DJ Forum

This week’s DJ LIFE Mobile Monday DJ spotlight, presented by QSC, shines on Kate Woolley a/k/a DJ WILDFLOWER from Perth, Australia. DJ WILDFLOWER is this week’s DJ LIFE Mobile Monday spotlight. Presented by QSC, Kate Woolley a/k/a DJ WILDFLOWER is a mobile DJ, based out of Perth, Australia. Coming to you all the way from Perth, Australia, DJ LIFE [...] The post DJ WILDFLOWER [Mobile Monday Spotlight] appeared first on DJ Life Magazine. View the full article

DJ LIFE caught up with DJ Trayze (aka Matt Alexander) to fill in the blanks since our frenzied week in Phoenix a decade ago. We met Trayze in Phoenix, Ariz., while covering the Red Bull 3Style USA National Final back in 2015. As the Washington, D.C., champ, Trayze qualified to compete with America’s other regional [...] The post Trayze: Battle Champ to Studio Hound [Interview] appeared first on DJ Life Magazine. View the full article

Traktor is a DJ powerhouse. From its robust track analysis and beat-matching capabilities to advanced features like remix decks and stem control, Traktor empowers DJs to seamlessly blend tracks, experiment with effects, and deliver dynamic performances. And now, Crossfader is offering beginner and intermediate Traktor courses, opening up new pathways for aspiring and developing DJs. The post Learn how to DJ with Traktor: Explore beginner and intermediate courses from Crossfader first appeared on Native Instruments Blog. View the full article

Right away, let’s start with an uncomfortable truth – making it as a DJ isn’t just about being great at DJing. It isn’t even mostly about being great at DJing. You can have the best track selections out there and DMC-level mixing chops, but if you’re not promoting yourself right, nobody’s going to know about […]View the full article

In the nearly 20 years I’ve been a DJ, it’s been interesting to see the evolution of technique, expectations, hardware, and software that’s taken place. When I did my very first set, I felt like I was a little ahead of the curve; at a time when plenty of DJs were still sticking CDs into [...] The post Next Level: OWC Solid-State Drives [Review] appeared first on DJ Life Magazine. View the full article

Silent discos have become increasingly popular, offering an innovative way for people to enjoy live music while keeping noise levels in check. In a silent disco, participants wear wireless headphones, and multiple channels are transmitted simultaneously, allowing them to switch between DJs or music genres during the event. For DJs, this creates a unique challenge and opportunity, as you need to be able to manage multi-channel audio and keep the energy flowing while everyone listens on their own personal sound systems. In this guide, we’ll explore the essential strategies and tips for DJing at a silent disco, with a particular focus on how to handle multi-channel setups an…

Right away, let’s start with an uncomfortable truth – making it as a DJ isn’t just about being great at DJing. It isn’t even mostly about being great at DJing. You can have the best track selections out there and DMC-level mixing chops, but if you’re not promoting yourself right, nobody’s going to know about […] View the full article

After a tragedy-tinged, 7-year hiatus, Linkin Park’s Mr. Hahn returns to the decks & rocks the arenas. Nearly a quarter of a century ago – yikes – we first interviewed Linkin Park’s Joe Hahn. It was the high time of turntablism and an era that saw DJs working onstage and in the studio with nu-metal [...] The post Big-Room DJ: Linkin Park’s Joe Hahn [Interview] appeared first on DJ Life Magazine. View the full article

The auction set for Mar. 28 includes over 150 pieces of memorabilia from Oakenfold’s expansive career as a superstar DJ and producer. Julien’s Auctions is set to honor legendary DJ and electronic music pioneer Paul Oakenfold with its upcoming “Ready, Steady, Bid” auction in Los Angeles on Friday, March 28th at 10am PST, both in-person [...] The post Julien’s Auctions Salutes Paul Oakenfold with “Ready, Steady, Bid” on March 28 appeared first on DJ Life Magazine. View the full article

The active, column loudspeaker systems by Electro-Voice offer new additions, different finishes, and more. Electro-Voice has released the EVOLVE 70 and EVOLVE 90 active, column loudspeaker systems. The EVOLVE 70 delivers a max SPL of 133 dB and the EVOLVE 90 offers 134 dB. The 70 features a 15-inch subwoofer, which takes low-frequency extension down [...] The post Evolving Speakers: Electro-Voice Releases EVOLVE 70 & EVOLVE 90 appeared first on DJ Life Magazine. View the full article

