Knowledge base

What Track analysis does

Track analysis reads the selected audio files on the DJ's own computer and detects, per track, the BPM (tempo), the musical key expressed on the Camelot wheel, an energy value used to shape the set, and the loudness (LUFS) and true peak used by Match loudness. Track analysis runs entirely on the DJ's machine; the audio never leaves the computer. Nothing is written to the USB stick during this step. When analysis finishes, the DJ continues to the Composer.

How to use Track analysis

1. Add tracks or a folder in the Source / tracks to analyze box (see Track selection).
2. Choose the target USB drive in the USB drive / target device box.
3. Click Analyze.
4. When the count under ANALYZED is complete, click Open Composer to build the set.

Track analysis tooltips and on-screen text

What Track analysis does not do

• Track analysis does not upload the DJ's audio anywhere. Analysis happens locally on the DJ's computer.
• Track analysis does not write anything to the USB stick. Writing happens only in the Export step.
• Track analysis does not change the DJ's audio files; it only reads them.
• Track analysis does not need an internet connection to read BPM, key, energy and loudness.

Common questions about Track analysis

Does Track analysis upload my music?

No. Track analysis runs on the DJ's own computer and the audio files never leave the machine.

Does Track analysis change or move my files?

No. Track analysis only reads the files to detect BPM, key, energy and loudness. The files are not changed, and nothing is written to the USB stick in this step.

The detected key or BPM looks wrong — why?

Key and tempo detection is automatic and can occasionally differ from the DJ's own value, especially for tracks with an ambiguous key. The value is a starting point for sequencing.

What Track selection does

Track selection gathers the files the DJ wants in the set. The DJ can add every track from a folder, or pick individual tracks from different folders, and all chosen tracks appear in a scrollable staging list in the Source / tracks to analyze box. Tracks can be removed one by one or all at once before analysis.

How to use Track selection

1. Click + Folder to add every track from a folder.
2. Click + Tracks to pick individual files (multiple can be selected at once); repeat from other folders as needed.
3. Review the staging list; remove a single track with its remove control, or use Clear to empty the list.
4. Click Analyze to interpret the staged tracks.

Track selection tooltips and on-screen text

What Track selection does not do

• Track selection does not copy or move the chosen files. It only lists which files to analyze.
• Track selection does not analyze the tracks on its own; analysis starts when the DJ clicks Analyze.
• Track selection does not import from streaming services; it works with the DJ's local files.

Common questions about Track selection

Can I pick tracks from more than one folder?

Yes. Use + Tracks to add individual files, and repeat from any folder; every chosen track collects in the same staging list.

How do I remove a track I added by mistake?

Use the remove control on that track in the staging list, or use Clear to remove all of them and start over.

What rekordbox import does

rekordbox import loads the tracks from a rekordbox XML file, matches them to the DJ's files on disk, and keeps the BPM, key and beatgrid that rekordbox already worked out — none of that is analyzed again. Tracks whose files cannot be found on disk are reported as missing and skipped. Because a set is a curated selection, the import does not drop a whole library into the Composer; instead it offers two paths: Pick tracks for a set, which opens a filterable browser to choose the tracks for one set, or Write whole library to USB, which skips composing and writes every imported track to the stick in Denon Engine format. Energy (needed for the Composer's arc) is the one value not in the XML; it is computed only for the tracks the DJ actually picks, and not at all for the whole-library write.

How to use rekordbox import

1. In rekordbox, export your collection (or a playlist) as an XML file.
2. In the Analyze step, click + XML and choose that XML file.
3. Read the summary: how many tracks were found and how many are missing, with the coverage for BPM, key, duration, energy and loudness.
4. To build one set, click Pick tracks for a set, filter by search, key, genre or BPM range, tick the tracks you want, then click Add 0 → Compose (the number is how many are selected). Energy is computed for the picked tracks and the Composer opens.
5. To transfer everything as-is, click Write whole library to USB; the Export step opens with every imported track ready to write.

rekordbox import filters (Pick tracks for a set)

rekordbox import tooltips and on-screen text

What rekordbox import does not do

• rekordbox import does not re-analyze BPM, key or beatgrid; it trusts the values from rekordbox.
• rekordbox import does not import cue points from the XML.
• rekordbox import does not copy files at import time; files are copied only when the set or library is written in Export.
• The whole-library path does not compute energy and does not build an arc; it writes the tracks in the imported order.
• rekordbox import does not change the DJ's rekordbox library or the XML file.

