![\"How](\"https:\/\/spinbad.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/How-do-I-set-up-a-DJ-system.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nSometimes, it took me a few days to even get a sound out of a new piece of gear \u2014 it\u2019s time-consuming, demoralizing, and it\u2019s enough to drive any burgeoning DJ completely insane. Not to worry, though, friend \u2014 I have lived the mistakes, so you don\u2019t have to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In this article, I\u2019m going to guide you through all there is to know about setting up your first DJ system. I\u2019ll be covering the gear you\u2019ll need to get started, and how you can link it all together into a veritable beat blasting monster! Let\u2019s get to it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What You\u2019ll Need<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nI\u2019d like to preface this section of the guide by mentioning that there are a number of different types of DJ setups. It all depends on the gear you use and how you like to operate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It can be as streamlined as a laptop, software, headphones, and some speakers, or you can flesh things out with decks and a mixer, or perhaps an all-in-one controller.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Unfortunately, I can\u2019t go over all the possible setup options, as I\u2019d still be writing this come Christmas, so, today, I\u2019m going to guide you through what I consider to be a basic, yet club-ready setup.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
By doing so, I\u2019ll be able to cover the most ground, and help as many people out as possible; however, I\u2019ll list a few common alternatives as we go. Sound good? Good\u2026let\u2019s begin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the system I\u2019ll be talking about today, you\u2019ll need\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Decks (CDJs)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nAs I\u2019m sure you\u2019re aware, decks represent the turntables<\/a> of old, and they\u2019re what you\u2019ll use to interact with and play the music. <\/p>\n\n\n\nYou\u2019ll need two of them, which can be pricey, but I\u2019ve got some good news for you\u2026 If you use CDJs<\/a>, you won\u2019t need a laptop (although some DJs do still use one).<\/p>\n\n\n\nIf you choose to use a DJ controller like the Pioneer DJ DDJ-400<\/a>, you will need to hook it up to a laptop and some software before you can play a show. <\/p>\n\n\n\nThis isn\u2019t the case with all DJ controllers<\/a>, as some feature USB support (like CDJs), but generally speaking, controllers and laptops go hand in hand.<\/p>\n\n\n\nA Mixer<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nYou can think of the mixer as your control hub. It allows you to manipulate multiple audio signals, and EQ your audio output. If you\u2019re not sure what they look like, set your peepers on this Pioneer DJ DJM-S3<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nNow, again, if you have chosen a DJ controller rather than discrete decks, the rules are slightly different. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
DJ controllers are basically two decks and a mixer mashed together, so you don\u2019t need a separate mixing console; however, most basic controllers can be routed through an external mixer if need be.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A LAN Hub<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nA LAN hub<\/a> is kind of like the messenger pigeon of the setup. It allows your decks and mixer to communicate with one another.<\/p>\n\n\n\nA Pair Of Monitors<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nMonitors are the speakers<\/a> that you\u2019ll have facing you during a show. They allow you to hear the mix clearly over the in-house noise, so you can mix and beat match with precision.<\/p>\n\n\n\nA Master Output<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re playing a gig, your audio signals have to go through a master output, which will usually be some sort of monster in-house sound system, so you may not need to own one yourself (although wedding and party DJs might)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Headphones<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nY’all know what these are and what they\u2019re for, so I’ll go ahead and skip the description. If you\u2019re unsure what DJ headphones to go for, I\u2019d recommend the Sennheiser Pro Audio 25<\/a>, as they\u2019re considered the industry standard.<\/p>\n\n\n\nA USB Storage Device<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThis is just for making sure your CDJ firmware is up-to-date.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Cables<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n- 2 x stereo RCA phono cables.<\/li>
- A high-quality USB cable<\/a> (for DJ controller setups only)<\/li>
- 3 x Ethernet cables<\/a><\/li>
- 2 x XLR cables<\/a><\/li>
- 2 x 1\/4 Inch balanced TRS line cables <\/a>(instrument cables)<\/li>
- 2 x 3.5 mm mini jacks<\/a> (In case your gear doesn\u2019t support LAN connections)<\/li>
- Power cables. These should arrive with your hardware, so don\u2019t worry about sourcing them independently.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Setting Up Your DJ System<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nOkay\u2026 you\u2019ve got all the gear; it\u2019s time to get down to business and set it all up!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Step 1. Placement<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nBefore we get tangled in cables, it\u2019s best to set our gear up in the appropriate locations. Typically, you\u2019ll have your mixer directly in front of you on the desk, with one CDJ on either side of it. Scooch them together, so the edges of each unit are touching.