SYNC is a highly debated but often miss-understood function. Many people get the general concept but fail to understand exactly what sync actually does and how to customize it for their own needs. In this article, we delve into every nuance of the SYNC command including a complete description of the three different possible sync behaviors that can be unlocked in Trakor. We’ll also explain the elusive SNAP and QUANT functions.
Technically, basic syncing is “matching the tempo and phase of two songs to each other or a master source”
Helpful Definitions:
- MASTER SOURCE = The deck, or master clock that everything else follows.
- TEMPO = The BPM of the song
- PHASE = The relative position of one songs drum hits in relation to another.
If the drum hits are in time they are “in phase”, and if things are off they are “out of phase” .
Traktor offers a handy phase meter to show you the phase of the song.
This can be hidden or shown in the preferences, under the “Decks” section.
THINGS TO KNOW:
With the latest version of Traktor you can sync two songs and still pitch bend a song to adjust the phase without turning off sync. This will adjust the phase while keeping the song “in sync”, so further tempo adjustments will be followed and beat jumps will stay in time. Pressing sync again will lose this phase adjustment. To make that phase adjustment permanent and fine tune your beat grids:
- Press SYNC to match up a song to the master clock (use the metronome!)
- Adjust the pitch bend until the phase matches correctly (the phase meter should now be off)
- Now adjust the beatgrid position until the phase meter goes back to zero
If all songs have their grid position adjusted in this manner they should all sync up with each other much better!
5 FLAVORS OF SYNC
SYNC is not a one size fits all tool, and appropriately so, the modern Traktor offers several different flavors of SYNC that each behave differently.
BEAT SYNC (DEFAULT BEHAVIOR)
This is what you get when pressing the SYNC button in the GUI. It is also available as a MIDI command called BEAT SYNC.
- Results: The tempo and phase both lock to the master source.
- Pro: One click and everything is locked up.
- Con: This SYNC has a toggle function so after you press it that deck is now locked in sync. Moving the tempo of the master deck will cause this deck’s tempo to follow that deck.
Inside Tip: Standard SYNC locks the phase of the playing deck to the master so with this engaged, all timeline actions like beat jumps and cue point juggles will stay locked in time with the beat marker of the master track.
Good to know: locked SYNC will NOT work without a beat grid. We recommend turning on the auto grid function on import.
PHASE SYNC:
This option is available as a MIDI command so you can re-map your controllers to behave differently.
- Results: The phase of the song shifts into line with the master source but it is not locked- this is a one time command.
- Pro: A single press, this puts the songs in line without changing anything else.
- Con: Pressing this button will not lock beat juggles and cue point jumps to the master clock.
TEMPO SYNC:
This option is also available in the MIDI options and not in the GUI.
- Results: The tempo of the selected deck will immediately match the tempo of the master source without effecting phase.
- Pro: For a quick tempo match without any locking sync this is a great option for those that want to manually phase match but dont want to waste time tempo matching with the faders.
- Con: With this command alone you will still need to phase match by ear (recommended)
INSIDE TIP: I like combining phase sync and tempo SYNC into one single custom SYNC command that behaves like the old school Traktor SYNC. You press it once and it matches tempo and phase without locking the deck in SYNC with the master. I then adjust the phase to suit my tastes and the mix of that combination.
QUANTIZE
There is another function in Traktor that behaves like SYNC but is very different. Quantize is a helpful tool, but must be fully understood to get consistent results.
- QUANT: This master function locks the phase of all decks.
- HOW TO USE: Click the Q button in the center master section.
TIP: Both quantize and SYNC have essentially quantized the songs to each other making all beat jumps stay perfectly in time. This is very beneficial if you have a live mix playing on the speakers and need to jump to a new part of the song. With quantize on all timeline jumps will stay perfectly in time and the crowd will never miss a beat.
When to use: If you use tempo or phase sync but still want further beat jumps and cue juggles to stay locked in then turn quantize on.
