How to set up

Set up Phase with rekordbox

Whether you're using a DVS mixer, or an analog mixer with a rekordbox interface, you can use Phase.

Requirements

  • Your Phase is updated to version 9 or above, update via Phase Manager
  • You're using rekordbox ver. 7.2.16 or above.
  • DVS is unlocked in rekordbox, either via a compatible Pioneer DJ / AlphaTheta device (list Hardware Unlock here) OR via a rekordbox Core, Creative or Professional subscription.

Watch the tutorial to set up Phase via HID

Learn how to set up Phase with rekordbox via HID, or scroll down to access our step-by-step guide.

HID setup overview

Follow the steps displayed below to set up Phase with rekordbox via HID.

Step-by-step guide

Open rekordbox on your computer.

Connect your Phase Receiver to your laptop via USB. A "Phase is Connected" notification appears at the bottom left of the rekordbox interface. Phase is detected automatically, no configuration needed.

On each jog panel you want to control with Phase, click the DVS mode button (top left of the jog panel) and select WIRELESS (A) or WIRELESS (B). WIRELESS (A) corresponds to the Remote paired on dock A of your Receiver, WIRELESS (B) to dock B. Any Remote can be assigned to any jog panel.

Now, calibrate your Remotes as usual, and wait a few seconds for the calibration to be done before spinning.

You're all set!

Additional features

These features activate automatically when Phase is connected to rekordbox in HID:

  • Free deck assignment: any Remote can be assigned to any jog panel, including decks 3 and 4 in a 4-deck setup.
  • Battery level display: the battery level of each Remote is displayed directly in the rekordbox interface, on the middle left of the jog panel.
  • Track end warning: when a track approaches its end, the Remote's LED blinks automatically to warn you.
  • Track loaded animation: when a new track is loaded on a deck, the corresponding Remote plays a quick LED fill animation to confirm it.
  • Emergency INT mode: you can switch a deck to internal mode at any time to keep the music playing.

Good to know:

  • If multiple Phase Receivers are connected at the same time, only one will be detected by rekordbox, typically the one plugged in first.
  • For tracking accuracy matched to your exact turntable speed, you can run a manual calibration from Phase Manager (Calibration menu) with the Remote spinning at +/- 0% pitch.

Requirements

  • Your Phase is up to date to version 7 or above - update via Phase Manager
  • You have a DVS friendly DJ Software unclock by a DVS mixer or DJ soundcard

Watch the tutorial to set up Phase

Learn how to set up Phase with Rekordbox in less than 2 minutes, or scroll down to access our step-by-step guides.

Rekordbox setup overview

Diagram Demonstrating Phase DJ Controller Setup with Rekordbox

Step-by-step

Connect your Phase to a power supply (5V) using a USB cable.

Plug your Phase Receiver into your mixer's Line inputs via RCA (choose 1/2 or 2/3 based on your preference).

Connect the USB from your mixer to your laptop and set the Deck source selector on USB (A or B) to activate DVS Mode.

Depending on your setup, you might need to go to Rekordbox settings and select the audio interface, and head to the DVS tab to make sure the DVS function is enabled.

Set the virtual decks to "Relative" mode.

In the Phase Manager's "Setup" tab, select the "Rekordbox" DVS signal.

Now, place your Remotes on top of your records, and wait a few seconds for the calibration to complete before you start spinning.

You're all set!

Additional info

To get the best experience from using Phase with Rekordbox, make sure that:

  • Rekordbox audio settings are set on Line/CD and your mixer is selected as the main interface in the audio settings.
  • Depending on your mixer, you may need to open the Setting utility to adjust the signal routing, and select "Control Tone Line" as the input of your mixer.
  • The input selector deck is set on PC or USB to enable the DVS mode.

Frequently asked questions

If you have any questions about Phase or how it works with rekordbox, read the FAQ below, or directly reach out to our product specialists!

Should I set up Phase in HID or DVS mode?
HID via USB is the simplest way: one cable between your Receiver and your laptop, automatic detection, and exclusive features like battery level display, free deck assignment and the track end warning. DVS via RCA is the way to go if your rekordbox version is older than 7.2.16, or if you prefer running Phase through your DVS mixer like a regular timecode signal. Both modes are fully supported.
Do I need a DVS mixer or audio interface to use Phase?
In HID mode, no. Your Receiver connects directly to your laptop via USB, no RCA cables and no mixer input needed. In DVS mode, yes: Phase doesn't act as a DJ sound card, so you'll need a DVS mixer or a DJ soundcard.
Do I need a paid rekordbox plan to use Phase in HID?
Not necessarily. DVS needs to be unlocked in rekordbox, and there are two ways to do it: for free with a compatible Pioneer DJ / AlphaTheta device (Hardware DVS Unlock, full list here), or with a rekordbox Core, Creative or Professional subscription if you don't own compatible hardware.
Can I use Phase on a 4-deck layout?
Phase controls 2 decks at a time, one per Remote. On a 4-deck layout in HID mode, you can assign each Remote to any jog panel, including decks 3 and 4, and reassign it in a click. Controlling 4 decks at once isn't possible though: rekordbox only detects one Phase Receiver via USB. Check out our 4-deck guidelines.
Can I use Phase with a controller as a mixer?
Yes. In HID mode, any controller works: Phase connects directly to your laptop via USB and your controller only handles the audio, as long as DVS is unlocked in rekordbox. In DVS mode, your controller needs to enable DVS since it carries the timecode signal. To learn more about the detailed setup check out our dedicated article on our Help center.
Is Phase compatible with other DJ software?
Yes. Phase works with any DJ software that supports DVS, including Serato, Traktor, Virtual DJ and djay Pro, and connects natively via HID to Serato and rekordbox.
Something's not working, or you're not sure your setup is compatible?
Our product specialists are the people who build Phase, and most of them are DJs too. Send us a message and we'll get back to you in less than 24 hours, Monday to Friday, Central European Time. Contact our team.

Requirements

  • Your Phase is up to date to version 7 or above - update via Phase Manager
  • You have a DVS friendly DJ Software unclock by a DVS mixer or DJ soundcard

Watch the tutorial to set up Phase

Learn how to set up Phase with Rekordbox in less than 2 minutes, or scroll down to access our step-by-step guides.

Rekordbox setup overview

Diagram Demonstrating Phase DJ Controller Setup with Rekordbox