End Your CDJ Anxiety With These Easy Controller Hacks

[@xtxmu]

I just did my first ever hour long club cdj gig tonight on cdj 900s and none of my tracks got analyzed. Mixed everything by ear and just made the most out of my headphones and it went really well despite one of the cdjs breaking mid set and needed to be restarted

[@ReallyChrisM]

Nice job! And also a baptism of fire

[@DJPeterLo]

I think it’s hilarious that the industry standard CDJ setup is such an inferior experience in functionality yet is ridiculously expensive over basic cheap controllers nowadays.

[@semi788]

Its so durable that you wont even believe it

[@onedayapp3534]

True

[@kris4637]

Because of its durability most clubs buy a pair and forget it for 10 years. And by forget I mean really forget. Most won't even care to update the firmware.

[@davedave9924]

Tech house shade still on point

[@ddetongre]

What’s wrong with Tech House?

[@TRILLMAR]

i’ve been waiting 4 years for someone to make this video. every show ive played since i started has just been trial and error constantly making new mistakes lol

[@taneltolsting2900]

Most Dj’s seem now to carry their own gear with, just to really enjoy the reliability feature. It’s pretty easy since we all sober now.

[@rockymkiii]

Who's sober ??!

[@JeroenNietDoen]

"Most Dj’s seem now to carry their own gear" In your bubble maybe...

[@unheardthreat5293]

@@JeroenNietDoenusb stick 24/7 and headphones if I got a gig.

[@Jacques.krause]

I've always used memory cues and never bothered with hot cues from the start. If we're talking about just marking spots and no fancy performance tricks, it's fantastic for that purpose and a breeze to work with.

[@Wah-Fer]

Last weekend I had to play on the original CDJ2000. I had to use the Stutter mode to set my cue !!! That brought me back 18 years ago, when I started, it felt weird, but also It felt great that the technology has Evolved !

[@ReallyChrisM]

Stutter mode is definitely an experience

[@TuffKaya]

4:02 That was like a nice friendly slap right in the thetas.

[@djicebreaker80]

Great tips I own a DDJ 400 i have virtual, DJ but I upgraded to CDJ virtual skin, I plan to upgrade to XDJ RS

[@AmilcarPino]

The best videos out there to know what are the limits of mixing on CDJs.....😅 Thank you 🖐🏻

[@turntqble]

great humour and info, keep it up mate

[@BlackSuneEmpire]

So glad I learnt to mix before CDJ's were even a thing. Though the hours I wasted on belt drives will never be recovered lol

[@ReallyChrisM]

Fellow belt drive survivor 🙋🏻‍♂️

[@Vibeurator]

this is great, love the humor 😄

[@DJ.AVIATOR.OFFICIAL]

Just the video I need!!!

[@ahugatv]

Thanks for your great work!

[@CR-wb1cc]

One little advice is to get virtual dj and the pionner nexus skin so you can get a little more familiar with the cdj dispositon

[@thisguyrools2807]

Got the money for CDJs but it becomes a need vs a want kind of thing. My Denon and flx 4 get the job done.

[@RaiseYourState]

Great info! What Gen do CDJ's start showing Key info? That one seems mission critical, no?

[@moleex5759]

I built a cardboard sleeve to put over half of my laptop screen. That way I had to mix with headphones, without the temptation to just line things up and match some numbers

[@cristina_garcia]

I loved the video. I laughed when you put that scotch tape on most of your controller buttons 😂 Another funny moment was "making Rekordbox the worst possible thing" 😅 I hope I'll never play on old CDJs. Add the difficulty of switching from Engine DJ to Rekordbox and managing different libraries 😮 Thanks for your videos 😊

[@rickywhite5476]

Scary... Just when I'm getting used to my laptop and rekordbox... Feel like I have to start again 🤷🏾‍♂️

[@cristina_garcia]

@@rickywhite5476 yes, you're right that it looks as if we have to start again. But I'll tell you something: don't worry. I've switched from DJUCED (software of Hercules brand) to Engine DJ (Denon) and Serato Pro was included with my controller purchase. The more different DJ software you use, the easier it is to set up and play. The only disadvantage is managing the music library because all platforms are incompatible. Fortunately, there are a few services that can convert those metadata to database files for Rekordbox, Serato or Engine. ☺️

