3 THINGS

EVERY DJ
MUST KNOW
DJ EQUIPMENT
 CDJ: BASIC OPERATIONS
1 Play / pause.
2 Cue / stop: used for preparing track / setting cue points / return to selected cue points).
3 Search for start of song: used for searching for certain parts of the track (forward / reverse while
button is held down).
4 Track search: used to search for the start of each track.
5 Jog wheel: used to get tracks in time: clockwise: speed up, anti clockwise: slow track down
(temporarily).
6 Jog mode: switches between CDJ and vinyl mode.
7 Master tempo: this locks the key of the track, so when speeding up or slowing down tracks, the
key is not effected.
8 Tempo: used to adjust speed (BPM) of song.
9 Loop section: used to set loops (same section of song will repeat over and over again until
unselected / exit loop).

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 FOR USB USE

10 Plug in USB.
11 Used to select device / music files you wish the CDJ to read (USB, SD memory card, disc (CD),
link between decks) – select USB to show files prepared in rekordbox / songs on USB stick.
12 Viewing options: used to browse, select and load music.
13 Back: will take you “back” to previous screen.
14 Rotary selector: turned to find and select tracks for playback.
15 Display screen: used to see track wave form, pre set cue points, plus location (where you are in
track playing).
16 Select cue points: used to find and select pre set cue points.

These are the basic and most used functions of the CDJ. If you are after more detailed descriptions,
I suggest you search the web for user manuals.

DJM: BASIC OPERATIONS

The above example is the most commonly used mixer in nightclubs. It is a 4-channel mixer, but in
most cases, we will only needed two channels: one for each CD deck (some clubs may have 4
decks – but this is only common in some of the biggest clubs and at festivals). After we have
connected the CD players to the mixer using RCA cables (see above diagram), we can now look at
the mixer functions.

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1 Input selector: each channel has 2 options: usually between “CD” / “line” (for CD decks) or
“phono” (for turntables / vinyl).
2 Trim: adjusts the input level (you can use the trim to prevent the signal red lining)
3 EQ (equalizer): High (top knob), Mid (middle knob), Low (bottom knob): used to change the
tone / sound / frequency of the song (used for transitions).
4 Colour FX: Choose the colour effect you wish to use (the most commonly used colour FX is the
“Filter”), select the button and you turn the knob to activate the effect).
5 Headphone cue buttons: To hear a track in your headphones, simply hit the cue button. You can
have multiple buttons selected at the same time, meaning you can hear multiple tracks
(whichever button is selected).
6 Channel faders: used to adjust the volume for each channel.
7 Cross fader section: to use the cross fader, set the cross fader assign switch to either A (Deck A)
or B (Deck B). Then you can use the fader for transitioning between tracks by moving to the left
/ right. If you do not wish to use the cross fader and instead mix using the channel / volume
faders above, set the cross fader assign switch to thru.

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8 Master channel: The master level dial controls the volume for the overall sound. The balance dial
should be set straight up, so the system is equally balanced between left and right (stereo
sound). The master cue button, if selected, means you can hear overall sound (what is coming
out of the speakers / what the dance floor can hear) through your headphones and the booth
monitor dial, controls the volume of the booth monitor (a speaker set up especially for the DJ to
assist with mixing).
9 FX area: used to manipulate the sound

These are the basic and most used functions of the mixer. If you are after more detailed
descriptions, you can access user manuals form the manafacturers website.

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 LOADING YOUR MUSIC
It doesn’t really matter what DJ gear you have, a good DJ, will be able to play on anything. All DJ
equipment, pretty much, shares the same basic operations, so once you learn how to play, the most
important thing is how do you load your music onto the equipment.

The most common ways to do this:

IN CLUBS: the venues will expect you to use their gear which means preparing your music at home
(using free software from Pioneer called Rekordbox) and then exporting your music onto USB
sticks. You then turn up to the club with your USBs, simply insert them into the USB port on the
CDJs and then load and select songs for playback using the rotary selector and display screen on
the CDJs. Another option in clubs is to connect your computer to the club gear using a DVS (Digitial
Vinyl / CD system).

