Should Professional DJs Rely on the Sync Button?

I’ve been thinking about this topic for a while, so here are my thoughts.

What is the sync button?

For those less familiar with DJing, the sync button automatically matches the BPM (beats per minute) of your tracks. It aligns the speed of the songs so you don’t have to manually beatmatch them.
For example, if you’ve cued up your next track but it’s slightly off-beat, pressing sync will automatically correct the timing.

Some new DJs argue that using your ears to beatmatch takes practice and time to master. It’s a skill that requires effort, adding another layer of complexity to mixing tracks live.

But let’s face it—sync simplifies live DJing by automating one key task. My question is: should it?

A Brief History of DJing Technology

At one point, DJs transitioned from vinyl records to CDs—I was no exception. Yes, vinyl has a certain charm, both in sound and aesthetics, but that’s a separate discussion.

Switching to CDs brought significant changes:

1. A Digital Music Format
   CDs introduced DJs to the digital world. You no longer needed to buy every single track as a physical record. Songs could be downloaded and burned to CDs.
2. No More Heavy Record Bags
   Carrying crates of vinyl was physically demanding. I’ve heard of DJs who ended up needing spinal surgery after years of hauling records around the world. CDs were lighter and far more practical.
3. A Shift Away from Turntables
   The iconic Technics 1200 turntables, a DJ staple for decades, started to fade in favor of CDJs. To be fair, when I first used Pioneer CDJs, I was amazed at their precision. Hands down, they’re fantastic tools.

These changes made DJing more practical, but one thing remained largely untouched: beatmatching. DJs still relied on their ears to sync tracks together—until new technology pushed us further.

Enter the Sync Button

With the rise of MP3s, USB functionality began to appear in DJ gear, allowing DJs to play tracks directly from USB drives. Today, equipment like Pioneer’s XDJ decks support multiple formats (WAV, MP3, AAC, AIFF) and eliminate the need for CDs or records.

Now, a DJ can show up to a gig with just a USB stick and headphones. Honestly, it feels almost like cheating. Walking into a club with nothing but a small backpack feels worlds apart from the old days of hauling crates of vinyl or cases of CDs.

But this convenience comes with a catch. Automating tasks—like beatmatching with the sync button—removes a core element of DJing. Beatmatching is a fundamental skill, and outsourcing it to technology changes the craft.

Is the Sync Button Ever Justified?

Not everything is black and white. There are situations where the sync button can be useful—if it frees the DJ to focus on more creative aspects of the performance. For instance, DJs like Richie Hawtin use sync while incorporating multiple channels, samples, effects, and other elements into their sets. In these cases, the technology enhances creativity and adds complexity to the mix.

However, this isn’t the norm. I often see DJs using the sync button to mix just two tracks. To me, this is pure laziness and a lack of skill.

What’s even more surprising is that some well-established DJs justify using sync with excuses like:

• “The monitoring system isn’t good enough.”
• “Why not use the technology if it’s available?”

But technology is available to everyone, and yet, musicians in other fields don’t rely on it in the same way. For example, drummers could automate parts of their live performances using machines, but they don’t. Why? Because live performances are about human connection, energy, and soul.

The thrill of manually beatmatching two songs to create a seamless mix is unmatched. It’s my brain and ears doing the work, and that’s what makes the experience so rewarding.

The Future of DJing: Where Do We Draw the Line?

The barrier to entry for DJing is already low. What’s next?

Imagine this:
AI curates the playlist.
You show up at the club with nothing but your phone.
You connect it to the sound system, press play on the “Superstar DJ” app, and order a cocktail.
After a one-hour, sweat-free set, you leave in your self-driving Tesla.

No thanks.

I’d much rather play live in front of a crowd that appreciates the craft. DJing should be about passion, skill, and connection—not automation.

Explore my music—click here