

The other issue is you may come across files that appear to be 320kbps but are nowhere near it. Additionally, you’re not supporting the artists that make the music you love. You are more likely to get low-quality files or poorly compressed versions. If there are some tracks you love in your music library but they are low quality invest in purchasing higher-quality versions.Īlso, avoid acquiring music illegally. Mixing a 96kbps MP3 after a 320kbps track will result in a poor sounding mix. If you have an existing music library aim to get rid of low-quality files as these can impact the quality of your mixes. It’s also important to keep you files high quality. It will also make it easier if you want to bulk edit metadata. Having one main format also makes it easier to find the files on your hard drive. It will reduce any potential compatibility issues down the track. Try to be consistent in the file types you add to your music library. Avoid WAV files or convert them to a compressed Lossless format. Adding metadata to your files will be the cornerstone of your music organization. Additionally WAV doesn’t support extra metadata which is a big negative. The difference in sound quality is minimal as well. These uncompressed files will take up the most space on your hard drive. The final level is reserved for WAV and AIFF files. If you run all Apple gear or use iTunes stick to ALAC files. Do keep in mind that Apple doesn’t support the FLAC format. As a result, these file formats have become very popular among digital DJs. The ability to save some space on your hard drive without losing sound quality is a big benefit. These files while compressed do not alter the source material to the extent that MP3s do. The next level up is Compressed Lossless formats. Avoid any lower quality than 320kbps though as even for an average listener you will begin to notice the difference. Dedicated audiophiles will notice the slight differences but for the general listener, 320kbps MP3s are fine. The loss in quality is not very noticeable on an average home studio setup.

You can still use these files to DJ especially if you never plan on playing on massive club systems. With the increase in internet speeds and the reduction in hard drive costs, these benefits are not as useful anymore. Additionally, they save space on hard drives. They are designed to allow for music to be quickly uploaded and downloaded. These compressed files are of reduced quality compared to other file formats. You’re most likely familiar with MP3’s which exploded in popularity in the early 2000s. You can identify these by the extension at the end of the file. Generally, these are MP3, AAC, or Ogg Vorbis files. As a result, manufacturers have embraced the technology and many modern DJ gear has direct support for digital storage devices.Ĭompressed lossy formats are audio files that have been compressed to reduce the file size. It has allowed DJs to bring a lot more music with them on the road. Digital storage devices have become a staple of the modern DJ. While Vinyl and CDs are still used it’s a whole other organizing beast to tackle. When it comes to organizing your music library we are going to focus on the digital side of things. In the end, you’ll have all the tools needed to keep your music library clean and mean. In this guide, I’ll cover everything you need to know to organize your music library. Having a streamlined music library that can be referenced and searched can make your life as a DJ far easier. Organizing your music library in a useful manner becomes a critical part of any DJ’s workflow. The drive to continue to expand your arsenal with the latest tunes results in a constant stream of new files. As a DJ you begin to amass a staggering amount of music. From sourcing brand new tracks to discovering amazing transitions between the music you love.
