4 Things Every Controller DJ Needs To Know About CDJs

Making the jump from a controller to using CDJs for the first time can be a bit intimidating, but it's not as hard as it used to be: Modern DJ controllers like the Pioneer DJ DDJ-400 or the Roland DJ-202, share a similar layout to the CDJ set-up that you'll find in club and bar booths.
Though many features are similar, there are some key differences that you should be aware of when making the switch from controllers to CDJs, and we go through four of them in this video.
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[@evns7142]

Last weekend I played my first set on CDJs having ONLY used a DDJ-400 before that. I thought they had a controller at the club but it was CDJs and I literally just had to learn as I went, but within 10 mins of practice before I started, I was comfortable enough to play a 2hr set. Jump in head first and learn as you go! Nothing to lose.

[@digitaldjtips]

Glad it went well for you Ashley!

[@hithere4289]

i mean a 400 is fairly familiar to CDJs

[@evns7142]

@@hithere4289 I had never seen/played on them before so it was a little daunting I got there, but you're right it's pretty straight forward

[@motivationmafia4949]

Bro thank you for this I’m playing my first set on the 7th never used cdjs either

[@paulmccartney9388]

Yeah man I’ve a festival now in two weeks to play and all I have is DDJ-400 so am glad now that I seen you’re comment, I’ll be coming to the festival about an hour or so early so I can practice lol

[@arronhoffman7992]

When I first played on CDJs, it was because I was playing my first live show, and the venue had their own equipment. The biggest hurdle for me to get over was honestly the intimidation of this huge set up in front of me. But after I got going, I did just fine. Another DJ let me use his Serato Box, so that helped me feel more familiar. I also use a Pioneer controller, so it felt similar to what I was used to. One thing I think is important to know is how to analyze your tracks on RekordBox before using CDJs. It's a lot easier when you can see your waveform and know the track's exact BPM. For me, I like playing on CDJs live because it's very convenient to show up with my headphones and a USB and be ready to play. But I would much rather have a controller for home use.

[@digitaldjtips]

Thanks for sharing Arron, I'm sure many will relate to that experience

[@cosmicpuma1409]

I am so looking forward to my first set of CDJ's - these vids are awesome, thank you!

[@digitaldjtips]

Good luck, hope you get them soon!

[@ashleycharmae7258]

Maybe also add that you have to have all of your tracks uploaded and analyzed through Rekord box before loading onto your usb because CDJs won't recognize them otherwise

[@digitaldjtips]

Good additional point :)

[@patrickbutlerentertainment5020]

So basically when you switch from a controller to CDJ’s you lose a ton of functionality 😂

[@digitaldjtips]

CDJs are catching up, but obviously software can introduce new features more easily than hardware.

[@DJHastingsFeverPitch]

Right, but I would guess that that is traded off for much higher reliability, durability, and precision

[@FordSierraIS]

yes big problem - you might even have to learn beatmatching

[@jordenlafortune1811]

Patrick Butler Entertainment lmao that’s how I feel but it’s like we’re forced to use cdjs because most clubs have them 🥴

[@patrickbutlerentertainment5020]

@Nicholas Pearce I'm already seeing controllers in clubs. Makes no difference to me. It's just a tool.

[@christiantrinidad7141]

You should make a video like this of the DJM-900! Using the effects on the DJM-900 compared to my controller were so much different

[@death70472]

Holy ok I just learned something new

[@lukedonnachie1672]

Ye a controller might have more features like my ddj 1000 but in my opinion playing on a cdj rig is just to fun

[@Zvrra]

First Live set coming up switching from a controller to DJ's! thank you

[@digitaldjtips]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@hulacarolina6541]

Mabuhay and Mahalo for everything ! You are exceptionally inspirational!

[@digitaldjtips]

Thanks a lot!

[@lebreejones3709]

Great video my friend exactly what I needed

[@digitaldjtips]

Glad to hear it

[@ClectaSkiMusic]

Great video as always, keep it up

[@overdosebalkony3953]

Thanks dude this was helpful af

[@digitaldjtips]

Awesome!

[@MODERNFLEX]

great video, appreciate it! i currently own a XDJ-RR and was curious about the switch to CDJ's for (hopefully) future bookings! thanks mate :)

[@digitaldjtips]

Glad to help!

[@iWubmusic]

I love that the Rx3 has most if not all these features

[@colonelbuendias]

this was very helpful. thx!

[@digitaldjtips]

You're welcome!

[@feelinthirstytv]

great tutorial thank you 🙏

[@digitaldjtips]

You are welcome!

