Do you really need turntables for DJing electro house music?

Answer 1

Absolutely not, there are four typical DJ setups:

Computer only

Checkout software like: Traktor, VirtualDJ, Ableton, etc. It can be very difficult to DJ with only a computer as you have to remember a number of keyboard shortcuts for things that would normally be intuitive on the other setups but it is a good place to start.

Go to the related link to learn about laptop DJing.

Controllers

Controllers may be Midi or USB used for controlling software on a computer which combines more traditional hands on DJing with computer DJing. The controllers usually have control for two virtual decks and a mixer in the middle.

Examples: Vestax VCI-300, Numark NS7, Pioneer DDJ-S1

See reviews in the related link.

CDJs

To DJ with CD's you will either need two table-top DJ style CD players or a rack mounted dual CD player. DJ CD players are not the same as consumer CD players; they have features like pitch control and jog wheels which are a necessity. You will also need a mixer in your CD setup.

CD Player Examples: Pioneer CDJ-400, Denon DN-S3500

Mixer Examples: Pioneer DJM-800, Vestax PMC-05Pro

Turntables

Similar to CD players but for records (vinyl). You would need two DJ style turntables and a mixer for a vinyl setup.

Turntable Examples: Technics SL-1200, Vestax PDX-3000

A note on turntables and CD players: newer technology allows turntables and CD players to control software on a laptop like a controller. One of the more common interfaces for this purpose is called Serato which is a "DVS" or Digital Vinyl System.