A hardware unlock device is DJ hardware that automatically unlocks supported software features when it’s connected to your computer. While searching for a DJ controller you might have come across this term and wondered what exactly it means, what it unlocks, and whether there are any downsides to using this kind of device. Let’s take a quick look at how hardware unlock devices work, what their advantages and disadvantages are compared with purchasing DJ software separately, and how you actually use them.
What are hardware unlock DJ controllers?
A hardware unlock device is DJ hardware (like a controller) that automatically unlocks supported software features when it’s connected to your computer and recognized by the software.
Hardware unlock DJ controllers essentially work like oversized USB dongles that unlock the full version of their designated DJ software for as long as they are plugged into your computer.
If your hardware unlock device gives you access to all the software features you need, you won’t have to purchase a separate license or subscription for those features.
To use a hardware unlock device, install the compatible DJ software, connect your controller or other supported hardware to the computer, and open the software. Once the device is recognized, the features assigned to that hardware should become available automatically. So in short – plug it in and you’re ready to go!
Some hardware unlock devices are tied mainly to one DJ platform, while others unlock features in more than one. The exact level of access can also differ between software.
For example, the DDJ-FLX10 unlocks Rekordbox Performance mode and Serato DJ Pro, but Serato DVS still requires a separate upgrade. The DDJ-FLX4 works differently – it unlocks Rekordbox features and Serato DJ Lite, while Serato DJ Pro remains a paid upgrade.
Because the software access follows the hardware rather than one particular computer, you can usually connect the device to another compatible laptop and get the same hardware-unlocked functionality. That’s especially convenient if you switch computers or work on different setups.
Once the hardware unlock device is disconnected, the features that depended on it are no longer unlocked. The software then falls back to whatever functionality is available through its free mode, be it your existing license or your subscription.
Hardware unlock device vs. buying DJ software separately
Although accessing your DJ software using a hardware unlock device and unlocking it using a purchased software license key has more or less the same outcome, there are some important differences here.
When using a hardware unlock device you can be certain that you’ll be able to use your DJ controller on every computer that has the compatible designated DJ software installed.
When using a regular non-hardware unlock DJ controller with DJ software unlocked by other means (such as a purchased software unlock key), you will be able to use the full version of that DJ software only on the devices you’ve entered your license key in.
In many cases and with many personal DJ software licenses, there is a hard limit on on how many different computers you can unlock your DJ software at once (typically 1-3 different devices).
What if I want to use my DJ software without a DJ controller plugged in?
If you want to use your DJ software without a hardware unlock DJ controller plugged in, you’ll have to depend on the features that your specific piece of software gives you when your hardware unlock device is not connected.
What you can do without the hardware connected depends on the software. Serato DJ Pro has Practice Mode for controller-free mixing, while Rekordbox also has useful Performance-mode functionality under its Free plan. What you lose are the specific functions or hardware controls that were being unlocked by the connected device.
If you’d like to know more about mixing without using a DJ controller, you might want to check this out: Can I DJ With Just A Laptop? – Do You Really Need A DJ Controller?
Hardware unlock devices – things you need to know:
- Hardware Unlock doesn’t always mean that every premium feature is included. In Rekordbox, for example, many devices unlock Performance-mode control, Recording and other functions, while DVS is only hardware-unlocked by certain supported devices.
- This can be very convenient for mobile DJs – connect your hardware to another compatible computer with the software installed and the unlocked functions follow the device.
- Because the unlocked software access follows the hardware, you generally don’t have to transfer a separate software license when selling a true hardware unlock device.
- Still, remember that if you for one reason or the other need to use the full set of features of your DJ software without your DJ controller plugged into your computer, when relying on your hardware unlock device you won’t be able to do so. For that in most cases you’d have to purchase an appropriate DJ software license or a subscription plan.
- Remember that rules regarding hardware unlock devices always slightly differ from software to software.
