Best 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'm replying only because I had the time of my life djing frat parties.

It sounds like it's your frat, which is the best possible scenario, as you can get completely fucked up while you dj and no one will seriously complain.

I dj'ed my first frat party because our normal dj didn't show and I was social chair. I used twoyoutubevideosandamotherfuckingcrossfader.com all night and had a blast, and the house decided I was better than dubstep boy and his $2000 controller.

If you listen to more music than the average person you will naturally be great at it after like 3 hours of practice, so I'd focus on sound and maybe lights as well, which are way more impactful to the party-goers than your precise mixing or whatever.

Its worth noting that if you're the one in charge of all this shit you're more like a club owner than a dj. Djing is one tiny part of the puzzle that seems super important, but in reality it's like 10th on the list of making people have a good time at your house, far behind sound, lights, booze and drugs

• Controllers etc:
  If I were you i'd go with running djay pro($50) on a mac, a simple 2 ch mixer w/ a soundcard like a traktor Z1(you need a soundcard to cue in headphones. could go cheaper though honestly), and control the rest through some combination of touch osc on an ipad/iphone and a very shitty (~$100) compatible controller.I used to run Traktor, but the Spotify integration on djay is absolutely crucial for a frat dj and wouldve blown my mind had it existed at the time. Defensively downloading all the requests you'll need to field is near impossible. You can use sync while djing a frat party, and you won't really need to be beatmatching if you're playing a lot of hip hop. A traktor S2 is the absolute most expensive mixer you should get, but the money is better spent elsewhere. Mixer is very vulnerable to self inflicted champagne spills so better off not being too attached to it.
  EDIT: I may be wrong here, I don't know what actually plays nice w/ djay pro, do some research and get a controller w/ a soundcard for like 3-400 that you know has a good mapping to djay.
  
  DOUBLE IMPORTANT EDIT: This looks pretty good, pioneer is better than numark and it's natively supported by djay. Disregard most of what I said above, in this case all in one is probably better**
  
  
  (Headphones note: literally anything is fine EXCEPT noise canceling headphones. they get all fucky when a big sound system is playing. My bose QC15's would just shut off near our subwoofers)
  
  
• Sound: You really can't overstate the power of a good system, not sure what your "one big ass speaker" is. We had 2 QSC K10's and matching subs, which is like $3500, but you can forgo the subs they are overkill. I'd rather have 2 K10's and my iphone than a budget system and a traktor S4 (<-THIS IS IMPORTANT) Even one QSC K12/10 (1000 watts a piece) can handle like 60-100 people, the things are absolute monsters and nearly indestructible, which is really important in the frat setting. I live in nyc now and a lot of my favorite techno clubs in bk use them for their side rooms/monitors. The sub in the K12 is far better than any standalone budget sub. You can find them new for $550 on amazon sometimes. I'm not an expert there are probably other options honestly, but one speaker isn't really gonna cut it unless it cost you near a grand, maybe ask a sub like /r/livesound
  
  
• Lights: I made us sink like $300 into lights because all the other frats had them. Chauvet is the frat standard, get some lasers or something cheap from them and wire up a shitty killswitch to the booth so you can turn it on and off. A strobe that you can turn on and off wouldn't hurt either, super cheap. Fog machines are sick and cheap but they are notorious for causing fire alarms so make sure you know what you're doing if you get one.
  
  
• Tunes!:
  
• Two rules(pledge!)! 1: the beats are predictable so 2 people can dance with eachother (ie not jungle bro dub future trap step) 2: The crowd should know the vocal, that means remixes are fine, but if you're playing a vocal the crowd doesn't know it better be worth it.
  
• Mid-late 2000's hip hop never fails. Missy elliot/ciara etc sound great on a big system, you literally can't go wrong. just slam between them at the end of choruses or mix if you want.
  
• Don't fear the 80's! the last time you heard Love Shack was probably in the car with your parents stone sober, not at BAC .3 surrounded by screaming coked out sorority chicks. So many 80's tracks will set it off (because they all follow the rules)
  
• Remixes of stuff can be good, I graduated before all this shit instagram house took over so I don't really know what to tell you about Kygo
  
• If a request is good or the chick is cute play it immediately/next, otherwise just say you'll mix it in a few songs
  
  Selection is way more important than technique, it's really all that matters. If a room can go off to a Spotify playlist (it can) then it can go off to your shitty mixing. Record some mixes in your room and listen back, you'll get better quick. I'd just use the sync button, know how to cue on the 1 at least but otherwise it really doesn't matter if you're just trying to throw a ripper. Have fun dude!
  
