Performance pads turn a DJ from a song-player into a live remixer — triggering cues, chopping loops and firing samples on the fly. If you have seen those glowing pads and wondered what they do, this guide explains each mode and how to use them creatively.
We will cover hot cues, loop rolls, the sampler, other useful pad modes, and how to add pads to any setup.
Hot cues
Hot cues let you mark specific points in a track and jump to them instantly with a single pad press. This is perfect for re-edits, double drops, and rearranging a song live on the fly.
By setting cues at a track's intro, drop and breakdown, you can perform a song in any order you like, building tension and surprise. It is one of the most powerful creative tools a DJ has.
Used well, hot cues transform a static track into raw material you can reshape in real time.
Practising your hot cue placement at home, marking the most useful points in your favourite tracks, means you can perform confidently and instinctively when you are in front of a crowd.
Loop rolls and the slicer
Loop rolls let you instantly stutter and repeat a section of a track, building energy and tension before a drop. The slicer mode chops a segment into pieces you can re-trigger in new orders.
These tools take you far beyond simple beatmatching, letting you remix and rearrange music live for a more dynamic, surprising performance.
Mastering loop rolls is a fast way to make your transitions and build-ups feel professional and exciting.
These tools are also brilliant for fixing mistakes gracefully; a quick loop roll can buy you a moment to line up your next track without the crowd ever noticing.
The sampler
The sampler lets you fire one-shots, acapellas, drum hits and sound effects over your mix. This is how DJs layer texture, drops and signature moments into a set.
A well-used sampler adds your personal stamp to a performance, whether it is a vocal shout, an air-horn, or a custom loop you have prepared in advance.
It turns the pads into an instrument for adding flair on top of the music you are mixing.
Preparing a small, well-chosen sample bank in advance, rather than a cluttered one, keeps your sampler practical and lets you reach for the right sound instantly during a set.
Other useful pad modes
Many controllers offer additional pad modes such as roll, key shift, beat jump and stem controls, each opening new creative possibilities. Exploring these modes expands what you can do live.
The exact modes vary by hardware and software, but the principle is the same: pads give you fast, tactile control over performance features without diving into the laptop.
Learning a few modes deeply is more valuable than skimming all of them.
It is worth spending time learning how your specific software maps these modes, since the same pads can do very different things depending on the platform you use.
Adding pads to any setup: the Reloop Neon
If your turntables or setup lack performance pads, a dedicated modular pad controller adds them. The Reloop Neon brings hot cues, loops and sampler control to any rig in a compact, flexible unit.
This lets vinyl and DVS DJs enjoy modern performance features without changing their entire setup. Pads unlock live remixing, and a modular controller is an easy way to add them.
For creative DJs, it is an affordable upgrade that dramatically expands what a set can be.
Because the Neon is modular and compact, it also travels easily, letting you bring your familiar pad workflow to any booth or borrowed setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are DJ performance pads used for?
Performance pads trigger hot cues, loops, samples and other live features, letting DJs remix and rearrange tracks on the fly rather than simply playing them.
What is a hot cue in DJing?
A hot cue is a marked point in a track that you can jump to instantly with a pad press, perfect for re-edits, double drops and rearranging songs live.
What does the sampler do on a DJ controller?
The sampler fires one-shots, acapellas, drum hits and effects over your mix, letting you layer texture and signature moments into a performance.
What is the difference between loop roll and slicer?
Loop roll instantly stutters and repeats a section to build energy, while slicer chops a segment into pieces you can re-trigger in new orders. Both enable live remixing.
Can I add performance pads to turntables?
Yes. A modular pad controller like the Reloop Neon adds hot cues, loops and sampler control to a turntable or DVS setup that lacks built-in pads.
Do I need performance pads to be a good DJ?
Pads are not essential, but they greatly expand your creative options, letting you remix live. Many modern performances rely on them for flair and dynamism.
Is the Reloop Neon good for performance pads?
Yes. The Reloop Neon is a compact, modular pad controller that adds hot cues, loops and sampler control to any setup, making it ideal for adding performance pads.
The bottom line
Pads unlock live remixing — add them to any rig with a dedicated pad controller. Explore the Reloop Neon and turn your sets from playback into performance.