How to sync with timecode

The key to applying sync when using timecode is quite simple, but there are a couple of things you'll need to keep in mind.

1. The pitch slider needs to be in 0 when the track is calibrated and NOT moved from that position. Use the internal slider when adjusting the tempo.
2. The sync will not hold due to the wow and flutter. So you might have to retrigger the sync sometimes if you hit the flutter on a peak. It can vary quite a lot (Worst I’ve seen is between -0,2 and +0,2). Tap it a couple of times till you make a good sync, or continuously to keep it in sync.
3. If there is much wow and flutter the track will also sometimes loose the Master setting aswell. Map a “Set Master” function to a midi controller or keyboard command.

Keep this in mind and you'll be able to use sync with timecode. :)

Best of both worlds

I've been looking around at DJs playing with computer systems and there are commonly two types.

The Turntablist/CD DJUsing the system the “old-school” way. Pitch sliders for beat matching, the cueing the track with needle drop/track intro and almost never using the more advanced internal functions.

The ControlleristThe MIDI masters... Often with a single or multiple controller bashing buttons and turning knobs. Using the internal EQ, effects and filters. Can often lead to very sterile sets.

After the Native Instruments X1 hit the market the turntablists and CD DJs advanced into using the hotcues, loops and internal effects. However the ones I’ve seen using the X1 has not used sync.

I want to take it one step further...What I'm looking at now is to combine the two by using a midi controller instead of the standard audio mixer, thus giving the option to switch between internal and external (relative/direct) modes. By doing so I don't miss out on the great controller surfaces that are available and maintain a structured workflow, and I don't lose the possibility to scratch away if I want to.

One hitch: Lagging midi fadersThe midi controllers has a slight lag on the faders. This will makes the timing a bit tricky, but it does not take very long to get the feel of it. :) A trick is to set the fader curve to minimum so that you get the "cutting" effect.

I’ll present midi mappings and a short demo video in a short while, so stay tuned.

Yolanda Be Cool & DCUP - We No Speak Americano

Just love this track... Been playing it for the last month or so and it just gets better and better!

Numark Total Control MIDI LED

For some reason the midi mapping for the LED on my Total Control different then the adjecent keys... There was no place to find an overview and I had to figure it out by my self. I thought that some of you might experience the same problem, so I wrote it all down and made a reference guide. Enjoy!

TRAKTOR VS SERATO Comparison By DJ Qbert !!!

The verdict is in! Qbert has descided what he prefers as his Vinyl timecode platform.

Though there is not much difference he still prefers Traktor over Serato.
Mr. Qbert... I concur!

Both systems have their strength and weaknesses, but I would rather select the massiv MIDI options, extencive effects, 4 decks and master tempo over the video options, abelton integration and sampler... Though I would like to have the sampling posibilities in Traktor soon. ;)

Read more on djtechtools.com djtechtools.com

New Traktor CD Timecode!

An improved version of the Traktor CD timecode is now available for download through Service Center. This new timecode fixes a potential skipping issue with certain CD decks. Just burn the included WAV files as an audio CD without any pauses between the tracks ("0 second" setting).

Native Instruments launches the X1

The X1 controller has hit the stores in Norway and I'm looking forward to getting my hands on one of them.

The controller is in my perspective the PERFECT controller for DJ's using timecode for controling Traktor. It looks great and uses a new protocoll that is faster and more reliable then general MIDI.

I'm looking forward to getting the feel of the unit as I think it will be a great experience. This is offcause based on using Native Instruments equipment for a long time, and they never disapoint.

However I'm not sure that I would ever use it as a stand-alone controller which they used as a secondary function for the controller. That is not the basic idea of the controller and so it's not really good for that purpose.

Christian has ordered one allready. I'm going to Oslo this weekend to have a look at it.

Take a closer look

Demo videos from Ean Golden