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a purple and blue background with the words jog wheel.

First Posted April 23, 2024 | 🕒 Last Updated on April 23, 2024 by Ryan Conlon


Definition: A jog wheel is a type of control interface commonly found on DJ controllers, CD players, and digital turntables. It is used for various purposes such as navigating through tracks, scratch performances, and pitch bending for beatmatching. The jog wheel mimics the feel and functionality of a vinyl record on a turntable.

What is a Jog Wheel?

A jog wheel, also known as a jog dial, is a type of controller commonly found on DJ equipment, digital audio workstations (DAWs), and other electronic devices. It is used to manipulate the playback of audio or video files, typically by rotating the wheel forwards or backwards.

The jog wheel is designed to emulate the functionality of the traditional vinyl record, which DJs have been using for decades to scratch, cue, and pitch-bend music. By rotating the jog wheel, DJs and other users can adjust the speed and position of a track in real-time, allowing them to create unique effects and transitions.

Jog wheels are commonly found on DJ controllers, which are compact devices that emulate the functionality of traditional DJ equipment. They are also used in DAWs, where they provide a tactile way of controlling the playback of audio files during the editing process.

In addition to basic playback control, some jog wheels also offer advanced features such as tension adjustment, LED feedback, and touch sensitivity. These features allow DJs and other users to fine-tune their performance and achieve greater precision when manipulating audio files.

Overall, the jog wheel is an essential tool for DJs and other audio professionals who require precise control over their music playback. Its ergonomic design and responsive feel make it an intuitive and powerful way to interact with digital media.

Related Terms: DJ Controller, Turntables, Beatmatching

Usage or Example Sentence: “The DJ used the jog wheel on his controller to fine-tune the alignment of the beats in two tracks.

Cross References: DJ Controller, Turntables, Beatmatching

Translated terms: French: Jog Wheel, Spanish: Rueda de Jog, German: Jog-Rad

Sources or references: Pioneer DJ


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