Pioneer DJ’s rekordbox DJ software has up to now been exclusively for their own extensive range of hardware. But as of today, rekordbox DJ 4.06 has staked its claim for the hearts, minds, and importantly wallets of every non-Pioneer owning DJ by adding MIDI Learn to the latest version.

A few basic words about rekordbox DJ 4.0.6 and the full update details:

MIDI LEARN – Assignment of rekordbox dj functions to MIDI controllers.

CDJ-2000NXS2 new features
[Export Mode]
-FLAC/Apple Lossless with a frequency of 44.1, 48, 88.2 and 96 kHz.
-WAV/AIFF with a frequency of 88.2 and 96 kHz.
-8 HOT CUE buttons: A–H.
-MY SETTINGS new features;
QUANTIZE BEAT VALUE, HOT CUE AUTO LOAD, HOT CUE COLOR and PHASE METER.
-USB DEVICE SETTINGS new features;
Wave Color (BLUE/RGB) and Waveform (Half/Full).
-Export My Tag/Matching information to USB devices.
-HOT CUE color change.
-Export of HOT CUE color information to USB devices.

[Export/Performance Mode]
Track filtering new features; KEY, RATING and COLOR.

DJM-900NXS2 new features
[Performance Mode]
(When using the DJM-900NXS2 as an audio device).
-Input channels selected on DJM-900NXS2 are displayed on rekordbox dj virtual decks.
-Quantize BEAT FX of DJM-900NXS2 can be applied to rekordbox dj output audio.
-rekordbox dj BEAT FX tail can be heard after CH FADER/CROSS FADER is closed/cut on DJM-900NXS2 (POST FADER).

[FIXED]
-Crashed when certain tracks were selected from track list.
-Crashed when BPM was edited in EDIT window of SAMPLER SLOT when the BPM value of the track was 0 (zero).
-SLIP MODE remained when SLIP REVERSE was selected within one beat while playing a track with QUANTIZE on.
-Output channel settings reset back to default when starting up (EXPORT MODE).
-Preview playback issue on Related Track List etc.
-Improved stability and fixed other minor issues.

THE FUTURE IS MAPPED OUT

Adding a single feature might not see like much to some, but this is the start of Pioneer DJ’s attempt to take a huge slice of the DJ software pie from the other players in the market place.

It’s small steps right now as the MIDI learn implementation is basic. From the drop down tabs, you pick your desired feature (see screen grabs below for current full lists), hit the LEARN button and then press, turn, or move the desired control. I reached out and grabbed the nearest controller to me (The DJ Tech CTRL) and very quickly had a bare bones mapping for hot cues and effects, including MIDI out LED button lights.

There doesn’t appear to be jog wheel controls at this point, and I don’t have a controller at home with a wheel to try it out, and it’s his that is usually the sticking point for any software with MIDI learn. But Pioneer DJ has rather cleverly added import and export controls, essentially meaning that the community can create and share their own creations. So it’ll just be a matter of before mappings appear for your favourite controllers. At this point however, those mappings are likely to be basic, as demonstrated by the exported CSV file above. There are however a number of empty columns in that CSV, so here’s hoping that more is planned for mapping.

See Also

Serato Remote Mini: Is that Serato in your pocket?

Obviously mapping isn’t for everyone. My feeling is that the vast majority prefer plug and play. But if the community can fill the non-Pioneer DJ gaps in their controller list, it makes the migration from Traktor Pro and Serato DJ even easier than before. I suspect it’ll be a long time before such a move is free from third party induced mapping compromises though. Traktor maps for Serato controllers always feel a little lacking to me.

OVER TO YOU

Does anyone fancy throwing a non-Pioneer DJ controller at rekordbox DJ and attempting jog wheel mapping? You can download a 30 day trial right here. And here’s the manual if you do.

GALLERY