  Edit: TAPE DOWN THE CABLES SERIOUSLY TAPE EVERYTHING DOWN
  
  Another edit(very passionate about this subject):
  Some tips
  
  
• have a downloaded ~30 minute mix (recorded by you if you are at that level, otherwise find one) that you can throw on a deck in case you need to go do something
  
• Learn w/ a friend sort of as a duo if someone else is interested. Even if you're doing everything and they just mess w/ FX or something, you can take turns and it can be more of a party behind the booth
  
• Learn the keyboard controls for your software, they always come in handy.
  
• If you don't tape down all the wires from the mixer to the speakers you will eventually get fucked. You probably will still have some drunk chick trip on something even if you do.
  
• Don't take more than 30 mgs of adderall at once unless you have a prescription
  
• Give some thought about your "behind the booth" scene. People are going to wana go back there, you can either try to stop them or embrace it (more fun) just make sure the decks and the laptop are elevated off the table for spills (also get a rubber keyboard cover for the mac, they are cheap and will save from spills)
  
  

There are a couple different ways to go about this:

• Buy something budget right now, play around, make sure you really like this hobby, and if you do, plan on upgrading after 1-2 years. Something of this quality works fine for house parties, bedroom DJing, and mixes you record & post online.
  
• Buy something best bang for the buck right now, practice a lot and you can probably get guest spots in a club if you spend at least 15-25 hours per week on the hobby (not just practicing, but including, reading this forum, watching tutorials, spending time building your library of tracks and your own sound. Something like this should last you ~4 years or so, and as I said can work as a guest in a club or even a part time / once a month / resident.
  
• Buy professional gear now and not have to worry about upgrading for ~10 years or so. The big fear is what if you hate it after you get into it? What if it ends up just not being quite as fun as you thought it would be? How do you even decide which of the many great options to choose from until you learn the basics of DJing?
  
  I suggest option 1, buy very cheap now and upgrade as you go. DJing is changing all the time. You don't know what parts of DJing you'll really get into. Perhaps you find that you really want to go with Turntables, or you want to get into Tone play, or Showmanship style, or controllerism or perhaps you want to be more of a producer DJ. Or maybe your just happy being the designated "house party" DJ for all your friends and extended friends parties.
  
  For option 1 I suggest you start with the very affordable $99 Numark Party Mix it has everything you need for your first ~2 years of DJing and it's very inexpensive.
  
  If you go with option 2, buying best bang for the buck I'd recommend the ~$250 Pioneer DDJ-SB or DDJ-SB2 or the DDJ-RB. The only difference between the DDJ-SB2 and DDJ-RB is the software, the RB comes with Pioneer software and the SB2 comes with Serato. I'd go with the RB if you think you want to switch to CDJs in the future or the SB2 if you think you want to stick with a laptop in the future.
  
  After you get your feet wet in DJing you'll have a better idea of what you want to upgrade to for your more long term stuff. I can't even tell you if the DDJ-RB or the DDJ-SB2 is better for you, both are good options and it's a personal decision.

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.

Buy the book How to DJ (Right), which may be called How to DJ (Properly) depending on where you live. This book is good enough that I buy them in twos and threes to give out to people who tell me they want to get into DJing.

https://www.amazon.com.au/How-DJ-Right-Science-Playing-ebook/dp/B003F8S75O

Read it cover to cover, twice.

You should be able to get a couple turntables and a basic two channel mixer for not a huge amount of money. Again, depends on where you live. My suggestion would be that you get a pair of Technics SL1200MKIIs, in part because they hold their value, and in part because they are 'the standard'. Stanton also makes good turntables, and I personally much prefer the Stanton ST150 to anything Technics makes. Cheap two channel mixer is OK, as you will likely change mixers a few times as you progress and add CDJs, etc... but those turntables can last you as long as you stay DJing.

For vinyl, you are better to get a small number (think less than 50) of GOOD records that you love love love and could listen to over and over again. In order to make vinyl DJing work, you need to know your tunes and where the major parts of each tune are (no visual display, looping, or beat jump) in order to make your mixes sound good. Buying 500 records that are of varying quality that you don't have the time or appetite to learn intimately will only discourage you. In the long term, you will likely use a combination of vinyl and digital (CDs, USB, computer, whatever) - so pick your records wisely, start small, buy records that you LOVE, and build out a little collection.

Beatmatching will take time, and it will feel impossible, but you WILL get it. It is in fact pretty easy once you 'get' it.

