I just recently started to getting into harmonic mixing like last week. For those that dont know, this is all about finding what KEY the song is in. I found a program that makes this very east, especially if you use Traktor. http://www.mixedinkey.com/
It analysis and then writes the key into the comment section (or other sections ) of your MP3’s id3 tag. So when you are in traktor you can organize your songs in key.
This is a great way to step up your game a little bit, bring another factor into your mixing. It also helps alot when doing mash ups over instrumentals with synths.
side note
I havent found a way in traktor to change the key but lock the adjusted tempo, If any one knows please do tell.
There is a key change button - if you right click on the panel where it shows you the effects and such, there’s a key option. I haven’t used it at all, I think harmonic mixing is cool but falling into the trap of formulaic “+2 on the Camelot chart” is too dangerous. I do follow the chart most of the time, but I’m not afraid to mix out of key - some track work really well for this. You just gotta know your tunes, I guess.
Another note i probably should mention is that these programs are a tool to help find the key, they spit out false positives from time to time. You should use the information you get from these programs then play it out on a keyboard while the song is playing to determine if it is indeed the correct key. If it is not, explore similar musical keys, sometimes its a compatible music key it will detect, but not quite the right one.
lol, i agree that there are some elements that i am going to have to see to believe. I personally cant wait to see what it comes out with when i throw a complex dnb bassline with a wobbly pitch, lots of frequency cuttoff automation and a break going over the top at it :eek: That will put it to its test
I know key detection software does not do too well with these kinds of tracks
Bento, I just started messing around with rapid evolution. Is there a way to have it detect the key for a directory instead of manually doing a file at a time? l can get a printout from MixMeister, but i want something that will write it to the track.
Actually, it looks like MixMeister will write it to the track, but for some reason it wont show up in Traktor unless i add it in MM before i add it in traktor.. the songs that i already added to my collection in traktor dont show a key, but the ones that i havent played in traktor, yet, but I just added in MM do show a key..
does that make sense/.
any ideas?
Thats probably because Traktor is storing the tracks information in a database instead of having to rescan each individual mp3 id3 tags every time traktor loads. Force Traktor to re-read the id3 tags from the mp3’s.
Ean, you did an article in Remix and djtt a while back on harmonic mixing.. you said something about jumping up 3 or 7 in the camelot chart would usually work, as well as just going up or down on the chart. Is that right?
Is there an archive that i’m missing? i can never find those articles when i want to refer back to them
Are there any other “rules of thumb” (or, tricks to change the mood) for harmonic mixing like that?
Jumping up/down 1 or 2 semitones works (translated to Camelot, add/subtract 7 or 2, respectively). As with all mixing, trust your ears and do what sounds best
“Energy boost mixing” is a great technique to create energy on your dance floor.
How-To
Here is how to use it: Detect the key of your current song, and pick the next song to be 1 or 2 semitones above it.
If you’re in C Minor, your next key should be D-flat Minor (+1 semitone) or D Minor (+2 semitones). The rule is always the same, just go “right” on the piano from your original key.
The effect is really interesting: Energy on the dancefloor will rise every time. It doesn’t work with every song, but most of the time it can create a pleasant effect.
Does this translate to Camelot numbers?
Yes. To go up one semitone, add 7 to your current Camelot number. If you’re in E-flat Minor (2A), add 7 and you’ll be in E Minor (9A).
To go up two semitones, just add 2 to your current Camelot number. If you’re in C Minor (5A), add 2 and you’ll get D Minor (7A). Play your next tune in 7A, and you’ll experience an energy boost mix.
Who uses it?
I’ve heard Sasha and Armin Van Buuren use this technique many times. I personally love mixing +2 semitones since it does not clash as much as mixing +1 semitone. Every DJ should try this mix: The effect is really interesting.[/QUOTE]
I am here to help!
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