User Manual 1
Contents 5 Introduction 5 Hardware 5 System Requirements 6 Software Installation 6 Installation (OSX/macOS) 6 Installation (Windows) 7 Activation 7 Subscriptions 7 Try Serato DJ Pro 8 Buy Serato DJ Pro 8 Activate Serato DJ Pro 8 Manage Serato DJ Pro Activations 9 Getting Started 9 Starting the software 10 Software overview 13 Show Tooltips 13 Watch Tutorials 13 Get Support 13 Show Shortcut keys 15 Importing Music 15 Adding files to the Serato DJ Pro library 15 External Hard Drives 16 Showing your iTunes Lib
Contents 41 Mixing 41 Mixing and Playback 41 Finding the Next track 41 Loading it to the Deck 41 Eject 42 Playback Controls 42 Adjusting a Track’s Tempo 42 Using a Serato DJ Controller 43 Using Vinyl or CDJs & DVS 43 Internal Mode (INT) 43 Getting the tracks in time 44 Track Gain Adjust 44 Keylock 44 Slip Mode 44 Censor 45 Cue Points 45 Add / Delete Cue Point 46 Trigger Cue Point 46 Cue Point Keyboard Shorcuts 47 Visual Aid: Cue Point Naming, Color & Status 48 Temporary Cue 49 Looping 50 Auto Looping 51 Man
Contents 77 Recording 77 Recording Panel 77 Recording Location 78 MIDI Assign 78 MIDI Overview 78 Remapping primary Serato hardware 78 Remapping Serato Official Accessories 79 Secondary MIDI Controller Setup 79 Assigning Controls 80 MIDI Data Types 80 MIDI Platters 81 Assign Other Serato DJ Pro Controls 81 Control + Click Functionality 81 Presets 82 History 83 Delete History Session 83 Listing Behaviour 83 Serato Playlists 84 Uploading Serato Playlists 84 Live Playlists 85 Setup 85 DJ Preferences (Control P
Introduction Welcome to the Serato DJ Pro software manual. Serato DJ Pro is an integrated software and hardware system, designed to give music selectors and DJs new kinds of control. Using the Serato DJ Pro software allows you to DJ with music on your computer, with accurate control from a range of Serato supported hardware. Simply connect your Serato DJ Pro Hardware to your computer, connect to your sound system and you’re in action. Hardware This manual offers generic Serato DJ Pro software Information.
Software Installation Installation (OSX/macOS) Before installing, we recommend you download the latest Serato DJ Pro version from our website. CLICK HERE TO GET THE LATEST INSTALLER FOR OSX/MacOS To install Serato DJ Pro: 1. Browse using Finder to the location where the Serato DJ Pro download was saved. 2. Double click the Serato DJ Pro.pkg file. 3. The software installer will show, click ‘Continue’ to proceed. 4.
Activation Activation is only necessary for Serato DJ Lite controllers looking to upgrade to Serato DJ Pro. Other supported Serato DJ Pro controllers will not require activation. To see a full list of supported Serato DJ Pro hardware, please visit: https://serato.com/dj/hardware Subscriptions A periodic subscription-based payment method for Serato DJ Pro is available. To find out more about pricing and the plans available, please visit: https://serato.
Activation Buy Serato DJ Pro You will need to purchase a license (or choose a Serato DJ subscription) to use your supported Serato DJ Lite controller with Serato DJ Pro software. 1. 2. 3. 4. Ensure you have your Serato DJ Lite controller connected. 5. 6. Click on 7. After successfully completing the purchase process, Serato DJ Pro will now be activated, and you can close the online window. Open Serato DJ Pro. Click near the top right of the Serato DJ Pro interface.
Getting Started Starting the Software Connect your Serato DJ Pro hardware to a USB port on your computer, before you open Serato DJ Pro. Mac OSX/macOS Serato DJ Pro will be installed to your Applications folder. Double click the Serato DJ Pro icon in the applications folder to launch. For easy launching you can click and drag this icon to the dock.
Getting Started Software Overview The following chart provides an overview of the Serato DJ Pro main screen. Each point is covered in more detail, later in the manual. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 2425 26 27 28 29 59 58 30 57 31 32 33 56 55 34 35 54 36 53 37 52 38 39 40 51 50 49 48 47 46 45 44 43 42 41 1 Playback mode Choose Serato DJ Pro playback mode for selected deck. Choose from INT (Internal), REL (Relative) or ABS (Absolute) modes.
