I’m new to CDJs, previously having only used controllers with custom mappings (Launchpad and Midi Fighter Twister). I don’t understand why anyone would want the CUE button above the PLAY button. I usually press the CUE button repeatedly in sync with the beat as the drop-in point approaches, at which point I press the PLAY button once to start playback. The problem is that while I’m hitting CUE my whole hand is over the PLAY button, which makes it very hard to aim for since… I can’t see it. Why isn’t the PLAY button at the top? Maybe for “historic” reasons?
It’s a design focused around muscle memory and ergonomics. It is easier to tap cue then move down to tap play or to hold cue with your middle fingers then hit play with your index finger. This way you are only moving your fingers to hit the play button, instead of your whole hand, wrist, and/or arm.
if you look at the CDJ500, the Play button was in the same place ( and same shape) as the Start/Stop button on a Technics TT…since TTs don’t have a cue button (thats what your hands are for), Pioneer added it above the Play button…like the_bastet said..muscle memory. And there it has stayed ever since.
