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The coloring on the cables makes no functional difference – they’re just an easy guide to keep track of where things are plugged in. Traditionally, the right side port will be colored red, while the left side will be white or black. In most audio gear, that means separate ports and cables are required for the left and right side of the signal. This means the signals for the left and right speakers differ. This one is fairly obvious – the tracks you DJ with are almost always produced in a stereo field. Left/Right Audio cables are often colored red and white to easily track which side is connected to which channel. This is what is known as “signal flow” or “signal chain.” Outputs should be connected to inputs along the chain of devices.įor instance, when connecting a device like a CDJ or controller to a DJ Mixer, you want the CDJ outputs sending audio to your mixer inputs for their respective channels. On a standard DJ mixer, your MASTER, BOOTH, and REC OUT will be your outputs while your channel ports will be your inputs. When it comes to audio connections, Output refers to the sound coming out of those ports, while Input refers to ports that receive that sound. There is generally either an output or an input.
The first thing to understand about audio is that it is very linear. Signal Flow The inputs and outputs on a DJM-900NXS So with that said, here’s a beginner’s guide to the different types of audio cables you’re likely to meet as a DJ.Įditor’s Note: Many of these concepts might be obvious to most veteran DJs – but they are all included here to act as a comprehensive guide. Most home audio setups rarely need more than a 1/8” cable, USB cable, phone dock, or a Bluetooth connection.ĭJing and PA systems on the other hand, still remain firmly entrenched in a more traditional use of audio cables to connect various components and there may be many younger DJs that are not fully familiar with the various types of cables available and how each functions. Computers and phones are how most people consume their music, and the industry has focused on creating technology devoted specifically to them. The home stereo is no longer the source of music. In the last 20 years or so, the way we listen to music has drastically changed.
Wiring a hi-fi system is a skill of the past. There were separate amplifiers, turntables, CD players, cassette decks, etc – and each had to connect to one another to get sound to the speakers. Why Do Most New DJs Not Know About Audio Cables?įor decades, stereo systems were largely component-based gear requiring a certain level of knowledge and understanding to get home hi-fi systems up and running, with various components sending signal to each other. This is essential reading for every new DJ – pass it along and share your own must-know knowledge in the comments. In today’s article, guest contributor DJ Soo shares a back-to-basics guide on audio cables. It might be a bit terrifying to older DJs, but many new DJs don’t know anything about audio cables, wiring, and pre-amps.