Getting Started
The first ten minutes with Mastermind, and answers to the questions we hear most.
1. Install
Download the installer from the desktop page and run it.
Windows shows a “Windows protected your PC” screen; macOS may refuse to open the app. That appears because we haven't purchased OS code signing yet — the installer is safe and comes only from us. On Windows click More info, then Run anyway. On macOS, right-click the app and choose Open the first time.
2. Import your library
Point Mastermind at your music folder (or drag files in) and it reads your existing tags — titles, artists, artwork, cues you already have. Your files stay exactly where they are: Mastermind never moves, re-encodes, or uploads your audio unless you explicitly use the organise or convert tools.
3. Analyse
Analysis runs on your own computer — BPM, key, beat grids, and suggested cue points. Start it from the sidebar (Analyze All) or per track. A big library takes a while on first run; you can keep browsing and playing while it works, and pause or stop it any time.
4. Prep and export
DJ Prep is where you audition transitions, set cues, and build sets. When you're ready, export to Rekordbox XML, Traktor, Serato, an M3U playlist, or straight to a USB stick — your cues and grids travel with the tracks.
FAQ
Is my music uploaded anywhere?
No. Audio files never leave your computer. Analysis happens locally; only library metadata you choose to sync (and anonymous usage data, if enabled) reaches our servers.
A BPM, key, or cue point looks wrong.
Analysis is good but not infallible — every value is editable, and corrections stick. Always double-check a prepared set before performing with it.
How do updates work?
The app checks for updates automatically and tells you when one is available — nothing to download by hand.
How do I turn analytics off?
Settings → Privacy & Data → Disable. What is and isn't collected is in the Privacy Policy.
Is my library safe if something goes wrong?
Mastermind keeps rotating local backups of its own database, and a full library backup and every export path stay available in all circumstances. Your music files themselves are yours and untouched — keep backing them up as you already do.
What does it cost?
Mastermind is free while in active development. If paid plans arrive later we'll announce them first — nothing is ever charged without your explicit action.
Still stuck?
Use the live chat in the app or on this site, or email support@mastermindmusic.net. Bug reports from Settings → Support attach the app version automatically, which helps a lot.