Record all your mixes, and listen to them critically. Half the stuff you think will sound terrible when you are mixing, you will notice listening back to later in fact sounds fine. Half the stuff you think you can get away with, a critical listen afterwards will show you that you can't. Such is DJing. :)

You can do everything with a laptop, I do it all the time and the crowd doesn't seem to care. I typically play for college parties sized at 50-200 people. I have gone through 3 mixtracks in the last 4 years thanks to drunk people spilling drinks on them. After last time, enough was enough so I stick with a good USB mouse and a USB soundcard. Fancy shit does not make up for a shitty DJ; a truly good DJ will be just as good regardless. You think big name DJ's use equipment live? HELL NO! Even Deadmau5 says "we all hit play":

http://deadmau5.tumblr.com/post/25690507284/we-all-hit-play

Ultimately, you are limited by the software, so I recommend getting any DJ software that supports two sound cards. If you do that, then you can copy my setup.

CDJs/Controllers are essentially expensive KEYBOARDS! Besides, using a mouse and keyboard, you can find music on your computer and online TREMENDOUSLY more efficiently. Use your favorite piracy method to answer requests when people ask for their favorite song. Moderate to some degree, but people love when you play their song. You'd be surprised how many songs that you hate and everyone else loves. Having access to WIFI or ideally ethernet internet is best to access whatever song you could think of. Set it up so your downloads go straight to your DJ music folder.

I recommend vk.com to get your music in conjunction with this chrome extension that allows you to download from the site:

https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/vkontakte-music-downloade/eifflpnfppfheimpmmagplbanbceajjn?hl=en

All you would need physically is a 2nd sound card for headphones, just get this one for under $7:

http://www.amazon.com/Syba-SD-CM-UAUD-Adapter-C-Media-Chipset/dp/B001MSS6CS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1370938166&sr=8-1&keywords=usb+soundcard

Connect your headphones to your laptop, connect the speakers to the usb thingy, get familiar with your DJ program's shortcuts (or set your own), download some tunes, and ENJOY! Get used to alt-tabbing between chrome and your DJ program to answer requests.

There are a lot of areas that need work here... (Obviously because it's your first mix)

There's nothing wrong with varied genres, but you have to connect songs together with something. It could be a vocal line, complementary melodies, or a matching vibe. Mixing in a song that is the complete opposite mood to the previous track can also sometimes work as a surprise. Songs have to relate! Learning to beatmatch helps you find these connections because as you cue your next track and mix it in you start to hear what works and what doesn't. Your song choices have absolutely no flow. They're not beatmatched or in key and the filter use throughout them is irritating...

The two Toro Y Moi songs and "Get Lucky" share a similar vibe. You could mix those, then move to a darker tone with "Addiction" followed by the Metronomy song. That may or may not work but it's worth a shot... Since you are using Ableton you have the luxury of pre arranging your mix ahead of time, so you should make sure it works perfectly.

As a beginner I highly recommend this book: How To DJ Right It's definitely not Ableton specific (it was written in the era of turntables) but it will help you through your initial stages.


And you should watch this video for some basic mixing techniques: 5 Basic Mix Techniques

I thinks you've got a good start with your taste in music but take the time to practice the fundamentals!

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

You need a very specific type of cable - known as a "DJ splitter cable" - to do this.

Regular headphone splitters plug in to an output which has L and R channels, and it splits both of those channels to both sockets. So each socket gets a copy of L on the L-wires and a copy of R on the R-wires.

A DJ splitter cable sends L only to one of the sockets and R only to the other. They're either mono sockets or the signal is bridged across what are normally "the L and R wires".

This means software can send the "finished mix" out of only the computer's LEFT channel, your headphone/cue track out of the RIGHT, and the special splitter cable sends those sides to entirely different sockets plugged in to different devices. Typically, speakers for the finished mix and headphones for cueing.

You don't absolutely need an external soundcard, but moving forward that is certainly a better solution. It's far easier if you get a controller with in-built soundcard, as that will take care of it for you (and won't require an extra box and USB connection and complication).

Something like this one by Native Instruments or this one by Griffin is what you're looking for. If the description doesn't talk about "Allows separate headphone cue and master output" or "Wired to enable Split Output mode" then you probably aren't looking at the right sort of cable.

These cables are often sold as iphone/ipad accessories, as they are very valuable if using ipad DJing apps to give you the split-mode output. But they work just fine on general computers - they're just a special configuration of wires and plug/sockets.

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!

I haven't used an Akai AMX before so I can't attest to its build quality, but looking at images it looks more or less the same as the SB2's mixer. I can attest to the SB and SB2's build quality, however, and I can honestly assure you that it's good.

