Adam J’s DJ Booth Must-Haves: 26 Years of Lessons the Hard Way

After 26 years behind the decks, I’ve realized that my list of DJ booth must-haves is pretty simple. It all started with ensuring that my turntables’ needles are in pristine condition. But now, after spending hundreds of thousands of hours in DJ booths from the UK to Dubai—what I need has become very clear. Comfort and reliability are everything.

For me, walking into a booth needs to feel like coming home. I want to know that once I step behind the decks, everything will just work. That way, if something does go wrong, it’s on me—not the gear. I never want to be that DJ blaming the equipment. I’ve seen those types, and to be honest, no one likes a gear diva.

Let’s be real—there’s nothing worse than showing up at a gig all hyped to play, and you’re greeted with a crusty old mixer from who-knows-when. Buttons are jammed, channels are fried, the jog wheels on the CDJs feel like they’re stuck in honey, and of course, it’s not compatible with Serato. Instantly, that excitement turns into stress. You’re scrambling to fix stuff before your set even starts, and it kills the vibe before you play a single track. That’s why having the right setup matters so much to me.

The A9: A phenomenal mixer, but not for me.

Let’s talk mixers for a second—specifically, the Pioneer DJ DJM-A9. Now, I’m not taking anything away from it, it’s fantastic and has tons of great features and tech, but it’s just not for me. I use Beat FX a lot, like it’s a major part of my style. With the A9, the time divisions on the Beat FX are just… weird. Instead of smoothly going from 1/2 to 1/4, it throws in this random 1/3 jump in between. That messes everything up when I’m trying to build tension or drop something clean with the effects.

That’s why my go-to is still the DJM-900NXS or the NXS2. It’s solid, familiar, and it does exactly what I want it to do without any surprises. I know the layout like the back of my hand. The effects timing is on point. And most importantly, I don’t have to think twice—I can just focus on the music and the crowd.

Height Matters

Another thing I’m picky about—and this one comes with age—is the height of the DJ table. I’m tall, and there’s nothing worse than having to bend over the decks all night. It might not seem like a big deal if you’re just starting out, but trust me, after a couple hours, your back and shoulders will let you know.

For me, the higher the decks, the better. If the table is above hip height, I’m golden. I’ve even asked venues to raise the booth before or used gear cases to give it a lift. Not only does it help me stand tall and avoid slouching, but it makes it way easier for my arms to move freely— especially when I’m scratching. That elbow glide? Crucial.

One Monitor, Loud and Clear

Now let’s talk about monitoring. I don’t use headphones when I DJ, which throws some people off. But I’ve been mixing long enough that I know my tracks inside and out. Instead, I rely on the booth monitor—and it needs to be loud and clear. It’s non-negotiable. If I can’t hear my own mix properly, I can’t deliver. Simple as that.

Some booths come with two monitors, and while that sounds good in theory, it really depends on how they’re placed. If they’re pointing in different directions or out of sync, it can actually mess me up more than help. So honestly, just give me one solid monitor, placed right, and I’m good to go.

Stay Hydrated, Stay Sharp

Last but not least: water. This might sound basic, but I always need a big bottle of water with me. DJing is physical work—you’re on your feet, moving, reading the crowd, adjusting to the energy, and if you’re doing long sets, it can be draining. Staying hydrated keeps me sharp and helps me stay focused.

Only downside? The mid-set bathroom run. It happens. You start sipping water early in the night, and suddenly you’ve got that “uh-oh” feeling mid-set. Then it’s a game of hunting through your library for that one track that’s long enough to buy you 4 minutes of escape. You make that mad dash, hoping no one notices you’ve vanished, and you’re back before the drop. It’s almost a skill in itself.

At the end of the day, my must-haves aren’t about showing off or being demanding. They’re about making sure I can deliver 100% every time I step up to play. With the right setup, I can get into the zone, connect with the crowd, and just enjoy the music. That’s what it’s all about. After two and a half decades in the booth, these small details are what keep me consistent—and keep me loving what I do.