Learnings, Insights and Tips on Speakers, Subs and DJing
Quick answer (2026 update): Watts still matter, but they mostly tell you how much power a speaker can handle. They do not tell you how loud or good the speaker will sound by themselves. For real-world loudness, compare sensitivity in dB, maximum SPL, room size, and RMS or continuous power instead of peak or PMPO … Read more
Streamers use speakers to increase the volume of their voices. Also, some streamers, mostly those partnered with Twitch, use speakers even though their microphone is good enough for viewers to hear them clearly. This is because they need to be loud and clear so their fans can hear them from far away. Best speakers for … Read more
It’s an age-old question if 15-inch speakers are really that better than 12-inch. Is it just a marketing trick to make the buyer go with the logic “bigger is better”? A decent number of people will go with 15s if they lack a subwoofer, thinking that it can substitute one. Or they’ll buy a pair … Read more
Headphones made specifically for DJing are essential for tight mixing; no one wants a set of trainwrecks, no matter how well your mix was programmed. If you’re a novice in this field and you’ve only recently started to think about getting a pair of DJ headphones, natural questions that pop up are: What are DJ … Read more
When looking for speakers as a mobile DJ, sound per size is more important than sound per dollar, as only so much gear will fit in a vehicle. Powered tops are the industry standard and will minimize things to carry/worry about, opposed to passive. They’re generally lighter too. But as good as those tops will … Read more
I think there are two kinds of audiences: those who desire what they expect, and those who desire what they don’t expect. That said, most people want a DJ who will get them to twist their bodies like they have an alien in them. For a DJ set to be good, it is all about … Read more
Large events of thousands are quite the struggle to throw, but a small rave in the woods isn’t that hard. They need to be isolated, and discreet, and have a good generator or two, a decent sound system, some lights, and some stage setup. It will take a few folks to coordinate, some trucks, the … Read more
CDJs are just a CD/USB playing unit with pitch faders, a large jog wheel, and perhaps a touchscreen if it’s more recent. So why on earth are they so expensive? Even units from less popular brands are still hundreds of pounds for one. What could possibly cost so much? Is it merely a case of … Read more
Disclosure: Some product links in this guide may be affiliate links. If you buy through them, Starting to DJ may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend gear that makes sense for the topic, not just whatever pays the most. People are always asking me which USB drives to … Read more
Quick 2026 export update: Rekordbox USB export now has an extra wrinkle: newer supported players may use OneLibrary alongside the traditional Device Library. Rekordbox says OneLibrary stores essential performance data such as playlists, cue points, and beatgrids, and some newer equipment needs it to browse exported USB devices properly. Check the official rekordbox USB Export … Read more