Common questions about rekordbox import

My library has over a thousand tracks — do they all go into the Composer?

No. A set is a selection, so the import asks how to continue. Use Pick tracks for a set to filter and choose the tracks for one set, or Write whole library to USB to transfer everything without composing. Writing the whole library requires being online — the export sign-off comes from the Alpha cloud, the same as for a composed set. Since 1.1.0 signing in is only asked for at Export, not before.

Why are some tracks reported as missing?

Those files could not be found on disk at the paths stored in the XML (moved or renamed since the export). They are skipped; the found tracks import normally.

Do I lose my BPM and key by importing?

No. The BPM, key and beatgrid from rekordbox are kept as-is; only energy (and, if needed, loudness) is computed, and only for the tracks you pick.

Can I match loudness on an imported library?

Yes, but the loudness is not in the XML, so it is measured first. See Match loudness — the Export checkbox is locked until the loudness is measured, and clicking it offers to measure and match right away.

What Compose does

Compose orders the analyzed tracks into a set. The DJ picks an energy arc template and can drag its points to shape the curve, sets the target length, and adjusts two priorities. Compose then generates a track order that follows the drawn energy arc and mixes harmonically according to those priorities. The result is opened in the Refine step for review.

How to use Compose

1. Pick an energy arc template (Journey, Wave, Build, Peak-time, Cooldown) and drag its points to shape the curve.
2. Set the length with the minus/plus controls, or click Fit all tracks to size it to all imported tracks.
3. Set the two priority sliders (harmonic vs. energy arc, and key vs. BPM).
4. Click Generate to build the ordered set.

Send to Export without composing (since 1.0.3)

DJs whose playlist is already in the exact order they want can skip the sequencing engine entirely: the link Send to Export without composing → at the top right of the Compose step sends all analyzed tracks straight to Export in their current order. The set is still signed off by the Alpha cloud, so an internet connection is required. Since 1.1.0 no sign-in is needed at this step — the app only asks for an account at Export (see the Free version and signing in entry). The Refine step stays available afterwards for manual reordering or deletions.

Limits and performance

• Compose accepts up to 1000 tracks per set.
• Since 1.0.3, large sets (150+ tracks) compose in seconds. In earlier versions such sets could time out with a generic connection error.

Compose settings

Compose tooltips and on-screen text

What Compose does not do

• Compose does not write anything to the USB stick; it only builds the order, which is written later in Export.
• Compose does not change the DJ's audio files.
• Compose does not change a track's key or tempo; it only orders the tracks.

Common questions about Compose

What does the energy arc do?

The energy arc is the shape the set follows over time. Compose orders the tracks so their energy rises and falls along the curve the DJ draws.

Should I favour harmonic or energy arc?

Pull toward Harmonic for the smoothest key transitions; pull toward Energy arc to follow the drawn curve more closely, even if some key changes are rougher.

Can I change the order after generating?

Yes. The generated order opens in the Refine step, where individual tracks can be reordered or removed.

Do I need an account to compose?

No. Since 1.1.0 Compose works without signing in — analyze, compose and refine are all open. The app only asks for an account at Export, where the first 10 exported tracks are free (see the Free version and signing in entry).

What Refine does

Refine shows the generated set as a row of energy bars with a mini-player. The DJ can click a bar to load that track, play it, drag a bar to move a track to a new position, and delete a track that does not belong. The Refine step also carries the Match loudness control (documented separately). When the set is ready, the DJ sends it to Export.

How to use Refine

1. Click a bar to select and load that track into the mini-player.
2. Press play to audition it; drag the progress bar to scrub.
3. Drag a bar left or right to reorder that track in the set.
4. Use the remove control in the player to delete the selected track.
5. Click Send to Export when the set is ready.

