Entry Level DJ Controller | How to connect to speakers or sound system

Product links in pinned comment below.
See also, "Audio Cables for Beginners pt 2: Balanced vs. Un-balanced"
• Audio Cables for Begin...
Table of contents:
0:00 Intro
2:20 Objectives
2:39 Solution 1: Unbalanced Signal Using RCA
4:10 Solution 2: Dual Active Direct Box
6:14 Solution 3: Small PA Mixer
8:50 Solution 4: Plug into existing DJ gear
12:44 Other scenarios: Working with sound engineer
13:37 Other scenarios: When the venue has a PA mixer
13:59 Other scenarios: When the venue has a large PA mixer
14:33 Other scenerios: Can you use the RCA input on powered speakers?

[@priyonjoni]

Product Links: CABLES RCA to RCA cables amzn.to/2NEyBni RCA to 1/4inch cables amzn.to/2O3qXSx XLR female to XLR male amzn.to/2qIhND4 ADAPTERS RCA female to 1/4inch male amzn.to/2NFuirM RCA female to XLR amzn.to/2NJLnRH ACTIVE DUAL DIRECT BOXES Behringer Ultra-DI DI20 amzn.to/33HBCZM Art Dualxdirect amzn.to/32JProZ DBX DI4 (4 Channel) amzn.to/2Q7UPQm SMALL PA MIXER Behringer Xenyx Q802USB amzn.to/2QiNv4e MEDIUM PA MIXER Mackie ProFX 16 V3 amzn.to/2rvFq1R POWER SPEAKER Pioneer Pro Audio XPRS15 amzn.to/36YXa63 STUDIO MONITOR Pioneer DJ Bulit8 amzn.to/2CAor0z ENTRY LEVEL DJ CONTROLLERS DDJ-SB3 amzn.to/370yUAm DDJ-400 www.zzounds.com/a--3970758/item--PIODDJ400 2 CHANNEL PORTABLE DJ CONTROLLERS DDJ-SR2 amzn.to/33IFDgr DDJ-800 amzn.to/34VEKkM 4 CHANNEL DJ CONTROLLERS DDJ-1000 amzn.to/2rFpU3P DDJ-1000SRT amzn.to/2Kdaaey ALL-IN-ONE SYSTEM XDJ-XZ amzn.to/2XmNdex 4 CHANNEL DJ MIXER DJM-900NXS2 amzn.to/2KfS8bP 2 CHANNEL BATTLE MIXER DJM-S9 amzn.to/36YPwbX

[@trapnest_music]

Thanks for the video, this was extremely helpful. I've started doing some mobile dj gigs and been using an xdj rx , but it's too big, too heavy and a bit overkill for events with 150 people or less . (Plus it sucks that it doesn't have any aux input for requests) So I've been looking to alternatives and I think I'm going for a ddj sb3 + xenyx q802usb. One question tho , it says the xenyx has unbalanced outputs, doesn't that defeat the purpose of getting the mixer ? Some comments on Amazon say that this will be good only for podcast situations and others that they have played multiple gigs. Can you clarify this please ? Thanks

[@priyonjoni]

Trapnest this is why I recommended the 802 and not the smaller ones. The smaller ones do not have balanced outputs. But if you check the manual of the 802, it will say both the main and control room outputs of the 802 are “balanced” and require a TRS quarter inch plug. Key word is “TRS”. If you use a standard TS quarter inch plug, it will default to unbalanced.

[@trapnest_music]

@@priyonjoni oh yeah I read the manual and it indeed has balanced outputs. I got confused by the term "unpowered" lol thanks for the reply

[@djalexxwhite2438]

So I have a question: I have a ddj400 and I want to live stream with it and have an additional microphone that I want some eqs for to make it sound a little better. I was thinking about getting a mixler like the yamaha m10xu so I could plug the controller and mic in and get them out via usb - HOWEVER I would like to have ONLY my music on my monitor speakers and not hear my own voice! But I can't mute my mic on the booth output of the mixer. The ddj 400 has no possibility to have two different outputs. Can someone help me? Maybe the Idea is just bad and I need 2 mixers ? Any help would be super cool!!!

[@concretejungle6938]

@@priyonjoni So u can’t plug speakers into that Berringer..if so where?

