Version 5.
TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION INTRODUCTION TO DJing INSTALLATION / UPGRADE NOTES INTERFACES – ZONES BROWSER FILE SYSTEM / FOLDER STRUCTURE FILE / SEARCH RESULTS ID3 TAG SUPPORT DATABASE MANAGEMENT GLOBAL SEARCH SEARCHING TRACK OPTIONS BPM ANALYSIS AND KEY DETECTION MANUAL BPM CORRECTION PLAYLIST AND AUTOMIX EDITING AUTOMIX MIX POINTS SIDELIST FILE SYSTEM / FOLDER STRUCTURE ORGANIZATION FAVORITE FOLDERS VIRTUAL FOLDERS FILTER FOLDERS DECK CONTROLS INTERNAL MIXER CONTROLS TOOLBAR CONTROLS RHYTHM WINDOW CONFI
INTRODUCTION Welcome to VirtualDJ! VirtualDJ is revolutionary software which allows audio and video mixing right from a computer. We designed VirtualDJ to be simple and intuitive to use but do not be fooled — there are many advanced features to explore and customize.
INTRODUCTION TO DJing The work of a disc jockey can be divided into three tasks: 1. Choosing the music (programming) 2. Mixing the music 3. Modifying the music (remixing) The first task consists of choosing the appropriate music, which obviously depends on the type of evening and your style. Generally a good rule of thumb is to avoid playing all the hits” from the very start of the evening and to keep some in reserve to generate new interest when the audience starts to become tired.
The effects traditionally used are scratch, loops, and samples: A scratch consists of creating an entirely new sound by playing a small portion of music repeatedly. This is achieved by moving that same portion of music back and forth at different velocities while using the crossfader to sharply cut the sound in and out of the mix. A loop consists of isolating a passage from a title and playing it repeatedly in a looping fashion.
INSTALLATION NOTES VirtualDJ installs files into the following locations: Default application path on: ¾ Windows - C:\Program Files\VirtualDJ\ ¾ MAC OS X - ./Applications/ All Application Configuration, Plugins, Skins, Database, Playlist, Tracklisting, Languages and Support Files are stored in: ¾ Windows XP - C:\Documents and Settings\{username}\My Documents\ ¾ Windows VISTA - C:\Users\{username}\Documents\VirtualDJ\ ¾ MAC OS X - .
Because of the ‘split’ database files and depending on the size of the previous database XML, the FIRST LAUNCH of VirtualDJ after upgrading may act like it has stopped at the applications splash screen. Please be patient and look for activity on the hard drive(s). VirtualDJ is reading the prior version database and splitting the various entries across the respective hard drives of the system.
INTERFACE - ZONES Before beginning to use VirtualDJ, familiarize yourself with the controls and “zones” of the software. Upon opening the application, an interface menu is displayed. Interfaces called “skins” feature different configurations, layouts and functionalities of the software. Let’s begin by selecting “Internal mixer interface” to become familiar with the most important features of the software.
BROWSER The Browser Zone is the area where to navigate and organize files stored on a local, external, or network hard disk. The browser contains the compatible file types (i.e. whose extensions are associated with the decoders in VirtualDJ) to access the compatible extensions list. Click the “Config” menu then choose the “Codecs” tab. See the “Codecs” section of the manual for further details. The Browser zone is divided into panels. 1. File System / Folder Structure 2. File / Search Results 3.
Genres – provides a generated tree of Genre types based on the imported ID3 tag Genre field. By selecting on the various listed genres the file browser panel (2) only shows those entries that match the tag. History – provides access to data stored about each session use of VirtualDJ. The data is stored as .m3u playlist files and it is stored in the My Documents -> VirtualDJ\Tracklisting folder.
File / Search Results Panel (2) VirtualDJ provides several elements of information about each track. The information is a combination of ID3 Tag and VirtualDJ defined data fields. By default the title of the song and artist are listed for each file along with columns for beats per minute (BPM) and duration (Length) with additional columns, explained further in the manual (page 13). The width size for each column can be modified individually and by clicking on a column the contents are sorted.