Zooming into large sets (since 1.0.3)

With very large sets (roughly 150 tracks and more) the energy bars become too thin to grab. Whenever that happens, a − / Fit / + control appears at the top right of the bar strip:

• + zooms in — bars become wide and grabbable, and the strip scrolls sideways (scrollbar under the strip, or a horizontal trackpad swipe).
• − zooms back out step by step.
• Fit shows the whole arc at once again (the default view).

While zoomed, the view follows the playing track, and dragging a bar against the left or right edge scrolls the strip along, so a track can be dropped anywhere in the set in one gesture. Composing a new set always starts back in the Fit overview.

Refine tooltips and on-screen text

What Refine does not do

• Refine does not write anything to the USB stick; writing happens in Export.
• Refine does not change the DJ's audio files when reordering or removing tracks; removing a track only takes it out of this set.
• Refine does not delete the audio file from disk when a track is removed from the set.

Common questions about Refine

If I remove a track in Refine, is the file deleted?

No. Removing a track in Refine only takes it out of this set. The audio file on disk is not touched.

How do I change the order of a track?

Drag its bar left or right to the position you want; the set re-numbers around it.

Can I hear a track before deciding?

Yes. Click a bar to load the track into the mini-player, then press play and scrub through it.

What Local backups does

Before writing a playlist to a stick that already has an Engine library, Local backups copies that library to the DJ's computer. The backup is kept on the local disk, not on the stick, so it survives even if the stick itself is wiped. Each backup is tied to the stick it came from, and an earlier version can be restored later.

How to use Local backups

1. Write a set to a USB stick in the Export step. A backup of the stick's existing library is made automatically first.
2. To restore, open the device's playlists and choose an earlier backup version.
3. Confirm the restore to bring the earlier playlists back.

Local backups tooltips and on-screen text

What Local backups does not do

• Local backups does not store the backup on the USB stick; it is kept on the DJ's own computer, so it survives a wipe of the stick.
• Local backups does not copy the audio files; it backs up the Engine library (the playlists and their order).
• Local backups does not upload anything; the backup stays on the DJ's computer.

Common questions about Local backups

An Engine OS update wiped my playlists — can I get them back?

If Alpha wrote to that stick before, a backup of its library was saved on the DJ's computer. Open the device's playlists and restore the earlier version.

Where is the backup stored?

On the DJ's own computer, not on the USB stick, so it is not lost if the stick is wiped.

Does Local backups back up my music files too?

No. Local backups saves the Engine library (playlists and order). The audio files are the DJ's own copies.

What Match loudness does

Match loudness measures each track's integrated loudness in LUFS (the EBU R128 / ITU-R BS.1770 standard) and its true peak while the track is analyzed. In the Refine step the DJ picks a target loudness, and the Refine mini-player then plays every track at that matched level so the DJ can hear the result. In the Export step, when Match loudness is ticked, Match loudness bakes a per-track gain into the copies written to the USB stick: a track quieter than the target is turned up, a louder one is turned down, so all tracks play at the same level on any device. Match loudness never raises a track's true peak above -1 dB, which prevents clipping.

How to use Match loudness

1. Analyze the tracks — loudness is measured automatically during analysis.
2. In the Refine step, keep Match loudness ticked and set the target with the slider, or click one of the reference points beneath the slider.
3. Play a track in the Refine mini-player to hear it at the matched level.
4. Go to the Export step and tick Match loudness (-14 LUFS) (the number shows the target).
5. Click Write to USB. The write confirmation reports how many tracks were matched.

Match loudness on an imported library

When a library is imported from rekordbox (see rekordbox import), its loudness is not in the XML, so it has not been measured yet. In that case the Match loudness checkbox in Export is greyed out and cannot be ticked directly. Clicking it opens a short dialog, Match loudness before export?, which explains why and offers to measure the loudness now. The dialog has the same target slider and reference points (Apple Music / Streaming / Club / DJ Master) as Refine. Clicking Analyze & match loudness measures the loudness of exactly the tracks in the set, sets the chosen target, and then ticks the Export checkbox so the matched gain is baked in on write. Sets that were analyzed normally already have their loudness measured, so the checkbox is available without this step.