Over 40 years into his career, Carl Cox is an indisputable veteran of electronic music. And while the decks have been his home for decades, he’s also reignited his burning passion for fully live sets, using synthesizers and machines to create music that will never be heard again… The post “Why not do what we’re doing in the studio, and then create that live?”: Carl Cox on why DJs are intimidated by performing with a live setup appeared first on MusicTech. View the full article

Mixed In Key has announced Mixed In Key 11 Pro, a version of its key detection software that moves way past the original remit and adds a new DJ mode, offering features designed to help DJs discover new mashups and transitions for their sets. Purchasers of Mixed In Key 11 Pro will find a new … Continued The post Mixed In Key 11 Pro Adds Mashup & DJ Mix Tools appeared first on Digital DJ Tips. View the full article

This week’s DJ LIFE Mobile Monday DJ spotlight, presented by QSC Audio, shines on Jason Klock from Harrisburg, PA. Jason Klock is this week’s DJ LIFE Mobile Monday spotlight. Presented by QSC Audio, Klock is a mobile DJ of Klock Entertainment, based out of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. There are many components to being a mobile DJ – and often times, [...] The post Jason Klock [Mobile Monday Spotlight] appeared first on DJ Life Magazine. View the full article

In my review of Native’s Traktor X1 MK3 controller, I note that the company has steered away from developing larger hardware units in favour of more compact ones. Its latest is an updated Z1 controller – the MK2 – that complements the X1 and also the F1, with each having its own specific focus in terms of performing with the brand’s Traktor DJ software. The Z1 is the one to get for mixing – though there is a little more to it than that… The post Native Instruments Traktor Z1 MK2 review: A massive upgrade – but does it go far enough? appeared first on MusicTech. View the full article

As a DJ, your storage solution is a crucial part of your setup. Whether you’re storing large music libraries, software, or performance files, choosing the best USB flash drives and solid-state drives (SSDs) will enhance your workflow and ensure reliability during performances. Speed, storage capacity, and build quality are key factors to consider when purchasing a storage unit. In this article, we’ll highlight the 10 best, fastest, and highest quality USB flash drives and SSDs for DJs in 2025, designed to handle the demands of professional DJing... The post 10 Best USB Flash Drives & SSDs for DJs in 2025 appeared first on GlobalDJsGuide. View the full article

Orlando, Fla. – After years of spinning clubs and mobile events, Charles Miles founded Mix on Wheels in 2008. Rolling with a fleet of tricked-out/DJ-equipped vehicles – including the new EV DJ – the company has thrived in a market rich with corporate and theme-park gigs. We recently caught up with Miles, 57, to further [...] The post Florida Jock Brings Music in Motion [Mobile DJ Spotlight] appeared first on DJ Life Magazine. View the full article

In recent years Native Instruments has pivoted away from designing larger controllers for its popular and established Traktor DJ software. While the more expensive S-series models remain available, the newer Z1 and the X1 are far smaller and more portable. Nonetheless, the X1 on test here retains plenty of functionality. Native Instruments describes it as ‘modular’, designed to mix and match with other units to create systems that best suit your needs. Presumably, further modules are planned for future release... The post Native Instruments’ Traktor X1 MK3: the new go-to controller for myriad DJs? appeared first on MusicTech. View the full article

“It’s a great-sounding all-in-one, it has a layout that’ll be immediately familiar to virtually any working DJ, and it’s ready for action for nearly any DJ.” As a career marketing guy, I confess to being fascinated by the concept of a “brand” as it relates to selling stuff. And like any other industry, the DJ [...] The post All-in-One: AlphaTheta’s XDJ-AZ appeared first on DJ Life Magazine. View the full article

This article and video were sponsored by Mixed In Key, but the thoughts and opinions expressed are our own. Mixed In Key is the ‘secret weapon’ of countless DJs. Its key detection beats out anything else out there – as we found out when we put it to the test. But its always been about […] View the full article