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CONTROLLERS (all in one DJ systems): There are 2 main kinds of controllers: controllers with inbuilt
screens and controllers without screens. The controllers with screens will work much the same as
the club gear. You prepare your music on your computer, export your music to a USB stick and plug
your USB stick into the controller to load your tracks. Controllers without a screen will need your
computer to run (your computer becomes the screen). You simply download DJ software onto your
computer (this will usually come free with your controller), and then prepare your music within the
software (e.g.: Rekordbox DJ, Serato, Traktor), plug your controller directly into your computer,
using the USB input, and then load the songs onto the decks using virtual decks on your computer

EVOLUTION OF DJ EQUIPMENT
Pioneer DJ History (1994-2012)*

* After 2012 came the CDJ 900NXS, then the NXS2 series, followed by the first USB only players
that didn’t read CD's: the XDJ1000’s.
If buying a club set up the XDJ1000’s share many of the same features as the NXS models but are
considerably less expensive.

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In the good old days every DJ used 2 x turntables (most likely Technics 1200 - industry standard)
and a mixer to play their music. This involved DJs going out and buying Vinyl / records and then
turning up to shows carrying their records in crates. This was the norm for a good 30 plus years but
then in the late 1990’s Pioneer introduced their first CDJ. CDJs (the CDJ 1000) fast became the
industry standard and allowed DJs the same user functions of turntables (jog wheel with vinyl
mode for scratching), but now DJs had the option of using CD’s. From here DJing on laptops simply
became the next best option for the sake of convenience. Instead of carrying around crates full of
records, or a number of CD folders, DJs could simply arrive at shows with their laptop computer and
a DVS system (Serato / Tracktor soundcard used to connect the DJ equipment to the computer),
making it easy to navigate large folders of music.

Shortly after, controllers (all in 1 DJ systems) were introduced. The benefit of controllers are
countless and they allowed DJs, on a budget, to buy equipment which could be used for personal
practise or even to take to shows, private parties, you name it. However, until recently, every
controller needed to be connected to a computer to work, as the computer hosts the software that
drives the controller, and in a way the controller was just a box and the computer was the brains
that made it work.

The latest development is the introduction of USB compatible DJ equipment, which means you no
longer need to carry crates full of records / CD folders or even your computer to shows. Instead you
can simply prepare your music at home (prepare playlists, set cue points etc) using a program called
Rekordbox, load this information onto a USB stick and then plug the USB stick into the CDJ club
equipment / USB compatible controllers and the track information on the USB shows up on the
equipments display screen, and you can search and select tracks for playback.

Loading music onto industry standard club gear using USBS has become the most popular option
when playing in clubs as you can literally turn up to your show carrying nothing more than a couple
of USB sticks and your headphones. This makes it very convenient.

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 2 X TURNTABLES AND A MIXER

This is where it all started! For many years, if you were a DJ, your tools of the trade were 2 turntables
and a mixer in the middle. You would load your records / vinyl onto the turntables, find the part of
each song you wish to play by putting the needle on the record and then using your hands, stop
the record on the part you wish to play and then to play the track simply let go of the record.

ADVANTAGES

Authentic feel
Some say vinyl sounds better (purists)

DISADVANTAGES

If you wish to play in clubs, not many clubs have this equipment in-house any more
Difficult to move around
Unless you wish to buy loads of vinyl, you may need to upgrade to a DVS system which can be
expensive

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 DVS (DIGITAL VINYL SYSTEMS)

Digital Vinyl / CD Systems, allow you to connect your computer to club equipment using a Serato /
Traktor soundcard. This was great in the day when club equipment was not USB compatible, as it
saved you from carrying crates full of vinyl or heave CD folders worth thousands of dollars around
to your gigs. With a DVS system you could simply turn up to shows, plug your computer into the
club gear and then access your whole music library from your computer. To load songs onto the
decks / turntables, you first need to make sure you insert control CDs / vinyl that contains a
computer code that allows the CDJ’s / turn tables to communicate with your computer. To load
songs you simply drag music (using your mouse) from your music library / pre prepared playlists
onto the virtual decks (DJ software on your computer).

