DJ Mixers

A DJ requires several pieces of equipment to keep the crowd dancing and entertained. If you're overwhelmed by where to start, a quality DJ mixer should be at the top of your list. A DJ mixer board lets you control and manipulate the audio from multiple sources: record turntables, CD players, laptops, mobile devices like a smartphone or iPad, and more. You can make seamless transitions between tracks, add scratching and other sound effects, create beats, adjust levels and more. Plus, you can use studio headphones with a music mixer to preview tracks and cue audio filters before playing them for your audience. Best Buy has a great selection of budget-friendly to premium DJ mixers and DJ controllers.

To choose the best DJ mixer, start by determining how many channels you require. You'll need one for each sound source. A mixer has a minimum of two channels. But perhaps you need to accommodate more components in your setup. Or maybe you want the option to support additional devices as your skills improve. In that case, consider investing in a DJ mixer with a couple more channels.

Then narrow down the options with other important features. How will you be using the mixer? What controls do you want? Faders, jog wheels and trigger pads let you edit patterns, notes and velocity. Do you need a DJ controller compatible with Mac, PC or both? Is portability a concern? If you're serious about your music production, you might also want music editing software to remix songs and create playlists for the DJ board.

Once you've chosen a mixer that fits your performance needs, it's time to get the party started. There are several accessories you can combine with an analog or digital mixer to excite the crowd and keep them dancing. Add DJ lighting for a colorful light show that enhances the beat of the music. Whether you're a professional DJ or hosting an impromptu house party, DJs need a wireless microphone to pump up partygoers. But the top DJ mixer accessory is a crisp, powerful sound speaker system that makes people feel the music and hit the dance floor — and stay there.