A fresh firmware update – version 3.0 – arrives for Pioneer DJ’s CDJ-3000s today, and with it comes the ability to stream tracks right from your Beatport library. A new StreamingDirectPlay feature has been added, which allows users that pay for a Professional or Advanced subscription plan to play tracks from their Beatport library on the gear.
How it works
In order to use StreamingDirectPlay, you’ll need to log into the platform on the CDJ directly (though we’re curious how smoothly that will work in a club setting moving at a quick pace between artist transitions). DJs can browse through Beatport’s catalog as well as their own Beatport library, and utilize the feature on up to 4 CDJ-3000s at once, as long as they are all connected to the PRO DJ LINK network.
Worth noting: the quality of the audio does vary depending on which service you’re willing to pay for. The Professional plan sits at AAC 256kbp/s, but the Advanced plan only offers an AAC of 128kbp/s.
Take a look at how it works:
Cloud integration with Rekordbox makes for a mega-library of tracks
StreamingDirectPlay can be combined with rekordbox’s CloudDirectPlay, which allows users to play tracks from the cloud with full waveform analysis, BPM and key data, Hot Cues, and Memory Cues at the ready when the track is loaded. Subscriptions to both services opens the door to the ability to mix from either on the decks and on the fly.
You’ll need to have a subscription to either the Creative or Professional plan with rekordbox in order to get full freedom to sync your entire library of tracks and playlists. If you’re a Free or Core user, usage is limited.
Ready to give it a shot?
The ver.3.0 firmware update is available as of today. Beatport Streaming subscriptions come in three tiers: Essential for $9.99 USD/mo, Advanced for $14.99/mo, and Professional for $29.99/mo. And if you’re interested in joining the double-streaming-library game with rekordbox’s cloud feature as well, their plans start at free, Core ($12/mo), Creative ($18/mo), and Professional ($36/mo) – sign up here.
For more details on Beatport Streaming, head here (and hop on it now – they’re currently offering a 30-day free trial). To start using StreamingDirectPlay, update your CDJ-3000 with version 3.0 and sign in from the hardware. Give it a shot and let us know what you think of the flow!