Pioneer DJ Releases Rekordbox 5.0, Improves Graphics & Performance

Pioneer DJ just announced the latest version of the Rekordbox music management and DJ performance app. Now at 5.0, the new Rekordbox sports a new, flatter graphical user interface for both of its modes: Export (when DJing with thumb drives) and Performance (when DJing with your laptop, also known as Rekordbox DJ). It also gets an engine overhaul, and Pioneer DJ claims that this new engine, dubbed “Koretech”, provides a more stable, faster and responsive experience. Both Export and Performance modes also benefit from a bump in the maximum number of hot cues (now at 16 cues).

There are two new performance pad modes for Rekordbox DJ: Keyboard and Key Shift. Keyboard lets you trigger hot cues while pitching them up or down, and Key Shift lets you change the musical key of a tune on the fly. Paired with the new DDJ-XP1 grid controller, you can perform cue point routines and change the pitch of the cues, just as if you were playing on a keyboard controller.

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For battle DJs, Rekordbox 5.0 now supports the Pioneer DJ DJM-S9 flagship scratch mixer, which was formerly a Serato DJ-only device.

We’ve done a “sneak peek” review of Rekordbox 5.0 when it was still in beta, and we liked what we saw: the flatter interface adds a contemporary spin, and we think the hot cue bump will benefit controllerists and turntablists. Watch out for our review of this very soon.

Check out the promo video below.

Promo Video

• Rekordbox 5.0 is now available as a free download. Check the Rekordbox site for more details.

What are your thoughts on this update? Do you use Rekordbox or Rekordbox DJ? If not, does this make you want to switch? Share your thoughts below.