How To Use HID Mode with CDJS - Rekordbox Setup Tutorial

[@Crossfader]

Learn new DJ skills with our online DJ courses. From beginner to advanced courses, specific to various pieces of DJ hardware and software. Click here to find out more: bit.ly/learntoDJ

[@andrewlippett4205]

I'm Tech Manager at The Arch (Brighton) and if using that setup with NXS2 kit then most clubs will already have all the decks and mixer connected by Ethernet, in that case you only need to plug in to USB on the mixer using just one USB cable.

[@Amatteus]

After 3 hours and many videos finally, someone who explains things properly and understandable. Great video. Thanks.

[@djpep1855]

Jamie be that DJ dude who totally keeps his cool when he takes over in a DJ booth at a full club at 1:00AM while nothing works... *casually and totally relaxed finding out cables and syntax files in the laptop while keeping the club running via a jackplug and Iphone...*

[@thebrokenhomes]

Done that many a time

[@NekoSutra]

Been there before 😅

[@Liam-qg8sm]

This was a wicked tutorial. I went to Pirate studios in a dj room and it completely wrecked my session when trying to get all this setup. Next time I think I will understand properly. Thank you very much

[@Crossfader]

Glad it helped!

[@slyguyrob]

Broo I've been going to pirate for a year now but still haven't recorded a session 😅 did you use to cables from each cdj to your MacBook

[@dejonckheere100]

This was probably the most clear and well explained video on this topic. THANK YOU.

[@pharkasj]

There is only 1 question : why whould you do this?

[@graceygrey689]

Such a helpful channel omggg

[@Crossfader]

Thanks, glad you found it useful!

[@fongy200]

@@Crossfader Replied to her didn't you pal,lol.

[@marcosmoncada5463]

@@fongy200 True lol

[@bigmoomusic]

dude thanks so much for thsi video - so much more detailed than all the Digital DJ tips ones which use old gear and leave so much important info out! that troubleshooting tip at 10 mins saved me after ages of frustration haha

[@EFJAYY]

At 4:20 when your plugging in the two usbs. The other side are both plugged into the laptop correct?

[@Metasfera]

Far M He said to use a hub. Both plugged in.

[@rogue66v]

What we have been waiting for a long time! Thanks crossfader. Video suggestion: how 2 hid mode DJs switch in a live setting without interupting music please. Thanks

[@djsantiago3904]

TheCabz from the live dj’s laptop, unplug usb cable from muted channel (make 100% sure volume fader is muted on mixer) plug into your laptops usb port. Cue up track to mix in, check volume meters look level, and you’re g2g. Once you’ve taken the wheel you can swap the other usb cable into your laptop to control both decks.

[@philcaines9226]

Thanks for this tutorial! Learned everything i need to know and now my cdjs are running throu my laptop perfectly!

[@Hello_riders_1993]

This video should come with every new Pioneer gear ! THANK YOU

[@bavikon]

Very helpful video! Thanks for that and keep it up the good work 👍😉

[@KaneCunico]

Thank you and bless you for taking the time to share this knowledge with us!

[@nick_way]

Nice one Jamie - this video saved my bacon last night in a practice studio - cheers :)

[@tgg_music2]

I always say that if anyone has access to a CDJ setup, it's best to use a flash drive. But if you insist on using a laptop, a much easier solution is to connect your laptop via the Pro-DJ Link. Most clubs/ venues will already have a network hub set up with the CDJ's and Mixer. 1 Cat5 cable, and possibly a dongle, and you can link everything that was just explained in the video, but with much more ease. I believe you just connect the cable, and there will be a button that appears in Rekordbox that either says "link," or something similar. Click the button, and all the settings should be just fine, and the CDJ's will function as normal. Just as with HID mode, you'll still need the RCA's'/ Digital cables to send audio to the mixer. It's also easier on your CPU, because instead of relying on Rekordbox to play files and send audio out, essentially the CDJ's use the laptop as a flash drive. Side story- I worked at a club as a tech for a while, and when I discovered the Pro-DJ Link functionality worked with a laptop, I tested it with one of our resident's computers. He always insisted on having 2 flash drives, and his laptop connected to the mixer via USB in case something went wrong, and he needed to throw on Spotify (our players were old, and always needed help). When I showed him he could connect with a Cat5, and a USB cable for Spotify, he was thrilled. No more cable nests or forgetting drives at home, and his full library on both players.

