Just bought an XDJ-RX and a Rekordbox DJ license last week.
MacBook Pro 2015, El Capitan, all software and drivers updated.
For one reason or another, I was under the impression that I could connect my MacBook to my XDJ-RX via USB (via the 'printer' port in the back of the XDJ... not the USB1/2 slots), and see my Rekordbox library displayed on my XDJ screen. At the very least, I hoped I could browse my library on my MacBook, load songs into the XDJ decks, and use the XDJ to control playback.
I have since learned that this is ONLY possible via the Ethernet link, and that the rear USB port is for MIDI control ONLY. First off, super bummed about that. My MacBook doesn't have any built-in ethernet ports, so I would need to purchase a thunderbolt-to-ethernet adapter... yay.
First question: Is there any plan to add support for this, or will this feature only be available via the Ethernet link for the foreseeable future?
Second question: What value, if any, is there in connecting my MacBook and XDJ via USB? Rekordbox doesn't have assignable MIDI controls at the moment, so I guess it's useless at this current point in time. I managed to get audio to play THROUGH my XDJ from my Macboook, but I wasn't able to actually control rekordbox via the XDJ at all. The point?
@Rpulurian > The XDJ-RX is designed and marketed as a stand-alone DJ console, the fact it can be used with rekordbox (over the ProDJ Link) is also by design, allowing DJs to have greater flexibility when searching and loading tracks. We don't yet have any information as to whether or not it will be included as a rekordbox DJ (performance-mode) compatible controller.
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When you look into linking with the cdj range you'll see why pioneers originally decided to use Ethernet, I guess their just sticking with it! I got an Ethernet to usb connector off eBay for $10 works perfect.
@ Giles, I guess so! And thanks for confirming the function I'm looking for is in fact possible with ethernet.
Still curious if there are plans for USB link support, and what the intended Use Case for "USB-to-Rekorbox DJ" is to begin with.
Also don't forget, you can use wifi if you plug your rx into a router. Probably wouldn't do this for a gig but I haven't had any troubles at home doing it!
@Giles, thanks for the tip. I'm aware of the wifi functionality. Unfortunately, my rig is not in the same room as my wifi router and it would be a pain for me to run a cable across the house. It's nice to know the option is there though.
@Pulse, thanks for the answer, and thanks clarifying the original intent of the XDJ-RX as a standalone player. So in concrete terms, I guess the answer is:
1) No idea if/when the link feature would be available over USB, or if it will ever be used as an official Rekordbox DJ controller
2) Currently, there is no value in connecting the XDJ-RX to Rekordbox DJ via USB, because the XDJ-RX wasn't originally intended to be a controller for Rekordbox.
Is that about it?
@Rpulurian > More specifically...
1) LINK likely won't be available over USB due to latency issues, but the PERFORMANCE mode control for the XDJ-RX may or may not be available, and we have no further information.
2) Correct; the USB mode allows you to use limited MIDI control and soundcard functions.
SO the only way to link rekordbox to the xdj-rx is through a data cable and USB is useless because of latency issues? I thought the RX could be used to load tracks from rekordbox via USB or ethernet cable? I've tested both and USB cable does not link. What's the deal?
Just want to connect to rekordbox while playing at home via USB vs ethernet cable due to track loading issues. If not, I'll just have to get a better switch but would prefer not to.
Since you people were talking about connecting the XDJ to your macbook did anyone else have problems doiing this via an USB ethernet adapter ?
XDJ won't load my waveforms and BPM and stuff when i get them from rekordbox on my macbook (via the LINK ethernetcable)
@RandomShuffle > Is it loading the song from rekordbox at all? You may have a firewall issue blocking some data. Try this article for some tips and info.
Hej ,
Yes it loads the song, I can play it on the XDJ but the analyzed information is not displayed.
No firewall issue's since i'm using a Macbook
Workflow:
- Connect XDJ RX with an ethernet-cable via LINK output to ethernet/USB adapter in an USB in/out on my Macbook
- Turn on RX , Turn on Rekordbox on Macbook
- LINK appears - click it -> linked up
- Choose song by browsing rekordbox via the XDJ RX - load song to one of the decks
- song is playable but no waveform nor BPM is displayed (so using the RX is pointless then)
System:
XDJ-RX version 2.10
Macbook Pro El Capitan 10.11.4
I'd like to note that this workflow does work when I do it via my PC ( PC ethernet port directly into LINK port on XDJ - no problems; I can use my whole rekordbox library and all loads perfectly)
When I do the same thing via my macbook - one difference my macbook has no ethernet-port so I use an USB/ethernet adapter - it does not work ?
