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{{Short description|DJing technique of manipulating an adjacent track to match the tempo of the current track}}
{{multiple issues| {{multiple issues|
{{one source|date=May 2016}} {{one source|date=May 2016}}
{{Original research|date=May 2008}} {{Original research|date=May 2008}}
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] ]


'''Beatmatching''' or '''pitch cue''' is a ] technique of ]ing or ] an upcoming track to match its ] to that of the currently playing track, and to adjust them such that the beats (and, usually, the bars) are synchronised — i.e., the kicks and snares in two house records hit at the same time when both records are played simultaneously. Beatmatching is a component of '''beatmixing''' which employs beatmatching combined with equalization, attention to phrasing and track selection in an attempt to make a single mix that flows together and has a good structure. '''Beatmatching''' or '''pitch cue''' is a ] technique of ]ing or ] an upcoming track to match its ] to that of the currently playing track, and to adjust them such that the beats (and, usually, the bars) are synchronized—e.g. the kicks and snares in two house records hit at the same time when both records are played simultaneously. Beatmatching is a component of '''beatmixing''' which employs beatmatching combined with equalization, attention to phrasing and track selection in an attempt to make a single ] that flows together and has a good structure.


The technique was developed to keep the people from leaving the dancefloor at the end of the song. These days it is considered basic among disc jockeys (DJs) in ] genres, and it is standard practice in clubs to keep the constant beat through the night, even if DJs change in the middle. The technique was developed to keep the people from leaving the dancefloor at the end of the song. These days it is considered basic among disc jockeys (DJs) in ] genres, and it is standard practice in clubs to keep the constant beat through the night, even if DJs change in the middle.

Beatmatching is no longer considered a novelty, and new digital software has made the technique much easier to master.


==Technique== ==Technique==
] turntable; corresponds to steps 2–5 in the listed instructions.]]

The beatmatching technique consists of the following steps: The beatmatching technique consists of the following steps:


# While a record is playing, start a second record playing, but only monitored through headphones, not being fed to the main PA system. Use ] (or ''trim'') control on the mixer to match the levels of the two records. # While a record is playing, start a second record playing, but only monitored through headphones, not being fed to the main PA system. Use ] (or ''trim'') control on the mixer to match the levels of the two records.
# Restart and ] the new record at the right time, begin the new record on beat with the record currently playing. Pay attention to track structures; careful ] can make the mix seamless. # Restart and ] the new record at the right time, on beat with the record currently playing.
# If the beat on the new record hits before the beat on the current record then the new record is too fast, reduce the pitch and manually slow the speed of the new record to bring the beats back in sync. # If the beat on the new record hits before the beat on the current record, then the new record is too fast; reduce the pitch and manually slow the speed of the new record to bring the beats back in sync.
# If the beat on the new record hits after the beat on the current record then the new record is too slow, increase the pitch and manually increase the speed of the new record to bring the beats back in sync. # If the beat on the new record hits after the beat on the current record, then the new record is too slow; increase the pitch and manually increase the speed of the new record to bring the beats back in sync.
# Continue this process until the two records are in sync with each other. It can be difficult to sync the two records perfectly, so manual adjustment of the records is necessary to maintain the beat synchronization. # Continue this process until the two records are in sync with each other. It can be difficult to sync the two records perfectly, so manual adjustment of the records is necessary to maintain the beat synchronization.
# Before fading in the new track, check that the beats of two tracks match by listening to both channels together in the headphones, as the sound from the speakers can reach you with a delay. # Gradually fade in parts of the new track while fading out the old track. While in the mix, ensure that the tracks are still synchronized, adjusting the records if needed.
# Gradually fade in parts of the new track while fading out the old track. While in the mix, ensure that the tracks are still synchronized, adjusting the records if needed.
# The fade can be repeated several times, for example, from the first track, fade to the second track, then back to first, then to second again. # The fade can be repeated several times, for example, from the first track, fade to the second track, then back to first, then to second again.


One of the key things to consider when beatmatching is the tempo of both songs, and the musical theory behind the songs. Attempting to beatmatch songs with completely different BPM's (Beats Per Minute), will usually result in one or both of the songs sounding too fast or too slow. For example, mixing a song with a BPM of 130, and a song with a BPM of 90, would most likely not sound great, as to be on the same beats per minute, one song will need to be sped up, and one slowed down. When beatmatching songs of similar BPM's it is important to consider the genre of each song. While most songs with the same BPM have similar beat structures, some genres will feature songs that won't mix well with others. One of the key things to consider when beatmatching is the tempo of both songs, and the musical theory behind the songs. Attempting to beatmatch songs with completely different beats per minute (BPM) will result in one of the songs sounding too fast or too slow.


When beatmatching, a popular technique used by many disc jockeys around the world is to vary the equalization of both tracks. For example, when the kicks are occurring on the same beat, a more seamless transition can occur if the lower frequencies are taken out of one of the songs, and the lower frequencies of the other song is boosted. Doing so creates a smoother transition that the audience would generally react to better. When beatmatching, a popular technique is to vary the equalization of both tracks. For example, when the kicks are occurring on the same beat, a more seamless transition can occur if the lower frequencies are taken out of one of the songs, and the lower frequencies of the other song is boosted. Doing so creates a smoother transition.


