ShowKontrol Alternative for Windows & Mac
TimecodeLink turns Pioneer CDJs (plus Rekordbox and Serato DJ Pro) into MTC, LTC, and Art-Net timecode for your lighting console — from $59 one-time, and unlike ShowKontrol, it runs on Windows too.
The short version
- ShowKontrol is macOS only. TC Supply's own FAQ confirms it: the SMPTE engine is built on Apple frameworks, so there's no Windows build today. TimecodeLink runs natively on both macOS and Windows.
- ShowKontrol LIVE costs $1,999 one-time or $99/month (it's the tier that unlocks timecode). TimecodeLink Personal is $59 one-time, Commercial is $249, lifetime license, no subscription.
- Both read Pioneer CDJ / XDJ hardware over PRO DJ LINK and output MTC, LTC, and Art-Net timecode. TimecodeLink additionally reads Rekordbox 7.x and Serato DJ Pro (beta) for laptop rigs.
- ShowKontrol still wins if you need TCNet into Avolites, CDJ-3000 stems separation, waveform overlays, or TC Supply's official support contract.
At a glance
| TimecodeLink | ShowKontrol LIVE | |
|---|---|---|
| Price (one-time) | $59 Personal / $249 Commercial | $1,999 |
| Monthly lease | — | $99 / month |
| Free trial | 30 days, full features | Demo only |
| Windows | Yes | No (Mac only) |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Pioneer CDJ via PRO DJ LINK | Yes | Yes (native) |
| Rekordbox / Serato laptop input | Yes | No |
| MTC / LTC / Art-Net output | Yes | Yes |
| TCNet output (Avolites) | No | Yes |
| CDJ-3000 stems separation | No | Yes |
Sources: TC Supply FAQ (Mac-only confirmation) and ShowKontrol LIVE pricing, checked 2026. ShowKontrol is a trademark of TC Supply; TimecodeLink is an independent project by Live Show Systems LLC and is not affiliated with TC Supply or Pioneer DJ.
FAQ
Does ShowKontrol run on Windows?
No. TC Supply's FAQ states ShowKontrol is macOS only because its SMPTE engine relies on Apple frameworks. If you need a Windows rack PC driving timecode from Pioneer CDJs, TimecodeLink is the direct cross-platform alternative today.
Can TimecodeLink replace ShowKontrol for my rig?
For the core job — reading Pioneer CDJs over PRO DJ LINK and outputting MTC, LTC, or Art-Net timecode to a lighting console — yes. If your show specifically depends on TCNet into Avolites, CDJ-3000 stems separation, or ShowKontrol's waveform overlays, those aren't covered by TimecodeLink yet.
Is there a free trial?
Yes — 30 days, every feature unlocked, no registration, no credit card. If it fits your rig, activate a Personal ($59) or Commercial ($249) license. Lifetime, unlimited machines, no subscription.
Try it end-to-end for free
Run a full show on TimecodeLink for 30 days. If it doesn't fit, you've lost nothing.