XDJ-RX3 Beginners Guide

The Pioneer DJ XDJ-RX3 is a two-channel all in one unit for those wanting the club to feel at home. Compatible with USB’s, Rekordbox and Serato DJ Pro, the XDJ-RX3 is compatible with the most popular methods of DJing. In this guide, we are going to show you how to set up the XDJ-RX3 on all platforms to get you mixing as soon as possible!

How to set up the XDJ-RX3

Connecting headphones and speakers to the XDJ-RX3

The XDJ-RX3 features professional, club level audio connections. Headphones connect to the front of the controller using both 1/4 inch and 1/8th inch TRS connections. Speakers connect to either the balanced XLR connections or the two RCA line-level outputs on the rear, labelled master. The XDJ-RX3 also features a booth output on unbalanced line-level connections, for connecting a second pair of speakers. The Booth Output uses TRS, jack style cables.

The XDJ-RX3 can also be used to connect turntables into the phono ports on channels 1 and 2. CDJ’s can also be connected at the same time via the RCA line connections, however, they share the same two channels. Line level devices such as iPods, phones and music players connect to the auxiliary connection using RCA cables. Finally, two microphones can be connected using either TRS jack cables or XLR cables, with the two dedicated combination ports.

Setting up USB Sticks for use with the XDJ-RX3

In this video, Jamie Hartley explains how to import, analyse and then export music for use with the XDJ-RX3. To learn more about this process, check out our dedicated Rekordbox USB Export Guide here.

Setting up the XDJ-RX3 on a computer with Rekordbox

Before connecting the XDJ-RX3, ensure you have the latest version of Rekordbox installed on your computer, available here.

• Connect speakers, power and headphones to XDJ-RX3
• Launch Rekordbox 6
• Finally, connect XDJ-RX3 to the laptop using supplied USB cable

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 XDJ-RX3

Rekordbox DJ allows users to use the default computer speakers rather than speakers connected to the XDJ-RX3. 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 XDJ-RX3 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 XDJ-RX3 on a computer with Serato DJ Pro

Serato DJ Pro support is due in early 2022. As soon as the software is supported we will update this article with the relevant instructions!

FREE DJ MUSIC PACK & More 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 XDJ-RX3.

Learn to DJ with the XDJ-RX3

Become a master of the RX3 with our dedicated beginner XDJ lessons!

And if you are serious about making it as a DJ, consider fast-tracking your way with our amazing value Complete DJ Package!