DDJ-SB (~$180-229 on eBay, it seems)

DDJ-SB2 ($247 on Amazon)

Akai AMX ($249 on Amazon)

With the Akai AMX you get a software mixer for $249, and with the DDJ-SB2 you get two decks and a mixer in a controller for $247. (I don't think the AMX can run without software but I might be wrong.) Looking at the pictures and comparing the Akai AMX with the SB2's mixer I can't see any missing features on the SB2 at a first glance. (One difference between the SB and the SB2 is that the SB is lacking green/yellow/red volume LEDs and gain knobs, which the SB2 and Akai AMX both have.)

The only real upside the AMX has over the SB2 that I can see is that the AMX has RCA inputs for both channels (obviously, as it is only a mixer in itself) while the SB2 only has RCA audio out -- the audio input is exclusively through the software via the USB cable. This means that there's no easy way to play vinyl on an SB2, while there is on the AMX.

If playing vinyl in your sets is important to you I'd say do some further research to see what the build quality is like and get the AMX. If not, I'd say get the SB2 out of these two choices.

Start playing around, learn what you can do with your new hardware! Don't worry about technical skill yet, just learn some verbs.

Load up a track you like and play with it. What can you do with it, and how do you do it on that controller? Speed it up? Slow it down? Play it backwards? Set it so it plays from a certain point in the track when ever you want it to? Loop a section of the track?

How about another track? Maybe you can get them to play at the same time? See if you can get the timings matched up? Try playing one track, then playing another before it's done and see if you can transition smoothly with the crossfader. Take a dance track with lots of drums on the intro and outro and see if you can transition from its ending into its beginning.

Once you're comfortable with that a bit, I'd say start soaking up tutorials and learning from others. This book really helped me: How to DJ Right. If you have any friends who can teach you how they do it, they will be your most valuable asset.

This is all general advice, I've never played with an S4 before, but I can't imagine it'd be different than learning any other cool new music thing. Best of luck!

Unfortunately you won't be able to get a useable vinyl setup for that price, but you can get a pretty solid controller. The DDJ-SB2 is a great one. I think the quality is a bit better than the S2 or Mixtrack Pro which are also frequently suggested. Although none of them are terrible. It comes with Serato although it should easily map to Traktor, Virtual DJ, or anything you prefer. You might also check out Mixxx, which is free, but a pretty good piece of software.

If you're going to be spending about $200 on a X1 anyway let me suggest perhaps looking also at a Numark Mixtrack Pro for an alternative.

• It's fully compatible with Traktor (even comes with a Lite edition of Traktor packaged in but you won't be needing that obviously).
  
• It's the same price but larger (could be a double-edged sword depending on how you look at it depending on whether you need the space or you like having things a bit more spread out).
  
• Has a built in soundcard (something I don't believe the X1 has though I could be wrong, it would allow you to run the audio through the controller which generally is higher quality than whatever you might have built into your computer).
  
• And, the largest change, it has jog wheels instead of touch strips (much more common and useful if you want to move to more advanced gear later on as most of them use jog wheels as well, though I personally use a Novation Twitch which is touch strip based and works quite well for me, though a bit out of your price range which is why I hesitate to recommend it).
  
  I'm hardly a pro myself but I've been doing the DJ thing for a few months now and that's my two cents on the issue. Hope it helps you.

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.

Like so many others have, I would suggest you pick up a mixtrack pro:

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

Based on your OP, you are looking for basic gear that will allow you to beatmatch and mix tracks. I have one. I like it. It is inexpensive and will allow you to do exactly what you want to do. I know people that play out with them. It is a solid controller. If you search through this subreddit and r/djs/ you will see many people suggesting this controller.

As far as learning the basics, ellaskins and a million other people on youtube have tutorials for you to learn from. I taught myself like many others did and just picked a bunch of my favorite house songs and hacked at it until I got it. Once you have the basic beatmatching down you can move on to more advanced techniques for mixing. Youtube is a wonderful tool so use it. Another good idea would be to go to some shows/clubs and introduce yourself to the promoters/DJs/etc. Maybe you can get some behind-the-booth time so you can see big room mixing done in person.

I've been DJing for over a year, so I'm really just starting out. I have both of these

Vestax Typoon - really great for starting out, limited on physical cue pad, but easy to learn and everything you need to start bledning

https://www.amazon.com/Vestax-typhoon-Typhoon-Midi-Controller/dp/B003ISMOV4

Pioneer DJ DDJ-SB2 - I bought this recently, and really love it. I set a lot of cues and the physical cue pads are really convenient and the reason why i bought this controller.

https://www.amazon.com/Pioneer-DJ-DDJ-SB2-2-channel-controller/dp/B0149XD9CY/ref=pd_lpo_vtph_267_bs_tr_t_1?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=JNGYW4PYGTG5BN0X4DDR&dpID=51hCragyzXL&preST=_SX300_QL70_&dpSrc=detail

Have fun starting out!!!!

