If you're stepping into the world of DJing, you've probably heard of Rekordbox – and how essential it is for preparing tracks. One of the most crucial skills to learn is how to transfer music from Rekordbox to a USB. Why? Because that USB becomes your weapon of choice when you're behind the decks, especially if you’re playing on Pioneer CDJs.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process step-by-step, from prepping your USB stick to safely ejecting it loaded with your music, playlists, and metadata – ready to rock the dancefloor.
Understanding Rekordbox
What is Rekordbox?
Rekordbox is Pioneer DJ’s music management software. It’s not just a library organizer – it’s a powerful tool for prepping DJ sets, analyzing tracks, setting cue points, loops, and more.
Key Features for DJs
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Beatgrid analysis
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Waveform previews
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Hot cues and memory cues
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Playlist creation
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Sync with DJ hardware
Supported File Formats
Rekordbox supports:
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MP3
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AAC
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WAV
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AIFF
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FLAC (some versions)
Make sure your files are compatible before trying to export them.
Preparing Your USB Drive
Choosing the Right USB Stick
Not all USBs are created equal. For seamless DJing, you need a reliable, fast, and durable stick.
Recommended USB Specifications
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USB 3.0 or higher
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32GB–128GB storage
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High read/write speed (minimum 100MB/s)
Formatting the USB (FAT32 vs exFAT)
CDJs and Rekordbox are picky. Use either FAT32 or exFAT. Avoid NTFS – it’s not recognized by CDJs.
How to Format on Windows
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Plug in your USB.
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Open File Explorer, right-click the drive.
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Select Format.
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Choose FAT32 or exFAT.
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Click Start.
How to Format on macOS
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Open Disk Utility.
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Select your USB drive.
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Click Erase.
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Format as MS-DOS (FAT) or exFAT.
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Click Erase.
Organizing Your Music in Rekordbox
Importing Tracks to Rekordbox
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Drag and drop music files into Rekordbox.
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Or use File > Import > Import Track/Folder.
Creating Playlists
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Click the Playlist tab.
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Create a new playlist.
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Drag your tracks into it.
Analyzing Tracks for Beat Grids and Waveforms
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Right-click on tracks > Analyze Track.
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Rekordbox will auto-analyze BPM, waveform, and key.
Exporting Music to USB
Linking USB to Rekordbox
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Plug your formatted USB into the computer.
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It will appear in the left sidebar under Devices in Rekordbox.
Step-by-Step Export Process
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Select the playlist or track you want.
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Right-click > Export to [Your USB Name].
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Wait until the transfer finishes.
Exporting Full Playlists vs Single Tracks
You can export entire playlists or just selected tracks. Right-click the playlist or drag and drop tracks onto the USB in Rekordbox.
Using Export Mode vs Performance Mode
Difference Between Modes
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Export Mode: For prepping and exporting to USB.
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Performance Mode: For live DJing with your computer connected to decks.
Why Export Mode is Best for USB Transfers
It’s lighter, safer, and optimized for USB exporting – with fewer crashes or lag.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Rekordbox Not Detecting USB
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Ensure it's formatted correctly.
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Try using another USB port.
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Restart Rekordbox and your PC.
Export Errors or Freezes
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Clear space on the USB.
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Update Rekordbox to the latest version.
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Disable antivirus/firewall temporarily.
File Format or Size Issues
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Large WAV files can be slow to export.
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Convert to high-quality MP3 if space is tight.
Best Practices for USB DJing
Label Your USBs Clearly
Use physical labels or name them in Rekordbox to avoid confusion.
Backup Your Data
Always keep a backup on your PC or cloud. Don’t rely solely on one USB.
Test USB in DJ Gear Before the Gig
Plug into a CDJ or controller to make sure everything loads properly.
Advanced Tips
Syncing Cue Points and Loops
Set your cue points and loops in Rekordbox – they’ll sync during export.
Using Rekordbox Cloud Library
For advanced users, sync your library to the cloud and export to any device later.
Exporting with Artwork and Metadata
Rekordbox keeps your metadata intact – so your album art and tags travel with the track.
Conclusion
Transferring music from Rekordbox to a USB isn’t just a task – it’s a crucial part of your DJ workflow. Once you nail it, you’ll be able to prep your sets with confidence, rock any CDJ setup, and keep your mixes organized and polished. With the right USB, smart playlist planning, and a bit of testing, you’re ready to hit the decks like a pro.
FAQs
1. How do I make sure my USB works with CDJs?
Use FAT32 or exFAT formatting, and test it on Pioneer CDJ models beforehand.
2. What’s the best USB brand for DJing?
SanDisk, Kingston, and Corsair are popular for speed and reliability.
3. Can I use the same USB for multiple Rekordbox libraries?
It’s not recommended. Stick to one library per USB to avoid database conflicts.
4. How much storage do I need for a 4-hour set?
Around 4GB–8GB should be enough for 4 hours of high-quality MP3s.
5. Does Rekordbox export cue points to USB?
Yes! Cue points, loops, beatgrids, and hot cues are included in the export.