Welcome to the World of Professional DJing!

Embarking on the journey from your bedroom setup to handling club-standard equipment like Pioneer CDJs and mixers can be thrilling yet daunting. But fear not! This guide is designed to make your transition smooth and enjoyable.

What You’ll Learn:

Our focus is on the basics – from navigating your tracks to mixing them seamlessly. You’ll be working with the industry favourites: Pioneer CDJ2000nxs2 for hire and Pioneer DJM900nxs2 for rental. So, whether you’re practising in your studio or performing live, these skills are your key to success.

Your Role as a DJ:

As a DJ, your mission is to understand and apply these techniques to create unforgettable experiences for your audience. And, of course, always ensure your equipment is in top-notch condition.

Step-by-Step Guide to DJ Mastery – Setting up the DJM900 and CDJ2000.

1. Getting Started: Your Musical Universe

• Connecting Your Music: Plug in your USB and access your library by pressing the USB icon.
• Navigating Your Tracks: Easily browse through artists, albums, tracks, and more with the encoder.
• Loading Tracks: Dive into your playlists, select your jam, and load it onto the deck with a simple click.

2. Smart Cueing: Your Starting Point

• Auto Cue Magic: Toggle auto cue with a button press. When ‘AQ’ is displayed, you’re all set.

3. Waveform Wizardry: Know Your Music Visually

• Understanding the Waveform: Use the player screen to see your track’s waveform.
• Zoom and Colorize: Get a closer look or change the color for better visibility.

4. Cueing and Jogging: Your Hands-On Skills

• Mastering the Cue: Set and play your cue points effortlessly.
• Jog Wheel Techniques: Scratch or nudge your track to perfection. Adjust the tension to your liking.

5. Tempo and Pitch: The Beat Goes On

• Controlling Speed: Speed up or slow down with the tempo adjust.
• Key Lock: Change the tempo without altering the pitch with the master tempo.

6. Creativity with Hot Cues and Loops

• Setting Hot Cues: Mark your favorite parts of the track for instant access.
• Looping Like a Pro: Create and adjust loops on the fly.

7. Mixing Mastery: Sync and Blend

• Phase Meters: Use these to keep your tracks in harmony.
• Ear Over Eyes: Trust your ears more than the visuals for a natural mix.

8. Mixing Desk Essentials: Your Control Panel

• EQ and Effects: Learn the nuances of EQ controls and sound color effects.
• Mic Management: Know how to manage microphone inputs, if you’re using them.

9. Keep Learning: Grow Your Skills

• Continuous Improvement: Explore courses and online platforms for advanced skills and tips.

Wrapping Up Your Session:

Always leave your setup as you found it. Stop the tracks, turn off the equipment, and safely eject your USB.

Feedback and Maintenance:

Keep a note of any issues and share your experiences for improvements.

Staying Updated:

The DJ world is always evolving. Keep updating your knowledge, especially with new equipment or software updates.

Learn and experience the exhilarating world of DJing. Our guide is your first step to mastering Pioneer CDJs and a mixer, ensuring you’re ready for any gig or event. Let’s make your DJ dreams a reality!

Here is a video if you want a more in-depth walkthrough of the Pioneer CDJ2000 – it takes you through every button on the CDJ2000! – make sure you check out Dexter’s other videos – thanks Dexter.

If the above is not enough to get your started, then Below is a Standard Operating Procedure for use of the Pioneer industry standard equipment:

Standard Operating Procedure (SOP): Utilizing CDJs and a Mixer at events.

Purpose:
This SOP is designed to guide DJs in effectively utilizing CDJs and a mixer in a live event setting, particularly those transitioning from bedroom setups to club-ready equipment.

Scope:
This procedure applies to DJs who are new to club-standard equipment, specifically Pioneer CDJs and mixers. It covers basic navigation, cueing, mixing, and other essential functions.

Responsibilities:

• DJs are responsible for understanding and applying these steps to maximize their practice sessions and performances.
• Studio personnel should ensure that the equipment is in proper working condition.

Procedures for industry standard Pioneer DJ gear (2 CDJs and a DJM900 Mixer):

1. Initial Setup and Navigation:

• Connect your USB device to the CDJ.
• Press the USB icon to access your music library.
• Use the encoder to navigate through the categories: artist, album, track, key.
• Select your desired playlist or music folder.
• To load a track onto the deck, click the encoder in.
• Use the browse button and the back button to navigate within your playlists.

2. Auto Cue Function:

• To activate or deactivate auto cue, hold down the designated button (marked with an indicator underneath a red icon on the screen).
• Ensure ‘AQ’ is displayed when auto cue is activated.

3. Waveform Management:

• Utilize the player view screen to observe the waveform.
• Zoom in or out of the waveform using the encoder.
• Change the waveform color through the shortcut button.
• Use the overview waveform at the bottom of the screen for track scrubbing and previewing.

4. Cueing and Jog Wheel Usage:

• To cue a song, use the cue button. Holding the cue button plays the song, releasing it returns to the start.
• For continuous play, hold the cue and then press play.
• Use the jog wheel to scratch (in vinyl mode) or nudge the track for beat matching.
• Adjust the jog wheel tension based on preference.

5. Tempo and Pitch Control:

• Use the tempo adjust to speed up or slow down the track.
• The master tempo locks the key of the track regardless of speed changes.
• Adjust the range of tempo change (e.g., ±10, wide).

6. Hot Cues, Loops, and Memory Points:

• Set hot cues by hitting empty pads.
• Engage loops using the four-beat button and adjust their length.
• Save loops and cues in the memory for quick access.

7. Phase Meters and Mixing:

• Use phase meters to ensure tracks are in sync.
• Do not over-rely on visual aids; use them to support ear-based mixing.

8. Mixer Essentials:

• Familiarize yourself with EQ controls, isolator settings, and sound color effects.
• Understand the functionality of microphone controls, if applicable.

9. Continuous Learning:

• For further skill development, consider joining DJ courses and online platforms for advanced tutorials and tips.

10. End of Session:

• Ensure all tracks are stopped, and equipment is turned off properly.
• Eject your USB device safely.

11. Documentation and Feedback:

• Document any issues or irregularities during the session for studio maintenance.
• Provide feedback on the equipment and procedure for continuous improvement.

12 Review and update Regularly:
This SOP should be reviewed periodically for relevance and accuracy, especially when new equipment or software updates are introduced. You should regularly check if there is a firmware update for DJ gear or the equipment that you hire or own.

This SOP was made with the help of this video. Thank you to Jamie Hartley from Crossfader on youtube. Make sure you check out their other videos.