Using Serato DJ Pro with CDJs - HID Mode Tutorial

It's a common question we get asked by a lot of newer DJs! How do you transition from playing on a controller in your bedroom to playing on a club set up? If you're a Serato DJ Pro user then check out what HID mode is and how you can turn a CDJ set up into a controller!
For more tips, tricks and courses check out: www.wearecrossfader.co.uk

[@Kutcorners]

Should be noted, it is best to connect your interface/mixer directly to the computers USB port and just the CDJ's to the USB Hub

[@roderickastley502]

What's the difference if the mixer is also connected thru the USB Hub and not directly on computers USB port?

[@Kutcorners]

@@roderickastley502 Better to have the mixer connected directly as it handles all the audio. The CDJ's just are controlling the software in INT mode

[@danielsaddyful]

I think this could be the reason my HID mode crashed last night.... First gig on club gear and everything just went blank... Lucky it was early in the night and not many people around.... Reverted to USB's and all good in the end.

[@BjorgenEatinger]

@@Kutcorners Exactly the very first thought that came to my mind.

[@shanesubashe787]

Thank you. I like Serato so much more than Rekordbox. This is one of the best DJ tutorial channels I've found. You guys are great.

[@orensarig3224]

Thanks for the video - to my opinion it is crucial to understand the difference between the Serato licensing: When you have your DDJ controller for e.g., SX3, the license you have is "Serato DJ Pro hardware unlocked" - means that when you connect your laptop in the setup above, you will NOT be able to work with your Serato DJ Pro, as the license is internally on the DDJ controller. Only if you own a Serato DJ Pro license, it's ok to use the HID mode like the above. I hope I'm not mistaken here but this may confuse many DJs.

[@danielsaddyful]

Agreed! Soon as I went HID mode... Serato prompted for a trial license of the club kit.... I have an s11 and sx3 at home but no standalone pro license... Hope this helps!

[@normagomez5833]

Thank You so so much! You just helped me fix the issues I had! Your awesome!!!!!

[@jus1taj]

Really appreciate all your work in helping us get the knowledge that we need.

[@chuuska1972]

Thanks for this video. I will use this tutorial tonight when I set up. Will click 'like' if this works... Wish me luck!

[@holdenevan]

Did it work?!

[@djstarboyofficial]

thanks so much. but i still have something i ill really will like to know and that has to do with my cue point. will i still be able to have them back?

[@ogdefense]

I followed this to the T. I have Serato DJ Pro and a full NXS2 setup. I'm running the latest MAC OS. Is there a setting in Serato DJ Pro that I have to change? When I go to press press MIDI and connect to computer on the CDJ it still says disconnected. I tried both a powered and unpowered HUB.

[@o-zone2767]

can you still grab the music with the wheels and drop it that way or just with the cue buttons?

[@jocruzf]

Hi mate! great channel you got! Love your videos!!!! Man I have a question if you can help me. Ive got a DDJ SX3 and Im working with Serato. I want to buy CDJ 1000 MK2 but dont know if will work with my current setup.... Do you know if it will work? Best!!!

[@avishkarkadam]

Sir please do a lesson on how to do audio video set what it requires to do AV set

[@davidpaonessajr7681]

Thanks for the video! So the Two usb's from the Cd-Js go to the hub, where does the USB from the mixer go? Mixer to Hub or mixer to Macbook right?

[@dogacabuk5840]

Hi, I have done everything, connected my devices to serato, clicked link and assigned my decks, enabled midi mode, accessed my library, song loads up but when you click 'play' it won't play. Please help me understand what I am doing wrong.

[@gerardmarquesdelacalva2682]

Coudl you tell the usb hub you tooke from amazon? I do not understand the brand you mention, thanks!

[@adeolajackofallTrade]

Hi mate my question is what if i don;t want to use Serato i just want to dj without laptop and i still want to be able to set the cue point right?

[@djsidmorales2898]

Hello. Can you take a doubt .... ???? I can use this Anker USB Hub on the USB 2.0 port of my Macbook Pro 2011 .... ??? Thank You....!!!!

