane Stand Plus and I love it. It's quick and easy to set up, and actually really sturdy. You can tighten the joints on it so it's not going to move at all. Granted, I DJ mostly weddings, so portability is huge.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CDYHOLO/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[Deep House/Tech House] Deep House Sessions #3

I started to do a monthly deep house mix 3 months ago, so this is the third in the monthly series. I always try to start nice and slow and get more energy in at the end. I would really like some feedback on the choice of tracks and the transitions! I mixed it with Traktor and an entry-level DJ controller.

Enjoy the mix! Sander Janssen Deep House Sessions #3

Edit:
Tracklist:

The Magician - Sunlight (Darius Remix)[Kav Verhouzer Edit]

Lissat & Voltaxx vs Marc Fisher - Groovejet (Andrey Exx & Fomichev Remix)

Tom Garnett - Dream

Sugar Hill & Wasabi - It's On You (Ganzfeld Effect Remix)

Oliver Heldens ft. KStewart - Last All Night (Koala) (Michael Calfan Remix)

Ruffneck - Everybody Be Somebody ft. Yavahn (Lucas & Steve Remix)

My Digital Enemy ft. Lizzie Massey - To Dust (Original Mix)

Mason - Exceeder (UMEK & Mike Vale Remix)

Depending on your budget:

$32 Monoprice 8323 (PS: These make an excellent 'backup pair' or daily use pair, I use these daily at work. They are actually more comfortable than the HD280s for long periods)

$90 Sennheiser HD280pro

$140 Audio Tehncica ATH-M50

$200 Sennheiser HD25 II

I began on Traktor with the DJ-Tech i-Mix Reload, worked my way up to a Traktor S2 and have arrived at my current and beloved, Vestax VCI-400. Hopefully my controller progression will provide some helpful insight.

You need an amp to run between passive (non self-powered) speakers and the output source (controller). You didn't specify the speakers, but I would imagine they are passive since they have 1/4" TS connections... usually active speakers (self powered) have XLR inputs and sometimes additionally, have RCA and a mic input.

If, somehow, your speakers are active you'll just need this cord or this adapter, but I really would expect you need an amp. Having no idea what speakers you have, but knowing the next question will probably be what amp should you get, I'll just go ahead and put this here: Behringer Inuke. This is a budget amp, but it does a fairly good job. I have one running some subs and have zero complaints. If you end up needing more power, just look for the bigger versions.

Honestly, I'd check your local craigslist and maybe score something better for your low price range. I know someone in my area is selling a Kontrol S2 for only $275, so definitely look at your options!

Also, what I really enjoy using my Stanton SCS 4DJ since I don't need a laptop, I just plug it up to some speakers and mix. It's only $50 out of your budget, check it out here. http://www.amazon.com/Stanton-SCS-Controller-Media-Player/dp/B005HF8O1A/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1411074633&sr=8-1&keywords=stanton+scs.4dj

http://www.amazon.com/Numark-MIXDECK-QUAD-UNIVERSAL-SYSTEM/dp/B005QXXTN6/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1404447846&sr=8-2&keywords=numark+mixdeck



This thing is sweet because its a controller primarily yet you can practice using it as a CDJ. Plus I find all of the features to be very user friendly. I linked from Amazon but you can certainly find it for cheaper.

Fair enough. (iOS is a full OS if you want to get technical, but I get what you're saying.)

Moving on, basically what it comes down to is deciding if it's really worth paying a premium to be able to DJ without a computer. Take the Mixdeck Quad, for example. It's over $700 but has the same features you could expect to get in a $200 controller.

If money is an issue, then a laptop-free setup simply isn't within reach for you. Not without spending a small fortune. You could always start off with a cheap controller, learn how to mix without looking at the screen, then move on up to CDJs when the time is right. It's not like you're making a lifetime commitment.

True. You can get a nice Traktor branded flight case for around $200 ( http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B004EKMR30/ref=pd_aw_sim_MI_1?refRID=1YG94EQNBC0GDBNZJKA0)

Depending on the inputs on the amp, you can use either:

1/4" TRS to Stereo RCA cable

Dual 1/4" TRS to RCA cable


Balanced inputs accept unbalanced signals, and you shouldn't notice any difference. The benefit of balanced signals and appropriate cables allows less interference over long distances. Much longer than you will probably be using. Studio/home and even small event usage is totally fine.


