rekordbox 5.0

After a period of public beta testing, Pioneer DJ released rekordbox 5.0 on Tuesday, the latest version of its track preparation and performance software.

5.0 introduces the company’s new KORETECH engine, which promises advanced track analysis, faster track loading and scrolling, and improved performance under the hood for both audio and video.

It also brings with it a redesigned graphical interface, and some new features, including:

– Support for Pioneer’s DJM-S9 mixer
– 16 cue points
– New key shift, key sync, and keyboard modes
– Ability to import files and metadata from USB devices

DDJ-XP1

Pioneer also announced a new add-on controller, the DDJ-XP1, which is designed to work alongside the rekordbox 5.0. It takes advantage of the software’s new features, with 32 performance pads to control Hot Cues, Pad FX, Beat Jump, Sampler, Beat Loop, and the new Key Shift and Keyboard modes. It also features touch strips for FX control and can be powered by the USB connection alone. The interface can be customized by the user, and it includes licenses for the rekordbox DJ performance software and DVS plugin for vinyl control.

In November, the company will release a stand, the DJC-STS1, which will also be suitable for laptops. New color variations of the rekordbox control vinyl will be available as well, with white, red, blue, and clear in addition to the standard black.

Rekordbox 5.0 can be downloaded now from the rekordbox website, and the DDJ-XP1 will be available in late September, priced at $249.

Watch Pioneer’s introduction video for the DDJ-XP1 below.

Related: Pioneer DJ Announces DJM-S3 Mixer and DDJ-SR2 Controller

Pioneer DJ Interface 2 (Photo source: Pioneer DJ

Pioneer DJ has announced the Interface 2, the missing piece of the Rekordbox DJ puzzle.

Until now, the company’s Rekordbox DJ software and DVS plugin only worked with some of its mixers and controllers. Older Pioneer models and those from other manufacturers were not supported.

However, the Interface 2 enables DJs with any setup to use Rekordbox DJ in a DVS system with control vinyl (a pair is included with the interface), CDs, and USB drives.

As its name implies, the Interface 2 has two stereo channels, which limits it to two decks. Many DJs will find that to be enough, although the product’s name has already sparked speculation about future models with more channels.

The Interface 2 is due to be released in early July with a price tag of $299. It appears to be a great value, considering it includes a license for Rekordbox DJ and the DVS plugin.

Watch Pioneer’s promo video below and stay tuned for a review on DJcityTV’s Tips and Tricks.

Key features:

– Club-standard sound quality
– Compact, robust aluminium chassis
– LEDs to indicate signal flow and problems with signal/connection
– Includes Rekordbox DJ and DVS licenses, plus two timecoded control vinyl records
– Mains or USB power options
– Works as a stand-alone audio interface
– Large signal GND terminal
– Supports DVS via control vinyl and turntables or multi players and custom WAV file

Related: Does Rekordbox DJ Live Up to the Hype?