Pioneer DJ may like to think that removing XML export from rekordbox 6 would keep users ensconced in their ecosystem. But some simply see that as a challenge. It wasn’t long before new kid on the block rekordcloud offered a peek over the rekordbox walled garden. But now established player ATGR has created standalone software that jumps right in and pulls out XML that Pioneer DJ didn’t want you to have. 6toX could be the trojan horse you need to free rekordbox 6 libraries.
There’s a lot of words:
[PRESS RELEASE] What do the ATGR Production Team and the Urban Cookie Collective have in common? Rekordbox 6 XML export now possible!
With the release of Rekordbox 6, Pioneer DJ removed the export to XML function. This XML is the blueprint for many collection conversion related tools, including those developed by the ATGR Production Team. To make the situation even more complicated, the new Rekordbox 6 database is encrypted.And here comes that dance hit from the subject line in play: ATGR holds the key to decrypt the database.Access to the RB6 database means the ability to create a tool to export its information to XML. This new tool is named Rekordbox 6 to XML (6toX).The use of 6toX couldn’t be simpler: start the tool and it creates a file named ‘Rekordbox(RB6).xml’ (RB6.xml). Alike the “Export collection to XML” in previous Rekordbox versions.Our powerful new 6toX tool offers three major features:
- Continue using your RekordBox 6 collection with the conversion tool(s) of your choice
- Provide you with a path to revert back to a previous version of RekordBox if you want, by simply importing the RB6.xml
- Give you the option to select tracks contained in the RB6.XML based on modification date
Modification date selectionHidden inside the tool, like an easter egg, is a very powerful feature, not available to Rekordbox users before: the ability to make a track selection based on modification date. Using this feature 6toX generates an XML that only contains those tracks which were modified or added to the Rekordbox 6 collection at or after a given date.The XML file that is generated using the modification date will only have one playlist, named after the modification date entered. Modification date selection gives a huge efficiency improvement to those artists who use Rekordbox as their primary DJ preparation platform and convert to different DJ software on a weekly base.The modification date function becomes available if 6toX is started while holding down the option (=alt) key.6toX is bundled for free with these ATGR tools:
- DJ Conversion Utility (DJCU)
- Rekordbox Cue and Key Tool (ReCK)
- iTunes Rekordbox Collection Backup Tool (CBT)
- Denon Conversion Utility (DeCU)
The compatibility of the 6toX generated Rekordbox(RB6).xml is only guaranteed to work with the ATGR tools and Rekordbox. Pioneer DJ is aware of the development of 6toX. ATGR maintains an excellent relationship with Pioneer DJ, and is in consultation with the Rekordbox engineering team to provide a sustainable solution to unlock the RB6 collection data.Conversion to Rekordbox 6:Those ATGR apps that convert to Rekordbox are now fully compatible with Rekordbox 6. The notorious XML import bug, that plagued Rekordbox since the release of version 5.6.1 is still apparent in Rekordbox 6.0.3. ATGR has developed a procedure that circumvents the bug. Pioneer DJ has acknowledged the existence of these bugs and is working on a fix.If an artist only needs Rekordbox to create CDJ USBs then ATGR recommends the use of Rekordbox 5.6.0 which is the last “import XML bug free” version of Rekordbox.Here is a list of the relevant video tutorials:
I WISH THIS DIDN’T NEED TO EXIST
There is an idealistic place where all of us want to live. In this mythical DJ utopia, all gear works in perfect harmony together, and all runs from one big beautifully honed open library.
And then the mists clear, the real world appears, and the realisation that this nirvana of an industry is never going to happen, as each manufacturer continues to build higher walls around their ecosystems to keep you trapped inside.
But walls are designed to be climbed, and that’s what Rekord Buddy, ATGR’s DJCU, and Rekordcloud and their ilk are designed to. But it always feels like an endless game of cat and mouse, where each industry giant protects their turf by using their own unique but still seemingly accessible library formats.
And in this release, AGTR is quite clear that it takes a bit of work to get it running, and will only last as long as Pioneer DJ doesn’t change the encryption key, which could be tomorrow or could be never. This alone tells me that this is a totally pointless method on Pioneer DJ’s part and that they need to change, or ideally ditch encryption completely.
But if you’ve just jumped to rekordbox 6 and regret your decision, or just want to jump around software as you see fit, then 6toX combined with ATGR’s other tools apparently has the key.
What the hell — enjoy.
Too bad it’s only for Mac OS. :-/
Hello, MixMasterG, the developer 6toX here.
I’m pretty sure you have read this before, but for all of those who are wondering.