[@danielvenus7370]

I have a rane SL2 is it possible to have turntables running dvs and cdj's on hid mode showing 4 decks in Serato

[@EMBEEclassic]

Can I have the waveform displayed on the CDJs ? Or is this a CDJ 3000 Feature?

[@gauravsahare7044]

Awesome

[@breeannatoups7079]

Hi I need help bad!! I just purchased 2 CDJ 900 nexus and didn't even think about my mixers compatibility. Its a Rane TTM 57SL with scratch live built into it. The only thing that works is plugging USBs in but I can't get both decks to work because there's only 1 input in the back of the mixer. Its obvious that im new to CDJs, I've only used vinyl and I don't have my DJ buddy's around to help me. Is the Rane TTM 57SL compatible with these new CDJs? I moved to a new state and im so lost 😭

[@lfdjrock]

Hi got question can serato dj pro be used with Numark M6 mixer with Pioneer cdj 900? If yes what would I need to make it work as a controller.

[@Mixx1290]

Great vid mate. I did have a question though: would the USB dongle be necessary if you had the CDJs, mixer, and laptop connected via ethernet to create the "pro Dj link" network? If you did that, could you just connect the mixer via usb to your laptop to talk with Serato? Thanks in advance

[@gt-renthusiast6152]

if i only have serato dj pro free version , can it use hid mode?

[@florianorth6330]

I have one problem when i‘m djing. The djm 850 does not work with the usb hub there is no signal at it. i use rekordbox

[@Rawtalentillwill]

good evening having problems setting up my cdj-2000 & DJM-900 Nexus to Serato Pro & i have all my connection in place but my CDJ-2000 in link mode is only acting like it linking but not at all is there some steps i'am missing or what please help Thank you

[@kingskillx]

There is a way to connect Them all with just one cable from the mixer to the Laptop and still using Serato Right? You Need a control wav ive heard but it doesnt work for me :/

[@roderickastley502]

and also does it really need to have club kit expansion to use HID mode?

[@majidmehmood786]

Would Serato DJ lite work in the same way with pioneer cdj 2000nx?

[@djrichent97]

The CDJ 3000 doesn’t have a link button so how would you do this with those

[@Franzubiaga]

I bought serato pro, i was trying to connect by usb cables to cdjs2000 with djm 900 nexus, i couldn't connect because i need dvs.. should i need to buy serato dvs apart of serato pro ?

[@golosinaskawaii5555]

hola,,,,,,, yo siempre he usado serato interface sl1,,,, con pionner 200 y las tornamesas pionner 500,,, y me ha servido siempre para todo audio y video excellente pues manejo mac,,,, LA PREGUNTA ENORMEEEEEE GRANDE... VEO que los Pionner 1000 MK2 tiene salidas de RCA se supone que los puedo contectar a LA INTERFASE SL1 y ya en el modo de la compu sera INTERNO pues ya no manejamos CD ud creo que se pueda conectar asi como le comento AGRADECE MUCHO SU RESPUESTA Y APOYO SALUDOS DESDE TABASCO MEXICO

[@malisasortino3893]

So you don't need anything like the S4 or anything like that?

[@techsavvyhero]

If you have Denon DS1 all setup to control 2 vinyl turntables, but also have 2 CDJs connected to the mixer, can you still use the CDJs like you did here in this video? (to browse the MP3s in Serato DJ)

[@Crossfader]

Theoretically that should work but we haven’t tested this kind of set up.

[@djnajih856]

right now im using a Macbook air (2017 Model) with DDJ SX3 Also a USB Hub (Not powered one) i wanna use My macbook Air with cdj2000Nxs, i have already have gears with me. but i am afraid to go HID mode, because i have not seen any reviews on that. would it be safe to use my macbook air (2017model) to on HID mode without a sound card . its been a month. i have been searching for a review. but did not found any reviews. please help me guys.

[@brunobawer9476]

good conection

[@finlaysmith3376]

is this the same process for Traktor software?