Match loudness settings

Match loudness tooltips and on-screen text

What Match loudness does not do

• Match loudness does not change the DJ's original files. It applies the gain only to the copies written to the USB stick; the library files are untouched.
• Match loudness does not add a compressor or a limiter and does not change a track's dynamics. Match loudness only changes the level (a gain adjustment).
• Match loudness does not push a track above -1 dB true peak, so a quiet, highly dynamic track may stay a little below the target rather than clip.
• Match loudness in Refine (the toggle and slider) only affects the mini-player preview. It changes no files. Only the Export checkbox writes the change into the files.
• Match loudness does not read or reuse loudness or gain tags written by other DJ software; Match loudness bakes the level into the audio instead.

Common questions about Match loudness

Does Match loudness change my original files?

No. Match loudness applies the gain only to the copies written to the USB stick. The files in the DJ's library are not changed.

I ticked Match loudness in Export but the tracks are not louder — why?

The write confirmation may say not matched (loudness encoder unavailable). Match loudness needs the loudness encoder to bake the gain into the files; when it is not available the tracks are copied unchanged, so their loudness is not adjusted.

What target loudness should I choose?

-14 LUFS matches streaming (Spotify, YouTube, Tidal), -16 LUFS is Apple Music, and around -6 to -10 LUFS is louder, club-master territory. Consistency between tracks matters more than the exact number.

Why does one track stay quieter than the others?

Match loudness never lets a track's true peak exceed -1 dB. A quiet track with strong peaks reaches that ceiling before it reaches the target and stays a little below it.

Do I have to turn Match loudness on in both Refine and Export?

The Refine toggle controls what the DJ hears in the mini-player; the Export checkbox controls what is written to the stick. Tick the Export checkbox to bake the matched loudness into the exported files.

Why is the Match loudness slider in Refine greyed out?

The Match loudness toggle in Refine is off. Tick it to enable the target slider.

Why is the Match loudness checkbox in Export greyed out?

The set has no measured loudness — this happens with a library imported from rekordbox, where loudness is not in the XML. Click the greyed checkbox: the dialog Match loudness before export? offers to measure the loudness and match it right away, then enables the checkbox.

Match loudness troubleshooting

What Skip duplicates does

When Skip duplicates is on, the Export step only copies tracks that are not already on the stick. If a track appears in several playlists, the file is stored once and each playlist links to it. The playlist order is written in full either way; Skip duplicates only affects whether the audio file is copied again.

How to use Skip duplicates

1. In the Export step, find the Skip duplicates checkbox next to the write action.
2. Leave it ticked (the default) to reuse files already on the stick, or untick it to copy every track again.
3. Click Write to USB.

Skip duplicates settings

Skip duplicates tooltips and on-screen text

What Skip duplicates does not do

• Skip duplicates does not leave tracks out of the playlist. The full order is always written; only the file copy is skipped when the file is already present.
• Skip duplicates does not delete anything from the stick.
• Skip duplicates does not change the DJ's original files.

Common questions about Skip duplicates

Will Skip duplicates leave songs out of my playlist?

No. The whole playlist order is written. Skip duplicates only avoids copying an audio file that is already on the stick; the playlist still links to it.

Should I turn Skip duplicates off?

Usually no. Leaving it on saves space and time. Turn it off only if you specifically want every track copied again.

What USB export does

USB export writes a standard Engine OS 3.x library to the chosen USB stick: the audio files, the interpreted metadata (BPM, key), and the playlist order. It plays on any Denon hardware running Engine OS. Before writing to a stick that already has a library, USB export makes a local backup (see Local backups). After writing, USB export validates the result, and the DJ can eject the stick safely.

How to use USB export

1. Confirm the target device / format (Denon, Engine OS 3.x).
2. Check the playlist name, track count and duration.
3. Choose whether Skip duplicates and Match loudness are ticked.
4. Click Write to USB and wait for the confirmation.
5. Use the eject control to unmount the stick before removing it.