Rekordbox is one of the biggest names in DJ software. It’s one of the most popular choices for DJ performances as it works with loads of different gear from beginner to pro, and it’s the software powering club-standard CDJ setups. Basically, pretty much every DJ will end up using rekordbox to some extent or another. […] View the full article

While most DJs use controllers with laptops, a growing number of them – from hobbyists to mobile to “pro” DJs wanting a second system to use at home – are nowadays using “standalone” DJ systems instead. What we’re talking about here is the kind of “all in one” DJ units that look like DJ controllers … Continued The post Best All-In-One Standalone DJ Systems [2025 Update] appeared first on Digital DJ Tips. View the full article

In the first “Tech Tips with DJ JAS” video, the LA-based DJ talks about his strategic approach to utilizing the latest wireless audio equipment for mobile DJs. For the past 15 years, Justin Stern has been operating DJ JAS Productions, a full-service, luxury DJ experience that caters to clients seeking an exceptional DJ performance, all [...] The post Tech Tips with DJ JAS: Creating Wireless Speakers appeared first on DJ Life Magazine. View the full article

Creating a memorable atmosphere is one of the key elements of a great DJ performance. While the music is essential, the visual experience can elevate a party, live performance, or event to the next level. Smoke machines and visual FX are crucial tools for enhancing the visual impact of your DJ set. Whether you’re DJing at a club, festival, or private party, these effects add energy, depth, and an immersive environment that draws the crowd into the experience. In this article, we’ll walk through the 7 best smoke machines and visual FX for DJs in 2025, helping you choose the right tools to create that unforgettable atmosphere. From high-quality smoke machines to cuttin…

The post What are the biggest challenges in building a DJ career? appeared first on Pioneer DJ. View the full article

Oh yes, Carl Cox loves playing to crowds just as much as when he started four decades ago… The post Carl Cox is bored of DJing: “Instruments don’t play themselves; you have to create the sounds” appeared first on MusicTech. View the full article

This week’s DJ LIFE Mobile Monday DJ spotlight, presented by QSC, shines on DJ bselecta from Los Angeles, CA. DJ bselecta is this week’s DJ LIFE Mobile Monday spotlight. Presented by QSC, Brandi Stevens a/k/a DJ bselecta of The RIZE Event, is based out of The RIZE Event. A believer in the profound power of music, Brandi Stevens a/k/a [...] The post DJ bselecta [Mobile Monday Spotlight] appeared first on DJ Life Magazine. View the full article

A subwoofer is an essential piece of DJ equipment that brings deep bass and powerful sound to your performance, energizing the crowd and making your beats feel alive. Whether you’re performing at a club, festival, or private event, having the right subwoofer can elevate your sound to another level, providing the low-end punch that gets people moving. In this article, we’ve rounded up the 7 best subwoofers for DJs, focusing on premium quality, high output, and exceptional durability. If you’re ready to shake the dancefloor, these subwoofers will help you deliver the ultimate bass experience... The post 7 Best Subwoofers for DJs: Shake the Dancefloor! appeared first on Glob…

The latest compact linear entertainment lighting fixture from ADJ, featuring 12 cool white LEDs, has been released. ADJ has released the Ultra Beam Bar 12CW, a compact linear entertainment lighting fixture that features 12 cool white LEDs. Each LED generates a narrow beam of bright white light and when all 12 are lit simultaneously the [...] The post Curtain of Light: ADJ Ultra Beam Bar 12CW appeared first on DJ Life Magazine. View the full article

Whether you’re live streaming your sets or just using it as somewhere to practice mixing, all DJs would love a space dedicated to their craft. A proper studio space, even if it’s just a corner in your bedroom, can be a game changer in terms of productivity. It’s about building a space where you can […] View the full article

As a DJ, whether you’re performing at a club, festival, or live event, connecting your gear to the venue’s sound system is one of the most crucial steps for ensuring high-quality sound and a smooth performance. Understanding how to route your sound, selecting the right cables (balanced or unbalanced), and managing gain staging are essential components to getting the best possible audio output for your crowd. This article will walk you through the process of connecting your DJ gear to a club sound system, covering everything from the basics of sound routing, to the differences between balanced and unbalanced cables, and how to set up gain staging to prevent distortion or a…