ADVANTAGES

You can have your whole music library (on your computer) at your finger tips
Easy to navigate large folders of music
Works with all club equipment, so if you turn up to a club and the equipment is old, you can
simply use the gear as a controller and all the track information, wave forms, visual cues are on
your computer

DISADVANTAGES

It can be a hassle wiring up DVS between other DJs as it requires some cabling and if you are
already nervous about your set, wiring up your computer between DJs is the last thing you need
to worry about.
There is a little bit of a stigma against “laptop DJs”
It can be expensive. On top of paying for gear to practise on at home, you also need to buy a

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 DJ CONTROLLERS / STANDALONES

DJ controllers are all in 1 DJ systems that pretty much share the same basic operations of club gear.
When choosing a DJ controller it is important to note wether or not the controller has an inbuilt
screen (this means it’s a standalone - can operate without a computer connected). If the controller
does not have a screen, then you will need to connect your computer to the controller for the
controller to work. This requires DJ software (EG: Serato / Traktor / Rekordbox DJ / Engine Prime for
Denon). DJ software allows your computer to communicate with your controller (you use your
computer to prepare and load music for playback on the controller). If the controller has an inbuilt
screen (EG: the XDJRX2, XDJXZ, Denon Prime 2 and 4), in many ways the computer is inside the
equipment and it would operate much like club gear, you simply put your USB stick into the USB
input on the standalone and navigate and select music using the controller.

ADVANTAGES

They are portable, which makes them an amazing choice if you are playing at a lot of parties,
private functions or at venues / bars that do not have their own club gear
Most controllers have the same basic operations as the club gear, as well as loads of extra
features, so you can get creative with your mixing
They are more afordable than club gear
Some of the latest controllers (e.g.: XDJRX2, XDJXZ, Denon Prime 2 and 4) even have an in-built
screen so you don't need your laptop. The main advantage of controllers that have an in-built
screen is, because you do not need a laptop, you can interact more with the audience. These
controllers are also most likely the closest thing to the club equipment and any of the above
mentioned are great choices. 11
DISADVANTAGES

Chances are you will not be able to use it when playing in clubs / where venues have their own
equipment already. DJ boxes are usually pretty small, so to take your controller, unplug the
venues gear and move it to make room for your controller is most likely out of the question!
By using a controller, you also have to be careful not to rely too much on the visual cues. For
instance, it is very easy to beat match your songs using “line matching” or even by using the sync
buttons. Most people do this as it makes DJing easier, but on the downside, when you turn up to
play in clubs and the club equipment does not have the sync buttons / the same visual cues as
your computer, you may be in trouble.
Most of the controllers need a computer and by looking at a computer screen most of the time, it
can make you less engaged with your crowd
What if, you are using a computer with your controller and, your computer crashes mid set!

My advice: if you are on a budget and like all the features of a controller, buy a controller to hone
your skills and when it comes time to play live, simply hire out some club standard equipment / or
rent out a studio at Sydney DJ School and learn how to apply what you have learnt on your control-
ler to the club gear. Again, both share the same basic operations, it’s most likely just a matter of
learning how to prepare your music to put onto USB stick, loading your music for playback, and
then touching up on your beat matching skills.
 INDUSTRY STANDARD CLUB EQUIPMENT:
2 X CDJS AND A MIXER

When you turn up to play at a club event, chances are they will have 2 USB compatible Pioneer CDJs
and a DJM (DJ Mixer). The main difference between the different models of CDJs is usually the
screen visibility. On the older models (e.g. CDJ 850 / 900), the screen will have less detail and smaller
wave forms and on the newer models, the screens are bigger and usually colour with a lot more
detail, which makes mixing easier as you have more visual cues.

ADVANTAGES

You will have the gear that they use in clubs so playing in clubs will be easy for you
Amazing / professional feel
Responsive jogwheels
No need for a computer (can engage more with the crowd)

DISADVANTAGES

Can be expensive
Difficult to transport, move around

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 WHAT SHOULD YOU BUY?
When deciding what is the best DJ equipment to buy, I would suggest following your intuition.
If you think one is too small, or feels like a toy, chances are you are right. It is said, "if you buy
cheap you buy twice", so perhaps spend a little more and get the equipment that keeps you up
at night thinking about it!

