Your advice to DJs using the sync button

Sync is just a tool, and like any tool, to get the job done properly, you have to use the tool properly.

‘Press Play, Sync and Pray’ is what gets people into trouble, not the sync button itself. A DJ using the sync button should:

– Be able to hear when sync isn’t working (split hearing)
– Have full knowledge on how beatgrids work (how to set them, fix them etc) and what sync DOES with beatgrids
– Have a recovery plan if sync messes up the mix (or if their laptop crashes)

If you’re relying on Traktor to set all your grids, and not even *test* them before a gig, and you’re setting yourself up for failure. A DJ who has been over the grids to all his tracks for the night has nothing to fear from using sync.

The only downside I see to a sync-only policy is that you are limiting yourself to what kind gear you can play on. Not having gear mobility can potentially limit where and when you can actually play.

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Iceman’s video does show a lot on why one should know manual beatmatching…even if it’s just to assist when sync fails.

I’d tell DJs who use the sync a lot to focus on more than just matched beats. Learn to really BLEND. Use the EQs, pick the right tunes, and work to make your mixovers smooth and fluid.

I’d also tell them to push the envelope. We all just got Traktor 2.5 with those remix decks (review coming early next week!) and I’d tell everyone to play with them, toy with them, try stuff. Go beyond just sliding from one tune to the next…even if you only do one “cool moment” in a whole night.

I think you’re only cheating yourself if you just decide to “get comfy” and not work to evolve. These new digital tools are a marvel, but this is also when we should evolve into performers than just players.

Terry_42, post: 21316, member: 1843 wrote: Well said D-Jam and excellent video Iceman. (However a few less F*** words would have sufficed hehe) 😉

i know. (i wonder why everyone says im an “angry dj”)

Rodders, post: 21180, member: 2248 wrote: If a mix is done well then it makes no difference whether it’s manual or sync’d, but if it’s a trainwreck due to poor beat gridding / warping / whatever, you’re going to make yourself look stupid if you don’t know how to immediately rectify it.

Hit the nail on the head. This is the correct answer.

can we be TOTALLY HONEST here? why is everyone talking like beatmatching is some magical,mystical technique developed over years of hard work and rigorous training in some dark chamber in the shaolin temple?? its not rocket science!! its dj 101!!i taught my son how to do this when he was 6!! the boy hasnt fully mastered the english language,or learned to shoot a steady stream (if you know what i mean) but he could beatmatch!! and a 4/4 beat at that!! for real?? now dont get me wrong it is an essential skill for all djs, but its not the hardest thing in the world!! and the sync button dosent get it totally right. and here some food for thought most of this technology replicates things that can be EASILY DONE (like syncing and looping) to get those tasks out the way so to be able to focus on harder tasks. why do you think most of this stuff dont have “scratch” buttons or a “beat juggle” button,or i would love a button that would be able to sense the mood of the crowd for me or one that will flare,orbit,and pryzim for me. the tools are there for a reason. either use them or not but people really need to stop crying about it!!