[@plaguelustre512]

I have a DDJ 800, but I've also spun a few times on the xdj, so some of the features (especially the library) and using the flash drive hands free vs. the computer have become not as difficult. I was thrown into a set on a Nexus 2000 set up because my gear could not fit in the booth. One thing that saved me was knowing my tracks lol. It was VERY different for me, because even with the xdj, you can see and be able to catch the beats a little easier because the waveforms are on top of each other. With the CDJs I had to do EVERYTHING by ear. I am fine with that because I knew I had the ability, but at the time I didn't understand some of the settings on the cdjs, and I was having a lot of trouble catching things with the jog. I started rolling it back like vinyl LOL. I was so stressed out, but I only made one mistake LOL Thank you so much for breaking down everything here. Its been very helpful. I am jumping back on them in a week or so! Ahhh lol

[@digitaldjtips]

Very wise words, and very true.

[@djnopromises]

good tip never knew about the fast scroll

[@digitaldjtips]

Glad to help :)

[@willievaughn6474]

Thank you so much

[@digitaldjtips]

You're most welcome

[@medicinemusic7486]

thanks a lot!

[@digitaldjtips]

No problem!

[@facecheck9101]

Hell yea got a show the 22nd thanks for the tips, first time on CDJs 😁

[@digitaldjtips]

Glad to help, good luck!

[@austensalcedo5862]

Thank you brotha! I would like to see a video on how to organize songs and to transfer those songs to the flash drive and give an example on how that process looks

[@digitaldjtips]

Thanks for watching Austen, good idea :)

[@erikaleon2040]

Haven't made the transition yet - pretty nervous! Thanks for the tips, though.

[@digitaldjtips]

Glad to help :)

[@rjeption]

GOT MY FIRST GIG TOMORROW AT DECADES IN DC IM SO NERVOUS BUT EXCITEDDDDD

[@digitaldjtips]

Enjoy!

[@emilian2142]

Nice video !

[@digitaldjtips]

Thanks!

[@jordenlafortune1811]

I’m coming from a traktor s4 wanting to get into more of the gig playing in clubs and events so I’ll eventually need to upgrade to these

[@digitaldjtips]

Cool :)

[@XBASS247]

I made the jump from cdjs to ddj1000 , it’s better than a pair of cdjs and the streaming on them work like a dream

[@digitaldjtips]

Thanks XBass!

[@piurtv]

And then you have the Denon PRIME setups which just have pads...(also the CDJ-2000NX2 can have pads features with a DDJ-SP1 plugged into these).

[@d_m1nhh]

I've always set main 3 hot cues for mixing, other one is for playing around or "not so important part" of the track. So even on 2000 or 2000NXS with only 3 hot cues, I'm still fine with that

[@digitaldjtips]

Cool :)

[@KamauMau1]

Thanks for the video. I play on a Pioneer DDJ 1000 controller which I love. First played on CDJs a few weeks ago and was underwhelmed. I color code my cue points on Rekordbox and the colors didn't transfer onto the CDJ, meaning all the cue points were red. Unless there was a setting I was unaware of.

[@uonadtehrrocks]

You can color code them on the 2000NXS2, idk why your didnt transfer tho

[@Jagosvault]

this is a common thing. Some even don't transfer hot cues at all, this is why I mainly use mem cues because they are always supported :)

[@hot4futureyears2come]

Also, if you go too far back on the jog wheels with your hand it will stop or go into the previous track, i really wish they have a update to this long time issue.

[@j0nas5]

Thanks for great video! I have a question about sound: How much does the sound quality change when upgrading controllers? I made a comparison with my Pioneer ddj400 controller and a Phonic mu 1002 mixer and noticed the Phonic had waaay deeper bass and richness of adjusting the EQs in comparison with my ddj 400.

[@digitaldjtips]

There's a bit of a leap, but it's more about the quality of the audio files, mastering etc.

[@aidanmccarthy9249]

Just upgraded from an XDJ-RX to a CDJ-2000NXS2/Xone:96 setup. Not much of a learning curve between the XDJ-RX and the CDJs. but I'm still getting used to the Xone:96.

[@digitaldjtips]

Nice one :)

[@blackcyborg009]

Question: On some CDJ setups, they attach a device called Pioneer RMX-1000. 1) What is the purpose of Pioneer RMX-1000? 2) If you are a trance music DJ, how does that additional device help?

[@digitaldjtips]

Check out our review on that unit here and it'll explain things for you: www.digitaldjtips.com/reviews/pioneer-rmx-1000/

[@nikkoss8524]

Nice video. how about Beatmatching? does it have an off-set indicator or something like that?

[@nikkoss8524]

Thanks Robbie McCammon!

[@xiabeats3237]

That was so helpful! I do have a question about music formatting. If I make my playlists on serato DJ and plug them into a rekordbox system will it still work?

[@digitaldjtips]

No it won't unfortunately.

