You don't need to be an 'investor' to invest in Singletrack: 6 days left: 95% of target - Find out more
My girlfriend has just got her first set of decks (Pioneer something or other), so thought I might get her something related for her birthday...
She's a novice at DJing, but isn't clueless, having worked in the music industry for a decade - if I got her something, it'd have to be 'good' if you get my drift.
She has a small room, mentioned a pair of speakers as something she needs, bit would have to be small in size but still moderately punchy I guess. The decks have L and R output - but that's as far as my knowledge goes...
Don't want to get her headphones as she's pretty picky about fit and feel.
Anything else to consider, big or small? She's got a tidal account and knows where to get music from etc. Budget - up to 200 quid I guess but less would be better haha
Active monitor speakers are probably what you're after, lots of choice to suit your budget
https://www.bopdj.com/sound/monitors?product_list_order=position
Or how about a portable battery powered drum machine with 303 baseline sequencer
https://www.andertons.co.uk/roland-t-8-aira-compact-beat-machine
Can run off head phones or jack it into something with a little more amplification.
Really easy to use and learn, massive shit tons of fun.
Good cartridges for the decks maybe? My cousins both DJ fairly seriously and I’m in a whatsapp group chat with them. They’ve dropped some cash fairly recently on Taruya cartridges from Japan and have been raving about them. There will be cheaper options too that might still be a decent upgrade eg. Ortofon or Shure.
My lad has a set of the Pioneer XDJs, he fills up memory sticks quicky so a handful of those would be useful.
Good shout about the drum machine above, could also look at something like a Novation launchpad - offen see DJs on the Boiler Room sets using them.
Speaker wise I have these and these are awesome sound for the size https://www.bopdj.com/pioneer-dj-dm-40d.html
Another though would be a carry bag or desksaver (dust cover) but you'd need to know the exact model for the right fit.
Or an online DJ course from Crossfader https://wearecrossfader.co.uk/
In a similar vein to the drum machine... A teenage engineering pocket sampler. Infact one of those and the 303 above hits the 200quid mark just about bang on.
I wouldn't buy speakers... Until you know how good she is. Also because of she is picky about headphones speakers is dodgy territory also. What does she do in the music industry what kind of music does she want to make? If it's just mixing to records together get her a big poster of an audience raving to provide an audience. If she want to make music that includes stuff on records then drum machine and sampler gives her 'instruments' to weave into the mix.
Alternatively if she is using a computer (apple batch) then a very wide monitor is nice.
Tricky one, as I'd have said some monitors, but if she's fussy....
That Roland T-8 looks amazing, tho....on my birthday wish-list now!
Record decks or CD/MP3 decks?
¨
One of the few things that I kept when I sold my vinyl and Technics 1210s were the slipmats. Good slipmats are really good to have and these were, well, special.
If she's not got good headphones already, those might be a good gift too.
Are we talking vinyl or Digital ?
If your looking for a Gift then check out the below link
I personally use the Turntable weights
Amazing, thanks all - some good ideas in there. The pioneer speakers above were ones I'd spotted, just need to check their size against some speakers I have for reference. Also spotted Cambridge Audio Minx Min 12, but no idea if they would be suitable?
Headphone pickiness is as much to do with fit as anything - she has a tiny head! But did mention she would need something relatively decent.
She has digital decks, DDJ-FLX4 I think they are. I'm tempted by a drum machine haha.
Music wise, quite eclectic I think - last night she was messing around with bicep, justice, m83 etc, and then some hip hop she found, but was also busting out bassey and Beyonce during the day 😅
Work wise, she produces a couple shows on 6M and R2 but has done all sorts in music radio over the years.
My other option is some weight lifting shoes, but that's a whole other thread 🙃
How about your own mix tape of songs for her to listen to? Kick back to the 80s/90s when people would make up a mix tape and hand to their girlfriend/boyfriend - at the very least, it will let her know how much better than she thinks she actually is.
(Sorry, absolutely nothing valid to add to help with this, but as no-one else has suggested the mix-tape 'joke', I'm jumping in with it)
Get some Pioneer DM-40 speakers they will go with that set up perfectly should then leave you with some cash to get a Decksaver cover from Bopdj
Bedroom (and occasional gigging) DJ here. First mention was headphones but you've discounted that. Sennheiser HD25s are the weapon of choice for most DJs.
Speakers - if you want something small, punchy have a look at the PreSonus range - mate of mine has some I was well impressed. Something in your budget there for sure. You are looking for active (ie a built in amplifier, not passive), so I don't think those speakers you linked will work unless you factor in an amplifier.
If there is only one output on the decks (edit you said an FLX4 so definitely:) you will be looking for an RCA input on active speakers (not XLR). Avoid anything with Bluetooth circuitry because it will cause lag - often even when you've plugged in via the cables.
As others have said, USB stick maybe useful, Vouchers for Bandcamp, Junodownload, Beatport maybe. Decksaver for the decks.
A voucher for some lessons? Try Club Ready DJ School, Crossfader, there are also some Pioneer approved instructors around if you Google.
Finally a few of us hang out on a DJ Learning Discord server. I learnt so much from there... https://discord.gg/kJP9PGkP5N
A good set of Pioneer headphones , USB's are a good idea but unless Its expensive CDJ's she will still just plug her laptop into the unit. Maybe also think of a wee carry case or a skin to put over the top for when she isnt using them .
Quick update, went to bopdj in Bristol today and ordered the pioneer speakers (but with a smaller 3.5" cone (?) to better fit in her room) in white, and a cover for her decks 🙂
Appreciate the advice guys, hopefully she'll like them!
Quick update, went to bopdj in Bristol today and ordered the pioneer speakers (but with a smaller 3.5″ cone (?) to better fit in her room) in white, and a cover for her decks 🙂
Appreciate the advice guys, hopefully she’ll like them!
She'll love them! 👌🏼
Monitor speakers brackets to mount them on the wall.
Deck cover is always good.
A carry case for the decks?
Is she using software? Some sort of subscription for plug-ins?
What's her musical background, does she play instruments already?
A wee midi keyboard?