One of the most frequently asked questions is: when will there be a Windows version of any of my tools?
My honest answer is: never.
Not because I’m an OS snob, the reason is much simpler than that. The cause for most support questions I receive is not app, but operating system related. I simply lack the knowledge about Windows to support it as well as I can support MacOS. I understand that having my tools on Windows would multiply the revenue stream. But I rather protect my good name when it comes to going the extra mile to support the users of my tools. And I can’t do that on Windows.
If I’m not mistaken you are technically aware, here are some other points that might be worth knowing about 6toX:
• 6toX requires access to the actual audio files on the filepath as defined in the Rekordbox 6 collection. This translates to: if you run 6toX in a virtual environment, the tracks need to load in RB6 6 MacOS.
6toX marks the tracks it can not locate as “not found” in the log, these tracks will not be part of the produced XML.
• The XML produced by 6toX is only guaranteed to work with Rekordbox and the ATGR tools.
During my testing 6toX produced an XML file out of a RB6 collection with a very complex nested folder/playlist structure that crashed Engine Prime on import, but worked fine on the ATGR tools and Rekordbox.
Have you worked with Pioneer on this product directly or have you reverse-engineered their database structure?
I’ve seen your question on the other forum and had already contacted the moderator/owner of that place, and kindly requested a revision of his comment. It’s up to him if he wants to do that or not. We communicate well with each other, but I haven’t heard back from him yet.
All (DJ) conversion software regardless of its author is always developed using reverse engineering of the database/tags which contain the user data. This case isn’t any different. There has never been any reverse engineering/decompiling of any source code involved in the process. Over the 4 years that I’m doing this stuff I’ve established good connections with all companies within the industry. I can turn to them with specific questions, but none of them is going to explain to me, or anyone else for that matter, how and where they store the user generated metadata of their software.
How do you think it’s possible that the Primes are able to read a highly encrypted and IP protected (Device SQL) database structure of CDJ USBs?
So on your next question, “did I do this behind Pioneer DJ’s back” I quote from the press release, which was also cleared with Pioneer DJ.
I never do anything behind anyones back and I like to give a head’s up wherever appropriate. Full open kimono. I’m not into this to make tons of money from a niche product for a niche market, neither am I here to call names. My mission is to help DJs with their collection management/conversion wherever I can. Do you really think that I would shoot myself in the foot by going against the vision of one of the biggest supporters of my work: Pioneer DJ?
I’ve got the highest respect for the other forum’s guy so I’m not going to drop names here or even start a catfight. The fact that I’m stating this on a public and well read page, as well as that I included it in the press release, must say a lot about the validity of my statements.
I don’t see your name in the license database of any of my tools, so I don’t feel any accountability toward you.
All comments you make that involve me or my tools feel like you want provoke some kind of response or in the spirit of your chosen online alias, to start a fire.
“I understand that having my tools on Windows would multiply the revenue stream”
That one sentence sums it all up nicely, and IMO confirms why so many have negative comments about ATGR.
Rather than “understanding” how having a Windows version would help many more DJs, the “understanding” is just about how much more money you’d make.
An alternative take is that he chooses to fully support a single platform and keep half the DJ market happy than push out a second lesser product, split his resource in half, and offer poor support.
He’s not obliged to make a Windows version and openly choses not to. That’s his choice.
I had an issue with the platform originally used to sell his original app but he himself talked me through it and I have nothing but positive things to say. The real issue here is that People love debating Mac Vs. Windows when it is opinions and a simple insult can be used to make oneself feel better. When the facts come out and the truth is very bluntly pointed out one has no recourse but to attack the one who said it…………. Rekord Buddy, DJ Player Pro, Mix Emergency ……………. even aspects of Traktor, Serato & DJay themselves are Mac/iOS ONLY. You truly think they all hate money and don’t want the extra revenue? Try sticking to the facts as you will get further and people will take you more seriously. This guy is out to help. Comments like these are not.
I quoted him directly. How is that not a fact? I don’t see how I can make it any clearer. I’m not complaining that it’s Mac only.
There are apps that are OS specific that I use. Mixemergency is Mac only and has no plans to change, it costs €150, there are no sales ever.
I have made a few suggestions to ATGR in the past
I wanted and still want him to build a single app or program with all the tools baked in just like rekordcloud and rekordbuddy.
The fragmentation can be daunting since they all have acronym names like DeCU, CBT, DJCU etc.
People say he doesn’t contribute anything but push his commercial tools on the denon forums, last I checked he isn’t paid or sponsored by Denon so why should he do their jobs for them.
