Pioneer REKORDBOX User manual

rekordbox
TM
Operating Instructions

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Contents
1Prior to use (Important)................................................................................................... 6
1.1 Overview of rekordbox .................................................................................................................6
1.2 System requirements ...................................................................................................................6
1.3 Communications environment on the computer...........................................................................8
1.4 Music files that can be loaded and played (file formats)...............................................................9
1.5 Supported media (file system)....................................................................................................10
1.6 Installation procedure.................................................................................................................10
1.7 Launch rekordbox/Access to operating instructions...................................................................10
1.8 Account setup ............................................................................................................................12
1.9 Selecting how you use rekordbox ..............................................................................................15
1.10 KUVO Setting.............................................................................................................................16
1.11 Installing audio driver .................................................................................................................17
1.12 user account control...................................................................................................................17
1.13 Using the online support site......................................................................................................18
2Introduction.................................................................................................................... 19
2.1 Features of rekordbox................................................................................................................19
2.1.1 Analysis of music files for your DJ performance ................................................................19
2.1.2 Enhanced browser for speedy and easy track selection....................................................19
2.1.3 Consolidate management of music files and data by linking Pioneer DJ products ............20
2.1.4 DJ performance using rekordbox.......................................................................................21
2.2 Contents.....................................................................................................................................22
2.3 How to use this manual..............................................................................................................22
2.4EXPORT and PERFORMANCE mode.......................................................................................23
2.4.1 EXPORT mode ..................................................................................................................23
2.4.2 PERFORMANCE mode.....................................................................................................24
2.5 Using PERFORMANCE mode ...................................................................................................25
2.5.1 Activation ...........................................................................................................................26
2.5.2 Downloading and installing Sampler Plus Pack.................................................................28
2.5.3 Cautions for activation .......................................................................................................29
2.5.4 Using the license key for other computers.........................................................................29
2.6 Trial of PERFORMANCE mode (Trial mode)..............................................................................30
2.6.1 Starting trial........................................................................................................................30
3Common features of EXPORT/ PERFORMANCE mode............................................. 31
3.1 Adding music files to Collection..................................................................................................31

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3.1.1 Adding music files to Collection .........................................................................................31
3.1.2 Editing information on a music file .....................................................................................32
3.1.3 Adding an artwork image to a music file ............................................................................32
3.1.4 Reloading tag information of a music file ...........................................................................32
3.2 Searching for music files............................................................................................................33
3.2.1 Searching for music files with search filter.........................................................................33
3.2.2 Searching for a music file using the category filter.............................................................34
3.2.3 Sorting information to search for music files......................................................................34
3.2.4 Change columns shown in the track list and their order.....................................................34
3.3 Organizing music files by using playlists....................................................................................35
3.3.1 Creating a new playlist.......................................................................................................35
3.3.2 Adding playlists by importing an external file .....................................................................36
3.3.3 Organizing playlists by using folders..................................................................................36
3.3.4 Adding an artwork image to playlist ...................................................................................36
3.4 Browsing external library............................................................................................................37
3.4.1 Browsing iTunes Library.....................................................................................................37
3.4.2 Use folders and music files in your computer and USB flash drive....................................38
3.4.3 rekordbox xml ....................................................................................................................39
3.5 Efficient DJ set preparation using various features of rekordbox................................................40
3.5.1 Shortcuts to instantly navigating Tree View........................................................................40
3.5.2 Playlist Palette to display multiple playlists for easier track selection.................................42
3.5.3 Organizing music files using Intelligent Playlists................................................................45
3.5.4 Customized browsing using My Tag...................................................................................47
3.5.5 Display related tracks.........................................................................................................51
3.5.6 Sub Browser ......................................................................................................................53
4EXPORT mode.............................................................................................................. 54
4.1 Using rekordbox to prepare for DJ performance ........................................................................54
4.2 Using rekordbox with DJ equipment...........................................................................................56
4.3 Names and functions of parts.....................................................................................................59
4.3.1 Player panel.......................................................................................................................59
4.3.2 The sub-panel for the loaded track ....................................................................................65
4.3.3 Function panel ...................................................................................................................67
4.3.4 Browser panel....................................................................................................................71
4.3.5 Link status panel................................................................................................................74
4.4 Launching rekordbox..................................................................................................................75
4.5 Listening to music files...............................................................................................................76

