DMXDesktop
DJ equipment background

Rekordbox Audio

Sync DMXDesktop with Rekordbox using live audio detection

Rekordbox does not support OS2L, and while it does have Ableton Link, it only works in slave mode. This means Rekordbox can follow another Link master, but it cannot share its own tempo. Because of that limitation, Ableton Link in Rekordbox is not useful for syncing DMXDesktop.

The solution is to use Live Audio Detection: DMXDesktop listens to Rekordbox's audio output in real time, analyzes the waveform, and locks onto the beat/BPM.

There are several ways to route Rekordbox's master audio into DMXDesktop:

Option 1: Physical Loopback (Mixer → Laptop Input)

If you are using a DJ controller or mixer with a laptop that has a line-in or mic input:

  1. Connect a cable from the mixer's master/booth/rec output into the laptop's audio input.
  2. In DMXDesktop → Settings → Audio → Live Audio, enable Direct Audio Detection.
  3. Select your laptop's input device, enable it, and tick Update BPM.

This is reliable, but many modern laptops no longer include a true audio input.

Option 2: PC MASTER OUT + Stereo Mix (Windows only)

If you're running Rekordbox and DMXDesktop on the same laptop:

  1. In Rekordbox, click the PC MASTER OUT icon (laptop symbol in the top right). This outputs audio to both your DJ hardware and your laptop's speakers.
  2. On Windows, open Sound Settings → Input, right-click and enable Stereo Mix (if hidden, select "Show disabled devices").
  3. In DMXDesktop → Settings → Audio → Live Audio, select Stereo Mix as the input, enable it, and tick Update BPM.
⚠️ Limitation: your laptop's speakers will also play the master audio, which can be distracting when using external decks.

Option 3: Virtual Audio Cable (Windows)

For a cleaner setup without laptop speakers blasting audio:

  1. Install VB-Audio Cable (free/donationware).
  2. In Rekordbox audio settings, set Master Output to CABLE Input (VB-Audio).
  3. In DMXDesktop → Settings → Audio → Live Audio, select CABLE Output (VB-Audio) as the input device.
  4. Tick Update BPM.

This routes audio silently into DMXDesktop, with no unwanted speaker output.

Option 4: BlackHole / Loopback (macOS)

On macOS, use BlackHole (free) or Loopback (paid):

  1. Install BlackHole.
  2. Open Audio MIDI Setup → create a Multi-Output Device including both your DJ hardware and BlackHole.
  3. In Rekordbox audio settings, set Master Output to that Multi-Output Device.
  4. In DMXDesktop → Settings → Audio → Live Audio, select BlackHole as the input device and tick Update BPM.

Final Step (All Methods)

Whichever method you choose:

  • Go to DMXDesktop → Settings → Audio → Live Audio
  • Enable Direct Audio Detection
  • Select the input device carrying Rekordbox's output
  • Tick Update BPM

DMXDesktop will now analyze Rekordbox's audio in real time and sync effects to the beat.

Ready to Sync Your Lights with Rekordbox?

Download DMXDesktop