The DJ controller makes one pivotal connection with the speakers to ensure the output of the audio signal. This is a topic that might seem to be easy at glance but the reality is the opposite.
After talking with a few expert DJs, it was shared that many new DJs approach them with different connectivity issues between the DJ controller and the speaker set.
This warrants us to share a comprehensive guide to help you ease with the process. We will touch base with the most common configurations so you will be able to see things in an ideal scenario.
The following are the major components that you will require to ensure seamless connectivity between your DJ controller and speakers:
- DJ Controller
- Speaker Set
- Amplifier (for unpowered speakers)
- Audio Interface
- Cables and Adapters
Knowing your DJ Controller
If you are reading this then you must be a novice DJ. There is nothing wrong with learning anything as all the pro DJs once went through this phase. The DJ controller is the most sophisticated device involved in this connectivity process here. So, if you are new to your DJ controller then this is your time to explore it in-depth. Maximize the user manual to familiarize yourself with all the available input and output jacks that are present on the DJ controller. Once you have determined the different jacks then make sure to find out that what goes with which cable. Learn more about How to use a DJ Controller?
Establishing Connection between DJ Controller and Speakers
The most common of the speakers are the PA systems which are known for covering a good area in any venue. The majority of the speakers available have the same basic process in the connectivity with the controller. However, it is critical to consider a specific type to make things more relevant. Before moving on, you must check whether you have a powered or unpowered (passive) speaker with you. The following are the things that you need to know for establishing a connection of DJ controller with either type of speaker.
1. Powered Speakers
These are the most advanced and the most desirable speakers by DJs today. They have a built-in amplifier so there is no need to have a separate amp. Therefore, it simplifies the entire setup and makes life easier for the DJs. An audio interface is required in this case which will be required to be connected with the speakers. This interface would enable the sound to reach the speakers. To connect this audio interface, you must check the type of cables that are required. It could be a phono or XLR cable. Make sure that you plug the right end of the cable that goes into the audio interface. The other end will be connected with the speaker. During this plugging of cables step, make sure that that the equipment is turned off and completely disconnected from the power. This would eliminate any risk of accidentally damaging your equipment with a probable wrong connection. If you are satisfied with all the connections then plug in your speakers and you will be ready to go with the required connectivity.
2. Unpowered (Passive) speakers
The unpowered speakers do have their demand as well among DJs for one reason or the other. In comparison with the powered speakers discussed above, the unpowered needs to have an amplifier as well. Just like we discussed exploring the DJ controller, you also need to explore the amp in the same way so that you are well familiarized with the input and output jacks. The speaker, amplifier, audio interface, and controller are required here for setting up the connection.
The speaker must be connected with the amplifier using the required cable. Another cable will then be required for connecting the amp with the audio interface. Once again, you need to ensure that you must have the right type of cable for establishing the connection. Once all the required cables are connected then you must power on the speakers and things will be all good here.
Connecting DJ Controller with a Bluetooth Speaker
The Bluetooth speakers can also be connected with a DJ controller. Such speakers could be connected in two ways. Those two ways are with or without cables. The without cable connection seems to be easier and different than the powered and passive speakers discussed above.
In this type of connectivity, you will require to have Bluetooth and a transmitter only. A laptop will also be required, where the connection works much better using MAC. The need here will be to mix exclusively through the headphones. It requires to be connected with a laptop using an RCA or a 3.5mm jack and then it will be Bluetooth compatible.
A good thing here is that the connection could be made with a couple of devices by default, having both the headphones and speakers. You may charge the speakers easily with the USB cable and they usually give a good standby time. There will be no interruption during charging and you can work well while they are in charge. The Bluetooth speakers do have one downside.
The Bluetooth speakers are known for adding latency. The speaker sound gets delayed when you listen to the sound coming from the headphones. There is no way around that. Due to this very reason, they do not make the default choice by the DJs.
Conclusion
To make your life easier with DJ controller connectivity with the required speakers, you must first know all about the dynamics of the DJ controller. Make sure that you know the equipment well with its available jacks as any wrong connection could damage the controller. The powered speakers require you to have a DJ controller, a powered speaker, and an audio interface for making the connection. For the passive speakers, an amplifier would also be added in the process, requiring necessary connections to be made. Bluetooth speaker makes another option to be connected with the DJ controllers and its process is slightly different from powered and passive speaker connections.
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