Getting Started Software Overview 8 DJ-FX Panel Click to open the DJ-FX panel. SEE DJ-FX FOR MORE INFORMATION 9 Sampler Panel Click to open the Sampler panel. SEE SAMPLER FOR MORE INFORMATION 10 Serato Video Click to open Serato Video Expansion Pack if activated. SEE SERATO VIDEO FOR MORE INFORMATION 11 Current BPM Shows the tempo of the currently playing track in beats per minute. 12 Platter position indicator Shows the virtual deck relation to the physical platter position.
Getting Started Software Overview 33 Auto Loop Tab Displays Loop information which allows you to create, modify, save, and clear Loops. 34 Beat Matching Display Accentuates the beats in the track. SEE BEAT MATCHING DISPLAY FOR MORE INFORMATION 35 Waveform Colored Waveform of the currently loaded track to represent frequencies of the sound. 36 Search Searches your Library or Crate for the text entered in this field.
Getting Started Show Tooltips Click on the button in the upper right-hand corner of Serato DJ Pro, then tooltips. Tool tips provide a handy way to learn the various features of Serato DJ Pro. to enable Move the mouse over a section of the screen to bring up a context sensitive tool tip. Watch Tutorials Click on the button in the upper right-hand corner of Serato DJ Pro, then your default internet browser and watch tutorials, to help you get familiar with Serato DJ Pro.
Getting Started Show shortcut keys Set/Adjust loop SAMPLE in point PLAYER SHORTCUTS O Set/Adjust loop outlibrary point (slot 1-8) Load Sample from P control + alt + Z, X, C, V, B, N, M, , Loop Slot Select Play Sample (slotUp 1-8) alt X, +O Z, C, V, B, N, M, , Loop Slot Select Stop Sample (slotDown 1-8) alt + + Z, P X, C, V, B, N, M, , alt LIBRARY ACTION KEY KEY Move Up/Down through tracks up/down arrow Move Up/Down through crates control + shift + up/down arrow Shift highlight focus tab Move
Importing Music Adding files to the Serato DJ Pro Library The easiest way to load music from your computer into your library is by using the Files button. 1. Click on the FILES button to open the files panel. The left side of this window displays various locations on your computer hard drive (and external drives if you have one). Click on these locations to navigate your computer and find your music. By default, your music will usually be found in the “Music” inside your user folder. 2.
Importing Music Showing your iTunes Library Serato DJ Pro can import your iTunes™ library allowing you to play your iTunes music and access playlists. To enable this feature go to the Setup screen, open the Library + Display tab and check the Show iTunes library box.
Preparing Your Files Offline Player The offline player is available when Serato DJ Pro hardware is not connected, and outputs through the current default audio device. Load a track to the offline player by dragging and dropping onto the waveform display area, the track display area, or by pressing shift + left arrow. If the end of the loaded track is reached, the next track in the current playlist will automatically play next.
Preparing Your Files Track Gain Adjust The Track Gain Adjust allows adjustment of the playback volume for track loaded to the Offline Player. The Gain value adjustment made is saved to the file and will be retained the next time you load that track. Track Gain Adjust behavior is also the same when your Serato DJ hardware is connected.
Preparing Your Files Analysis Settings Set Key Check this option to set a key value while analyzing files. Re-analyzing files with this option checked will overwrite any manual changes made. NOTE: Locked files will not have a new Key calculated. Set Beatgrid/BPM Check this option to ensure Serato DJ Pro sets a Beat Grid and calculates the BPM while analyzing files. Re-analyzing files with this option checked will overwrite any manual changes made. NOTE: Locked files will not have a new Beatgrid calculated.
Preparing Your Files Lock Beatgrids Tracks in your library can be locked to avoid accidentally changing the BPM or Beatgrid information for the file. This provides a handy visual aid for tracks in your library you feel have correct Beatgrids and BPM values. Find a track you wish to lock, hold control + click in the empty Status column (the first column in the main Library view). A Blue Lock icon will be displayed in this field. Press control + click again on this icon to unlock the track.
