What is a DJ controller? What's the difference between decks and a mixer? What does BPM mean? And why do DJs talk about dropping tracks, phrasing, cueing and mixing in key?
If you've ever listened to DJs talking about their equipment or watched someone perform and wondered what half the terminology means, you're in the right place.
This is a plain-English guide to DJ equipment, the language DJs use and how everything works together. Whether you're curious about learning to DJ, trying to understand your child's new hobby or just want to know what your DJ friends are talking about, we'll explain it without assuming you already know the basics.
THE 30-SECOND EXPLANATION
A DJ selects and plays music, often blending tracks together to create a continuous experience. Decks are used to control individual tracks, a mixer controls how those tracks are combined, and headphones allow the DJ to prepare the next track privately. Modern DJ controllers combine many of these functions into one device, usually working with DJ software.
1. What does a DJ actually do?
DJ stands for disc jockey. Originally, DJs selected and played records for an audience. Today, DJs use vinyl, digital music files, streaming services and a variety of different playback systems.
Some DJs focus on selecting great music and reading the crowd. Others create long, seamless mixes, perform scratches, remix tracks live or combine multiple musical elements to create something new.
There's no single correct way to DJ. A wedding DJ, radio DJ, club DJ, turntablist and electronic music performer may all use different techniques and equipment.
2. Understanding DJ equipment: What is everything?
What are DJ decks?
A deck is a device or virtual player used to play and control a music track. Traditionally, decks were turntables playing vinyl records. Today, a deck might be a digital media player or a virtual player inside DJ software.
When somebody says they are using two decks, they usually mean they can control two tracks independently, allowing them to prepare one while another is playing.
What is a DJ controller?
A DJ controller is a piece of hardware that gives a DJ physical controls for DJ software. Most controllers include jog wheels, playback buttons, faders, EQ controls and performance pads.
The software handles much of the actual music playback and processing, while the controller lets the DJ interact with it without constantly using a mouse or touchscreen.
Some controllers work with laptops, some with compatible phones or tablets, and some support several different platforms. A controller is not necessarily a standalone music player.
What is a DJ mixer?
A DJ mixer is the central control point where audio from different sources is adjusted and combined.
Mixers usually have channel volume faders, EQ controls, headphone cue buttons and a master output. Some include effects, filters and additional inputs.
A standalone DJ mixer normally works with separate music players or turntables. Many DJ controllers have mixer-style controls built into the same unit.
What is a CDJ or media player?
A CDJ is a term strongly associated with Pioneer DJ's professional player range. Modern professional media players can play digital music from supported storage devices and other compatible sources.
Unlike a typical software-dependent DJ controller, a standalone media player handles its own music playback. Professional setups often use two or more media players connected to a separate DJ mixer.
What is a standalone DJ system?
A standalone DJ system combines music playback and mixer controls in one unit, without requiring a laptop to run the performance. Music can typically be loaded from supported USB storage or other compatible sources, depending on the system.
Standalone doesn't mean completely wireless or battery-powered. The unit may still need mains electricity, speakers and other connections.
What are turntables?
Turntables play vinyl records. In DJing, they can also be used for cueing, beatmatching and scratching. A traditional two-turntable setup uses a separate DJ mixer between the players.
Some digital vinyl systems, often called DVS, allow special control records to manipulate digital music through compatible hardware and software.
What are DJ headphones for?
DJ headphones allow the DJ to listen to a track before sending it to the main speakers. This is called cue monitoring or pre-listening.
It helps the DJ find the correct starting point, check timing and prepare a transition without the audience hearing the preparation.
What are monitor speakers?
Monitor speakers are speakers used for listening and checking audio. Studio monitors are commonly used for music production and home listening, while DJ booth monitors help performers hear their mix clearly during a performance.
Active speakers have built-in amplification. Passive speakers require suitable external amplification.
REMEMBER THE DIFFERENCE
Deck: controls a music track.
Mixer: combines and adjusts audio sources.
Controller: provides physical controls, usually for DJ software.
Standalone system: plays and mixes music without a laptop during use.
Speakers: reproduce the sound for people to hear.
3. How does a DJ setup actually work?
Imagine a DJ has two tracks ready. Track A is playing through the speakers. The DJ listens privately to Track B in their headphones, finds the right starting point and adjusts its tempo if necessary.
When the timing feels right, the DJ brings Track B into the main mix using the channel fader, crossfader or other controls. They may adjust the bass or other frequencies so the tracks sound good together. Once the transition is complete, Track B becomes the main track.
This is the basic principle behind mixing, although different styles of music and performance use different approaches.
Typical signal flow
Music source → Deck or DJ software → Mixer → Audio output → Speakers
The headphone cue signal provides a separate way to listen to selected audio before it reaches the audience.
