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.

[@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 😅

[@Amatteus]

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

[@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?

[@Hello_riders_1993]

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

[@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.

[@philcaines9226]

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

[@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 : )

[@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

[@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.

[@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

[@KaneCunico]

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

[@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!

[@DjPositiveP]

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

[@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!

[@nick_way]

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

[@bavikon]

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

[@jus1taj]

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

[@kaviner2411]

Perfect information that are crucial and dosent waste peoples time!

[@proxesslive]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@mateuszmaciol3141]

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

[@noyceofficial]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@NorthwestLights206]

me too lol

[@djyats5154]

😂🤣

[@aznsensation1994]

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

[@drgems]

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

[@drgems]

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

[@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?!

[@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

[@thomasrexen7261]

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

[@RC75]

😂😂😂😂 but it’s a great video😉

[@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.

[@OVL.Roundtheclock]

This has helped me a massive amount, thanks!

[@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😂

[@VISIT_0]

you can actually do fine with a single usb connection straight into the DJM, on the condition that all cdj's are being routed in the mixer via ethernet (which is rare but can be encountered)

[@flo209]

Does it mean that you have to use an Ethernet hub to host both cdjs ? And then plug the hub on the djm?

[@simonehleringer9767]

Wow, this video was amazing, very clear 👌

[@yomiogunrinola2624]

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

[@Jun-gj2ik]

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

[@1903Fuzz]

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

[@itsjustarmani97]

This was so helpful appreciate this

[@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?

[@gioandikara3339]

i usually use third cable to connect the DJM to laptop, i just know that it can works with only 2 cable to each CDJ👍👍

[@FFrancini63]

Yes but with two cables only you don’t have the possibility to get a waveform preview from rekordbox directly to one of your free mixer channels

[@Dhruvinator]

useful for djs that use streaming services (like me)

[@djfutchy]

Hey guys. Great video as always. I've just switched from DDJ-1000 to a pair of XDJ 1000 Mk 2 at home and I can't get the aggregate device to appear in the RB audio settings. Anyone here have any idea what I'm doing wrong? RB detects the XDJ's as a controller but jusy wont play ball with the audio settings!

[@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...? 🤔

[@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?

[@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?

[@DJ_Marlus]

Would be nice to have one video like this for Traktor and Virtual Dj

[@LeooDraxlr]

It’s basically the same. Just different program .

[@DJSHVM]

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

[@Nick-pu8qm]

Hey Crossfader Team, could you do a guide how to connect the DJM S9 with XDJs in Rekordbox ? Unfortunately I can't do it.

[@enowamusic8286]

I waited sooo long for that video. Awesome thanks!

[@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.

[@Top10-i1x2m]

This dude is a life saver!

[@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

[@luckym_dj]

Always connect via your mixer! Use the USB to the DJM. Your audio quality is much better. (Save 3 A/D conversions), also you imidiatly unlock all 4 decks. You can play acapellas, samples and other tracks on the other 2 decks, and cue songs that are still not loaded yet (link cue). That way you don't need the agregator, you unleash the full potencial of the mixer and the software. Also, sir, what happens when you try to unplug one of those ubs's mid set to change DJ's? Yeah, on the mixer just plug on usb to B port and change input, and you're ready to go!

[@michaelpowter7247]

i agree with this, but i encountered a problem. My club uses 4 decks and the CDJ deck numbers are 1,2,3,4. when using rekordbox DJ in 2-deck mode. it shows Deck 1&2 which is a problem because it is the 2 left decks suppose to 1 left and 1 right... how do i fix this issue?

[@luckym_dj]

@@michaelpowter7247 Actually the natural numbering should be: 3-1-mixer-2-4. That way all the softwares recognize the correct numbering. If all the CDJ's are linked, turn them all off, turn on one, then go to settings and put the correct number, turn on another, put the correct number, and so on until you have them all with correct numbers. Also when you are using USB HID mode hold link and it shows "turn selector wheel to the correct deck". Do just that!

[@michaelpowter7247]

@@luckym_dj no, I dont want to arrange the CDJ numbers as 3124, I will lose some rekordbox functionality, like On-Air Display, and instant BPM detection. My fix is to use 3 USB cables.. 1 for the mixer, 1 for each CDJ and thus I am able to select the Deck number this way. I wish a future update will allow Deck number selection Via 1 USB cable to the mixer..

[@churchillcoins8519]

Thank you very much. Very informative. Can you create the same video for Serato HID.

