Last Updated: April 23, 2026
Few things stir up as much debate online as DJs using sync to match up their tracks. The truth is that you should use the sync button if it helps you mix more creatively, but not if you rely on it for everything. Like anything else, it’s just another tool in your kit that can be both good or bad depending on how and when you use it.
That might be far too nuanced a take for some corners of the internet, so let’s dive into where all the sync hatred comes from, whether it’s justified and when you should actually press the sync button.
DJ technology, like so many things, has evolved beyond recognition in the last 30 years. In that time, we’ve gone from vinyl records to CDJs and laptop controllers. Sync is just another part of this evolution.
The reason this debate has taken on a different tone is largely down to the fact that modern tech makes DJing much easier and more accessible to start out. In the eyes of many, all you now need to DJ is to press play and the computer basically sorts out the rest for you.
This sort of gatekeeping is an unfortunate part of any creative pursuit. Older DJs who had to do things the hard way will often resent those who seemingly skip the graft and get straight to the results of perfect mixes.
Why people don’t like sync
A lot of the online discourse around sync has become so toxic and intertwined with weird gatekeeping that it’s easy to lose track of the actual core criticisms.
One of the main issues that people have with sync is that people can become overreliant on it and aren’t able to adapt if something goes wrong (and it almost inevitably will go wrong eventually).
I, like countless DJs, have had that horrific experience of standing in front of a crowd, plugging the USB into the decks, only for the tracks to load without waveforms, BPMs or analysis because rekordbox exported them wrong. In cases like this, you’ve got to fall back on your core DJ skills of beatmatching by ear.
In all our courses, we always teach people how to beatmatch by ear and really emphasise the importance of drilling that skill until it becomes second nature.
To learn those basic skills, you can check out a free lesson from our DDJ-FLX4 beginner course, where we break down the best way to beatmatch.
Another element that’s often lost when you switch on the sync button is that crucial human element and frankly the fun of mixing. That feeling of connection with the music and having to wrestle a bit with the tunes to get them in line is often much more satisfying and rewarding than just pressing one button.
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Why DJs should use sync
All that said, there’s a reason every DJ controller comes with sync and why so many pro DJs still use it despite all the criticism.
First and foremost, you’ve got to remember that DJing isn’t a sport or a competition (except for the DMC championships, but still). You don’t get any extra points or cred just for making things harder for yourself. It’s important to remember that, as much as we talk about skills, your job is just to entertain a crowd in whatever way you’ve got to.
Sure, there are a few DJ nerds that care about this sort of stuff (I’m talking about myself and likely you, the reader) who will peer over into the booth to snoop on what the DJ’s doing. The vast majority of the crowd, however, are just there to have a fun night out and couldn’t care less about whether the DJ’s using sync, vinyl, or whatever tools they need to get the job done.
In fact, using sync might just give you that extra bit of headspace to not have to constantly worry about your beatmatching and actually look up from the decks every now and again. If that helps you keep that emotional connection with the crowd, it can only be a good thing.
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How and when to use sync
The most important thing when using sync is that you should be able to switch it off and still be able to finish your set without any major issues. The problems with sync, as we’ve said, come from an over-reliance on it, but as a creative tool, it can open up loads of great opportunities.
One big thing that sync lets you do that would be near impossible without it is transitioning across wide BPM ranges. When your decks are synced, you can move the pitch fader on one track and watch both follow in perfect unison.
If you want to learn how to pull this trick off, you can check out a free lesson from our Open Format course, where we break down how to transition between completely different genres using sync to help bridge the gap.
Another big use for sync is when you’re mixing on three or four decks at once. Keeping on top of all of these and making sure the tempos are lined up manually can be like spinning plates and might not leave you with any time left over to do any actual mixing.
If you’ve got the decks synced up, it gives you that bit more freedom to start experimenting with things like
- Adding in extra tracks
- Drop swap mixing
- Live remixing
- Experimenting with additional loops
These sorts of things are so much simpler when you don’t also have to worry about beat-matching.
Take your DJing beyond the basics
While sync can be an invaluable tool, its just one of many tools DJs need to get to grips with and it’s no replacement for those crucial mixing skills.
If you want to build up those skills, get confident behind the decks and get booked for gigs, you can sign up to Crossfader for free to discover your personalised learning journey to help you meet your goals as well as three free courses to get mixing right away.
this is just IT. nothing to add, nothing is missing. true words spoken
Sorry but what the f#ck does it have to do with anyone how someone chooses to mix their tracks if it sounds good and the crowd loves it? Its got absolutely nothing to do with me how another DJ chooses to work. Nothing! I’ve never understood the controversy of the sync button. I used to mix vinyl and loved it, then loved digital as it meant I did have to lug around tons of vinyl. The sync button is bloody great. What does it matter!? If you want to use it then use it. I use it all the time. But i tell you, if you have no ear for good music and track selection it doesn’t matter a flying f#ck about a sync button.
As DJ Booky says above ‘AT THE END NIGHT ISN’T ABOUT IF THE CROWD HAD A GOOD TIME’. People that complain about stuff like this need to get a f#cking life! lol
I agree with the advancement of technology, you wouldn’t ride the Tour de France on a Penny Farthing.
I think the sync facility has taken the world of DJing to a different leave (and divided it to the same degree).
when you look back to when CDJs were first launched the opinions were equally divided. You still get the “die hards” who still think “real” DJs only use turntables.
Tech moves on! Ask those same Djs to give up their smart phones and go back to the old tethered phones or pay phones, you would hear much protest.
The Sync button has allowed DJs to perform with much more complexity and depth, to the point of live production. Which, if they were still fiddling with the pitchfader it simply wouldn’t be as smooth.
Yes, DJs must learn the essential skill of manual beat matching, however they mustn’t let it hold them back from advancing the technology.
AT THE END NIGHT ISN’T ABOUT IF THE CROWD HAD A GOOD TIME.
It all depends on your skills and whether or not to use the sync djs always tell me stop looking at the laptop and look at the hardware