4. DJ terminology cheat sheet: The words you'll hear most often
| Term | What it means |
|---|---|
| BPM | Beats per minute. A measure of musical tempo. A track at 128 BPM has 128 beats per minute. |
| Beatmatching | Adjusting two tracks so their beats run at compatible speeds and stay aligned. |
| Sync | A software or player feature that helps synchronise the tempo or beat position of tracks. |
| Cue point | A saved or selected position in a track where playback can begin. |
| Hot cue | A stored point that can be triggered quickly, often using a performance pad. |
| Loop | A section of audio that repeats continuously until the loop is released or changed. |
| Drop | A prominent moment where a track's full rhythmic or musical energy enters, often after a build-up. |
| Breakdown | A section where elements such as drums or bass are reduced or removed. |
| Build-up | A musical section that increases tension or energy before another section, often a drop. |
| Phrase | A musical section made up of a group of bars, often following repeating patterns. |
| Phrasing | Timing transitions so meaningful musical sections line up naturally. |
| Transition | The change from one track to another, whether gradual, quick or dramatic. |
| Blend | Mixing two tracks together so they overlap smoothly. |
| Cut | A quick switch between audio sources rather than a gradual blend. |
| EQ | Equalisation. Controls that adjust frequency ranges such as bass, midrange and treble. |
| Gain / Trim | Controls used to adjust the incoming signal level of a channel. |
| Channel fader | Controls the level of an individual mixer channel. |
| Crossfader | A fader that blends or switches between assigned channels. |
| Master output | The main audio output feeding the sound system or other connected equipment. |
| Filter | An audio effect that removes or reduces selected frequencies, often used creatively during transitions. |
| FX | Effects such as echo, delay, reverb or flanger that alter the sound. |
| Jog wheel | A circular control used for track navigation, nudging, pitch bending or scratching. |
| Pitch fader | Adjusts playback speed or tempo, depending on the player and settings. |
| Waveform | A visual representation of the audio that helps identify beats, sections and changes in energy. |
| Key | The musical key of a track, used to understand how its notes may relate to other tracks. |
| Harmonic mixing | Selecting or combining tracks with musically compatible keys. |
| Quantize | A feature that helps align certain actions, such as loops or hot cues, with the analysed beat grid. |
| Beat grid | A software representation of the beats and timing of a track. |
5. DJ slang: What are DJs actually saying?
DJ culture has its own informal language. Some expressions are technical, while others are simply ways of describing music or the atmosphere in a room.
“That's a banger”
A particularly strong, exciting or crowd-pleasing track. It's a compliment, not a specific genre.
“I'm going back-to-back” or “B2B”
Two DJs are performing together, usually taking turns selecting or mixing tracks. A B2B set may involve shared equipment or separate setups.
“I'm digging for tracks”
Searching for interesting music, often including older, obscure or lesser-known recordings. The expression comes from digging through record crates.
“It's a white label”
Historically, a record distributed with a plain or minimally labelled sleeve or centre label. Often associated with promos, test pressings, unofficial edits or limited releases, although the exact context varies.
“That's a bootleg”
An unofficial recording, remix or edit. A bootleg may not have been authorised by the original rights holder.
“Play the extended mix”
A version of a track with a longer arrangement, often including sections that make it easier to mix into or out of another track.
“It's a double drop”
A technique, particularly associated with some electronic music styles, where significant musical sections or drops from two tracks are timed to occur together.
“That transition was clean”
The change between tracks sounded smooth, controlled or well timed.
“He trainwrecked the mix”
Slang for a noticeably poor transition, often where beats are badly misaligned or the combination sounds chaotic.
“Read the room”
Pay attention to the audience and adapt the music to their reactions rather than rigidly following a predetermined track list.
“A crate”
Originally a physical box of records. Today, DJs also use the word for a digital playlist or organised collection of tracks.
“A weapon” or “secret weapon”
A track a DJ believes will be particularly effective, sometimes one that other DJs or the audience may not recognise.
“A mashup”
A musical combination of elements from different recordings, such as the vocal from one track over the instrumental of another.
“A dubplate”
Traditionally a specially cut disc, often containing exclusive or unreleased music. In some DJ scenes the word is also used for an exclusive track or version.
DJ TALK, TRANSLATED
“I'm going B2B, I've got a few weapons in my crate and I'm planning a double drop.”
In plain English: “I'm performing with another DJ, I've prepared some strong tracks and I want to time two musical drops together.”
6. Understanding the music: Beats, bars and phrases
To understand DJ mixing, it helps to understand how dance music is commonly structured.
What is a beat?
A beat is a regular unit of musical time. In much dance music, the kick drum helps make the beat easy to hear.
What is a bar?
A bar is a group of beats. A large amount of popular and electronic dance music uses four beats per bar, although other time signatures exist.
What is a phrase?
A phrase is a musical section. Many dance tracks organise their arrangements into groups such as 8, 16 or 32 bars, but these are conventions rather than universal rules.
Why does phrasing matter to DJs?