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4.5.1 Playing a music file............................................................................................................76
4.5.2 Checking the beat (beat grid).............................................................................................79
4.5.3 Analysis Lock.....................................................................................................................82
4.5.4 Detecting the key...............................................................................................................83
4.6 Setting cue or loop points...........................................................................................................84
4.6.1 Saving cues or loops..........................................................................................................86
4.7Using hot cues ...........................................................................................................................90
4.8 Organizing hot cue by using Hot Cue Bank List.........................................................................92
4.9 Using 2-Player mode to prepare for mixing................................................................................94
4.10 Sync Manager............................................................................................................................98
4.11 Playback with a USB device.....................................................................................................102
4.11.1 Transferring music files to USB devices...........................................................................104
4.11.2 DJ performance using a USB device connected to DJ equipment...................................106
4.12 DJ performance on DJ equipment connected to LAN .............................................................. 111
4.13 Setting preferences..................................................................................................................116
4.14 Menu list...................................................................................................................................123
4.15 Managing music files................................................................................................................127
4.15.1 Saving data using the backup function ............................................................................127
4.15.2 Replacing data with the backup data using the Restore function.....................................129
4.15.3 Updating the file paths of missing music files...................................................................130
5PERFORMANCE mode.............................................................................................. 131
5.1 Enjoy DJ performance with DJ units.........................................................................................131
5.1.1 Using rekordbox with a controller.....................................................................................131
5.1.2 Using rekordbox with CDJ/XDJ........................................................................................132
5.2 Part names...............................................................................................................................134
5.2.1 Global section..................................................................................................................134
5.2.2 Enlarged waveform..........................................................................................................137
5.2.3 Functions assigned to Deck section.................................................................................138
5.2.4 Performance pad .............................................................................................................143
5.2.5 HOT CUE mode...............................................................................................................144
5.2.6 PAD FX mode ..................................................................................................................145
5.2.7 SLICER mode..................................................................................................................146
5.2.8 BEAT JUMP.....................................................................................................................146
5.2.9 ACTIVE CENSOR............................................................................................................147
5.2.10 SEQUENCE CALL...........................................................................................................149
5.2.11 Memory CUE ...................................................................................................................149

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5.2.12 Grid edit ...........................................................................................................................150
5.2.13 Mixer................................................................................................................................152
5.2.14 Effector.............................................................................................................................153
5.2.15 Recording ........................................................................................................................154
5.2.16 Sampler ...........................................................................................................................155
5.2.17 Sequencer .......................................................................................................................156
5.3 Basic operation ........................................................................................................................158
5.3.1 Launching rekordbox .......................................................................................................158
5.3.2 Loading tracks..................................................................................................................159
5.3.3 Playback ..........................................................................................................................159
5.3.4 Adjusting the playing speed (Tempo Control) ..................................................................160
5.3.5 Setting current cue point..................................................................................................161
5.3.6 Setting loop......................................................................................................................162
5.3.7 Setting hot cues...............................................................................................................163
5.3.8 To use slip mode..............................................................................................................164
5.3.9 Using Beat Sync function.................................................................................................167
5.3.10 Using Quantize function...................................................................................................168
5.3.11 Using Instant Double function..........................................................................................169
5.3.12 Using beat jump...............................................................................................................170
5.3.13 Using mixer function ........................................................................................................170
5.3.14 Monitoring of audio ..........................................................................................................171
5.3.15 Using MIC section............................................................................................................172
5.4 Changing graphical user interface (GUI)..................................................................................174
5.4.1 To change layout..............................................................................................................174
5.4.2 To display/hide mixer, effector, sampler and REC panels. ...............................................175
5.5 Analysis Lock...........................................................................................................................175
5.6 Recording.................................................................................................................................176
5.7 Effect (FX)................................................................................................................................178
5.7.1 To display effect panel .....................................................................................................178
5.7.2 To select decks to apply effect.........................................................................................179
5.7.3 BEAT FX..........................................................................................................................180
5.7.4 To change effect mode of BEAT FX .................................................................................180
5.7.5 To use BEAT FX...............................................................................................................181
5.7.6 RELEASE FX...................................................................................................................184
5.7.7 SOUND COLOR FX.........................................................................................................185
5.7.8 Select the effect mode of SOUND COLOR FX................................................................185