SNAP
To the left of quantize is another misunderstood function. This button tells Traktor to snap cue points, and loops to the beat, this means the songs beats (if a beat grid is not present) or the beat grid if you have created one. With snap on, the cue point drops will always fall on the down beat. This can be helpful if your grid is perfect and everything should be on the one but it is very annoying when trying to set a beat grid for the first time.
FINAL THOUGHTS
These are five helpful tools which can be used to make your DJ sets cleaner and easier to execute. Each one has a specific circumstance where it is useful and can be applied with great precision. These tools should never be used however, as shortcuts that keep you from training your ears to really understand the difference between a perfect mix and a sloppy one. We debated the pros and cons of SYNC itself in this article, so let’s please try to avoid doing it again in the comments.
[…] Using Sync […]
Oh.. It easier to learn BM by ear then understand all this…
TL;DR
Oh.. It easier to learn BM by ear then understand all this…
TL;DR
Settle down there, Drew. Kids are just tryin’ to work it out.
Okay. Here’s the way I see things when it comes to beatmatching and sync. If you use turntables or CDJs (excluding the 2g nexus) then it is a required skill and you are going to have to get really good at it before DJing with these music playing sources. But if you use traktor or serato with a controller, and both bpms are clearly displayed on the screen, why would you use a pitch fader to get the bpm on deck B to match the bom on deck A when you can press one button and have it perfectly matched? (and not a couple hundredths off) If you have the technology, take advantage of it. Ultimately, if you can load a track on a whim right before the other song’s buildup goes into the drop, and have your second song playing on beat 1 of the drop of the first song (instead of having to cue the track up and match the bpms manually) then that’s making you a better DJ. It’s giving you more time, whether you use that time to EQ a tighter mix, get another drink, or create crazy effect combos, you now have that time because you used the technology you have in front of you. (now i’m waiting for “oldfartwhothinkssyncisevil” to light up this post with “you’re going to hell for thinking that sync isn’t worse than the holocaust”)
i know this is a long shot but i’ve got a question… i’m having some issues with a few of my tracks that i’m unable to ‘sync’. for some reason when i click the ‘sync’ button on the deck it only lights up halfway. there’s this weird diagonal slice from the top right hand corner of the ‘sync’ button down to the bottom left corner. only the bottom wedge lights up & the track won’t fully sync to my master tempo. it’s driving me NUTS. any suggestions?
check your beat grids. then check the mapping.
Hello- I have Traktor 2 running with the VMS4.1 by American Audio and I have a recording question. What is the best way to get great recording sound? When I record with the internal setting the sound is great, but both channels record at the same time, Not the mix. If I use the external setting, the sound quality is okay, but I have to have the volume all the way up ( too loud ). I don’t mind getting a external recorder or sound card but want to buy the right product. Please advise.
Thank you.
David
Great tips! Thanks I have a Traktor 2.5 recording question:
Can I record my mixes without additional equipment? When I record my mix it comes out wit both chanels playing at the same time or if I record in external mode it is very muffled?
Using the VMS4.1 Midi wit MacBook Pro.
Mant thanks,
David
Hi all,
Great article but….
In Traktor Pro 2.5, there is something I have missed.
Play a track on deck A, MASTER, beatgrid set, Snap set ON.
Loop the track in 8 beats loop.
Record the loop or directly put in in a sample deck.
Sample deck set to Sync and Quantize to 8 beats.
When I play the sample, it wait (for something which is not the start of the loop) and play with a wrong phase…
100% reproducable… no solution than stop the quantize and play the sample “the old” analogous way, leading to a phaser effect… :)Anybody having the same problem ? The solution ?
You cant even spell sync…
I just started djin with a controller and traktor pro. Been playin on CDJs and Vinyl for 5 years, but i find playing drum n bass the sync button is useless and still just have to match up like normally which is fine. Even on other music people don’t realize that its not a magic button on alot of things u still have to make sure everythings on point, or maybe thats just me and my OCD lol. I really like Traktor tho, its a big jump from doing everything with cds and you have everything right there at your disposal. Big ups to this site, you guys are pretty much the reason I made the transistion.