I have gone through quite a few headphones and I would not recommend the Technicas.

These remain to be one of the best headphones I currently have, and for the price, I'd say unbeatable.

http://www.amazon.com/Sony-MDR7506-Professional-Diaphragm-Headphone/dp/B000AJIF4E/ref=cm_cr_pr_sims_t

They come close to matching my VModa Crossfade M100's, but if you ever get the $ for some truly great headphones, the VModa CM100 is amazing.

http://www.amazon.com/V-MODA-Crossfade-Over-Ear-Noise-Isolating-Headphone/product-reviews/B00A39PPCG/ref=dpx_acr_txt?showViewpoints=1

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

listen to lots of music and learn the tunes.

If you have no prior musical training, it helps to read up on some basic music theory - counting, time signatures, musical structure, harmony, phrasing.

You don't have to get too deep into it as DJing is fairly simplistic when it comes to music theory, but getting the basics down will help considerably.

You might want to read up a bit on some basic audio engineering theory as well like EQ theory, and a bit on gain structure and how audio chains work.

Also, read this book: http://www.amazon.ca/How-DJ-Right-Science-Playing/dp/0802139957

You could just buy a cheap amp if the speakers are actually any good?

But on the issue of powered monitors, I'm using a pair of M-Audio BX5d2 Monitors that I really enjoy as great value for money.

http://www.amazon.com/M-Audio-BX5-D2-Monitor-Speakers/dp/B005F3H6Q8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1417295700&sr=8-1&keywords=bx5d2

I notice the 8"BX8's are almost the same price at the moment as the 5" BX5's - making them probably the better choice for added bass.

http://www.amazon.com/M-Audio-8-Inch-Active-Monitor-Speakers/dp/B005F3H6MC/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1417295700&sr=8-2&keywords=bx5d2

I am now a proud owner of a DDJ-800. Its interesting that I answered my own question with 30 seconds of using the device. You can do everything on the jog screens as long as I are ok with it not being too detailed. Example: Cue Scope, when approaching a Hot Cue you are left to wonder if pressing the play button on the other deck is going to be right on the edge of the Hot Cue marker or in the middle! The marker its self is around 2mm wide (tiny). Its right in the middle and of course you have your ears to time it also.... That leads me to the other question. Beat matching (lol). Does anyone really do it anymore like the old days when you had to figure out the speed and match by just listening (unless the vinyl had it printed somewhere). Today's world once you dial in the speed (1second later) all it takes is timing.. So beat matching is now just about timing..... On the DDJ-800 and 1000 screens you can't nudge a out of time beat without looking at the laptop screens. Its that simple. If you turn on sync then the only reason to look at the laptop screen is to browse tracks.... My solution, I bought a 10" HD screen and connected my laptop to it as a second screen. I then used split screen and moved the waveform view to the 10" screen which sits nicely behind my DDJ800.... I will add a pic tomorrow.


10in screen: https://www.amazon.com/Eyoyo-1920x1200-Monitor-Function-Security/dp/B01LCULWOE

Here's a few solid choices:

Presonus 3.5"

Mackie 3" (I have these and love them, though I kind of wish I got the 4" version)

Mackie 4"

Also keep in mind there is a bluetooth version of each of the Mackie's if that appeals to you. Mackie's customer service was good to me too. My CR3's started going out randomly around the time the 1-year warranty was about to expire and they sent me new ones for free. I've had the new ones for over a year and they're still going strong.

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

​

What do you think about the Numark PartyThe reviews for this seemed to be decent?? The pioneer one seems a bit expensive to spend on something i may not make use of when school starts again, but I do understand what you mean on the bluetooth setup haha thanks for that

https://www.amazon.ca/gp/aw/d/B01FHJLE6M/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1482421046&sr=8-1&pi=SX200_QL40&keywords=numark+party&dpPl=1&dpID=51Pkf%2BCmSdL&ref=plSrch

I have no clue about what you need to start mixing (ex. Software, mixer, what a soundcard is), help is appreciated!

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

• How to DJ Right: The Art and Science of Playing Records is my go to book for referencing.
  
  
• Safety issues. Going deaf is a serious issue.
  