[@StahBoi]

Yes it will. I found a software called Rekord Buddy 2. "Smart Crates" will not copy over, but if you have regular crates and sub crates, they will copy over. It's literally just drag and drop. When you buy the software, they will provide links to the videos to show you how to use it. It's meant to communicate with Serato, Rekordbox, and Traktor. I literally just learned all this yesterday and did it successfully. Luckily I did not have to make all my folders over again.

[@conformcontrast3232]

There's also MixMasterG's "DJ Conversion Utility" that allows you to convert from Serato to anything (Traktor, Rekordbox, Denon, etc.) and back again!

[@NoaNaoki]

U can set not start auto play on settings 4 Hot cue pads

[@death70472]

Alright I’m def getting CDJ’s

[@digitaldjtips]

Glad we could help :)

[@janediaztempiam8442]

Could I change the order of the playlist? Instead of alphabetic order could I have it order by bpm as I do on my laptop§?

[@turtlekanal7347]

Great video, can u do another one where you go way deeper in detail? Like for example loops, transitions, fxs and stuff? Would be even greater :)

[@digitaldjtips]

Thanks for the idea TurtleKanal

[@NRG2]

With the adaptation of pads & controllers like the Circuit(or push),hybrid synthesis & the need for live instrumentation on stage...are cdj useful in a live electronic set up? Besides them being a standard found on stage, are there any pros that make cdjs superior to various controllers? Or is it some kind of puritanical ego thing with DJs? I could see how the circuitry itself might produce a better quality sound the way MOOG has a sound or the way a certain pickups have unique sonic qualities. Any opinions?

[@digitaldjtips]

You might be coming at this from a completely different angle as most DJs definitely don't agree with a "need for live instrumentation" - CDJs are built to last and make it so that every DJ who comes through can play on the same equipment, not the case with controllers and software etc

[@mitchhopkins8575]

I see exactly where you are coming from. I find two deck a to b mixing extremely boring. I learned on a Roland dj 808 and loved using the built in tr8 drum machine. From there I didn't look back and now I hybrid dj with synths, grooveboxes, or whatever gear I feel like bringing. I often wander completely out of dj'ing into live production, and then when it gets hairy I load a track and take a deep breath and let the track play for a bit while I concoct my next adventure in live performance. Love dj'ing this way. And yeah, cdj's seem pointless for this...except you do not have to bring your computer...which IS a big deal when you have other gear to plug in which is already different from the dj before you. I see cdj's making there way out and a bombproof standalone grabbing the market someday. One that has more functionality.

[@SweetScaleTV]

What are your thoughts DJs.... CDJ's or Mixers like S9/ Rane 72....and why?

[@digitaldjtips]

Completely personal preference, who cares as long as the music is good? :)

[@jK-zv7nk]

I’ve just been mixing and recording at home using rekordbox on my DDJ-400 for the past 3 months, but my biggest fear is using the CDJ set-up at a club, and it being alien to me. I know I’m getting too far ahead of myself because I’m just having fun, but if I decided to play a gig at a club one day - how difficult would it be to transition to playing at a club from a home set-up for the first time? Right now I use a bunch of hot cues I’ve set to certain tracks, but is bpm/beat matching pretty similar on this machine? Thanks!

[@digitaldjtips]

It'll be difficult at first but you'll quickly get used to it, play is play, cue is cue, hot cues are hot cues etc it doesn't change because the gear costs 10 times as much - it's the reason Pro DJs can easily play on anything that's in front of them. If you can, once you've gotten comfortable on your controller rent a pair of CDJs (or go somewhere you can practice) for an afternoon and I guarantee the fear will vanish.

[@evns7142]

I had this experience that you're dreading (playing on CDJs without using them before) and it took me about 15 mins before my gig to feel comfortable with it, and I then played for 2hrs. All Pioneer products are similar so you'd get the hang of it pretty easily.

[@scorchobassplayer]

Had the same fear an concern, gonna maybe rent a set for few days and really try them out. Glad I wasn’t the only one :)

[@jblwavessurfer9279]

Don't be scared, it's alot more easier than u think, i used the ddj 400 for a year and then upgraded to a CDJ Controller and 4 real, i like the ddj 400 just as much as the cdj or maybe even more because it is much smaller and feels like u have everything on one spot :) the only thing that was difficult is to use the fx and the directed channels fot it (on the ddj u just have one knob and u can click threw all ur fxs) on the the cdj mixer, u have to choose the channel and then use the fx but uts pretty much the same :) Good luck

[@gd_xl]

do CDJ hardware hot cues just take the first 3 out of 8 from the file?

[@nathand903]

Do you need to analyze your tracks on rekordbox before using cdjs(all sorts)? Is it not possible to copy straight onto USB after buying the tracks.