[@akeempottinger5382]

Spent so much money on random cables because I had 0 idea of what I was doing and even when I asked the guys at guitar center they had no clue. THANK YOU SO MUCH!

[@DJHYDEHEART]

Never go into guitar center expecting expert opinions on your gear. They're just there for the check.

[@priyonjoni]

DJ HYDEHEART it’s better to do your research first and only go there when ready to purchase.

[@LaGringaCuber]

@@priyonjoni guitar center employee here. It's hit or miss. If you come to Fort Myers Guitar Center, I always do my best to learn everything (for myself, and common things I experience with customers). but there are of a bit of people who don't care.. only see it as another job. it's always indeed best to do your own research in addition

[@feareroff]

Same here

[@Richy22222]

I’ve been looking for this information since I started DJING a year ago thank you

[@LC-ur8gv]

Finally some detailed info on how to ACTUALLY make these connections, instead of just saying "connect with RCA" etc.. thanks!

[@gmacnev]

The best video I've ever seen about this in my life, thanks again from Brazil

[@tomjones5783]

Great post, I mixed from 78 to 88 in Sarasota on techniques back when you listed to the mix that’s old School. Very interesting and informative on balanced and unbalanced. Thank you brother

[@TheChillje]

By far the most clear and concise explanation of how to setup for live streaming and mixing. THANK YOU!!!!

[@DJHYDEHEART]

THIS VIDEO IS EXACTLY WHAT I NEEDED. THANK YOU!

[@SirPablo2Pablo]

This was excellent. I’m getting the direct box. Brilliant

[@TheWillsMusic]

This is the best video of the century!!!!!!! 7 Years ago after a DJset in the 2000 people nightclub with my controllers, I decided to invest in CDJ2000s and DJM because the other DJ had a much louder and clearer sound than me with the CDJs. I didn't understand why till today! Fortunately, I totally master CDJs and DJM now :D Thank you very much for your amazing video!

[@MOH91749]

This is the best advice I've had so far 👌🏿

[@ericcox4448]

Thanks for all the info. Learn a lot of great information. We need more people out here like you!!!

[@JTheTravelDude]

Awesome, informative video!!! Just what I was looking for!

[@soulfulricansouldjkurtist2358]

I like how you help so many Djs. You do know so much about Controlers , I know you. Know alot. When are you going to talk about the way we did it in the beginning of DJ ing . One time you said a real DJ could dj with just about any cheap or expensive equipment witch it's true .Trust me am 60 years old back then most turntables had no speed control. You had to have and know the selection of records you was going to play ,or look at the groves for your cues. Mixers where ok if you was lucky I had a uncle in Germany and came with 2 Mixers Like Bozak or Uri , and macintosh amps had tubes, Then he had those Thorens turntables like they had in all the Major clubs how I wanted those .Then he purchased some Phillips Turntables for me I sold them and purchase Technics 1800 I thought I had the best no belt moter, it's what I wanted I held on till the 1200 mk2 came around bought a display and a new one still have them got rid of the 1800, CDJS started coming out it took me years but I gave in and bought a pair of Cdjs 1000 I used Cds for years Then I seen some guy selling the silver Cdjs 1000 I gave him $350 for the pair and he took it so now I have 4 pioneers CDJS players bought me the Denon Serato pro with the interface 2 disc ,2 records all the wires I need so I use a old Bozak Mixer it don't have a USB port that's why I purchased the Serato pro only 2 channels so I still have 2 more channels for the other cdj players. Any way thanks for your info .Your the best ,you must be a hell of a perfectionist till you next post love them

[@SergeiChaparin]

Awesome and thorough instruction. Thank you!

[@eur947]

One of the best videos on the internet.

[@cajunhustle5128]

This video is GOLD!!!! Thank you!

[@dumetre12]

Awesome videos, even better than what I've seen from Digital DJ Tips!

[@priyonjoni]

I'm an instructor for Digital DJ Tips!

[@geenosookhoo107]

Thanks Pri. This was a big help. Season greetings and best wishes.

[@JoseLopez-ct3ci]

You're the goat bro u literally just saved me 🙏

[@JayM_10]

Very informative video... I got answers of my all questions 💯💯

[@Mark-gk1bu]

Thanks a million for sharing your knowledge and experience bro.

[@harambesstepbrother7579]

Your a life saver man to a newbie like me!! Thank you.

