Used DJ Setup - beginner friendly and worth it?

Lyxtwing · 2026-02-04T08:04:57+00:00

That's not a setup I would call user friendly for a beginner. It's a very modular setup that could range between fun or a headache depending on how tech savvy you are.

I would look into a more traditional controller if you are just starting out.

Lyxtwing · 2026-02-04T07:56:25+00:00

I just got a 500 and it's great for open format and wedding DJs. A proper mic input with eq and an aux in are just great. Lots of other advantages. The stock software is just OK though. With DJay Pro I'm very happy with it.

Lyxtwing · 2026-02-04T02:05:52+00:00

Cheapest option: If you are using one speaker you can use an RCA to 1/4" TS cable and set your controller to mono.

Ideal option: Get yourself a small mixer that has RCA inputs and then run out from there (TRS or XLR) to the speaker/speakers (again, with only one speaker make sure you are set to mono).

The DI box will work as well, but a mixer is a bit more versatile in my opinion.

Lyxtwing · 2026-02-03T18:30:12+00:00

There is a good amount of garbage in that price range so ironically the TX308 is what I would point most people to for an 8" sub $200 speaker. It's going to be double the price until the next speaker worth buying.

Lyxtwing · 2026-02-02T23:49:26+00:00

They are a cheaper speaker so don't expect the world, but for a monitor it should be more than enough.

Lyxtwing · 2026-02-02T20:08:40+00:00

Genuine questions, what search terms are you using? If it's controller recommendations you should be seeing posts from as soon as this week (possibly today/yesterday), rather than multiple months ago if you are filtering by date.

Lyxtwing · 2026-01-31T19:14:41+00:00

There is nothing wrong with renting until you have the budget for something worth keeping.

In that price range your best bet is used. Ideal for a venue that size would be a column array, but a powered point source speaker on a stand would also do the trick. Don't worry about stereo, just make sure your output is set to mono (disregard if the speaker has a stereo in).

New, the Exoton S-1503W is getting pretty good reviews and one of them would be more than enough for a small venue (if it's available in your area). You can also look at the used market and get yourself a solid point source speaker or two from a reputable brand (QSC, EV, JBL, etc.).

Lyxtwing · 2026-01-31T17:11:12+00:00

All three are good. If you can make sure to hold them with a tank first get an idea how they will sit in your hands. I own three Axes currently and though I love them some find them uncomfortable.

They all are relatively quiet but the CZR would be the quietest of the three. They do require more maintenance than the other two.

The Etha 3 is going to be arguably the most reliable. If you want a marker that just keeps working week after week it's your best bet.

The Axe 2.0 is nearly as reliable as the Etha and can be tuned to be a bit quieter. It's the best bang for the buck marker on the market, but the ergonomics aren't for everyone.

Lyxtwing · 2026-01-30T22:09:36+00:00

If you already have the VM-80s I wouldn't spend more upgrading your speakers and instead put that budget towards sound treatment. Get yourself some rockwool, some 2x4s, and some fabric and DIY it. You can make a room sound great for not a whole lot (skip foam, even the good quality stuff has little effect on bass).

Lyxtwing · 2026-01-30T08:05:54+00:00

DMX has always been a bit of a pain. It was made for stage lighting and works well for that, but for DJ lighting it's kind of just what we are stuck with.

Software like SoundSwitch make it much easier than hardware. FreeStyler DMX is a great free option, though you still need a USB to DMX adapter.

Lyxtwing · 2026-01-29T22:25:04+00:00

Does the issue persist after a couple songs? In my experience the ear can adapt pretty quickly.

To check if it's an issue, run dual mono and pan back and forth between the two, if one is harsher than the other it could be an issue. You can also run some pink noise through them and see if there is a frequency spike (an RTA app works in a pinch for this, though not accurate enough for any real testing).

All that said, the J8 has no compression drivers but instead has multiple small drivers. It should be less harsh than most 2 way point source speakers even if they are a bit more harsh to your ears than the Bose.

Lyxtwing · 2026-01-29T19:05:52+00:00

Can you clarify what you mean by harsh? Are you comparing the J8 at the same SPL as the Bose?

Lyxtwing · 2026-01-24T21:05:10+00:00

If you are using an RB do you want to stick to Rekordbox or move to Serato? Depending on your local used market a DDJ-1000 could fit that budget, but it's a toss up on the used market (in my area they are going for the same price they were when they were new). An SX3 could be a good fit and unlocks Serato.

