SDJ-4000: why the audio loops when a track is paused

If the audio seems to skip or loop while a track is paused on the Gemini Sound SDJ-4000, nothing is broken. What you are hearing depends on whether the deck is in Vinyl mode.

Each deck on the SDJ-4000 can play in one of two modes: Vinyl mode on or Vinyl mode off. Use the Vinyl button under each jog wheel to switch between them. When the button is lit, that deck is in Vinyl mode. When it is not lit, Vinyl mode is off. Both modes let you pitch bend (temporarily slow down or speed up the track) with the jog wheel, but they behave differently when you pause.

Vinyl mode on

With Vinyl mode on, playback pauses the moment you touch the top of the platter, just like stopping a record on a turntable. This is also what lets you scratch with the jog wheel. When the deck is paused in Vinyl mode, you hear nothing. Touching the top of the platter does nothing when Vinyl mode is off.

Vinyl mode off

With Vinyl mode off, pausing the track plays the audio from the exact spot of that deck's playhead, repeating on a loop. That looping sound is normal. It makes it easy to find a downbeat for cueing: move the jog wheel forward or backward to shift the playhead until you land on the beat you want.

Short version

• Looping audio while paused means the deck is in Vinyl mode off. Use the jog wheel to scrub to your cue point.
• Silence while paused means the deck is in Vinyl mode on.
• Press the Vinyl button under the jog wheel to switch between the two.