[@digitaldjtips]

If you want to have metadata and waveforms then yes you'll need to analyse them in Rekordbox first

[@DJSt3rling]

Can you CHANGE the behavior on the hot cues so that when you release, the sound cuts (like the default behavior on a Pioneer controller)?

[@digitaldjtips]

No, unfortunately not - you're stuck with it (at least, to the best of my knowledge - I hope somebody can prove me wrong!).

[@LDCi]

I don't think that is possible. You could use hotcues in slip mode I guess for a somewhat similar thing. on the xz it will then play for a maximum of 4 beats/1bar before returning to the current playposition or immediately upon hotcue release.

[@roderickastley502]

@@digitaldjtips Maybe if I use my laptop with serato dj pro in HID mode?

[@soiceyboy33]

Great video! Ive always had a controller....now I know I’m not ever buying a CDJ. It’s old news

[@djkanels2311]

I'm fairlsy sure most clubs would expect you to play on their equipment, which is most likely to be CDJs.

[@soiceyboy33]

DJ Kane LS clubs need to upgrade and move on to controllers like the DDJ SZ or DDJ 1000. They have way more features for less money. I can foresee the end of the CDJ soon

[@djkanels2311]

@@soiceyboy33 I totally agree, clubs should get with the times. But, unfortunately, for the time being CDJs are the standard.

[@christianalapaglia2693]

@@djkanels2311 I just believe the CDJ are more reliable tech wise too

[@uxrealkev]

Well you probably won't buy a CDJ since the CDJ Nexus2 (1 player) costs 2200€ lmao, and you need 2 players and a mixer, so this is not a setup for your home obviously :D

[@ellijackson6023]

Say your using 2 of these are both wave forms on both screens at all times so you can check your on beat. I know you should beat match by ear but I always think the wave forms help for people who have not been doing it for so long

[@digitaldjtips]

Nope, you'll have to train your ear!

[@cecazy]

You can see the beats of both of the songs at the same time underneath each other in the two displays (just above the wave form). Be careful though, they’re not always correct

[@ellijackson6023]

emi ly thanks

[@scoopydoo01]

Can we do both hot cues and memory cues at the same time? Havent played a cdj but i think soon il be playing dos. I think der are cdjs wid no hot cues on dem. So dats my question, if we can set both hotcues and memory cues all at the same time in rekordbox. Thanks.

[@digitaldjtips]

Yes, you can.

[@scoopydoo01]

Thanks

[@JJMza]

I care about *performance* as coming from a DJ Controller Pioneer DDJ-SB2. I feel like if you have a component setup for Mixing being "DECK1-MIXER-DECK2" then performance is better because of the dedicated hardware (this is why they're expensive). My DJ Controller is good but I feel like getting a Component Setup* which I think will help with performance. For instance, it all *boils down to Audiosync and Scratching* which doesn't feel responsive enough on a DJ Controller. I understand using ASIO can help but I don't want to use it because it prevents multiple audio playback from other apps (like youtubing while having a djmixing-app running). *I need help in understanding the performance of response time differences between DJ Mixing with a Component-setup vs. Mixing with a DJ Controller paired with djmixingsoftware.* As a side note: Based from my experience so far you don't need to rely on djmixingapp music browsing to load tracks on deck. Drag & Drop is your friend and you have the option to manage library from a mediaplayer of your choice (a method that will last forever)! This is especially helpful for when DJ Controllers get damaged from loose USB cables and the browsingscroller doesn't work anymore. Thank you Marc you're videos are enjoyable to watch and i'm impressed.

[@digitaldjtips]

Thanks for watching, with a good laptop latency isn't really an issue with DJ controllers :)

[@aremufolajimi974]

About scrolling through the library, what if the cdj is connected to serato dj pro on a laptop, would you be able to scroll through your music on the laptop?

[@PDot]

aremu folajimi this is possible if you connect the CDJs to your computer via HID mode.

[@aremufolajimi974]

@@PDot thank you for this. I think switching to CDJs is overrated though. It has lesser functionality compared to the controllers With the latest type of controllers we have now, CDJ will end up in the shelves Look at the DDJ 1000, it's a solid replacement for CDJs

[@kevinchinyangarara8343]

can a pioneer cdj work with with a different mixer brand like numark ?

[@digitaldjtips]

Yes

[@mangadolo]

Do you need a laptop to start with one cdj? Or can you start with an iPad? Do you need a mixer one day one or get it later?

[@digitaldjtips]

You can't DJ with a single CDJ and you'd need a computer to put analyse music on and transfer to a USB. Yes you can start DJing with an ipad/phone :)

[@blawdzuk949]

jog wheel is alot more sensitive on cdjs when beat matching thats one thing i wish i was told before my first set

[@digitaldjtips]

You know now! 👍

[@shayantaeed4446]

What is difference between cdj and xdj?

