What? Hasn’t the Rekordbox app been available for Android and iOS for a while already? Yes, but only as a music management tool. Now, for the first time, you’ll be able to use Rekordbox to actually spin your DJ set from your phone. Check out more on the new features of the app, launching in “early 2023”.
A complete DJ phone app
Basically, the app allows you to DJ without a laptop, using a combination of offline music tracks and cloud-based streaming. Just like the WeDJ app, you’ll have access to full functionality without paying any subscription fees. Pioneer keeps all your tracks in Dropbox and manages your metadata for you. But be aware that while Rekordbox plays nicely with iTunes, it’s still a bit of a workaround to integrate tracks from Spotify into your library. Access to cloud-based streaming of tracks not stored on your phone will cost you a subscription fee. Goodbye WeDJ? We’ll see.
Designed for use with Pioneer DDJ FLX4
Owners of the versatile Pioneer DDJ FLX4 will be pleased to know that their controller now works with a phone instead of a laptop. Let’s face it, you don’t really need a laptop for much more than screen size these days. The DDJ FLX4 works with both Rekordbox and Serato. And now, with the Rekordbox app, you’ll have another way to DJ lighter than ever. Laptop DJs might want to check out our Serato DJ Course.
DJing with a smartphone
You might not be ready to replace your laptop or decks just yet. New apps generally need time to prove themselves and fix early release bugs. So in the meantime, you could use the new Rekordbox app alongside your existing setup. One cool trick would be to use the phone simply as a sampler to trigger your Rekordbox sounds! However you use it, it seems as though smartphone DJing might be hitting the mainstream.
The first look at the new app is promising. Pioneer has included all expected standard features, including EQ, filters and FX. Advanced effects include looping, hotcues, pad-based FX, beat jump and a sampler. All the tricks you need to get the room going. Another trick? Doing your homework with a DJ course by DJ Courses Online.