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February 2, 2024
DJing on a Dime: Affordable Portable DJ Rigs

zZounds Portable DJ Buying Guide

In the past, creating a DJ rig demanded expertise and significant investment. But times have changed. Gone are the days when physical turntables and CDs reigned supreme. Now, your computer or iOS device can hold the key to virtual music crates, and with a portable DJ controller, you're ready to load up and play tracks.

Welcome to our portable affordable DJ buying guide -- a perfect entry point for aspiring DJs (without the superstar DJ bank account). While this guide may not be aimed at superstar DJs, it paves the way for the rest of us. Who wouldn't want to save big while climbing the DJ ranks? Join us as we reveal the essential gear you need to jumpstart your DJing journey with a budget-friendly approach.
Portable, Affordable DJ Controllers with Audio Interfaces
It's simple: all the DJing magic starts with two audio decks and a mixer. Modern DJ controllers replace cumbersome vinyl platters and CD trays with intuitive jog wheels, putting classic DJ tools like EQs, filters, crossfades, and pitch faders at your fingertips. Seamlessly apply scratching, cross-fading, pitch-shifting, and cueing through software like Serato, rekordbox, Traktor Pro, or Virtual DJ.

Embrace the future of DJing with compact controllers, allowing easy prepping of sets, saving multiple cue points, and unleashing dynamic audio effects on the fly. Effortlessly sync beats or tweak tempo, transitioning from Grandma's favorite tune to your cutting-edge UK grime set. Unleash your creativity and leave your mark on the music scene with every electrifying beat you drop.

Pioneer DJ DDJ-REV1 DJ Controller

$279.00

  • No Credit Check
    6 x  
    $46.50
  • No Credit Check
    4 x  
    $69.75
BACK IN STOCK

Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S2 Mk3 DJ Controller

$339.00

  • 8 x  
    $42.38
  • No Credit Check
    6 x  
    $56.50
  • No Credit Check
    4 x  
    $84.75

Numark Party Mix II DJ Controller with Light Show

$129.00

  • No Credit Check
    6 x  
    $21.50
  • No Credit Check
    4 x  
    $32.25

Hercules DJControl Inpulse 200 Mk2 DJ Controller

$129.99

  • No Credit Check
    6 x  
    $21.66
  • No Credit Check
    4 x  
    $32.50
Lightweight, Compact PA Sound Systems
Harness the power of sound without breaking the bank! When seeking an affordable portable PA system, prioritize essential "ins" like an XLR jack for your microphone, and a pair of inputs for your DJ controller's stereo audio output.

Modern portable PA systems revolutionize the game by ditching hefty wooden speaker cabinets for compact enclosures and lightweight drivers, without sacrificing power. These PA systems may not blow the roof off large auditoriums, but they deliver a punch at venues like local VFWs or loft spaces.

Enjoy the ease of transportation with handle-equipped all-in-one systems, easily carried column PAs, or suitcase-style designs that fold up and roll away. Let the music resonate loud and clear, while your back and compact car thank you for this portable and practical choice.
SALE

Bose S1 Pro Plus Portable Bluetooth Speaker System

$649.00

  • 12 x  
    $54.08
  • 8 x  
    $81.13
  • No Credit Check
    6 x  
    $108.17
  • No Credit Check
    4 x  
    $162.25

Mackie SRM-Flex Portable Column PA System

$899.99

  • 12 x  
    $75.00
  • 8 x  
    $112.50
  • No Credit Check
    6 x  
    $150.00
  • No Credit Check
    4 x  
    $225.00

JBL EON 208P Portable PA System

$849.00

  • 12 x  
    $70.75
  • 8 x  
    $106.13
  • No Credit Check
    6 x  
    $141.50
  • No Credit Check
    4 x  
    $212.25

Gemini ES-210MXBLU-ST Portable PA System with Speaker Stands

$349.95

  • 8 x  
    $43.74
  • No Credit Check
    6 x  
    $58.32
  • No Credit Check
    4 x  
    $87.49
Light Shows and DMX Controllers on a Budget
Nothing screams "WOW" like a captivating light show. A DJ without mesmerizing ambiance is like watching someone check their e-mail -- so not cool. Embrace the impact of lighting on the overall experience, allowing the audience to immerse themselves in the music. When it comes to splurging, lighting always deserves the spotlight.

Begin with sound-activated programs integrated into DJ lights. These lights include a tiny microphone that syncs their pulsing and movement to the beat of the music, leaving both you and the audience in awe.

Take it a step further with a DMX controller, future-proofing your setup. Linking lights with DMX cables creates a portable light show of multiple lights moving in perfect harmony. Chain and control multiple sets of DJ lights, setting specific lighting effects to match your performance. Explore our recommended multi-purpose lights and more in our DJ lighting buying guide. Illuminate your DJing world and leave a lasting impression with captivating light displays.

JMAZ FX Bar 5050 Light

$299.95

  • 8 x  
    $37.49
  • No Credit Check
    6 x  
    $49.99
  • No Credit Check
    4 x  
    $74.99

Blizzard SnoKontrol DMX-512 Lighting Controller

$199.99

  • No Credit Check
    6 x  
    $33.33
  • No Credit Check
    4 x  
    $50.00

ADJ Mega Flat Pak 4 Plus Lighting Package

$459.99

  • 8 x  
    $57.50
  • No Credit Check
    6 x  
    $76.66
  • No Credit Check
    4 x  
    $115.00

ColorKey PartyBar GO Battery-Powered Stage Lighting System

$329.99

  • 8 x  
    $41.25
  • No Credit Check
    6 x  
    $55.00
  • No Credit Check
    4 x  
    $82.50
Essential DJ Accessories
Prepare your DJ rig for the journey ahead with essential DJ accessories! Slide your ears into a pair of DJ headphones for an immersive experience right inside your mix. Safeguard your gear in a durable DJ case and ensure a stable platform for all your equipment. Gear up for life on the road with these must-have additions.

Pioneer DJ HDJ-X5 DJ Headphones

$99.00

  • No Credit Check
    6 x  
    $16.50
  • No Credit Check
    4 x  
    $24.75

Magma Riot DJ-Backpack XL

$329.99

  • 8 x  
    $41.25
  • No Credit Check
    6 x  
    $55.00
  • No Credit Check
    4 x  
    $82.50

Odyssey LTP6 Tripod Lighting Stand with 1 Crossbar

$79.95
  • No Credit Check
    4 x  
    $19.99