USB export settings

USB export tooltips and on-screen text

What USB export does not do

• This entry covers the Denon / Engine OS 3.x write. VirtualDJ and Pioneer / rekordbox are separate formats with their own entries (VirtualDJ export, rekordbox export).
• USB export does not change the DJ's original files; it copies them to the stick.
• USB export does not erase the stick. It adds to the Engine library and backs up the existing one first (see Local backups).

Common questions about USB export

Which gear does USB export work with?

The Export step writes two standalone-stick formats — Denon (Engine OS 3.x, validated on the Prime Go) and Pioneer / AlphaTheta (rekordbox) — plus three DJ-software targets that appear after clicking + Also export for DJ software (laptop): VirtualDJ, Serato DJ and Traktor Pro. Pick the format at the top of the step; this entry covers the Denon write.

Does USB export erase what is already on my stick?

No. USB export adds the new set and makes a local backup of the stick's existing library first.

Can I remove the stick as soon as writing finishes?

Use the eject control first. It safely unmounts the stick so it can be removed without corrupting the library.

Do I need to sign in to write a USB stick?

Yes. Since 1.1.0 Export is the only step that asks for an account: clicking Write to USB while not signed in opens the sign-in window, and the first 10 exported tracks are free. Everything before Export works without an account. See the Free version and signing in entry.

USB export troubleshooting

What VirtualDJ export does

VirtualDJ export copies the audio to VirtualDJ/Music on the stick and writes a VirtualDJ/database.xml describing every track (artist, title, album, year, BPM, key, length) plus an ordered playlist under MyLists. VirtualDJ reads the key in Open Key notation, so Alpha converts each track's Camelot key to Open Key (for example A minor, Camelot 8A, is written 1m). Cover art is read from each file's tags, so it is not copied separately.

How to use VirtualDJ export

1. Open the target device chooser, click + Also export for DJ software (laptop) to reveal the software targets, then pick VirtualDJ.
2. Check the playlist name, track count and duration.
3. Click Write to USB and wait for the confirmation.
4. Eject the stick, plug it into a computer running VirtualDJ, and load the library.

Which devices VirtualDJ export works with

VirtualDJ is software: the stick is loaded by the VirtualDJ app on a Windows or macOS computer, and any of VirtualDJ's supported controllers can then be used. It is not a standalone stick that plugs straight into hardware.

VirtualDJ export tooltips and on-screen text

What VirtualDJ export does not do

• VirtualDJ export does not make a standalone stick for CDJ / XDJ hardware; the stick is read by the VirtualDJ app on a computer.
• VirtualDJ export does not copy cover-art files; VirtualDJ reads the cover from each track's tags.
• VirtualDJ export does not change the DJ's original files; it copies them to the stick.

Common questions about VirtualDJ export

Does my key survive the export?

Yes. VirtualDJ uses Open Key notation (a number plus d for major or m for minor), so Alpha converts each track's Camelot key to Open Key — for example A minor (Camelot 8A) is written 1m.

VirtualDJ shows the set on a laptop but my CDJ does not — why?

VirtualDJ is computer software. For a stick that plays directly on Pioneer / AlphaTheta hardware, use the rekordbox export instead.

What rekordbox export does

rekordbox export writes a full rekordbox USB: the classic export.pdb library that every CDJ / XDJ has read for years, the newer encrypted exportLibrary.db that the latest players use, per-track analysis files (beat grid, cues and waveforms), album artwork, and the audio under Contents/<Artist>/<Album>. The beat grid is built from the interpreted BPM, so tracks arrive beat-ready. No rekordbox software is needed on the DJ's side.

How to use rekordbox export

1. Open the target device chooser and pick Pioneer DJ / AlphaTheta / CDJ / XDJ.
2. Check the playlist name, track count and duration.
3. Click Write to USB and wait for the confirmation.
4. Eject the stick, plug it straight into the player, and load the playlist.