I got a quick question; I broke my arm today and need to do a gig next saturday, is there any way to autoload songs in sync?
The club has let me known that they haven’t found a replacement….
What’s so hard about beatmatching?
Sync is for the weak, I have an S4 and beatmatch by ear.
I also use CDJ’s and TT’s.
At a club or a bar, nobody cares because they are drunk.
The crowd could care less if you are on beat or off beat.
It is self respect for the art dj-ing.
It doesn’t matter if there drunk there will always be the sober person that still has a opinion but all in all people should always play there best there is nothing worse than a off beat song and a crappy dj. You never know who is in the crowd.
Playing with Traktor 2 LE, I had some issues using Sync with drum and bass music. I think the issue is that it’s timing will either be in the 80’s or 160’s (depending on how you measure BPM). When using Sync in Traktor, should I manually set the BPM to use Sync?
I just do it manually, if ones around 87, the ones in the 176 or so zone will usually match up to 174.
How do you combine phase sync and tempo SYNC into one single custom SYNC command?
How can you set the S4 to only do a tempo sync? I’ve been poking around the preferences for a while and can’t find anything to switch it. Since its a Midi Command does that mean I’d have to go into the mapping and customize it myself?
I used sync when I first got my S4 some 6 months ago. Was a really great tool to mentally prepare your brain for doing without it. I rarely use it unless I am train wrecking a blend or need to change the tempo quickly. I don’t oppose to those that use it, but I think it’s a lot more fun if left untouched. In the end though all that matters is if they’re dancing, and if they’re doing that your in the clear.
I have Pro2 with an S4. Even though I have it set to TEMPO SYNC in the preferences, when I start my second track by first pressing SYNC and then PLAY on the S4, it doesn’t always start right away, it must be syncing the phase. How can I prevent this?
#drivingmebananas
Since I upgraded to Pro 2 with an S4 traktor has been driving me bananas. I have it set in Tempo sync mode with a track playing, when I load up a second track, I press SYNC to sync the tempo. When I press PLAY it doesn’t just play straight off, it’s delaying or doing something with the phasing which screws up my mix, and I am not in BEAT SYNC mode. How can I just sync the tempo, I don’t want it changing when the track starts due to phase.
So its mentioned above, but how with an S4 do i get Traktor 2 sync to behave like old Traktor 3 for example. Where i hit it once, it sync’d and phased, but didn’t lock and i could adjust????? Help anyone?? It says above its a midi command but the S4 won’t let me see it’s midi commands
So its mentioned above, but how with an S4 do i get Traktor 2 sync to behave like old Traktor 3 for example. Where i hit it once, it sync’d and phased, but didn’t lock and i could adjust????? Help anyone?? It says above its a midi command but the S4 won’t let me see it’s midi commands
So its mentioned above, but how with an S4 do i get Traktor 2 sync to behave like old Traktor 3 for example. Where i hit it once, it sync’d and phased, but didn’t lock and i could adjust????? Help anyone?? It says above its a midi command but the S4 won’t let me see it’s midi commands
So its mentioned above, but how with an S4 do i get Traktor 2 sync to behave like old Traktor 3 for example. Where i hit it once, it sync’d and phased, but didn’t lock and i could adjust????? Help anyone?? It says above its a midi command but the S4 won’t let me see it’s midi commands
So its mentioned above, but how with an S4 do i get Traktor 2 sync to behave like old Traktor 3 for example. Where i hit it once, it sync’d and phased, but didn’t lock and i could adjust????? Help anyone?? It says above its a midi command but the S4 won’t let me see it’s midi commands
Tempo sync is GREAT for DVS users… esp. those of use still on turntables.
Mainly because most of the club turntable installs are HORRIBLE! They are never calibrated properly, so using “soft sync” (aka tempo sync) is a god send otherwise trying to beat match on wonky turntables with horrible faders would be incredibly difficult…
This type of sync has really prolonged the use of Turn Tables for me (almost thought, I’d have to get away from it).
