DDJ-400 Beginner’s Guide

The Pioneer DJ DDJ-400 is a brilliant entry-level controller for those wanting to take their first steps into the world of DJing. Compatible with Djay, Rekordbox and Serato, this little controller can be used on a computer or iOS device. In this beginner’s guide, we are going to show you how to set up the DDJ-400 on both platforms, getting you mixing as soon as possible!

*** Note – Pioneer DJ have now dropped an incredible successor to the DDJ-400! Check out our article on the DDJ-FLX4 to learn about all of its awesome upgraded abilities ***

How to set up the DDJ-400

Connecting headphones and speakers to the DDJ-400

The DDJ-400 features straightforward audio connections. Headphones connect to the front of the controller using a smaller 1/8th TRS connection. Speakers connect to the two RCA line level outputs on the rear, labelled master. These are colour coded with the red connection for the right speaker and white being for the left.

Finally, the TRS microphone input with dedicated volume control is found on the rear of the controller. It is worth noting that the microphone’s audio is not sent to the computer over USB, meaning you won’t hear it in recordings or streams. 

Setting up the DDJ 400 on a computer with Rekordbox

Before connecting the DDJ 400, ensure you have the latest version of Rekordbox installed on your computer, available here.

• Connect speakers and headphones to DDJ-400
• Then Launch Rekordbox
• Finally, connect DDJ-400 to laptop using supplied USB cable

If you’re using Windows and no sound comes from the DDJ-400, check the following settings.

• Open [Preferences] → [Audio] in rekordbox to check the settings.
• Select DDJ-400 (DDJ-400 WASAPI) connected to your PC.
• Check the output channels as below:
  Master Output ：DDJ-400 WASAPI:MASTER
  Headphones Output ：DDJ-400 WASAPI:PHONES

For further Windows audio settings help, check out this helpful guide to help with audio not coming from either the computer or controller.

Using computer speakers with the DDJ-400

Rekordbox DJ allows users to use the default computer speakers rather than speakers connected to the DDJ 400. This can be especially useful if the DJ doesn’t own a pair of speaker or when on the move. To use the computers speakers alongside the DDJ-400 connected speakers, click the icon in the top right corner of Rekordbox next to settings.

If your speakers don’t output audio, please check this helpful guide from Pioneer DJ and scroll down section 5.

Getting started with Rekordbox DJ

In this video, founder and tutor Jamie Hartley explains how to get started with Rekordbox DJ. Learn how to get started importing and managing your music library!  To learn more about using Rekordbox, read our beginners guide found here!

Setting up the DDJ-400 on iPad/iPhone with Djay

Before connecting the DDJ-400, ensure you have the latest version of Djay installed from the App Store. The USB-B port on the rear of the DDJ-400 connects the controller and powers it. Using this supplied cable to connect iOS devices does require adaptors which we will link below.

Users with USB-C iPad devices can bypass the adaptor, using a USB-B to USB-C cable. Do note this method disables the iPad charging, so keep an eye on battery levels! 

To connect to lightning port iOS Device (iPhone / Older iPad)

• Launch djay app
• Connect the Lightning to USB3 Camera Adapter to iPhone/iPad
• Plug iPad/iPhone charger into Camera Adapter
• Connect DDJ-400 to camera kit via supplied USB cable

To connect to USB-C Device (2018+ iPad Pro/ 2020+ iPad Air/ 2021+ iPad mini/ 2022+ iPad)

• Connect speakers and headphones to DDJ-400
• Launch djay app
• Connect USB hub to iPad
• Plug the charging cable into the USB Hub
• Connect DDJ-400 to USB Hub via supplied cable

Getting started with Algoriddim DJAY

In this video, DJ Holland explains how to get started performing your first mix on Algoriddim DJAY. Learn how to stream music and to perform your first mix. Although this video doesn’t use a DDJ-400, the application’s basic navigation and managing the library inside DJAY still applies.

FREE DJ MUSIC PACK & More DDJ-400 Tutorials

At the start of your journey as a DJ, one of the main things you will need is music! That’s why we have created a music pack specifically for DJs with extended edits of songs perfect for practising with. The music is exclusive, and better yet it’s free to download and mix with on your DDJ-400.

Learn To DJ With The DDJ-400 and beyond with our Complete DJ Package

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For an affordable one-off fee, you get lifetime access to our entire catalogue of DJ courses and ongoing support from us with feedback on your mixes and technical assistance to point you in the right direction! Plus loads of awesome exclusive extras like industry discounts and contemporary crash courses.

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