Which devices rekordbox export works with

Standalone rekordbox players that read a USB directly — the stick plugs into the gear, no computer: CDJ-3000, CDJ-2000NXS2, XDJ-RX3 / RX2, XDJ-XZ, XDJ-1000MK2, XDJ-700, OPUS-QUAD and XDJ-AZ. This is a new target; please confirm it on your own player.

rekordbox export tooltips and on-screen text

What rekordbox export does not do

• rekordbox export does not need the rekordbox app; the stick plays straight on the hardware.
• rekordbox export does not change the DJ's original files; it copies them to the stick.
• rekordbox export writes one constant beat grid per track from the BPM; it does not model tempo changes within a track.

Common questions about rekordbox export

Do I need rekordbox installed?

No. Alpha writes the rekordbox library and analysis files itself, so the stick plays directly on a CDJ or XDJ.

Will it work on the newest players?

Alpha writes both the classic library (export.pdb) and the newer encrypted one (exportLibrary.db) that the latest players prefer. It is a new target, so please confirm on your own gear.

Are my cues and beat grid included?

Yes. Each track gets a beat grid (from the interpreted BPM), a waveform and any cues, written into the analysis files the player reads.

What Serato export does

Serato export copies the audio to the drive, writes a _Serato_/Subcrates/<name>.crate (the ordered playlist) and a _Serato_/neworder.pref at the drive's root, and writes the beat grid (from the interpreted BPM) plus the normal tags (title, artist, album, BPM, key) into each copied file's Serato tags. Serato reads the _Serato_ folder from a drive's root, so the crate appears when the drive is plugged into a Mac or Windows laptop running Serato DJ.

How to use Serato export

1. Open the target device chooser, click + Also export for DJ software (laptop) to reveal the software targets, then pick Serato DJ.
2. Export to the USB, or click choose another folder for a different destination — but Serato only reads _Serato_ from a drive's root, so pick a USB or drive root (Alpha warns you if a subfolder is chosen).
3. Click Write to USB and wait for the confirmation.
4. Plug the drive into a laptop running Serato DJ; the crate appears in the library.

Serato export tooltips and on-screen text

What Serato export does not do

• Serato export does not make a standalone stick for CDJ / XDJ hardware; the drive is read by Serato DJ on a computer.
• Serato export does not write hot cues or loops yet; it writes the beat grid and the normal tags.
• Serato export does not change the DJ's original files; it copies them to the drive.

Common questions about Serato export

Can I export Serato to a folder on my laptop's disk?

You can pick any destination folder, but Serato only auto-scans a _Serato_ folder at a drive's root — so export to a USB or drive root. If you choose a subfolder, Alpha warns you and Serato won't find the crate.

Do my cues transfer?

Not yet — Serato export writes the beat grid and tags; hot cues and loops are a later addition.

What Traktor export does

Traktor export copies the audio into a Traktor folder on the drive and writes a collection.nml describing every track with its tempo, key and a beat grid, plus the playlist in set order. The DJ then imports it into Traktor Pro. Traktor does not auto-scan a drive, so the import step is required.

How to use Traktor export

1. Open the target device chooser, click + Also export for DJ software (laptop) to reveal the software targets, then pick Traktor Pro.
2. Export to the USB, or click choose another folder for a different destination (Traktor accepts any folder), then click Write to USB.
3. In Traktor Pro (Mac or Windows): File -> Import Collection and pick this collection.nml.

Traktor export tooltips and on-screen text

What Traktor export does not do

• Traktor export does not make a standalone stick; the DJ imports the collection into Traktor on a computer.
• Traktor export writes one constant beat grid per track from the BPM; it does not model tempo changes within a track.
• Traktor export does not change the DJ's original files; it copies them to the drive.

Common questions about Traktor export

Why doesn't the playlist appear when I plug the drive in?

Traktor does not auto-scan drives. Open Traktor Pro and use File -> Import Collection, then select the collection.nml Alpha wrote.

Does my key come across?

Yes. The key is written as Traktor's own musical-key value, along with the tempo and a beat grid.