  
• Gear knowledge. Maintenance, proper use, etc. (probably group gain staging in here)
  
  if using vinyl proper handeling of record, platter, and pitch
  
  
• Simple understanding of music structure. Bars, measures, phrases, and how to count them.
  
• Beat/phrase matching (I personally think these should be taught hand in hand)
  
  
• Go over simple does and don'ts for gigs. (such as playing all your big club bangers when you are opening for someone else the entire set, checking your levels before you begin your mix and constantly check them periodical after)
  
  
• Finally understand that being a DJ and playing out is a business. You need to make the connections for getting gigs, and you need to do your own promotion. Just like a lot of businesses the same moto applies "its not what you know its who you know".
  

I played on a Mixtrack Pro for years - bought it as a cheap experiment, figuring I'd upgrade when it wore out, and then it just... didn't wear out. I ended up playing quite a lot of gigs with it. It was really nice to have a cheap indestructible controller I could throw in a bag and take out to a warehouse or some forest or whatever.

Only thing the non-Pro Mixtrack is missing is a sound card, which would let you have a separate headphone cue output from the master output. But for $40, what have you got to lose? Try it out. You'll probably have a good time. If you like it, buy a sound card, or buy a better controller. I think it's a good plan.

Don't worry about it and just go mix more. When I was first getting into it I was lost as what to do. get "how to Dj right"

http://www.amazon.com/How-DJ-Right-Science-Playing/dp/0802139957/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1375237654&sr=8-1&keywords=how+to+dj+right

Just spin more, love what you are doing, record what you do, listen to it. post stuff here get feedback. Heck I said I would listen to you stream some music. If you want I can give you some 1 on 1 coaching.(not that I am some super awesome DJ)

Hi! in a nut shell -- DJing is playing the right song for the right crowd at the right time. I think it's an amazing journey because sometimes I get it right, and other times I get it wrong, but in both instances, I learn something about myself and about others.

I would HIGHLY recommend picking up a copy of the book that is listed in the announcements. It helped me to understand a lot of the 'Why' of how things work.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/0802139957

Also feel free to msg me with any specific questions you might have. I mostly use Serato but am transitioning to Rekordbox.

How to DJ Right is a great book that covers all of the basics in a pretty informative and easy to digest way.

Wow you are so helpful, thank you.

So I think I've found a way that will work that involves less pieces. I cross posted this question in r/iphone here. The comments led me to this potential set up:

From my XDJ-RX's dual 1/4 TRS output, I'm going to have this male TS to male RCA cable going into the RCA input ports on the Behringer UCA202 (or UCA222), and then I will have that plug into the Apple Camera Connection Kit via USB, and then that goes into my phone. And THAT should get me a stereo signal.

Does that sound right to you? I'm like 95% sure that plugging two TS plugs into two TRS jacks (on the XDJ-RX) will only reduce the connection to unbalanced, but keep it stereo.

But it's good to know that if this setup doesn't work, the one that you suggested will. Finally this is all starting to make sense!

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.

Hmm, it seems that Amazon is listing a new unit for nearly $200. That is EXPENSIVE. I bought mine for half that price -- the controller really isn't worth more than $100 to be honest. So you might wanna search around, and get a better controller + this NI cable that will help separate master output and headphones (so you don't have to invest in a sound card)

https://www.amazon.com/Native-Instruments-Traktor-8-Inch-iPhone/dp/B00E411NG6/ref=sr_1_21?ie=UTF8&qid=1467807772&sr=8-21&keywords=Traktor

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.

https://www.amazon.com/Mackie-Studio-Monitor-3-inch-CR3/dp/B00KVEIY4E

I use the Mackie Studio Montier 3 inch. Perfect compact size with a great range for sound

Some advice from this bedroom DJ who just does it for fun...

This book is cheap used on Amazon and despite being dated in many ways, it has a ton of great advice.

https://www.amazon.com/How-DJ-Right-Science-Playing/dp/0802139957

Also, ellaskins on YouTube. In the beginner videos he speaks very plain and it's easy to understand.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr3_EE6O_eA71X2quaKvziw

More than anything, hop on your deck for a few tracks every day and just sort of screw around, trying different things.

As always, feel free to ask things here, check the search first, but everyone here is fairly nice for the most part.

DDJ SX2..?

No such thing as an SD2...?

That I know of...

> Where is your audio routed after Serato?

SX 2 has an XLR Master out and an RCA Master out. If the XLR is routed to your speakers then take the RCA out and plug it into an audio interface(that's the cheapest you are likely to find) and use Audacity or another DAW to record the incoming audio stream.