[@mars2mercurydnb188]

This is great if you have a Mac but could you please explain how to set it up on a pc

[@drinmo3776]

Wicked vid. Here is my question: What is the difference between HID mode and 'Rekordbox' mode on CDJs(the option on the top of the 'LINK' button)?

[@Crossfader]

The Rekordbox button is used when you're connected via the pro dj link with an ethernet cable. Rekordbox on your computer is placed in export mode and it simply uses your rekordbox library almost like a usb stick if that makes sense.

[@Metasfera]

Very good detailed explanation.

[@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?

[@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?

[@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

[@badt1]

This the best one of there tutorials! Thank you

[@gregoryachtergael7248]

i use rekordbox with pioneer xdj in exportmode with the link function. It works also with cdj, i find it much handier. But then rekordbox is just a big library

[@iainstewart2102]

v useful though a lot of tech to master and set up in advance, if you can access gear/venue etc. prefer plugging my controller straight into a line input

[@Nogi-aka-DJNugz]

Great tutorial Jamie!

[@pdxraves]

Great job explaining

[@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

[@sahand90]

Perfect and Useful!

[@varorevo]

well done ! very nice explanation

[@robertwaite837]

Great video! very helpful.

[@Knarryofficial]

Thankyou Thankyou Thankyou Thankyou So So Much

[@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?

[@alexlapo4986]

could you do the same with cdj 3000?

[@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?

[@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 !!

[@zmimgo]

Awesome video tought i don’t own a CDJ!

[@Mauridiaz11]

Awesome mate!

[@Nikki-pf5cj]

Hi! Great video, really helpfull! Just got two questions: Can I use the CDJs and Rekordbox with a Xone 96 Mixer? What’s the difference between plugging everything together with Ethernet cable and USB? Thanks!

[@voyz9875]

you can mate

[@maolam]

Hey Nikki, have you ever tried this (RKB6) with the XONE 96? Very interested to know, cheers mate

[@maolam]

@@voyz9875 Have you tried withRKB 6? Cheers

[@Nikki-pf5cj]

@@maolam Hey man, did you mean Rekordbox 6 with Xone 96? I'm currently using 2 XDJ-1000mk2 with the Xone 96. Works amazing!

[@maolam]

@@Nikki-pf5cj Hey mate, yes i meant using RKB V.6 with CDJ/XDJ and XONE 96? Cheers

[@roxanajam3]

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

[@richarddavis6425]

Hi Jamie, great video....I noticed you have the full waveform across your CDJs, is this only a feature on your Nexus 2 because this doesn’t appear on my 2000nxs

[@Synfluence101]

What’s a good or best reliable older MacBook to use these days? I don’t want to buy a new model really.

[@DAVERAX]

Very important thing is the version of cdjs cause if you dont the last can give conection errors. it's recommended to have the cdjs updated to version 1.85

[@reinhoutnechelput898]

Could that be the reason I can connect, but not go to the next step, i.e. choose deck number?

[@bradwylie9732]

amazing video very informative

[@andresitofvg]

Great and helpful as always mate!

[@moritzbayrle]

Hey great thanks. do you know why xdj 700 are not supported here and is there a way to do that? :)

[@djfuzzofficial]

If you go from your controller straight into a club set-up for a gig for the first time, the lack of muscle memory is likely to kill you if you play fast mixing music like hip-hop or dancehall. You can probably get away with it for house, techno, etc, but personally wouldn't recommend doing that for the aforementioned genres.

[@aalemingo]

this is just great, thanks man!

[@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?

[@djmarv4091]

Can you export beatgridded transition tracks for usb play back? Great video.

[@andreas_tv]

THANK YOU CROSSFADER I LOVE YOU

[@djadamlive]

Great tutorial and in depth about very detail but really long winded. 😅

[@OneBadAssDJ]

Then DJ's want to know why everyone loves CDJ's so much. They work in HID mode with Traktor, Serato, Rekordbox, DJay Pro 2, Virtual DJ, etc. This setup by far surpasses any Denon product on the market period.

[@hrushikgole7468]

Thank you so much bro💯

[@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!!

[@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!

[@javad.anvarovich]

When you connect in this way, why sound quality is horrible? Unlike when you use USB stick! Any solutions or advices???

[@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?

[@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?

[@hunterengland]

How do you do this with Rekordbox 7? Spent hours in Pirate trying, ended up going back to 6.

[@jofresh228]

Vert interesting! Do you also need a Pioneer aggregator for a Pioneer XDj RX2? Thank you!

[@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?