Imagine starting the introduction of a new track at the beginning of a phrase in the outgoing track. If their arrangements complement one another, the transition can feel more natural because musical changes happen at meaningful points.
Good phrasing is about listening to the structure of the music, not simply counting numbers on a screen.
7. What's the difference between beatmatching, mixing and scratching?
Beatmatching means aligning the timing of tracks so their rhythms can play together.
Mixing is the broader process of combining or transitioning between tracks. It can involve beatmatching, EQ, filters, effects, cuts and musical phrasing.
Scratching is a performance technique that involves moving recorded audio forwards and backwards rhythmically, traditionally using a vinyl record and turntable. Similar techniques can be performed with compatible digital DJ equipment.
Not every DJ scratches, and not every good transition requires two tracks to play simultaneously.
8. What is DJ software, and what does it do?
DJ software provides digital music playback and tools for preparing and performing with tracks. Depending on the application, features may include library organisation, BPM analysis, waveforms, cue points, loops, effects, recording and music streaming integrations.
Well-known examples include rekordbox, Serato DJ, djay and Traktor. These applications are not interchangeable in every situation: hardware compatibility, supported features, operating systems and subscription requirements can differ.
Some DJs use computers, others use mobile devices, and others perform on standalone hardware without running a DJ application on a separate computer during their set.
9. What do all the connections on DJ equipment mean?
RCA
Often recognised by red and white plugs. Commonly used for analogue stereo audio connections on consumer and DJ equipment.
XLR
A connector commonly used for professional audio, including microphones and balanced audio connections to suitable sound equipment.
TRS and TS jack
Jack connectors are available in different sizes and wiring configurations. TRS connections can carry balanced mono audio or unbalanced stereo audio, depending on the equipment and application. TS is commonly used for unbalanced mono signals.
USB
Used for data, controller communication, audio interfaces and sometimes power. A USB connection does not automatically mean that two devices are compatible.
Headphone output
Allows the DJ to listen privately to selected audio, typically using a headphone jack. The available cue and mix functions depend on the hardware.
Master and booth outputs
The master output normally feeds the main sound system. A booth output, where fitted, can provide separate level control for speakers used by the DJ.
10. Common DJ myths and misunderstandings
“Real DJs only use vinyl.”
Vinyl DJing is an important part of DJ culture, but DJing also includes digital media players, software controllers, radio broadcasting, mobile DJing and many other performance styles.
“Using sync means you're not a real DJ.”
Sync is a tool. Some DJs prefer manual beatmatching; others use synchronisation to spend more time on selection, phrasing or performance. Musical judgement still matters.
“More channels automatically means better DJing.”
A four-channel setup offers additional possibilities, but two channels are sufficient for many styles of mixing. More controls don't automatically produce better performances.
“The most expensive equipment produces the best DJ.”
Equipment can offer useful capabilities, but music knowledge, practice, timing, creativity and understanding the audience are fundamental skills.
“All DJ controllers work without a computer.”
Many controllers depend on software running on a compatible computer or mobile device. Standalone systems are a different category, and individual products vary.
11. Frequently asked questions about DJing
Is DJing difficult to learn?
The basics of selecting tracks, starting playback and making simple transitions are approachable for many beginners. Developing smooth timing, musical judgement and confident performances takes practice.
Do DJs make their own music?
Some do, but it's not a requirement. DJing primarily involves selecting and performing with music, while music production involves creating or recording music. Many artists do both.
What does a DJ hear in their headphones?
Usually the next track they are preparing, the main mix or a combination of both, depending on the cue monitoring settings and equipment.
Why do DJs keep touching knobs?
They may be adjusting EQ, filters, effects, channel levels, gain or other controls. Some adjustments are subtle and are intended to make tracks fit together more naturally.
Why do DJs count to four?
Much dance music uses four beats per bar. Counting helps DJs recognise timing, bars and musical phrases.
What's the difference between a DJ and a music producer?
A DJ selects and performs with music, while a producer creates or develops musical recordings. The roles overlap, and many people do both.
Can you DJ with just a laptop?
Yes. Some DJ applications allow mixing using on-screen controls and a computer's keyboard or mouse. A physical controller can make the experience more tactile and practical.
What does mixing in key mean?
It means considering the musical keys of tracks when combining them, aiming for combinations that sound harmonically compatible. It's a useful technique, but not every transition requires it.
12. The most important thing to understand about DJing
Behind all the equipment, technical language and flashing buttons, DJing is fundamentally about music.
The decks control the tracks. The mixer helps combine them. The headphones help prepare what comes next. The software and other equipment provide tools that make the process possible.
But knowing which track to play, when to play it and how to make people feel something is what brings everything together.
Once you understand the terminology, DJ equipment becomes far less mysterious. And the next time someone mentions BPM, a hot cue, a double drop or going B2B, you'll know exactly what they're talking about.
DJ terminology continues to evolve, and different music scenes sometimes use the same words in slightly different ways. This guide covers their most common meanings.