Spotify has millions of tracks that you can stream for less than $10 per month. It makes an amazing resource for DJs, especially open format DJs who are expected to play anything at any time.
To maximize the benefits of Spotify streaming, you need to have the right software, a solid internet connection and gear that was built with Spotify in mind. Algorridim’s djay Pro software is one of the only DJ programs that will let you mix with Spotify’s streaming service directly. Algoriddim has partnered with Pioneer and Reloop to built Spotify-integrated DJ controllers from the ground up. What DJ controllers work with Spotify? While there are dozens of controllers that are compatible with Spotify, only the following offer native integration:
- Pioneer DJ CDJ-2000NXS2
- Pioneer DJ CDJ-2000NXS
- Pioneer DJ CDJ-900NXS
- Pioneer DJ XDJ-1000
- Pioneer DJ DDJ-200
- Pioneer DJ DDJ-400
- Pioneer DJ DDJ-WeGO4
- Reloop Beatpad 2
- Reloop MIXON 4
- Reloop MIXTOUR
You may be wondering, “Is it legal to DJ with Spotify?” The answer isn’t a simple yes or no. I’ve broken down all of the major issues in a seperate post, so you can decide for yourself.
MAJOR UPDATE 3/26/2020:
Algoriddim has announced that they are removing support for Spotify on 7/1/2020. They will continue to support Tidal and Soundcloud. From their website:
As of July 1, 2020 Spotify will no longer be playable through 3rd party DJ apps. You’ll still be able to use Spotify in djay until the end of June 2020. In the meantime, we’ve introduced new streaming services that will enable you to continue mixing all of the great music you love, plus give you extended access to new content and features. In addition, we’ve prepared steps for you to easily migrate your library to a new supported streaming service. We are committed to make this transition as easy as possible for you and we appreciate your understanding during this process. (source)
If you are using Spotify to DJ now, you need an alternative streaming service quickly. I’ve listed all of your options here.
Pioneer CDJs
Algoriddim worked directly with Pioneer to build djay Pro natively into the CDJ-2000NXS2, CDJ-2000NXS, CDJ-900NXS, and XDJ-1000. No need to go back and forth between your laptop and the CDJ screens. Most of your controls will appear directly on the CDJ displays, including waveform and cue points display. All of the features you’ve come to expect in Pioneer club-level gear work directly with djay Pro and Spotify: scratching, bending, looping, slip mode and more.
This is the absolute top level of DJ controllers, and you’ll find the best prices on Amazon (paid link).
Pioneer DDJ-200
If you want a super portable, nearly-pro level controller, the DDJ-200 is a decent place to start. It’s got most of the features you’d find on the bigger Pioneer controllers, in a much smaller package. The DDJ-200 can connect via Bluetooth to your phone or tablet, or via USB to your laptop. This would be a good, cheap way to get your feet wet DJing.
Unfortunately, the DDJ-200 doesn’t have its own soundcard, so the only way to have two audio sources is to use a splitter cable. You will need a separate mixer to mix in any external sources, or to plug into professional speakers. This really limits where you can use this controller. It most likely won’t sound great on bigger speaker systems.
UPDATE: Algoriddim has added native support for the DDJ-400, which provides a compact Pioneer controller with a built-in soundcard. If I was buying a new controller today, I would buy the DDJ-400 from Amazon in a heartbeat (paid link).
Pioneer DDJ-WeGO4
While the DDJ-WeGO4 looks even less professional than the DDJ-200, it’s actually a step up in functionality. It lacks the Bluetooth connection, but has a built-in sound card. This adds an RCA output, headphone cueing, and a microphone input. You’ll still need an external mixer to connect to pro speakers, though. This is a great option if you are recording mixes while you travel. You’ll get almost all of the pro features in a tiny controller. You can easily find a used model under $200 on Amazon (paid link).
If you’re thinking about DJing with an iPad and a controller, make sure that you really want to commit to such a small device as your main setup. I wrote about all of the ways you can DJ with an iPad here, so you can decide if you like it before you spend hundreds of dollars on extra gear.
Reloop Beatpad 2
The Beatpad 2 gets you into a compact pro-level controller that will work natively with djay. It is the only controller with direct controls for djay’s Slicer and Slice Loop modes for on-the-fly remixing. You also get a built-in soundcard and balanced XLR outputs, so now you can plug directly into pro speakers. All these extras come at a hefty price tag on Amazon, but the Beatpad 2 has come down to around $400 recently. (paid link)
Reloop MIXON 4
The MIXON 4 is a high-end 4-channel controller that will natively access almost all of djay’s features. You’ll get multiple inputs and outputs, including XLR, ¼-inch booth output, RCA out, microphone in, and 3.5mm and ¼-inch headphone outputs. You get 16 multicolor performance pads, a 4-channel mixer, big jogwheels, and a built-in tablet stand. This controller basically has everything you need. Which, of course, you will pay handsomely for. The Reloop MIXON 4 starts at $800 on Amazon (paid link).
Reloop MIXTOUR
The Reloop MIXTOUR is one of the most compact, yet actually useful, controllers you can buy. It packs nearly all of the main features you need into a single, tiny controller. The only major controls you are missing are jogwheels and pitch bend. You have a Sync button, but if you want detailed control, you will have to get hands-on with your tablet. At the $250 price point on Amazon (paid link), you’re better off getting a full-featured controller like the DDJ-200.
Non-native Controllers
There are dozens of other controllers that will work with djay Pro and Spotify. All will have varying levels of integration, so be sure to check reviews and YouTube before you make a purchase. That way, you will know what you can and can’t do in advance. Most of the major controllers from Pioneer, Denon, Vestax, Reloop, Numark and Hercules are supported in one form or another. The full list is on the Algoriddim website, or you can search Amazon for djay compatible controllers. (paid link)
This is a great opportunity to start with what you have and decide if you like DJing with Spotify before you jump in with both feet. If you have a compatible controller, download a trial of djay Pro or djay 2 for iOS or Android and try it first. See if you like what you can do with your controller before you run out and buy new gear just to have Spotify access. Personally, I’ve been running Spotify for years now. It’s a great addition to my DJ toolkit, but I could live without it if I had to.
While djay Pro has a midi-learning mode, I would not recommend trying to make an unsupported controller work. There are too many little things that you have to set right to get it working. I tried it myself and the amount of effort it takes is not work the hassle. You are much better of just going with a fully-supported controller.
Internet and Spotify Premium Required
Keep in mind that Spotify streaming is all well and good, as long as you have an internet connection and you are paying for Spotify Premium. Both are required to use Spotify in djay Pro or the djay app. You won’t be able to use Spotify in offline mode. DJs have been begging Algoriddim for this feature for years. Realistically, it is never going to happen. Spotify is not giving Algoriddim access to offline songs, probably due to licensing restrictions.
So, before you commit your hard earned cash to Spotify and Algoriddim, think long and hard about where you plan to play. Do you have a decent internet connection there? It doesn’t have to be perfect, but you will need some connectivity to stream. I’ve tested turning my connection on and off while playing, and djay will buffer songs you’ve loaded already. But if you have doubts about your connection, you may want to do some serious testing before you decide. See my post on DJing with Spotify to truly understand all the pros and cons.
If you want to find the best gear that won’t break the bank, check out my Recommendations page, or my full list of every piece of equipment I own. I’ve really learned what works well over the past 20 years and I bought it all on a shoestring budget!
In Summary…
Spotify opens a whole new world of music to your DJ sets. Algoriddim’s djay can give you complete control over your streaming music. There are some pitfalls to watch out for. But, if you’ve got the right hardware and a solid connection, your next party will have access to millions of songs on demand!
