Rekordbox 6+ encrypts master.db with a vendor key. Music Library Doctor takes restore-tested backups before any write — encrypted DB supported.
Backing up Rekordbox master.db isn't as simple as copying the file. Since version 6, master.db is encrypted with a vendor key — if anything corrupts during a manual copy (a partial write, a filesystem hiccup) you can end up with a backup that won't decrypt. Rekordbox's own Library Export creates an unencrypted XML which is lossy on cue points, hot cues, and nested folder structure. Time Machine snapshots are file-level and don't verify Rekordbox can actually open the result.
Supported today
Rekordbox · Serato DJ · VirtualDJ (incl. Favorite Folders) on Windows 10+ and macOS (Apple Silicon + Intel).
A backup that hasn't been restored is just a hope. MLD's backups are restore-verified before they count as taken — the copy is opened with the Rekordbox encryption key and the schema is checked. Backups happen automatically before every destructive operation, plus on demand. Encrypted Rekordbox 6+ master.db is supported natively, so the backups work whether your library is on version 5.x or 6+/7.x.
By default, a `MLD_Backups/Rekordbox/` folder inside your Rekordbox data directory. The location is configurable — point it at an external SSD or a NAS if you want off-machine copies.
master.db is typically 50–500 MB for a serious DJ library. Backups are full copies (not deltas), so allow that much per timestamp.
No — only the database. Your audio files don't change during MLD operations; only the database with paths and metadata is modified. Time Machine, Backblaze, or your usual whole-disk backup handles the audio files.
Yes. Copy the backup to the target machine's Rekordbox folder and rename it to `master.db`. Rekordbox will open it if the version matches. The encryption key is per-installation; if the target is a fresh install you may need to re-enter your Rekordbox account credentials.
Yes, but Time Machine doesn't verify the file is openable. MLD's backups are restore-verified, which catches corruption before you find out the hard way.
Free tier covers detection and viewing. Lifetime access is $49 — $19 for the first 100 DJs.
