59

CHAPTER
1
English

59

English
CHAPTER
11
pfl/heaDph one Cu e
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, wha t is the DJ listening to on the headpho nes? 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 th e Cue Source knob.

Volume Control

The Cue Volume fader simply adjust s the volume of the signal sent to the audio int erface.
This can be used for volume control if the volume cont rol of your audio interface i s hard
to access (or does not exist).

Split Button and Source Knob

The Cue Split button (simply labeled “Split” in the user inter face) determines the behavior
of the Cue Source kn ob which you hear in the headp hones. When the Split but ton 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 pro perly and at the right volumes.
When you clic k the Split but ton to turn it on, the sound in the headphones will change.
What you’ll be hearing is the sound of the lef t Deck in the left side of your headphones
while the right Deck is in the right si de of your headpho nes. It’s as if you had somehow
placed your head inside the mixer between t he two channels and can now hear each
channel discretely. S ome DJs nd it easier t o hear misalignments in rhythm and tempo in
this mode. Try it out for yourself and compa re!
Note: In Split mode, the Cue Source k nob will adjust the relative volumes of the two Decks in
the headphones. Also, don’t forget t hat your audience can hear one of those Decks!