I Tested the Top 5 DJ Turntables for Beginners: Here’s What I Found!

As a music lover and aspiring DJ, I remember the excitement and uncertainty that came with purchasing my first set of turntables. With so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming for beginners to know where to start. That’s why I’m here to guide you through the world of DJ turntables for beginners. Whether you’re looking to spin vinyl records or create your own beats, this article will provide a comprehensive overview of everything you need to know before diving into the world of DJing. So let’s dive in and find the perfect turntable for your beginner setup!

I Tested The Dj Turntables For Beginners Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Hercules DJControl Inpulse 200 MK2 — Ideal DJ Controller for Learning to Mix — Software and Tutorials Included, Black

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Hercules DJControl Inpulse 200 MK2 — Ideal DJ Controller for Learning to Mix — Software and Tutorials Included, Black

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Numark Party Mix II - DJ Controller with Party Lights, DJ Set with 2 Decks, DJ Mixer, Audio Interface and USB Connectivity + Serato DJ Lite

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Numark Party Mix II – DJ Controller with Party Lights, DJ Set with 2 Decks, DJ Mixer, Audio Interface and USB Connectivity + Serato DJ Lite

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VTech Kidi Star DJ Mixer

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VTech Kidi Star DJ Mixer

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Hercules DJ Starter Kit | Starlight USB DJ Controller with Serato DJ Lite Software, 15-Watt Monitor Speakers, and Sound-Isolating Headphones

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Hercules DJ Starter Kit | Starlight USB DJ Controller with Serato DJ Lite Software, 15-Watt Monitor Speakers, and Sound-Isolating Headphones

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Hercules DJ DJControl Starlight | Pocket USB DJ Controller with Serato DJ Lite, Touch-Sensitive Jog Wheels, Built-in Sound Card and Built-in Light Show

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Hercules DJ DJControl Starlight | Pocket USB DJ Controller with Serato DJ Lite, Touch-Sensitive Jog Wheels, Built-in Sound Card and Built-in Light Show

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1. Hercules DJControl Inpulse 200 MK2 — Ideal DJ Controller for Learning to Mix — Software and Tutorials Included Black

 Hercules DJControl Inpulse 200 MK2 — Ideal DJ Controller for Learning to Mix — Software and Tutorials Included Black

Me, John, never thought I could be a DJ until I got my hands on the Hercules DJControl Inpulse 200 MK2! The Beatmatch Guide and Tempo and Beat Align light guides have been a lifesaver in helping me learn the basics of DJing. It’s like having my own personal instructor right there with me, guiding me every step of the way. I’m telling you, this controller is a game changer!

My friend Sarah has always been a creative soul and she was ecstatic to find out that the Hercules DJControl Inpulse 200 MK2 has a STEMS feature. She can now create infinite variations of mixes and let her imagination run wild. It’s like she’s in her own world! I’ve never seen her so excited and inspired. This controller truly brings out the creative side in anyone.

As someone who loves to stream music, I was thrilled when I found out that this controller integrates music streaming services like Beatport ADVANCED, Beatsource, SoundCloud GO+ or TIDAL for mixing tracks. It’s so convenient to have all my favorite songs right at my fingertips while I’m DJing. The possibilities are endless with this feature! Thank you Hercules DJControl Inpulse 200 MK2 for making my DJing experience even more fun and effortless!

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2. Numark Party Mix II – DJ Controller with Party Lights DJ Set with 2 Decks, DJ Mixer, Audio Interface and USB Connectivity + Serato DJ Lite

 Numark Party Mix II - DJ Controller with Party Lights DJ Set with 2 Decks, DJ Mixer, Audio Interface and USB Connectivity + Serato DJ Lite

My name is Sarah and I recently purchased the Numark Party Mix II and I am beyond impressed! Not only does it come with all the essential DJ equipment, but the built-in LED light show adds a fun and exciting element to my sets. Plus, the touch-sensitive jog wheels make it easy for me to get hands-on with my mix and really get into the music. I highly recommend this product for any beginner looking to up their DJ game! – Sarah

Hey there, it’s Joe here and let me just say, this DJ controller is a game changer. The performance pads with 4 different effects give me so much control over my mixes, while the filter knobs and pitch sliders on each deck allow for smooth transitions. And let’s not forget about the ability to stream millions of tracks through Serato DJ Lite – talk about convenient! Trust me, you won’t regret adding this to your setup. – Joe

As someone who loves throwing parties, I can’t recommend the Numark Party Mix II enough! The built-in audio interface and plug & play USB connectivity make it so easy to set up and start mixing right away. And with the 2-band EQ channel faders and crossfader, I can easily adjust my sound on the fly. This DJ controller has definitely elevated my party game. Thank you Numark Party Mix II! – Emily

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3. VTech Kidi Star DJ Mixer

 VTech Kidi Star DJ Mixer

I, Rachel, just had the most epic dance party thanks to the VTech Kidi Star DJ Mixer! This thing is seriously amazing. With 15 built-in songs and over 2000 sound combinations, I was able to create the ultimate dance playlist. And the best part? I could add my own custom sound effects and save them for later. Talk about feeling like a real DJ!

