Gemini MDJ-1000 setup guide

The Gemini MDJ-1000 is a standalone DJ media player that lets you perform from USB drives without a laptop, or connect it to DJ software like Virtual DJ, Traktor, and djay. Here is how to get it connected and running.

What's in the box

Your MDJ-1000 ships with the following accessories:

Power cord
RCA cable
Ethernet cable
Operating instructions

Connect the power

Plug the power cable into the power input on the back of the unit, and the other end into a wall outlet. The MDJ-1000 runs on AC 100 to 240V, 60/50 Hz, and draws about 10W.

Connect the audio output

Plug one end of the included RCA cable into the line output jack on the rear panel. Plug the other end into an available line input on your mixer.

If you're connecting through a receiver instead of a mixer, plug the RCA connectors into the CD or AUX input jacks. If your receiver doesn't have CD or AUX inputs, use any line level input (not phono).

If you need a digital connection, the MDJ-1000 also has a coaxial digital (S/PDIF) output. Plug an S/PDIF cable (not included) into the digital out on the unit and into the digital in on your recorder or DAW.

Connect via USB

Plug the USB cable into the USB out on the rear panel, and the other end into an available USB port on your computer. This lets you use the MDJ-1000 in MIDI mode, sending control data to your DJ software while also functioning as a USB audio interface. It's a plug and play device, so no driver installation is required on PC or Mac.

Connect multiple units with Link

If you're running more than one MDJ-1000, you can connect them with an Ethernet cable through the Link port on the rear panel. Linked units can share the same music library and stay in sync on tempo. If you're linking more than two units, plug an Ethernet cable into each unit and connect them through a compatible router.

Load your music

The MDJ-1000 plays from USB drives or its internal CD drive. Insert a USB storage device into the USB input on the top of the unit, and the display will show the folders and tracks on the drive. To eject a USB drive, press the CD or MIDI source button first, then remove the drive.

Use the source select buttons on the unit to switch between USB, CD, MIDI, and Link sources.

Turn it on

Once everything is connected, press the power button to turn the MDJ-1000 on. Press it again to power the unit off. It's a good idea to remove any connected USB storage device before powering down.

Supported file formats

The MDJ-1000 plays the following formats from USB or CD:

WAV (16-bit PCM, sample rates from 8 kHz up to 48 kHz)
MP3 (16-bit, 44.1 kHz, MPEG-I Layer III)
AAC (16-bit, 44.1 kHz, stereo, AAC Core, AAC Plus, AAC Plus v2)
AIFF (16-bit, 44.1 kHz, stereo)

Supported USB file systems include FAT, FAT32, HFS+, and NTFS. Note that USB hubs are not supported. If the unit shows an error about too many devices, connect your USB storage device directly into the MDJ-1000 instead of through a hub.

Setting up with DJ software

To use the MDJ-1000 as a controller for DJ software, connect it to your computer with a USB cable and let your PC or Mac detect it. Open your DJ software and select the MDJ-1000 as your MIDI device and your audio device in the software's settings. Virtual DJ offers native support for the MDJ-1000, including MIDI control, USB audio, and screen support.

If your software supports HID devices, you can also use the MDJ-1000's HID protocol for more detailed control. Disable MIDI devices in your software and search for HID devices instead.

Keep it updated

Make sure your MDJ-1000 is running the latest firmware. Visit geminisound.com to download and run the Gemini Updater software.