We often get asked how do I connect my Serato DJ controller to my laptop? But don’t panic, it’s an extremely common question, things can appear a little fiddly, to begin with for new DJs but this will all be second nature before you know it.
There are a variety of different controller options available these days that you can choose from when deciding to become a DJ. In many cases, these controller options are largely based on the type of DJ software you are interested in using. And, while all of the four main ones are great in their own right [Serato, Rekordbox, Engine, and Traktor], Serato is often regarded as the most popular of the three.
But son;t take our word for it…try them all!
Serato also gives its users a deeper and more intuitive interface to play with, making mixing with your laptop and controllers that much easier and more effecient. Our advice would be to play around on an array of software until you become really comfortable with one in particular.
8 Best DJ Software Options For 2022
Welcome to Serato DJ.How Do I Connect My Serato DJ Controller To My Laptop: Article Contents
- Step 1. Turn On Serato [Start with the Lite version]
- Step 2. Powering Up Your DJ Controller
- Step 3. Connect Your Controller To Your Laptop
- Connecting To An Audio Source Instead
- How To Use A MIDI Controller With Serato DJ?
- Assigning Multiple Features At Once
- Mapping Serato To Multiple Controls
- How Do I Connect My Serato DJ Controller To My Laptop: Summary
If you’ve decided to go with Serato DJ, you’re going to need to know the basics of the software as well as how to correctly connect your Serato-tuned DJ controller over to your laptop computer.
This guide will give you a complete step-by-step breakdown of how to connect your controller to your laptop. It will also go over how to best use a DJ controller with Serato DJ, in case you’ve invested yourself in getting a more complete “all-in-1” or standalone controller setup.
Step 1. Turn On Serato [Start with the Lite version]
If you are reading this article you are probably just starting out so we would highly recommend using the Serato DJ Lite version just to get you started. When you are more comfortable you can make the move over to the more feature-heavy Serato DJ Pro version.
The first thing you’ll need to do is to turn on and activate the Serato software. Remember there are two versions of Serato DJ – Lite and Pro.
Now, you may think that it’s best to immediately jump to physically playing with your controller and getting the music started the moment you plug things in, but that’s not the case. Instead, you’re better off organizing things out a bit and preparing your music in the Serato software before anything else.
Using the Crates System
While there are several ways that you can best do this, the EASIEST method is by using the “Crate” system, as it is already a part of the Serato software.
To add a crate, you’ll want to do as follows:
- Step 1. We find the crate system the best method. Click on the crate icon at the top left of the software’s interface. This will immediately have it appear in your file list below.
- Step 2. Double-click on the crate icon. This will allow you to give it a unique name. Afterward, you can then click on the “Files” button along the top right of the screen. This will give you access to your computer’s software files, allowing you to pull all of them at the same time rather than individually.
- Step 3. After you’ve found the files, you’re then going to drag and drop them into the new crate icon that you’ve made.
You can alternatively source your music out via a Serato streaming partner. This is accessible via the settings icon, where you’ll then head to the “Library” tab, the Display tab, and then the “Music Streaming” section.
Once you’ve reached this area, you’ll then need to analyze all of your dragged and dropped audio files. To do this, you’ll first click on a crate icon before selecting all of the tracks available. You can also select only an individual track if you wish. From there, simply drag any of your audio files over to the “Analyze Files” icon located at the left-hand corner of the screen.
The Serato DJ software will then just run through your files, checking them for any corruption or gremlins. It will also then cleverly calculate your keys as well as the BPM. The software will move to create a set of beat grids for each track as well.
All pretty standard stuff really and you will soon get the gist.
Step 2. Power Up DJ Controller
Next, you’ll need to focus on making sure your DJ controller is fully operational. Where several controllers are BUS-powered [meaning they only need to be plugged into the computer], other controllers need the main outlet to plug into. You’ll want to take a look at your controller’s specific situation to know exactly what you’ll need. Either way, you’ll need to plug the charger into its respective area to begin charging the controller.
Step 3. Connect DJ Controller To Laptop
As most controllers use a USB connection to link their controllers up to their laptop computers, that’s the first thing you’re going to want to make sure you have. From there, plug both ends into the controller’s port alongside the laptop computer itself. From there, you will have officially connected your controller to your laptop.
Step 4: Connect To Audio
If you plan to begin mixing and playing your music, you’ll want to link your controller with an audio source of some kind. To do this, you’ll want to have at least one RCA adapter audio stereo cable. After you’ve managed to get one, check its color. If it is the red cable, plug it into your controller’s red port. If the cable is yellow, you’ll want to instead plug it into the yellow port on the controller. If you, instead, have access to the AUX cable, you’ll want to insert it into the sound source of your choice.
How To Use A MIDI Controller With Serato DJ?
If you’ve decided to push the boat out and get a much more capable controller setup, there’s a good chance that you’ve gone for a standalone controller option that will have some midi features included. That’s all good and generally, these setups are easy to connect and dial-in.
To reassign any features, you’ll want to make sure Serato, your controller, and your laptop are all charged and currently on and active.
From there, while in Serato, you’ll open up your settings icon before clicking on the “Midi” button. You’ll then make sure that your controller is currently in the “Midi Device” list before allowing for a hardware remapping.
Once you’ve selected what you wanted to be remapped, head back to the main Serato user interface before pressing on the “Midi” tab. This tab is found left of the “Help” and “My Serato” tabs respectively and will open up the “Midi Assign” mode for your controller. You’ll then decide on what software you’re going to map before telling it where you want to go. This is done simply by playing with the midi controls, allowing you to press, turn, or move the controls themselves.
It really is as simple as that.
Mapping Serato To Multiple Controls
You may have heard of mapping, we will go into that in much more depth in another article. However, if you want to map the same feature to much different control, you need to hold down on the “shift” button before selecting the mapped feature currently used. Then, while interacting with it, you’ll go over the different control options on your controller.
Assigning Multiple Features At Once
One thing to keep in mind is that you can assign more than one Serato feature at a time. This is done by selecting the feature you want, interacting with the midi control, and finally pressing down on the “A” button.
How Do I Connect My Serato DJ Controller To My Laptop: Summary
And with that, you will have officially hooked your Serato DJ controller up to your laptop. Not only that, but you’ll have a complete understanding of how to customize things with integrated midi controls.
Now, all you have to do is practice, practice, practice!
By understanding how to best connect and play with a Serato-powered controller, you’re opening yourself up to one of the best software options available and putting yourself in a prime position for a successful DJ carreer.
Get connecting…and remember PRACTICE!