How to Choose CD Decks - What to Look For in a CD DJ Player

The first question to ask is what exactly do you want from your CD decks? Are they only for bedroom use or will they be used at parties or in clubs? For bedroom use, there are lots of basic models that allow us to mix two tracks together, but have few other features.

Are you going to beat match and mix tracks together or just play tracks one after the other? If you don't intend to mix tracks together then the most basic of CD DJ player will suffice. If you do want to mix tracks together, as most of us will, then you are going to need decks that have pitch control and some means of manually manipulating the CD. This second function normally comes in the form of a jog wheel, which emulates the appearance of a traditional vinyl turntable.

Just how much do you want to be able to manipulate the CD? If you only want to search for cue points or move the track forwards/backwards, then most, if not all, CD decks will do this. If you want to manipulate the CD as you would a vinyl record, then you will need to purchase a CD deck that has a 'vinyl-mode' setting. Modern CD decks with vinyl-mode even allow us to scratch on a CD, exactly as we would on a vinyl turntable.

New to mixing and worried about getting your tracks beat matched and in time? In this case, you may want to choose a deck that has a digital BPM readout. Some decks even have an auto-BPM-lock feature. This allows the DJ to be able to set a master BPM on the deck, and for songs to be perfectly synchronised together at the touch of a button.

Portability. Are your CD decks going to sit in one location or are you going to want to be able to easily transport them about with you? There are now some very good, compact decks available now that have a footprint that matches with a mixer, allowing two CD DJ players and the mixer to fit into a relatively small flight case. Most modern CD decks are far more portable than their vinyl counterparts.

What formats do you want to be able to play? CD only, MP3, WAV, DVD? Do you want to be able to play from a USB transport device or connect your deck to a laptop? These are important considerations to think about before we can make a choice.

OK, so you now have a list of your requirements for your new CD decks. How do we now go about choosing a specific model? If you don't have a local retailer where you can try them out, one great way is to check out video reviews online. Google is your friend! Alternatively, have a look at some of the DJ forums, and ask questions of your fellow DJs. With careful choice, your CD decks should give you years of pleasure.