ID3 TAG SUPPORT VirtualDJ supports v2.4 of the ID3 tag format. ID3 tag support is not the same support that other applications implement. VirtualDJ has always provided the fasts information access about stored tracks in the database. Adding direct ID3 tag access to every file would have considerably SLOWED VirtualDJ’s ability for browsing and search as experienced in other applications. VirtualDJ stores identified ID3 tag fields as part of its own database and the stored data can be updated at anytime.
Retrieving ID3 tag Data (cont’d) Another method of retrieving ID3 tag information is by right clicking on a file in the browser and selecting File Info. The below dialog displays the database stored information along with the ID3 tag information that is retrievable. Under each field with a button will have the read ID3 tag info next to it that can be read from the tag. Click on the button to copy that data into the VirtualDJ data field. This data will be stored and used by the VirtualDJ database.
Displaying VirtualDJ data fields (ID3 tag) Columns In the file browser (2) or playlist panels (3) right clicking on any column and choose from the pop-up list any or all of the available data fields now stored in the VirtualDJ database. Changing the order of the columns is very easy by selecting the Order… option from the bottom of the list. Then in the presented dialog choose the order by highlighting the field and using the up and down arrows.
Additional VirtualDJ Data Fields The VirtualDJ database now stores additional data about each track for additional search features and Filter folders. Key – stores the analyzed key value of a song for use doing Harmonic Mixing. Camelot – stores the Camelot key code based on the analyzed key value. Play Count – stores the running play count of the track First Seen – stores the date of when the track was first added to the database First Play – stores the date of when track was first ever played.
DATABASE MANAGEMENT The database management system comes with additional tools as part of the VirtualDJ Configuration Browser tab. Save ‘On the Fly’ during each session use Automatic check of database integrity at launch Manually check the database integrity Fix database error(s) Clean out database entries for missing/moved files VirtualDJ now saves the database immediately when additions or updates are required. VirtualDJ also validates the integrity of all database files at the launch of the application.
GLOBAL SEARCH VirtualDJ provides an intuitive on the fly search capability. Adding files to the global search can be done two (2) ways. First is by setting the ‘Search Database’ property in the Configuration Browser tab to ‘Add automatically’. This will add all files when browsing the folder structures to the search. The other option is ‘Add manually’. This requires using the ‘Add to Search DB’ option to be selected when right clicking on a file or folder in the main browser interface.
In the following example, a search on ‘ba’ is entered into the search box. The center file browser panel displays the results of the search. The file(s) listed above the dividing line represent the file(s) found in the folder that is currently highlighted in the left folder browser panel. All other files below the dividing line are files that exist elsewhere in the database. What can be searched? Searching in VirtualDJ is versatile and variable.
TRACK OPTIONS Right clicking on a track displays many options: Preview – for launching the separate track preview interface File Info – for launching the File Info dialog to modify data field content File Operations like - copy, move, and delete files o When selecting Delete a warning is displayed about deleting the file(s) from your system BPM analyze track options – Re-Analyze or Manual Edit Add OR Remove songs from the search database Remove the link to a video file for audio tracks BPM ANALYSIS AND KEY
MANUAL BPM CORRECTION Part of VirtualDJ’s BPM Engine is to calculate the Computer Beat Grid (CBG) of the track. However, in rare cases, when the BPM and the CBG is not correctly calculated, you can easily correct both manually by right-clicking on the appropriate BPM button for corresponding track. There are several methods for correcting the BPM and the CBG: Using the "Copy from other deck" button on the Edit BPM tab is the simplest method.
PLAYLIST & AUTOMIX The Automix feature works from a single deck. By default it is Deck 1; however, prior to starting the Automix if Deck 2 is selected as the active deck then Deck 2 is used. By utilizing 1 deck this frees the opposite deck for staging the first song to be used once you decide to stop the Automix process. In addition to drag and drop, playlists can be created. Playlists are groups of tracks prearranged in a desired order of play.
Playlist & Automix Management Using the Playlist management menu by clicking on the icon choose from the options how the automix functions and tracks are managed in the playlist.
