New MacBook Pro with only USB-C won't connect to Prime 4+

Engine DJ Hardware Standalone Controllers
1

Please help. My MacBook Pro only has USB-C ports. I’m trying to get it to work with my Denon DJ Prime 4+ but the Prime 4+ just hangs with the “Computer Mode” screen and does not connect. I am using the USB cable that came with the controller, but need to use an adapter to connect USB-A to USB-C. The MacBook sees the drives that are plugged in to the controller, and I can see the controller as a Midi audio device in the Mac. I have tried two A to C adapters and a hub, but still got the same issue. I know that the recommendation is not to use USB adapters, but I have no option. What can I do?

2

Hi @DJDavyG ,

I’m using a 2023 M2 Pro MacBook which also has three USB-C ports, and I have no problems! I use USB-A to USB-C adapters!

Did you install an SSD in the P4+?

If so, did you grant your Mac full access to the drives?

And you’re having trouble accessing them to export music from your Mac or to use your P4+ with VDJ or SDJ Pro DJ software?

What year is your Mac and what operating system is installed?

3

What do you expect to happen? The behavior you describe is exactly as intended - the Prime device makes its drives available to the Mac so you can sync music onto it, and it shows as MIDI/audio device for use with VDJ.

4

And if you want to connect to play music you dont need to’plug in the USB, just make sure both the laptop and EngineOS device is on the same wifi network.

5

Hi @DJDavyG, I think we are a bit unclear as to how you are using the Prime 4+.

  • Do you want to use it as a controller with VDJ, Serato or Algoriddim djay Pro? If so, it sounds like it is connected and ready to go. If you see or select the Prime 4+ as the controller in those software then it should work. Try loading a track in deck one in the software and press play on the Prime 4+ deck one. E.g., here are VDJ instructions: VirtualDJ - PRIME 4 - Setup. I know the Prime 4+ screen doesn’t display (only says computer mode) with Algoriddim djay Pro, you rely only on the computer or iOS device screen. I think it should work with VDJ if you have it set up correctly.
  • Alternatively, if you want to use the Prime 4+ as a controller for Engine DJ then you can prepare your music in Engine DJ desktop on your MacBook and then sync it to a USB or, if you have an installed drive on the Prime 4+, you can sync it to that drive using the Engine DJ Desktop software while connected to the Prime 4+ in computer mode. It will show as a connected drive. If you sync to a stand-alone USB, eject it from the computer and plug it into the Prime 4+. If you sync to the internal drive, eject the Prime 4+ from the computer, disconnect the computer and reboot the Prime4+. Select the USB or the internal drive as the source on the Prime 4+ once you reboot. You will actually be using Engine OS installed on the Prime 4+.
  • @Ben-E is also correct.

You will find the MacBook as a source on the Prime 4+, if they are on the same Wi-Fi network. You can select tracks and play them that way also, albeit a bit slow.