Either of the recorders linked above would also work though in the same setup but they are more expensive and will require a USB drive or SD to record onto. You'd simply take an the RCA out and run it into the recorders Line In with and RCA to 3.5mm cable.

If you already use the RCA out you'd likely need a DI to convert that XLR output to Line Level.

Or you could purchase the music you want to play and thereby support the artists who produce it.

I'm not sure about general musical knowledge, but this book is absolutely great for DJs:

https://www.amazon.com/How-DJ-Right-Science-Playing/dp/0802139957

All the dudes in my hometown use the Sony MDR-7506. I haven't compared them to many other cans that are a similar cost, but the reviews speak for themselves. They look somewhat flimsy and are marketed as a studio monitor, but they can definitely take a beating. I've had my pair for 5 years now and they still sound as good as the day I bought them. The only thing I've had to replace are the ear pads.

I will say, the biggest downside is that they do hurt to wear for super long periods of time. I've never noticed at any gig I've ever played, just when I'm listening casually for long periods of time.

The dongle worked with Traktor and Deckadance, both programs let you assign the dongle to one audio output and the internal card to another output. I would assume most dj programs work this way.

I don't know which brand of USB dongle, we picked it up at Microcenter a few years back. It was dirt cheap, so any of the amazon ones should be ok. If it helps, I would prolly buy this one myself... http://www.amazon.com/Syba-SD-CM-UAUD-Adapter-C-Media-Chipset/dp/B001MSS6CS/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1381253283&sr=8-2&keywords=usb+sound+card

FYI... I wouldn't use the dongle method for club gigs, but it's fine for practice/learning and house parties.

Best to start with the basic theory there is a good book [how to dj right] (https://www.amazon.com/How-DJ-Right-Science-Playing/dp/0802139957) got mine used from the market place for like 3€. Though doing all that with no hardware is little fun but i guess enough to get a taste and see if you really want to pursue it

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

The FiiO D3 looks like it's designed to convert a digital input (coax or optical) to analogue rather than act as a computer sound card.

If you're on a tight budget, you can get one of these super simple sound cards:
http://www.amazon.com/Syba-SD-CM-UAUD-Adapter-C-Media-Chipset/dp/B001MSS6CS

how to DJ right

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

Same authors, good reading

If you don't mind reading a bit, the book [how to dj properly ](How to DJ Right: The Art and Science of Playing Records https://www.amazon.com/dp/0802139957/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_7JRjyb8361T41) is a great jumping off point

So if you want to go the input route to record in Audacity or other software, I recommend this.

An easier way would be to record directly in Serato DJ. Just export the audio to Audacity and edit later.

Get this book and read it post haste.

Basically... you will become a popular/successful dj through 1) serious talent or 2) social networking and being on the scene and staying in touch and having your crew do their crew a favor for gigs etc.

Call dude and invite him to some non-dj event to discuss working together. Go get food or go music shopping.

You could go with something simple like a usb soundcard, since you're not much into djing, example: http://www.amazon.com/Syba-SD-CM-UAUD-Adapter-C-Media-Chipset/dp/B001MSS6CS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1409712783&sr=8-1&keywords=usb+soundcard

or you could ask your friend what he used

https://www.amazon.co.uk/How-DJ-Properly-Science-Playing/dp/0593058119

Will let you get the theory down but you really want to be mixing and practicing alongside it. Theory is all good until you go to put a set together and everything you thought might work, doesn't.

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

I really recommend you checking this book out. It is actually very informative and helps with all the basics.

because I'm not wrong. also, contrary to trashcomment, I have both a residency every month and multiple gigs aside from that. DJing is just like show business, so suck it up buttercup and read a few books. I recommend this to get you started.

How to DJ Right.
Tremendously helpful to me, not only do i feel more confident in my ability to play for people now, but I also believe it helped me with my production, even though its not a book on production.
https://www.amazon.com/How-DJ-Right-Science-Playing/dp/0802139957/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1505229521&sr=8-1&keywords=how+to+dj+right

Depends in the controller. I got the Numark Mixtrack Pro as my first controller. It has a mix input and I use it with virtual DJ, which has a built in recording option. If you don't have that option, Behringer has a great external sound card that will give you RCA inputs in your computer to use a free program like audacity to record. Won't be studio, but will work.

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

---

^^i'm ^^a ^^friendly bot

I recently bought one of these: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B000KW2YEI/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Sound quality is fantastic and there is no audio delay. Would definitely recommend it

Also consider:

Behringer U-Control UCA222 Ultra-Low Latency 2 In/2 Out USB Audio Interface with Digital Output
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0023BYDHK/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_apa_i_AJrkDbQRRQ7VX

As an option. I have it and it works great to give an rca interface to the PC, you can then "listen to" this USB input on any of your connected output devices whether that be 5.1 aux cables or USB headset or literally any of your output devices.