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5.7.9 To use SOUND COLOR FX.............................................................................................185
5.7.10 PAD FX............................................................................................................................188
5.8 Sampler....................................................................................................................................191
5.8.1 To display sampler deck...................................................................................................191
5.8.2 To use sampler.................................................................................................................192
5.8.3 Color setting of sampler slots...........................................................................................198
5.9 Sequencer................................................................................................................................199
5.9.1 How to use sequencer.....................................................................................................199
5.9.2 SEQUENCE LOAD (Loading a sequence to a deck).......................................................203
5.9.3 SEQUENCE CALL...........................................................................................................203
5.10 Slicer........................................................................................................................................204
5.10.1 To use the slicer function .................................................................................................205
5.10.2 Differences between slicer mode and slicer loop mode...................................................207
5.11 CAPTURE................................................................................................................................207
5.11.1 LOOP CAPTURE.............................................................................................................208
5.11.2 SLICER CAPTURE..........................................................................................................208
5.12 ACTIVE CENSOR.........................................................................................................................211
5.12.1 To use ACTIVE CENSOR ................................................................................................211
5.12 Setting preferences..................................................................................................................214
5.13 Menu list...................................................................................................................................222
6Legal information......................................................................................................... 226
6.1 Disclaimer ................................................................................................................................226
6.2 Copyright warning ....................................................................................................................226
6.3 Software end user license agreement......................................................................................227
6.4 Trademarks, licenses, etc.........................................................................................................231

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1 Prior to use (Important)
1.1 Overview of rekordbox
rekordbox is Pioneer DJ’s track organization and performance software, letting you manage
music files, prepare sets and perform from the same rekordbox library on Pioneer DJ products
using various DJ performance tools - Hot Cues, Sampler, Slicer, Sound Color FX, Beat FX, Beat
Jump and Pad FX.
Create your own playlists with rekordbox - classify and search for music files stored on your
computer according to the needs for various DJ scenes.
Analyze tracks - detect key, edit beats and tempo (BPM), and collect other important
information of your music files prior to performance.
Set and store point information (for cueing, looping, hot cueing, etc.) prior to performance.
Enjoy live performance using FXs and samplers included in rekordbox dj.
rekordbox allows you to use pre-set playlists with various point information for your live DJ
performance.
It is also able to record your DJ performance including improvised cue and loop information
for the review of your DJ performance history.
1.2 System requirements
Prior to installing rekordbox, make sure to read 6.3 Software end user license agreement.
Supported OS
rekordbox is supported under the following OS:
Windows: Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 7 (latest service pack)
Mac OS X: 10.11、10.10、10.9 (latest version)
The latest information (supported OS, required operating environment, etc.) is available on
the rekordbox website (https://www.rekordbox.com/en/products/rekordbox/system.php).
International language support for installation
Installation program for rekordbox supports multiple languages: English, French, German,
Italy, Dutch, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, Chinese (simplified, traditional), Korean and

