M-Audio Digital DJ System manual Pfl/Headphone Cue, Volume Control, Split Button and Source Knob

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PFL/HEADPHONE CUE

You’ve undoubtedly seen the archetypical image of a DJ: standing behind a set of turntables and a mixer...with a pair of headphones on. If everyone is dancing to the music they hear on the speakers, what is the DJ listening to on the headphones?

He’s listening to the next song he’s going to play using PFL or Headphone Cueing. That’s how the DJ can hear if he’s matched the tempo of the current song. It’s also how he locates the perfect place to start the track. In Torq, the PFL system includes three controls: the Cue Volume fader, the Cue Split button, and the Cue Source knob.

Volume Control

The Cue Volume fader simply adjusts the volume of the signal sent to the audio interface. This can be used for volume control if the volume control of your audio interface is hard to access (or does not exist).

Split Button and Source Knob

The Cue Split button (simply labeled “Split” in the user interface) determines the behavior of the Cue Source knob which you hear in the headphones. When the Split button is off, the Cue Source knob will blend between the PFL audio signal (which only you can hear) and the Main Mix (which your audience can hear). Since the knob can blend between these two sources, you can preview what your mix will sound like. It can be a good way to check that your tracks are aligned properly and at the right volumes.

When you click the Split button to turn it on, the sound in the headphones will change. What you’ll be hearing is the sound of the left Deck in the left side of your headphones while the right Deck is in the right side of your headphones. It’s as if you had somehow placed your head inside the mixer between the two channels and can now hear each channel discretely. Some DJs find it easier to hear misalignments in rhythm and tempo in this mode. Try it out for yourself and compare!

Note: In Split mode, the Cue Source knob will adjust the relative volumes of the two Decks in the headphones. Also, don’t forget that your audience can hear one of those Decks!

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Chapter

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Volume Control . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Split Button and Source Knob . . 44

English

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Contents User Guide Table of Contents Preferences Welcome ChapterTorq LE Overview Decks Main Waveform DisplayMixer Browser/Database PFL/Headphone CueEffect Racks Master ModuleSystem Requirements WindowsMac To install Torq LE on Windows XP InstallationDisplays DecksSong Name Artist NameControls Cue Setting QuickCuesQuickCue Playing QuickCuesVinyl Mode Deck ModeCDJ Mode Hybrid ModeLoop In/Out » Using QuickLoopsLoop On/Off QuickLoop» QuickLoop Size Preference » QuickLoop BehaviorsSpeed Slider BPM Display Slider Range» Automatic BPM Detection » Double/Halve Button» Manual Tempo Fine Tuning» Tap Tempo » BPM EntryMidi Button Control Midi Slider/Knob ControlMidi Keyboard Control Sync ButtonNudge Buttons Offset Buttons Waveform Display Information Shown on DisplayWaveform Vinyl Mode Phase GridPlayback Manipulations Loop PointsCDJ Mode Hybrid ModeAutomatic Tempo and Phase Detection Phase Grid ManipulationsSynchronization Adjusting with the Mouse Adjusting with Nudge ButtonsAdjusting with Offset Buttons Momentary Sync Locked SyncMidi Prefs External ControlKeyboard Learn Midi LearnAssigning Buttons to Knobs or Sliders Assigning Knobs or Sliders to ButtonsBrowser Pane BROWSER/DATABASEAdding Folders to Database DatabaseAdding Folders from Your OS Adding Multiple FoldersSearching Specific Database Folders Removing Folders from DatabaseArtist/Song Filename Swap Editing FieldsClick and Drag Loading Songs into the DecksFunction Keys Sorting the ListSearch Categories Searching the ListReset Button Ignore FieldPlaylists Rename Playlist Creating New PlaylistsDeleting a Playlist Duplicating a PlaylistReordering Songs in a Playlist Activating a PlaylistSaving a Playlist Session Playlist Loading a PlaylistRename the Session Playlist Deleting Session PlaylistsLibrary ITunesPlaylists Searching iTunes with the DatabaseIPods DrivesAudio CDs Mixer Architecture MixerChannels Gain/MutePFL/Headphone Cue EQ/KillsChannel Volume Faders CrossfaderCrossfader Curve » Adjusting via Midi » Adjusting with the MouseCrossfader Assign Transform ButtonsVolume Control PFL/HEADPHONE CUESplit Button and Source Knob Master Output Level Meter and LimiterMaster Recorder Setting the Record Level FilenameRecording Effects Enable ButtonTweak Knob Tweak ButtonBuilt-In Effects Enable ButtonTweak Knob and Button Tweak ButtonStrobe Tweak KnobAudio Interface PreferencesBuffer Size Sample RateMidi Tab Auto-Detect M-Audio Devices On/OffScratch Sensitivity Crossfader Curve Control Midi Shift KeyMidi Devices Miscellaneous Tab Torq EngineCue Exclusivity Transport Mode Schaffel ModeQuickLoop Size Search iPod with DatabaseSkin Sync ModeAbout X-SESSION PRO Top Panel Controls and ConnectorsRear Panel Global Key Commands Preset Key AssignmentsWindows Key Commands Mac Key CommandsWarranty Terms Warranty Registration Warranty