Main Screen Overview Quantize Serato DJ Pro has a Quantize function. When selected, your cue points will be snapped to your Beatgrids as you set them. Triggering Cue Points will also match the tempo of your Beatgrids so that you will never go out of time. You can select the number of beats between each Cue Point set and trigger in the the DJ Preferences tab of the Setup screen. When Quantize is selected, triggering Reloop for your stored loops will also snap to the Beatgrid.
Main Screen Overview Using Serato DJ Pro with Vinyl or CDJs When using Serato DJ Pro with supported hardware that allows for Vinyl or CDJ control, you will have 4 different control modes (5 if you are using a Rane SL4 interface or Rane Sixty-Eight Mixer). Absolute Mode You can select Absolute Mode from a drop down menu in the top left corner of the Virtual Deck area. ABS mode is the default mode and most closely resembles the properties of regular vinyl.
Main Screen Overview Changeover Mode If you are using a Rane SL4 interface or a Rane Sixty-Eight mixer, you will also have the option to select OFF (Changeover). You can select Changeover Mode from a drop down menu in the top left corner of the Virtual Deck area. OFF mode mutes the selected deck. This is primarily for controlling what audio is sent to the mix during DJ changeovers on the Sixty-Eight mixer and the SL4 interface.
Main Screen Overview Master Output Level The Master Output Level control sets the final volume level of the main mix at the software output, before it is sent to the hardware. The output level can be adjusted from -12dB (all the way to the left) to +12dB (all the way to the right). The green, yellow and red audio meter next to the control displays the audio output level after the Master Output Level Control is applied. Control + click the Master Output Level to reset to 12 o’clock (0dB).
Main Screen Overview Virtual Deck • • • • • • • • BPM: Shows the tempo of the currently playing track in beats per minute. Reflects changes in tempo slider movement. Pitch: Shows percentage difference of current tempo in relation to original track tempo. Pitch Range: Displays either +/-8%, +/-16% and +/-50% tempo ranges depending on what you have selected. Elapsed Time: How much of the track has already been played. Remaining Time: How much time left until the end of the track.
Main Screen Overview Active Deck Indicator When using a 4 deck view mode with Serato DJ Pro hardware that support 4 decks, you will notice 2 of the 4 decks have a blue border. This is referred to as the active deck indicator. This means that all controls on your Serato DJ hardware, and all Keyboard Shortcuts will apply to those decks which have the blue border.
Main Screen Overview BPM Tapper If a track has no BPM information stored and Set Beatgrids is disabled, TAP is displayed where the BPM is usually displayed in the Track Display. To add a BPM value, you can click on TAP which will open the Beatgrid Editor. To calculate the BPM, tap the space bar along with the beat. After you’ve tapped the first beat, you can switch to double time tapping, halftime, start of each bar etc.
Main Screen Overview Main Waveform Display This area provides a close-up view of the track, including color-coding to show the frequency of the sound; red representing low frequency bass sounds, green representing mid frequency sounds and blue representing high frequency treble sounds. Click and hold on the waveform to ‘scrub’ or make fine adjustments to your position within the track. The main waveform is zoomed around the current position in the track.
Main Screen Overview Practice mode Practice mode can be used to mix two tracks in Serato DJ Pro, and allows you to practice combinations without compatible hardware connected. Controls become available in the user interface, and can be modified with the mouse or keyboard shortcuts. Toggle between practice mode (2) and offline mode (1) by clicking on the respective buttons found near the top left-hand corner of Serato DJ Pro.
Main Screen Overview Serato Play Serato Play is an expansion pack for Serato DJ Pro that allows you to mix without connecting Serato primary hardware. Using keyboard shortcuts or the mouse, the user can adjust EQ, crossfader, and filter to manipulate the mix, using 1, 2, 3, or 4 virtual decks. Click the button to enable Serato Play.
Navigating and Managing your Library The library contains all the music that you have added to Serato DJ Pro. By using browse and search you can easily narrow down your selection to find the track you want. TIP: You can change the size of your library text by using the keyboard shortcuts control and + and control and -. Mouse and Keyboard Navigation You can use the cursor keys and mouse to navigate the library. The cursor keys work as up, down, forward and back.
