5 Reasons DJs SHOULD Use Beatgrids
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- čas přidán 22. 07. 2024
- "Real DJs don't use beatgrids" blah blah blah. Well, you should! Here's why... plus all your DJing questions answered LIVE in the Digital DJ Tips school weekly "open house".
⚡ TIMESTAMPS ⚡
0:00 Intro
1:14 Why bother with beatgrids?
3:40 Creates perfect loops
4:46 Effects rely on it
5:14 Smooths out tempo changes
6:15 Sync works correctly
8:43 Easier to mix older tracks
10:32 What DJing is about
14:33 With a pro club set-up, is it worth paying for Rekordbox Professional?
17:22 When mixing with stems, does everything need to be in key?
22:36 What improvements would you like to see in Algoriddim's djay Pro software?
32:08 What makes a DJ "average"?
34:17 How can DJs "pre-read" a crowd?
36:04 Should I upgrade Platinum Notes 4 to the newest version?
38:39 What's the best software for DJing with an iPad?
43:15 What's up with your record collection?
44:41 Thoughts on using VirtualDJ software?
47:53 Why don't stems work with Tidal streaming?
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⚡ TIMESTAMPS ⚡
0:00 Intro
1:14 Why bother with beatgrids?
3:40 Creates perfect loops
4:46 Effects rely on it
5:14 Smooths out tempo changes
6:15 Sync works correctly
8:43 Easier to mix older tracks
10:32 What DJing is about
14:33 With a pro club set-up, is it worth paying for Rekordbox Professional?
17:22 When mixing with stems, does everything need to be in key?
22:36 What improvements would you like to see in Algoriddim's djay Pro software?
32:08 What makes a DJ "average"?
34:17 How can DJs "pre-read" a crowd?
36:04 Should I upgrade Platinum Notes 4 to the newest version?
38:39 What's the best software for DJing with an iPad?
43:15 What's up with your record collection?
44:41 Thoughts on using VirtualDJ software?
47:53 Why don't stems work with Tidal streaming?
I agree that DJs should be able to use sync without getting $hit on but when I started playing in the 90s the art and skill of mixing was magical! The things I / we did with vinyl a mixer and 2 to 4 1200s was incredible and it took real talent! Luckily I picked it up quickly and got to focus on programming live as I do for every single set.
Mixing helps with timing and structure! I count subconsciously knowing when things will happen. A great asset! Cheers
Djing is fundamentally playing music to people, so that they enjoy themselves.... how you go about that is your business and with all the options we have available to us today as Dj's, the possibilities for creativity are truly limitless....🙌🔥🙌 Thanks for another great vid Phil and the team at DDJT 🌟
Glad you enjoyed this one and thanks for coming along!
It's a ridiculous argument from people that are stuck in the past. It's like saying real drivers only drive manual. Beat matching by ear is still an essential skill for when the beat grid is not perfect. But technology is there to make us better at our craft.
Agreed, well put.
@@digitaldjtipsyou lot don’t even use Eq’s anymore (the vid from the other day) everything automatically done Everything a Dj does is getting striped away , Your kind love it Soon you’ll all be bots just standing there
@@scottsound4711if you think a DJs job is limited to beat grid and eq, you might need to reevaluate your soul. ;)
I agree
I agree with your point !00% when you say, it's about ideas and not how well you can cut & scratch or blend, etc. I've heard some "professional DJ's "whose mixes are boring. totally is how creative you can be with all the new features.
you got it!
This is a great epeisode! I've been using Algorridim since 2014 on an ipad. Thanks for clarifying the beatgrid system which was notably the best feature in 5.0 The smart fader effects we're not something I think I'll be using and it must be based on my mixing preferences. I'm sure quantize is something that should not be overlooked it does have an effect on the beatgrid. AND the quality of Tidal (stems off the table) seemed to have downgraded on 5.0 which I think was a huge part of this upgrade for obvious reasons. May consider using Beatport for streaming purposes there after. Also noticed they are offering a dj service themselves which offers b2b from different locations which really could be another innovation that shouldn't be overlooked.
Thanks again!
Yeah, Beatport DJ is a fun product.
bang on phil, your ears are the best tool in your arsenal. I use stems 80% and I never use keys I just, I think is cause the keylock is always on and that does a good job
Of course key lock will not match the keys, but as long as it sounds good, that doesn't matter.
Love the Spanish comperison and you know what, i made sense to me all of a sudden 😊
Just want to reiterate, I LOVE Spanish culture, I find the inability to admit you don't know something (around the area I live anyway) to be very endearing 🤣
@@digitaldjtips I'm with you , love the Spanish culture and people ❤️
Mixing salsa,Bachata,heavy metal,some 80s early 90music drift because live instruments beening played. No matter what DJ daw using serato pro,virtual dj, gotta get use to it becomes 2and nature on particular genre. I kind of like it use to it coming from turntables
Bells of New York...#memories🙌 Have an awesome on everyone🌟
Amazing tune!