[@nickloss2377]

im guessing he had a windows laptop. Macbook DJs are the worst at coming prepared. They dont have an ethernet jack, they often dont bother bringing a hub or the hub they bring doesn't have an ethernet jack and they have external drives already using the free ports ...goddamn macbook djs need to get their head out their ass. Sound tech's are not your personal IT helpdesk! figure out your own equipment! PS: Pro DJ link with rekordbox is pretty easy to connect to, just as your comment described.. I'm amazed at how few DJs use it.. always with Serato, Traktor.. and now virtual DJ

[@tgg_music2]

@@nickloss2377 Actually, all 3 of my residents at the time were on MacBooks. I no longer work there though.

[@thomasrexen7261]

Gotta get that "Line Sauce" you keep talking about ! Haha, Great video! Keep em coming ;)

[@RC75]

😂😂😂😂 but it’s a great video😉

[@jus1taj]

There was a ton of good information in that vid for beginning DJs. Thank you.

[@DecentDamian]

Thank you so much for this video. That was super helpfull. Just ordered 2x XDJ 1000mk2 and djm 450, so will use your setup guide as soon as they arrive!

[@mikevamp]

The aggregator is so essential. You can always see if the players are recognized by your system. It is the first thing you have to check, in case something is not working like it should. Avoid stress : )

[@wilmoremusic]

When using the USB straight to the mixer from the laptop do you also need the USBs plugged into the CDJs or can you take them out once you're plugged into the mixer? Thanks

[@muratti72muc]

the CDJs needs a digital signal, that's not working with the analog RCA cables. Laptop send a digital signal to the CDJs. The CDJ transforms it to a analog signal and sent it via the RCA analog cable to the mixer. When you use 3 USB cables you don't need the RCA cables anymore. I just play in HID mode with 3 USB cables, because of quantanize and the better soundcard of the mixer. Normally it's just plug and play, the recordbox software recognize the DJM and the CDJs automatically. Just select the cannel.

[@kaviner2411]

Perfect information that are crucial and dosent waste peoples time!

[@1903Fuzz]

Great video mate, wish this was available to me when I started DJing 4 years ago haha.

[@DJMirkaCerny]

I can't get the screen to come up (8:23) and got stuck here. Is this because my CDJS are Pioneer CDJ900s? I am using the DJM900NXS2 into a mac book pro. Please help.

[@simonehleringer9767]

Wow, this video was amazing, very clear 👌

[@OVL.Roundtheclock]

This has helped me a massive amount, thanks!

[@OhQuickly]

6:12 windows user here, no I couldn't control each audio output independently... Any way how to fix this?

[@olafnorbaer2373]

I'm a little bit confused, 2:50 you can also use master 2 to direct plug in to your speakers? (mine speakers got the same rca connectors but doesnt have master 1 connectors)

[@lincolnentertainment4559]

At time stamp 16:20 you talk about switching from laptop to USB, can you clarify how to go back to laptop from that point? i.e. channel 2 is playing from laptop, channel 3 is switched to USB, u then play a song from laptop on channel 2 again, how then is channel 3 able to go back to laptop mode easily?

[@PepijnSchoemakerWebinars]

17:40 I still don't understand why Jamie is so explicit about 'telling the mixer' via the Pioneer software that the CDJ's are connected via the line input... This makes no sense at all since the sound goes straight from the laptop to the mixer via USB. The CDJ's are (in that specific situation) no more than just midi controllers which control the decks in Rekordbox. They do absolutely not more then that. You can even unplug the RCA line cables...

[@erickrodriguez7872]

There's nothing to understand, he got it wrong. That whole section of the video is just confusing and useless, there was no point in going into the settings utility, the mixer was already good to go as soon as he connected it and selected it as an audio device, he just needed to select the "USB" in each channel's input selector switch and that's it. What he did was that he changed the settings of the USB Outputs of the mixer, which might be used to, for example, record the audio from a specific channel or the whole mix into a recording software or DAW, which has nothing to do with the topic of this tutorial.

[@PepijnSchoemakerWebinars]

@@erickrodriguez7872 Thanks for your confirmation. You might know an answer to this: I never got time to test this in a club (I only own a S9 mixer personally): I never got my sound samples working over a DJM900 mixer or alike. With my S9 or XDJ I can activate them on my performance pads or via my Laptop keyboard. But, when I plug in my Laptop to a DJM-900, those sample sounds don't get send to or via the DJM 900. Is this maybe a setting which I need to change?

[@itsjustarmani97]

This was so helpful appreciate this

[@enowamusic8286]

I waited sooo long for that video. Awesome thanks!

