Serato DJ Lite is a go-to choice for beginner DJs and those experimenting with digital mixing for the first time. Its intuitive interface and streamlined features make it accessible and powerful enough for foundational performance needs. However, one frustrating issue users often encounter is the lack of audio output — that moment when everything appears connected, but no sound is coming through the speakers or headphones.
TL;DR (Too Long; Didn’t Read)
If you’re not getting any sound output from Serato DJ Lite, don’t panic. The issue usually lies in incorrect audio settings, unsupported hardware, or driver issues. Try checking your audio device selection, ensuring your controller is properly connected, or toggling your system sound settings. With a few steps, you should be able to resolve the issue and get back to mixing in no time.
Common Causes of No Audio Output in Serato DJ Lite
Before diving into the solutions, it’s helpful to understand what might be causing the problem. Here are the most frequent reasons why Serato DJ Lite produces no sound:
- Wrong audio output device selected
- Controller not recognized or unsupported by Serato Lite
- Operating system sound settings interfering
- Mute or low-volume mixer settings in the software
- Outdated or missing sound drivers
Step-by-Step Fixes for No Sound in Serato DJ Lite
1. Check Your Audio Output Device Settings
The first thing to verify is whether Serato DJ Lite is routing the sound through the correct device. Follow these steps:
- Open Serato DJ Lite.
- Click on the Setup button in the top-right corner.
- Navigate to the Audio tab.
- Check the Primary Sound Device under Audio Output.
If it’s set to “No Device” or a device you’re not using, change it to either your headphones, external speaker, or sound card, depending on your setup.
2. Verify Your Controller is Compatible
Serato DJ Lite works with specific controllers that are plug-and-play. If you’re using a controller that isn’t officially supported, Serato might not output audio at all.
Check this by:
- Visiting the official Serato hardware compatibility page
- Ensuring your controller is powered on and connected via USB
- Looking at the bottom panel of Serato DJ Lite to see if the controller is recognized
3. Adjust Your Computer’s Sound Preferences
Your OS may override Serato’s settings, especially in Windows. Here’s how to make sure your output is going where it should:
For Windows:
- Right-click the speaker icon in your taskbar and click Sounds.
- Go to the Playback tab and make sure the correct output device is set to Default.
- Try disabling any unused audio devices to ensure no interference.
For macOS:
- Open System Preferences > Sound.
- Go to Output and choose the appropriate audio device (internal speakers, external sound card, etc.).
Once set, restart Serato DJ Lite and test your audio output again.
4. Check Mix Levels and Channel Settings
Sometimes the simplest culprits can be overlooked. Make sure volume faders and EQ knobs aren’t muted or turned down.
- Raise the Master Volume and ensure it’s not turned all the way down
- Ensure individual channel Gain knobs are not muted
- Press the Cue or Monitor buttons to test headphone output
- Try playing a track and look at the waveform analyzer — if it’s moving, the track is playing
5. Update Drivers and Firmware
Drivers are necessary for your OS to communicate with your DJ controller and sound card properly. An outdated, corrupted, or missing driver could be the issue.
Here’s what to do:
- Visit your controller or sound card manufacturer’s website
- Download and install the latest drivers and/or firmware
- Restart your PC or Mac after installation
- Reconnect to Serato DJ Lite and check output
6. Disable Exclusive Mode or Audio Enhancements (Windows)
Windows allows certain apps to take exclusive control of audio devices which can interfere with Serato Lite. To disable this:
- Right-click the speaker icon and click Sounds.
- Go to the Playback tab, select your output device, then click Properties.
- Under the Advanced tab, uncheck both boxes under “Exclusive Mode”.
- Apply changes and restart Serato Lite.
When All Else Fails: Test With a Different Setup
If you’ve tried all the above and still no audio, it might be your specific setup. Try running Serato DJ Lite with:
- A different computer or laptop
- A different USB cable or port
- A known working output device like standard headphones or a Bluetooth speaker
This can help determine whether the issue is with Serato, your hardware, or something else entirely.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why can’t I hear anything even though the track is playing?
Double-check your audio output settings in Serato DJ Lite and your computer’s system sound settings. Also, make sure your controller is properly connected and supported by Serato Lite.
Does Serato DJ Lite support external audio interfaces?
Some USB sound cards and interfaces are supported, but many require Serato DJ Pro for advanced routing. Check compatibility before using third-party hardware.
How do I test if Serato DJ Lite recognizes my controller?
When connected, Serato should display the controller’s name in the bottom section of the interface. If not shown, it may not be supported or properly connected.
Can I use built-in computer speakers with Serato DJ Lite?
Yes, but you’ll need to set your internal audio as the default output in both your OS and Serato DJ Lite settings.
Should I upgrade to Serato DJ Pro if I’m having consistent issues?
Upgrading to Serato DJ Pro provides more features and compatibility options, particularly for external hardware. However, many basic issues in Lite can be solved without the upgrade.
My controller has a headphone jack, but there’s no audio in the headphones. Why?
This could be due to the cue mix or monitor knobs being incorrectly set. Also, make sure your track is routed to the correct channel and the cue button is activated.
Conclusion
No sound in Serato DJ Lite can be frustrating, but in most cases, it’s a configuration issue, not a broken system. Whether you’re using internal speakers or external kits, checking the right settings and keeping your drivers updated can often restore your audio in minutes. By methodically troubleshooting your setup, you’ll be back to spinning your favorite tracks without a hitch.
