---
title: "Rekordbox Audio: Beat Detection for Lighting - DMXDesktop"
lang: en
source: /rekordbox-audio
---

# 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