[@ashbankswav]

Don't you have to install an Aggregator or something too for your computer to be recognized?

[@thecadillacoftokyo8788]

Will this work with the Gemini mdj 1000’s?

[@elisavillafana9318]

if i've already mapped out a song with hot cues in Serato DJ Pro software - will they automatically translate onto the CDJ's hot cues? or do i need to reset them?

[@CrazedTeenz]

yeah they will. HID is actually amazing, it will surprise you.

[@MrLikealousai]

after we use hid mode we doeasn t need sl3 sound card but we need to have serato full lisence am i right

[@DJCharafOfficial]

do you need serato dj club kit acces for this ?

[@djbola8516]

Hi, need cds time code for using serato dj pro on cdj 2000

[@carlobernes7576]

How do you display track and artist on cdj 2000. Not nexus I’m only seeing track ID

[@dieterboullart4124]

You don't need a Serato Club Kit of Serato Essentials license (= Serato DJ Pro + Serato DVS) when you use CDJs in HID mode. A regular Serato DJ Pro license will do, a DVS license is not required.

[@blueydsniper]

I was wondering this cause I’ve thought of taking my laptop to Pirate Studios in LA and doing a livestream set from there. So I could just take my laptop, some USB cables and a hub and I’ll be ok?

[@TheHolyghost55]

@@blueydsniper You should be

[@iconikdjmovik5926]

@@TheHolyghost55 we

[@lennonmarshall5574]

Is it possible to do this but with rekord box instead of serato

[@sunilbk8942]

Hi jimmy you make the video but no so clear that we’re you put the wire connection so sad 😞 how about the cdj link cable so please make clear videos so we can helpful of your video thank you

[@joeldsouza4728]

Can We Use The DJM's Mixer FX's while DJing in HID mode?

[@carsstuntmore]

Joel DsouzaTM Why not?

[@Crossfader]

Yep you sure can!

[@djhovisuk]

Hello can you use xdj 700s with serato laptop.

[@MildaNguyenTrinhQuang]

Do I need to buy any extra packages from Serato if I have rane 72 and I want to connect it with the cdjs for HID mode? Thanks in advance

[@337djmenacemaldonado6]

So I'm having this issue as well as my options don't come up when plugging up xdi-1000mk2

[@dieterboullart4124]

@@337djmenacemaldonado6 The XDJ-1000Mk2 is not supported by Serato. :(

[@obalions]

Hi, Will it be possible to use the control pads on the S9 independently if you have serato dj pro running in HD mode via cdjs ?

[@Crossfader]

Yeah you can still use the S9 pads as normal.

[@djteddy3837]

is that can support for cdj850 and djm700

[@imrankhan-cx7uo]

I am not getting the option to use my deck when I hook up hdmi mode

[@djmadlips7922]

hey i have a full lisence on serato dj pro software, do i need to buy a serato dvs to able using this HID mode ?

[@Crossfader]

No you won’t need a DVS license with HID mode. However you will need the essentials pack to plug into a mixer like the DJM 900nexus to activate its soundcard. This used to be called club kit. In the essentials pack you get DVS with it anyway. However if you’re using a branded Serato mixer that has the Serato soundcard already in hid mode will work without extra purchases.

[@jmoak311]

What about a Mixars Duo mkII that is serato dj enabled and has 2 USB ports in the back of the mixer?

[@GreaterThanSolomon]

Might be an ancient feature, but would I still need cds in order to connect and use Serato? I have the sl1

[@arceras]

No

[@bboymac84]

No CDs won’t have any information on your track. It’s limited

[@saqifyeasir1100]

desdmaus had that misconseption on krewalla while they were djing in a show like that.