However these are my personal faves.

1. Not 100% sure and want to get a feel for it without breaking the bank, either DDJ200,
DDJ400 or DDJ800
2. Like the feel of club gear, you want big jogwheels and a 4 channel mixer: DDJ1000
3. The kick ass stand-alones: XDJRX2 or Denon Prime 2, XDJXZ or Denon Prime 4)
4. Club gear: cheapest option: XDJ1000MK2 and DJM750MK2 or go all out: with Denon
SC6000 or for Pioneer fans: CDJ3000 and DJM 900NXS2

At the end of the day gear is less important than you think - it’s the feelings that come from
playing that’s important. I honestly feel all DJ gear shares the same basic operations, so good
with what feels right for you. My personal preference is Denon or Pioneer - you cannot go wrong
with either of these brands.

EXTRAS
SPEAKERS

The rst question you need to ask yourself when buying speakers is, what are you going to use
them for? If they are simply for home / personal use, a couple of studio speakers would be ideal
(you could even use computer speakers). However if you wish to take your DJ show on the
road, you may need something bigger.
Check out my free video on speakers here: https://youtu.be/CZH1Y0-mrf4

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HEADPHONES

Headphones are a necessary addition to any DJs set up as you need them to listen to the songs
you intend to play and also for beat matching. Usually the more you pay, the clearer the sound.
Headphones range from $20 - $1000, but usually headphones around the $250 mark are more
than enough.

WHAT EQUIPMENT YOU USE DOESN’T

MATTER
Once you know how to DJ, you will notice all the different kinds of equipment share the same
basic operations and generally what works on one lot of gear will work on the next. The only real
thing you need to know is how to prepare and load your music for playback on the gear you are
using, which involves understanding DJ Software.

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DJ SOFTWARE
 DJ SOFTWARE

DJ software is the programs used on your computer to prepare your music for playback. DJ
software allows your computer to communicate with DJ controllers and even though the
controllers may appear to be where all the action’s at, the DJ software is usually doing all the work.

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 DENON ENGINE PRIME

Engine Prime is the DJ software used to prepare music for all the latest Denon DJ equipment.
Denon has raving and very devoted fans and many rate it as the best gear / software on the
market.

ADVANTAGES

The software is free so you can prepare your music and mess around without owning any gear
The software i straight forward, much like all DJ software, and very easy to use
It has the same layout as Rekordbox and Serato so moving across to Denon is relatively simple
It has an offline 2 player mode so you craft playlists without your gear connected
You can create folders of music (crates) and also build playlists
It syncs with iTunes, Serato, Traktor and Rekordbox V5
You can easily export playlists & folders to your USB for playback on stand-alones and club gear
The Mixed in Key Camelot system is inbuilt (free)

DISADVANTAGES

If you wish to play in nightclubs, or at events where they provide the equipment, love it or hate
it Pioneer is still the industry standard and is what most venues will expect you to use in clubs.
Engine Prime is not compatible with Pioneer - meaning you will not be able to load your
playlists and metadata (eg: saved cues, loops, etc) onto Pioneer gear
If you wish to use Pioneer equipment (club gear) you will have to prepare your tracks in
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 REKORDBOX DJ

Rekordbox DJ is the software designed from Pioneer that is used to prepare your music to put
onto USB for play back on club gear and controllers that are compatible with Rekordbox.

ADVANTAGES

It is free
The software is straight forward and easy to use
Syncs with iTunes
It has an offline 2 player mode, which is used to test your songs and find songs that go well
together
Easily drag playlists onto USB sticks for playback in clubs (saves you taking a controller /
computer with you to your sets)
Makes using club equipment easy: simply load your USB and search and select songs for
playback on club gear.
Because it is Pioneer software and Pioneer provide most of the worlds DJ gear (especially in
clubs), by using Pioneer software / controllers, you will find the transition form controller to
club gear very easy.

