Ask any Sweetwater musician — DJs can be challenging to shop for. On the one hand, given the amount of gear most performers use on the stage and the variety of their play styles, there are plenty of gift options. On the other hand, ensuring the quality and versatility of each piece of gear is critical to the success of your recipient’s act. Thankfully, we chose to keep the process simple. After conversing with our most esteemed performers, we compiled a list of the best gifts for DJs to help cut the complexity of your search and provide the musician in your life with a gift they’re sure to love.
- Pioneer DJ DDJ-FLX4 2-deck Rekordbox and Serato DJ Controller
- Numark DJ2GO2 Touch 2-channel Serato DJ Controller
- Hercules DJ Mk2 DJLearning Kit
- Erica Synths Zen Delay Delay Effects Unit with Tube Overdrive
- Ortofon Mix Concorde Mk II Turntable Cartridge and Stylus
- Reloop RP-2000 mk2 Direct-drive Turntable
- Magma Bags Magma Solid Blaze Pack 80 Lightweight Daypack
- Roland AIRA Compact T-8 Beat Machine
- Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Closed-back Studio Monitoring Headphones
Pioneer DJ DDJ-FLX4 2-deck Rekordbox and Serato DJ Controller
Powerful control station for any performing DJ
The performance controller is the most critical asset in any DJ’s arsenal. To that end, the Pioneer DJ DDJ-FLX4 2-deck Rekordbox and Serato DJ controller is more than just a powerful piece of gear. Incredibly versatile multi-device compatibility, streaming integration, and a familiar Pioneer DJ layout make this deck a suitable option for any performance-style DJ. Sixteen onboard performance pads offer seamless access to essential cue, effects, jump, and sample functions, while the included Smart Fader ensures smooth transitions between tracks — perfect for both stage and studio use. Best of all, it’s completely USB bus powered and compatible with a range of PC, Mac, Android, and iOS devices, offering access to artists of any setup.
Numark MixTrack Go
Give the gift of on-the-go imagination
The Numark MixTrack Go is a portable 2-deck controller that works with Serato DJ Lite/Pro, Algoriddim djay, and VirtualDJ. Capacitive touch jog wheels, Filter knobs, and pads for Cues, Loops, Sampler, and Stems keep your hands on the music, while Bluetooth MIDI lets you mix wirelessly from a phone or tablet. USB-C power and a built-in audio interface with Main and Headphone outputs make it easy to practice or play anywhere.
GigBar 3 ILS 3-in-1 LED Lighting System
All-in-one, easy portable light show
The Chauvet DJ GigBar 3 ILS packs two LED derbies, two RGB+UV pars, and a 74-LED strip into one 41-inch bar, so a single stand lights up a whole dance floor. Built-in automated and sound-active programs get a show running fast, while DMX, a wireless footswitch, and an RF remote give you control options. It weighs 13.22 pounds, packs into one carry bag with its tripod, and has four slots for extra fixtures.
Erica Synths Zen Delay Delay Effects Unit with Tube Overdrive
Don’t delay on this DJ gem
The Erica Synths Zen Delay delay effects unit has become an extremely popular tool among DJ artists due to its versatility and exceptional modulative prowess. Designed in collaboration with the English record label Ninja Tune, this device boasts massive delay times and an arsenal of operation modes to conduct unique effects amid any mix. Its tap tempo button also makes tempo syncing a cinch on the fly. Even in performances when delay isn’t necessary, DJs can still benefit from the onboard filters and tube drive. Topped off with true analog circuitry, MIDI and CV inputs, and a full stereo signal path, there’s no doubt that the Zen Delay can bring the clearest and most advanced delay utility to any DJ desktop.
Ortofon Mix Concorde Mk II Turntable Cartridge and Stylus
Top-shelf clarity for old-school turntablists
While most modern DJs prefer to spin via digital equipment, a select few insist on old-school vinyl techniques. If you’re shopping for a gift recipient like that, then the Ortofon Mix Concorde Mk II turntable cartridge and stylus is a great gift option. It’s a first-rate stylus for turntable devices, granting even more clarity and control than stock styli. Plus, given its DJ-friendly build, it’s capable of scratching and back-cueing without damaging your vinyl. There’s a reason Ortofon is among the most popular DJ-oriented brands — when it comes to analog gear, musicians at Sweetwater constantly turn to this company to bolster the performance of their setups.
