DJ Gear

If you want start DJ-ing with a controller set-up, you need a few elements to start with. I highly recommend a controller setup with more than very basic stuff. With all the modern technology, we digital DJs need to use it to our advantage and learn creative skills as soon as possible (this is me). Further down below I will give some gear recommendations. The things you need are:

One or more controllers
A pair of active monitor speakers
- if you already have other nice speakers with physical inputs (not Bluetooth only), even some portable ones like the UE Megaboom, and you don't have much money, you could use those instead for now.
Headphones
A Macbook or Windows laptop (Macbook preferred)
Cables

Set-ups: Traktor & Rekordbox

I recommend a Native Instruments Traktor Pro 3 or Pioneer Rekordbox set-up.

Rekordbox:

Beginner controllers with a lot of advanced controls (e.g. a "keyboard" function to use part of a track as a melodic instrument)
Great interface with amazing browsing functionality
Direct exporting functionality to USB for club gear
Amazing sound-quality when changing tempo

Traktor 3:

Highly customisable & easy to use interface
Many creative live-elements for advanced use (e.g. remix decks with 64 slots for samples & loops)
Tons of great sounding effects out-of-the-box
Not so great on sound quality & library management...

I teach with both set-ups!

Gear recommendations

Depending on your budget and aspirations, I recommend the following gear. Most things are for lower budgets / beginners, but with a minimum good quality (no shitty stuff).Where to buy? These are some great web-shops in Netherlands/Europe:

I don't recommend Media Markt! (BAD returning policies)

Controllers

Pioneer FLX4 or 2nd hand DDJ-400 for Rekordbox
Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3
Low on budget? Get a used S2 or S4 MK2, great value! (always test first!)

Headphones

Sennheiser HD25

Monitor speakers

Presonus Eris E5
JBL 305P MKII (2x)
Yamaha HS 7 (2x) or Yamaha HS 8 (2x)
Isolation pads or speaker stands (to get clearer sound & disturb neighbours less)

Don't forget to buy audio cables to connect your DJ gear & laptop to your monitor speakers. Ask the web-shop for help if you need it (they are kind).