Marshmello's DJ Equipment: The Key to His Unforgettable Beats

by Alan Jansen Aug 04, 2023

Did you know that Marshmello's DJ equipment is among the top 15 ridiculously expensive things he owns? That's not surprising, considering he is a celebrity DJ, Electronic Dance Music (EDM) artist, and producer. The world-renowned DJ is famous for many things, one of them being his exquisite taste in equipment. What equipment does Marshmello use? Keep reading below to find out.

Does Marshmello Make His Own Beats?

Marshmello makes his own beats. He is one of the best music producers in the game. He combines synths, kicks, and other elements to create amazing beats. On multiple occasions, he has said that he aims to create something beautiful and positive people will connect with. And what better way to do this than by making his own beats? So, what does Marshmello use to make music? Here is a rundown of the equipment he uses. 

What DJ Board Does Marshmello Use?

A DJ board or mixer merges multiple audio inputs into one. Before the output, the DJ has to tweak a few things to ensure the final sound comes out right. Let's check what Marshmello uses. 

Pioneer DJ DJM-900NXS2

When it comes to DJing equipment, Pioneer hardly gets it wrong. The Pioneer DJM 900NXS2, also called Nexus 2, features a professional sound design that uses dithering technology, maintaining the audio quality of music. 

The sound color FX feature allows for a variety of sound effects, including filter, crush, sweeper, dub echo, noise, and space. This controller enables the user to engage with 14 different types of beats, a feature we are sure Marshmello appreciates. 

What DJ Controller Dies Marshemello Use?

A DJ Controller is arguably the most important piece of equipment for any DJ. The equipment allows DJs to make seamless transitions from one song to the next. Of course, Marshmello uses advanced DJ controllers that create loops, beats, and scratching effects. Take a look at the controllers he mainly uses. 

Pioneer RMX-1000 Remix Station

The Pioneer RMX-1000 Remix Station is a simple-to-operate system with high-quality hardware, VST/AU plug-ins, and editing software. It allows a user to create new beats and sounds on the go. With well-designed controls, it makes it easy to create unique sounds, which would initially take hours. 

This equipment can be used with Remixbox™ editing software, allowing the DJ to tailor the hardware to their needs. And because the settings can be saved on a MicroSD card, a DJ can take their samples anywhere without carrying all this other heavy equipment. 

Traktor Kontrol S4 MK2

The Traktor Kontrol S4 MK2 is among the best DJ controllers, and with good reasons. The 4-channel mixer has many features that most DJ equipment lack. One of the features that probably excites most DJs, including Marshmello, is the remix decks which enable you to introduce many new slots that you can fill with audio files.

Usually, a DJ can only upload one audio file for every deck. That means with two decks, you get two songs per channel which you can mix. However, with remix decks, a DJ can upload as many files as possible. 

From this Marshmello DJ setup, it's evident that the DJ takes his skills seriously and thus uses the best equipment in the market to create high-quality music.

What Turntable Does Marshmello Use?

Turntables are usually used for mixing pre-recorded music. They are like CD players with slip-pad disks. Here is what Marshmello uses. 

Pioneer CDJ-2000 Nexus

This is another DJ controller with a brilliant sound output, thanks to the 96kHz/24-bit sound card. The Pioneer CDJ-2000 Nexus has a nice build, excellent display controls, and the 7-inch touchscreen allows for easy file management. 

Buttons like sync, quantize, beat-divide, and cue and play have all been intuitively placed to allow the DJ to easily locate and work with them. To summarize, the unit has been enhanced with features to improve sound quality. 

What Laptops Does Marshmello Use?

Although a laptop isn't the most fancy or major Marshmello gear, it's certainly important. Marshmello uses an Apple MacBook Pro, 15", which is one of the most powerful and fastest MacBooks on the market. 

Aside from being a great choice for DJing, one can use it for other creative tasks like content creation and video editing. It's also fast and has a sleek and powerful look that not many brands in the same price range can achieve. The major downside is the 256GB storage. But if Marshmello uses it, then that must be adequate space for his music files.