Reloop RP-2000 mk4 Direct-drive Turntable
A safe bet for any record-bearing disc jockey
The Reloop RP-2000 MK4 pairs a quartz-controlled direct-drive motor with a die-cast aluminum platter, giving you strong torque, sub-second startup, and steady, accurate playback. The static-balance S-shaped tonearm has a universal SME connection, so swapping cartridges is simple, and an Ortofon OM Black cartridge comes pre-mounted. A ±8% Pitch fader with a center-click detent handles beatmatching, and shock-absorbing feet help keep needle skips in check.
Magma Bags Magma Solid Blaze Pack 80 Lightweight Daypack
Have your performance in the bag
Look at any DJ’s setup, and you’ll notice the huge amount of gear they have in their rig. However, this amount of equipment has a caveat: it’s challenging to tote between gigs. Grab the musician in your life a Magma Bags Magma Solid Blaze Pack 80 lightweight daypack, and they’ll be forever grateful, thanks to the bag’s organized structure and durable, travel-friendly design. These bags ensure enough space for headphones, smaller controllers, turntables, and a wide variety of accessories, providing an easier way to manage your gear during performance and travel situations. Best of all, their air-channel back padding guarantees top-dollar comfort and protection of your gear, so your equipment can hit the stage as soon as it arrives.
Roland AIRA Compact T-8 Beat Machine
Out-beat the competition
The beat is the driving force behind any DJ mix. The Roland AIRA Compact T-8 Beat Machine brings that and more, with six rhythm tracks modeled after the classic TR-606, TR-808, and TR-909 drum machines for supreme, vintage beat-making possibilities. Its compact form factor makes it a seamless addition to any existing rig, and built-in effects means there’s no need for external processing devices. Onboard MIDI, audio, and synch I/O give the AIRA Compact T-8 great compatibility with any performance software and can easily sync to your performance project. Sweetwater DJs are constantly looking for new rhythm-driving additions to their rigs — with the Roland AIRA Compact T-8 Beat Machine on hand, the process is a cinch.
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Closed-back Studio Monitoring Headphones
Hear every nuance, and display full confidence
Last up is a piece of gear that no DJ can live without: a quality pair of studio monitor headphones. These Audio-Technica ATH-M50x closed-back headphones are a perfect choice due to their wide 15Hz–28kHz frequency response and tonal accuracy — ensuring you’re always getting the best representation of your mix. Movement onstage is no issue, thanks to a space-saving design and 90-degree swiveling earcups. Best of all, ATH-M50x headphones come with every accessory to get you started, including detachable cables, a screw-on adapter, and a handy carrying pouch to transport your gear safely to the scene. It’s never a good idea to hit the stage without a solid monitor setup — get just that with this set of cans from Audio-Technica.
Can’t Decide? Give a Sweetwater Gift Card!
If you can’t make up your mind, then we have the perfect gift solution: a Sweetwater Gift Card! These can be purchased as either a digital card or as a physical card that you can use as a stocking stuffer.
For a digital card, simply click on the “Send as an e-Gift” button below, fill out your information, and choose the amount you want to place on the card. You can then email the gift card to your lucky giftee that day or choose a later date — you have up to a year to send it! Send a personal message with your gift card to make it even more special. Your giftee can pick from any of our 63,000 products, and they don’t have to spend it all on one purchase.
For a physical gift card, choose the “Send a Gift Card” option, choose the amount and the message, and we’ll handle the rest by mailing the card to either you or your recipient.
Whichever you choose, we are confident that the convenience will make this holiday season less stressful all around! These are the easiest way to make the season a little brighter.
Spread DJ Cheer with Sweetwater this Season!
There are several devices DJs use to conjure up signature performances. That said, we hope this list helped you select a gift that fits the musician you have in mind this holiday season. Plenty more options are available here at Sweetwater, so feel free to browse our entire selection of DJ-oriented equipment. If you need extra assistance or have questions about a specific product, then call one of our Sweetwater Sales Engineers at (800) 222-4700. Happy holidays!
