How to Create an Affordable DJ Studio

It doesn’t matter whether you’re an ambitious young DJ looking to make their mark in the industry or just interested in engaging in music making and mixing as a hobby, putting together a studio in which to work is a must.

However, there’s a lot that goes into a studio and apart from knowing where to start and how to put one together, doing so affordably is another thing altogether. 

From the studio structure itself to the various pieces of DJ Equipment and gear you need, it can be easy for the cost of your studio to spiral out of control. In this guide we’ll walk you through the basics you need to know to get started putting together a functional, productive and–importantly–affordable DJ Studio.

How to Put Your Studio Together

Computer/Laptop

A computer or laptop is an essential piece of machinery for a modern day DJ. The evolution of technology has fundamentally changed the music industry. To ensure you’re best empowered for making, mixing and creating music you need a reliable computer with the right processing power to keep up with your work.

Fortunately, there are a wide range of computers on the market. Most laptops are more than compatible with software (think Digital Audio Workstations or DAWs) and are designed to run at least basic programs which is enough for any DJ just starting out. You may want to consider storage space however and even think about investing a little more for a quicker and better computer. After all, if your computer isn’t up to scratch, you’re going to find DJing harder from the outset.

DJ Mixer

A mixer is another essential piece of gear for a DJ Studio. This console is used to mix different audio tracks and songs and apply a variety of effects. A good quality and intuitive mixer will enable you to manage your audio with ease and offer a strong foundation from which to create some really killer tracks. There are a wide variety of DJ Mixers on the market. But even your basic and more affordable models should offer a relatively wide spectrum of effects, features and intuitive control. 

Some of the popular models on the cheaper end of the spectrum include:

• Numark M6USB
• Reloop RMX-22i 
• Pioneer DJM 250
• Behringer DJX750

You can view our full range of DJ Mixers HERE

DJ Controller

While you might not necessarily need a DJ Controller and many artists don’t use one, this useful piece of equipment can make mixing tracks so much easier and quicker. Plus, it doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg either. There are plenty of affordable controllers on offer as well.

The right DJ Controller will largely depend on your personal preferences. Some can be used independently of a computer or laptop, others offer easy USB connectivity, and some are specifically designed for DJs of different levels of competency.

This is one piece of equipment that really is dependent on the way you work. Make sure to choose one that complements your style and work habits.

To help you narrow your search, make sure to check out the Pioneer and Native Traktor Kontrol DJ Controllers available right here at DJ City. Or, view our full range of DJ Controllers HERE.

Plus, you can explore the Top 10 Midi Controllers For DJing by reading our handy guide on the topic as well. 

DAW Software

While a studio is certainly a very physical thing, it’s important to budget for quality but affordable software as well as hardware. Your Digital Audio Workstation is necessary for amateur and professional DJs alike.

There are many software packages and DJ software options that are prohibitively expensive if you’re working on a budget or just starting out. Nonetheless, there are also plenty of free or cheaper options as well. The many different features, user design and options out there might make it difficult to find what you need, so focus on the software that offers free trials or use a free program until you work out what you want.

Some free or cheaper options (some with limited functionality) include:

• FL Studio
• Garageband
• Ableton Live Lite
• Audacity
• Pro Tools First
• Ohm Studio
• Tracktion Waveform
• Cubase LE
• Soundbridge

For more information about choosing the right DAW, read our blog here.

Headphones

Good old headphones! While you’re setting up your studio and gathering the equipment you need, it’s worth spending some time and money investing in a quality (without outlying a ridiculous sum of money) pair of headphones.

Headphones are essential for helping you focus and hear your music as accurately as possible. Make sure to consider sound quality and durability when deciding between different options. There are a lot of headphones out there that feature unnecessary gimmicks and other ‘benefits’ that are neither necessary nor helpful.

We recommend heading to our headphones page and searching for the option that best suits your budget. 

Speakers

While we’re on the subject of headphones, let’s move right on to speakers. If you’re planning on developing a career as a mobile DJ or just want a pair of speakers at your disposal, bear in mind that quality often comes with a price.

The difference in audio quality between bad speakers and good speakers can’t be understated. Fortunately, there are plenty of options out there so you’re bound to find one that’s the right balance of affordable but quality. The choices can be overwhelming though.

While we recommend getting in touch with a professional, such as our team here at DJ City, to discuss your particular needs, there are still a variety of options of speakers available to help you kick off your selection.

• Pioneer DJ DM-40 Studio Monitor Pair 4″
• Reloop DSM-3BT Bluetooth Smart Desktop Monitor System
• AVE Fusion4W Studio Monitor Pair 4″
• M-Audio BX3 D3 Series Studio Monitor Pair 3″

Cables

Cables are truly the unsung hero of a DJ Studio setup. After all, you simply can’t start creating without the right set of cable accessories. Luckily, cables are not expensive and are easily available so you can get your new gear plugged in with little hassle or delay.

Just make sure that you take the time to work out what sort of connections you need. There are different cables for different audio transmissions and while it’s not quite as exciting as choosing a controller or laptop, getting the right cables the first time will save a headache and frustration further down the line. 

You can check out the huge range of cables available at DJ City right here. We have everything you need but if you’re not sure what you’re after, feel free to reach out to us directly. 

Studio Furniture

Last but far from least is the actual structure and furniture you need for your DJ studio. There are a few options when it comes to putting together a DJ workstation. You can simply operate from a desk or build your very own professional DJ booth. At the end of the day, your preferences and budget will determine what’s best for you. There are also purchasable studio set ups if you don’t feel like your handy skills are up to the task of customising a desk or booth for yourself. 

If you’re passionate and serious about DJing, you’re likely going to be spending a significant amount of time working on your music. So make the effort to find an ergonomic chair that works for you and ensure your desk is the right height. These might sound like things you don’t really need to consider, but trust us: you’re going to thank us in the long run. 

Put Your Studio Together with DJ City

The best way to save money on putting together a DJ Studio is to purchase an affordable and complete studio package, such as the ones we sell right here at DJ City. There’s quite a variety so take the time to look through them all to find what suits you. If you have any questions or need a bit of assistance, our friendly team is only a phone call away.