Are you looking to use your Pioneer DDJ-SB2 controller with Cross DJ on your mobile devices? You’re in the right place! This guide will walk you through the steps to successfully set up your DDJ-SB2 with both Cross DJ for iOS and Android. Let’s dive in and get you mixing on the go.
Getting the Correct Mapping File
To start, you’ll need to extract the MIDI mapping file from the desktop version of Cross DJ. Here’s how:
- Download Cross DJ Demo: Head over to the Mixvibes website and download the demo version of Cross DJ from this link: https://www.mixvibes.com/cross-dj-free-download/
- Install the Software: Install Cross DJ on your computer (Windows or Mac).
- Connect Your DDJ-SB2: Plug in your Pioneer DDJ-SB2 controller to your computer and launch the Cross DJ application.
- Access MIDI Preferences: Go to “Preferences” within Cross DJ, and then click on the “MIDI” tab. You should see your “Pioneer DDJ-SB2” controller highlighted in orange in the device list.
- Export Mapping File: Click the “Export controller mapping” button, located at the bottom right of the list. Save the mapping file with a name you’ll remember – the specific name isn’t crucial.
- Close Cross DJ: Once you’ve saved the mapping file, close the Cross DJ software.
Modifying the Mapping File for Mobile
The exported mapping file needs a small adjustment to be correctly recognized by Cross DJ on iOS and Android. Follow these steps to modify it:
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Open with a Text Editor: Locate the exported mapping file. It’s an XML file that you can open and edit with any text editor like Notepad (on Windows) or TextEdit (on Mac).
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Edit Device Names: Find the following lines within the XML file:
PCDevice="Pioneer DDJ-SB2" MacDevice="Pioneer DDJ-SB2"Replace them with the lines below. This change is essential because mobile versions of Cross DJ identify the device simply as “DDJ-SB2”:
PCDevice="DDJ-SB2" MacDevice="DDJ-SB2" -
Save the Modified File: Save the changes to the mapping file. You can rename the file for clarity, for example, “Pioneer DDJ-SB2.mappings” to keep it organized.
Placing the Mapping File on Your Mobile Device
Now you need to place the modified mapping file in the correct location on your iOS or Android device.
For iOS (iPad/iPhone):
- Transfer via Files App: The easiest way is to email the modified mapping file to yourself and then open the email on your iPad or iPhone. Use the “Files” app to save the attachment.
- Navigate to Cross DJ Mappings Folder: Within the “Files” app, navigate to “On My iPhone” or “On My iPad” > “Cross DJ” > “Mappings”. If the “Mappings” folder doesn’t exist, create it.
- Place the File: Move or copy the modified mapping file into the “Mappings” folder.
For Android Devices:
- Access Android File System: Use a file manager app on your Android device to access the file system.
- Navigate to the Mappings Folder: Go to the following path:
/Android/data/com.mixvibes.crossdjapp/files/Mappings. Again, create the “Mappings” folder if it’s not already there. - Place the File: Copy the modified mapping file into the “Mappings” folder.
Powering Up and Connecting
The Pioneer DDJ-SB2 requires more power than your mobile device can typically provide directly. Therefore, you’ll need a powered USB hub.
Alt text: Pioneer DDJ-SB2 DJ controller showcasing its layout and features.
A powered USB hub like this one from Amazon can be used: https://www.amazon.es/gp/product/B07M5LMGXZ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Connection Steps:
- For iPad: Connect the powered USB hub to your Apple Camera Adapter, and then connect the adapter to your iPad. It’s recommended to use the original Apple adapter like this one: https://www.amazon.es/gp/product/B01DGDNL2G/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1. Then plug your DDJ-SB2 into the USB hub.
- For Android: Use any USB OTG adapter to connect the powered USB hub to your Android device. Then connect your DDJ-SB2 to the USB hub.
You can connect the DDJ-SB2 before or after launching the Cross DJ app on your mobile device.
Final Check: Headphone Output
If you’re not getting any sound from your headphones plugged into the DDJ-SB2, make sure to check the audio settings within Cross DJ.
Go to: Advanced settings -> Audio output mode -> Dual
Ensure that the “Audio output mode” in Cross DJ is set to “DUAL”. This setting is crucial for headphone cueing to work correctly with your controller.
Need More Inspiration?
For further insights and alternative approaches, check out this helpful article: https://djtechtools.com/2018/07/10/how-to-use-any-controller-with-djay-pro-cross-dj-pro-ios-dj-apps/
If you run into any issues or need the modified mapping file, feel free to reach out via email at [email protected].
Happy mixing!
