🎛️ The Essential Gear I Use to Keep My Sets Tight and Creative

As I step onto the stage and the crowd erupts under strobing lights, I know the energy of the night is in my hands—but behind that moment is a carefully curated toolkit. From the first beat to the final fade, it’s my gear that keeps the set tight and my creativity flowing. Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at the essential equipment I rely on to bring the party to life.

🎚️ My Go-To Controller: The Pioneer DDJ-SX3

When it comes to blending energy and precision, the Pioneer DDJ-SX3 is my ride-or-die. Its responsive jog wheels, onboard FX, and intuitive layout let me stay completely in the zone. Whether I’m executing a clean transition or layering in samples, it’s all at my fingertips.

📝 Live Story: One of my most memorable sets was at Empire Control Room in Austin. I dropped an unreleased track and built it up with some quick FX on the fly—SX3 made it seamless. That crowd reaction? Unreal.

💻 Software That Elevates My Performance: Serato DJ Pro

Serato DJ Pro is the brains behind my mixes. The intuitive interface keeps me locked into the music instead of fiddling with menus. It lets me manage crates, mark cue points, and loop sections effortlessly.

🎵 Pro Tip: I use the Pitch ‘n Time expansion to stretch or shrink BPMs without altering pitch. It’s perfect for jumping from a deep bass banger to a melodic groove while keeping the vibe locked in.

🎛️ The Power of Effects: Roland SP-404A

There’s something raw and exciting about bringing hardware FX into a live set. The Roland SP-404A lets me sample, loop, and drop vocal stabs or atmospheric sounds on the fly.

📍 Moment Worth Remembering: During a late-night gig at The Parish, I threw in a quirky voice sample mid-drop using the SP-404. The crowd went crazy—it was one of those you had to be there moments.

🎧 Headphones That Never Let Me Down: Sennheiser HD 25

Great headphones are underrated—until you’re mid-set trying to hear your cue point over the roar of a crowd. That’s why I use the Sennheiser HD 25s.

Why I swear by them:

Insane sound isolation

Clear mids and highs for cueing

Lightweight and durable

When it’s crunch time and every beat matters, these headphones help me nail transitions and avoid audio disasters.

🔦 Lighting and Visuals: Amplifying the Experience

While not “gear” I personally own, visuals are part of my essential setup. I always collaborate with local VJs to create a vibe that aligns with my set.

💡 Set Highlight: During a show at The 512, the visuals synced perfectly with a dark techno build I was spinning. The room transformed—it wasn’t just a party, it was a full sensory journey.

🧠 Key Takeaways

🎛️ Pioneer DDJ-SX3 keeps my sets clean and responsive.

💻 Serato DJ Pro gives me full creative control with smooth software integration.

🎛️ Roland SP-404A adds that extra edge of spontaneity and flair.

🎧 Sennheiser HD 25 headphones let me hear every detail, no matter how loud the room gets.

🔦 Visuals, lighting, and vibe make a good show great—collaborate with your local creatives!

If you’re looking to level up your live performances, the right gear isn’t just an investment—it’s part of your voice. Everything I use is about creating connection, energy, and emotion. Come catch a show in Austin and see how it all comes together.

🎧 Want a preview? Check out my latest drop on SoundCloud and follow for upcoming releases and show dates!