Ben JamInn

Lighting fast, totally reliable and multi-functional. Combined with a number of apps dependant on the kind of show I'm performing, my trusty iPad never leaves my side!

Great looking, great sounding and with some really nifty features like the mini to full size reversible jack lead make these some of the best headphones available, especially for the money!

A real powerhouse of features are contained within this budget version of the Pioneer mixers. With the familiar layout of the industry standard mixers, the 750 instantly feels comfortable to use for anyone that has used a Pioneer mixer. The effects section is fully complemented with all the favourites and while the colour sound effects are only accessed through the one dial (instead of the per channel dials found on the more expensive models), the fact that this is still assignable to individual channels means creative flexibility is retained. The real bonus feature of this mixer is it's inbuilt sound card which allows direct connectivity to both Pioneer Rekordbox DJ and Traktor Scratch software. A fantastic, feature packed mixer which has all the features you'd expect from the high end models at a very reasonable price.

A rock solid controller that has proved the test of time. Originally using it with Serato DJ, I now use it with Rekordbox. While it was not designed with Rekordbox integration in mind (with the DDJ-RX being the dedicated Pioneer RB version), the implementation of the SX within Rekordbox is extremely intuitive. Obviously the Mk2 and Mk3 versions have built on the success of the original SX but save for the multi-coloured performance pads, I'm still really happy with how this unit performs even when put against it's more modern counterparts.

While superseded by the CDJ-900NXS model, the 900 can still be found in clubs & bars proving that it has stood the test of time as a rock solid alternative to the more expensive CDJ-2000 range. With a few minor differences to the controls (most notably the lack of hot cues in favour of auto loop recalls), a basic display and the lack of SD slot, there are obviously features that a DJ who has become accustom to the 2000's will miss. However if you can overlook these differences, the CDJ-900 is still a great alternative that provides all of the essential functions in very familiar layout.

The 2nd generation model, the Nexus builds on the success of the CDJ-900 as the slightly cutdown alternative to the CDJ-2000 range. While the unit doesn't boast an SD card slot, when used as a control surface for the Rekordbox DJ software, this doesn't really matter. The screen is obviously different but again this doesn't really matter if you are using the player as a software controller. Other minor differences are the replacement of hot cues with auto loop recalls, a combined platter start/stop speed dial instead of separate controls and a reverse button instead of toggle switch. However with a standard CDJ layout, the player is very natural feeling way of controlling DJ software, especially Rekordbox which it has native compatibility with. If you can live without the hot cue buttons and want to save a few pennies, the CDJ-900NXS is a great alternative to the flagship model.

Having been a Serato Scratch Live user for many years I was unfortunately disappointed with the next generation Serato DJ software finding it unreliable, unresponsive and generally too busy with the focus being developing new 'trick' features at the cost of keeping the core program stable. With my 'audio only' shows already being organised in the Rekordbox Export mode, I decided to give the new Rekordbox DJ Performance mode a try and haven't looked back. The software integrates perfectly with whichever Pioneer DJ equipment you connect it to, giving a seamless experience. From the very simple audio routing to the mixer/soundcard to the responsive mapping of the player/controller functions to their software counterparts, the software performs in an intuitive way that allows you to focus more on the performance and less on wrestling on-screen buttons and menus. I now solely use Rekordbox for all performances utilising the Rekordbox Video plugin for A/V shows.

My normal rider spec mixer for big shows and club performances. Very clean, easy to manoeuvre layout with powerful beatlocked effects (especially when used with Rekordbox analysed tracks!). My main plus point about this mixer is it's extensive MIDI capabilities. An absolute essential for the AV shows!

So much more than just a CD player. I use these with Serato SSL and DJ in Advanced HID mode giving me the tightest control possible as well as feedback about the current and lined up tracks directly to the players screen. For audio only sets, the Rekordbox integration makes turning up to a venue with just a USB stick and a pair of headphones a breeze.

The preferred microphone I use for performances. The sound quality of this microphone far surpasses the 'industry standard'. It gives a really clean, neutral sound without over emphasising the lows which is a common problem I find with many other mics. The built in silent switch also makes single handed operation possible without the need to live the microphone via the mixer using your other hand.

Essentially, ACID for video! Sony Vegas let's me switch the timeline from Hours/Minutes/Seconds/Frames to Beats & Bars which lets me very quickly create visuals and videos that are perfectly in sync with the music. So many powerful features are included such as stereoscopic 3D editing that allow me to experiment and push forward the Video DJing show!

Totally customisable, really quick to use and extremely powerful. Can not recommend this app highly enough.

Absolutely rock solid in terms of reliability and performance, my MacBook Pro is the hub of my performance rig. It is where all the real work is done, from editing and preparation before a show to content playback and processing during a performance. Worth every penny!

Combined with Inklen MixEmergency, Serato Scratch Live allowed me to totally streamline my workflow, leave the DVD wallets at home and produce & remix on the road just before a gig! Even though it is now superseded by Serato DJ, because of it's rock solid performance and reliability, SSL is still my software of choice for larger gigs. *I have now retired the use of SSL in favour of Pioneer Rekordbox*

I used to use these on the road, but due to there size and weight I have now moved these into the studio in favour of something smaller and lighter for performances. The sound quality is amazing, they are loud enough to compete with any club sound system and styling is modern yet reserved. It's a real shame Sony discontinued them.

After watching James Zabiela demonstrate this unit at a tradeshow, I immediately went out and got one. Such fun to use and allows amazing live creativity. While it has now been superseded by the RMX1000, the EFX1000 still offers huge amounts of creative flare and visual showmanship when used as part of a performance.

I've had my HC1000 since they first came out and it has to be one of the most sturdy bits of kit I have ever owned. It gets beaten and bashed about both in my bag and during a performance yet in all the years I've had it, I've only ever had to replace 2 of the cue buttons!! A fine testament to the amazing build quality from Denon.

Having used a Rane SL1 for a very long time, I upgraded to an SL3 purely as a future proofing exercise. At the first performance however, I was blown away with the difference in the quality of the sound from this little box! As with all Rane hardware, it is built like a tank and happily takes everything a life on the road can throw at it!

For ages, while the official Serato VideoSL plugin was left undeveloped and lacking functionality, MixEmergency was an unofficial plugin that piggybacked onto Serato SSL and pushed the boundaries of what Video DJs could do! Now officially compatible with Serato SSL and DJ, MixEmergency continues to raise the bar adding loads of powerful performance features whilst remaining streamlined and extremely stable and robust. Without a doubt the de facto choice of all serious professional video DJs.

Absolutely rock solid in terms of reliability and performance, my MacBook Pro is the hub of my performance rig. It is where all the real work is done, from editing and preparation before a show to content playback and processing during a performance. Worth every penny!