[@paulwillhite6730]

Great video. Great points on how to get familiar with CDJ's. Though I think this is becoming less and less relevant. More and more clubs are letting DJ's bring their own kit in to play these days, and the ones that don't are opting for stand-alone controllers. A Pioneer XDJ series gives all the modern features, which can be used with multiple software options from Serato, Virtual DJ, etc and can still be a stand alone unit with USB drives all at the price of 1 CDJ. Moreover since many clubs often let DJ's bring in their own equipment, we are seeing the end of pioneers strangle hold on the industry as companies like Denon begin to step up with quality, professional and fully capable offerings. CDJ's will become more and more niche, just like turn tables. They still exist today, but only certain DJ's use them. *(this is my 2 cents worth anyways).

[@Fran-or3lt]

Blacked out half the screen on my CDJ 3000’s with permanant marker. Im all in on this.

[@Soyboy10]

This is ecactly the info I needed man. At my first gig there were NXS mk1s and. I only played on my controller and XDJs before where you can change the phase meter.. i ended up playing on my controller lol

[@ReallyChrisM]

How did the gig go?

[@Lorme369]

I set memory cues while a track is playing by pressing the loop in adjust button then set the memory cue…

[@ReallyChrisM]

TIL

[@cmbunit01]

Great overview. Your Export guide helped with my first gig as well recently, since I'm used to using a Denon controller at home. I'd highly recommend for new DJs to ask if they can use the equipment before the event to check if their USBs (bring more than one) are working and get used to the decks and mixer. I was using XDJ-1000s which I'd never used before. It helped massively with my confidence knowing everything was working, and how to navigate the menus and controls correctly.

[@ReallyChrisM]

Great tip! Hands on time is always the winner

[@frederick_l]

I absolutlly feel you with the hot keys, I almost never see them on 2000 nxs player.

[@ezedjay]

Nice one. Last live set I played was in the 90s. I skipped CDJ type stuff almost entirely until a couple of years ago and went the controller/laptop route so this video is exactly what I wanted to know about👊 I recently started loading tracks and not looking at the screen or using any sync - just to see if I still can 😂I found I still can no problem. Also made me realise how much I've been taking advantage of stacked waveforms. Like I'm still mixing fine without looking at them.....but a bit differently - feels more like mixing vinyl. I'm gonna turn off the stacked waveforms in rekordbox and see how it affects first mix throughs of all new tunes that I'm not that familiar with. I think that's where the stacked waveforms help me most tbh

[@ReallyChrisM]

For sure - let us know how you get on!

[@nicovandenberg_]

Looking at waveforms is like keeping an eye on the darker grooves on vinyl.

[@mrlik7916]

Question - why does anyone use cdjs when a FLX4 laptop combo sounds like it would work so much better? As a new DJ it just seems like this tech is still around as a kind of gatekeeping, I don't get it but feel like I must be missing something...

[@Skradgee]

A lot of bars and clubs don’t want people connecting a disconnecting things. Playing out live on CDJs and not using a laptop, or a controller (sorry) looks more professional.

[@HollyJokerst]

CDJs have high quality soundcards which is important for playing on larger sound systems in a professional setting. Laptops are a single point of failure, vs if one CDJ goes down there might be several others ready to go And personally I think they feel nice to play on and enjoy the separate screens, forces you to mix with your ears more and makes it way harder to accidentally stop the music on the wrong deck. But still they are overpriced as shit and I do not own them personally 😂

[@mrlik7916]

@@Skradgee yeah fair play hahaha

[@mrlik7916]

@@HollyJokerst good points, thank you! and yeah way too spenny

[@guillermaten]

@@Skradgee This is the key. "Look" professional. Sigh.

[@masterbond9]

yea, if i ever do anything in a club, i think im just going to bring a bunch of USB cables and a smaller controller to help me use things that CDJs dont have. im already thinking about the smaller controller because i use DN-S1200s in PC mode. ive been thinking about getting a pair of dicers, but idk where to put them that makes sense

[@Mydjprogress]

Thank you so much, CDJs are fun but can be a nightmare…

[@geriatricwarzone2972]

Any settings to make controller jog wheels feel like a cdj jog wheels?