@@digitaldjtips Totally🙌🔥🙌
@46:21 Phil, I recon platters aren't even necessary for non-scratching related DJ tricks/skills if the software, like RekordBox, has beat jump setting which allow you to set to fine. That way using beat-jump button forward and backward, acts like nudging the jog wheel. For if you do want to manually beat match, but only have buttons on your controller (like a Xone K2) and no jog wheel.
This is how i worked around not having a platter on this type of small controller. But still have the ability to manual beat match if needed. But if you are like me, you don't map those functions to pair of buttons. No, you map them to a single endless encoder. So that knob practically fulfill the jog wheel nudging function, without a jog wheel. Maybe an useful hack for others to use.
Most DJs still prefer jogs for the feel and the flexibility, but yes - they are no longer essential.
I hope you eventually make a complete tutorial on the Flx10 like you did for the opus quad? Love all the stuff you do it’s always the best ever
We are literally making it right now...
@@digitaldjtips wow Thank You so much 🙏🏻I just got my Flx 10 now can’t wait
For the question about stems not working with TIDAL - I don't know if it's an update, but I've been able to use stems with TIDAL. Has anyone else been able to use stems on TIDAL?
They've removed them on the latest software versions.
I manually check the beatgrids and (usually) keys of my tracks and aside from the benefits of having them be correct, it really helps me learn the tracks and that makes it pretty worth doing too (also side note I've found it helpful to note how rekordbox tends to categorize songs that are in a mode besides major or minor)
Never wasted time when you work with your DJ collection
Great vid🙏
The Mixon8 seems to be the best choice for djay. But is it worth to update from Mixon4? Any thoughts?
Is there anything wrong with the Mixon 4 for you? If not, no!
@@digitaldjtips No, everything is fine with my Mixon4. I love the controller because it works perfectly with djay (for me djay 5 is gold because of the beat grid, I mix with old disco tracks).
From the Mixon8, I would expect more options and functionality with Stems. Probably it's just the desire for something new. However, I don't want to spend money unnecessarily.
Thank you for your assessment and your feedback.
Phil, would you recommend using the new DJ Pro to play at paid gigs?
There is no reason why not to
My issue with beatgrids…setting them and editing them for every song i have to play. I just do not have the time or patience lol…I’d rather just DJ. While i see the benefits like auto bpm transition or changing tempo for transition tracks…i just find it very annoying besides that 🤷🏻♂️
Luckily with most music DJ software gets it right without your intervention. Buy yeah agree, it takes some of the spontaneity out of it.
In basketball, does it matter how you shoot as long as the ball goes in the hoop and your score is higher than the other team? In djing, does anything mix matter as long as it sounds good?
It's all about what comes out of the speakers
I think beatgrids are very useful, and it helps me mix. I’m not someone who knocks beatgrids, why hate a valuable part of the software.
Sometimes my beatgrids don’t line up with the waveform properly, so I often use the waveform when my beatgrids are off (it can be more confusing unfortunately)
Yes, that is good practice!
DJ Tips you are hardcore!
We try 🤣
Personally, we used Serato ages ago, analysed the tracks then picked those we wanted to play before the guest came. So sometimes I'd load some tracks I'd bought or promos received just before the gig. The grids are just a guide, pre-listen in the headphones, loop different bits and then play the tracks. Never bothered with hot cues and all that malarky. They're just not necessary for deep house, tech or progressive.
Not necessary, but many DJs do use and enjoy them
👍👍👍👍
I had no idea this was a thing lol 😂😂😂. I don’t think it should be an argument though because they are clear differences between a Turntablist and a DJ, personally I was a DJ before I became a Turntablist, the lines a just blurred these days. A Turntablist can easily and quickly do all he spoke about without having to use any of the features because that’s what the focus is and they practice to do it all day. A DJ more focused on a playlist because the focus is on the songs of choice and yes some DJs emulate what Turntablist do that’s what these features are for nothing wrong with it..And in my opinion both crafts complement each other why make it an argument
The issue is that back "in the day", you needed to master turntables to be a DJ. It's optional now. Some cannot accept that.
I don't use beat grids and I don't set them either and can still get perfect loops and auto loops by zooming in on the wave form and finding the beginning of a beat and adding hot cues so I know where beats and vocals are matching up grids don't work for me
Yup, that definitely works if that's what you want to spend your time doing, there is no right/wrong way 🙏
Learn to beat match by ear and you'll never need to edit a beat grid.. or auto sync ..
