Can I use rekordbox without controller?
Robert Guerrero
Updated on February 23, 2026
I can DJ from my laptop with a controller. “With the exception of the Denon DJ Prime system, if you're DJing with Serato or Traktor, you're always going to need your laptop with you at every single gig, no matter what.
Similarly, you may ask, can you mix on Rekordbox without a controller?
Yep. Most DJ software doesn't require a controller (Virtual DJ, Djay Pro, Serato, Rekordbox). You can have up to four decks going in the software without any external hardware. Or, you can go with turntables and / or CDJs with a traditional mixer.
Furthermore, how do I use rekordbox with keyboard? You can access Keyboard mode in Rekordbox by clicking the drop-down Performance Modes menu, this is set to hot cues as default. On a DDJ 400/800/1000 controller it is a secondary function so you can access Keyboard mode by holding shift and press hot cue on the pad mode.
Simply so, do I need a controller to DJ?
While it is perfectly possible to control DJ software with a keyboard and mouse pointer, it's not much fun, and it can curtail your expressiveness quite a lot. As I say, though, most DJs will want at least a modest controller at home: It sounds better, and it;s more fun…
Can you DJ with just a laptop?
Start DJ-ing with just your laptop
YES you can DJ without any hardware if you really want to. At least get an extra USB audio adapter to make previewing and playing 2 channels possible. Keep your DJ sets simple and think about maybe getting a Midi controller when you have the budget, its worth it!
Related Question Answers
Can you use DJ decks without speakers?
Technically it's possible to use a DJ controller without speakers being plugged into the RCA outputs. In order to use a DJ controller it requires being plugged into a laptop via a USB cable. Configured correctly can allow for music to play through the laptop speakers. It's possible to DJ with just headphones too.Can you mix on rekordbox?
As well as the tracks in your rekordbox library, you can mix music from streaming services such as Beatport LINK, Beatsource LINK, SoundCloud Go+ and TIDAL. Please note: when you play music from streaming services, the recording function in rekordbox is disabled to comply with copyright restrictions.Can you use any DJ controller with any software?
Although most controllers will work with most DJ software, the mappings will rarely be as tight, and you might run into issues if the software changes while the mappings don't.Can you DJ One speaker?
Yes, you can DJ with one speaker. Just bring one speaker and a phone, and you have a sound system. Also suitable for DJ monitors. You won't need to get a splitter to get mono sound for most speakers – just run mono from your program or plugin both RCAs into the same speaker.What is the best DJ software for beginners?
7 Best DJ Software For Beginners of 2020- Serato DJ Pro.
- Rekordbox DJ by Pioneer DJ.
- Traktor Pro by Native Instruments.
- Ableton Live DJ.
- VirtualDJ Pro by Atomix.
- Deckadance by Image-Line.
- Mixxx.
What is the best DJ software for free?
More videos on YouTube- Cross DJ Free. Cross DJ Free is a fun way for beginners to try out DJing for the first time – and also for more advanced DJs to keep developing their skills on the decks.
- Zulu DJ.
- UltraMixer.
- DJ Mix Lite.
- Virtual DJ.
- Kra Mixer.
- Partycloud Online.
- GarageBand.
How do you practice DJing quietly?
To practice DJing quietly: Learn to mix in headphones. Move your speakers away from walls. Turn down the bass to prevent the vibration from traveling.Can I use Serato DJ Pro without a controller?
Serato's new software gets support for 64-bit and high-resolution displays – and now you can run it in “practice mode” without having to plug in a controller.Can you DJ from your phone?
The all-in-one DJ app for Androiddjay transforms your Android device into a full-featured DJ system. Seamlessly integrated with your music library, djay gives you direct access to all the music on your device, plus millions of songs.
How can I DJ without a laptop?
All-in-one DJ ControllersThis is another common method of DJs DJ without a laptop. All-in-one DJ controllers allow you to plug in USB sticks directly into the controller. Then via built-in screens, you're able to select tracks and perform all the normal functions of a traditional DJ setup.
Can I use Serato without Internet?
Serato DJ Pro can still be used without an internet connection however. You can also read the full terms and conditions for use of a Serato Subscription, here.What does a beginner DJ need?
WHAT YOU'LL NEED- 2 x DJ Turntables.
- 2 x DJ Cartridges (needles)
- DJ Mixer.
- Slipmats (felt mats that go between record + turntable platter)
- DJ Headphones.
- Computer.
- DJ Interface Package such as Serato Scratch Live, Traktor Scratch, etc.
Do DJs use mixers?
DJs use the mixer to make smooth transitions between different recordings while they are spinning a set. It can also be used to play record players.Do DJs need mixers?
DJ controllers can be used without an external mixer. They have there own mixers which connect with your laptop and DJ software. For this reason, they are not always able to connect with DJ software. To do this, the mixer typically needs to also be a MIDI device.What's the difference between a mixer and a controller?
A DJ controller serves as an all-in-one device that contains two turntables and a mixer built on purpose to connect with the laptop that contains DJ software. DJ mixer is a hardware device that does not necessarily rely on a laptop and DJ software for playing music.What is the point of a DJ controller?
DJ controllers are devices used to help DJs mix music with DJ software using knobs, encoders, jog wheels, faders, backlit buttons, touch strips, and other components.Can you use a MIDI controller with rekordbox?
MIDI LEARN enables free assignment of rekordbox dj (Performance mode) features to MIDI controllable equipment. You can assign various functions of rekordbox dj, such as Play/Pause and Hot Cue, to the controls (e.g. buttons and knobs) of your MIDI controllable equipment as you wish.When using access keys which key do you press to return to the previous level?
- CTRL + Tab key -> for Switching to Next tab.
- CTRL + SHIFT + Tab key -> for Switching Back to Previous Tab.