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Japanese. When you use other language OS, follow the instructions on the screen and select
English as language to install.
Required system (minimum required operating environment)
Make sure whether your computer meets the following system requirements before you install
rekordbox.
CPU
IntelⓇprocessor CoreTM i7、i5、i3
IntelⓇprocessor CoreTM 2 Duo 2.0 GHz or higher
Memory
4 GB or more RAM
Hard disk/
SSD
250 MB free HD space (excluding space necessary for storing music
files)
Display
resolution
Display resolution ≥ 1280 × 768
Sound
Audio output to speakers, headphones, etc. (built-in or external audio
device)
Internet
Connection
For user registration or inquires, use a web browser supporting 128-bit
SSL (i.e. Safari 2.0 and above, Internet Explorer® 8.0 and above).
USB port
A USB port for connection of the USB storage device is required to
transfer music files to a USB device (flash memory, hard disk, etc.).
LAN port
An Ethernet LAN adapter (RJ45 port) is required for communications
with DJ units to transfer music files to a PRO DJ LINK-compatible
CDJ/XDJ. For details, see the Operating Instructions of the Pioneer
DJ products.
Full functionality is not guaranteed with all computers even when the above operating
environment conditions are fulfilled.
Even with the required memory capacity indicated for the operating environment above, in the
cases described below the software may not provide full functionality and performance due to
lack of memory. In this case, take the necessary measures to ensure sufficient free memory.
We recommend adding extra memory in order to achieve stable performance.
- When there are many tracks being managed in the rekordbox library.
- When resident programs and services are running
Depending on your computer’s power saving settings and other factors, it may not be
possible for your computer to achieve its optimum CPU and/or hard-disk processing capacity.

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Especially when using a laptop computer, make sure to utilize external AC power sources to
ensure high performance settings of the computer while using rekordbox.
rekordbox may not operate properly when combined with other software programs installed
on your computer.
1.3 Communications environment on the computer
Depending on the security software used on your computer and its operating system’s settings,
communications with DJ units or mobile devices may be interrupted.
If this occurs, it will be necessary to check your settings for the following four programs to ensure
that they are not blocked. Extension of program depends on OS of the computer you use; e.g.
the extension “.app” is for Mac and “.exe” for Windows:
rekordbox.exe
PSvNFSd.exe
PSvLinkSysMgr.exe
edb_streamd.exe
When sharing of the computer’s Internet connection is enabled, problems may arise in
communications with other computers or DJ units connected on the LAN. Disable sharing of the
computer’s Internet connection before connecting the computer to the LAN.
The computer’s Internet connection sharing is deactivated as described below.
Mac OS X: Open [System Preferences], then at [Internet & Network], uncheck [Internet
Sharing] under [Sharing].
Windows: Open [Local Area Connection Properties], then at [Sharing], uncheck [Allow
other network users to connect through this computer’s Internet connection] under
[Internet Connection Sharing].
Communications with DJ units or mobile devices may also be interrupted if the network (IP
address, port number, etc.) is restricted by a router or other communications device.
For details on the communications devices, security software and the settings of the operating
system you are using, contact the respective manufacturer or your sales agent.

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1.4 Music files that can be loaded and played (file formats)
Please note that this software can only write to SD memory cards and USB devices (flash memory
or hard disks) listed in the table below.
File formats
Music
files
Compatible
Formats
Encoding
method
Bit
depth
Bit rate
Sampling frequency
File
extension
MP3
files
MPEG-1
AUDIO
LAYER-3
CBR, VBR
16 bit
32 kbps to
320 kbps
32 kHz, 44.1 kHz,
48 kHz
.mp3
MPEG-2
AUDIO
LAYER-3
CBR, VBR
16 bit
16 kbps to
160 kbps
16 kHz, 22.05 kHz,
24 kHz
.mp3
AAC
Files
MPEG-4
AAC LC
CBR, VBR
16 bit
8 kbps to
320 kbps
16 kHz, 22.05 kHz,
24 kHz, 32 kHz,
44.1 kHz, 48 kHz
.m4a, .mp4
WAVE Files
Uncompressed
PCM
16 bit,
24 bit
－
44.1 kHz, 48
kHz,88.2kHz
96kHz, 192kHz
.wav
AIFF File
Uncompressed
PCM
16 bit,
24 bit
－
44.1 kHz, 48 kHz,
88.2kHz, 96kHz, ,
192kHz
.aif, .aiff
Apple Lossless File
Compressed
PCM
16 bit,
24 bit
－
44.1 kHz, 48 kHz,
88.2kHz, 96kHz, ,
192kHz
.m4a
FLAC File
Compressed
PCM
16 bit,
24 bit
－
44.1 kHz, 48 kHz,
88.2kHz, 96kHz, ,
192kHz
.flac, .fla
It may not be possible to read or play music files including both audio and video or copyright-
protected music files.
For music files (file formats) that can be loaded and played on DJ equipment produced by
Pioneer DJ, see the Operating Instructions for each DJ equipment.

