10 essential gadgets a DJ needs – DJ Spinall

By Osagie Alonge

Nigeria’s talented disc jockey DJ Spinall (real name Sodamola Oluseye Desmond) has over the last year steadily emerged as one of very popular disc jockeys running the city of Lagos.

With tutorials from the likes of veterans DJ Jimmy JATT, DJ Slim and DJ Hotega, he’s been able to define a path for himself not only with his turntable skills but also with his unique style.

We got the Electrical Electronics Engineering graduate to tell us 10 DJ essentials in this ever-changing technological age….

MacBook Computer: It is no question the MacBook computer is faster and more reliable than the PC, a DJ needs speed and the guarantee of saving his huge files of music in a virus free computer. All that can be achieved in a MAC.

Head Phones: DJing is all about listening, your opinion about a song will be mostly needed so therefore you need high definition headphones to enable you achieve this. Branded headphones like the SMS Audio, Sony MDR 700, Ultrasonic DJ1 and the popular Beat By Dre headphones can be recommended.

DJ Bag: Everywhere you go you will come in contact with artists who want you to have his or her CD , sometimes in a day I go back home with over 20 new CDs! It’s also useful for keeping headphones and cables. Get a fancy bag!

MP3 Music Player: This is a must have gadget for all DJs, portable digital audio players, also referred to as MP3 players. MP3 is the most commonly used and recognized digital audio file format, have become widely popular since Apple introduced the first iPod in 2001. Mp3 players are convenient with large storage facility. Brands like Apple, Sony, Samsung have made great pieces. You can also use your MP3 player as a secondary music back up plan ….ask me later I will tell you the trick… Lol

Mini Hi-fi Audio Player: Yeah, something like the Boom Box, the loudspeakers will enable you identify the baseline of a song and also give you an idea of what your music will sound like when you are at work using the public address system. You can also use the auxiliary output for your routine DJ rehearsals.

Wrist Watch: You need to not only know what the time is as a DJ but know how to use the time right, we don’t have pagers here in Nigeria but you still have to draw a perfect schedule with you wrist watch. It doesn’t have to be an expensive Gucci wrist watch, a Timex or G-Shock wrist watch will do just fine. You can also use the stop watch function whenever the need arises.

Video Games: Aside from the fact that is fun, medical research has shown that videos games are known to improve hand-eye co-ordination and help players gain skills like fast decision making and help players think on their feet. Video games teach players problem solving, motivation and cognitive skills and so on . So my guy biko buy yourself some PSP or Xbox 360 cause you need to be fast with your fingers on the turntable.

Accessories: You need to look good always, you don’t have to do too much but please look good and one way to achieve this is by adding some dope accessories to your outfit.

Controller: Everyday a new technology comes up, change is constant and you as a DJ must be willing to change. The controllers can be used in replacement of your turntables or CDJs depending on the kind of function you are having. I recommend the new Pioneer DDJ-SX DJ Controller With Serato. You’ll love it

Digital Camera: Pictures, Videos are very important files in today’s world . We all know the importance to documentation. So get it !