[@digitaldjtips]

CDJ's have a CD slot

[@djhannas]

God bless

[@digitaldjtips]

Thanks for watching!

[@NRG2]

How many folks out there skipped the controller and went right to CDJ. I’ve been producing for a year now and need to start playing my stuff live.

[@DanielEstrada-nr1pb]

I bought a controller cuz I didn't know and now I regret it XD Producer here as well

[@jamessepulveda5202]

I bought rane12' s with Rane 72. Got a Rane to start my journey. 1 month later I'm in a pair of denon SC5000 and denon x1850. I love it and I have never owned a controller. I

[@ROCKENRHINO82]

I’m playing my first set on cdjs tomorrow night after using a controller for over a year, will report back with how it went😅

[@digitaldjtips]

Cool, you'll be fine :)

[@jordenlafortune1811]

Kronic Nacho how’d it go

[@bigpoppabarnabus5010]

How did it go ?

[@natfingerboard]

I always thought that having a controller would limit me, oh boy how wrong I was, now that I use a controller with rekordbox, I want to bring it everywhere I am playing even if they have their own decks and mixers.

[@digitaldjtips]

Yep, a lot of people are surprised to find that when they finally give them a go!

[@djsantiago3904]

Ive played at a ton of clubs that have their own decks and mixer but i still take my ddj-rx & just plug it into a channel. Cant be bothered loading playlists onto usb via rekordbox, takes sooooooo long by the time I’ve selected my tracks, beat grid them, cue points, etc etc. Then wait half the day for them to transfer......Would be nice to only have a usb to carry, but until someone finds a way to make the exporting process quicker I’m sticking with my own decks.

[@dj-peterofficial2753]

Not quite correct. You can use the Hot Cue button for both Hot Cues and Hot Loops, and you can also set the Hot Cue buttons as Gate play, which is when the stored Hot Cue will only play as long as you hold down the button. This is knowing your gear. This goes for the CDJ-2000NXS and NXS2's, the XDJ-1000/Mk2 and I belive also for the XDJ-700. The Hot Cue/Hot Loop function has been around since the first CDJ-1000 came out in 2001.

[@djcruza]

Yep, those buttons came into good use when you stepped into a club and the play or pause button wasn't working

[@paulisawesome10]

So I am really used to mashing my hot cues. Is there any way to turn off the auto play when you press them?

[@digitaldjtips]

Unfortunately not no

[@paulisawesome10]

@@digitaldjtips it seems like i would need to set memory cues and not hot cues in my situation, right?

[@digitaldjtips]

Correct

[@roderickastley502]

@@paulisawesome10 If you use serato dj pro in HID mode, yes you can

[@michaelholt3721]

Here I am still banging on my PLX1000’s 😂

[@johnheron8198]

Michael Holt keeping it real! I’m still on turntables (1210s) Have been for over twenty years, doubt I’ll change now.

[@MrRalphellison]

Maybe I'm missing something but why would you use cdj's if you can use a controller? Particularly if you are running the music from a flash drive or SD card anyway? Controllers are easy to use, more so than cdj's going off this video . Having a bigger screen (laptop) makes it easy to browse playlists, read waveforms and decide when to drop your next tune on the fly amongst other benefits I have probably not thought of. I bought my Traktor s4 about 6 or 7 years ago it's been fantastic, I started out using belt drive soundlab decks in the early 90's, progressed to direct drive soundlab decks in mid 90's eventually getting some Technics so 1200 mk2 in the early 2000's, when getting new vinyl became too inconvenient for me and I had to look at a digital solution for djing I initially went with timecoded vinyl and Traktor x1 but then decided to upgrade to an s4 as it allows the convenience of a controller but I can plug in my sl 1200's as well thereby having the best of both worlds, cdj's didn't even figure in my thoughts when switching from traditional vinyl as it seemed they had already been surpassed by controllers and that was nearly a decade ago.

[@digitaldjtips]

Because they are standard gear in clubs.

[@VoyageOne1]

Never buy early in the product cycle... always wait a year or two until most of the bugs of been sorted out.

[@digitaldjtips]

Usually a good bet

[@rocklivesound24]

🤔hmmm it seems like no one here in this tread hasn't use any pioneer cdj nexus in HID mode. With a HID mode compatible Mixer, if you know what you doing you'll have lots more ways to play music other than your laptop, like a harddrive or a cd disc etc... (if your controller fails you in a gig and you don't have a backup plan, ...dude You're Done ) But i do agree that controllers might soon be standard

[@NoNameUK]

I would also like to add that you may be able to find DJ practice rooms in your hone town. A recording studio near me has a DJ practice room equiped with CDJ's & DJM for just £10 an hour off peak. So well worth taking advantage of these places for a couple of hours just to get your head around the gear. You might even get a free tutorial too.