[@crooked87]

is there a way to connect multiple DJs to the that same setup using serato? my guess is a DJ has to either use actual timecode CD's while another can use HID mode. or one uses rekord box

[@DOZEMusic]

Uf the mixer your using has two USB connections, two DJs can easily play with their own laptops both in HID mode. If the mixer only has one USB port, you can still vonnect two laptops but you're gonna need a serato compatible soundcrad like the Denon DS1

[@feshty22]

I have the issue that you mentioned at the end. Ive just bought some CDJ 900 nxs but my mixer is old so I've got a rane sl3 I'm going to use to connect my mixer. I can't get my CDJs to link to serato and I don't know where I'm going wrong? Please could you advise on how I should have everything connected!

[@Crossfader]

Connect the SL3 to the mixer using the outputs, then connect the CDJ's to the computers USBs. With Serato's decks in Internal mode, press link on the CDJ's and assign each deck. Then you're good to go!

[@feshty22]

@@CrossfaderThanks for the reply! I noticed that my sl3 is failing to connect to serato when booting up! This must be where it's all going wrong?! It used to connect to scratch live fine but serato DJ pro is different!

[@djMastermind]

I followed the instructions but once I got it connected my library does not show and the functions do not work with serato dj pro . I am using s9 and two xdjs 100mk2

[@DOZEMusic]

The XDJ-1000MK2 is not supported by Serato DJ. Thats why it won't work! 😞

[@roderickastley502]

Hi. Does it require drivers to install or Serato club kit to use HID mode?

[@danielsaddyful]

Both 👍

[@nomer440]

I don't understand why I need to connect the mixer to Serato if the CDJs are already connected to the mixer

[@jackb6297]

When I connect my pioneer xdj700 with my usb hub to laptop nothing comes up on serato I’m using my Mac book pro I’ve tried doing same in your video but nothing any help ?

[@soundzbyakz5206]

The xdj700s aren’t supported by serato so it won’t work

[@timmycdoubledrop]

I assume it still works fine if you have all the RCA cables still plugged in so long as you are switching it into "Link mode" to recognise that its picking up the HID set up?

[@James_Latif]

That’s exactly right

[@ateezinmyheart5856]

If my CDJ doesn't have USB, then how? I have CDJ 800mk2 and mixer DJM 500. It doesn't have USB port

[@lennertloones9357]

Hey Does that also works with serato DJ intro? I've played at some parties now but i always took my own controller with me. I'm a bit scared to play on cdj's/djm's because i think i'll Mess it up. I really want to play on them because i want to play at big clubs i'm just to scared. If anyone has ideas please say😉 Kind regards Lennert loones

[@HankHill1]

Dont be scared man. In fact CDJs are more reliable than controllers. Think about it, if a controller fails at a club you are DONE. If one Cdj fails you can still finish your night by using clever manipulations when mixing along with internal mode on the program. Using a controller only is always a RISK.

[@djgmix916]

If I don’t have club kit but dj pro 2.1.1 am I good to go or do I need an SL box also?

[@Crossfader]

If you have a Serato ready mixer then you’re good to go. If not then you will need an SL box also.

[@djgmix916]

Crossfader thanks.. yeah trying to step away from bringing controller to club. We have top of line pioneer cdJ2k and Nexus mixer but they have setup with control CD and also setup for recordbok.. but I want to use HID..nobody has done that yet there so I just want to make sure I don’t need anything else other DJ pro 2.1.1 usb cables.. so all 3 cables go into hub.. so I can still plug hard drive into other port on Mac or do I plug into cdj? Thanks for the help and video

[@vladikman1]

Is there a way for you to check, if it is possible to connect DJM 2000 nxs?

[@arceras]

Yes

[@DJEllEss]

I’m gonna try this I hope it works. Lol. I’ve been working with the xdj1000 mk2 and can’t figure it out

[@sabrinasalinas5784]

did u figure it out me either

[@DJEllEss]

@@sabrinasalinas5784 no. I did not. I sent them back and picked up a controller. The XDJ1000MK2 is exclusive to rekordbox but can be used with serato if you know how to do it. Which I could not figure it out.

[@stocadg]

can i do this with cdjs butttt without a serato compatible mixer ? then using rcas coming out of the cdjs ? to the ixer

[@mgj92]

This is answered at the end of the video, you can but would need an external sound card like the Denon DS1

[@brunobawer9476]

What's the name of this board?

