1 - DJ equipment
First of all, in order to mix 2 songs you need 2 audio sources. Most of the time, DJs use a pair of Turn tables or a double deck CD
Player. Recently, new Software was introduced to the market of DJ tools featuring double deck MP3 players.
DJ players are designed specially for mixing. They should have at least the possibility to modify the playing speed of
the song (known as pitch control) and pausing the tracks at a precise point of time (known as CUE points).
Next, you need an audio mixer. This can be a real mixer
console or a virtual Software mixer. The mixer is the central part of the whole
DJ system and it is where the songs get really mixed together.
At last, you need an amplifier with speakers and a head phones.
If you are a starting DJ and don't want to invest in
heavy professional equipment, you can use your computer instead. It's really
all you need to get started along with some good software. you can buy software
for less than 200$ including a double deck MP3
player with an embedded virtual mixer and other functions like pitch control and CUE point.
How to cable the DJ system if you're not using your computer:
-hook the output of player A to the input 1 of the mixer (or line 1)
-hook the output of player B to the input 2 of the mixer (or line 2)
-hook the output of the mixer to the input of the amplifier (usually this is called AUX for auxiliary)
-hook your head phones to the mixer
You can also use your computer with an external mixer. Specially if you have a sound card with
4 outputs. Most recent sound card have this feature. Or, you can install 2 sound cards on your PC.
Next: Anatomy of a Song
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