[@ReallyChrisM]

If you have something like a DDJ-1000 or FLX10 they are the closest you are going to get to a CDJ feel - otherwise not really. You could try spilling beer on them though

[@KendalHammondDjSmoothk423]

Work for the DDJREV7?

[@natealanzo3979]

sort of that mimmics a scratch layout, if you have that controller youre assumably going for a more open format scratch dj setup

[@widdzydnb]

Hahahha, BLUE WAVEFORM GANG RISE UP

[@ReallyChrisM]

Papa Smurf lead us to victory!

[@edubblesspirit]

I like the blue personally. I guess I’ve just gotten used to it

[@cuttysharp]

Traktor s8 blue waves😅

[@JadeTheRock]

booooooo

[@NikRyan5]

Blue been on top

[@Bennnj10]

What is your beef with tech house idgi

[@grizeldiSLO]

>90% of my library consists of FLAC files which only the NXS2 and the 3k can ready anyway, so I don't think I have to worry about all the missing stuff on ancient CDJs.

[@DINU_R]

Can you do a video on how alpha teta is spoiling RB

[@nukecandy]

0:46 Since I hear this. I know It's gonna be hilarous 🤣 And the more he explain, the more it's true.

[@Salkinmusic]

How to play on cdj: Buy some used and learn

[@Soyboy10]

Still mad expensive where I live haha

[@Salkinmusic]

@@Soyboy10 Got two cdj-2000’s for $1000. Guess its all about what cdj’s you want

[@JonGarcia1990]

Not gonna lie, I'm absolutely blessed to own a pair of CDJ3000s and a DJM-A9 mixer, but this video is AMAZING. I can definitely vouch for this strategy, having had a controller for a few years. Love that you taped the sync button LOL. Thanks for helping out the community bro!

[@ryanott6763]

This is how rekordbox should come setup from the start. Raise the barrier to entry for these new DJs. It’s too low nowadays

[@jayjayokocha38]

Rekordbox 7 so bad !

[@TommysLouka]

my usb didnt work on cdj 2000 and said format needed. but it didnt work even aftrer the format and both times it was FAT32. can you help me pls?

[@mangahuisman]

buy a compatible stick google

[@johanhagen]

I love you man - as always, these are such smart and valuable tips. (And that you're able to find space for those quick negative comments about products and software are priceless 😄)

[@johanhagen]

And I like Substack, so pleeeeease let us know waaay in advance if you'll be switching over to another newsletter service! 🙏

[@ReallyChrisM]

I need to make absolutely sure I don’t get sponsored

[@cristina_garcia]

​@@ReallyChrisM😂😂😂

[@stevenroyle2835]

Why have you removed quantize? That's on CDJs

[@ReallyChrisM]

yep but not as a dedicated button on the 2000

[@guillermaten]

If you have to disable lots of functionalities of a $600 amateur setup to behave like a $10k... maybe Pioneer should make a better professional product.

[@joshpinho]

This. Seems backward doesn't it? I just picked up the Ddj flx 4 and it looks good with its functionalities.

[@JakeLDS]

Or, maybe professional DJs like to use their ears instead of tons of software help. Using your ears is where the joy and the skill is. All the tools in controllers are designed for people that can’t DJ to be able to just jump on and get going, playing at house parties etc. Pros don’t want all that, they just want incredibly high quality audio performance and they want to mix with their ears. If you don’t learn to mix with your ears you never become good at mixing.

[@guillermaten]

@@JakeLDS Normally professional products have more features than amateur products. Like in video, photography, music production, and so. Because professionals know how to use the TOOLS to make better perfomances. Pioneer professional line is so outdated and obsolete than an amateur product has more tools and features. But there will be always an idiot saying "you don't need tools!", like if an accountant is better for using paper and pen instead of Excel

[@Que-Lindo]

The tech house of control functions. Burn. 😂

[@kaszubskyteam6463]

Why so much hate? ;d

[@Que-Lindo]

@@kaszubskyteam6463 good question but it was sharp 🤣

[@bboymac84]

Why are we going back in time? 🤷🏾‍♂️

[@ddetongre]

You never come forward when you play on Pioneer gear.

