Engine DJ 5.0 library compatibility

Engine DJ Hardware Standalone Controllers
1

Super excited about v5.0 that came out this week. Looks like a ton of fixes in addition to the new features. Reading the release notes, I imagine this version will require a library upgrade. I am currently on 4.3.4 on an SC live 4. I’d like to upgrade to 5.0 but only if I can roll back to 4.3.4 should there be glitches or what not.

Can Denon DJ tell us if:

  1. rollback from 5.0 to 4.3.4 is possible
  2. and if yes, will my desktop and SC card libraries need to be rebuilt?

¡Muchas gracias

2

From what I can tell, rolling back without a manual database backup is not possible. This is because there are forward migrations to the database schema that Engine 5.0 performs, but Engine 4.3.4 is not aware of.

Here’s what you do:

  • On your computer AND your performance volumes: Zip up Engine Library/ :open_file_folder:
  • Perform your upgrades (device & engine DJ desktop)
  • Be sure to run database cleanup
  • Test stuff out.

If it works, delete the zip files.

If you don’t like what you see:

  • Downgrade your device (may require a factory reset)
  • On your computer AND your performance volumes: Delete Engine Library/:open_file_folder:
  • Install Engine 4.3.4 on your desktop but don’t run it
  • On your computer AND your performance volumes: Extract the zip files you created

That’s the procedure.

4

I’d be even more cautious. Stash the backups and keep track of your edits for a good while to be sure. Also, make sure you have copies of the installers for the version on Engine Destop and OS you are migrating from.

Note the LC6000 issue is a cautionary tale. If the software you use is mission critical, let the update circulate a bit before jumping on.

5

Yup. I do that and used to keep my copies back from 2024, though recently deleted those backups b/c I didn’t need 400gb of fat on my NAS.

So, I just keep a few months worth now.

6

Oh, yeah, a few months is more than ample. At some point you couldn’t reel back and redo the changes anyway.

7

I had envisioned some type of forward migration tool that took into account db schema changes and what not. To be honest, I’m still on 4.0.0 (“don’t tase me bro”), though I’ll be testing 5.0.0 in my rig soon.

The db migration bug of 3.2.0 really burned me, though in hindsight, it was an Apple FAT32 bug disguised as a SQLite3 bug, not an Engine DJ issue. Though it took a LONG time for us to all learn that it was the case. :sob:

So that’s when i started backing up my DB instances (laptop & music SSD) for every change.

8

I’m on 4.1 OS and use Lexicon DJ.

9

This is sound advice right there. Thank you brother. Ima gon try this over the weekend!

10

Will a usb made with engine dj 5.0 be compatible with a 4.x.x device?

I am renting a Denon player tonight for a gig and I have my thumb drive exported with engine dj 5 and I am a bit scared if the player is not updated to 5.0

11

I’ll answer you, I just tried it! Yes, it works for me, I confirm! Exported with 5.0 .1 and tested on 434, it works