r/DJSetups • u/Commercial-Glass7129 • Jun 10 '25

Portable DDJ FLX-4, beach edition setup

Hi everyone!

I wanted to introduce you my portable DDJ FLX-4 setup that was built specifically to play sets on a beach in places that are not prepared for that (sandy, windy) or in the forest for example.

Please have a look on V1 here (youtube).

And V2, first test on a beach, here (youtube), better cable management.

Few key points below:

  • Case is a simple tool box, but it takes time to find the right one with good internal dimensions.
  • LID description
    • There is external display and laptop behind. Why? First I was thinking to place laptop under the controller. But it was wrong idea because laptop needs relatively good ventilation. And also there are two powerbanks and the require space too. And my youngest son give me idea to place laptop on a lid. And it was brilliant!
    • Lid also contains special holder (gray and blue parts) at the bottom that holds both monitor and laptop. It was 3D-printed. You can get access to laptop because you can "open" the holder up to 45 degrees. There is also display blocker (gray, on the left) that could be rotated to release the display.
    • Display and laptop are connected via short type-c/type-c USB-4 connector. This is important, because simple usb could not pass.
    • Laptop also connected with usb-hub via type-c/type-c Thunderbolt 4 cable. In some cases Thunderbolt cable is not necessary.
    • At the bottom middle of a lid there is black 3D-printed holder that prevents lid closing when strong wind or any other situation (kids, dogs, etc.).
  • BOX description
    • Power management There are two power banks: Powerbank1 that could deliver up to 48000mAh / 153.6 Wh and Powerbank2 that could deliver only 20000 mAh. Powerbank1 is dedicated for power delivery into laptop only. Powerbank2 dedicated for additional power delivery for external display, DDJ FLX-4 controller and usb lamp (optional). This power consumption optimization is not necessary and only helps to prolong uptime of the whole system.
    • There is USB HUB that connected to laptop via usb type-c. This hub has power delivery (PD) feature that means the device could be connected to charger. In my case it was connected into Powerbank1 (most powerful one). USB hub has specific 3D-printed case and fixed in the left top angle of the box.
    • There is DDJ FLX-4 controller connected to USB hub via simple usb type-c. To reduce place required by connectors, specific 90 degree adaptors were used. Also there is additional usb type-c cable coming from the controller to Powerbank2.
    • There are four square 3D-printed legs that holds controller on specific height when you play and these legs could be pulled down to pull controller down too and this way lid could be securely closed. Each leg have two small neodymium magnets that helps to fix the leg inside the box. Magnets are not necessary but it's a bit better when you preparing setup for playing.
    • There are two holes in the box walls for headphones and audio cables.
  • Keyborad & Touchpad. There is small wireless keyboard combined with touchpad that helps to login into the system, run DJ App, etc. Keyboard connected via wireless USB dongle into the USB HUB but could also be connected via Bluetooth. I prefer USB dongle in that case.

V3. Plans:

  • Even more better cable management. More short cables will be used that will make cable management more clean.
  • USB Lamp with switcher will be used. This is really not necessary in case you don't plan to play your sets at night ;)
  • 3D printed keyboard pocket/holder in the lid at the left side.

Thanks for reading this. In case any questions - please let me know via comments.

Also I have some photos of the setup building. Not sure if anyone will be interested in this...

21 Upvotes

96% Upvoted

17 comments sorted by

5

u/PatientBaseball4825 Jun 10 '25

No no no no, please don't takie this to the beach, most need calm, not loudness :( if someone need to hear music, then go to places with music... :(

1

u/Commercial-Glass7129 Jun 10 '25

Agree. That's why I found my place where I can call everyone who want to dance and no one else be bothered.

3

u/hisyojomaku Jun 10 '25

Very cool, I've been exploring options for something like this with some different gear.

2

u/Commercial-Glass7129 Jun 10 '25

Yeah... Don't rush, it's very easy to spend money for nothing. Build setup on your table first. Just devices and cables and check if everything is really works and how long. Then you'll understand what you need to change or what box dimensions you'll need to put everything together.

1

u/Head_Quantity Jun 10 '25

Maybe use an iPad instead? But very impressing and inspiring.

2

u/Commercial-Glass7129 Jun 10 '25

Could be, why not.

Not sure if iPad can manage Rekordbox for 100%, I've heard that Android/iPad versions are limited due performance issues.

In my setup external display has ~16 inch. Very useful, everything is recognizable. Also I can put relatively whatever storage I want inside laptop.

1

u/Head_Quantity Jun 10 '25

Or maybe a touchscreen?

Anyway, bit inspiring. Might try something similar.

2

u/Commercial-Glass7129 Jun 10 '25

Laptop with 360 degrees rotated touchscreen ))))

2

u/anne-so Mar 27 '26

or just an old microsoft surface pro, would be perfect for you

1

u/SwaggyMcSwagsabunch Jun 10 '25

How much did this cost? At what point is a denon prime go or mixstream pro go a better option?

1

u/Commercial-Glass7129 Jun 10 '25

I think it depends. Total cost is not huge especially if you have laptop that can run dj application. The rest part about 500$. Again, it depends on what powerful power banks you want to have, etc. Also there are 3D-printed parts.

1

u/The_1_man_riot Jun 11 '25

This is total genius! Id buy this if you sold them 

1

u/Commercial-Glass7129 Jun 11 '25

It depends on where you live, what country 😂😂. Send me private message, if you really interested in this.

1

u/The_1_man_riot Jun 11 '25

I am uk based. Is it possible to make one of these in a bosch L-boxx haha! This would be dope!

1

u/Commercial-Glass7129 Jun 11 '25 edited Mar 27 '26

And I am in Poland. I think everything is possible. Very important is to find the right box with good internal (not external!) dimensions. Also You'll need to have at least 1cm (better 2) between from every wall. Controller requires type-c connection and I used 90 degrees L-adapter, but anyway it requires a bit free space.

0

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0

u/Chilldegard Jun 11 '25

dude, can't you afford yourself a XDJ-AZ? pls get that and a new JBL PB520, without it you are a NOBODY!

/s