Getting Started With The DDJ 800

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DDJ 800 Beginners Guide

The Pioneer DJ DDJ 800 is a brilliant entry-level controller for those wanting to level up their DJ setup to a more professional unit. Compatible with Rekordbox, this controller can be used on a computer on Mac or Windows. In this beginners guide, we are going to show you how to set up the DDJ 800 on both platforms, getting you mixing as soon as possible!

DDJ 800 Beginners Guide

How to set up the DDJ 800

Connecting headphones and speakers to the DDJ 800

The DDJ-800 features professional audio connections. Headphones connect to the front of the controller using either a smaller 1/8th TRS connection or the larger 1/4inch. The main speakers connect to either the balanced XLR or unbalanced RCA line-level outputs on the rear, both labelled master.

DDJ 800 Beginners Guide

Finally, microphones can be connected to the two microphone inputs. Mic one features an XLR/TRS combo balanced input and Mic Two features a single TRS connection.

Setting up the DDJ 800 on a computer with Rekordbox

Before connecting the DDJ 800, ensure you have the latest version of Rekordbox installed on your computer, available here.

Connect speakers, power and headphones to DDJ-800
Then Launch Rekordbox
Finally, connect DDJ-800 to laptop using supplied USB cable

If you’re using Windows and no sound comes from the DDJ-800, check the following settings.

Open [Preferences] → [Audio] in rekordbox to check the settings.
Select DDJ-800 (DDJ-800 WASAPI) connected to your PC.
Check the output channels as below:
Master Output ：DDJ-800 WASAPI:MASTER
Headphones Output ：DDJ-800 WASAPI:PHONES

DDJ 400 Rekordbox Settings

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-800

Rekordbox DJ allows users to use the default computer speakers rather than speakers connected to the DDJ 800. This can be especially useful if the DJ doesn’t own a pair of speakers or when on the move. To use the computer’s speakers alongside the DDJ-800 connected speakers, click the icon in the top right corner of Rekordbox next to settings.

Rekordbox-Speakers

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!

FREE DJ MUSIC PACK & More DDJ-800 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-800.