[@Republic1ders]

Do presaved hot cues load up on cdjs in HID mode? Or would you have to recreate them?

[@CrazedTeenz]

nah man if you already prepared a set it will translate to the cdj effortlessly

[@leonelestevao9648]

What version of Serato Pro runs HID mode ? Does SeratoPro runs HID in on XDJ-1000 on a mixer with no usb ? If yes can you show a video of it where HID mode is enable on CDJ with a DJM900 mixer (no usb) with a RCA cables on it (cdj players & mixer) - just a case of if you go and play on gig (club or private party)

[@Crossfader]

I'm not too sure what you mean but hopefully this answers your question... Serato DJ Pro with the essentials pack will work in HID mode with a combination of any of this equipment: DJM 900NXS DJM 900 NXS2 DJM 850 DJM 900 SRT DJM S3 DJM S9 CDJ 2000NXS2 CDJ 2000NXS CDJ 2000 CDJ 850 CDJ 900 CDJ 900NXS XDJ 1000 If the mixer in the club is different to what is on the list you will need an external soundcard like the Denon DS1.

[@leonelestevao9648]

Crossfader what if i have the XDJ-1000 or CDJ-900 but with a old Pioneer mixer that doesn't have USB support, does it still going to work the HiD ? What about adjusting the vinly mode on HID how is made ?

[@captainboom1298]

So you dont need Club Kit anymore???

[@yasaparin3630]

enough is a usb hub I put in the laptop and three usb cable with which I in the playern and blenderheinge and in the usb hub

[@ic3manofficial]

this method also works on the Windows PC?

[@Crossfader]

Yeah sure does

[@Tagtraum95]

How can i use my pioneer djm 750 on serato dj? Need some help please

[@Crossfader]

You would need an external soundcard like the Denon ds1 to use it as the DJM 750 isn’t one of the supported Serato mixers.

[@MD50.]

Hi, i would love to see this on the CDJ 2000 NXS2. Can somebody also tell me why the waveforms in HID mode are stuttering? If you put a USB stick directly into the CDJ’s the waveforms are fluently.

[@Crossfader]

Unfortunately we only have the first NXS model of cdjs in our studio. The CDJ nxs2’s would unlock all 8 hot cues and possibly beat jump if I’m not mistaken. But I have t had chance to fully test as we don’t own them.

[@matyi1656]

Getting accused of having faked DJ set? Use bright yellow or orange USB cable, so they can see it more easily or just plug in some dummy RCA cables?

[@jonnyhatchman687]

Has anyone noticed a big sound quality difference between HID mode and just plugging your USB stick through your CDJ's through a line connection ?? The USB stick sounds as it should punchy clear and crisp. But when using HID mode the sound loses its dynamics, the bass sounds very weak and the track just doesnt sound as it should. Any advice in how to resolve this would be highly appreciated

[@weeardguy]

The only thing I can think off is a rather limited output from the laptop or computer you are working with, given that you actually use the device's own sound-output. Many onboard sound-cards serve their purpose, but indeed can lack quality. The difference in quality can't be down to the HID-mode itself, as only control-signals are sent from the deck to the computer which control the audio ON that computer, which is then sent out via either speaker-output of that computer or via a USB-audio interface to a plain analog mixer. Both cases can feature a difference in sound-experience: not every USB-audio interface or onboard sound-card uses the same electronics and some are just better and some are worse than the stuff in your mixing table.

[@JMJgadgets]

I can see this being a thing. I use usb only because I hate the fact of using a laptop. But in the flip side, it’s WAY easier to find tracks you want vs scrolling and sorting with the nob. I guess my reply is I only would use HID for like a wedding when I need to find requests quick. (If I am nice)

[@djbykonz5531]

hey how about rekordbox connection

[@Crossfader]

Hey we will make a video soon about the same with rekordbox.

[@djbykonz5531]

Crossfader looking forward to it thanks for sharing the knowledge

[@coobarogers4410]

Can i assign 3 N 4 channels on SX2 to two XDJ 1000s??

