Three decades after its inception, the CDJ remains one of the most influential pieces of technology in DJing. DJ Mag's Ria Hylton takes a deep dive into the evolution of this iconic player, tracing its journey from cutting-edge innovation to industry standard, while speaking to some of the artists who have helped shape its legacy.

DJ Storm: A Loyal Advocate for CDs

The transition from vinyl to CDs

Drum & bass legend DJ Storm has been using CDs for over a decade, even as clubs slowly phase out support for older models. “I’m pretty much the last one on CDs,” she shares. Despite the rise of USBs, she continues to use compact discs in her sets, ensuring that her performances retain that physical, hands-on aspect of mixing. Storm recalls how the loss of her record bag during a flight to Zurich’s Street Parade forced her to make the shift to CDs, and she’s been hooked ever since.

In 2018, she even sent an angry message to Pioneer DJ when they began removing CD slots from their models. But as time moves on, so does technology. For Storm, it’s about making the most of the tools she has: “Whether I’m mixing vinyl or CDs, I’m still mixing.”

Roger Sanchez: Early CDJ Pioneer

Transitioning from vinyl to CDJ

House legend Roger Sanchez was an early adopter of the CDJ, drawn to its portability and ability to play unreleased tracks without the hassle of carrying crates of vinyl. As one of the pioneers helping AlphaTheta (the company behind Pioneer DJ) develop their first DJ products, Sanchez transitioned quickly from vinyl to CD. He found the CDJ to be the perfect tool for breaking new music in the club scene.

Sanchez credits Pioneer’s success to its close relationship with DJs, saying, “One of the main things they did right was to listen to their customers.” This connection allowed them to adapt the CDJ based on real-world feedback, evolving the product to meet the needs of the industry.

James Zabiela: Tech-Driven Innovator

From reluctant to full convert

James Zabiela initially had reservations about the CDJ-500, finding it unresponsive and unreliable for scratching. However, by the time the CDJ-1000 was released in 2001, which introduced scratching functionality, Zabiela was convinced the future of DJing had arrived. “It was a magical moment,” he recalls of first using the device.

Zabiela would go on to work closely with Pioneer DJ, helping them refine the CDJ-2000, a unit that introduced USB playback and a more user-friendly interface. “The CDJ-2000 solved all of that — you just show up, you plug in and it’s stress-free,” says Zabiela.

Moxie: Easing the Transition with USBs

From vinyl to digital setups

London-based DJ Moxie made the move from vinyl to USBs after one too many hardware malfunctions at gigs. After a particularly disastrous set at a NYE gig in Shoreditch, where her laptop died due to the cold, she decided enough was enough. Along with her husband, Leon Vynehall, she invested in the Nexus 2000s, and hasn’t looked back since.

The flexibility of USBs, combined with the reliability of the Nexus 2000, has allowed her to push her DJing boundaries. “These are my favourites, they’re just great,” she says, reflecting on her transition.

The Sync Button Debate: Mixed Opinions

Syncing technology changes the game

The CDJ-2000 NEXUS introduced several upgrades, including rekordbox integration and Wi-Fi connectivity, but it was the infamous sync button that sparked controversy in the DJ community. “With the sync button, I see no nobility in it at all,” Storm states, reflecting the opinions of many purists. For artists like Sanchez, however, the button served a purpose: “It was for the person who doesn’t necessarily play a lot, but wants to try it out,” he says, understanding the feature’s appeal to newcomers and hobbyists.

Meanwhile, Zabiela sees the sync button as opening the gates for those less skilled in beatmatching, but with immense production talent. “I’ve nothing against it,” he admits. EZ is cited as a DJ who has used the CDJ’s features to create a unique and highly dynamic mixing style, showcasing how technology can enhance artistry.

The CDJ has evolved from a novel digital player to the gold standard in clubs across the world. As DJs continue to innovate with each new iteration, it’s clear that the CDJ’s legacy is far from over. Whether they’re sticking with CDs like DJ Storm, pushing the boundaries of mixing like Roger Sanchez and James Zabiela, or embracing the ease of USBs like Moxie, DJs around the world have adapted their craft alongside the technology that defines it.

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