Integrate with Beat Link Trigger / PRO DJ LINK

[dezmontnikus]

Hello, I have a problem with starting this application. It starts and then disappears. As if the window was not active. Am I missing some libraries? I have NET.. and visual studio installed. Please do not laugh because I am a layman in these matters.

[grufkork]

Ah, I see, what you need to do is run the app through command prompt (the terminal). Start it, then copy the file path to where you downloaded it and type cd [paste in the path here] and then enter. This navigates you to that folder. Then you can type rkbx_osc.exe and run it. Run rkbx_osc.exe -h for help, and to use it with a specific rekordbox version run (for example) rkbx_osc.exe -v 6.8.5. I haven't updated the app for a while, so the latest v7:s are not supported, but I am however working on a completely reworked version that has a graphical interface so you don't need to use the terminal any more!

Just write if there's any further problems :)

[dezmontnikus]

Super! Thanks for Tip. I'm thing is working.

Press i/k to change offset in milliseconds. c to quit. -h flag for help and version info.
Entering loop
Running - [. ] Deck 1 OSC Offset: 0ms Frq: 115Hz Peers:0 BPM:134.00336

I just don't understand one more thing. The program efficiently receives BPM from RK, but does it send them further via Ableton LINK? For example, I want to receive them on another PC using the Beat Link Trigger program. Is it possible to control

[grufkork]

Do you manage to get link to work on the same computer? I think Link should automatically find all other link computers on the same network, unless you have some strange firewalls set up. Sometimes you need to disable link everywhere and stop and start rkbx_osc as it seems link only likes to join one time per session (and the session is terminated once all peers are disconnected).

[dezmontnikus]

Ableton Link with RK, and BLT (Beat link trigger) is not connected to the network, because BLT uses Pro DJ Link, and that's probably not the same. Look for alternatives to simulate the "console" and share BMPs from RK and send them directly to BLT, your program reads BPM perfectly, but I can't pass them on.

[grufkork]

I haven't used BLT but I think it should support Ableton Link. You could probably write some translation layer, or get output from OSC which this app also supports (although that will need even more translation).

The new version has a very flexible system for interchangeable output modules, so I'll be able to support many more protocols. It also supports track load events and live export of the metadata of the current playing tracks as HTTP, text files and more! Any particular protocols or features/events you would like to see supported?

Edit: You might be able to create a tunnel using, say, Tailscale or ZeroTier to connect the devices on different networks, but I'm not sure I fully understand your setup/usecase

[dezmontnikus]

I got a response from BLT:

That said, I can already say that this is not something that belongs in Beat Link Trigger: this project is for working with Pro DJ Link, not performance mode, nor snooping inside the rekordbox process. You will have better luck asking this other project to add Ableton Link support, perhaps with the help of my Carabiner library.

The best option would be to be able to connect BLT, because we have a FLX-10 console that doesn't have DJ Link but connects via RK and Ableton Link. We need to control Resolum and LaserShow from this console. So it would be ideal to connect these programs using BLT. I only miss the connection between BLT and RK.

[grufkork]

Alright, I think I understand. So BLT is a translation layer between Pro DJ Link, so you can bridge CDJ:s and stuff into computers. For connecting Rekordbox, there's not much point in using BLT because that would mean the chain is rekordbox --rkbx_osc--> pro dj link --BLT--> MIDI/OSC/UDP --> Resolume etc. Rather, rkbx_osc could speak directly to the end user program.

As I understand, BLT fires off commands on specific events such as track load. I haven't used BLT myself, but I could probably work something out. Could you list some specific features/events you are using, and by what protocol they are communicated to the recipient program?

Also, Resolume supports Ableton Link out of the box, it should connect and start syncing automatically when enabled.

[dezmontnikus]

I understand. That there is nothing to duplicate the path of data digestion.
The general idea of downloading BPM is needed for RESOLUME and Freestaler DMX programs. Based on these, the show is to be built. Below you have a link to the possibility of communication with Freestyalerm: https://www.freestylersupport.com/wiki/external_control

The problem is that in order to control these programs in the right way according to the AUDIO line (Timeline of the previously prepared track with CUE punctuations) is needed BLT, in which I send what where and at what time should come out. - AND it works great if you use DJ LINK. AND a physical dj console. However, the problem begins when you use, for example, a rekordbox and, for example, a FLX-10 controller (that is just a midi keyboard). In such a system, we do not have DJ LINK.
The Deep-Symmetry team has created such a thing as a “beat-carabiner” which combines Ableton LINK with DJ LINK.
https://github.com/Deep-Symmetry/beat-carabiner

And now the question begins. Is it possible to connect your software to the beat-carabiner and create a DJ LINK. network that will create a “virtual console:” this way BLT will see all the data such as song name, Deck, bpm, etc.?

[grufkork]

Hey, I just released a new version! Does it fulfill your requirements? It has Ableton Link support now, so I think it should work. Give it a try and tell if there are any implementation specifics that would need adjusting.

There's also additional OSC messages when tracks are loaded, BPM/pitch is changed and a couple more