Want to start cutting up some beats and begin DJing but don’t know where to start? Then Sugarpill has an excellent introductory gear guide for you. From controllers to soundcards, this is a quick and dirty list that may save you a lot of time spent on research.

Head over to InTheMix with Sugarpill for the review.

And here’s a little bit of my own input:

As far controllers go, the now discontinued M-Audio Trigger Finger is a staple. There’s a reason why you see almost every VJ/controllerist/DJ with one. It’s highly customizable but sacrifices on durability. I love the hell out of Trigger Finger, had it for a few years now, but you’ve just got to accept that it isn’t built to last. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t a fantastic device. There are many people out there who are on their fifth one and are always hunting for a back up.

Sugarpill recommends the MDR-V700 headphones and although they are the standard, I found them to be only adequate. I had a pair and went through them in about a year. After that I got the Sennheiser HD 25-SP II and I’m never looking back. Shell out the extra $50 and you will not be disappointed! Plus all parts are user replaceable. The only caution is that you should try them out and see how they feel. Some people complain about tightness around the ears, but I found them to loosen up after a few months. Plus, the tight fit provides a little bit of sound isolation as well.

Finally, Sugarpill is absolutely right about notebook and midi controller stands. This trend is catching on and it makes for much more interaction between performer and audience.

“Go to your local office supply store or online DJ store and get something to set your laptop on or your back will hurt after a 45 minute session. Equally important is the Midi Controller stand, as an Ableton DJ it is really important that people can see what you are doing on the pads. It drives me crazy when someone sets their trigger finger up behind their raised computer and the extent of their stage show is something that looks like occasionally checking your email and then dancing around about what you’ve seen on it.”

-Sugarpill