SonodexWhat hot cues can do
Unlike the main cue, hot cues exist several times per track, usually eight, in some programs more. With them you can bring drops forward, repeat parts, skip breakdowns or play rhythmically like an instrument.
On controllers, the pads trigger the jump for as long as you tap them. Depending on the mode, the track starts from there or returns when you let go.
Suggestion for a fixed layout
Pad 1: intro/start. Pad 2: first build-up. Pad 3: first drop. Pad 4: breakdown. Pad 5: second drop. Pad 6: outro/mix-out. Pads 7 and 8: free spots such as a vocal hook or fill. If every track is laid out like this, you play from muscle memory.
Typical mistakes
Hot cues off the bar: the track does jump, but the beat lands out of step. Set on the start of the bar and use quantize. The same colours for the same roles help you keep an overview. Never change the beatgrid after setting cues without checking the cues.
In practice: practising hot cues
Practise with three pads: start, drop, exit. Play the track and deliberately jump back and forth in time. Once that works, add pads for the breakdown and the hook. That trains your timing without getting lost in detail.
Some DJs use hot cues for mini edits: playing a drop twice, skipping a break. That only works cleanly if markers and beatgrid match, so check both together.
Related terms
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between cue and hot cue?
The cue is the one start point of the track. Hot cues are several jump markers on pads.
Can I take hot cues from Rekordbox to Serato?
Yes with a sync tool, but the format differs. Check the markers afterwards in the target program.