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DISADVANTAGES

Unless you download Rekordbox 5 (the older version), R6 (latest version) will want you to pay a
monthly subscription service for premium features (recording your set, extra FX, streaming,
storing music in the cloud, syncing Rekordbox over multiple devices (some of these things
could be considered advantages but the DJ world seems outraged by paying for a subscription.
To avoid paying a subscription when you go to the Rekordbox download page, scroll to the
bottom and click download Rekordbox 5.
It analyses for key, but gives you the actual key of the song (EG: B#m), not the camelot system

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 SERATO PRO

Serato is arguably the best digital DJ program in the world. Many of the Pioneer controllers are
compatible with Serato software and I personally find it is a great program to hone your skills as a
DJ and put together and record great sets and mixtapes. It also gives us a visual aid when mixing,
which helps us better understand music and it's parts.

ADVANTAGES

Straight forward, very easy to use

Responsive jogwheels
Stacked waveforms, so you can beat match easily by site
Syncs with iTunes
Analyses the key of each track (incorporates mixed in key software)
You can record your sets
You can set up to 8 cue points that are triggered by hot cue pads on the controller which makes
mixing / mash ups / creative mixing possible

DISADVANTAGES

Only works with compatible DJ controllers

Need your computer / no inbuilt screens
Serato is not compatible with USBs / Rekordbox. If you wish to use Serato in clubs you will need
to connect your computer either using a DVS system or through the mixer - I have seen many
people not be able to connect their gear in time for a successful change over.
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 TRAKTOR

Traktor is popular pro DJ software trusted and used worldwide by thousands of DJs. It is an
amainzg performance tool, with powerful looping and cueing functionality, a tonne of FX and
loads of advanced features.

ADVANTAGES

Offline mixing capabilities. Test if songs work well together without your controller being
plugged in to your computer
Flexibility, once you learn how to map the controller to your needs, there are infinite
possibilities
Remix decks for instant, on the fly remixes and edits
Innovative stem decks for creative mixing
Powerful looping, over 40 effects, plus 1 knob macro control
You can record your sets

DISADVANTAGES

Is more complicated than Serato, steeper learning curve

Need your computer / no inbuilt screens
Traktor often struggles reading / recognising the beats of non dance music (e.g.: RNB, funk,
older house tracks). The beat grid is quite often, not accurate.
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 MIXED IN KEY

Mixed in Key helps you to find songs that are harmonically compatible.

ADVANTAGES

Helps you to find songs that work well together

Saves you time as you can put together playlists effortlessly
It virtually guarantees that your next track will complement the one you're playing, and that
your mix will sound musically seamless
Helps ensure that your song transitions won't clash, and it also opens up a wealth of
possibilities for creative mixes
An easy to learn technique that helps you sound perfect every time you play

DISADVANTAGES

Costs $60 (well worth it)

It can be a little intimidating, learning all the different key combinations, at first
Just because songs are harmonically compatible, doesn’t mean they will always work well
together (playing the right song at the right moment is more important)

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 FREE SOFTWARE - DJ WITHOUT
SPENDING A CENT

VIRTUAL DJ

Virtual DJ is easily the most downloaded DJ software of all time, with over 150 million downloads!
It is easy to use, just import your music, drag your songs onto the virtual decks, hit play and start
experimenting! It also works with most Pioneer controllers, so if you like it, you can easily upgrade
to a controller, to take you away from your computer, and give you more of a hands on feel.

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MIXX

Boasting iTunes integration (for easy song loading), auto syncing for smooth transitions, and a
powerful mixing engine, this software is easy to use and you will find yourself mixing tracks in a
matter of minutes. Great place to start for the beginner DJ.

PERSONAL ADVICE
Save yourself time and money and get some DJ training. It’s one thing having the latest DJ gear
but knowing how to use it is another story. Sure, given time, you may be able to figure it out, but
by getting lessons you can fast track your progress and be club ready in no time at all. If you do not
own DJ equipment yet and are on the edge you can mess around with free DJ software, or you
could buy something cheap to get a feel for it. The important thing is that you take the first step
and start building momentum. You won’t regret it, but you will regret not doing it sooner, so take
the first step today!

