Automatically Set CUE Points in Rekordbox on MacOS

This article describes a JavaScript-based automation script for Rekordbox that helps DJs automatically set memory cues and hot cues for their tracks. The script is particularly useful for batch processing multiple tracks in a playlist, saving time and ensuring consistent cue point placement.

Prerequisites

Before using the script, you need to set up the keyboard shortcuts in Rekordbox:

1. Open Rekordbox
2. Go to rekordbox => Preferences => Keyboard
3. Download and import the rekordbox-keymap.xml file
4. Alternatively, manually configure the following shortcuts under “Performance 1 (Preset)” for “Deck 1”:

Essential Keyboard Shortcuts

Basic Controls

• Cue: S
• Return to beginning: T
• Next Track: U

Memory Cue Controls

• Set Memory Cue: V
• Delete Memory Cue: W
• Call Next Memory Cue: X
• Call Previous Memory Cue: Y
• Memory Cues 1-10: A through J
• Delete Memory Cues 1-10: Shift + A through Shift + J

Hot Cue Controls

• Set Hot Cues A-H: K through R
• Clear Hot Cues A-H: Shift + K through Shift + R

Navigation Controls

• Forward 4 beats: Shift + S
• Forward 8 beats: Shift + T
• Forward 16 beats: Shift + U
• Forward 8 bars: Shift + V
• Backward 4 beats: Shift + W
• Backward 8 beats: Shift + X
• Backward 16 beats: Shift + Y
• Backward 8 bars: Shift + Z
• Set 1.1 Bars: Z

Script Functionality

The script provides several automated functions for managing cue points:

1. Memory Cue Management

• Set Memory Cues: Automatically places memory cues at regular intervals throughout the track
• Delete Memory Cues: Removes all memory cues from the selected tracks

2. Hot Cue Management

• Set Hot Cues: Places hot cues at strategic points relative to memory cues
• Clear Hot Cues: Removes all hot cues from the selected tracks

3. Bar Setting

• Set 1.1 Bars: Automatically sets the 1.1 bar marker at the beginning of each track

Usage

1. Open the Rekordbox application.
2. Download the rekordbox.js.
3. Open the Script Editor application.
4. Open the rekordbox.js script in the Script Editor.
5. Change the language to Javascript.
6. Click the Run button.

Running the script requires Rekordbox to be open and running; you cannot change the focussed window from Rekordbox until the script completes.

When you run the script, it will present a series of prompts:

1. Action Selection: Choose from:
   • Set memory cues
   • Delete memory cues
   • Set hot cues
   • Clear hot cues
   • Set 1.1 bars
2. Genre Selection: Currently supports:
   • Drum & Bass (with specific cue point patterns)

3. Track Count: Enter the number of tracks to process

4. Confirmation: Review and confirm the action

Genre-Specific Settings

Drum & Bass

• Memory cues are placed every 16 bars
• Hot cues are set relative to memory cues with specific spacing
• Optimized for typical DnB track structure

Technical Details

The script uses JavaScript for macOS automation (JXA) to:

• Control Rekordbox through keyboard shortcuts
• Navigate through tracks
• Set and clear cue points
• Handle user input through dialog boxes
• Manage timing and delays between actions

Limitations

• Currently optimized for Drum & Bass tracks
• Requires specific keyboard shortcut configuration
• Works only on macOS
• Processes tracks sequentially

Future Improvements

• Support for additional genres
• Customizable cue point patterns
• Batch processing optimization
• Additional cue point types
• Error handling and recovery

Installation

1. Download the script file rekordbox.js
2. Make it executable: chmod +x rekordbox.js
3. Ensure the keyboard shortcuts are configured
4. Run the script: ./rekordbox.js

Troubleshooting

If the script doesn’t work as expected:

1. Verify keyboard shortcuts are correctly configured
2. Ensure Rekordbox is running and in focus
3. Check that tracks are loaded in the playlist
4. Verify the number of tracks matches your input

See Also

• Category: /dj

Appendix

rekordbox.js