Home 2023 Forums The DJ Booth Maximum deviation from native BPM

Viewing 4 posts - 1 through 4 (of 4 total)
  • Author
    Posts
  • #2175391
    Jason Nankoo
    Participant

    + 2 and – 2 is usually where the track still sounds pretty much the same as the original BPM.
    I find if you extend it too much it will either sound subdued if its too slow or hyper if its too fast.

    When I first started listening to mixes I use to like it hyper, but nowadays I prefer it being closer to the original BPM as possible. So perhaps its down to personal preference.

    #2175421
    DJ Vintage
    Moderator

    Guys, first of all, please put your posts in the appropriate forum. It’s not rocket science and it would make our (two-man) moderator life a lot easier. This clearly isn’t a mix, music or show. Since it’s not about software or gear, nor an introduction or something to do with the workings of the forum itself and it IS DJ related (so not for the non-DJ forum), there is only one place left for it to go, DJ Booth!

    On topic.

    I agree with +/- 2 to 3 bpm (I use a percentage of 2,0 to 2,5) is about the max I’d go generally. Going faster seems slightly more forgiving than going slower. You CAN try playing with the key (if your software has that option) once you hit a speed level you think is better for the track, but which sounds hyper like Dievers said.

    Another thing that has nothing to do with the “feel” of sped up or slowed down tracks, but everything with technology and sound, is that the more you change the pitch, the harder the software has to work. Especially on MP3s that means inducing so-called artefacts and this can become audible. Another reason to be moderate.

    Having said that, you could bring a 120 track up to 123 or so and a new track in from 126, giving you a 6 beat jump in only 2 tracks (1 transition) which is pretty good.

    #2181421
    Ricky Figueroa
    Participant

    This is one aspect of my work that has been transformed since Serato released the Pitch N Time expansion feature. Now I can afford to do large BPM changes without messing up the sound at all. I always test the possible range using my Rockit monitors and check it again when doing a sound check on the QSC PA speakers. (I’m a mobile DJ.)

    For example, for fashion shows the models need the BPM usually around 118 or 120 at the most. Having Pitch N Time has allowed me to use certain songs that are 126 or even 128, depending on the characteristics of the tune (too many factors to describe in a few words).

    I use this also, of course, in dancing gigs. I strongly recommend it.

    #2181891
    DJ Vintage
    Moderator

    While technically feasible (I’ve heard good things about PNT but also some strain on lighter laptops), I’d still be moderate to careful with doing major BPM deviations for reasons stated earlier. If you go beyond the 2-3 BMP range, it becomes more of an FX than a means of matching two tracks. Just my opinion, as usual.

Viewing 4 posts - 1 through 4 (of 4 total)
  • The forum ‘The DJ Booth’ is closed to new topics and replies.