Deck Waveform Display – Mix Point Markers When automix is active, the deck being used for automix play will show both the current track (top) playing and the next track (bottom) to be played. The currently playing track will display an EXIT mix point marker. The track to be played next will show an ENTRANCE mix point marker. Based on the Automix Type settings the markers can be moved within the tolerance of the type and time selections made.
EDITING AUTOMIX MIX POINTS Even with the mix point markers available for on-the-fly adjusts, the mix points for a track can be set prior to using that track as part of a automix playlist. The adjusted mix points are only utilized when using the SMART automix type. To edit a tracks Automix mix points, load a track to a deck, then select the respective BPM button for that deck. In the ‘Edit BPM’ dialog select the ‘Edit Automix’ tab. Then select which kind of mix point to edit (Mix Fade, Mix Cut, Mix Tempo).
SIDELIST VirtualDJ incorporates its own version of a waitlist called the Sidelist. The Sidelist panel (4) can be used to hold tracks that the DJ knows they will play sometime during their session. It also provides a location for VirtualDJ to moved tracks that were loaded but never played because the DJ loaded a new track to the deck. The Sidelist can also be use to stage and construct Playlists and VirtualFolders by drag-and-drop of tracks to the panel.
FILE SYSTEM / FOLDER STRUCTURE ORGANIZATION In order to simplify browsing and provide better and robust file management capability, VirtualDJ provides three (3) methods for the user to organize the database.
VIRTUAL FOLDERS Virtual folders also aid in quick access to tracks. A virtual folder holds a collection of shortcuts to tracks. Create a virtual folder by clicking on the red title. VirtualFolder icon and giving the new folder a Now browse the database or run various searches looking for tracks that are being grouped together. Drag and drop the tracks into the new VirtualFolder and next time you want to play these tracks refer to the virtual folder.
Now enter the Filter to be used for creating the results desired. This is where it can be complicated or simple. This example is simple, use the keyword ‘top’ with the number ‘100’ and the element ‘nbplay’. ‘nbplay’ looks at the Play Count data field. As the filter statement is entered VirtualDJ evaluates that the statement is properly created. The OK button will remain ‘grayed’ out if the statement is not well-formed. So the entire filter statement would look like ‘top 100 nbplay’.
DECK CONTROLS There are two virtual “decks” on the screen. Drag and drop files into each of the decks to load music tracks or video clips. The two decks are equipped with the following controls and displays: 1. Title of track currently loaded 2. Waveform display for currently - This view shows the visual waveform of the entire track, allows for viewing the remaining duration of the audio, as well as what has already been played.
4. Loop Sampler Sample Selection Drop-down arrow - Choose which sample to use. There are 12 slots which are available to record, load and play samples. Sample Selection window - When clicked this will play the sample listed in the selection window. REC button - When initiated, this function records the loop to the sample slot selected. If no loop is currently set on this deck, a 4 bar loop will be recorded by default. Wet / Dry knob - Controls the level of gain applied to the loop sample. 5.
Stutter/Play - Starts the music. Pressing “Stutter/Play” while the song is already playing, will restart the music from the last position you pressed “Play” from, creating a “stutter” effect. Pause - Stops the audio where it is currently playing. Subsequent clicks while stopped cycles through the beginning of the song and all the Cue Points. Right-clicking while stopped automatically goes to the first detected beat in the song. 8.
INTERNAL MIXER CONTROLS VirtualDJ features an internal mixer section as part of the InternalMixer skin. The mixer can be accessed by selecting the “VirtualDJ:InternalMixer” in the Configuration Skin section. It can be used just like a regular DJ mixer. The controls on the mixer include: 1. Channel Gain This knob sets the gain level for the corresponding channel (deck). (Right clicking will bring it to the value that matches the other deck level. Double clicking brings it back to 0) 2.
TOP TOOLBAR CONTROLS Not all skin interfaces provide this set of controls, however; there are some elements common in all the skins (those are annotated with an asterisk * ). 1. Headphone level Volume control for headphone level. 2. Cue/Mix blend Fade to hear just the cue, cue/mix, or mix signal only in the headphones. 3. BPM button * Opens BPM edit window. Each button respective to it positioned deck. 4. Master Volume * Controls main output of program 5.
