Types of DJ Equipment
Posted by DJ Equipment Informer
Here is a list of different types of DJ equipment. There are many more types of DJ equipment, but for now this is a quick list of the main types of DJ equipment.
DJ Turntable
A DJ turntable can also be known as a DJ deck. It is
essentially a phonograph (record player) that
usually has some extra features which include
variable speed control (which is also known as pitch
control). The most famous of all DJ turntables is the
Technics SL-1200 which was invented in 1972 and has
been the best selling DJ turntable for over 40
years.
DJ CD Turntable
The DJ CD Turntable gets it's name from the vinyl DJ
turntables mentioned above. Most table-top style DJ
cd players have a platter that resembles that of a
vinyl DJ turntable. Table-top DJ CD turntables can also be
called CD "Decks" which was also a slang name for turntable in the eighties and nineties.
Twin DJ CD Players
Twin DJ cd players came about in the mid 90s and
usually take the form of a 19" rack-mountable
controller and 19" rack-mountable set of twin CD
drawers, both of which occupy 2u of rack space. This
format of CD player works well with a 19"
rack-mountable DJ mixer and has become very popular
amongst mobile DJs as everything can be built into a
19" rack-mount case and easily transported.
DJ Mixer
A DJ mixer can come in two forms. The first is a
stand-alone "table-top" style DJ mixer which is
usually used with a vinyl DJ turntable or CD DJ
turntable. The second kind is that mentioned above,
a 19" rack-mountable DJ mixer.
DJ Amplifier
A DJ amplifier is usually a 2 channel (stereo)
professional power amplifier. A DJ amplifier is
usually no different from any other power amplifier.
It will usually consist of twin inputs which will be
either 6.35mm jack or 3 pin XLR. The output will
usually be 6.35mm jack or Neutrik Speakon
connectors.
DJ Speakers
Like DJ amplifiers, DJ speakers are no different to
any other professional PA speakers. DJ speakers
usually contain a 10" to 15" main speaker and a 0.75
to 1.5" tweeter or compression driver. Most DJ
speakers will be rated between 100w and 600w RMS. DJ
speakers usually have a 6.35mm jack or a Neutrik
Speakon connector input. Some also have an output
(link) connector to enable you to link from speaker
to speaker.
Comments
Comment by Catherine Synter
You've covered the basics, but one thing is missing. What about a DJ microphone? I know that not all DJs use a microphone, but I still think it should have been included.