good beginner package

[dave17oh]

I am wanting to get what I need to start out mixing. I hear the technics are good, but I don't want to spend that much money. I want to spend between 350 and 500 for a setup. What are some decent packages? Or, would I be better off to buy the stuff seperately? Also, where is a good website to buy vinyl? thanks

[GoldSeraph]

I don't recommend anything except Technics 1200's and Vestax's pdx-2000 as I have used both and can vouch for them. I have heard Stanton str8-80's are not too bad for a cheaper alternative. I really believe going cheap on a dj setup is not the way to go. If you are strapped for cash, try looking on ebay for people selling used tables, or go donate blood and sperm :P 350 to 500 total for 2 tables and a mixer is going to net you a really shitty setup that you are going to regret getting. Whatever you do, though, make sure to get direct drive turntables, belt drives will drive you nuts and are not ideal for mixing.

[willncsu]

I would recomend the stanton platinum pack. It's more than 500.00, but in my oppinion it is the only starter package worth a shit. I started out on stantons and it was no problem, especially if you are just mixing.

[breakstuff]

I got a gemini xl500II setup, and its just what I needed to get started. The only change I made was upgrading...buying a 250 bpm gemini mixer. And i still got it for under 500 total. If I were you I would no use the mixer that comes with a package its just stupid. So here are some things to look out for when buying a mixer...does it have three seperate equalizers for each channel...ie high,mid,low, and do they have kill switches? How are they organized? vertically(up and down) or horizontally (left to right) I suggest getting a mixer with vertical eq's, you'll understand why when you start using better and better mixers. I prefer channels that are clearly seperated vertically of eachother, left to right, but everybody is different. How many channels are there?...I would recomend a three channel mixer so that if you want to incorporate a cd mixer or sampler, the option is open. Make sure you dont get a mixer that has only volume and gain control, it is pointless to mix on one of these, however dont get rid of it...they can make good battle mixers for scratching.