===Pitch and tempo=== ===Pitch and tempo===
⚫ The ] and tempo of a track are normally linked together: spin a disc 5% faster and both pitch and tempo will be 5% higher. However, some modern DJ software can change pitch and tempo independently using ], allowing ]. There is also a feature in modern DJ software which may be called "master tempo" or "key adjust" which changes the tempo while keeping the original pitch.

⚫ The ] and tempo of a track are normally linked together: spin a disc 5% faster and both pitch and tempo will be 5% higher. However, some modern DJ software can change pitch and tempo independently using ], allowing ].


==History== ==History==
] was one of the first people to beatmatch in the late 1960s, being taught the technique by Bob Lewis.<ref name="dj-history">{{cite web|url=http://www.djhistory.com/interviews/francis-grasso|title=Francis Grasso|publisher=DJ History|date=28 December 2009|access-date=8 January 2023|author=Frank Broughton|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091228090616/http://www.djhistory.com/interviews/francis-grasso|archive-date=28 December 2009}}</ref><ref name="MasterClass">{{cite web | title=How to Beatmatch: Beatmatching Tips and Benefits — 2023 | website=MasterClass | date=2021-03-29 | url=https://www.masterclass.com/articles/beat-matching-guide | access-date=2023-09-27}}</ref>


⚫ These days{{when|date=May 2016}} beat-matching is considered central to DJing, and features making it possible are a requirement for DJ-oriented players. In 1978, the ] turntable was released, whose comfortable and precise sliding ] and high torque ] motor made beat-matching easier and it became the standard among DJs. With the advent of the compact disc, DJ-oriented ] with pitch control and other features enabling beat-matching (and sometimes ]), dubbed ]s, were introduced by various companies. More recently, software with similar capabilities has been developed to allow manipulation of ] files stored on computers using turntables with special vinyl records (e.g. ], ], ]) or computer interface (e.g. ], ], ]). Other software including algorithmic beat-matching is ], which allows for realtime music manipulation and deconstruction. Freeware software such as ] can detect the ] and determine the percent BPM difference between songs.
Beatmatching was invented by ] in the late 1960s and early 1970s.<ref name="Gear">{{cite web | url=http://gearpatrol.com/2015/07/10/how-to-beatmatch-dj/ | title=Breaking Down the Art of Beatmatching | publisher=Gear Patrol | date=10 July 2015 | accessdate=2 May 2016 | author=Bowers, Ben}}</ref> Initially he was counting the tempo with a ] and looking for records with the same tempo.<ref name="Gear" /> Later a mixer was built for him by ] which let him listen to any channel in the headphones independently of what was playing on the speakers; this became the defining feature of ]s. That and turntables with ] enabled him to mix tracks with different tempo by changing the pitch of the ''cued'' (redirected to headphones) track to match its tempo with the track being played by ear. Essentially, the technique he originated hasn't changed since.


⚫ Most modern DJ hardware and software now offer a "sync" feature which automatically adjusts the tempo between tracks being mixed so the DJ no longer needs to beatmatch manually.
In the early 1990's, Disk Jockey Kosar Jaff for ]<nowiki/>based in Sacramento was one of the first people to popularize the practice, which soon caught on rapidly.<ref>Jaff, Kosar. Personal Interview. 24 October 2016</ref>

⚫ These days{{when|date=May 2016}} beat-matching is considered central to DJing, and features making it possible are a requirement for DJ-oriented players. In 1978, the ] turntable was released, whose comfortable and precise sliding pitch control and high torque ] motor made beat-matching easier and it became the standard among DJs. With the advent of the compact disc, DJ-oriented ]s with pitch control and other features enabling beat-matching (and sometimes ]), dubbed ]s, were introduced by various companies. More recently, software with similar capabilities has been developed to allow manipulation of ] files stored on computers using turntables with special vinyl records (e.g. ], ], ]) or computer interface (e.g. ], ], ]). Other software including algorithmic beat-matching is ], which allows for realtime music manipulation and deconstruction, or ], a DJ Mixset creation tool. Freeware software such as ] can detect the ] and determine the percent BPM difference between songs.

The change from pure hardware to software is on the rise, and big DJs are introducing new equipment to their kits such as the ], and dropping the difficulty of carrying hundreds of CDs with them. The creation of the mp3-player allowed DJs to have an alternative tool for DJIng. Limitations with mp3-player DJing equipment has meant that only second generation equipment such as the IDJ2 or the Cortex Dmix-300 have the pitch control that alters tempo and allows for beat-matching on a digital music player. However, recent additions to the ] CDJ family, such as the ], allow mp3-player and other digital storage devices (such as external hard drives, SD cards and USB memory sticks) to be connected to the CDJ device via USB. This allows the DJ to make use of the beat-matching capabilities of the CDJ unit whilst playing digital music files from the mp3-player or other storage device.