[@digitaldjtips]

Great point, thanks Mr Jay.

[@mutanthorrorshow734]

What is the main reason to switch over? In other words why should we? Is it to get away from a computer?

[@andreumateulamas]

CDJ It´s the standard system you will find in all the clubs in the world. Controllers are the toys, the cheaper version. You can do everything with a controller. It´s fine for learning because they are cheap. ( they cost 1/5 of the price of the CDJ). Controllers are excellent to start. But If you want to be a pro, tour the world and be prepared to Dj in any major club of the world you better own a CDJ and train with it as many hours as possible in your home.

[@mutanthorrorshow734]

@@andreumateulamas ok got it.. Thanks 💪

[@zerocool6452]

@@andreumateulamas Nahh I would not call the controllers toys especially the more expensive ones. Take the DDJ-1000 for example it has almost all features the nexus setup has so you don't need a CDJ setup to be a pro. The newer controller models are so alike the nexus gear so it is so easy to jump to it from a controller. If you ask me I would probably never buy a whole CDJ-set just because I don't need to a DDJ-1000 with a pair of XDJ:s will do it just fine.

[@andreumateulamas]

@@zerocool6452 I have the DDJ 1000... It's fantastic. You can do everything. Same than a CDJ. Heading to Ibiza next week to try to sell gigs in private parties. I just bought the CDJNexus 2000....Ibiza is full of Porfesional Djs..and Professionals do not go around with a controller and a computer. If you want to be perceived as a profesional by the professionals and experts get infront a CDJ. Myself if I go to a gig and I see the DJ with a controller I get the impression he is just an amateur.

[@dj-peterofficial2753]

Because once an uneducated controller DJ has either stacked his cheap controller and computer on top of the existing very expensive gear, or stacked the existing gear on top of each other to make room for that cheap controller and computer, and of course didn't connect everything back again, controllers, and controller DJ's are banned from that club. Also, when you bring in gear in a club, you are responsible for that gear to work, every second of that night. If there's any screw up costing the club money because of your gear not working, you can very well be fined whatever the club think they've lost in revenue that night and forthcoming nights as well, if the damage made people go somewhere else. And of course, you'll need to move somewhere else and change your name to ever get a gig again. ...unless you already are a star charging $100 000 or more for a gig. Then you will have your own lawyers writing your contracts for you and can do and bring whatever you want in to the booth. When the only thing you bring to the gig is your head phones and 3 x your music on quality usb media, and a couple of high quality RCA- and Link-cables just in case, the risk of anything going wrong on your end is pretty small.

[@filiprangus5826]

What's the demonstration song? Thanks!

[@digitaldjtips]

Sorry no idea!

[@filiprangus5826]

@@digitaldjtips Shazam found it! Ciara - Overdose 😉

[@TranceCore3]

the XDJ line should be the new standard, you get the best of both worlds

[@digitaldjtips]

In a way they are, people were questioning why the latest CDJ wasn't actually called an XDJ...

[@TheDefensivemaniac]

Old school technology, the pioneer 1000srt is the new standard

[@digitaldjtips]

Certainly a great controller!

[@borna6403]

I made a jump and man cdj 2000 nexus would t want to read my usb

[@simplemind7532]

Would not replace my 808 with cdj never! Pioneer Cdjs are old news;)

[@simplemind7532]

And way.... over priced

[@dj_paultuk7052]

Absolutely, Denon SC5000 is the new standard.

[@lukestyler98]

@@dj_paultuk7052 It´s way better in my opinion

[@simplemind7532]

Yes Paul i admire what denon produce! Well priced also! ;)

[@lukestyler98]

Beatmatching would also be a challenge when switching, cause you won´t have the tracks on top of each other anymore..

[@zerocool6452]

It was not that hard to be honest atleast not for me, you still have an indicator to help you with that ta make it easier.

[@PUPGRLPDX]

@@reger9325 yeah, they have the EXACT bpm on them, you don't even need headphones to mix on them, lmao.

[@lukestyler98]

@@reger9325 still working on that yeah

[@GjerrusAllMighty]

@@reger9325 that would mean knowing how to DJ. Alot of folks in this new era depend on technology.

[@GjerrusAllMighty]

@@lukestyler98 that's normally a good place to start when learning how to DJ. Idk if your playing (shows, clubs, events) for money, but technology will fail you at times & you will be exposed. You don't wanna be that guy. It's hard to come back from that when your being paid to know what your doing. Promoters talk, & have long memory. Do your self a favor & master that now.

[@rossginn5333]

the intimidating aspect is the $$$ Them babies are pricey

[@digitaldjtips]

XDJ-RX3 is a most cost-effective solution with much of the functionality.