[@David-bc3nj]

IMPORTANT: you need to upgrade your rekordbox plan in order to be able to use your laptop with CDJs. It will not work with the free plan. Learned this 30 mins before my gig lol

[@PascalStifani]

Hey man. What was happening when you were in this situation, was the CDJ 2000 trying to LINK without any success ? I think I'm in the same situation as you. Thanks in advance 🤙

[@tomboo2032]

@@PascalStifani hey, I can’t connect my laptop (rekordbox) to cdj 2000nxs2 until I bought a plan, activated and works. So if you can’t connect, that’s because you using free plan

[@PascalStifani]

@@tomboo2032 thanks buddy ! I've seen this info on a previous comment also. It saved my first gig.

[@edspry1149]

Hello, what version of relordbox do I need to play on cdjs, core or something more expensive?

[@Aesop101]

@@tomboo2032how much is the plan

[@alexi95luukkucom]

This tutorial applies also to Serato, except no diving in to the settings. Just plug them all in, select the channels on the CDJs, and you're done. Well it should be noted that with Serato you need to plug in the mixer. It won't work without it.

[@danbiohack5353]

Good to know! Thank you!

[@Earthcitizen4609]

Can you explain is it better to use reckordbox on midi or external? When using xdjrx3? I know its not related to the video but seems you know these things very well

[@DjPositiveP]

Can you made a video showing how to prepare a USB stick that is Serato & Rekordbox Ready?

[@PepijnSchoemakerWebinars]

@crossfader Jamie, is it correct you should *unplug* the CAT5 link cable (if the CDJ's are connected this way) if you want to hook up your laptop?

[@proxesslive]

Perfect! That's exactly what I needed before my first club session, while I use a DDJ controller at home. THANK YOU! 👍🫶

[@djpep1855]

Question: if you connect your mixer via USB (for instance using a S9), do you still need to connect the RCA's or 'tell the mixer' it's connected via Line? The CDJ's act as midi controllers right? Not like sound players...? 🤔

[@aznsensation1994]

Thank you very much for the tutorial! I am curious though. Only your CDJs are connected to your Macbook. What about the mixer?

[@djjwavey309]

I did everything until 8:20 dj deck option, nothing pops up for me?

[@DJSHVM]

Many thanks! Learnt a lot of new things which I was never aware of. Good work guys. 🙌🏻

[@Jun-gj2ik]

Oh dude...!! Finally, I can play DJ!!!Thanks!!!

[@the_priest49]

To use HID mode we don't require RCA cable to be connected from CDJ to Mixer because it'll use the direct source from the Laptop & using 2 CDJ we still can use the other 2 channels which can be controlled through the laptop. Enabling us to use 4 decks even though having just 2, we just have to select 4 deck option if we wanted to use it that way otherwise if we don't then we can just keep it the same way. Let me know if I am wrong about this?!

[@joelarets]

Wanted to set this up in my studio, this is a great tutorial but man, I would never DARE to do this in a club while taking over from the previous DJ😂

[@HelderTeixeiraofficial]

I can’t do that on my laptop 😤 recognizes the CDj and mixer but the cdjs not connected to rekordbox

[@kenoba]

Same

[@Pensalxxxxxxxxxx]

Same

[@jackryan1168]

same how can we fix this?

[@MrAntoniotrotta]

Same here

[@fabricedefay3298]

What if you’re coming on after another dj? Do you then HAVE to connect to the mixer’s usb B first before connecting to the CDJs? or you can still use the aggregator?

[@abro_ofc]

Super nice Video!!! Thanks man! Can I ask why these CDJs do not have KEY Sync?

[@abro_ofc]

and... if you use key sync then in rekordbox on the laptop, will it adjust the key or not?

[@JinGalactica]

I've been using a NuMark Mixtrack Platinum for parties and it gets the job done, and seeing you go through the features for CD-J's much more clearly. They're basically mixers with twice more features. But I have to say, Key Lock for the Platinum sucks. The sound has a tiny distort noise in the background. I don't know how they are on the CD-J's.

[@johanpfeiffer]

thank you for the video , what I did exactly as you said , rekordbox recognize cdj , but when I push on my controller it not recognize or propose any deck . it ask me to push the roll to connect then nothing ... do you know why ? I tried and tried nothing to do .

[@MrAntoniotrotta]

Same problem here Any updates on this?

[@kryn3904]

Have the same Problem, do you have a solution?

[@sendesilva1857]

@8:28 mine doesn't say choose rekordbox dj deck??

[@Peter7269i]

Do you need special drivers to connect the cdjs to my laptops? I've followed the process step by step and on the CDJs under 'link' it recognizes 'control mode (cdj) then 'USB MIDI' but the 'choose rekordbox dj deck' doesn't show up so I can't connect?

