Hot Cue

A hot cue is a saved marker on a track that jumps to that point and starts playing instantly when triggered, typically set at intros or drops.

A hot cue is a marker saved on a track that, when triggered, jumps to that point and plays immediately. DJs set them at intros, drops, and key moments.

Why it matters

Hot cues let you start a track exactly where you want, rearrange it live, and recover quickly, which is why prepping them in advance pays off.

Cue point management technique

Put it into practice

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Frequently asked questions

A hot cue lets you jump to a saved point and begin playing from it instantly with one button press. A memory cue positions the playhead at a marker but requires you to press play manually. Hot cues are for live performance triggering; memory cues are primarily for navigation and prep.

Common practice is to set hot cues at the intro, first drop, main breakdown, and second drop at minimum. That gives you four key jump points for flexible mixing. Some DJs add additional cues for acapella sections or key phrase starts, especially for tracks they plan to remix or extend live.

Hot cues are stored in your DJ software's database, not the audio file itself, unless the software also writes ID3 tags. If you switch software or move to a different computer without exporting your library, your hot cues will not transfer automatically. Always export or back up your database before playing on unfamiliar gear.

Hey, it's Ben Modigell 👋

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I DJ and produce as so I so: downtempo, minimal, dub house, tech house, and techno (releases on Spotify and SoundCloud, links above). Everything I write here comes from my own gigs, studio sessions, and library cleanups: the rules I follow, the failure modes I have actually hit, and the workflow I use when nobody is watching. If a technique did not earn its place in my own sets, it does not make it into a tutorial.

DJingMusic ProductionTech HouseMinimal HouseDub HouseTechnoDowntempoLibrary Organization

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