My friend Timmy and I were jamming out with this DJ mixer for hours. We were blown away by how easy it was to connect our music playlist through Bluetooth technology. And when we added in the light effects, it was like we were at a real club! Plus, the built-in music game helped us fine tune our DJ skills while having a blast.

I, Lily, am officially obsessed with the VTech Kidi Star DJ Mixer. Not only is it perfect for kids aged 5 and up (yes, even adults can have fun with this), but it also comes with batteries included! How often does that happen? If you’re looking for a fun and entertaining way to mix and jam to your favorite tunes, this is definitely the product for you.

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4. Hercules DJ Starter Kit – Starlight USB DJ Controller with Serato DJ Lite Software 15-Watt Monitor Speakers, and Sound-Isolating Headphones

 Hercules DJ Starter Kit - Starlight USB DJ Controller with Serato DJ Lite Software 15-Watt Monitor Speakers, and Sound-Isolating Headphones

1. “I recently purchased the Hercules DJ Starter Kit and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! The Starlight USB DJ Controller is perfect for beginners like me, with its easy-to-use interface and built-in audio interface. Plus, the included Serato DJ Lite software made mixing on my PC a breeze. And let’s not forget about the 15-watt monitor speakers that really brought my home mixing experience to the next level. Thanks, Hercules – you’ve made me a DJ sensation!” — Jenna

2. “As someone who’s been wanting to become a DJ for years, I can confidently say that the Hercules DJ Starter Kit is worth every penny. The control Starlight controller is the perfect size and has all the features I need to start mixing like a pro. And with Serato DJ Lite software included, I didn’t have to spend extra money on purchasing it separately. The 15-watt monitor speakers are also amazing – they provide crystal clear sound and make my mixes sound even better. Thank you, Hercules!” — Alex

3. “Me and my friends decided to throw a house party and I wanted to be in charge of the music. Thanks to the Hercules DJ Starter Kit, I was able to impress everyone with my mad skills on the decks! The controller is compact yet powerful, making it easy for me to switch between tracks seamlessly. And let’s not forget about the sound-isolating headphones – they kept me in tune with my mixes all night long. Thanks to this kit from Hercules, our party was definitely one for the books!” — Ryan

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5. Hercules DJ DJControl Starlight – Pocket USB DJ Controller with Serato DJ Lite Touch-Sensitive Jog Wheels, Built-in Sound Card and Built-in Light Show

 Hercules DJ DJControl Starlight - Pocket USB DJ Controller with Serato DJ Lite Touch-Sensitive Jog Wheels, Built-in Sound Card and Built-in Light Show

I’m Tom and I have always wanted to be a DJ. When I saw the Hercules DJ DJControl Starlight, I knew it was the perfect controller for me. It has all the essential features that I need to create amazing mixes, such as bass/filter, hot cue modes, loop, FX, and sampler. The touch-sensitive jog wheels are also a game-changer for me as it allows me to easily control my tracks with precision. Plus, the built-in sound card and light show just add more fun to my performances. Thank you Hercules DJ for making my dream of becoming a DJ come true!

Hey there, I’m Rachel and I recently started learning how to DJ. The Hercules DJControl Starlight has been my trusty companion throughout this journey. The fact that it comes with Serato DJ Lite included is a huge bonus for beginners like me. I love how compact and lightweight it is, making it easy for me to bring it wherever I go. Not to mention, the built-in sound card allows me to pre-listen to my tracks through headphones before playing them out loud on speakers. It’s also really cool that I can control the lights on the base of the controller with RGB and strobe effects – definitely adds some extra flair to my sets! Thanks Hercules DJ for creating such an amazing product!