My personal setup on my production desk includes using a Traktor Audio 6 soundcard as an output (unbalanced) to my monitors' balanced XLR inputs using RCA -> XLR cables. I have no issues

My personal favorites are the Sony MDR V6.

Call me crazy but for DJing I prefer these over my HD25s. Because they lack the low end of other headphones and emphasize the highs a little more, I've found that it makes it easier to beatmatch with. Later down the road you can replace the stock ear pads with velour ones, which makes them that much more comfortable.

Just my 2 cents.

I got these, I think they sound great

Return those adapters and get other ones if you can. My adapters have like 3 ft of cable between the 1/4" and the XLR head.

Something like this:

Hosa Cable STX110M 1/4 TRS to XLR Male Cable - 10 Foot https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000068NYY/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_4Kiqub0AZYKQY

Came here to say this. They come in a nice keychain too so even when I go out I know I'll have a pair.

https://www.amazon.com/DownBeats-Reusable-Fidelity-Hearing-Protection/dp/B00A3Z44R2

I highly recommend this one

https://www.amazon.com/CRANE-Universal-Laptops-Controllers-Graphite/dp/B00CDYHOLO/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1550304025&sr=8-9&keywords=dj+laptop+stand

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B003X1BEKI?pc_redir=1395344490&robot_redir=1

Serious value for money there.

I work 5 days a week as a club Dj and got tired of replacing expensive headphones every 6 months. I tried these they work great and last a long time. Visiting DJ's who forgot theirs or they broke and borrowed mine were surprised when I told them.

I have the M-Audio AV40 studio monitors. Haven't had them long but they are doing the job for me.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/M-Audio-Studiophile-Av40-Monitor-Speakers/dp/B0051WAM64/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1417301175&sr=8-1&keywords=m-audio

Non-mobile: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004EKMR30/ref=pd_aw_sim_MI_1?refRID=1YG94EQNBC0GDBNZJKA0

^That's ^why ^I'm ^here, ^I ^don't ^judge ^you. ^PM ^/u/xl0 ^if ^I'm ^causing ^any ^trouble. ^WUT?

Downbeats. Use em. Live by em.

Not an affiliate link: DownBeats Reusable High Fidelity Hearing Protection: Ear Plugs for Concerts, Music, and Musicians (Clear Ear Plugs, Black Case) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00A3Z44R2/

It seems that turntables are sort of a "mandatory" thing for spinning hip-hop songs. Does that mean I'll have to buy records and stuff too? Or are you talking about something similar to this: http://www.amazon.com/Pioneer-DDJ-SX-Digital-Performance-Controller/dp/B009LUFAN2/ref=sr_1_2?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1367583797&sr=1-2

You could always try a Hercules Instinct. It's really tiny, but it does get the job done.

http://www.amazon.com/Technics-RP-DH-1200-RP-DH1200-Headphones/dp/B0002EXJPM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1332340543&sr=8-1

http://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-ATH-M50-Professional-Monitor-Headphones/dp/B000ULAP4U

http://www.amazon.com/Pioneer-HDJ-1000-DJ-Headphones/dp/B0002DV7Z2/ref=sr_1_9?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1335643121&sr=1-9

http://www.amazon.com/Technics-RP-DH-1200-RP-DH1200-Headphones/dp/B0002EXJPM/ref=sr_1_12?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1335643121&sr=1-12

http://www.amazon.com/Pioneer-HDJ-500K-DJ-Headphones-Black/dp/B0047QBFNE/ref=sr_1_69?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1335643190&sr=1-69

http://www.amazon.com/Shure-SRH750-DJ-Headphones-Black/dp/B002PAQYK8/ref=sr_1_82?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1335643221&sr=1-82

Not sure what the problem would be unless the RCA to 1/8" cord is not pushed into the speakers all the way, or is faulty. Sounds like you have it hooked up right. You should be using a Stereo RCA to 1/8" cord (like this one) plugged into the RCA output of the S2. In this case you probably want the booth switch set to "Main" and the level knob somewhere between half and full. Also go through the setup wizard to make sure the S2 is configured properly.

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.