Founded in 1985 by Chuck Davies in Los Angeles, California, American DJ grew out of a small East LA Hi-Fi shop that pivoted to serve the booming local DJ market. Davies, a self-taught electronics engineer, recognized an opportunity to offer sound-activated lighting effects at accessible price points — packaging features found in $400–$500 fixtures into products retailing for under $100. That formula of affordability and innovation turned American DJ into one of the largest entertainment lighting manufacturers in the United States.

The company, now operating under the ADJ brand, produces an extensive range of professional lighting and atmospheric effects equipment. Its catalog spans intelligent DMX moving heads like the Inno Spot and Focus Spot series, versatile LED par fixtures including the Mega Par line, fog and haze machines such as the Fog Fury series and the Haze Generator, LED video panels, and DMX control solutions like the MyDMX software platform. ADJ's products serve a wide spectrum of users, from mobile DJs and houses of worship to nightclubs, concert tours, and large-scale event productions.

Headquartered in Los Angeles with regional offices in Mexico and Europe, ADJ sits at the center of a larger family of brands that includes Elation Professional, American Audio, Eliminator Lighting, Magmatic Effects, Obsidian Control Systems, and several others covering trussing, cabling, and audio equipment.

American DJ has 69 products cataloged on Equipboard, including LED Lighting, Fog Machines & Accessories, and Lighting Accessories. Their gear is featured by 4 artists, with the strongest followings in Electronic, Pop, and Rock. Notable users include NIVIRO, DJ Kool Herc, and Jack Conte.