[@rainbowgaming8441]

what they dont tell you and many are turned away by this or dont get a email back You MUST BE a working professional in the music industry (DJ, producer, radio employee or music director !!!!!!!!!!! but if you have dj music from age 16 till your 28 years old they dont care about that at all you still cant get in

[@user-mi2ng3xr1r]

Again. You The Man!

[@janalynluares7195]

Very informative! 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@djicebreaker80]

Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge and found it helpful..

[@hakimelhaj8998]

Thank you for your efforts, very useful video.

[@marvinrivera7947]

The video I was looking Thank you!

[@Imaginebeatz]

THIS WAS SO HELPFUL

[@danradu2471]

Thank you ....very useful video🎉

[@rubenmartinez1903]

Awesome explanations!!! Thanks

[@elizabethruiz4082]

WOW This was super helpful! TY!

[@einekleineente1]

Great advice! Thank you.😎

[@1djricky]

I needed this ✌

[@priyonjoni]

Chinedu Eric glad to help!

[@narutoidol]

very informative, thank you so much!

[@itxofficial8281]

When I got back into the hobby in 2013, I used a Mixtrack Pro Mk1 and later a DDJ SB2. Both great little devices, versatile and extremely portable. But, they still only got RCA outs. I knew that the signal was unbalanced and I would have troubles pairing them with active PA speakers, but I didn't want to spend several hundred dollars just for a mixer with balanced XLRs. That's when I found out about this crazy little invention called the DI box. The Behringer DI20 was only 25€ on Amazon, so it was a no-brainer. Now, I was finally able to plug my entry-level gear into pro speakers without looking (and sounding!) like a total noob. To this day, I'm using the Behringer DI20 to amp up the sound coming out of my backup controller, the Pioneer DDJ-REV1. For beginner DJs wanting to play their first big gigs, this thing is a 100% MUST-HAVE!! 👏

[@akinkunmicook2977]

Great tutorial!!!!!! Thanks for sharing!!!!!

[@kabe-ster4939]

Very helpful. Thank you!

[@efjaem]

Great explanation 👍🏾thanks!

[@tecbabu2921]

Nice sir....Very useful video. Super clear speech..

[@chukwumaosemene4164]

Thank you so much. I just got A DDJ 400 so I will have to get a PA mixer. Thanks

[@oscalealvisl]

What a great video thanks fo the info 👍🏽

[@djtmajorsd]

Really dope video. Appreciate all the very useful and detailed info! Need more like this! I use an Allen & Heath ZedFX-6. Really solid PA mixer!

[@priyonjoni]

DJ TMajor great to see the mixer idea in the works!

[@chappie505ec]

Excellent thread

[@cosmicpuma1409]

Great Vid. Thanks so much!

[@S.Djordje]

Thanks for you videos God bless you 🙏

[@DJMichaelKhoury]

You cover every question!

[@syshi2005]

Just wow Blah3 Again just wow 🤯 Ty3 🙏

[@ReverendHellbilly]

Great vid. Cheers to you.👍🥃🥃

[@gmacnev]

Awesome vídeo! Thanks!

[@judekraft8104]

My small gigs ik have a old tall pioneer mixer from 02 luv it the venue has its own sound like speakers tht mixer and sim xlrs since I live upstairs I used to drag each 1200 down and my weak vinyl record selection but I made it work and back their get 150.00 11 til 2am i did not care in the slightestIt was winged so well I kept getting called back it a knock at my back door😂I’m glad when practiced I put my speakers out the windows and he knew I spun from tht

[@roiijamez33]

Excellent - Thanks!!

[@callumkenny5147]

Great video and it came at a time when I needed to learn about just this. I've always plugged into DJMs in clubs but I'm going into a venue where that's not possible and even though my controller has balanced outputs, my backup does not. Very useful information here and confirms that the way I've handled things before was good, without knowing why. Thanks dude!

[@priyonjoni]

Callum Kenny glad to help!

[@tourinojacks5844]

Just wanted to know what is your backup controller with the unbalanced outputs?