⚫ Most modern DJ hardware and software now offers a "Sync" feature which automatically adjusts the tempo between tracks being mixed so the DJ no longer needs to spend time and effort matching beats. This has caused some controversy in the DJ industry since almost anyone can beat-match thanks to the new function.

⚫ == See also ==


⚫ ==See also==
* ]
* ] * ]
* ] * ]
⚫ * ]
* ] * ]
⚫ * ]


==References== ==References==
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{{DJing}} {{DJing}}


⚫ ]
⚫ ]
] ]
⚫ ]
⚫ ]
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Latest revision as of 18:04, 18 September 2024

DJing technique of manipulating an adjacent track to match the tempo of the current track
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Alignment of beats in the beatmatching process

Beatmatching or pitch cue is a disc jockey technique of pitch shifting or time stretching an upcoming track to match its tempo to that of the currently playing track, and to adjust them such that the beats (and, usually, the bars) are synchronized—e.g. the kicks and snares in two house records hit at the same time when both records are played simultaneously. Beatmatching is a component of beatmixing which employs beatmatching combined with equalization, attention to phrasing and track selection in an attempt to make a single mix that flows together and has a good structure.

The technique was developed to keep the people from leaving the dancefloor at the end of the song. These days it is considered basic among disc jockeys (DJs) in electronic dance music genres, and it is standard practice in clubs to keep the constant beat through the night, even if DJs change in the middle.

Technique

Pitch adjustment and beatmatching on a Technics SL-1210MK2 turntable; corresponds to steps 2–5 in the listed instructions.

The beatmatching technique consists of the following steps:

  1. While a record is playing, start a second record playing, but only monitored through headphones, not being fed to the main PA system. Use gain (or trim) control on the mixer to match the levels of the two records.
  2. Restart and slip-cue the new record at the right time, on beat with the record currently playing.
  3. If the beat on the new record hits before the beat on the current record, then the new record is too fast; reduce the pitch and manually slow the speed of the new record to bring the beats back in sync.
  4. If the beat on the new record hits after the beat on the current record, then the new record is too slow; increase the pitch and manually increase the speed of the new record to bring the beats back in sync.
  5. Continue this process until the two records are in sync with each other. It can be difficult to sync the two records perfectly, so manual adjustment of the records is necessary to maintain the beat synchronization.
  6. Gradually fade in parts of the new track while fading out the old track. While in the mix, ensure that the tracks are still synchronized, adjusting the records if needed.
  7. The fade can be repeated several times, for example, from the first track, fade to the second track, then back to first, then to second again.

One of the key things to consider when beatmatching is the tempo of both songs, and the musical theory behind the songs. Attempting to beatmatch songs with completely different beats per minute (BPM) will result in one of the songs sounding too fast or too slow.

When beatmatching, a popular technique is to vary the equalization of both tracks. For example, when the kicks are occurring on the same beat, a more seamless transition can occur if the lower frequencies are taken out of one of the songs, and the lower frequencies of the other song is boosted. Doing so creates a smoother transition.

Pitch and tempo

The pitch and tempo of a track are normally linked together: spin a disc 5% faster and both pitch and tempo will be 5% higher. However, some modern DJ software can change pitch and tempo independently using time-stretching and pitch-shifting, allowing harmonic mixing. There is also a feature in modern DJ software which may be called "master tempo" or "key adjust" which changes the tempo while keeping the original pitch.

History

Francis Grasso was one of the first people to beatmatch in the late 1960s, being taught the technique by Bob Lewis.

These days beat-matching is considered central to DJing, and features making it possible are a requirement for DJ-oriented players. In 1978, the Technics SL-1200MK2 turntable was released, whose comfortable and precise sliding pitch control and high torque direct drive motor made beat-matching easier and it became the standard among DJs. With the advent of the compact disc, DJ-oriented compact disc players with pitch control and other features enabling beat-matching (and sometimes scratching), dubbed CDJs, were introduced by various companies. More recently, software with similar capabilities has been developed to allow manipulation of digital audio files stored on computers using turntables with special vinyl records (e.g. Final Scratch, M-Audio Torq, Serato Scratch Live) or computer interface (e.g. Traktor DJ Studio, Mixxx, VirtualDJ). Other software including algorithmic beat-matching is Ableton Live, which allows for realtime music manipulation and deconstruction. Freeware software such as Rapid Evolution can detect the beats per minute and determine the percent BPM difference between songs.

Most modern DJ hardware and software now offer a "sync" feature which automatically adjusts the tempo between tracks being mixed so the DJ no longer needs to beatmatch manually.

See also

References

  1. Frank Broughton (28 December 2009). "Francis Grasso". DJ History. Archived from the original on 28 December 2009. Retrieved 8 January 2023.
  2. "How to Beatmatch: Beatmatching Tips and Benefits — 2023". MasterClass. 2021-03-29. Retrieved 2023-09-27.
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