M-Audio Digital DJ System manual Synchronization, Automatic Tempo and Phase Detection

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SYNCHRONIZATION

At most of today’s dance clubs and events, the DJ will mix the songs together using a technique called beat-matching. The goal is to fade the volumes between two songs while keeping them perfectly in beat with one another. If done properly, the

audience will never have to stop dancing as the beat of one song will blend in with the beat of the new song—sounding like one single song. DJs will do this for hours at a time, creating one gigantic non-stop mix from the individual songs they have in their collection. Proper execution of this technique requires the mastery of two tasks: matching tempo and matching phase.

Automatic Tempo and Phase Detection

As mentioned before, tempo is the measurement of speed of a song expressed as BPM. Torq automatically determines the tempo of a song when you load it onto a Deck, so matching tempos is as simple as moving the Speed slider on a Deck until the BPM Display shows the same value as the other Deck.

Once you have matched the tempos of two songs, you need to start both songs at precisely the right moment, or in-phase with each other. Phase refers to the starting point within a cycle. In terms of music, it refers to where the beats are located in a song, such as the downbeat of a measure. When beat-matching songs, you’ll normally want the downbeats of both songs aligned with each other. When aligned properly, the beats of both songs will blend together into one larger beat. If the songs are misaligned or out-of-phase, it will sound terrible as the beats of the two songs will be playing at different times (in DJ jargon, this is known as a “train wreck” and is something that should be avoided at all times).

Torq’s Scrolling Waveforms will help you match the phases of the two songs. Not only can you visually align the transients in the waveforms, you can also use the Phase Grid for automatic synchronization.

Phase Grid Manipulations

Torq LE also places a Phase Grid over the Scrolling Waveforms to help you see where the beats are, even during a breakdown or rhythmless intro of a song. In order for Torq’s automatic synchronization to work, the Phase Grid will need to be aligned properly with the music. With the Phase Grids of both songs aligned properly, Torq will be able to sync the two songs together without creating train wrecks. Torq will attempt to place the Phase Grid in the proper location during song analysis. If Torq positions the Grid incorrectly, it will be up to you to re-align it to the proper beat.

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Chapter

5

SYNCHRONIZATION . . . . . . . . 23

Automatic Tempo and Phase Detection . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Phase Grid Manipulations . . . . . 23 Adjusting with the Mouse . . . 24

Adjusting with Nudge

Buttons . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Adjusting with Offset

Buttons . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Sync Button. . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Locked Sync . . . . . . . . . . 25 Momentary Sync . . . . . . . . 25

English

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Contents User Guide Table of Contents Preferences Chapter WelcomeTorq LE Overview Decks Main Waveform DisplayMixer PFL/Headphone Cue Browser/DatabaseEffect Racks Master ModuleSystem Requirements WindowsMac Installation To install Torq LE on Windows XPDecks DisplaysSong Name Artist NameControls Setting QuickCues CueQuickCue Playing QuickCuesDeck Mode Vinyl ModeCDJ Mode Hybrid Mode» Using QuickLoops Loop In/OutLoop On/Off QuickLoop» QuickLoop Size Preference » QuickLoop BehaviorsSpeed Slider Slider Range BPM Display» Automatic BPM Detection » Double/Halve ButtonFine Tuning » Manual Tempo» Tap Tempo » BPM EntryMidi Slider/Knob Control Midi Button ControlMidi Keyboard Control Sync ButtonNudge Buttons Offset Buttons Waveform Display Information Shown on Display Waveform Phase Grid Vinyl ModePlayback Manipulations Loop PointsHybrid Mode CDJ ModeAutomatic Tempo and Phase Detection Phase Grid ManipulationsSynchronization Adjusting with the Mouse Adjusting with Nudge ButtonsAdjusting with Offset Buttons Locked Sync Momentary SyncExternal Control Midi PrefsMidi Learn Keyboard LearnAssigning Buttons to Knobs or Sliders Assigning Knobs or Sliders to ButtonsBROWSER/DATABASE Browser PaneDatabase Adding Folders to DatabaseAdding Multiple Folders Adding Folders from Your OSSearching Specific Database Folders Removing Folders from DatabaseEditing Fields Artist/Song Filename SwapLoading Songs into the Decks Click and DragFunction Keys Sorting the ListSearching the List Search CategoriesReset Button Ignore FieldPlaylists Creating New Playlists Rename PlaylistDeleting a Playlist Duplicating a PlaylistReordering Songs in a Playlist Activating a PlaylistSaving a Playlist Loading a Playlist Session PlaylistRename the Session Playlist Deleting Session PlaylistsITunes LibraryPlaylists Searching iTunes with the DatabaseIPods DrivesAudio CDs Mixer Mixer ArchitectureChannels Gain/MuteEQ/Kills PFL/Headphone CueChannel Volume Faders CrossfaderCrossfader Curve » Adjusting with the Mouse » Adjusting via MidiCrossfader Assign Transform ButtonsVolume Control PFL/HEADPHONE CUESplit Button and Source Knob Master Output Level Meter and LimiterMaster Recorder Setting the Record Level FilenameRecording Enable Button EffectsTweak Knob Tweak ButtonEnable Button Built-In EffectsTweak Knob and Button Tweak ButtonTweak Knob StrobePreferences Audio InterfaceSample Rate Buffer SizeMidi Tab Auto-Detect M-Audio Devices On/OffScratch Sensitivity Crossfader Curve Control Midi Shift KeyMidi Devices Miscellaneous Tab Torq EngineCue Exclusivity Schaffel Mode Transport ModeQuickLoop Size Search iPod with DatabaseSync Mode SkinAbout X-SESSION PRO Controls and Connectors Top PanelRear Panel Preset Key Assignments Global Key CommandsWindows Key Commands Mac Key CommandsWarranty Warranty Terms Warranty Registration
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