If Engine Prime had been super robust from the very beginning, then we may not have relied on 3rd party apps to get going.
I have no qualms with anyone trying to sell anything especially something they have invested time and money in.
This release is to support Rekorbox6 and we have made it about the person and not the product.
I don’t use the ATGR apps as much as I used to 2/3 years ago. I find it quicker to do my conversions in Engine Prime following the updates in the 2019.
But there are still some things outstanding In EP that still can only be done in a third party app eg
• updating an existing crate in ones collection.
• Adding new changes to tracks that already part of engine collection eg if you add new hot cues in serato it’s not going to be added to engine collection even with a library refresh.
It’s the simple things sometimes.
“as each manufacturer continues to build higher walls around their ecosystems to keep you trapped inside. ”
“This alone tells me that this is a totally pointless method on Pioneer DJ’s part and that they need to change, or ideally ditch encryption completely.”
Amen, Brother.
Thanks DJWORX for raising this issue – your coverage of this was the best I’ve seen:
https://github.com/pestrela/music/blob/master/traktor/README.md#how-did-the-industry-commenters-reacted-to-the-v6-xml-export-issue
—
Personally, the V6 “feature” of vendor-lock is a deal breaker for me.
Its even more annoying than losing updates to RB5 licenses I bought (video, RMX, DVS).
Worse, this vendor lock-in doesn’t look good on latest European regulations:
“To eliminate vendor lock-in practices, the Regulation provides for and encourages the development of codes of conduct for service providers. With these codes of conduct, consumers should be able to switch to other service providers more easily.”
source: https://www.gtlaw-amsterdamlawblog.com/2018/11/another-privacy-regulation-but-this-time-on-non-personal-data/
“My mission is not to sell you as many apps as I can”
Really? This guy has been spamming the Denon DJ forum continuously for months. Every time someone mentions anything to do with database import/export/conversion, he appears – pushing his software.
It’s the only time he ever posts. He contributes nothing else to the forum. He’s just there to sell. Probably ditto on the other DJ sites.
Oh, and his tools are all Mac only.
From what I understand its Mac only cos he started making these apps for personal use only, then people got interested. He has given me soooooooooooo much value with helping me, a newbie , with his apps and much more. How is offering help to DJs on forums spamming? If you dont want to use his apps dont, end of.
I don’t agree. Each person in the industry contributes in its own prefered way.
I’ve seen hours and hours of generic tutorial videos by MixMasterG where he explains a huge range of concepts.
He also maitains a quite neutral approach of mentioning that he has software to solve some of these issues, but that there is alternatives.
Same story for reddit where I’ve seen a lot of posts .
Regarding specific vendor forums: yes, he tipically jumps in to present his products as solutions to user problems – but thats because there are still persons that refuse to do even basic searches.
Regarding mac-OS only code: this is true, but he explained over and over why this is the case.
I understand his reasons perfectly well as I’m windows only, and will not go to mac anytime soon.
https://github.com/pestrela/music/blob/master/traktor/README.md#why-i-use-windows-instead-of-mac
CMDR is Windows-only. Because its open source I’ve asked help to port / run CMDR to mac, no luck yet:
https://github.com/cmdr-editor/cmdr/issues/1
https://github.com/cmdr-editor/cmdr/issues/2
Back in the days there was no Windows solution at all to convert collections, so I published some scripts to run DJCU in a VM.
Later, the issue became the extremly annoying 26-ms shift problem when converting between softwares.
https://github.com/pestrela/music/blob/master/traktor/README.md#which-dj-converters-avoid-the-26ms-shift-issue
Today I’m using DJ-Data-Converter on the command line.
My first reaction on the NI forums was similar to yours. Aggressive marketing and spam.
I have changed my mind, though. Now, I see a lot of effort and dedication (look at the endless hours of videos on youtube alone) that I struggle to see adequately paid by a few sales in a niche market (DJCU is 19,50 per license, which is CHEAP).
Love his marketing approach, or hate it. But the apps are fantastic (given you’re on a Mac, of course) and solve problems that only a few others – or in some cases no other app – will solve. Competing apps are subscription only and much more expensive.
Also, I have experienced MixMasterG to be very helpful and responsive when I had issues (my fault, no the app).
Conclusion: Great apps, great price, fantastic service.
Oh, and honestly I can understand why people would not interact more on denondjforums.
A few aggressive and loud fanboys make it a hostile place way too often. I have seen a lot of great feature suggestions ripped to pieces by the same two or three idiots. It’s a shame, really, because it prevents constructive discussions from happening.