USB-C Cables & DJ Gear: All You Need to Know

Phil Morse is live from the Digital DJ Tips studio, with another lesson, this time helping you understand the new USB-C standard and how it impacts DJ gear.
More details here: www.digitaldjt...
👉 Subscribe and tap the 🔔 to get notified about new videos on how to DJ
👉 Want our free DJ training and guides for beginners? Sign up here: www.digitaldjt...
Want more DJ info?
▶ Take an online DJ course: djtips.co/courses
▶ Read "Rock The Dancefloor!": www.digitaldjt...
▶ Get DJ Gear reviews & news: www.digitaldjt...
▶ Join The Global DJ Network: djtips.co/global
▶ Like us on Facebook: / digitaldjtips
▶ Follow us on Instagram: / digitaldjtips
▶ Follow us on TikTok: / digitaldjtips
▶ Follow us on Twitter: / digitaldjtips
▶ Subscribe to our newsletter: www.digitaldjt...
#USB #DJTips #Tech #Gear #Gigs #DJs #MusicIndustry #DJSchool #DigitalDJTips #DJing

[@paxwebb]

Absolutely hate this trend. USB-C is too small and weak to be reliable on something so critical as connecting your controller. And its not just the cable that can be yanked out or snapped/bent off easily. The port itself is easily damaged. Real geniuses that thought this shit up...

[@aaronb9630]

This is more of a response to the fact that some manufacturers are removing everything but usb-c from their laptops. As long as they continue to offer both options I see the reasoning, when they take away the old option is when I revolt. Unless we get a better connection, whether that be with magnets or a clip, usb-c is just not something most people can put their trust in.

[@digitaldjtips]

It is indeed interesting that Apple is reintroducing Magsafe on its laptops, wonder if that is a revolt against USB-C?

[@2cents4u]

Thing I don't like is USB-C doesn't provide a secure enough fit for me with gear, those things are prone to being removed by the slightest tug! Although they should still include it for better transfer rates.

[@digitaldjtips]

Good point, although it was pretty hard to pull it out on the S5 whebn we did a "live test" 🤣

[@dorsetengineering]

I work in electronics, and we build products with usb interfaces. The orange, hi-retention usb-b that has been fitted to every bit of dj gear since it was conceived, will always be the correct choice of connector. Type-C is not…

[@digitaldjtips]

Unfortunately, that is the way it is going.

[@dorsetengineering]

@@digitaldjtips that’s a real shame, and offers no benefit to consumers.

[@chrisfoxevententertainment7689]

All external hard drives come with the new and old usb cables now

[@Binnziboy]

I recently had to throw away my Apple power brick because somehow, the USB C plug was yanked out at a sharp angle and it stretched the sides of the socket housing rendering it useless. Because of its small size equipment will be vulnerable to damage if the cable is yanked at the wrong angle. When your on the road there is much more chance of this happening.

[@digitaldjtips]

Yes that's true

[@IanTarrantula]

The USB C connections are rather weak and it is a worry about reliability. I much prefer the USB B connector as it is solid and less risk of disconnecting. USB C just feels flimsy. Fine for mobile phones but DJ gear? I am not convinced. I have seen a video on how easy it falls out of the FLX4

[@Stereo_type1982]

Yeah agreed, not what I want on expensive gear I don't plan on replacing, you'll have it in to be fixed every 6 months.

[@digitaldjtips]

This is becoming a common thing - I guess some of it is down to the cable. We'll keep an eye on this and see what we can recommend.

[@IanTarrantula]

@digitaldjtips it will be interesting to see some results a year down the line for instance. I love the look of the FLX10 and the features it is packed with. I am due an upgrade as I currently use the DDJ-RX which is getting a bit tired now, but I am a little nervous over this. So I may just hold out a little longer (Not that I am able to get one just yet. Most DJ shops are now estimating September delivery)

[@THELindseyLeigh]

@@IanTarrantula I have an FLX-10. My RR which I loved finally died and the FLX 10 was the only thing available without a 10 month waiting list that had XLR outputs, which I personally need to have. I've had the controller for 2 months, and I love it (minus a couple of smaller features it doesn't have that the RR did), but the issues I've had with the USB C cables have been insane. Failing cable after failing cable. I've gone through 8 so far in just a couple of weeks. I have tons of backups, just ready for them to fail. If you get the FLX 10, it's a great board, but get a high quality durable cable (chroma cables failed the test as well, unfortunately). It's definitely down to the cable, as the connection to the board itself did seem secure and locked in, but I still really wish this large controller had a sturdier way to connect besides a USB-C.

[@epic3ntre]

I bought a longer and premium grade USB-C cable to plug into my new DDJ-FLX10, but had to revert back to the in-box cable as the other one didn't 'snap' into place and failed to connect to my laptop.

[@digitaldjtips]

Interesting... thanks for sharing the experience. This seems to be a common pain point.

[@Joby_David]

My Laptop Doesn't Have C port Can i Use My Samsung Chareging Cable to My FLX10 ? Plz replay

[@SherwinBajao]

When you say kettle lead you mean the ones used for tea?

[@SherwinBajao]

Agree need the click and the noise ferrite bead.

[@georgeclyde7904]

I’ve been dj for over 10 years… and I have one of the last MacBook Pro models before they switched to the two USB-C ports… so as you know that’s been the standard for a while. My dj gear however is more up to date… Pioneer S11… Phase etc… I have ton of music on my laptop but I would like to add the option of an external drive, and I want to be prepared in case I run into a controller somewhere that only has USB-C, so I’ve been looking at Hubs and laptop stands with hubs on them… but I was somewhat confused… as you might be reading this super long comment (😂), kidding aside… this cleared everything perfectly!! So thank you!👍🏾👍🏾

[@digitaldjtips]

Glad to help George.

[@DJMonee727]

Please Explain which to plug in FIRST to AVOID STATIC FEEDBACK w/ Headphones & iRig !!!???? 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@digitaldjtips]

Don't think it really matters

[@keithchegwin1222]

Good video, I'm a mobile DJ and have downloaded Serato. The problem is it doesn't seem to have an automix button. I need it for when I'm doing 8 hour sets, and need to go to the toilet. Do you think I should switch to Virtual DJ which has this feature? Thanks

[@digitaldjtips]

If you want it, yes. Serato has no auto mix.

[@Belfasttintin]

Thank goodness for this video.. Got myself an opus quad and didn’t want to sound daft and ask on a Facebook page which cable to use…thanks😂

[@digitaldjtips]

Well, our Global DJ Network Facebook Group is friendly and we'd have helped you there 😀

[@patmurphy2749]

I've just subscribed to your Rekordbox 6 and it hasn't helped me. (Not that's a fantastic course, it's great for beginers and above. I would recommend it to anyone ) However I'm trying to connect a pioneer djs 1000 to my laptop and use the midi clock in Rekordbox, while using a ddj 1000. Any Ideas before I change to denon sc6000

[@digitaldjtips]

I haven't tried it (we do not have a DJS 1000 here) but maybe it's possible through using Ableton Link, which is an option in Rekordbox?

[@patmurphy2749]

@@digitaldjtips thanks for the suggestion; I'm going to look at it tonight and try. I'll let you know how I get on.

[@patmurphy2749]

there is no pro link eathernet port on the ddj1000 but i'm trying to connect using a Roland Rubix22. ddj1000 usb to computer; then usb to Rubix22. then midi out to Rubix22 then out to midi in on djs 1000.