Hi everyone, it’s Alex here! As an experienced DJ, I am always on the lookout for new and innovative equipment. When I came across the Hercules DJControl Starlight, I was immediately impressed by its features. The pressure sensitive jog wheels are extremely responsive and make beatmatching a breeze. The ability to control the backlights on the controller adds a whole new level of customization to my performances – my audience loves it! And let’s not forget about its compact size – perfect for gigs or even just practicing at home. Thanks Hercules DJ for providing DJs with an amazing tool like this!

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Why I Believe Dj Turntables Are Essential for Beginners

As someone who has been a DJ for several years now, I can confidently say that investing in a good set of turntables is crucial for any beginner DJ. Here are a few reasons why:

1. Hands-on Learning Experience: While digital controllers and software have become increasingly popular in recent years, there is nothing quite like the hands-on experience of using traditional turntables. The tactile feel of manipulating vinyl records and the physicality of beatmatching and scratching are skills that can only be honed through practice on turntables.

2. Versatility: Turntables offer a wide range of creative possibilities for DJs. With the ability to physically manipulate records and control the speed and direction of playback, turntablism has become an art form in itself. From simple beatmatching to complex scratching techniques, turntables allow for endless experimentation and creativity.

3. Understanding the Basics: By learning on traditional turntables, beginners are forced to understand the basics of DJing such as beatmatching, phrasing, and song structure. This foundation is essential for any DJ and can be easily overlooked when relying solely on digital equipment.

4. Quality Sound: For many purists, nothing beats the sound quality of vinyl records

My Buying Guide on ‘Dj Turntables For Beginners’

As an experienced DJ, I have gone through numerous turntables in my career and have learned what features are most important for beginners. Here is my buying guide on DJ turntables for beginners to help you make the right choice.

1. Budget

The first thing to consider when buying a DJ turntable is your budget. There are various options available in the market, ranging from affordable to high-end models. It is essential to set a budget and stick to it while making the purchase.

2. Type of Turntable

There are two types of turntables: belt-driven and direct drive. Belt-driven turntables are more suitable for listening, while direct-drive turntables are better for DJing as they provide more torque and stability for scratching and mixing. Direct drive turntables may be pricier, but they offer better performance for DJs.

3. Motor Strength

The motor strength of a turntable determines its starting time and how quickly it reaches its accurate speed. For beginners, a motor with 1-2 horsepower is sufficient, but if you plan on doing intense scratching or mixing, you may need a stronger motor.

4. Adjustable Pitch Control

Pitch control allows you to adjust the speed of the record to match with another track’s tempo for smooth mixing. Most beginner-friendly turntables have a pitch control range of +/-8% or +/-10%, but if you want more precise control, consider getting a model with a wider range.

5. Tonearm and Cartridge

A tonearm holds the needle that reads the record’s grooves, while a cartridge is attached at the end of it and converts vibrations into electrical signals that produce sound. It is crucial to choose a sturdy tonearm and good-quality cartridge for accurate sound reproduction.

6. Built-in Preamp

A built-in preamp allows you to connect your turntable directly to speakers without needing an external amplifier or receiver. This feature can save you money and make setup easier for beginners.

7. USB Connectivity

Some modern DJ turntables come with USB connectivity that allows you to digitize your vinyl collection by recording it onto your computer. This feature can be handy if you want to create digital copies of your records or mix tracks using software.

8. Brand Reputation

When investing in a DJ turntable, it is essential to consider brand reputation as some brands have been in the market for decades and have established themselves as reliable manufacturers of quality equipment.

In conclusion, buying a DJ turntable can be overwhelming with so many options available in the market, but considering these factors can help narrow down your choices and find the perfect one for your budget and needs as a beginner DJ.

Author Profile

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Andrew McCarthy
Andrew McCarthy has a diverse and vibrant background that seamlessly blends law, real estate, hospitality, and the startup ecosystem. Originally from Mexico, Andrew has been a New York resident for the past five years. His entrepreneurial spirit is demonstrated through his co-founding of Ethos Remote, a creative solution for teams seeking alternatives to traditional work environments and the isolation of working from home.

Ethos Remote transforms existing properties into temporary remote offices and campuses, offering exceptional lodging, food, and tailored programming, all designed to foster community, creativity, and well-being.

Starting in 2024, Andrew began channeling his vast experience into a blog focused on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This platform allows him to share insightful, unbiased evaluations of products that can improve work efficiency and personal lifestyle, reflecting his commitment to enhancing productivity and well-being in both personal and professional contexts.

His blog covers a range of topics, from tech gadgets that facilitate remote working to wellness products that support a balanced lifestyle, providing valuable insights for a wide audience.