RHYTHM WINDOW Above the players, a window posts curves corresponding to the two rates/rhythms of the music. These curves are represented in a waveform, allowing you to see your music. The peaks in the curve represent beats. In order to synchronize the music, these peaks should occur at the same time. The present is represented by the feature in the middle of the screen. All on the left was already played, while what is on the right represents the next seconds of the track.
CONFIGURATION SETTINGS VirtualDJ is designed to be very simple and easy to use but it is also fully customizable to match your preferred system performance. button. This will bring you To make changes to VirtualDJ’s configuration, click on the to the “Settings” dialog.
OPTIONS The Options settings control the multiple features and actions to accommodate the DJ’s style for using the VirtualDJ application. Smart BeatTap – When enabled and using the beat_tap action, it will automatically "snap" to the nearest plausible BPM and phase. This allows for very accurate BPM by just tapping 3 or 4 beats, the first tap will set the phase only, snapping to the nearest beat (you can tap only once to change the phase or the 4:4 strong beat, for example). One tap will not change the bpm.
OPTIONS AutoLoad Playlists – See page 18 – “Playlist Setup” AutoSave Unplayed – See page 21 – “AutoSave Unplayed” Auto Pitch Matching – When loading a song, automatically adjusts the pitch so that the BPM matches the BPM of the song currently playing. Auto Gain – This is the auto gain adjustment setting for VirtualDJ.
PERFORMANCE SETTINGS VirtualDJ provides a simple, yet complex; interface for optimizing performance to the capabilities of the computer based on its specifications. Depending on the system’s resources, some settings will work better than others. It is recommended that the DJ take time to experiment with the settings in order to achieve the best performance of their system prior to using VirtualDJ in a live performance.
PERFORMANCE SETTINGS Overclock – This setting can make your computer run faster (especially on laptops) and therefore be compatible with lower latencies. Scratch – Allows for adjustment to how VirtualDJ reacts to scratch motions Optimize for: Quality – VirtualDJ will more accurately represent how a scratch sounds when moving the virtual record back and forth Latency – VirtualDJ reacts as quickly as possible but might result in a somewhat more metallic sound.
PERFORMANCE SETTINGS Master Tempo The master tempo is the algorithm controls how VirtualDJ changes the pitch of the song without changing its tone (“KeyLock feature”). The default “Fast” algorithm takes only a small percentage of the CPU power, and produces good results at pitches in the range of -10% to +10%. For extreme pitching, the fast algorithm can produce some choppiness. If your computer is fast enough, this can be corrected by using the Advanced algorithm option.
SKINS VirtualDJ allows you to choose between several different “skins”. VirtualDJ:Basic – a basic, simple skin. VirtualDJ:Full – a skin which features full VirtualDJ controls. VirtualDJ:FullVideo – a skin featuring full VirtualDJ controls plus a video section in the middle. VirtualDJ:InternalMixer – a skin featuring full VirtualDJ controls plus a full-features audio mixer in the middle.
Shortcut Macros A shortcut macro is the process of assigning multiple actions to the same key or key combination. The power of the macro comes from the order they are listed. So open the Configuration dialog and select the Keyboard Shortcuts tab. Here is an example of a highly request macro that provides a ‘Mix Now’ capability. The actions to be used are auto_crossfade, play, and select and assigned to the Space bar for activation.
NETWORK VirtualDJ can be synchronized between multiple instances and/or synchronize multiple computers running VirtualDJ. No synchronization – turns synchronization off. Local synchronization – allows multiple instances of the VirtualDJ software to run and synchronize together on the same computer. Network synchronization – allows several computers running VirtualDJ to synchronize over a network.
REMOTE CONTROL VirtualDJ can be controlled using a wide array of external controllers. The “Remote Control” section of the Settings menu provides the setup to ‘enable’ VirtualDJ to work with the external controller. With the controller connected, start VirtualDJ, select “Config” and then select the “Remote Control” tab. Enable the controller by clicking on the graphic for the controller. From the pop-up menu, select ‘Activate’. If the controller is properly connected the graphic is highlighted green.