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You should have one monitor on either side of your CDJs, and they need to be angled in towards you. Your LAN hub can just sit to the side of the desk somewhere out of the way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Step 2. Plugging Everything In<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nGet all your hardware plugged into a power source, but don\u2019t turn them on just yet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Step 3. Connecting Your Decks to Your Mixer<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nIf you look behind one of your CDJs, you\u2019ll see two inputs next to one another: one red and one white. These match up with the red and white ends of your stereo RCA phono cable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Looking at your mixer\u2019s I\/O interface, you\u2019ll see it has a number of channel inputs (also red and white). Each channel can control one device, so each CDJ requires its own channel. We\u2019ll be linking them all together with the RCA cables.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Don\u2019t be intimidated by the fact that there are four RCA inputs for each channel. Just follow these steps\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Plug your RCA cable jacks into the corresponding red and white ports of one of your CDJs<\/li>
- Decide which mixer channel you want to run the CDJ through. It\u2019s best to use the channel that\u2019s on the same side of the mixer as the CDJ.<\/li>
- You should be able to see 2 vertically oriented RCA inputs (4 ports) per channel on the back of your mixer. One will either be labeled \u201cLine\u201d or \u201cPhono\u201d, and the other will be labeled \u201cCD\/Line\u201d. For connecting CDJs or DJ controllers, you only need the ones labeled \u201cCD\/Line\u201d, so ignore the others.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
If you were using only analog turntables or perhaps wanted to use both analog and CDJ decks, the analog devices would go in the Phono channel ports. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The reason is, analog signals are weaker than their digital counterparts, so the Phono channel uses a built-in preamp to give them more juice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Plug the other ends of the RCA cable into your chosen channel\u2019s corresponding red and white CD\/Line ports.<\/li>
- Rinse and repeat with your other CDJ, and voil\u00e0; that\u2019s this section sorted!<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re using a DJ controller, ignore everything you just read, and simply connect your controller to your laptop via a USB cable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Step 4. Input Selection<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nHere\u2019s a nice quick step for you to take the edge off all that cable work you just did. At the top of each channel interface on your mixer, there should be an input selector. It\u2019s usually a dial with the channel input options printed around it, e.g. \u201cPhono\u201d, or \u201cCD\/Line\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As we\u2019re plugged into the CD\/Line ports, that\u2019s what we need to set the input selector of our chosen channels too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Step 5. LAN Connections<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nIf you wanted to, you can simply connect your CDJs with a single Ethernet cable. This will enable you to process the tracks from a USB storage device plugged into one, on the other. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
But, if your Mixer has a LAN port, it\u2019s recommended that you link all your hardware to a LAN hub, for perfectly quantized inter-device communication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To do this\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Locate the \u201cLink\u201d port on the back of one of your CDJs, and plug in one end of the Ethernet cable.<\/li>
- Plug the other end into the LAN hub.<\/li>
- Repeat this process with your second CDJ and your mixer.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Side-Note <\/strong>\u2014 Some DJ mixers have multiple LAN ports, in which case, you would not need the hub, as you could run your CDJs directly into the back of the mixer.<\/p>\n\n\n\nSide-Note n.2<\/strong> \u2014 Older CDJs do not support LAN, so if you can\u2019t find a \u201cLink\u201d button or port, you can skip this step entirely.<\/p>\n\n\n\nStep 6. Fader Activation<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nIf your mixer and CDJs support the LAN connections we were just discussing, then you\u2019ll need to consult the mixer manual, as you\u2019ll have to do some menu-diving to activate your fader start function.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If your gear doesn\u2019t support LAN, then all you need to do is find the mini jack ports on both your CDJs and mixer and connect them with some 3.5mm cables. This will automatically activate the start function, so you can use the fader to activate cue points.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Step 7. Connecting Your Mixer To The Main Audio Output<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nBehind your mixer, you\u2019ll find a couple of large ports labeled \u201cMaster\u201d or \u201cMaster 1\u201d. These are the ports you\u2019ll be using to link your setup to the in-house sound system, and it goes a little something like this\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Plug your XLR cables into both Master ports.<\/li>
- Plug the other ends into the XLR ports of the primary sound system.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Now you\u2019ll be able to control your master mix from the dedicated \u201cMaster\u201d section of your mixer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Side-Note<\/strong> \u2014 This step is the same for both CDJs and controllers.<\/p>\n\n\n\nStep 8. Connecting Your Monitors To Your Mixer<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nBehind your mixer, you\u2019ll see a little panel of two ports labeled \u201cBooth\u201d. These are for linking your monitors to your mixer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Take your 1\/4 cable, plug one end into the port on the back of your monitor labeled \u201cBalanced TRS\u201d (or something akin to that), then feed the other end into the nearest Booth port.<\/li>