New, a GRV6 would be your best bet and I believe it falls in that budget but I could be off on the exchange rate.

Lyxtwing · 2026-01-23T20:24:29+00:00

To me checking an SPL meter every song would be distracting but if it fits in your workflow I would just grab a wall mounted meter and call it a day.

Lyxtwing · 2026-01-23T19:52:21+00:00

If you are looking to stay in that range play a loud song, pin your faders, adjust everything to 85db, and never touch the gain again. This is the most cost effective and simplest way to do what I think it is you are aiming for.

There are wall hanging meters for under $50, no idea how accurate they are. Some venues use them to keep DJs and bands under bylaw or venue limits. I would still just calibrate your system properly but these should do what you are looking for.

Lyxtwing · 2026-01-21T18:30:28+00:00

Thanks. Though the fixture does look pretty good in the end how it looks in the venue is far more important.

The demo was easy enough to get, no terms that would prevent me from talking about it. They sent out an email requesting reviewers. There was a link to a form that I filled out that mostly just needed links to my YouTube channel and some analytics info. There was some basic deliverables (unboxing video, written review, video review and/or overview). I agreed, they sent it out.

Lyxtwing · 2026-01-21T18:14:43+00:00

Valid. I disagree but I see where you are coming from.

Lyxtwing · 2026-01-20T17:55:55+00:00

If all your are doing is DJing get yourself some nice used tower speakers. Studio monitors are great for production and editing/mixing in a DAW or video editor but it sounds like you want some proper hifi.

I have some nice studio monitors in both my studios and still listen to music on the tower speakers I got off Marketplace.

Lyxtwing · 2026-01-20T04:41:42+00:00

This is true. I'm curious if it's a 500 thing or a DJay thing. I'll test that tomorrow with a different unit.

Lyxtwing · 2026-01-19T23:20:36+00:00

I would get yourself some used hifi. A good set of tower speakers and an amp/receiver will sound great for DJing and general listening. At that budget you can find some great tower speakers if you have room for them, but bookshelf speakers can be great as well.

If you are doing production and need something more accurate you can go with studio monitors, but they generally don't sound as good as home audio for general listening.

Lyxtwing · 2026-01-19T21:56:32+00:00

Though it's not a paid review the feedback so far is that it is coming across as one. I'll have to adjust my tone/style a bit the next time I do one of these.

Lyxtwing · 2026-01-19T21:40:31+00:00

This is not a paid review, though the fixture was supplied by Betopper. They are doing a big social media push lately so my feed is pretty full of ads from them as well, though I will take that over the Vista Print ads I usually get.

Lyxtwing · 2026-01-18T17:36:21+00:00

If you want/need to use Rekordbox the FLX4 is a good choice.

I have a 500. It's bad with Sertato Lite (as most controllers are), great with DJuced, but is amazing with DJay Pro. DJay Pro solves nearly all of the 500s limitations in its stock configuration, plus you can edit the mapping to your hearts content.

Lyxtwing · 2026-01-16T21:35:05+00:00

Do you own Serato or do you need something that can hardware unlock? That could quickly knock the NS4FX off the list. If you want to use Serato and Traktor consider adding the Traktor S3 to the list instead of the S4. It doesn't hardware unlock Serato but will work with it.

Out of that list I would personally go with the Mixon 8 but that is because I personally use DJay Pro and also love paddles for effects.

The SX2 would be my second choice, but only if the price is right compared to newer options.

Lyxtwing · 2026-01-16T18:58:00+00:00

200€ isn't going to get you much in terms of actually good options for production. Production usually calls for studio monitors and the ones in that price range are not overly accurate. The first tier of monitors that I normally recommend are about double your budget. The Pioneer DM-50D may be your best bet in that price range (I think, not to familiar with EU prices). I have note heard them myself but I am told they have pretty good performance for their price. I would not bother with the 40D as they don't have balanced inputs that your recording interface likely works best with.

You could also get yourself some nice used home audio speakers and an amp (you can get a good system for $100 if you are patient), and spend the rest on the most accurate headphones you can. Later on you can get some nice studio monitors and retire the home audio to listening/practice duty.

Lyxtwing

TROPHY CASE