Don’t get me wrong, I have an S4 (and find it very convient) but for someone who scratches and does a lot of clubs (where is CDJs or Technics) and big upscale private events, the scratch-control and appearance of turntables can’t be beat.
Buy a pair of ortofon digitracks and ground your turntables properly. You won’t need to soft sync anymore, even with low quality turntables.
Question on the vinyl soft sync in Traktor 2. I’ve tried it using the demo version but have found a major quirk –
It only seems to work if the needle is currently positioned in the portion of the record where the track is located. When the needle leaves that area sync is lost, and you’ll need to press the sync button once it enters again. This is problematic if you’re cueing the beginning of a track, pull back from the one and you’ve lost sync.
Workaround for this?
Question on the vinyl soft sync in Traktor 2. I’ve tried it using the demo version but have found a major quirk –
It only seems to work if the needle is currently positioned in the portion of the record where the track is located. When the needle leaves that area sync is lost, and you’ll need to press the sync button once it enters again. This is problematic if you’re cueing the beginning of a track, pull back from the one and you’ve lost sync.
Workaround for this?
This is a wonderful article. Could you do a follow up on how these different functions affect other programs that are receiving MIDI from Traktor i.e. Ableton Live or NI Maschine.
This is a wonderful article. Could you do a follow up on how these different functions affect other programs that are receiving MIDI from Traktor i.e. Ableton Live or NI Maschine.
Thanks a lot for this article.
I really miss a function in traktor, that just once sets the BPM into Sync and then allows to correct it. Sometimes Oldies I use as a Sample are not on grid. If there´s a Track without a perfect Grid, that is necessary sometimes, too. In an earlier Version Traktor allowed this, and to work with this was really cool, beacause if it you needed to correct the BPM, it was possible at any time. Now you have a problem, and everyone in the club can hear that.
Is there a way to have just a one-time-Sync of the BPM?? Thanks a lot..
It says in the article….it’s called tempo sync
It says in the article….it’s called tempo sync
It says in the article….it’s called tempo sync
I notice when Keylock is on, my tracks sound wimpy. It’s not that bad, but when u put it back to it’s orginal BPM and without Keylock, the track is so more pumpin’ and vibrant.
My settings in Traktor Pro 2 are:Tempo Bend – 100% (Tempo Bend sensitivity not checked)Sync Mode – BeatSyncKeylock – Quality = HiQ / Mode = Normal
Any solution to keep the soul alive of a tune while playing it at different speed/keylocking?
Yeah. Don’t use keylock, or use it sparingly. Just let the track pitch up and down along with the tempo. This retains the harmonic content and doesn’t destroy the punch. Just like a turntable. (Or use CDJs if you want a good keylock algorithm).
Yeah. Don’t use keylock, or use it sparingly. Just let the track pitch up and down along with the tempo. This retains the harmonic content and doesn’t destroy the punch. Just like a turntable. (Or use CDJs if you want a good keylock algorithm).
curious how soft sync works with traktor scratch.
I’m not sure about the recommendation to “turn the autogrid function on during import”. I think users should learn about Beat Gridding and apply them manually. I find the Auto Grid function unreliable.
I’m not sure about the recommendation to “turn the autogrid function on during import”. I think users should learn about Beat Gridding and apply them manually. I find the Auto Grid function unreliable.
I’m not sure about the recommendation to “turn the autogrid function on during import”. I think users should learn about Beat Gridding and apply them manually. I find the Auto Grid function unreliable.
nah man, your a dinosaur!!! Why do that when the computer can do it for you?????? If you don’t have to set beatgrids you can use waaaay more effects because your not wasting time!!!!
ITS TECHNOLOGY GET ON THE BAND WAGON …. kk im laughing too hard to be sarcastic anymore.