[@DOZEMusic]

Yes, if these are XDJ-1000MK1s (NOT XDJ-1000MK2s). Just connect your SX2 as you would usually and for XDJsfollow rge steps in the video (but selcet deck 3 and 4 ob the two players of course)

[@dalekooddomu9464]

What if i dont have a DJM900? In the club is 2xcdj2000nsx2 and djm800,

[@DOZEMusic]

You will need to use a Serato compatible soundcard (Denon DS1, Rane SL4, etc.) then

[@romainejoseph5622]

I have 2000 nexus 2 serato will work ?

[@CrazedTeenz]

if you have one why don't you just try

[@goodbadfan9619]

Your beard grew a lot from the beginning to the end of the video

[@MekoTheOne]

lol true :D

[@DynMarkMusic]

Bruh you made me watch the video again

Is HID mode supporting 3 or 4 decks ?

[@bashulst9324]

Michal Mikloš 4

[@JeffNeckonoff]

So damn confusing. Why can't Pioneer make it plug and play with Serato DJ Pro? Been using Serato forever with controllers.... Literally since Itch. One needs a Masters Degree in DJ tech to figure out this damn crap with the Nexus. And what's the deal with the Serato Control CD? Hello 1999.

[@AnyaAleksandra]

word!

[@weeardguy]

That's probably because the Pioneer-equipment in this device is not 'just a controller', but a CDJ or at least a stand-alone capable media-player, where a controller usually can't play music itself and needs to be connected to a computer. But I do feel your point. I've got two NDX500's from Numark and just can't get them to show up on Serato DJ Pro (well let's say: I'm still trying, so I started with the trial version so far, don't want to spend the big money on a license yet) This video showed me that I (unfortunately) need to have some USB-controller to be able to use Serato DJ Pro with my Numark's. (or at least, I think I need one...)

[@mexicalpango]

Can you show us this for rekorbox

[@Crossfader]

Sure. Will make a tutorial soon

[@user-mt7ms9xz7t]

What would a paid version need to connect?

[@Crossfader]

You will have to elaborate a bit for us. Do you mean the paid version of Serato? If you get the Serato essentials pack then you will need a usb hub and a usb cable for each CDJ/mixer to connect them all to your laptop. Just check which equipment is Serato enabled form their website.

[@user-mt7ms9xz7t]

Crossfader okey, thanks for the answer

[@tgg_music2]

Is the Serato DJ Club Kit still necessary for this setup? I have access to a full NXS2 setup, but have not tried HID mode yet; every other video I've seen mentions buying the club kit for this to work.

[@Crossfader]

Yeah club kit is necessary. It’s basically bundled into the Serato DJ essentials pack now.

[@tgg_music2]

Oh, I see. That's disappointing. Thank you for answering though!

[@sascha.2001]

Crossfader I have to disagree, you just need the club kit if you want to use DVS not HID

[@miguelpulido9675]

Will it work on Akai AMX?

[@Crossfader]

Yeah it should do!

[@rogue66v]

Question: HID Mode both in rekordbox and in serato will not require rca audio cables to run from cdjs to mixer right?

[@schmidty3489]

correct, no rca cables needed

[@Taski828]

My question is the USB BUFFER LATENCY

[@patmackie3499]

Can you blag me a pair of cdj's the 900nxs would be very cool. Thank you

[@djyems1021]

Shiiddd can i do this anything like this with cdj 1000's

[@Crossfader]

Not with the CDJ 1000’s as they don’t have a USB port. You would be looking at setting Serato up in DVS mode instead using a Serato enabled mixer or a Denon ds1.

[@djrg.nation3284]

@@Crossfader 900nxs2 with xdj1000mk2 Serato DJ pro not connecting please help me

[@firejames4773]

Wow

[@richyabautista1254]

FRAUDE

[@gauravthakur715]

Is it stable for gigs ?

[@Crossfader]

Yeah we've used it with no problems currently. If there are any issues it is likely that the CDJ firmware needs updating.