Supported Controllers
Tremor includes built-in mappings for popular DJ controllers. These work out of the box with no configuration required.
Pioneer / AlphaTheta
- DDJ-FLX2 FULLY TESTED
- DDJ-FLX4
- DDJ-FLX10
- DDJ-200
- DDJ-REV1
Hercules
- DJControl Starlight
Other Controllers
- Any MIDI controller via MIDI Learn
Don't see your controller? Use MIDI Learn to create a custom mapping for any MIDI controller. See the MIDI Learn section below.
Connecting via USB
Most DJ controllers connect via USB. You'll need an adapter to connect to your iPhone or iPad.
What You Need
- Lightning devices: Lightning to USB Camera Adapter (Apple Camera Connection Kit)
- USB-C devices: USB-C to USB-A adapter or USB-C hub
Connection Steps
- Connect the adapter to your iPhone or iPad
- Plug your controller's USB cable into the adapter
- Power on your controller
- Tremor automatically detects known controllers and loads the mapping
Auto-detection: When Tremor recognizes your controller, transport controls, jog wheels, EQ knobs, volume faders, and performance pads are all mapped automatically.
Connecting via Bluetooth
Some controllers support Bluetooth MIDI for wireless connection. This includes the DDJ-200 and DDJ-FLX4.
Pairing Steps
- Put your controller in Bluetooth pairing mode (see controller manual)
- In Tremor, tap the antenna icon between the decks to open MIDI Settings
- Tap Add Bluetooth Device
- The system Bluetooth picker appears — select your controller
- Wait for pairing to complete
After the initial pairing, your controller will reconnect automatically when in range and powered on.
Note: Bluetooth MIDI has slightly different timing characteristics than USB. Tremor handles this automatically, but USB is recommended for the most responsive jog wheel performance.
MIDI Settings
Access MIDI Settings by tapping the antenna icon located between the two decks.
| Tab | Function |
|---|---|
| Devices | View connected MIDI devices and pair Bluetooth MIDI controllers |
| Mapping | View all controller mappings and use MIDI Learn to customize controls |
MIDI Learn
MIDI Learn lets you map any MIDI controller to Tremor's controls. This works with controllers that don't have built-in mappings, or to customize existing mappings.
Creating a Custom Mapping
- Go to MIDI Settings (tap the antenna icon between decks)
- Switch to the Mapping tab
- Tap Learn next to the control you want to map
- Move the knob, button, or fader on your controller
- Tremor detects the MIDI message and shows the assignment
- Confirm the assignment
- Tap Save to keep your custom mapping
Available Controls
| Category | Controls |
|---|---|
| Transport | Play, Cue, Sync |
| Navigation | Jog wheel, Seek, Pitch bend |
| Mixer | Volume, Crossfader, EQ (High/Mid/Low), Filter |
| Performance | Hot cues, Loops, Sampler pads |
| Headphones | Cue mix, Headphone volume |
Tip: Custom mappings are saved per controller. If you have multiple controllers, each can have its own mapping.
Library Browsing
Browse and load tracks without touching the screen using your controller's browse encoder and load buttons.
| Action | Controller Input |
|---|---|
| Scroll through tracks | Turn the browse encoder |
| Load highlighted track | Press the Load button for the desired deck |
Smart Fader on Hardware
Smart Fader automatically applies transition effects as you move the crossfader, creating smooth professional transitions.
Using Smart Fader
- Press the Smart Fader button on your controller
- A green SF:ECHO indicator appears on the crossfader
- Move the crossfader — the outgoing deck fades with echo/filter effects
- Press Smart Fader again to disable
Cycling Smart Fader Modes
Press SHIFT + Smart Fader to cycle through available modes:
| Mode | Effect |
|---|---|
| ECHO | Delay/echo fade on the outgoing deck |
| FILTER | Low-pass filter sweep on the outgoing deck |
| ECHO+FLT | Both effects combined |
Pro tip: Smart Fader is especially effective for quick transitions. The effect automatically follows your crossfader movement, so faster fades create more dramatic effects.
Controller Quick Starts
Specific tips for popular controllers.
Pioneer DDJ-FLX4
The FLX4 is a popular entry-level controller with Bluetooth support.
- Connection: USB-C cable or Bluetooth MIDI
- Jog Mode: Press VINYL button to toggle between scratch and pitch bend modes
- Beat FX: Use the BEAT FX knob to control built-in effects. Press ON/OFF to enable per channel
- Smart Fader: Located above the crossfader — tap to enable transition effects
- Pad Modes: Press SHIFT + HOT CUE to cycle through Hot Cue, Beat Loop, Sampler modes
Pioneer DDJ-FLX10
Professional 4-channel controller with motorized jog wheels and screens.
- Connection: USB-C (not Bluetooth — requires USB)
- Jog Displays: Show waveform, artwork, and track info (requires firmware support)
- 4-Channel: Full 4-deck control with independent channel strips
- Merge FX: Use the dedicated Merge FX button for dramatic build-up/drop transitions
- Performance Pads: 8 pads per deck with multiple modes — hold PAD MODE to see options
Pioneer DDJ-REV7
Battle-style controller designed for scratch DJs.
- Layout: Battle-style with mixer in the middle, platters on the outside
- Motorized Platters: Full-size motorized platters for authentic vinyl feel
- Scratch Bank: Quick-access scratch samples via the dedicated buttons
- Lever FX: Use the lever for dramatic filter sweeps and effects
Hercules DJControl Starlight
Ultra-compact controller with built-in audio and light show.
- Connection: USB (bus-powered, no external power needed)
- Size: Fits in a backpack — great for mobile DJs
- Built-in Audio: Includes headphone output for cueing
- RGB Lights: Pads light up to the beat (decorative only)
- Limitations: Smaller jog wheels — better for mixing than scratching