What Playlists on device does

Playlists on device reads the Engine library on the connected stick and lists its playlists. From there the DJ can rename a playlist, delete a playlist, or restore an earlier version of the library from a local backup (see Local backups). Deleting a playlist removes the playlist entry, not necessarily every audio file it referenced.

How to use Playlists on device

1. With a stick connected, open the device's playlists (from the Analyze or Export step).
2. To rename, use the rename control on a playlist, type the new name, and save.
3. To delete, use the delete control and confirm.
4. To restore an earlier version, choose a backup and confirm the restore.

Playlists on device tooltips and on-screen text

What Playlists on device does not do

• Playlists on device does not change the DJ's original files on the computer; it manages the library on the stick.
• Deleting a playlist does not necessarily remove every audio file it linked to from the stick.
• Playlists on device does not sync with any cloud; it reads the connected stick.

Common questions about Playlists on device

I deleted a playlist by mistake — can I get it back?

If Alpha wrote to that stick before, restore an earlier version from a local backup (see Local backups).

Does deleting a playlist delete the songs?

Deleting a playlist removes the playlist entry. It does not necessarily remove every audio file the playlist referenced from the stick.

What the free version includes

Every feature of Alpha DJ Engine is open in the free version: analyzing any number of tracks, composing sets, refining them, match loudness, and all export formats. The only limit is the number of tracks that can be written in Export: the first 10 exported tracks are free. The lifetime licence (a one-time purchase, see the pricing page) removes that limit and covers up to 2 registered computers — a Mac and a Windows PC can share one account.

When the app asks to sign in (since 1.1.0)

Since version 1.1.0 nothing before Export requires an account. Clicking Write to USB while not signed in opens the sign-in window with the message below; after signing in, the export continues. In versions 1.0.x the app asked to sign in earlier, before composing — updating to the current version moves that to Export.

How signing in works

1. Click Login (or New here? Register) in the sign-in window.
2. The browser opens on the Alpha DJ Engine portal. Sign in or register there — no password is ever typed into the app itself.
3. The portal asks to connect this computer to the account (a licence covers up to 2 registered computers).
4. Back in the app, the sign-in completes automatically — the app notices the finished browser sign-in on its own.

The app stays signed in across restarts: the sign-in is stored in the macOS Keychain or the Windows Credential Manager, never in a plain file.

Free version and sign-in — on-screen text

What the free version does not do

• The free version does not limit analyzing, composing or refining — only the number of exported tracks.
• The free version does not expire and does not watermark or alter any audio.
• The free allowance counts exported tracks, not days or sets.
• Signing in does not happen inside the app window — the password is only ever typed in the browser, on the Alpha DJ Engine portal.
• Signing in on a second computer does not need a second licence: one account covers up to 2 registered computers, Mac and Windows mixed.

Common questions about the free version and signing in

Do I need an account to try Alpha?

No. Analyze, compose and refine work without an account. The app only asks to register or sign in at Export — and even then the first 10 exported tracks are free, so the whole workflow can be tested end to end.

How many tracks can I export for free?

10 tracks. After that, exporting needs the lifetime licence (one-time purchase, see the pricing page).

Can I use the same account on my Mac and my Windows PC?

Yes. One account covers up to 2 registered computers, and Mac and Windows can be mixed freely.

I clicked Login and signed in on the website, but the app still asks me to sign in?

Finish every step in the browser, including the page that asks to connect this computer. The app picks the sign-in up automatically once the browser flow is complete. If the browser showed a message about an expired session or a pending email confirmation, complete that first and click Login in the app again.

Where is my password stored?

Nowhere in the app. The password is only entered in the browser on the Alpha DJ Engine portal; the app stores a sign-in token in the macOS Keychain or the Windows Credential Manager.

Free version and sign-in troubleshooting

What installing Alpha on Windows involves

The download is a standard setup program. It installs Alpha DJ Engine into the programs folder (or, if chosen, just for the current user), creates a Start menu entry and an uninstaller, and checks whether the Microsoft Edge WebView2 runtime is present — if it is missing, the installer installs it automatically. The current Windows build is not yet code-signed, so Windows SmartScreen can show a blue warning on first run; the steps below get past it safely.