[@kasikpecah]

CDJs all the way

[@digitaldjtips]

:)

[@silascrft6015]

I literally never used cue, I just play it match it and then jump around with beat jump and then mix it in xD

[@digitaldjtips]

Whatever works! There are no rules :)

[@airsoftvulture]

So this is an upgrade how? Because of the bill quality.. I really wish that like CD J wld just go away.. i am finally getting work djing and i keep hearing i must switch to cdj if i wanna really be taken seriously and get better gigs WTF these suck

[@digitaldjtips]

Just because they're everywhere, so they're basically an "industry standard".

[@airsoftvulture]

thanks for the reply if you have time, should i invest in a prime 4 or a set of cdj's?

[@roderickastley502]

@@airsoftvulture go where your budgets fits

[@djpigcoficial]

That's exactly what made me change to the Denon SC5000, it's like having the functionality of a controller in a CDJ, but with steroids ...

[@digitaldjtips]

It's the first "standalone" media player that gets close to controller + laptop, that's true.

[@rosalcic]

"spinbacks"

[@roderickastley502]

backspins

[@Jormungadr]

I'm panicking, I use so many hot cues and hot cue loops. Aaaahhh

[@Alpha-iu2ny]

How to load tracks on second cdj …… no videos show that !!!!

[@digitaldjtips]

not sure what you mean

[@Alpha-iu2ny]

@@digitaldjtips sorry about not being clear. What I ment was how do actually load tracks on both cdjs to actually mix them . Like showing a how to from sticking the usb to load tracks in cdj 1 and how to on cdj 2 and mix them !

[@QuiXoLP]

so what is the point in spending thousands of dollars for less features and functionallity? xD i have a controller (S4mk3) and this one can do everything this CDJ can do. and it only costs about 800€. this CDJ i think is about 1000 and you need 2 of them AND a mixer :D the only plus point of DJing with CDJs is this big fat look of the setup. in my opinion not worth the money xD sorry for my english, no native speaker :)

[@digitaldjtips]

For many it's the easy of walking into a club and just needing to take a USB stick and some headphones, plus the kudos for being able to play on the "industry standard" :)

[@MrArtSkyStudio]

@@digitaldjtips So basicly CDJ is a dj industry standard right?

[@SherwinBajao]

Hand gestures are distracting.

[@djwobblesosa6434]

i am not fan cdj, i love Controller is best

[@DJSt3rling]

I also prefer controllers in 2019! I think the problem is that in clubs, they're less "heavy duty"and will break more, even though they cost a fraction of the amount. I'd LOVE to stroll up to a club and find an RX2 there for me to use!

[@digitaldjtips]

Thing is, club gear breaks too - but it's modular, so they just swap out the broken piece for a replacement while they get it serviced. That's what you lose with controllers in a pro environment.

[@_cr8ive_]

CDJ'S doesn't make sense anymore . . . Too many good controllers with too many good features out there...

[@Rongi]

standalone is better everytime

[@georges5725]

with a much more reasonable price

[@_cr8ive_]

@@georges5725 Truth, for real man...

[@XBASS247]

Rongi not wiv streaming wats come in now , streaming will work best for the next CDjs

[@simonmclean09]

All I got from this was that Controllers are better than CDJs

[@digitaldjtips]

Well... ;)

[@djhouse_arrest411]

Putting a laptop in front of a dj is like wearing your shoes then trying to wear your socks,laptop should be worked out at home only(rekordbox)then at gigs only you and your USB stick and your cdjs, that's the true art of DJ, cdjs are awesome players, rekordbox help me a lot at every gig i player, remember if a controller mess up it's the whole dj set up that mess up, playing on 3-4 cdjs and djm mixer can avoid these kind of mess, thumps up Pioneer cdj/djm

[@roderickastley502]

say that to serato dj users

[@SoundPeaks]

why ppl use CDJs nowadays?

[@digitaldjtips]

One reason is consistency, you're likely to come across a pair in any venue that provides the equipment so learning to use them and getting comfortable with them is a plus point for many

[@djhouse_arrest411]

So many comments down there critisizing CDJ player, anyway my opinion is that deejaying is first of all an art, evolution is destroying that art, no one will add something new to Eiffel tower or liberty statue,it should be the same for deejaying

[@digitaldjtips]

So DJing should become, like those, a museum piece?

[@djhouse_arrest411]

Not exatly, but there has been so much criticism on cdj that i've taken this example, that's only my personal opinion ☺😊

[@digitaldjtips]

Fair enough :)

[@junybermudez8349]

cdjs are expensive

[@digitaldjtips]

They sure are

[@dj_paultuk7052]

CDJ's dont have any features, and they are 10+ yrs old. Thats the problem...... Denon SC5000, the NEW Club / Festival standard. ALL The big DJ's are using Denon now at Tomorrowland this weekend.

