Getting back into djing, I would like to learn beatmatching

[djmcdouble]

Hello, I sold my dj set when I quit but now I need to get back into it because I saw someone beatmatch and I just thought that would be extremely fun. I am using traktor 2 with a hercules dj air, and was wondering if this is good enough to beatmatch, since its a controller. I have searched online and on youtube, but all the traktor beatmatch videos seem to be old and have many dislikes. Would serato be better suited for me in this situation? I never want to touch the sync button again. Thanks in advance.

[soundinmotiondj]

Beatmatching is a skill that requires a few elements that are largely independent of the specific software and hardware used:

1) Some understanding of musical structure and an ability to count "beats" and "phrases" within music.
2) The ability to cue a song to a specific beat, typically a "1" in a musical phrase.
3) The ability to start the "next" track at an arbitrary point, but typically on a "1" of the current track (e.g. two independent decks).
4) The ability to make minor adjustments to the tempo or phase of one (or both) tracks (e.g. pitch fader, pitch bend, jog wheels, etc).
5) The ability to independently control the volume of each track (e.g. a multi channel mixer and/or a crossfader).

Once you have that, you can begin practicing beatmatching.

I have never used the Hercules DJ Air, but at first glance it seems sufficient to the task. It may not be the best overall choice...but it will not prevent you from learning.

[Kwal]

Ok wait a minute

You bought Dj equipment
You sold your Dj equipment
You saw someone beatmatch?
You want your equipment back?

What did you buy it for in the first place?

[ImNotDedYet]

As long as the controller has a pitch/speed control/fader and ability to nudge you can work with it. How good it will be is another question.

IMO, the use of Traktor/Serato isn't a factor if you want to beat match. Scratching may be a bit different as you need much more precise DVS control, and I believe scratch DJs prefer Serato. But for simple beat matching, DJ software shouldn't be an issue.

[Patch]

Ok wait a minute

You bought Dj equipment
You sold your Dj equipment
You saw someone beatmatch?
You want your equipment back?

What did you buy it for in the first place?

Saw toy.
Bought toy.
Sold toy.

[Deejaesnafu]

if you REALLY want to get good at beatmatching, go find a pair of belt drive turntables.

[DubluW]

Ok wait a minute

You bought Dj equipment
You sold your Dj equipment
You saw someone beatmatch?
You want your equipment back?

What did you buy it for in the first place?

Straight to the point mate, love it.

Getting back into it would suggest you know what you were doing anyway OP?

Anyway, Traktor and the herules air are definitely enough to beatmatch on. I used exactly the same set up for a house party once ans had no problems. If you can map effectively you can use the effects with the pads and the touch swipey watsit on the controller as well.

[CBEtsinger]

you can always use the sync button too to HEAR how the beat match would sound. then go back and try to mimic with your controller what your software did for you.

[Thumper]

if you REALLY want to get good at beatmatching, go find a pair of belt drive turntables.

This. Oh, sweet Lord, this. Nothing but nothing sorts the men from the boys quicker than trying to play a set on a pair of crappy belt drives.

[soundinmotiondj]

This. Oh, sweet Lord, this. Nothing but nothing sorts the men from the boys quicker than trying to play a set on a pair of crappy belt drives.

It's like learning to play an instrument that won't hold itself in tune.