Learn your library inside out.. that is the point of a dj mastery of your library and being to beat match on any given device by ear
This is what sets the boys from the men and the girls from the women
Nah DJing has moved on pal. Sure learn your library and sure learn manual beat mixing but don’t ignore modern tools
@@digitaldjtips it ain't moved on.. cos the whole point of being a dj is having the ability to mix and blend really well and recover clanky mixes.. the way you promote the sync button on here tells me that you prefer your djs to lack ability to mix by ear and rather then perform digital techniques over actual ability to determine it your self.. which can take years to master.. pressing button is cool bit it's trainning wheels.. And once those wheels and aids and taken away is when you'll see the real dj come out.. most are scared to mix a song with no bpm counter cos they can't do it by ear I've witnessed this my self.. Learn the proper way for proper results
@digitaldjtips I use multiple dj software traktor, reckordbox, dj pro, engine dj, virtual dj and serato dj. So, with that being said, my question is..... are there a program available to share the beatgrids from dj pro the the other dj platforms???? Key word "beatgrids"
DJCU, Lexicon DJ
We drive cars now, not riding horses (some people have a problem with any change 😮😮😮)
That's true...
DJing is not about beat matching. It's about rocking the dance floor so freaking hard, that the person who could care less about electronic dance music is now cutting loose on the dance floor and becomes your next biggest fan!!!
Beatmixing is a part of DJing, just one tool among many
@@digitaldjtips I think just like your video states, beat matching is pretty much out the door. Specifically for anybody that wants to do 3 and 4 deck mixing and or stem mixing. Something good to know in case of emergency but other than that it can get eaten by the flying monkeys as far as I'm concerned...
Does anyone know any top DJs who DON'T use beatgrids? 5 minutes in and I guess this is going to be a very clear 'NO' and is probably a very stupid question 🤣 from DJ Stu's answer it appears maybe not!
@@djstuc Cheers bud! Doesn't James Hype use 2000s? I wonder if many (any?) other top billing DJs do.
@@djstuc Thanks again! Aha, so basically if you DJ in clubs you need to know how to DJ without beatgrids?
@@djstuc Awesome once again thank you! I haven't touched a CDJ since the 500 (!) and trying to work out still if I want to jump back in (I was a vinyl DJ), but as a hobbyist I don't want it to feel like 'work' (tweaking beatgrids etc on every track). So your insight is really helpful for making a decision, plus very interesting as I can well imagine MAW etc are so skilled they pretty much play the same way on 2000s or 3000s anyway :)
@@kimchi_b Of course the 2000Nexus and the 2000Nxs2's has beat grids, just as the 900Nexus and every XDJ, even the R1, even if you can't see them. When the music is analyzed in Rekordbox the beat grid meta info follows the file and is used when setting loops and uses the sync function. It's only the first CDJ-2000 that came out that doesn't have visual beat grid info, as it doesn't have moving wave forms, but as with the XDJ-R1 it has quantize and that will use the beat grid meta info to set perfect loops, but sync was not yet on the menu. Everything James Hype does is based on perfect set loops on the fly using beat grid info and quantize. The reason he can't use the 3000's is that it can't handle the speed with which James Hype is setting loops and uses the hot cue's and hot loops. He has explained it in one of his videos, and he has also done several shout outs to Pioneer to either fix the problem or start producing the NXS2 again :D . I'm never getting rid of my NXS2's, ha ha.
We shall not say the word that must not be said. The word ✌️" S . Y . N . C " ✌️ For it is a bad word. 🤪
Nah
This guy drives me nuts
Jog on then... fine by us. We're here to help who we can.
I hate beat grids I'm sorry I'm 51 I never used dvs and never will. Word is born
No need to apologise, you do you.
It really is quite sad that some people think manual beat matching is some kind of “elite” skill. It’s a piece of piss
I dont think people should act like it's a super power. It is not. Acting "Elite" about anything is just ugly.
Beat matching is however a skill that takes time to perfect (for some longer than others). And it is FUN. It is very challenging when you are working with turntables, specially if you are using real vinyl and even in modern digital gear with songs that fluctuate in tempo. It should be taught in DJ schools as these are essential parts of the craft. They don't because they don't want to waste their time when they have to go through so much other material which is part of the new tech available (which they try to sell you as well). I am not against the technology, I welcome it. But to ignore the important lessons and experiences that can be learned from these essential parts of the art and craft of DJing is doing a disservice to the culture, and the work of many artists and pioneers that passed the torch over to us.
@@djstuc I’ve been djing for 35 years. Can beat match in my sleep, but I don’t look down on anyone that can’t . Not sure what your point is.
@@djstuc why, you weirdo
Are you one of the people I was referring to that think you are something special because you learned to beat match?
@@djstuc you’ve completely missed the point. Doofus.
Is it part of the art - why kill the art
It's not killing it, it is making it an option for those who care.
Try beat gridding disco or classic rock tracks. It is never accurate. These songs were never done using a computer so beats were done by humans and we know the human error is there setting off the grid.
Loads of ways of doing this, djay Pro and DJ.studio can both do it automatically
Hahah RUBBISH. Instantly on your side.
🤣
Rubbish, says the guy with analog mixers on the shelf. If you play anything other than kick snare it don't work anyways
As long as music has an underlying tempo, it can be beatmixed, on vinyl you have no other choice