How to Organise and Prepare Songs in Pioneer's Rekordbox Software
If you're a DJ looking to step up your game, organising your music in Pioneer's Rekordbox software is one of the most valuable skills you can master. Whether you’re planning to spin at a club, a house party, or simply honing your skills at our self-service DJ studio in Tallinn, taking the time to organise your tracks will make your mixes smoother, more creative, and enjoyable.
In this guide, we’ll go over the essentials of organising and prepping your tracks in Rekordbox. Let’s make sure your set is streamlined and ready for the Pioneer CDJ2000 NXS2 decks waiting for you at Brickston Studios!
1. Importing Tracks into Rekordbox
The first step in building any DJ set is to get your music into Rekordbox. Here’s how:
Drag and Drop – Open Rekordbox and drag your music files into the library window. Rekordbox supports most common formats, like MP3, AAC, WAV, and AIFF.
Organize Your Library – Once imported, you can customize your tracks by renaming, tagging genres, and adding comments (like 'high energy' or 'smooth transition' notes). This will make searching and organizing your tracks much easier.
Analyze Tracks – Right-click your selected tracks and choose “Analyze Track” to let Rekordbox scan them for key information, like BPM (beats per minute) and beat grid. This is crucial for syncing beats during your set.
Pro Tip: Make sure your tracks are in high-quality format for the best sound on club-quality speakers like the ones at Brickston Studios!
2. Creating Playlists for Your Set
Playlists are a DJ’s best friend. They help you build a logical flow for your set and are easy to access on the CDJs.
Create a New Playlist – Right-click in the playlist area on the left of the screen and choose “Create New Playlist.” You can name it by genre, vibe, or event (e.g., “Saturday Night Set”).
Organize by Energy or BPM – Add tracks to your playlist and sort by BPM or energy level. This allows you to build energy over the set or switch up tempos more easily.
Use Tags for Easy Searching – Rekordbox lets you tag songs with “moods” or “energy levels” so you can quickly find a specific vibe while mixing.
Pro Tip: Organising by BPM and Key can help you plan smooth transitions between tracks, which will sound seamless on the Pioneer CDJ2000 NXS2.
3. Setting Hot Cues and Loops
Hot cues and loops are crucial tools for creative mixing. Here’s how to set them up in Rekordbox:
Set Hot Cues – As you play through a track in Rekordbox, use the cue points to mark key moments, like the start of a verse or a breakdown. These will show up as hot cues on the CDJ2000 NXS2, making it easy to jump to specific parts of a track on the fly.
Create Loops – If there’s a section you want to loop (for example, an intro beat), set it up in Rekordbox. Loops are great for extending parts of a track and giving you time to mix in a new song.
Pro Tip: Save multiple hot cues on each track to make transitions dynamic and interesting. Your listeners will appreciate the creative spin.
4. Analyzing and Adjusting Beat Grids
A well-set beat grid is essential for keeping tracks in sync, especially for beat-matching on the Pioneer CDJs.
Check the Beat Grid – Rekordbox automatically detects the beat grid, but it’s worth double-checking. Sometimes it can be slightly off, especially with older or less standard tracks.
Adjust if Needed – If the beat grid isn’t lining up with the beats, you can manually adjust it in Rekordbox by moving the markers. Once it’s synced up, your tracks will transition more seamlessly.
5. Exporting Your Playlist to USB
Once your tracks are prepped and playlists are set, it’s time to get them onto a USB for use on the CDJ2000 NXS2.
Insert USB and Open “Device” Tab – Plug your USB drive into your computer and select it in the “Device” tab on Rekordbox.
Export Playlist – Drag your playlist to the USB drive. Rekordbox will automatically export all track data, including cues and loops, to your device. This way, when you arrive at Brickston Studios, you can load up your set instantly.
Safely Eject – Always safely eject your USB drive to prevent data corruption.
Pro Tip: Use a USB drive that’s formatted for FAT32 or exFAT, as these are the most compatible with Pioneer CDJs.
Wrapping Up: Ready to DJ Like a Pro
Organising your music in Rekordbox can make a huge difference in your DJ sets, whether you’re practicing at home or spinning at Brickston Studios here in Tallinn. With playlists, cues, and beat grids all set, you’ll be ready to focus on the music, have fun, and impress your audience with smooth, seamless mixes.
So grab your tracks, fire up Rekordbox, and get ready to make your next session your best one yet. Happy mixing!