Funny you don’t condone learning to beatmatch as a fundamental skill but you do condone taking time and learning how to make computer do it for you.
l o l sir
Are you joking… Are you for real. I dont condone the use of Autogrid because it isnt accurate enough. Set the grid yourself and get it right. What are you on about!!! You should prepare grids before performing, its not wasting time… I always condone learning to Beat Match. Ive been DJing on decks for decades… Beat Matching and BeatGridding are 2 different subjects… Are you confused, you seem to be…… You dont need to tell me about Traktor Technology IM A TRAKTOR BETA TESTER.. I work on Traktor every day. I know more about Traktor than you know about yourself… Do a bit of homework before you have pop at someone or you just end up looking like a fool.
Karlos Santos
[Editor of Traktor Bible / Native Instruments Traktor Forum Moderator]
The person removed his comment which criticised me so mine is out of context. Please remove.
nice an article on different techniques of auto-syncing xD im looking forward to the day when you guys can get traktor to do everything for my fat ass and ill just stand there and get mad girls while i stare at the screen it will let me be soo creative like ill go over to the bar and order a crazy cocktail how many other djs can do that
nice an article on different techniques of auto-syncing xD im looking forward to the day when you guys can get traktor to do everything for my fat ass and ill just stand there and get mad girls while i stare at the screen it will let me be soo creative like ill go over to the bar and order a crazy cocktail how many other djs can do that
when is the dj tech tools pannini maker coming out i will be using this extra time to get creative making panninis during my set while shit is auto syncd
when is the dj tech tools pannini maker coming out i will be using this extra time to get creative making panninis during my set while shit is auto syncd
nice an article on different techniques of auto-syncing xD im looking forward to the day when you guys can get traktor to do everything for my fat ass and ill just stand there and get mad girls while i stare at the screen it will let me be soo creative like ill go over to the bar and order a crazy cocktail how many other djs can do that
As a 20+ year professional musician and electronic music
producer I find the debate over “to synch or not to synch” while
DJing completely laughable. Don’t any of
you realize that probably between 98% to 99.9% of the music you play while
DJing was made with “synch” in the studio? It’s called Quantizing and analog musicians (mostly drummers) used to call it cheating as well. The
process of using midi and computers causes inherent timing delays so even if
you play perfectly you may still encounter problems with synch. Especially if you use midi. Quantizing solves this problem and is
accepted as part of life in electronic music production. And then there’s drum machines and step
sequencing (808, 909, MPC’s, etc.) You guys love that shit and by your arguments against synch it would seem that all the music you love is cheating!
Synch for DJ’s is basically the same thing. Having the track lined up is pretty much a
pass fail course and there really isn’t any creative aspect to it. The track is synched or it isn’t. It’s correct or it is incorrect. The audience really doesn’t care or even know
whether or not you’ve used manual or automatic synch to achieve a mix as long
as it sounds good.
Sorry for the long post but it seems like this garbage debate pops up in every possible area without anybody voicing these observations.
Couldn’t agree with you more.. I mostly play hip hop and don’t ever use they sync button. But for the djs out there who think matching up beats that are between 120-130 bpm is something special, need to get a clue. It’s not necessary anymore and like drew said .. the crowed doesn’t care. Stop being pretentious and get over yourself.
Again, NuFF said!
Again, NuFF said!
+1 Makes so much sense. I can manually beat match as a backup plan but why bother when I could be doing something creative.
oh look! a real musician talks about sync!
oh look! a real musician talks about sync!
oh look! a real musician talks about sync!
I appreciate what your saying but I don’t really think your analogy works, production and DJing live are two different worlds entirely.
I personally believe live should be as unassisted as possible, otherwise its not really live is it? For example if I saw a drummer playing through a kit that was triggered up to quantize I would be physically ill.
As for the comments saying the crowd doesn’t care about beatmatching, well that really depends on the circumstance doesn’t it, in a mainstream club its doubtful anyone would give ats rass about what you were doing at all but in specialist clubs its a different story. Where I come from there is only one D&B club in the city and its the places policy not to let anyone DJ on anything other then vinyl or CDJs simply because “the crowd won’t like it”
I appreciate what your saying but I don’t really think your analogy works, production and DJing live are two different worlds entirely.
