Technical issues during a DJ Set can be a real headache for DJs in a live show. Whether it’s your CD player going into emergency loop mode, audio dropouts, or even problems with your mixer, there are several strategies you can use to keep the music playing and the audience dancing.
These are typical situations of technical problems on a DJ live set and how to overcome it.
What to do when your CD player goes into Emergency LOOP?
The first step is always to have backup plans if something goes wrong. This means having an extra set of CDs, digital music files, or an additional backup mixer. It’s also a good idea to understand how your equipment works and how to troubleshoot any technical issues during a DJ set.
Here are some tips for these emergencies:
- Stay calm; the emergency loop will keep on looping.
- Make sure you always have at least 2 USBs with you.
- Play your next track from a USB, not the Link.
- You can check the link cable. Plug it in and out and reboot the CDJ. If you feel unsure, using 2 USBs instead of the Link will always be more solid.
- Having at least 2 Identical USB sticks with you is always advisable. If you’re using the link mode, have the second USB in your pocket to act fast in case of an emergency loop.
If you want to know more tips for DJs and Music Producers go to our blog.
What to do when you have audio dropouts?

Audio dropouts can be highly frustrating for DJs and their audience, disrupting the set’s flow. Knowing what causes audio dropouts is vital to resolving them quickly. Common causes include power outages, faulty cables or connections, software glitches, or even dead batteries in wireless equipment.
If you’re using a laptop or computer-based DJ setup, ensure that your software is up to date and that all your audio drivers and plugins are running correctly. Ensure you’ve also optimized your system for performance, as this will help reduce the chances of audio dropouts.
In case you have a traditional setup with CDJs or turntables, check the cables and connections between your mixer and decks to ensure everything is secure.
- Stay calm and identify the CD player that causes problems.
- First things first. Ensure the audio cable (double cable) or Digital cable (Single cable) is plugged in correctly. I should sit firm in the socket.
- If the problem is still there, check the cable on the mixer end. The audio cables are at the channel, but the digital wires are on the bottom left corner (depending on which mixer you play)
- An excellent way to minimize this problem is to ask for at least 3 CDJs so you always have a solid backup when you need one.
Bonus: What to do when your CDJ plays too slow or fast?

- First, you need to press the tempo button on the CDJ (the same button you use to speed up or slow down a track).
- Check your mixer and make sure it’s not set to “master tempo,” if it is, then try switching it to “sync.”
- If the problem persists, it may be due to a faulty or broken CDJ. For this case, try using a different CDJ.
- Finally, ensure your music tracks are correctly tagged with their BPMs (beats per minute). This will help your CDJs stay in sync when trying.
But in reality, unless it is a technical issue, it should be solved by the DJs ear no matter if the tempo code is good or not; sync music by ear should be the first thing to learn as a PRO DJ.
Conclusion
It is essential to familiarize yourself with the equipment you are using before your set. Ensure you understand all the features and functions of each piece of equipment, from the mixer to the CDJ. Pay attention to proper levels and settings so that everything is balanced and appropriate for your performance.