How to install Alpha on Windows

1. Download the installer and double-click it.
2. If a blue Windows protected your PC screen appears, click More info, then Run anyway.
3. Choose whether to install for all users (asks for administrator confirmation) or only for the current user.
4. Follow the installer to the end — it adds the WebView2 runtime by itself when the PC does not have it.
5. Start Alpha DJ Engine from the Start menu. The very first start can take a moment while Windows scans the new app — give it up to a few minutes once.

Installing Alpha on Windows — the exact wording on screen

The SmartScreen warning is a Windows dialog, so its wording follows the PC’s system language.

What installing Alpha on Windows does not mean

• The SmartScreen warning does not mean the download carries malware — it appears because the Windows build is not yet code-signed, which SmartScreen reports for new software from smaller developers.
• Installing Alpha on Windows does not require lowering any Windows security setting — Run anyway for this one program is all it takes.
• The Windows version does not differ from the Mac version — same features, same export formats, same account (a licence covers up to 2 computers, Mac and Windows mixed).
• Alpha does not run on 32-bit Windows or on Windows on ARM — it needs a 64-bit (x64) Windows 10 or 11.
• Installing does not need any DJ software on the PC — Alpha writes the USB library itself.

Common questions about installing Alpha on Windows

Is the Windows version different from the Mac version?

No. Analyze, compose, refine and every export format work identically, and one account can be used on both platforms.

Why does Windows warn about the app?

The Windows build is not yet code-signed, so SmartScreen shows its standard warning for unknown publishers. Click More info, then Run anyway.

Do I need administrator rights to install?

Only for installing for all users — the installer offers installing just for the current user as well, which works without administrator confirmation.

What does Alpha need on the PC?

A 64-bit Windows 10 or 11 and the Microsoft Edge WebView2 runtime, which the installer adds automatically when it is missing. Composing and export sign-off need an internet connection; audio analysis runs locally on the PC.

Installing Alpha on Windows troubleshooting

Why macOS blocked Alpha

macOS checks every app downloaded outside the App Store. Because Alpha DJ Engine is not distributed through the App Store, the first launch can show a dialog saying the app was blocked. This is a standard macOS safeguard (Gatekeeper) that many apps from smaller developers trigger — it does not mean anything is wrong with the download.

How to open Alpha after macOS blocked it (macOS 15 / 26)

The old right-click → Open trick is no longer enough on current macOS. The official way:

1. Close the error dialog — click Done. Do not click Move to Trash.
2. Open System Settings → Privacy & Security and scroll all the way down.
3. There it now says “Alpha DJ Engine” was blocked… → click Open Anyway and confirm with the Mac’s admin password (or Touch ID).

After that, macOS remembers the decision for this copy of the app and the warning does not come back on later launches.

macOS blocked Alpha — the exact wording on screen

These are Apple’s dialogs, so the wording follows the Mac’s system language and can vary slightly between macOS versions.

What the macOS block does not mean

• The macOS block does not mean Alpha carries malware — it means Apple has not verified the app, which macOS reports for software distributed outside the App Store.
• The macOS block does not require changing any security setting. Do not lower the Mac’s security globally; the steps above are enough.
• The macOS block does not return on every launch. It can appear once more after downloading a new copy of the app (for example an update installed from a fresh download) — the same steps apply.

Common questions about the macOS block

The dialog only offers “Done” and “Move to Trash” — should I move Alpha to the trash?

No. Click Done and follow the three steps above; the option to open the app is in System Settings, not in the dialog.

Does right-click → Open still work?

Not on current macOS. Since macOS 15 the bypass moved to System Settings → Privacy & Security → Open Anyway.

Do I have to do this after every update?

No — only when a freshly downloaded copy of Alpha is opened for the first time. A copy that was opened once stays approved.

It asks for an admin password I don’t have — what now?

The confirmation needs an administrator of that Mac. Ask the person who manages the machine to click Open Anyway once; afterwards Alpha opens normally for every user.