[@melissamartinart]

Hey did you ever find a solution for this? I’m having the same problem

[@philippefrancois2097]

Me too . Same here. I’m thinking you need at least the core plan. Did you ever solve this?

[@GetMixpower]

Same problem here - can't solve it...

[@michelosmusic]

8:21 It won't show me the option to select a deck 😞 (900NXS)

[@fabricedefay3298]

Great video!! I wasn’t able to select the aggregate device for the sampler output. The options were to choose either CDJs individually.. so the sampler would come out of whichever channel selected. Any advice on how to set up the sampler from rekordbox properly?

[@Knarryofficial]

Thankyou Thankyou Thankyou Thankyou So So Much

[@DJ-Mike-K]

8:27 at my CDJ´s 2000nxs nothing happens... Whats wrong ???

[@memberofc1205]

love your videos!! so informative and helpful, I had a gig on a festival for the first time and they had this setup with cdjs and 900 mixer but I had the trouble to use it on rekordbox because I didnt know of the aggregator, now I am informed! thank you !!

[@badt1]

This the best one of there tutorials! Thank you

[@lukefrost3539]

I was just wondering if I was to plug my laptop into a CDJ 2000 set up for example, would I be able to use FLAC file songs as normally the older CDJs can't read FLAC files?

[@luckym_dj]

Yes! I had the same problem and converted all to mp3. This way you can always play any format that rekorbox recognizes

[@lukefrost3539]

@@luckym_dj Awesome, been asked to play a few sets lately and only found out that alot of the older CDJs don't read FLAC so I haven't been able to play alot of my music so this is really gonna allow me to start playing properly now 👊🏼

[@luckym_dj]

Yup and remember that the best way is to plug the mixer and the cdjs if you’re using a usb mixer. You can have 4 decks and the quality is better. Have a great day!

[@ligeond]

So it's not possible to use channel 1 and 4 on the mixer, leaving channel 2n3 for the other dj's. If so how you setup using the unoccupied channels of the mixer for laptop use?

[@snowboard20356]

I am using this method for setting up cdj2000 nxs2 and 900nxs2 mixer. I have no volume fader control or crossfader control. Music will only play when I hit the cue button. Not sure if it’s a setting issue or a mixer issue? Thank you

[@Metasfera]

Very good detailed explanation.

[@noahizquierdo3759]

Connected usb from cdjs to my laptop and got everything to work when it comes to the cdjs, but when I press play the mixer isn’t showing any sound out put or playing through the speakers even tho the song is playing, any tips??

[@jl9864]

Hi can anybody help, I have this setup with 2 CDJ2000NXS2 and a DJM900NXS2 mixer. I’ve come to this point 8:26 while trying to connect my labtop to the decks, but when I click the rotary button there is no option to click “choose Rekordbox deck” ... there is no option at all even though it’s connected and says PC on my CDJ’s. Anybody know how I can troubleshoot this?

[@_Balla_]

got kinda the same issue boss

[@robertwaite837]

Great video! very helpful.

[@byosefbreaks]

Can you connect 2 CDJ 800 MK2’s to Rekordbox like this? I know they do not have an USB output but is there a way to use the other outputs?

[@prodefe1beats]

So when I plug my computer do I need to plug the USB stick to computer or one of the cdjs

[@DJV3RSA]

useful for djs that use streaming services (like me)

[@wahine_dj]

I can watch a million DJ tutorials, but I almost always end up with the Crossfader videos being the most helpful. I do have few a questions, one of which is more based on advice I'm getting from other DJ's, who have been telling me that I need a USB hub to connect my laptop to a DJM900 NXS2 + CDJ2000 NXS2 setup in order for another DJ to play B2B with me on USB's? Based on what you just demonstrated, that is incorrect. My other question is whether or not I can interact with my laptop to drag/drop tracks onto each deck and search playlists instead of using the interface on the CDJ?

[@jattickofficial3422]

Hey, my XDJ-RX (1) is connected to my laptop via MIDI. Everything works fine, but my BPM slider doesn’t change the BPM in Rekordbox. Also, I don’t see the waveform on my screen like you do. Any suggestions on how to fix this?

[@TropicalBones]

Love the video. Question: I got an ethernet hub to plug both CDJ3000s into as well as the djm 900 mixer BUT my djm 900 only came with one ethernet to USB cable. So I need to get another cable to connect djm 900 to the ethernet hub and then use the provided cable from ethernet hub to my macbook?

[@Top10-i1x2m]

This dude is a life saver!

[@yomiogunrinola2624]

Great video, but one question, are you using a USB hub there? How did you connect 2-3 usbs to the laptop?