[@bboymac84]

@@ddetongre not at all ! They haven’t invented anything new yet on the CDJs!!

[@ddetongre]

@@bboymac84 two years behind with the cdj 3000 and the other units are basic players.

[@bboymac84]

@@ddetongre the clubs don’t wanna take chance with new tech. Yet I’ve used broken CDJs at clubs. 🤷🏾‍♂️🤦🏾‍♂️

[@TriplicateTrey]

Last night I had a dream that i started using “jaculated” as a term for expressing approval. This video is so educational, mad jaculate

[@ReallyChrisM]

Thanks! Hope this catches on

[@MXCN_El1011]

Seems kinda wild that $2000 gear comes standard with less functionality than a $400 controller while being like 1/2 the size

[@DJTimeLock]

After watching this video i feel like i don't even want to play on them anymore... They're so lacking compared to modern controller lol

[@allentastic]

What an abrupt ending lol. I think KZbin cut it short

[@ReallyChrisM]

Oh really? I just checked, seems to be all there from what I can see

[@hugo112max]

2000’s are obsolete these days. I don’t know one place in the Netherlands where I’ve performed where they still have them. It’s all 3000 now.

[@mangahuisman]

how many times do you play and what kind of events

[@semi788]

İf cdj 2000s are expensive for you just get a pair of cdj 350 for home use rather than a ddj

[@DJautogyro]

Why don't clubs just run their CDJs in HID mode to gain all the additional functionality but with the same equipment?

[@elektra81516]

i dont get the Tech House hate tbh

[@letsgetdowntobusiness-]

Have you heard the news?

[@kereamohau]

I've been fortunate to find most bars don't have any below the CDJ 2000. Anything below that then I'm bringing my controller

[@alphadream953]

tbh why not just dj live with your controller and laptop, not heavy to carry

[@bboymac84]

Why do clubs make it harder for us DJs 🤷🏾‍♂️🤦🏾‍♂️🤦🏾‍♂️🤦🏾‍♂️

[@djRaIDeNindia]

Not club the djs do that them self club don’t care what equipment you uses

[@ddetongre]

Most DJ’s want industry standard gear, but it’s expensive and shit. Do yourself a favour and start asking for Denon gear. Half the price and four times as functional.

[@Que-Lindo]

Nothing easier than a usb in your pocket and go. Reliability is essentially why. No time to set up people’s equipment and worry it will go wrong.

[@bboymac84]

@@Que-Lindo so use denon. You don’t even need a usb.

[@bboymac84]

@@djRaIDeNindia then let’s put in denons instead. They are wayyyy more flexible than CDJs!!

[@lespieces]

The fact that pioneer still refuses to release anything too close to a CDJ makes them a shit company. What about a cheap controller that has the exact same layout? That would mean the world to me. Having to rent cds before gig sucks. No controller offers the same experience, the buttons are never at the same place. They pushed the insult with the XDJ, a 3500$ price tag and they decided to put those 8 big cue buttons just to confuse us.

[@onedayapp3534]

Expensive stuff just to do less 😂

[@benull4003]

You know I don't full of s*** doesn't work like that because I've been trying the best to get it it doesn't work like that we have to pay the full amount on mixing music you're so funny you have to finance to get that mixer

[@lorenzomunisami6083]

Cdjs are becoming dated. Flx 10 is all a professional needs

[@_very]

I'm never not taking my own setup. CDJs are garbage.

[@DavidMander-rs4uk]

Skip that and start a vinyl collection then invest in Technics 1210s with Ortofon concordes, proper DJing as it should be!! Controllers suck 🗑️👎

[@IamPreacherMan]

lol. 🤦🏼‍♂️ pioneer should be embarrassed. Seriously.

[@ThomeTeque]

If you have any anxiety in regard to djing, you should simply change your hobby. Wtf is this video 🤣