@RandomShuffle > You DO know that OS X has a firewall, right?
Yes, your ethernet adapter is working -- if you can see the XDJ-RX and you're able to link it and load a song, that's showing the adapter is working, but that doesn't mean you've allowed the firewall to be configured properly. Please see the article I linked above.
@Pulse
Yes I do know OS X has a firewall , 'Security & Privacy' Menu Tab 'Firewall'. It's turned complety off (since the beginning of my problem), I never use it.
I see your point about the adapter. I thought maybe it was not transferring all the information ..
But hej ! I fixed it yesterday. Re-analysing every track did the trick ?! No idea why re-analysing in rekordbox finally shows the information on my XDJ RX (cause they were all analysed properly) but .. a solution is a solution.
Thanks for the info anyway !
@RandomShuffle > Glad to hear it. Had you re-analysed your tracks since updating to 4.0.8 or newer?
Yes i had. All my songs were analysed, therefore I didn't have the reflex to analyse them again to solve the problem. Maybe I did something wrong the last time I re-analysed and it didn't finish the process or something ..
Thanks for the response !
@RandomShuffle
I have the same issue.
Still awaiting for a reply. I have a laptop no ethernet. So I got a USB to ethernet adapter.
What firewall or setting do you do to get the link button up. As I don't see the link button at all.
Can you help
Andy
Hi I am also getting a USB device not recognised when I plug in my USB lead. Drivers installed all ok. Any ideas
@Andy J.
Well, I assume you are doiing this on a macbook/mac? I actually never had the problem of the LINK button not showing up, only the issue that the tracks didn't have all the information.
If the LINK button doesn't show up in your Rekordbox software the problem could be that it's the latest Rkrdbx version but your XDJ-RX has not had the propper updates, here's how to do that;
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hA8cXIRF5ek
On this moment that's the only thing I can imagine that's wrong if the button doesn't show up.
Grts
@RandomShuffle
I am on windows, windows 10. I installed Rekordbox about 3 weeks ago and the XDJ-RX is I believe on version 2.something.
When I Plug the usb cable into my laptop it comes up no recognised but I Don't see any link button any where. I'm working on the weekend and really need to get this working.
any help would be great
Andy
@Andy
Sorry for slow answer, busy days. First of all make sure your rekordbox and XDJ-RX are on latest version, so rekordbox 4.2.2 and I just checked the XDJ, that should be 2.10.
If that isn't the problem I suggest you make the connection again (USB-Ethernet into LINK XDJ) but make sure your WIFI is off. So the only connection is the USB-Ethernet adapter.
Grt
@randomshuffle
Yeah record box on 4.2.2 and xdj-rx on 2.10
I have tried two laptops. one detects a usb error and one laptop doesn't even detect usb.
Pioneer need to resolve this issue as small laptops don't have Ethernet anymore and I cannot afford to buy 2 new laptops again
Andy
@Andy
The USB-Ethernet Converter does not show up as an USB-stick 'storage unit'.
You must be able to see it as a connection, 'network and connections' menu or something on Windows I guess.
I don't think it's up to Pioneer to do something about the lack of Ethernet port .. It's just an evolution in the laptop-industry that is quite easy to bypass :)
Grt
@randomshuffle
Yeah I would expect it to show up as a storage device lol
How about a USB hub with ethernet connection on it.
Just seem starange how both laptops doesn't show the link button. Annoying as I worked this weekend and would make it so much easier when people ask for songs.
I don't know what else to try?
Andy
I successfully set up midi using USB type B to type A cable to control Rekordbox DJ from XDJ-RX. Set up is easy.
Make sure firmware is updated to 2.10 if not you will need to download firmware update to a USB.
While XDJ-RX is turned off, make sure no USB is connected to deck 1 or deck 2.
Simultaneously hold power button on, USB stop (under USB deck 1 input), reloop/exit.
XDJ-RX will turn on and display will show instructions to insert USB Containing firmware update. Once inserted, it will show a progress bar.
Once complete, unplug USB and reach behind the unit to plug through the back with your USB Type B cable. With the other end of the USB Type A cable, insert into MacBook or PC.
Turn on Performance mode on Rekordbox DJ.
XDJ-RX click and hold Menu. Scroll down to Mixer Mode and change from XDJ-RX to MIDI. Below the scroll knob two LOAD buttons will flash indicating a signal. Click both to activate deck 1 and deck 2.
YOU ARE NOW LIVE!
Real time little no no latency response. You have access to all your Rekordbox DJ controls using XDJ-RX and your whole music collection! Have fun!
Did you use one of these, so not a network cable to usb?
Yes.
Ok, I will try this tonight with my windows laptop
Cheers
