Can I Plug a DJ CD Player Straight Into an Amplifier?

DJ CD players can be plugged into amplifiers without going through a mixer.

Most DJ setups include a large amount of equipment--turntables or a DJ CD player, mixers, amplifiers, and other pieces--with all the accompanying cords to tangle. It is possible, however, to simplify everything to the CD player and amplifier.

Average Setup

The average setup has the CD player plugged into a mixer before it goes to the amplifier. Some CD players made for DJs have built-in mixers that can eliminate the need for an external mixer and allow you to cut down on the equipment you need.

Cords

In order to connect your DJ CD player to an amplifier, your CD player and amp will have to have compatible cords. Many amplifiers use 1/4-inch jacks. CD players typically use 1/8 inch, or have stereo output with two plugs, so you may need adapters for your cords.

Input/Output

Your CD player is your output device, meaning that this is where the sound comes from. In order for your amp to play from the CD player, your cord should be plugged into an output jack on the CD player, and into the input jack on the amp.

References

• The DJ Equipment Guide: A DJ Tutorial On Setting Up DJ Equipment
• Allison Vardy: Using a CD Player/iPod with an Amp