Phase Team
Published on
July 9, 2025
If you’ve ever watched a DJ cut it up on stage and thought, "I need to learn how to do that!", you’re not alone. Scratching is one of the most exciting, expressive, and technical skills a DJ can master.
Before diving into gear, it’s crucial to understand the techniques behind the art.
We’ve already shared some great resources to help you master the basics, like these 5 essential scratching techniques every DJ should know, and this list of the best scratching series on YouTube to level up your skills.
But today, let’s focus on the ultimate question: what’s the best setup to start scratching? In this article, we’ll break down everything you need, from turntables and mixers to DVS systems and exclusive scratch content, so you can start your journey on the right note.
When it comes to scratching, nothing beats the feel and control of real vinyl turntables. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, choosing the right turntable is crucial.
There are plenty of options out there, each with its own strengths and price points. Here, we’re focusing on our top picks for pure performance, designed to give you the best possible experience when practicing or performing scratch techniques.
If you want to explore even more options and find a deck that fits your budget and style, check out our in-depth guide on the best DJ decks for any budget in 2025.
The Technics SL-1200 series is legendary, and the MK7 continues that legacy. Known for its rock-solid build, ultra-precise pitch control, and smooth platter, it’s a favorite among battle DJs worldwide. You’ll get that classic Technics feel that has defined turntablism for decades.
The Reloop RP-7000 MK2 is an absolute beast designed with scratch DJs in mind.
With a high-torque motor, sturdy build, and advanced features like adjustable start/stop speed, it offers a premium experience at a slightly more affordable price point. It’s built to withstand heavy-handed scratch sessions without breaking a sweat.
Pioneer’s PLX-1000 combines a traditional feel with modern reliability. Its strong torque, solid construction, and smooth operation make it a fantastic choice for scratching. Plus, it’s compatible with most DVS systems right out of the box, making it a versatile option for any setup.
When choosing a mixer for scratching, the most important factor is the crossfader. It needs to be ultra-precise, super robust, and specifically designed to handle the movements of scratch techniques.
Once you’ve found a mixer with a high-quality crossfader, the rest really comes down to personal preference.
Some DJs swear by the buttery feel of Rane crossfaders, while others love the sharp, responsive touch of Pioneer.
Either way, always make sure the mixer’s crossfader is truly built for scratching, it’s the core of your performance.
After locking in your crossfader choice, it’s worth evaluating additional features.
We highly recommend mixers with an integrated DVS sound card (more on that in the next section). This opens up more flexibility for mixing, scratching, and even beat juggling without needing extra gear.
Other options to consider include built-in effects, accessible cue point buttons, and performance pads. While not strictly essential, these features can be powerful creative tools that take your routines to the next level.
Here are some of our favorite mixers that tick all these boxes:
Digital Vinyl Systems (DVS) allow you to control digital audio files using traditional turntables. In other words, you get the hands-on feel of vinyl with the limitless possibilities of digital music libraries.
The clear standout here? Phase DJ. Unlike traditional DVS systems that rely on timecode vinyl and needles, Phase eliminates needles completely, using wireless technology to control the track with ultimate precision and stability.
On top of being an ultra high-performance solution, it also saves you money in the long run, no more constantly replacing worn-out needles which is just perfect for practice.
Plus, you can finally forget about those nightmare moments when a needle skips during a battle or performance.
Since its release, Phase has proven itself and naturally established a new standard, now trusted and used by hundreds of thousands of DJs worldwide.
If you want to learn more about Phase and how it can transform your setup, check out the official Phase page.
If you decide to go with a DVS setup (which we highly recommend for scratching), you’ll also need to choose the right DJ software to pair with your gear.
There are several popular options out there that support DVS, including:
While each of these has its strengths and weaknesses, two stand out when it comes to serious scratch practice: Serato DJ Pro and Djay.
Both offer outstanding precision and the most optimized DVS systems on the market today. Plus, they are both fully compatible in HID mode with Phase, unlocking the highest level of performance and control possible.
Choosing between the two ultimately depends on your preferences and the mixer you’ve selected:
Want to dive deeper into DJ software options? Check out our full guide on the best software for DJs in 2025 for a detailed breakdown of features, pros, and cons.
Gear is only half the battle. To really grow as a scratch DJ, you need high-quality content to practice with.
Scratch samples are essential, they give you those classic sounds ("ahh", "fresh", and more) that make your scratches come alive.
Instrumentals, on the other hand, provide the perfect backdrop to cut over. While technically you can scratch over anything, dedicated instrumentals are designed to let your cuts shine.
That’s why we highly recommend checking out the DJ Store by Phase DJ. You’ll find exclusive packs crafted by legends like DJ Qbert, the Beat Junkies, DJ Rena, and many more. These packs offer an endless source of high-quality scratch samples and beats, so you’ll always have fresh material to inspire your sessions. Plus, new exclusive content is added regularly, only available on the DJ Store.
Building the best setup to start scratching isn’t just about gear, it’s about finding what inspires you to practice every day and push your skills further.
What’s your dream scratch setup? What gear do you swear by? Drop a comment below and let us know, let’s keep the scratch community buzzing and help each other level up!
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