I personally believe live should be as unassisted as possible, otherwise its not really live is it? For example if I saw a drummer playing through a kit that was triggered up to quantize I would be physically ill.
As for the comments saying the crowd doesn’t care about beatmatching, well that really depends on the circumstance doesn’t it, in a mainstream club its doubtful anyone would give ats rass about what you were doing at all but in specialist clubs its a different story. Where I come from there is only one D&B club in the city and its the places policy not to let anyone DJ on anything other then vinyl or CDJs simply because “the crowd won’t like it”
what this guy said, playing out and producing are 2 different things, nice rant tho
what this guy said, playing out and producing are 2 different things, I dont have anything agaisnt sync, it lets me focus more on my blends but nice rant tho
what this guy said, playing out and producing are 2 different things, I dont have anything agaisnt sync, it lets me focus more on my blends but nice rant tho
well a drummer’s job is to keep time, where as a DJ’s job is to mix songs together as one constant stream of music. A drummer using a quantized set would be cheating, just like a DJ that presses play on a pre-recorded mix is cheating. But a DJ that uses sync to have more time to be in the mix is not cheating, he is simply using his time wisely. Even if it takes you 10 seconds to beatmatch and get a track going in phase with the other track, that’s still 10 seconds you could’ve used to do something interesting that the crowd would’ve loved (ie instant gratification midi fighter). But whatever, that’s just my 2 cents on it.
true.. there’s NOTHING musically interesting about manual beat matching otherwise you’d be sending that through the Mains and not just in Cue! it’s just a task like peeping tracks for SYNC that you do in the moment instead of ahead of time.
also its not what you do as far as sync is concerned i fill if you doing more then just the simple one song to the next then maybe sync shouldn’t be over used but if you got 4 decks virtual or internal playing you can get lost on what your doing and sync dose help i own the s4 and i own cdjs i have yet seen in my profession in las vegas any dj use 4 decks simitianiously running and we all know even with record box and all that cdjs never truly stay beat sync once you have beatmacthed . ive seen horrible djs on turntables and cdjs and the s4 and seen good ones like he said its what your doing with your gear and how your moving the crowd
“As a 20+ year professional musician and electronic music producer” – Nuff said – not a DJ – stick to what you know bro!
I understand your sentiments, but you can still be creative while syncing tracks. Using an S4 with Traktor opens a large realm of possibilities when it comes to putting together a really creative set, and if the DJ is syncing his tracks but killing it with live mash-ups/loops/etc does it really matter then?
Nailed!
I use beat sync on a hold command. It locks the shit in with the other deck, but it doesn’t constantly keep it in sync. Its best for mixing involving tempo jumps like from dubstep to electro. Don’t have to worry about disengaging sync. Should have mentioned that method. =P
I use beat sync on a hold command. It locks the shit in with the other deck, but it doesn’t constantly keep it in sync. Its best for mixing involving tempo jumps like from dubstep to electro. Don’t have to worry about disengaging sync. Should have mentioned that method. =P
I use beat sync on a hold command. It locks the shit in with the other deck, but it doesn’t constantly keep it in sync. Its best for mixing involving tempo jumps like from dubstep to electro. Don’t have to worry about disengaging sync. Should have mentioned that method. =P
whats this? dubstep to electro, im always looking for more ways in traktor
I’m still waiting for a quantize size adjustment preference. Like in ableton where you can quantize to the closest 32nd note, 16th note, 8th note, etc…. I have to turn off quantize to super cue point smash 16th and 32nd notes. I believe it’s set to 1/4 notes by default.
-Bryce Demise
its actually to the beat grid
+1
I’m still waiting for a quantize size adjustment preference. Like in ableton where you can quantize to the closest 32nd note, 16th note, 8th note, etc…. I have to turn off quantize to super cue point smash 16th and 32nd notes. I believe it’s set to 1/4 notes by default.