[@leoloza202]

Great info👍

[@NexuJin]

I had a Behringer XENYX 302USB exactly for that to hook up my DDJ-400. But cheap certain comes at a price: noise on the line. Returned it and spend more money to pick up an Allen & Heath ZEDi-8 instead. Very happy with the clean signal (also looks better than Behringer's). Also has a 2-channel USB interface which is great for diving into how to use DAW's. Watched this video after the purchases. But still great to know my decision was in line with recommended solutions.

[@codychavarria6088]

Does that mixer have a place for a powered sub or can I use one of the lines?

[@SgtErikArmy]

Great video

[@trainsplanesandotherthings5187]

Thanks you, That explains why my sound is so bad coming out of my DDJ SB3 connected to a 15 ft RCA line.

[@mathisclermont8157]

Thanks !

[@andnegr]

Very good explanations of something many young djs don't know!

[@priyonjoni]

Andrea Negri many older DJs too

[@sandwichfingers5246]

You. Are. Awesome.

[@denzaholic6914]

Very well explained video. Kudos! I often come across guys who think they know everything about this subject and would often find it difficult to explain why I need balanced inputs, etc... I'd just shut-up out of frustration. Specially about stereo imagery of which very few audio guys care about just for the sake of having all speakers connected and outputs sound. I hope these guys see this video and realize what they think they know but don't know. Keep it up bro.

[@73Bdiddy]

Yup - that's what i did when I took my DDJ400 to the party 2 weeks ago. Took along my little allen&Heath Zed6

[@priyonjoni]

BdiddyB I’ll have to look into that mixer since you’re not the first to mention it! Glad the mixer idea is working out

[@georgies9138]

BdiddyB I have a DDJ 400s with a jbl eon600 1000 watt. But not as loud as it should be. Nowhere near. Do i need a mixer?

[@jbrumfield6090]

great video

[@clobraico_private9121]

Thanks for the video, super helpful! So I have two 15in powered PA speakers that take in XLR only. I also have an 18in powered sub that takes a left and a right XLR input. I use a DDJ400. In the past, I would connect everything as follows: DDJ ---RCA to XLR ---> Left Speaker Left speaker -XLR to XLR ---> Right speaker Right speaker -XLR to XLR ---> subwoofer. There were multiple issues with this. First off, I know I’m not getting anywhere near the max volume out of my system because of all the signal loss. But more specifically, by only having a single input to the sub, it looses a lot of its oomph. Based on what you were saying in the video, it seems like I need either a dual direct box or a mixer. I think the dual direct box is going to be enough for me, however I wanted to check with you and see if you think that’s the best solution? I was thinking I would go ddj -> direct box -> l and r speakers (respectively) -> sub. Will this help? I was hoping to buy the cheaper behringer dual box but I’m worried it won’t be able to handle all of this gear. Thanks again!!

[@jimbob0025]

Sorry for replying to this after 7 months, but wondering if you found a solution for this? I'm in almost the exact same situation, only my sub has an RCA input.

[@amandacookworm]

I'm a super entry-level DJ and this video with super informative. I just bought the Pioneer DDJ sb3 and I needed help on how to hook the controller up to my focusrite 2i2 interface

[@priyonjoni]

I would recommend using a dual RCA to quarter inch wires.

[@africangodman6145]

@@priyonjoni This may sound complicated, how do I connect my Pioneer DJ Controller to Crossover, Graphic Equalizer and 2 amps?

[@africangodman6145]

@@priyonjoni The Crossover has an independent sub input.

[@ktre4315]

Very helpful

[@liamcarroll8977]

Great video. I have a DDJ-400 controller and I'm thinking of getting a pair of studio monitors, the active direct box seems like the best set up to connect these for me, but if I also wanted the option of connecting the monitors to a laptop/PC, would I be able to do this using the active direct box or would I need some other cables/equipment?

[@antoniaalpaca]

You should get a Nobel prize for this

[@junglist1soldier]

What would you recommend for hooking up more than 2 powered monitors? With that ProFX 6 in mind?

[@ryoo7845]

thanks a lot!

[@ajpepe72]

Great video, I have a ddj400 which when plugged into my pair of jbl partybox speakers is no where near as loud as if I plug my DJM750 mixer into speakers. If I used a small 802 pa mixer with my ddj400, how would be best to connect pa mixer to the party boxes ? The partybox’s have 1/8 inch aux input, red/white rca inputs, and also a 1/4 inch mic input and a 1/4 inch guitar input , the mic and guitar inputs have their own gain knobs.