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1.5 Supported media (file system)
Please note that this software can only write to SD memory cards and USB devices (flash
memory or hard disks) listed in the table below.
File system
Recording media
FAT16
FAT32
NTFS
HFS
HFS+
SD memory cards


N/A
N/A
N/A
USB Devices


N/A
N/A

To check the compatibility of SD memory cards and USB devices (flash memory or hard
disk) with your DJ equipment produced by Pioneer DJ, see the Operating Instructions for
each specific DJ equipment.
For the latest information on DJ equipment produced by Pioneer DJ that can be used in
combination with rekordbox, see the rekordbox Support Site.
(https://www.rekordbox.com/en/support/link.php)
HFS+ is only available for Mac OS X.
1.6 Installation procedure
Authorization of the computer’s administrator is required to install and uninstall rekordbox.
Log on as the user which was set as the computer’s administrator before installing.
1 Launch web browser of the computer you use to download rekordbox from
“Free to Download” at: https://rekordbox.com/en/store/
2 Click twice the downloaded file to unzip. Click twice the unzipped file to
launch installation program
3 Proceed with installation of rekordbox according to the instructions on the
screen.
1.7 Launch rekordbox/Access to operating instructions
Log on as the user which was set as the computer’s administrator to use rekordbox.
To use rekordbox for the first time, or in case you did not register user registration when you
installed other version of rekordbox, windows for user registration and account setting will be
displayed on the screen. In this case, launch rekordbox with your computer connected to the
internet to proceed with user registration and account setting. For further details, see 1.8.
Account registration.

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With your computer connected to the Internet, you can access to Online Manual and Support
Site from rekordbox [Help] menu.
For Mac OS X
Click the [Applications] > [rekordbox 4] Folder with Finder, then double-click [rekordbox].
For Windows®
Double-click the [rekordbox] icon (shortcut) on the desktop.

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1.8 Account setup
You need to create and setup a rekordbox account (KUVO account) before using rekordbox.
If you have a rekordbox 3 account, you can use it.
License keys for rekordbox 2 or earlier cannot be used. If you obtained an account when you
submitted an inquiry, you cannot use it for rekordbox.
1 Launch rekordbox, then account setup window appears.
When you already setup your account for rekordbox 3, this popup screen will not be shown.
You can use rekordbox 4.
[Account Setup Window]
2 Click [Create an account] to move to the account registration website.
https://kuvo.com/rekordbox/signup/

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3 Enter account name, email address and password.
4 Read Terms of Service and Privacy Policy and tick the checkbox to agree.
You cannot use the application if you do not consent.
5 Click [Create my account]. rekordbox will send information needed to account
setup to the email address you entered.
Your account has not yet been created.
6 Click [Next], and below message will appear.

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7 Your account will be created when you complete the process according to the
instructions in the email you received.
8 Go back to rekordbox [Account Setup Window] and enter the account name
and password, then you can use rekordbox.
If you are not connected to the Internet
Log in to the KUVO website (http://kuvo.com/) from another computer connected to the
internet using your rekordbox account. Click [EDIT PROFILE] to download an account key file
(djprofile.nxs) from [EDIT PROFILE].
Save the downloaded account key file in the computer where rekordbox is installed.
Launch rekordbox. At the rekordbox account setup window, click [You are not connected to
the Internet?] and specify the account key file saved on the computer. That completes the
account setup and you can use rekordbox.

