Beat matching
As beatmatching (also beatmixing ) refers to the precisely timed synchronization of the speed of two records by a DJ . The drum rhythm (beat) of both records is mixed together in such a way that the transition between the two pieces of music (tracks) is continuous and often goes unnoticed.
Beat matching is one of the basic techniques that a DJ needs to master. This is especially true for DJs who drives the disco orientierteren musical styles such as Techno , House or Jungle hang up, while in the hip-hop -related genres more emphasis on scratching and beat juggling is laid.
technology
The technology requires two record players (turntables), the playback speed of which can be pitched , i.e. can be changed using a slider. Their signals should be fading through a crossfader (or a linefader) and you need headphones on which you can hear both turntables independently of the crossfader. The turntables should therefore be of the same type so that their properties such as wow and flutter and motor power are as similar as possible (if not nearly identical), otherwise beat matching can become an impossible matter.
Modern software is able to merge (mix) several pieces on the computer, so a turntable is no longer required. The programs analyze the BPM number and adjust it if necessary. This type of computer-aided beat matching is becoming more and more popular with classic vinyl DJs thanks to professional hybrid solutions such as Final Scratch or Rane Serato Scratch Live . The easier and faster adjustment of the tracks with graphic feedback in the form of BPM and waveform displays gives the DJ more time for other creative actions.
Procedure
The initial situation is as follows: The record on turntable no. 1 is running, while another new record is on the unused turntable no. 2. On this new record, you first look for a point in your headphones where you can clearly hear the beginning of a bar or, better still, a multi-bar scheme. Now you wait until a similar measure or scheme start begins on the current disk. It is best to orientate yourself on a regularly occurring noise, for example the bass drum or a hi-hat . At this moment you let the new record start up and pay attention to a regular noise here too. One now compares the temporal occurrence of the respective distinctive noise on both plates and determines whether the sound of the plate on turntable 2 is the earlier or the later. If the new record is earlier, it is too fast, that is, you reduce its playback speed on the turntable, so pitch it down. Then turn it back to the starting point and try again. If the new plate is later, then it is too slow; you will speed it up a little before turning it back to the starting point by pitching it up. After a few repetitions you should be able to watch both records in parallel in the headphones for a little longer until one of the two is too fast or too slow again.
Now, instead of starting over each time, you can brake or accelerate the new record with your finger on the label or on the edge of the turntable, before you adjust the pitching of the turntable. Pros, on the other hand, usually master what is known as pitch bending : The pitch control is briefly brought to an extreme position to bring the record back into rhythm, and then immediately returned to its starting position. This requires a lot of experience, because after the process the controller must be in exactly the same place as before.
Finally, you look for a starting point on the new record and start it synchronously with the starting point of the current record, and ideally you can now slowly play both records with the crossfader first, in order to then switch completely to the new record. At best, this transition is unnoticed by the audience. You can also use the tone color adjusters (EQs), which at best should be equipped with a "kill function" (kill = a complete extinction of the respective frequency, i.e. attenuation of at least −32 dB), so that the transitions still occur appear smoother and cleaner.
Web links
- Beatmatching tutorial with Traktor Pro: How to make the transitions. delamar, specialist magazine for musicians
Individual evidence
- ↑ Beat matching . Retrieved February 16, 2015.