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Importing Audio Files

Learn how to import and manage audio from a range of locations.

Fleur van der Laan avatar
Written by Fleur van der Laan
Updated over a week ago

One of the first things to do when using DJ.Studio is to import music to mix with! Otherwise, you’re just mixing thin air…

You can import music into DJ.Studio via two main methods. Each of these methods are explained in more detail below.

  1. Local files from your hard drive.

  2. Local files from external DJ software.


What Audio File Formats can I use with DJ.Studio?

DJ.Studio is compatible with a range of audio file formats. We are adding new formats all the time.

Currently, DJ.Studio can use the following audio file formats:

  • MP3

  • WAV

  • AIFF

  • FLAC

  • M4A

  • ALAC

  • AIF

  • Vorbis

  • MP2

  • MP4

  • WMA

We use ffmpeg internally to unpack all file formats different than WAV and MP3. Internally, we work with unpacked audio in WAV quality using Float32. In the near future, we give you the option to export your mix as 48Khz or 96Khz. At the moment, it is 44Khz only.


Importing Local Files from a Hard Drive

One of the easiest ways to add songs to DJ.Studio is by importing them from your hard drive.

To import audio files to DJ.Studio from your hard drive, simply:

  1. Create a new mix

  2. The 'Add Tracks' view will automatically be opened, but you can also press the button Add tracks on the left of the middle bar.

  3. Then click 'Import Local Files' from the top left corner of the new window.

  4. Locate the audio files you wish to import in your file browser (Windows Explorer/Mac Finder)

  5. A new window will appear letting you choose files on your hard drive. Alternatively, you can drag and drop your files into the window.

  6. DJ.Studio will now import your audio files. Please wait for the analysis to be completed, then you can start to mix with your tracks.

When you look in the music library, you should now see your imported tracks, as well as the analysis information.


Importing Local Files Via Integrated DJ Software

DJ.Studio can easily import files and playlists from other DJ software.

The steps are similar for each unique DJ app.

Follow these steps to import music from your external DJ software:

  1. Make sure your software of choice is integrated with DJ.Studio’s library

    1. Open the settings menu

    2. Scroll down to the Library tab

    3. Check any DJ software you want to connect

  2. From the Library view, click on your chosen software

  3. You may be prompted to locate the connected software’s storage folder

  4. DJ.Studio will now connect to the software’s library

  5. You should now be able to browse through your libraries from other software, from within DJ.Studio’s browser

  6. Any tracks can now be used in a playlist.


Note - Apple iTunes M4P-protected files

Apple has m4p files which are Apple-protected files that can only be read from any other source than iTunes. With your Apple Music subscription you are allowed to listen to those files, but because you didn't buy the files ( for example on Beatport), you are not allowed to make mixes with them.

In the Library > Apple music window, you will see these tracks visualised with a dark red background and the message that Apple Music streaming tracks can't be imported because you first need to buy the tracks before you can import them.


Red Error messages when importing, playing or analyzing tracks

Tracks can appear in red when there is an issues importing, playing, or analyzing the tracks, depending on the source or platform.


🧱 General Track Issues

  • Track not found at the known file path:
    File not found: {{filePath}}

  • Track cannot be read or is broken/corrupted:

    • Could not detect beats

    • Could not read file

    • Invalid or corrupted file

    • Missing audio codex, failed to analyze

    • Could not decode audio


🌐 Streaming track Issues

  • Track is not available for streaming:
    This track is not available for Streaming

  • Track has not yet been released (pre-order):
    This track has not yet been released, and is not yet available for streaming (Available: {{releaseDate}})

  • User is not logged in to the streaming service:
    It seems you're not logged in, please login to use {{scope}} Streaming music.

  • Track is not available in the user’s region (geo-blocked):
    This track is not available in your region.

  • Unable to retrieve audio information (Beatport/Beatsource):
    Unable to get audio information for track


💽 Platform-Specific Limitations

  • Beatport/Beatsource tracks in Rekordbox (not yet supported):
    Beatport Streaming tracks for rekordbox are not supported

  • Samples in Rekordbox collections are not supported:
    Samples are not supported for tracks

  • Apple Music – Track is DRM protected:
    Apple Music track could not be imported because it is DRM protected.

  • Apple Music – Track is not yet downloaded on the system:
    Apple Music streaming track could not be imported, first download the track and then import it.

  • Virtual DJ – Track is not yet downloaded on the system:
    Virtual DJ streaming track could not be imported, first download the track and then import it.


🔍 Track Matching & External Sources

  • Track not found on a specific platform or service:
    Track could not be found by {{brandName}}

  • Track not found on both Beatport and Beatsource (matchers):
    Track not found on Beatsource and Beatport



The Music Library

After you import audio to DJ.Studio, the tracks are stored in the music library. You can use the library storage to add tracks to a mix at any time.

Click on the 'Add Tracks' button to open your library:

Here, you will be able to see every track that has been imported into your library.

You can also use it to access tracks that are linked via external 3rd party software.

Click on the '+' icon to add a song to the current mix.

File Storage and Database Management in DJ.Studio

If you're looking to reduce the size of the database folder in DJ.Studio, here’s what you need to know:

  • DJ.Studio creates a \Music\DJ.Studio\Cache folder where stems are stored. This is the only folder you can currently clear to reduce space.

  • The audio-library-audioData folder retains copies of tracks used in projects, which should NEVER be cleared manually.

  • To manage storage more effectively, you can move the entire database folder to a different drive. After moving it, update the folder's location in DJ.Studio at Settings > Folders > Database folder to ensure proper functionality.

  • Make sure the new storage drive is fast and locally accessible. Avoid using network drives, as DJ.Studio requires high-speed file access for optimal performance.


File Storage and Database Management FAQ

Q: How can I reduce the size of the database folder in DJ.Studio?
A: You can clear the \Music\DJ.Studio\Cache folder, which stores stems. However, the audio-library-audioData folder, which contains copies of tracks used in projects, which should NEVER be cleared manually.

Q: Can I move the database folder to a different drive?
A: Yes, you can move the entire database folder to another drive. After doing so, go to Settings > Folders > Database folder and select the new location.

Q: What type of drive should I use for the database?
A: Use a fast and locally accessible drive. Avoid network drives, as DJ.Studio requires high-speed file access for optimal performance.

What Happens To Imported Files?

When you import audio files into DJ.Studio, it makes copies of them in your DJ.Studio directory folder: (Default:'{User}/Music/DJ.Studio/Database')

If I want to delete DJ.studio, what folders do I need to delete?

If you want to delete DJ.Studio and need to remove the files from your hard-drive, you can find them at the default location {User}/Music/DJ.Studio/
You can also check at Settings > Folders > Database folder which location you have your DJ.Studio database.

I can't import any more tracks - how can I import more than the track limit?

We have a soft limit of 60 imported tracks to make sure your PC's resources aren't overloaded, however, you can bypass this limit in the options.

  1. Click the Cog icon in the top right corner of the app to open the Settings.

  2. Go to Performance.

  3. Turn 'Off' the 60-track limit. Note, that you will need at least 32GB of RAM to add more than 60 tracks to your mix.

Frequently Asked Questions about adding tracks

Why if I am looking for a song to be included in the DJ Mix, does the audio stop?

DJ.Studio is not build for live mixing, so DJ.Studio can only play one song at the time.

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