[@marditoon1128]

What a great great video friend. I have a Pioneer DDJ FLX6 and i want to make sure the signal and volume is alright when i play private parties. Is the Behringer Xenyx Q802USB mixer plus RCA cables all i need?

[@JimHopper]

Quick question - you recommend a Dual Active Direct Box to create the balanced output to the speakers, yet none of these that I've found have RCA inputs.....so the recommendation is to just use adaptors to the directbox? Thanks in advanced

[@icemn]

Thanks a lot man! What if i used a subwoover? So monitors connect to the sub and the sub to the controller. Is it still unbalanced? 🤔 thanks

[@Mark-gk1bu]

Does the mixer option offer any boost in signal output level, or is it just to convert from unbalanced to balanced?

[@keeganmurphy8553]

Questions. Does a PA mixer boost the signal strength of a DDJ400 more or better than plugging into the channel of another DJs mixer? Will a PA mixer improve the volume capabilities of my monitors at home? I have the big KRK G4 and I find it easy to redline my controller, especially with my bassier music. I have RCA out to XLR into my monitors and the cords are about 6 feet long. Great videos👍

[@dj-unnu]

hy there Pri yon Joni! I'v been looking for your videos sibce the begginning of my Dj mini carierr. Very usefull infos clear and easy to undestand videos! I like what you do. About this video i need your advice as an pro tech ! I have the follouing setup that i use: Hercules inpulse 500 controller (unbalanced output 6.3 jack) a mixer ( for now the Alto Zmx 862 main mix balanced or unbalanced 6.3 jack output) and from there active woofers (only balanced in/out) and active speakers that can handle balanced/unbalanced signal. I undestud that adding an active DI BOX after the controller the signal goes ballanced into the entire system, but it will that help increasing the overall strenght of the sound? (in the same gieven conditions, same settings) Does it makes a difference in sound Quality? I undestud that if a active speaker is built to work with balanced signal is better to use balanced signal for best performance, regardless of it's capacity to also handle unbalanced. Hope my english is good enough for you to undestand what i mean. Thanks alot! Respect

[@aflahn]

I use the dbx Gorack with my Traktor s2 MK3!

[@priyonjoni]

DJ ANT FLAHN yeah the NI controllers tend to brunch at high volumes. It’s good you’re boosting it

[@Brewzyskates]

THANK YOU BRUHHHHHHHH

[@priyonjoni]

You got it!

[@runninzz]

Great video! Re DDJ200, can I use a 3.5mm from my output splitter to an RCA input on my PA mixer? From the mixer I’ve got 3/4 to XLR for speakers

[@michaeldavis155]

Appreciate this knowledge!! I have a 15in powered spkr with a passive. Bought an addtl passive thinking to run the controller thru an amp w/2 passive. The active one gets too hot and they clip. Now with the mixer can run the controller, mic and addt'l thru that without the need for an amp. Is that correct?

[@eddgutierrez5811]

How do i connect a laptop to an amplifier or what sounds card do you recommend

[@anilswv]

Hii priyon✨need good advice..is it good thing frm mixer djm 900nxs2 rec out rca to presonus e3.5 powered speaker rca input? Next option advice..frm djm 900nxs2 mixer master out using splitter rca to presonus e3.5 rca input good?

[@EmreNizam]

Hello, thanks for the video but i could not understand this clearly. I have DDJ-FLX6 controller which has master and booth RCA outputs and 2 DJ S-50X5 monitor speakers. Speakers has Unbalanced RCA, Balanced TRS and XLR inputs. What is the best connection for this case to use both monitor speakers at the same time as left and right?

[@KrasavkinRomanE]

благодарю thank you

[@jdram58]

I do run this into a small mixer8 channels $60.00 from amazon and I also have a Yamaha passive digital10 channel mixer as well as an old analog active yamaha mixer as well

[@andrianrobles5916]

Hi i want to plan to buy pioneer ddj srt2 and i have presonus air 15. My question is do i need to direct to pa since there is output xlr to input xlr to pa or we need di box for each left and right channel.

[@MickyP]

So if you use the Bheringer Q802 how would you control the Mic? or are you proposing that the Music is controlled on the actual controller and the Mic is via the Q802? I am looking to use this for Internest Radio, thats why Im asking?