- Rinse and repeat with your second monitor and the remaining Booth port.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Now you can control your monitor levels with the dedicated \u201cBooth\u201d section of your mixer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Side-Note<\/strong> \u2014 This step is also the same for both CDJs and controllers.<\/p>\n\n\n\nStep 9. Updating CDJ Firmware<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nHere\u2019s another step you\u2019ll need to flick through your user manual to complete. Before a show, it\u2019s always a good idea to check your CDJs are running on the latest firmware.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The general process involves downloading the update on a computer, uploading it onto a USB stick, then feeding it into the CDJ via the stick.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Step 10. Powering On And Testing Your Setup<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nPhew\u2026 it\u2019s been a hell of a journey, but we\u2019re finally ready to turn your gear on and see if everything\u2019s working. Here\u2019s the order you should follow\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Turn all mixer levels down.<\/li>
- Turn on mixer.<\/li>
- Switch decks on.<\/li>
- Check input channels are correct.<\/li>
- Plug the USB with your tracks on into one of your CDJs (there\u2019ll be a brief initiation period)<\/li>
- Check monitor volume isn\u2019t set too high on the back of the units.<\/li>
- Turn monitors on.<\/li>
- Play a test track and adjust your gain level with the volume still down.<\/li>
- Check the LEDs on your mixer are showing the master output is receiving your signals.<\/li>
- Set your Booth level, and with any luck, you\u2019ll hear the test track through your monitors.<\/li>
- Turn the \u201cHeadphone Level\u201d dial low, so the music isn\u2019t too loud when you pop your cans on.<\/li>
- Plug your headphones into your mixer, and, after a quick EQ session, you\u2019re ready to fill that dance floor!<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
Final Thoughts<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nAnd that\u2019s how it\u2019s done! I know it seems like a lot to remember the first time around, but after a few shows, it\u2019ll become second nature. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Until then, I\u2019d recommend writing some cues down in a notepad as a guide, just in case you forget something or get a bit muddled. Have a great show!<\/p>\n\n\n
As I\u2019m sure you\u2019re aware, decks represent the turntables<\/a> of old, and they\u2019re what you\u2019ll use to interact with and play the music. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You\u2019ll need two of them, which can be pricey, but I\u2019ve got some good news for you\u2026 If you use CDJs<\/a>, you won\u2019t need a laptop (although some DJs do still use one).<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you choose to use a DJ controller like the Pioneer DJ DDJ-400<\/a>, you will need to hook it up to a laptop and some software before you can play a show. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This isn\u2019t the case with all DJ controllers<\/a>, as some feature USB support (like CDJs), but generally speaking, controllers and laptops go hand in hand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can think of the mixer as your control hub. It allows you to manipulate multiple audio signals, and EQ your audio output. If you\u2019re not sure what they look like, set your peepers on this Pioneer DJ DJM-S3<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Now, again, if you have chosen a DJ controller rather than discrete decks, the rules are slightly different. <\/p>\n\n\n\n DJ controllers are basically two decks and a mixer mashed together, so you don\u2019t need a separate mixing console; however, most basic controllers can be routed through an external mixer if need be.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A LAN hub<\/a> is kind of like the messenger pigeon of the setup. It allows your decks and mixer to communicate with one another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Monitors are the speakers<\/a> that you\u2019ll have facing you during a show. They allow you to hear the mix clearly over the in-house noise, so you can mix and beat match with precision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re playing a gig, your audio signals have to go through a master output, which will usually be some sort of monster in-house sound system, so you may not need to own one yourself (although wedding and party DJs might)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Y’all know what these are and what they\u2019re for, so I’ll go ahead and skip the description. If you\u2019re unsure what DJ headphones to go for, I\u2019d recommend the Sennheiser Pro Audio 25<\/a>, as they\u2019re considered the industry standard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is just for making sure your CDJ firmware is up-to-date.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Okay\u2026 you\u2019ve got all the gear; it\u2019s time to get down to business and set it all up!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Before we get tangled in cables, it\u2019s best to set our gear up in the appropriate locations. Typically, you\u2019ll have your mixer directly in front of you on the desk, with one CDJ on either side of it. Scooch them together, so the edges of each unit are touching.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You should have one monitor on either side of your CDJs, and they need to be angled in towards you. Your LAN hub can just sit to the side of the desk somewhere out of the way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Get all your hardware plugged into a power source, but don\u2019t turn them on just yet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you look behind one of your CDJs, you\u2019ll see two inputs next to one another: one red and one white. These match up with the red and white ends of your stereo RCA phono cable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Looking at your mixer\u2019s I\/O interface, you\u2019ll see it has a number of channel inputs (also red and white). Each channel can control one device, so each CDJ requires its own channel. We\u2019ll be linking them all together with the RCA cables.