What is a DJ? DJ means Disc Jockey. A DJ is a person that chooses music for a party/ Disco. The music is played by that special person known as a DJ.
What does a DJ do? DJ's control the Speakers, Music and parties. DJ’s can play a special genre of music at parties or they can also play a mixture of genres. This is called a set.
DJ Equipment CD Turntable CD Turntables are the newest and most popular addition to a DJ's equipment. By combining the benefits of CDs with the hands on feel of a traditional turntable, they allow DJs to take their music further than ever before. You can now scratch using a CD, loop a beat from your favorite track seamlessly and set cue points so you never lose your first beat when pushing off too hard. Mixer The Mixer is the essential and most important part of any DJ Equipment setup. Choosing the right mixer is very important since there are different types for different music styles. This allows you to seamlessly and creatively mix between multiple sources using fading methods for a smoother transition between the two audio sources. Turntables Turntables are the staple of the traditional DJ Equipment setup. Even with the advanced functionality of a CD Turntable, the conventional turntable is still used by a number of DJs for the classic feel and sound of using vinyl. You can alter the pitch and speed of the record playing and using a needle to read the information in the groove of the vinyl. You can run the vinyl back and forth underneath the needle to create scratch patterns and effects. Headphones Headphones are the most underrated piece of dj equipment. Better headphones will drastically improve a DJ's ability to create flawless mixes and transitions. These are used to independently listen to each source to allow you to adjust each source independently to keep the records in time. This way you can perfect a mix before it comes out of the speakers. CD Players Although most DJ CD Players do not give the DJ the ability to manipulate the song hands on, they do have many digital features not found on turntables. They are relatively inexpensive and a good choice for many DJs. Cartridges Different cartridges are suited to different styles of DJing. Some are designed for scratching whereas others are for sound quality. These contain the needle which runs in the groove of the record and translates the analogue information into digital which can then be transferred along wires to your mixer. Sources:
Differnent DJ Job Roles Club DJ Radio DJ
Club DJ Club DJs select/play music in bars, nightclubs, or at parties or raves, or even in stadium events.
Hip Hop DJ Hip Hop DJs select/play music using more than one turntable to back-up one or more MCs/rappers, perform turntable scratching to create percussive sounds, and are also often music producers who use sampling to create backing instrumentals for new tracks. In reggae, the DJ is a vocalist who raps, "toasts", or talks over pre-recorded rhythm tracks while the individual choosing and playing them is referred to as a selector.
Radio DJ Radio DJ’s are people that broadcast music on AM, FM, shortwave, digital, or internet radio stations.
Mobile DJ Mobile DJ’s are DJ’s that travel with a portable Sound System. They play at a number of events.