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RbLighting Docs

Getting Started

Sync your Rekordbox DJ sets with SoundSwitch lighting in real-time

Welcome! This guide will help you set up RbLighting so your lighting follows your music seamlessly. You’ll be up and running in about 10 minutes.

What You’ll Need

Section titled “What You’ll Need”

Before starting, make sure you have:

  • Windows PC (RbLighting currently supports Windows only)
  • Rekordbox installed
  • SoundSwitch installed
  • Administrator access to install software

What is RbLighting?

Section titled “What is RbLighting?”

RbLighting is a lightweight bridge application that connects Rekordbox and SoundSwitch. It captures real-time timing data from Rekordbox (BPM, beat phase, downbeats, and bars) and transmits it to SoundSwitch, enabling your lighting to stay perfectly synchronized with your music.

How it works:

Rekordbox → RbLighting → SoundSwitch → Your Lighting

Note: This is the first public release. While most users experience smooth operation, some configurations may require troubleshooting. Check the troubleshooting guide if you encounter issues.

Installation

Section titled “Installation”

Step 1: Download RbLighting

Section titled “Step 1: Download RbLighting”
  1. Download the latest MSI installer from the downloads page
  2. Save the file to your computer

Step 2: Install RbLighting

Section titled “Step 2: Install RbLighting”
  1. Double-click the downloaded MSI file
  2. The Windows Installer will run briefly (you may see it flash on screen)
  3. Installation completes automatically—no configuration needed

Technical Note: The installer runs silently without a UI. If you don’t see any errors, the installation was successful.

Setup Guide

Section titled “Setup Guide”

Part 1: Connect to Rekordbox

Section titled “Part 1: Connect to Rekordbox”

1. Launch Rekordbox

Section titled “1. Launch Rekordbox”

Make sure Rekordbox is open and running before proceeding.

2. Start RbLighting

Section titled “2. Start RbLighting”
  • Open the Start Menu
  • Search for “RbLighting”
  • Click to launch the application

3. Verify Connection

Section titled “3. Verify Connection”

When RbLighting opens, you should see the main screen.

Note: Please wait 20-30 seconds to allow RbLighting to connect.

Successful Connection to Rekordbox:

  • A black AlphaTheta icon in the top-left corner
  • The application window showing placeholders for track information

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Connection Failed (Orange Icon): If you see an orange AlphaTheta icon instead:

  1. Click “Settings” in the menu
  2. Select “Connect to Rekordbox”
  3. Wait a moment—the icon should turn black

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4. Test the Connection

Section titled “4. Test the Connection”
  1. Load any track in Rekordbox
  2. Press Play
  3. Watch the RbLighting window for updates:
    • Song name should appear
    • BPM should display
    • Play status should change

✅ Success! If you see these updates, Rekordbox is connected properly.

❌ Not Working? See the troubleshooting guide for solutions.

Part 2: Connect to SoundSwitch

Section titled “Part 2: Connect to SoundSwitch”

1. Open SoundSwitch Settings

Section titled “1. Open SoundSwitch Settings”
  1. Launch SoundSwitch
  2. Click the Settings icon or menu

2. Configure Input Source

Section titled “2. Configure Input Source”
  1. Navigate to the “General” tab
  2. Find the “Input” or “DJ Software” dropdown
  3. Select “VirtualDJ” from the list

Why VirtualDJ? RbLighting communicates using VirtualDJ’s protocol, which SoundSwitch supports.

3. Set Connection Mode

Section titled “3. Set Connection Mode”
  • Keep “Auto Connect” enabled (recommended)

Note: For known limitations with connection modes, see the known limitations page.

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4. Restart SoundSwitch

Section titled “4. Restart SoundSwitch”

Close and reopen SoundSwitch to apply the changes.

5. Switch to Perform Mode

Section titled “5. Switch to Perform Mode”
  1. In SoundSwitch, enter “Perform” mode
  2. Change the source to “VirtualDJ”

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6. Verify Connection

Section titled “6. Verify Connection”
  • RbLighting automatically attempts to connect to SoundSwitch every few seconds
  • Look for “Connected” status in SoundSwitch (usually appears within 5-10 seconds)

Manual Connection: If the connection doesn’t establish automatically:

  1. In RbLighting, click “Settings”
  2. Select “Connect to SoundSwitch”
  3. Wait for the connection status to update

You’re All Set!

Section titled “You’re All Set!”

Your lighting system is now synchronized with Rekordbox through RbLighting. Here’s what happens now:

  • When you play a track in Rekordbox, SoundSwitch receives real-time timing data
  • Your lighting cues will trigger in perfect sync with beats.
  • Changes in BPM are tracked automatically

Quick Troubleshooting

Section titled “Quick Troubleshooting”

RbLighting won’t connect to Rekordbox

Section titled “RbLighting won’t connect to Rekordbox”
  • Ensure Rekordbox is running before starting RbLighting
  • Try restarting both applications
  • Check that you’re using a compatible version of Rekordbox

SoundSwitch shows “Disconnected”

Section titled “SoundSwitch shows “Disconnected””
  • Verify you selected “VirtualDJ” as the input source
  • Click “Connect to SoundSwitch” in RbLighting’s Settings menu
  • Restart SoundSwitch if the issue persists

Lighting is out of sync

Section titled “Lighting is out of sync”
  • Confirm the track is analyzed in Rekordbox (beat grid set)
  • Check that the BPM reading in RbLighting matches your track
  • Verify SoundSwitch shows “Connected” status

For detailed troubleshooting, visit the troubleshooting page.

Workflow Tips

Section titled “Workflow Tips”

Best Practice Setup:

  1. Start Rekordbox first
  2. Launch RbLighting second
  3. Open SoundSwitch last
  4. Wait for both connections to establish before performing

During Your Set:

  • Keep RbLighting running in the background
  • The connection should maintain automatically
  • If you notice sync issues, check RbLighting’s connection icons

Need More Help?

Section titled “Need More Help?”