DJLink
v0.6.0 stableA low-latency C++ daemon that bridges Pioneer Pro DJ Link to Ableton Link, tuned for Raspberry Pi 4 with a real-time kernel. Tight tempo and beat sync between your CDJs and Ableton Live.
What is DJLink?
DJLink is a real-time bridge that translates Pioneer Pro DJ Link network traffic into Ableton Link tempo and phase data.
It runs headless on a dedicated Raspberry Pi 4 with a real-time kernel, so latency between CDJ/XDJ players and any Link-enabled app stays low and predictable.
Why it exists
DJs needed a reliable way to sync Ableton Live and other Link gear with a CDJ setup, without the timing drift and jitter you get from software-only setups.
Running on dedicated real-time hardware, it holds the beat tight for the whole set.
How to use it
- Connect your CDJs/XDJ and the DJLink Raspberry Pi to the same Ethernet switch.
- Boot the Pi. DJLink auto-starts at IP 169.254.10.2.
- Connect your computer to the same switch (an IP in the 169.254.x.x range).
- Open Ableton Live (or any Link-enabled app) and enable Link.
IP range: 169.254.0.1 to 169.254.255.254
Subnet mask: 255.255.0.0 (or /16)
Example: set your computer to 169.254.10.1, mask 255.255.0.0
No router, DHCP, or extra setup needed. It finds your CDJs automatically and keeps every Link device on the network in time.
Web dashboard: live status and beat monitor at 169.254.10.2:8080.
Download
Bootable SD-card image for Raspberry Pi 4 with DJLink pre-installed.
- Version: v0.6.0
- Kernel: Linux 6.18 Real-Time (PREEMPT_RT), purpose-built
- Image: djlink-v0.6.0.img.xz (~14 MB compressed)
- SHA256: 69da059c9c21ea44944c240bf1231bffdec5352377e513af81b5f8f9913075fd
Flash to an SD card, insert in the Pi 4, and boot. DJLink starts automatically. See what's new in this release.
This is a hobby project I built for my own use and decided to share with anyone who wants to test and play with it. It's not commercial and comes as-is. Bug reports and feature requests are welcome, but with limited time there's no guarantee they'll be implemented.