What Headphones Does Marshmello Use?

Most DJs wear those large headsets when performing. But because Marshmello wears a helmet, he can't wear such, as they won't fit inside. So, he uses the Powerbeats Pro AirPods by Dr. Dre. They are tiny, wireless, lightweight, and adjustable for comfort and stability.

They also have control buttons on each earbud for tracks, volume, pausing, and playing music. And because they're water and sweat resistant, they can last a long time. For less than $150, you can get yourself a pair and experience the powerful sounds these headphones produce.  

What Software Does Marshmello Use?

One of the things a DJ will need to create and arrange music is a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW). This software program is used for composing, recording, mixing, producing, and editing audio and MIDI. There are several Digital Audio Workstation software one can work with, but Marshmello uses Ableton Live. 

Ableton Live

In a GQ interview, Marshmello mentioned that he uses Ableton Live. It's a well-respected music production software, and with good reason. In fact, it's considered the best sampling looper because it features exceptional sampling and synths plug-ins for designing amazing sound. 

Aside from its synthesis and sampling capabilities, its plug-in suite does quite well with excellent reverbs, delays, EQs, and compression.

The software is available in three versions, namely Intro, Standard, and Suite. Intro is the cheapest going for $99a, and it gives you 16 audio and MIDI tracks, eight inputs for simultaneous recording, eight scenes, two sends and returns. It also has a 5GB library size that consists of four visual instruments with 1500+ sounds and 21 effects plug-ins. 

At $349, the standard plan gives you unlimited audio and MIDI tracks, 256 mono audio input and 256 mono audio output channels, 12 sends and returns, audio warp and slicing, 6 software instruments, and over 1800 sounds (10GB).

The Suite plan costs $749, with everything in standard and so much more. You get 17 software instruments, 5000 sounds (70GB), and 60 audio effects. 

Marshmello uses this DAW because of its intuitive interface, non-linear composition, and versatility. It gives him the creative freedom to develop his ideas, and has great editing capabilities. 

What Plug-ins Does Marshmello Use?

If you listen to Marshmello's music, you'll notice that it's very detailed. This is thanks to audio plug-ins. Plug-ins work along DAWs to enhance or extend their functionality. Marshmello uses Xfer Records Serum and reFX Nexus 2.  

Xfer Records Serum

This Virtual Studio Technology (VST) has been designed to meet all your creative and sound design needs. Xfer Records Serum has an intuitive interface that allows Marshmello to create, edit, morph, and import wavetables in real-time. This tool is suitable for both professionals and beginners.

reFX Nexus 2

The reFX Nexus 2 is a fast and easy-to-use production tool with a huge selection of high-quality sounds. It has a simple interface making it easy to select your settings with just a turn of a knob. With just a glance, you can deduce how Marshmello can produce music quickly using this plug-in. 

What Synths Does Marshmello Use? 

Synths are short for synthesizer. The tools generate and modify sounds electronically and are used for composing electronic music. The Synths Marshmello uses are Reveal Sound Spire and Native Instruments Massive.

Reveal Sound Spire

The Reveal sound spire is a must-have software synth for producers seeking the finest synth sounds. It has an intuitive interface that lets you dive into a world of synth sounds. From hard-hitting rhythms to mellow pads and glistening leads, producers are spoilt for choice. Considering that you get more than 900 presets to keep your compositions fresh, it's no surprise Marshmello finds it useful. 

While Spire has an extensive list of presets, it also gives users the tools to make their own sounds from the ground up. With such a feature, Marshmello can explore his creativity. It also features a wide range of modulators and filters, allowing users to tweak each sound for more tonal variety. 

Native Instruments Massive

Most electronic music producers, like Marshmello, have probably used this software synthesizer. One of its main features is the oscillators that give users more than 170 wavetables to create different tones and notes. You also get quality sound that's rich and dynamic to help you create unique music. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Marshmello play instruments?

While he knows how to work with many virtual instruments, Marshmello only plays the guitar.

What Apps does he use to make music?

Although not an app exactly but more of a software, Marshmello used Ableton Live to make music. 

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