CD / MP3 Decks

For some people a CD Deck or Media Controller with USB/SD or PC Link is a better option than a Computer DJ Controller. Traditional DJs moving from vinyl feel reluctant to embrace technology and so a CD/MP3 Deck is a more natural progression than going fully Software based. For new DJs turntables are usually not even a considered option, so it's CD Decks versus Software Controller, hope this guide will give you and idea what to expect from the CD/MP3 Decks we carry in-stock.

At DJs Only we stock a wide variety of controllers with a lot of different features so we'll split this down into the following groups;

1. CD Decks
2. USB/SD Card Readers
3. PC Link Decks

CD Decks
The traditional CD Deck has been around for many years now and gone are the days of wondering if your CD will skip or stick. Many people would argue that even cheaper models are a lot more reliable than Vinyl and compared to the Pioneer range there is a clear difference in reliability.

All CD Decks have the features associated with turntables such as Pitch Control, reverse, Pitch Bend, and Quick Start. The added benefit of CD Decks now is the ability to cue. No more lifting the vinyl to return to the beginning of the track. 1 click of the Cue button and your ready to start from the beginning of the tune again.

There is a draw back on some of the entry level models, and that is the ability to scratch. Most CD Decks have a touch sensitive platter and allow you to scratch as you would on a turntable, but be careful to double check when choosing your model, as some do not have the scratch function.

The traditional CD Decks comes in 2 types, tabletop form which is a direct replacement for a turntable, or 19inch rack mountable for Mobile DJs and Installation use. The features spread across both are usually very similar, but the scratch function is not as common on the 19inch versions.


USB/SD Readers
There's no denying the MP3 Revolution and the abundance of websites and buying platforms such as iTunes make it so easy to download a new song.. no more going down to your local music store to buy a new CD! USB and SD Card features are being found more and more common on CD Decks, some even replace the CD feature and are just USB and/or SD. They work in exactly the same way as a CD Deck would and you can manipulate your music in the same way.

Most controllers also have ID Tag features now which make it easier to flick through folders and file names are displayed on the LCD Screen. A USB connection will not connect directly to your PC or Laptop though, to use the USB feature you can connect an external USB Hard Drive or a USB Flash Drive or Pen/Thumb Drive. The ability to carry thousands of songs on a palm sized device clearly has advantages over boxes of cds or vinyl.


PC Link Decks
Pioneer continue to lead the way for DJ technology and now incorporate the PC/Laptop element into their new CD/Media Deck range.

Taken from the Pioneer CDJ-2000 Spec;

The CDJ-2000 fizzes with fresh DNA and can play music from multiple sources, including CD, DVD, USB storage devices and SD memory cards.

It also comes with the revolutionary music database management software for DJs: rekordbox™. Based on our ‘Prepare & Perform’ concept, rekordbox works (for both Mac and PC) like the leading music database management software, but is more creative and more DJ-friendly.

rekordbox allows DJs to prepare more before their performance and opens a door to tools such as Hot Cue Banks and Quantize, for perfectly synced loops every time. DJs can then export data to a USB or SD device to access vast libraries of music files and perform live – without the need for extra equipment or any inconvenient rewiring in the club.
No need to burn CDs, simply take your USB device to the club, plug in to the CDJ and play.

Through the industry-first Pro DJ Link, music files and database data on one single USB or SD device can be shared simultaneously by up to four players connected via LAN (local area network) cable.

Plus, the data history of each DJ set is automatically saved and can be made into a playlist that can be loaded back into rekordbox.

Another key facet of the CDJ-2000 is its advanced HID (human interface device) and MIDI capabilities for native control of DVS (digital vinyl systems) via USB. What’s more, it achieves Pioneer’s highest sound quality to date through an improved audio output circuit, a new audiophile-pleasing Wolfson DAC processor, and a built-in 24-bit/48 kHz sound card.


To sum up CD Decks in general would be impossible but you have to decide where you are with your experience and skills before you set your heart on a certain deck. Keep your budget in mind and be realistic in what features you will make use of. If all you plan on doing is playing CDs is there really any need to buy a CDJ2000? Most of the features would go to waste.

As always we sell a large variety of CD Decks and from entry level up-to professional grade. Get to know your gear, and remember if you need advice we are more than happy to help.