[@andresitofvg]

Great and helpful as always mate!

[@varorevo]

well done ! very nice explanation

[@martwald]

I have two CDJ 900nxs - drivers installed on the Mac, aggregator created, updated software. Everything double checked. CDJ's working as controllers to load tracks on the software according to what deck I've chosen, but play or cue doesn't work??? Any idea??? I've checked every setting possible, I think

[@mateuszmaciol3141]

I keep hearing sauce.... after hearing it about 50 times I realized he was saying source lol

[@noyceofficial]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@NorthwestLights206]

me too lol

[@djyats5154]

😂🤣

[@x666Tian]

thank you for that nice video. but i have a problem. i press the link buton -> press to connect and then nothing happens.. i cant scroll to choose deck 1 or deck 2. do you know this problem?? i have the newest update on the 2000 nexus, i have rekordbox core and the version 6.7.2. can please enyone help me? have this problem since days and cant find a solution..

[@djjigs]

I have the same issue lol

[@Nogi-aka-DJNugz]

Great tutorial Jamie!

[@mitchwallace4756]

So unlike serato, you can play dvs mode on the cdjs with just the players plugged into the computer and not have the mixer plugged in at all?

[@hirockblinkmonstiez]

How would you go about setting this all up when you are going after a DJ who used USB? Transitioning from his last song to your first track. Or if you set it up before hand...can the DJ going first still manage to use his USB key? I dont know if that makes any sense lol

[@Andy19884666]

Can I still see all my cue points and stuff on rekordbox and is it ok to use performance mode as I'm used to a DJ 1000 and I'm getting club gigs and want to use the s Cjs without any problems

[@praveen7412004]

Hello Jamie, Great video. I have one question. I am Rekordbox user on mac. I will be playing to a private event soon. So I prefer to take my laptop for requests. But I contacted venue they have 2 CDJ300 but Xone 92 mixer. Can I still user HID mode? Maybe using first method using aggregate device? Will it work?

[@2AQteenagade]

Hi Crossfader - this is really helpful as I want to get new CDJs to play with my A&H mixer. I have played with the DDJ-400 and FLX6 and I really like all the pad modes (beat jump etc) - how would I replicate these without a Pioneer Linked Mixer?

[@roxanajam3]

Do you need two USB capables for each CDJ for the laptop? It is a split cord?

[@reinhoutnechelput898]

Hi, this all works until I have clicked connect. The CDJ 2000 doesn't ask what deck to connect to. What do I have to do to solve this?

[@TylerStyles-cg1rt]

can you link both cdjs and just use one cable to go from one of the cdjs to your mac book ?

[@Mauridiaz11]

Awesome mate!

[@EDMLabOfficial]

Do you advice to use direct usb from the cdj/xdj to laptop or using a hub? I use macbook pro15'' 2019

[@muratti72muc]

have your macbook 3 usb ports? Than you don't need a hub. The digital signals are so small it doesn't care the cables.

[@musicbyeliseau]

When I hold down the "link" button on the CDJ's no options come up for me when I push to connect! It just says "error" - any advice? Thank you!!

[@LeooDraxlr]

Do you really need to connect the 2 usb cables for the 2 CDJs ? And they both have to be on “Line” why not on PC ?

[@linerider5319]

It works for some time, but then it crashes. Drivers are up to date Using Macbook Pro, Rekordbox 6, DJM450 and 2x900nxs. Any thoughts why this keeps crashing?

[@djpep1855]

I always wonder: can you leave the ethernet link cable connected to the cdj's? And does it do anything if I am connected via the way you describe in this video? I always unplug it to be sure (never want to get into stress at those moments so I just always unplug it...)

[@sahand90]

Perfect and Useful!

[@Fran-sz1wl]

Is it possible to connect both cdj by an Ethernet cable (linked) and then only one cdj directly connected to the laptop by usb?

[@aalemingo]

this is just great, thanks man!

[@jonasprivate5649]

Is it possible to connect the CDJ3000s with my Laptop (and press the recording button in the recordbox software)?

[@pdxraves]

Great job explaining

[@thinkingchairstudios]

this is a great help for me but im using windows what software to download to link the cdj's?

[@OhQuickly]

I have the same problem, have you found the software yet?

[@djtoyo680]

Hi, I'm driving with the cdj2000 controller, the problem I'm having is when I trigger the rekordbox samples it doesn't sound, can you help me? thanks for your videos :)

[@LeeJaaijMusicTV]

Which Mixer do we need at least if we want to connect rekordbox with cdj 2000 nexus? I'm asking because if I invest in cdj2k there is less money for an expensive mixer thx for a answer✌🏽