We’ve had a chance to jump into the studio with the brand new Rekordbox 4.0 DJ software and explore how it works – and importantly, what the most exciting features are that set it apart from Traktor and Serato. Check out the full video inside of Ean demonstrating the software using the upcoming Pioneer DDJ-RZ controller.
Rekordbox 4.0 DJ: Performance Pack
To summarize a few of the big wins in the software that Ean shows in the video, they include:
- Slicer-to-Sample: Not only is there a full-fledged Slicer – but you can drop the contents of the slicer into the 16-slot sampler and play it back – which is especially powerful combined with…
- Sampler sequencer: Set a quantization rate (or leave it freeform) and then record your samples in time with the track – it feels very similar to the RMX’s sample functionality but much more expanded
- Release FX: Speaking of the RMX line, the fun “ejector seat” of FX that the RMX-1000 first introduced has made an appearance in the software. Put a release effect (echo, back spin, etc) on the end of an effects chain or on your Pad FX to turn off your FX with a flourish.
- Pad FX: Seemingly inspired by the classic Midi Fighter Instant Gratification mapping, the FX triggers on performance pads allows quick effecting of your tracks – and you can edit the FX and rate in the software and add additional pages of Pad FX to access.
Additionally, a few of the interesting bonus elements of Rekordbox 4.0’s Performance features include
- Universal Library: Doing all of your prep work in Rekordbox means that all of your metadata, cue points, loops, etc will all propagate across any setup that you decide to go with. Want to make a last minute decision between CDJs, or Rekordbox with a controller? Don’t worry, your playlists and music are already ready for either.
- Related Tracks: We like having a way to quickly see potentially compatible tracks to your current playlist. Traktor DJ on iOS did this, as did Virtual DJ before it – but Pioneer is the first software to allow you to customize how that process works and what metadata the mechanism uses to curate potential good fits.
- Controller Compatibility: So far Rekordbox 4.0’s Performance Pack works with almost every DDJ controller (SX, SX2, WeGO3, SR, SZ, RX, RZ) but they’re also expected to add HID control for CDJ/XDJs and a DVS feature as well. For now it’s a closed system with no MIDI mapping abilities – so other controller DJs are out of luck.
- Standalone Mode: You don’t need a piece of Pioneer hardware to unlock the mixing features – so if you’re inclined to mix just off of the software, it would work (in a pinch!).
Had a chance to play with the new Rekordbox 4.0 software yet? There’s a free 30 day trial available here, download it now and let us know your thoughts in the comments.
