Use Rekordbox with CDJ & DJM
You can connect your computer to the CDJs and use Rekordbox during your DJ session.
Below are the main setups for Mac and Windows, in Performance Mode or Export Mode.
This tutorial covers using Rekordbox with the CDJ-3000s installed in our DJ studios, which you can book by the hour.
Choose your setup
Mac + Rekordbox: Performance Mode →
Mac + Rekordbox: Export Mode →
Important: if your computer does not have the required ports, bring your own USB hub or adapters. Plug The Jack does not provide a USB hub.
Mac + Rekordbox: Performance Mode
Performance Mode lets you control Rekordbox from your computer and use its DJ functions in real time.
In this setup the CDJs display waveforms, but not the full beatmatch grid.
Step 1 — Connect the CDJs to your Mac
Connect both CDJ USB cables to your Mac.
Use your own hub or adapter if required.
Step 2 — Launch CDJ Aggregator
Download and open CDJ Aggregator.
When the CDJs are recognised, open the application and click OK.
Step 3 — Switch Rekordbox to Performance Mode
Open Rekordbox and select Performance in the top-left corner.
Step 4 — Select the CDJs in the audio preferences
Open Rekordbox preferences and select Pioneer CDJ/XDJ in the Audio settings.
Step 5 — Check the outputs
Under Input/Output, check the output assignments:
- Deck 2: L = Output 1 / R = Output 2
- Deck 3: L = Output 3 / R = Output 4
Step 6 — Assign the decks to the CDJs
- select Deck 2 on the left CDJ;
- select Deck 3 on the right CDJ.
Mac + Rekordbox: Export Mode
Export Mode lets you browse and play your Rekordbox library through Pro DJ Link while relying less on your computer during the set.
This mode can display the beatmatch grid on the CDJs and is useful when you want to browse your library directly from the players.
Step 1 — Connect the CDJs to your Mac
Connect both CDJ USB cables to your Mac and use your own hub or adapter if required.
Step 2 — Launch CDJ Aggregator
Open CDJ Aggregator and click OK when the players are recognised.
Step 3 — Switch Rekordbox to Export Mode
Open Rekordbox and select EXPORT in the top-left corner.
Step 4 — Check the audio settings
Select CDJ/XDJ in the Audio preferences.
Step 5 — Check the outputs and establish Link
- Deck 2: L = Output 1 / R = Output 2
- Deck 3: L = Output 3 / R = Output 4
Close the preferences and wait for the button used to establish the Link connection to appear.
Once the connection is established, the decks appear in Rekordbox.
Step 6 — Select your computer on the CDJs
On the CDJ, open Sources and select your computer through LINK.
You can then browse your Rekordbox library directly from the CDJs.
Windows + Rekordbox: Performance Mode
You can also use the CDJs in Performance Mode on Windows.
Step 1 — Connect the CDJs to your computer
Connect both CDJ USB cables to your computer.
Bring your own hub or adapter if required.
Step 2 — Install the CDJ drivers
Install the required CDJ drivers before your session.
View CDJ-3000 software and drivers →
Step 3 — Install the DJM drivers
If your setup uses a DJM-A9, make sure the required mixer drivers are also installed on your computer.
Step 4 — Switch Rekordbox to Performance Mode
Open Rekordbox and select Performance in the top-left corner.
Step 5 — Select Pioneer CDJ/XDJ
In Rekordbox Audio preferences, select Pioneer CDJ/XDJ.
Step 6 — Check the outputs
- Deck 2: L = Output 1 / R = Output 2
- Deck 3: L = Output 3 / R = Output 4
Step 7 — Assign the decks to the CDJs
- select Deck 2 on the left CDJ;
- select Deck 3 on the right CDJ.
DJM settings
- set the channels you use to LINE;
- check that the CDJ audio outputs reach the correct DJM channels;
- keep Balance centered;
- set Trim so the signal does not clip;
- raise the Master gradually.
Want to record your set?
You can record your mix with Rekordbox, but that is not the only option. We also cover recording with DJM-REC on a dedicated page.
Using Serato?
Find our Serato setup guides for Mac and Windows on the dedicated page.