-Bryce Demise
s2/s4 mapping please!!
Maybe learn how to do it on your own?
Watch this, panel discussion on ADE:
I found out the hard way — after recording a mix where I had used the Beatmasher that sounded like a pitch bend (completely unintended) — that at least the Beatmasher and Delay effect rates are SYNC’d to the master clock. So, even if you’re not syncing and you intend on using said effects, at least make sure your track BPM matches the master BPM.
Nice Article. thanks a lot.
Nice
Nice article, very helpfull for SYNC understanding!
Would be great if you explain how to map your combination(phase+tempo), coz i hate that usual SYNC implantation resets the pitchbend instead of removing the phase lock when you press it second time(switch off).
Easily. Just go to the “Controller Manager” menu within Traktor.
Add the commands :”Phase Sync” and “Tempo Sync”. Than map a button for each command that will trigger it. That’s it.
but wasnt it true that god kills a kitten whenever you sync a deck?
I would rather hear a epic set with tons of creativity than listen to some one beat match for 30 seconds before and after each mix
If you take a look at said sets with ” epic set with tons of creativity ” Not every single second of the set is getting mashed/sliced/effected.
Because
A) They play good enough tunes – if you think letting a good track speak for itself on the dancefloor is boring. Re-evaluate the tracks you play.
B) IF you were to turn a knob/retrigger parts of the bar for 1-3 hours non stop without even little breaks it would sound like SHIT.
Do you know what that leaves? Time to beatmatch.
I don’t think “epic set with tons of creativity” always translates into mashing, slicing, or effects.
Welcome to digital djing, instead of taking the time to beatmatch and or syncing the beats use it to do other things, which leads to innovation and creativity. Is anybody still blownaway/impressed with how well you beatmatched and syncd your tracks?
Welcome to digital djing, instead of taking the time to beatmatch and or syncing the beats use it to do other things, which leads to innovation and creativity. Is anybody still blownaway/impressed with how well you beatmatched and syncd your tracks?
As opposed to watching someone press sync every 3 minutes or so and then pump their fist in the air. Ya, beat matching is still impressive.
yes beat matching totally is – cuz 99% of dj’s nowadays are tone deaf, or literally can’t do it. & Traktor Virtual DJ & Ableton can keep them from being exposed.
mate u can learn to beatmatch in one weekend…. (or at least with 4/4 house music) its not soo impressive
about as ignorant a statement as they come. of course,,, natural talent has nothing to do with it (sarcasm). thats why I still hear week after week DJ’s who have either been spinning a month – a year – or YEARS – who still train wreck like crazy! a weekend huh? Brilliant.
I agree, beatmatching is not that great of a deal…. proof is when you get good at it you know how easy it is! (4/4 and even other beats), still, can consume precious time(seconds) when you wanted to do something either crazy or maybe just a smoother transition…
nuff said!
I have to disagree, having to do it the ‘old way’ on a pair of 1200’s is not easy. It’s not all about beat matching, it’s knowing the tunes you play inside out, where the breakdowns and build-ups are, what track mixes well with what and even knowing whether to select 33 or 45 when you get the record out of it’s sleeve. Traktor makes this easy, however the technical, knob twiddling, side of how things has moved on is not. Again, it’s all about knowing what sounds well with what and when to mess the track up and when to leave well alone. I appreciate the skill that goes into these routines but I doubt I could listen to it all night.
Exactly! don’t get me wrong – there are some genre’s where all that knob fiddling is more than appropriate or welcomed, Dubstep is a perfect example. already got a damn ton of FX going on it already – Shit! why don’t we climb all over it some damn more!
But if u were to ask let’s say 10 hardcore clubbers in Ibiza who are trippin’ out on ‘E’ what they would want in there Tech-house/Progressive, or deep house night, its smooth transitions and minimal FX tinkering all the way. new school cats – and some older ones too, that hate on beat matching just simply don’t have an ear for it or the skill set, and are just not honest with themselves. simple as that.