Navigating and Managing your Library Library Status Icons Serato DJ Pro has detected some corruption in the file. It is possible this file may not play correctly, and/or make your library unstable. If possible, re-encode the MP3 or remove from the library. SEE CORRUPT FILE DIAGNOSES FOR MORE INFORMATION The track cannot be found and will appear yellow in the library.. Most likely the file has been renamed or moved location since it was first used in Serato DJ Pro.
Navigating and Managing your Library Prepare The prepare window is an area for holding tracks, much like preparing a set by lifting records partially out of your record bag. Click the button in Serato DJ Pro to open the prepare panel. Navigate through your library with the keyboard and use the mouse to drag tracks or crates into the prepare window or onto the prepare window. These tracks will be removed from the prepare panel once they have been played.
Navigating and Managing your Library Crates Serato DJ Pro uses digital crates for quick access to your favorite collections. There is no limit to the number of crates you can create, and any given track can be placed in multiple crates. The crate area is on the left hand side of the library. For example, you could organize your tracks into the following crates, where any one track would be filed in more than one crate.
Navigating and Managing your Library Smart Crates Smart crates are crates which update their contents by using keywords which are matched with selected tags of your music library tracks. Smart crates can be updated automatically or at your discretion. To create a smart crate, click the button on the left hand side of the main screen. A pop-up window will open which allows you to add the rules to fill your smart crate. Click Add Rule to add a rule for the smart crate to match with.
Navigating and Managing your Library Copying and Managing Files Serato DJ Pro gives you the ability to copy and move files or folders between drives or to a new location on the same drive. To copy or move your files and/or folders, open the Files panel and select, drag and drop them in the desired new location. Serato DJ Pro will then prompt you with the following options: Copy: Select this to make a copy of the selected files and folders in the new location.
Navigating and Managing your Library Setting up Columns The track information display area can be customized to display any of the columns listed below.
Navigating and Managing your Library Editing ID3 Tags Much of the information associated with each track can be edited from within Serato DJ Pro. Double click on the field within the main library to edit it. Filename, length, size, bit rate and sampling cannot be edited, this information is saved in the file itself. Note that the protect library option in setup must be unchecked to allow edits. SEE PROTECT LIBRARY FOR MORE INFORMATION TIP: Use the keyboard shortcut control + E to edit text.
Navigating and Managing your Library Library Auto Back-up Serato DJ Pro will create a folder on your hard disk called Serato where it stores your library database, crate information and other information. The Serato folder is located in the My Music folder on Windows and in the Music folder on Mac. Serato DJ Pro will also create a Serato folder on any external drive that you have added files from into the library. When you first exit Serato DJ Pro you will be prompted to backup your library.
Navigating and Managing your Library Serato Software Compatibility Serato DJ Pro uses the same library as all other Serato software. If you are an existing Serato software user all your music, Loops and Cue Points will be available in Serato DJ Pro. If you create a library in Serato DJ and then install Serato ITCH or Scratch Live the music Loops and Cue Points from Serato DJ will automatically be available in Serato ITCH and Scratch Live.
Mixing Mixing and Playback Previously we have covered finding, loading and playing tracks. Once you have a track playing, the next step is to mix it into another track. Finding the Next track First you’ll need to find the next track to mix in. Browse your library to find a suitable track. You can click the top of a column header to sort your library. TIP: The library’s BPM column is useful for finding a track with a similar tempo to the current track.
Mixing Playback Controls The playback controls can be clicked above each virtual deck. Play: Plays track forward. Click again to pause. control + click to reverse play. Load previous track: Loads the previous track in your active crate The playback controls can also be used with keyboard shortcuts. SEE SHORTCUT KEYS FOR MORE INFORMATION Adjusting a Track’s Tempo The playback speed of the track is controlled by the Pitch Slider / Dial on the Serato DJ hardware.
Mixing Using Vinyl or CDJs & DVS If you are using Serato DJ Pro & DVS with vinyl or CDJs, with Absolute and Relative modes, the turntable/CDJ will control the tempo. Internal Mode (INT) If you select Internal Mode (INT) while a DVS compatible Serato DJ Pro device is connected, you can use the on screen controls to adjust the tempo, tempo range or use the nudge up/down buttons. • Tempo Slider: Use the Tempo Slider to make tempo adjustments.