[@canyurekli7039]

Hello Pri. I have ddj400 and and wanna get clean signal as you described with using behringer q802 usb. I found older version of behringer 802 with a good price. If I bought that can i get a clean signal like later versions of that pa behringer? Or should I get a di box for unbalanced to balanced food signal

[@donmontague4107]

Seems like you've made a good tutorial, and one to come back to, thanks :) As for those who make these systems, as ever the instructions show that they haven't got any idea whatsoever what the fuck they're doing. I've blown people away with my music for 29 years. I still don't understand why the easy thing has been made ridiculously complicated. And this is the simplest presentation of it I've ever found. My bet, sound technicians would be out of a job if musicians could just plug themselves in. So long as plugging in means you have to ballance a signal with a PQRST before DIing it to a boost interface with an HIV adaptor (so long as the signal doesn't have interference from the BBQ) and then switching the channel in the BJ to the quasimodular triceratops while adjusting the donkey flange so it realeases the right frequency of gecko farts.... then some nerds who can't make music will still get paid for sorting out all that crap 😂

[@dumetre12]

I was wondering how I could connect the Zone Out of a Denon DJ Prime 4 to a regular Denon AVR-X1200W AV receiver that does not have XLR or 1/4" inputs, knowing that the receiver is about 40 feet away, in another room. The RCA cables are not the best option, so I was thinking to maybe send a balanced signal via XLR or 1/4" cables to a Behringer Q802USB mixer that you recommended in one of your videos, and then use a 3 feet RCA cable from the OUT of the Behringer mixer to the RCA AUDIO IN of the Denon receiver. With the Denon Prime 4 you can dj in one room and send a playlist to another room, and this is what I am trying to achieve, while maintaining the quality of the sound in both rooms. Any help here would be greatly appreciated.

[@RealGhostDj]

Howsit bro. I’ve just bought a DDJ FLX4 just so I can Dj in my man cave here and there with my friends. I want to buy speakers that I can use on my tv and also when playing the decks. I don’t know if this will be possible but that’s what I’d prefer. Can you advise on the best options for this?

[@hidalgohouse3815]

Just ordered a controller with master out RCA and 1/4in..any preference? My powered speakers have both.

[@lrod6801]

Hi I'm currently using an SB3 rca to 1/4 in. To a xenyx 802. I also have 2 powered speakers and one powered sub. How would you wire it? I'm having trouble getting a good sound out of my system. Thanks in advance.

[@misterchilano6417]

I have a question! I have an xdj-xz, and I run 4 powered subs, and 4 powered tops. I usually run 2 of my subwoofers out of the booth outputs (1/4-xlr) to the left and right, and daisy chain the second 2 subs off of those. And for my tops I run them out of my main out (xlr-xlr) and daisy chain my booth monitors to those and just adjust the levels for the booth on the back of those speakers. I do that to keep the sub levels separate from the tops, but is there a better way to run this setup and get the most out of it?

[@unknowndeejay7317]

I just recently purchased the Pioneer Dj - DJ Controller Black (DDJ-SB3) & 2 Mackie THUMP Series 15-Inch 1300-Watt Loudspeaker with High Performance Amplifiers Built-in Mixers & Power Factor Correction (THUMP15A) . but i get a bad & ugly humming sound. If you can please help me out with the exact cables that I need so I can just enjoy music. And I truly enjoy your videos .. Thank You

[@freeforpaul]

Hey man this helps a lot! Thanks!

[@kayso7723]

Though PJ would the owner or manager of the club be okay with you hooking up your own gear to their gear like a DDJ-1000SRT? Because I use Rekordbox

[@jdram58]

I have sort of a preamp with 4 inputs 1/4 inch inputs n 1 1.4 inch output for $22.00 from amazonI use I think called Wifine it boosts the signal from ,y computer head phone 1/8 inch jack it works pretty good going to two active Kustom 12 inch and a horn loud 100 watt active speakers.

[@tulayilalim]

Hello sir hoping you can provide me with your expert advice. Planning on purchasing a Pioneer XDJ-RX3 just for home use,is it possible to plug this on my Yamaha AV receiver RX-A2030 w/c has a Defenitive bi-polar 2006 speaker w/ built in subwoofer? Would you be able to provide me the things i need to make this happen? Thank you