Check out the Club Ready DJ Course here: www.clubreadydjschool.com

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IT’S ALL ABOUT
THE MUSIC
FINDING MUSIC

To be a DJ, you need to stay up to date with music trends and their are many ways to do
this. A great idea is to become familiar with what other DJs are doing and find some
inspirations. I suggest finding sets DJs have played (live / radio / even podcasts), listen to
them (see what your inspirations are playing), listen to how they transition between songs
and even get tracks listings (this is a great way to find new music and become familiar with
DJs / what’s popular).

Here are some of the big ones:

www.soundcloud.com
www.mixcloud.com
www.bbc-essential-mix
www.1001tracklists.com
www.youtube.com

By going to the above sites you can find the sets your favourite DJs are playing, listen to
the set, see the tracklistings and by doing so, you become familiar with new music, new
artists and basically have the ability to see what DJs at the top of their field are doing.

You can also listen to the radio, SPOTIFY, follow artists on SOUNDCLOUD, go to lots of live
gigs and whenever you hear a song you like, hit SHAZAM on your phone to get the track
name and keep notes of the tracks you like and you feel people would respond well to.
Then, next time you are downloading music, find these tracks and add them to your
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library.
 BUYING / DOWNLOADING MUSIC
A huge part of being a great DJ is your music selection. Careful song selection and commitment to
your craft, whether you're searching, shopping or mixing, are essential if you hope to develop a
sound that's yours alone.

Some well known and popular places to find / download music:

BEATPORT
www.beatport.com

Beatport is regarded as one of the leading DJ sites in the world. It is where DJs go to find and buy
music and see what is popular.

ITUNES
www.apple.com/itunes

Itunes is a great place to not only find and buy new music, but also organize your music library
into playlists. To find and buy new music, simply go to the Itunes store, see categories up the top,
select music, and pick the genre you like, then hit “see all” to see the top 200 selling tracks of your
preferred genre. This will give you a good idea of what songs are popular right now.

PLEASE NOTE: DJs use full club edits / not radio edits. Be careful when buying tracks off Itunes, that
the song is the full version and not part of a compilation CD (in which case you are only buying
part of the song as songs may be pre mixed).

RECORD POOLS

Record pools are great for DJs that are constantly on the look out for high quality
music (old and new). At a fraction of the price of what you would pay for songs
individually, subscribing to a record pool for unlimited downloads may be your best
bet.

Here are some of the big ones.

www.djcity.com
www.digitaldjpool.com
www.idjpool.com
www.bpmsupreme.com
www.soundeo.com
The advantage of buying songs from reputable places is, songs will most likely be full club edits
and the file size (bit rate) will be high quality so when you play your music back in the club it will
sound professional.

UNDERSTANDING BIT RATEs (song file size)

If downloading music from free sites (e.g.: Youtube), please make certain the bit rate (file size /
quality of the song) is over 256 kphs (anything less, will sound bad (poor quality) in a club and is
not useable.

** For more information on finding and checking a songs nitrate please read this article:
https://sydneydjschool.com/important-bitrate-music/

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 ORGANISING YOUR MUSIC

Once you have built a collection of songs, it is time to organise your music.

The best way to organise music is by creating playlists (iTunes) or folders. The advantage with
using iTunes is, the playlists in iTunes sync automatically with most DJ Software. If you are using
folders, I suggest you have sub folders within your main music folder on your computer / or a main
music folder on an external hard drive.. It is import to stay organised and have one central place
where you keep all your music.

You could organise your music by genre, BPM, favourites, club songs, date added.

If you are not a fan of iTunes or you use a PC, keeping your music in a music folder or even on an
external hard drive is also more than ok.
 TO DO LIST
1. Think about your goals as a DJ and the kind of songs you wish to play / genre of
music

2. Listen to some mixtapes / live sets made by your favouirte DJs

3. Research music, see what’s popular, find cool tracks

4. Build / strengthen your music library with songs you may want to play as a DJ

5. Make sure your tracks are at the correct bit rate

6. Organise your music into playlists

7. Experiment / play around with some DJ software e.g.: Virtual DJ

8. Consider buying some DJ gear, something that feels right for you.

9. Fast track your success and buy my online course: www.clubreadydjschool.com

10. Submit a mixtape for feedback

11. Ht the club scene!

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