[@piurtv]

CDJ-2000NXS2 are compatible with DDJ-SP1 to have pad features... But Denon PRIME are definitely more advanced today, and even DJs that don't use Engine Prime Software will still get their tracks analyzed and have all the features. (PS : I can't wait to have my PRIME4)

[@nebitnonebitno1957]

Denons players are like the worst product that has hit the market recently...Mixer is not so bad, but the players themselves...oh man, I know at least 10 people that had CDJs, bought Denons and returned them after like 10 days..They sell half of the original price now, hardware is bad and software isn't much better. Denon had good chance to make change on the market, but unfortunately they didn't use it...I see only Laidback Luke playing on them, probably for great amount of money and I didn't see Denons on any major festival or club and it has been pretty long time since they were released. If you want durable, reliable product that won't let you down - Pioneer is still the only choice !!!

[@dj_paultuk7052]

@@nebitnonebitno1957 Biggest BS story ive heard in a while, do you work for pioneer ? lol. All very interesting, 7 DJ's so far at tomorrowland (just today) using Denon kit. So in 1 day, at 1 festival. More DJ's using Denon kit, than not.

[@nebitnonebitno1957]

@@dj_paultuk7052 Fuck them, they are already overpaid for what they are doing and I really don't care about their oppinion. Do you really think they are using Denons because they like them ? But, tell me what's your experience ? What do you prefer on Denons that's not present on Pioneer ? How many years have you used them ? I don't work for Pioneer, I think their products are overpriced and could be better...but trying Denons for a week I completely understand why they are like that. I don't care about pinch and zoom, I want jog wheel that doesn't feel like a cheap plastic thing and it's not even precise. I don't care about layers with Cue/Play buttons popping out after just few months. And Engine software was very bad the day Denons came out and they did nothing to improve it. Every three years Pioneer introduce new flagship, and this year, even with those Denons out, they skipped it. Do you think they would do that if Denon had quality product and was a threat to them ?

[@dj-peterofficial2753]

Oh, I can tell you use this gear as a professional several times a week for many years.... or not. But I do, and man how far off the latest Denon products are from the Pioneer gear, in terms of everything except than how powerful they are internally. I have used the SC5000's and I have the Denon Prime 4. I also have the NXS2 setup and wherever I play, there's Pioneer gear. Pioneer has only one true competitor, and that is themselves. The Nexus series is still rocking in so many clubs, and it's 7 years old. The only reason the NXS2 hasn't sold as good is because the NXS still does it's job, and the clubs won't spend money on new gear until the old is falling apart. The NXS2 is even better on everything. Am I biased? Oh YES! Because I see what's working and what's not in a professional environment. I'm going to give the Prime 4 a really good chance, but for installations it's no good. To many things you actually need the manual to figure out, and some things are not even in there, so you have to rely on KZbin to learn certain features. So dum. I really believed that Denon had learned from their mistakes, but they have not, by far. I will make a video about all the pros and cons about it. I'm not saying the Prime 4 is garbage, because it's not. But, they could've done so much better at no extra cost at all. Just some thoughtfulness and insight would have done it.

[@Sebastian.Abrudan]

CDJs are slowly dying, please leave me with the nonsense that real DJs play only on Vinyls or real DJs don't use sync, etc. Real DJs play on what ever is offering them more options and more creativity, Tomorrow Land was oppened by Oliver Heldens using Denon gear, also the he new generation of DJs are hating CDJs because they offer so less in compare with any other profesional DJ gear like Denon, Rane, Reloop, Numark etc. End of story for CDJs they are like my old vinyl player, nice to look at but totaly outdated

[@mutanthorrorshow734]

That's what I was asking about, couldn't see the point in using CDJs other then having a standalone set up.. And or if you plan on using the clubs set up.. Then I guess you have to learn the CDJs

[@antbotsquad6769]

Or don’t use cdj

[@digitaldjtips]

Well that is an option, but what is your point?

[@DougEFresh289]

real djs use turntables

[@zerocool6452]

Then there are not many real DJs out there.

[@djkanels2311]

Real DJs play music... There are literally no other caveats or requirement for being a "real" DJ...

[@PUPGRLPDX]

@@djkanels2311 huh, never knew the "disc" in "disc jockeying" wasn't referring to vinyl records.

[@djkanels2311]

@@PUPGRLPDX It was... Nearly a hundred years ago. Times change and so does language. Look up DJ (or deejay/disc jockey) in a dictionary if you think you have to use vinyl to be a DJ. P.S. You know that the "D" in "CD" also stands for "disk", right? And that "DJ" also stands for "digital jockey"?

[@piurtv]

Real DJs use whatever they want ! Being a DJ is not about turntablism technics...