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Forum: VirtualDJ Technical Support

Topic: Pioneer DDJ-SB3 on a new Macbook - no Lights on buttons or pads
Couldn't find a resolution to my issue in Virtual DJ forum so posting here.

I have connected Pioneer DDJ-SB3 controller to VirtualDJ installed on a new Macbook Pro.
The controller is recognized and the sound is playing via controller's Master output just fine.
All of the button functions also seem to work normally.

But none of the buttons except Hot Cue light up as they should either when pressed/activated.
As shown in the added photo.



My details:
Pioneer DDJ-SB3 controller - updated to latest Firmware version 1.03
VirtualDJ version: VirtualDJ 2025 mac (arm) build 8553.2147
Macbook Pro M3
MacOS version: Sequoia 15.3

Your feedback is greatly appreciated!
 
Posted Wed 30 Apr 25 @ 8:26 am
I am facing this same issue with my hot cue lights not lighting up at all. This issue started to happen from last night after I updated my MacBook Pro to the latest mac OS (Sequoia 15.4.1). Before doing this update, VDJ was working perfectly fine for the past two years.

Macbook specifications:
MacBook Pro
13-inch, M2, 2022
Chip Apple M2
Memory: 8GB

In addition, I cannot access my deck 3 and 4 and cannot see the light change on my controller for my cue 1& 2, and my FX buttons. Pretty much, most of wanted lights on my controller no longer respond to light up when pressed but they are responding and functional on VDJ.

I tested my same DDJ controller on my windows laptop and it works perfectly - thus ruling out that my controller is not compromised and the culprit. This looks to be a MacBook software update issue - be it with VDJ OS or the Mac OS.

I hope to get more eyes on this please as this is limiting my use of the platform all together!

Thank you for your help and troubleshooting team!

Sincerely,
TK
 
.
 
I have gone to reinstall my laptop and downgraded the MacBook OS back to Sonoma 14.75.
I have gone to do a fresh install of VirtualDJ and all functionalities with the wanted light cues are working as expected.

Main takeaway: Mac OS Sequoia is not YET friendly for VirtualDJ - at least for controller Pioneer DJ DDJ SB3. Please get this escalated internally with developers as this is not a good blocker to have for future adoption of users with the platform.

Thank you,
TK
 
Are you running the latest firmware (1.03 at the time of this writing)? Does it work with Serato on Mac or do you see the same problem?

A couple years ago I had a colleague who had that same problem with the controller while using Serato on a M1 Mac and a reinstall of the firmware fixed the issue - it's worth a shot.
 
I tried the firmware update too before doing a full reinstall of the MacOS and it did not reflect any positive change sadly
 
For the Deck swap issue, read the Note of Item 17 here .. https://www.virtualdj.com/manuals/hardware/pioneer/ddjsb3/layout/deck.html

If for some reason you need to use some other sound card as the Master (and output to speakers not connected to the Master Out of the device), simply add a 2nd Master output in your Audio setup (and keep the Master pointing to the SB3 Audio device in Chans 1,2)

Currently there is no known compatibility issue with OS 10.15 (Sequoia). If there is something that doesnt work as expected on your Mac computer, check Mac Privacy & Security in case the sound card or the MIDI device is somehow "blocked" and also try to use direct USB port connection
 
Thanks DJDAD for your ideas!

I have checked Privacy & Security but did not find any setting that would block connected USB device.
Also, DDJ-SB3 is recognized by Virtual DJ as the software does react to button presses and fader adjustment, etc.

Seems like the controller is not getting the signal back from the software or smth?


djdad wrote :
For the Deck swap issue, read the Note of Item 17 here .. https://www.virtualdj.com/manuals/hardware/pioneer/ddjsb3/layout/deck.html

If for some reason you need to use some other sound card as the Master (and output to speakers not connected to the Master Out of the device), simply add a 2nd Master output in your Audio setup (and keep the Master pointing to the SB3 Audio device in Chans 1,2)

Currently there is no known compatibility issue with OS 10.15 (Sequoia). If there is something that doesnt work as expected on your Mac computer, check Mac Privacy & Security in case the sound card or the MIDI device is somehow "blocked" and also try to use direct USB port connection
 
Also, I got this response from Virtual DJ support:

Your connection logs show that you are trying to use a custom mapper:

Mapper: DDJSB3=Pioneer DDJ-SB3 - Custom Mapping: (last use: 2025-04-30)

Try testing using the factory default map in SETTINGS-> CONTROLLER tab:
https://virtualdj.com/manuals/virtualdj/settings/controllers.html

---------------------

I have tried changing to default mapping for DDJ-SB3 controller also other mappings.
This does not resolve the issue.
 
I have some problems with Pioneer DDJ-SB3 on MacBook pro apple M2 8 GB Sequoia 15.4.1 .
Virtual DJ v2025-m b8553 recognizes the controller most of my lights work but if i don't see the #1 headphone light I have to unplug it . Wait a minute and plug it back in to get it working.