CODECS VirtualDJ is able to decode several formats natively with its audio and video decoders. The Codec tab identifies what file types (by extension) use what specific decoder for play in VirtualDJ. At install, VirtualDJ includes the some of the common sound and video file extensions. If, VirtualDJ is not already associated with a specific extension for an audio or video codec then select the ‘Add’ button.
VIDEO ENABLE / DISABLE – Provides the ability to have the application’s video engine enabled or disabled. By disabling the video engine ALL video features of the application are not usable and may increase performance for DJ’s using only the AUDIO features of the application. Activate – Turn the video engine on or off. TV Output – Select the monitor that will display the video master output. NOTE: Only Monitors which are part of the windows desktop can be selected.
INFO The VirtualDJ Info tab provides the version number along with copyright statement for the application. There are three useful buttons: Check for Updates: makes and internet query to the VirtualDJ Download Center and checks to see if any updates are available. [Internet Connection required] Download Plug-ins: Launches the browser associated with http request an directs the browser to the ‘Add-ons’ section of the website.
SAMPLER VirtualDJ features a powerful sampler, which provides the ability to record, load, save and play samples on the fly. The sampler can be accessed by clicking on the “Sampler” tab in the lower window and features 12 slots for samples which are available to use at any given point in time. There are two types of samples that are supported – linear (one shot), and circular (looping) samples. Linear samples are samples which are played beginning to end.
Samples can be played from the loop sampler menu found as part of the controls for each deck. Simply select the sample from the pull-down menu, and then click on the sample title to begin play. The frame around the title will light up during playback. If the sample is a loop, then click the sample title again to stop the loop. Linear samples will stop when the end is reached. The play volume of the sample can also be controlled using the Volume knob.
EFFECTS VirtualDJ features a comprehensive set of audio and video effects and transitions which can be accessed by clicking the “Effects” tab on the lower window. The effects list is displayed on the left side of the window and each of these effects can be activated for both decks. Multiple effects, both audio and video; can be applied. To use an effect, select the effect and activate it on whichever deck the effect should be applied.
Video files are distinguished in the Browser with a small, blue “V” on their icon . And, audio files with linked videos are distinguished in the Browser with a small, blue “L” on their icon When playing a video/linked audio file, a video window will open in VirtualDJ. . If the installed video card has a TV output or a second output screen, the secondary output can be specified as the output for fullscreen display, instead of the windowed output.
If using the VirtualDJ:FullVideo skin, the desired transition effect can be selected and activated from the ‘Transition’ button found in the “Effects” zone just below the video preview windows. There are two ways to mix video clips: automatically or manually. To mix manually, use the video crossfader to go from one video to another. Or, just click on one of the video preview windows to smoothly crossfade to that deck.
Optimization In general, video mixing is much heavier in computer resources than audio mixing so certain optimization may help performance, especially when dealing with full frame rate video (such as DVD in high definition).
KARAOKE In addition to being able to play music and other video content, VirtualDJ allows provides support to play and mix karaoke files. VirtualDJ is compatible with MP3+G, WAV+G, WMA+G, OGG+G, and .ZIP files. The tracks will appear with a “K” in its icon . When loaded on the deck, VirtualDJ will load the audio track on the deck and display the CDG file in the video mixer. VirtualDJ supports the binding of the CDG files with its MP3 counter parts as one single .ZIP file.
KARAOKE ROTATION PLUG-IN Between Songs o Show Bitmap – a Bitmap can be used to display a background in between each song played o Show Text – use to show information about specials or next song/singer between the songs. Use the X and Y coordinates for where to display the text. Available variables to be used with the displayed text are %SONG, %SINGER, %NEXTSONG, and %NEXTSINGER.
BROADCASTING AND RECORDING VirtualDJ provides an additional ability to record or broadcast the output. To access the recording and broadcasting features click on the “Record” tab. The following interface is displayed. The following methods are available: • • • • Record Audio Burn CD Broadcast Record Movie To access the recording settings click on the “Config” button at the top center of the interface. Record From In the “Config” dialog, three different sources for recording are available.
Record Audio “Record Audio” provides recording a mix session to a .WAV or .MP3 file direct to the system’s hard drive. When the recording is completed, it can then be listened to in VirtualDJ, edited with an audio editing application, or written to a CD using a CD burning software. To setup the “Record Audio”, click on “Config” to access the configuration settings for recording a file.