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Don\u2019t be intimidated by the fact that there are four RCA inputs for each channel. Just follow these steps\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you were using only analog turntables or perhaps wanted to use both analog and CDJ decks, the analog devices would go in the Phono channel ports. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The reason is, analog signals are weaker than their digital counterparts, so the Phono channel uses a built-in preamp to give them more juice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re using a DJ controller, ignore everything you just read, and simply connect your controller to your laptop via a USB cable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here\u2019s a nice quick step for you to take the edge off all that cable work you just did. At the top of each channel interface on your mixer, there should be an input selector. It\u2019s usually a dial with the channel input options printed around it, e.g. \u201cPhono\u201d, or \u201cCD\/Line\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As we\u2019re plugged into the CD\/Line ports, that\u2019s what we need to set the input selector of our chosen channels too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you wanted to, you can simply connect your CDJs with a single Ethernet cable. This will enable you to process the tracks from a USB storage device plugged into one, on the other. <\/p>\n\n\n\n But, if your Mixer has a LAN port, it\u2019s recommended that you link all your hardware to a LAN hub, for perfectly quantized inter-device communication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To do this\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n Side-Note <\/strong>\u2014 Some DJ mixers have multiple LAN ports, in which case, you would not need the hub, as you could run your CDJs directly into the back of the mixer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Side-Note n.2<\/strong> \u2014 Older CDJs do not support LAN, so if you can\u2019t find a \u201cLink\u201d button or port, you can skip this step entirely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If your mixer and CDJs support the LAN connections we were just discussing, then you\u2019ll need to consult the mixer manual, as you\u2019ll have to do some menu-diving to activate your fader start function.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If your gear doesn\u2019t support LAN, then all you need to do is find the mini jack ports on both your CDJs and mixer and connect them with some 3.5mm cables. This will automatically activate the start function, so you can use the fader to activate cue points.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Behind your mixer, you\u2019ll find a couple of large ports labeled \u201cMaster\u201d or \u201cMaster 1\u201d. These are the ports you\u2019ll be using to link your setup to the in-house sound system, and it goes a little something like this\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n Now you\u2019ll be able to control your master mix from the dedicated \u201cMaster\u201d section of your mixer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Side-Note<\/strong> \u2014 This step is the same for both CDJs and controllers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Behind your mixer, you\u2019ll see a little panel of two ports labeled \u201cBooth\u201d. These are for linking your monitors to your mixer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Now you can control your monitor levels with the dedicated \u201cBooth\u201d section of your mixer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Side-Note<\/strong> \u2014 This step is also the same for both CDJs and controllers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here\u2019s another step you\u2019ll need to flick through your user manual to complete. Before a show, it\u2019s always a good idea to check your CDJs are running on the latest firmware.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The general process involves downloading the update on a computer, uploading it onto a USB stick, then feeding it into the CDJ via the stick.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Phew\u2026 it\u2019s been a hell of a journey, but we\u2019re finally ready to turn your gear on and see if everything\u2019s working. Here\u2019s the order you should follow\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n And that\u2019s how it\u2019s done! I know it seems like a lot to remember the first time around, but after a few shows, it\u2019ll become second nature. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Until then, I\u2019d recommend writing some cues down in a notepad as a guide, just in case you forget something or get a bit muddled. Have a great show!<\/p>\n\n\nA Mixer<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
A LAN Hub<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
A Pair Of Monitors<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
A Master Output<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Headphones<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
A USB Storage Device<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Cables<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Setting Up Your DJ System<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Step 1. Placement<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Step 2. Plugging Everything In<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Step 3. Connecting Your Decks to Your Mixer<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Step 4. Input Selection<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Step 5. LAN Connections<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Step 6. Fader Activation<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Step 7. Connecting Your Mixer To The Main Audio Output<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Step 8. Connecting Your Monitors To Your Mixer<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Step 9. Updating CDJ Firmware<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Step 10. Powering On And Testing Your Setup<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Final Thoughts<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n