23/09/2026
BUYING USED CDJs, CONTROLLERS OR MIXERS?
Check these BEFORE you hand over your money 👇
✅ 1. Test EVERY button
Play, cue, pads, loops, navigation—check that each responds consistently without needing extra pressure.
✅ 2. Test the CD drive, if fitted
Take a CD along. Check loading, reading, playback, track skipping and ejecting.
✅ 3. Check the USB port
Bring a compatible USB stick with music. It should fit securely and read reliably. A loose connection that drops out is a red flag.
✅ 4. Check the jog wheels
Feel for sticking, scraping or uneven movement, and listen for unusual noises. Test how they respond during playback too.
✅ 5. Inspect the display
Check for dead pixels, dim areas and flickering. If it’s a touchscreen, test across the whole screen.
✅ 6. Test every k**b and fader
Check for excessive looseness, jumping values, crackling or controls that stop responding. Don’t forget the crossfader!
✅ 7. Check all lights
Look for buttons and indicators that don’t light up when they should. Ask about any failures—and whether the unit has ever had a liquid spill.
✅ 8. Listen to the audio outputs
Test both left and right channels, plus headphones. Listen for distortion, crackling, dropouts or one side sounding quieter. On mixers, check each input channel too.
✅ 9. Test the link function
If the CDJs support linking, connect them with compatible equipment and confirm they communicate and share music properly.
✅ 10. Ask about service history
“Never been opened or repaired” isn’t the whole story. Ask how it was used, stored, cleaned and maintained—and request service records if available.
💡 A unit powering on is only the START of a proper test. Take your time.
What’s the one fault you ALWAYS check for when buying used DJ gear? Drop it in the comments—you could save another DJ an expensive mistake.
Save this checklist for your next gear inspection
