CDJ-2000nxs2 "Format Disk" error on FAT32 exported USB [FIX]

This is for anyone landing from Google - because the answers I've most often found are missing steps and you are just told "Format FAT32" - but that didn't fix it!

Last night I was DJing b2b with 2 prepared USBs formatted in FAT32 - I formatted them on a Mac.

- CDJ-2000nxs2 said Error "Format Disk" (I was using Sandisk Ultra Flair which previously worked on my XDJ-XZ at home)

- I reformatted in F32 and quickly exported some new playlists whilst my fellow DJ played

- But Same Error on CDJ. Checked CDJ-2000nxs2 firmware - it was the newest 2024 firmware 1.87

- Tried a second USB - same problem!

- In the end I had to resort to DJing from my Macbook in Export Mode - but this still left me wondering what was going on and there is a solution!

SOLUTION

#1 - Macs will automatically format in GUID PARTITION MAP but they need to be formatted MBR. (There was no option for this when selecting MSDOS FAT32)

#2 - So I found out that in Mac Disk Utility app - there is a hidden section which exposes more options

#3 - To find it - in Disk Utility select View - Show All Devices

#4 - On your USB you will now notice 2 devices 

#5 - Select the Top Device name for your USB under External

This is interesting because this problem does not seem to affect CDJ-3000, the XZ, and some other units but it did affect CDJ-2000nxs2 - and I assume earlier CDJ devices too.

Hope this helps someone!