How to DJ Right: The Art and Science of Playing Records

Genuinely a really good guide.

https://www.amazon.com/Sony-MDR7506-Professional-Diaphragm-Headphone/dp/B000AJIF4E

not under 50 bucks, but ive been using them for 10 years and they still work as good as they day I bought them. I had to replace the ear cups, but that was $5 bucks and only once.

Behringer U-Control UCA222... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0023BYDHK?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share


I just bought this. It works very well just be sure you have the cords you need. RCA to RCA ddj>DAC>speaker

The DAC out will need rca to what ever your speaker requires.

RCA>3.5mm what ever it is

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?

I'd return it. After reading through the details, it doesn't seem to have the features you want. There's going to be no good way to control any DJ software with that mixer. If you want to stay within that price range, there are a few low end DJ controllers that would serve you much better. Here's one example:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01FHJLE6M/

So I thought of two possibilities to do the recording.

1. Set the soundcard to line input and convert the tunrtable's phono signal to line with a phono amp, e.g. something like this. This way you can use traktor's built in recorder.
   
   
2. Get a USB Line input and record with another program, e.g. with Audacity.

something like this can help. The DJ Algoriddim has a split output option
The cable will let you plug headphones on 1 jack and output main speakers on the other
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00E411NG6/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I second this. I have a pair and they're fine for practice.

($100 USD on amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00KVEIY4E/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1)

I have one of these bad boys, works great with my Mixtrack. Had it for a year and it's still tip top.

Syba USB Sound Card

If you are using Traktor (I'm guessing here) then you can buy a Native Instruments Audio 2 and configure Traktor to use 2 soundcards. Since the K2 is a 4-channel soundcard as well as a midi controller you will then have 4 stereo outputs you can route through the Xone 42. (You could also buy 2 Behringer USB interfaces and use the K2 to spend a little less money and have the ability to record back into Traktor. I've never tried 3 using 3 soundcards, but I assume it's possible via the method above)

​

Alternately you can look for a used Audio 8 or 10 which eliminates the need to aggregate soundcards.

​

​

Mackie CR3's work well, had a roommate with them (and he was a professional musician). $120 for a pair.

This is the most recommended controller in your price range. It will do everything your brother needs it to do until he decides he needs to do other things.

Yes, you either need amp+speakers or powered speakers. You aren't really going to find any powered speakers for under $100 except like a set of Logitech computer speakers.

You can check out these but with 3" woofers you're going to get very little bass and you might end up blowing them by driving them too hard.

Practise, practise, practise.

When I first got started, this book: How to DJ (Properly): The Art and Science of Playing Records was my guide.

I've recently picked up some new kit recently, and much of what I practise now came from that book.

For me this was better than any DJ course or a video.

https://www.amazon.com/How-DJ-Right-Science-Playing/dp/0802139957

This is exactly what I would say.

Check this book out if you can:

How to DJ Right: The Art and... https://www.amazon.com/dp/0802139957?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

https://www.amazon.ca/How-DJ-Right-Science-Playing/dp/0802139957

There are a lot of translatable concepts here, even for digital DJs.

Nab yourself one of these. With it, you can separate the output and the headphone cues.

It's available on Kindle

I read this book when I was starting out and it helped a lot:

https://www.amazon.com/How-DJ-Right-Science-Playing-ebook/dp/B003F8S75O/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=how+to+dj&qid=1568916726&sr=8-2

Mixtrack Pro!

$99 and not totally trash

https://smile.amazon.com/Numark-Party-Mix-Controller-Software/dp/B01FHJLE6M

Link for OP. I second this recommendation, it's a simple enough beginner mixer but you can dive deeper with it than any toy ones.

Have you considered a Pioneer DDJ-SB2? $247 on Amazon. I just recently switched from turntables with Serato to this and I love it. I finally settled on it after looking almost all available controllers at every single price range. Supposedly you can also use it with Traktor and other software too, though I haven't personally tried it. One downside is that it comes with Serato DJ Intro not the full software, but you can always upgrade later or search the Internet for a copy.

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

The standard n00b rig : http://www.amazon.com/Numark-MIXTRACK-PRO-SOFTWARE-CONTROLLER/dp/B00466HLWO/ref=sr_1_1?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1347151134&sr=1-1&keywords=mixtrack+pro