Burn CD VirtualDJ can record the session in a CD image format for quick burning of a session to CD. Select “Burn CD” for VirtualDJ to record the session as a .BIN/.CUE file type which contains all the necessary information for burning software that supports image types of BIN and CUE. Click on “Config” to access the configuration settings for CD recording.
Broadcasting to the Internet (“Broadcast”) VirtualDJ provides a method for broadcasting the session in realtime on the Internet as a “webcast.”. This way people around the world can listen to the mix session. Click on “Config” to access the configuration settings for recording a file. Record From – • chooses the recording source • Auto-Start – checking this box will automatically begin the recording when the first track begins playing.
Caution: If using a floating Internet connection, the address of the webcast could change from session to session. In this case, the broadcasting address should be communicated each time to the listeners. Caution: To listen to the mix, the software used by the listeners must be able to communicate with the broadcasting computer via the webcast server.
Record Movie VirtualDJ can record the session using the Microsoft MPEG4 codec installed on the computer as part of the Windows Media Player install. The Microsoft MPEG4 codec is used by default because it's the best codec to be used in live scenarios. For example, with the Divx codec a video can not record if the size is greater than 320x320 whereas Microsoft MPEG4 codec can record at least at 1024x768 and more. Click on “Config” to access the configuration settings for video recording.
TIMECODE CONTROL Prior to using your system or understanding how to configure for timecode control, here are some very important tips you should know about -If you are going to use Timecode Vinyl - Verify that your turntable is well grounded If you are going to use Timecode CDs - Never activate the Master Tempo on your CD player because it will destroy the timecode signal If you hear the timecode sound in your speakers, you have to mute the pre-listen of Lines In (monitor) A quality Input signal from the Tu
Please refer to the following descriptions of the timecode configuration parameters (shown with Advanced View on the right): 1. 2. 3. 4. Vinyl – Choose this option if you are using timecoded vinyl. CD – Choose this option if you are using timecoded CDs. Mode – You can choose between 3 different timecode tracking modes. These modes will influence how the timecode is controlling playback position on the corresponding deck: Absolute – This mode is similar to how music is normally played on vinyl.
5. Pitch Sensitivity – This is the time that it takes for the waveform display to become adjusted after you alter the pitch of the timecode signal. Too small of a value will attempt to redraw the waveform when you scratch the timecode, which is not recommended. Setting too high of a value will take longer to redraw the waveform, which may be visually confusing. Please experiment with a few different values to find the one best suited for your style. 6.
TROUBLESHOOTING SYMPTOM RESOLUTION Speakers produce a HUMM noise Some laptops power supply has problems with ground. One consequence of this problem is a horrible noise in the background. In this case, remove the ground or buy an isolator Some computers can have some problems with USB ports: if there is not enough USB bandwidth, for example, if an external sound card and external HD are used at the same time.
POWER USER TIPS *POWER USERS – typically only one genre is stored in the ID3 tag; however, since VirtualDJ imports and stores this data in it’s own database multiple genres can be assigned to a single file by separating each genre with a semi-colon ‘;’ . This action is performed in the File Info dialog the Genre field for the file.
LEGAL INFORMATION http://www.atomixproductions.com http://www.virtualdj.com Atomix Productions PO Box 324 Warren, PA 16365 USA VirtualDJ Copyright: Copyright 1997-2007 Atomix Productions All Rights Reserved Number IDDN.FR.001.040012.01.R.C.2000.000.31400. Trademarks: The Logo is a registered trademark of Atomix Productions VirtualDJ is a registered trademark of Atomix Productions The Camelot Sound EasyMix is a registered trademark of Camelot Sound, Los Angles, CA.
EULA SUMMARY: ------------- This license gives you the right to install and use the software on a maximum of two computers, by one person. - It does not give you the right to rent or sell computer systems on which the software is installed, or to rent or sell the software or part of it. - The software is distributed "as-is" and no warranty of any kind is expressed. - Atomix Productions and its suppliers retain all intellectual property rights in the software.
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