I started DJing early 90’s on technics turntables obviously, but been away a long time, back then you knew what to expect and just had to turn up with your record box. Now having got back into things via DJay, iPad, and a controller (but only at home so far), and got to appreciate some it’s features (stems particularly) how that works out in a venue, has me pondering.
DVS with iPad? CDJ with laptop? Routing controller through main mixer? Seems like you may need to be prepared for many eventualities. What a faff!
Given CDJ’s tend to be industry standard in clubs? and not compatible with DJay pro on iOS. And no idea how ubiquitous turntables are these days (re DVS)
… curious how playing in a venue with DJay/iOs (is handled (or not) in your experience?
Also aware there is some snobbery around the subject, I’m too old to let that bother me too much, so not interested in that debate today, so much as the reality of a non-resident DJ who plays out (and has music library set up in DJay)
Hi @N_C, if you want to use CDJs with djay, currently your only option is to connect them to a Mac. Unfortunately, CDJs are not currently USB Class Compliant so they are not compatible with iOS devices. For more details on how to set this up on Mac, please refer to the linked FAQ below:
Alternatively, if you want to use an iOS device, you might want to consider going the Laidback Luke route, and bringing a small form factor controller like the Reloop Mixtour Pro. This doesn’t take up much room in the booth, is easy to pack/transport and can simply be connected to the club mixer via RCA cables. There’s an in depth discussion of the Mixtour Pro below, plus Laidback Luke has a bunch of YouTube videos using this setup in clubs and at festivals. Personally, I prefer to bring my own gear to gigs because I know it works and I don’t have to depend on something that’s not within my control. I hope that helps!
I have a weekly gig where I use the Mixtour Pro sitting on top of the Pioneer mixer - it works great. This is my preferred method.
Alternatively, you can create USB sticks with your music and plug them direct into the CDJs. Pros: no need for computer software/iPad/iPhone + better music playback quality Cons: 1. you have to use Rekordbox (free version) to make the USB sticks. 2. you need to know how to use the Pioneer club equipment properly 3. clunky or non-existent access to hot cues & saved loops.
Got it. I’m currently using reloop buddy with iPad. Does the reloop pro work like a controller, but allows you to bypass the existing mixer, and I assume, given its “pro” output better sound quality?
Here’s the setup. Mixtour Pro on top of the Pioneer DJM-900SRT (plugged into channel 1). I like the matching blue lights. Notice the fat USB stick plugged into the XDJ as backup.
I have DJ’d this venue with both XDJs plugged into a MacBook and it worked, but this simpler rig works just as well and is faster to setup and breakdown.
Thanks for sharing @Michael_Wisniewski. At the risk of getting off topic here, what kind of USB drive is that? Is it a NVMe by chance or just regular flash memory?
I have a Mixtour pro and I played connected to Club grear before, but I wouldn’t of thought the MTP could be sat on top like this. Doesn’t it move around whilst your playing? I usually get quiet wild on the line faders and effects.
I set the hardware faders to Thru, pull them down and seat the Mixtour Pro rubber feet solidly on the knobs/faders. It’s pretty solid. Deck space is the main problem at this venue. I can partially move the left XDJ, but it’s still very tight.