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1.9 Selecting how you use rekordbox
After setting up the account, the following window appears. Select either of the two ways
according to your needs.
Click the [Music management] icon if you are:
To use rekordbox as a music management software for set preparation for DJing, i.e.
making playlists, checking beat grids and tempo and setting cue points with your
CDJs/XDJs.
rekordbox 3 users who continue to use this software.
Click the [DJ performance] icon if you:
Bought a DDJ-R series controller and have a bundled rekordbox dj license key.
Are using rekordbox dj Trial service
Bought a rekordbox dj license key and wish to use the PERFPRMANCE mode.
Note: If you wish to use both of the above, select [DJ performance].
See 2.4 EXPORT and PERFORMANCE mode to learn about rekordbox dj.

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1.10 KUVO Setting
After clicking the icon, the KUVO window appears as below. You can choose your DJ playlist
information either public or private. This settings can be changed later.
To change this setting, open [KUVO] from the menu →select [Privacy Settings].
To use KUVO, please refer to the Configuration Guide.
URL: http://kuvo.com/kuvoweb/docs/configulation_guide/ConfigurationGuide.pdf

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1.11 Installing audio driver
After the KUVO privacy setting, [Audio Driver Install] window appears. You may have to install
an audio driver to output audio from rekordbox to Pioneer DJ equipment. Select the
equipment you are going to use and install an appropriate audio driver.
1.12 user account control
Entering administrator’s password (Mac) / Allowing user account control (Windows)
If you are using a Mac, you will be asked to input a password. Enter the administrator’s
password of your Mac. If you are using a Windows PC, you will be asked if you allow
“rbinit.exe” to make changes on your computer. Confirm the publisher then click [Yes].
If you don’t do these procedures, additional features such as “rekordbox dj” cannot be
activated.

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1.13 Using the online support site
Before making inquiries on rekordbox operating procedures or technical issues, read the
rekordbox manual and check the FAQ provided on the rekordbox online support site.
<rekordbox online support site>
http://rekordbox.com/
User registration on the rekordbox online support site is required prior to making inquiries
concerning rekordbox.
Be careful not to forget the log-in name (your e-mail address) and password specified when
you registered.
Pioneer DJ Corporation collects your personal information for the following purposes:
1 To provide customer support for your purchased product
2 To inform you of product or event information by e-mail
3 To obtain feedback collected by survey for product planning purposes
- Your personal information is kept confidential corresponding to the privacy policy set forth
by our company.
- Pioneer DJ’s privacy policy can be viewed on the rekordbox online support site.
When making inquiries regarding rekordbox, please be sure to let us know your computer
type and specifications (CPU, installed memory and other connected peripherals, etc.), the
operating system and version used, as well as concrete information regarding the issue at
hand.
- To inquire about configuration of your computer with non-Pioneer DJ peripheral devices
and to obtain the corresponding technical support, contact the manufacturer or retailer.
Further version updates are anticipated for improved functionality and performance of
rekordbox. Update programs will be available for download on the rekordbox online support
site. We strongly recommend you check for the updates to always use the latest version of
rekordbox.

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2 Introduction
2.1 Features of rekordbox
2.1.1 Analysis of music files for your DJ performance
Music File Analysis
Load tracks in your computer into rekordbox for analysis and create Collection. Waveform,
beats and tempo (BPM) and other useful information are at your hand for higher levels of DJ
performance. This will enhance your DJ performance further when you use Pioneer DJ
products and applications.
Quantize
When the quantize function is set to on, points are automatically set to the nearest beat
position when setting cues and loops.
Beat Sync
The beat positions and BPMs of tracks played on multiple DJ equipment can be automatically
synchronized by analyzing music files by rekordbox. This will enable you to perform a wide
variety of effect and mixing techniques.
2.1.2 Enhanced browser for speedy and easy track selection
Playlist
Create playlist before DJ performance using rekordbox with your favorite music files and
according to DJ scenes. You can select the right tune quicker at the live performance by
importing prepared playlists including the ones created on iTunes.
Intelligent Playlist
You can automatically create a list of music files by narrowing down the search using filters.