Beatmatching is djing, where it all began, 2 turntbles and a mic as old schoolers would say. Anyway my references to sync refer to doing it manually or letting software do it. Like I said I’m not trying to start something, just think the haters of technology should read a book by candle light, not the internet, they should keep the crying to themselves cause this is dj tech tools, based on digital djing. I’m sure ean golden can beatmatch on 1200s and so can a lot of the other digital djs. Yeah the new guys may not, don’t hate, do you hate on people who can’t navigate a dos computer but are more knowledgeable and skillful than you in windows.
Beatmatching is djing, where it all began, 2 turntbles and a mic as old schoolers would say. Anyway my references to sync refer to doing it manually or letting software do it. Like I said I’m not trying to start something, just think the haters of technology should read a book by candle light, not the internet, they should keep the crying to themselves cause this is dj tech tools, based on digital djing. I’m sure ean golden can beatmatch on 1200s and so can a lot of the other digital djs. Yeah the new guys may not, don’t hate, do you hate on people who can’t navigate a dos computer but are more knowledgeable and skillful than you in windows.
Beatmatching is djing, where it all began, 2 turntbles and a mic as old schoolers would say. Anyway my references to sync refer to doing it manually or letting software do it. Like I said I’m not trying to start something, just think the haters of technology should read a book by candle light, not the internet, they should keep the crying to themselves cause this is dj tech tools, based on digital djing. I’m sure ean golden can beatmatch on 1200s and so can a lot of the other digital djs. Yeah the new guys may not, don’t hate, do you hate on people who can’t navigate a dos computer but are more knowledgeable and skillful than you in windows.
Beatmatching is djing, where it all began, 2 turntbles and a mic as old schoolers would say. Anyway my references to sync refer to doing it manually or letting software do it. Like I said I’m not trying to start something, just think the haters of technology should read a book by candle light, not the internet, they should keep the crying to themselves cause this is dj tech tools, based on digital djing. I’m sure ean golden can beatmatch on 1200s and so can a lot of the other digital djs. Yeah the new guys may not, don’t hate, do you hate on people who can’t navigate a dos computer but are more knowledgeable and skillful than you in windows.
Beatmatching is djing, where it all began, 2 turntbles and a mic as old schoolers would say. Anyway my references to sync refer to doing it manually or letting software do it. Like I said I’m not trying to start something, just think the haters of technology should read a book by candle light, not the internet, they should keep the crying to themselves cause this is dj tech tools, based on digital djing. I’m sure ean golden can beatmatch on 1200s and so can a lot of the other digital djs. Yeah the new guys may not, don’t hate, do you hate on people who can’t navigate a dos computer but are more knowledgeable and skillful than you in windows.
Beatmatching on 1200s might b hard for you, not a prob for me and a lot of others who also use sync, don’t really wnt to get all up in your business, yeah sync is a broad subject as uv prob read very recently. No need to hate not what this is all about.
I agree, beatmatching is not that great of a deal…. proof is when you get good at it you know how easy it is! (4/4 and even other beats), still, can consume precious time(seconds) when you wanted to do something either crazy or maybe just a smoother transition…
nuff said!
Welcome to digital djing, instead of taking the time to beatmatch and or syncing the beats use it to do other things, which leads to innovation and creativity. Is anybody still blownaway/impressed with how well you beatmatched and syncd your tracks?
I think this article would be better if it had a Youtube video to demonstrate the different techniques for newcomers like myself. Still, a very good write up
Nice article Ean. I learned a point of two more about Traktor. Thanks!
scamo
I think the LOL of the article is the 140BPM on the clock –
Kids sync’ing genres like Dubstep when 95% of the genre is produced at the same BPM, granted its *starting* to get away from that but come on…things like this give SYNC the bad wrap.
Also STIGMA should have been a bullet point right “things to know” with a nice explanation that hostility is possible when you sync.