Mixing Track Gain Adjust Gain can be adjusted for your individual track, which may be loaded to the Virtual Deck or Sampler Sample Slot. Adjustment ranges from -24dB to +24dB. To set the gain value to 0dB, control + click on the Track Gain Adjust. Serato DJ Pro will remember adjusted Track Gain value when the track is next loaded. When Auto Gain is enabled, the Track Gain Adjust will appear grey. Again, to set the gain value to 0 dB, control + click the Track Gain Adjust.
Cue Points A Cue Point is a marker on the track that, when triggered/clicked will take you to that position in the song. Serato DJ Pro has up to 8 Cue Points. NOTE: Your Cue Points are saved to the file and recalled the next time it is loaded. They are not lost if the file is moved or renamed.
Cue Points Trigger Cue Point Once a Cue Point is set, you can jump to it at any time by pressing the relevant HOT CUE button on your Serato DJ hardware or clicking on the symbol in the Cue Point View. If playback is paused, triggering a Cue Point will play from that point for as long as the HOT CUE button is held down, and will return to the cue point and pause when the button is released. When the Quantize feature is enabled, Cue Points will trigger in time with the Beatgrid.
Cue Points Visual Aid: Cue Point Naming, Color & Status You can name your Cue Points by double-clicking on the Cue Point time. You can then toggle between the name and the time by control + clicking the Cue Point name or time. Drag and drop Cue Points to reorder them. You can personalize Cue Point color by right-clicking the Cue Point trigger button.
Cue Points Temporary Cue The temp cue function allows you to set a temporary cue point in a track that is not saved to the file. This is useful for finding a point in a track and then being able to easily start again from this point as you get your mix right. By default, this is set to the beginning of the audio file. While paused you can use the platter to fine tune the playhead placement to ensure your cue point is set exactly on a downbeat. You can set a temporary cue point using keyboard shortcuts.
Looping In Serato DJ Pro you can create Manuals Loops, to achieve a specific size of loop, Auto Loops by selecting a range of Loop sizes, or you can save a up to 8 loops for each track and recall those loops when required. Click the Loops tab in the virtual deck area to open loop controls. NOTE: Your loops are saved to the file and recalled the next time it is loaded. They are not lost if the file is moved or renamed.
Looping Auto Looping To create a Auto Loop, you will first need to select the Loops Tab. Auto loops range from 1/32 to 32 bars. You can use the relevant Auto Loop controls on your Serato DJ hardware or click the loop value you wish to create by choosing from the range of defined lengths. To shift the range displayed, use the two arrow buttons on the left and right of defined lengths.
Looping Manual Looping To create a Manual Loop using the software, you will first need to open the Loops tab. Manual Loops allow you to create a loop on the fly at any length you choose, and have the option to make further adjustments if you don’t create the loop right the first time. Loop In: Sets the in point of the loop. When a loop is active, clicking Loop In again will allow you to manually edit the start point of the loop.
Looping Managing Loops Along side both Manual and Auto loop buttons, you will see the following additional functionality: Loop Length Half/Double: You can further modify a loop by using the Loop Length Half or Double button, click these to half or double the value of the currently selected loop. Clear Loop: Deletes the current loop from loop slot and deactivates the loop. You can also manage your stored loops on the Loop Panel by using Loop On/Off, Reloop and Loop Slot Add/Delete buttons.
Looping Reordering Saved Loops Saved loops can be reordered by clicking, holding and dragging the loop up or down the loop slots, before releasing on the desired slot. Loop Roll Loop roll performs a standard Auto Loop, but when the loop is turned off the playback position is returned to the position where it would be if it had not entered the loop (much like censor). The Loop Roll Lengths are determined by the range selected in the Auto Loop Tab.
Beatgrids Tracks without Beatgrids need to be Analyzed before a Beatgrid is created. SEE ANALYZING FILES FOR MORE INFORMATION TIP: For new tracks that haven’t been analyzed you can alternatively load a track to a virtual deck and Serato DJ Pro will add a Beatgrid. The ‘Set Beatgrid’ option will need to have been selected in the Offline Player. NOTE: Analyzing tracks may take some time. It is recommended you do this prior to a gig.
Beatgrids Bar Markers Once the Downbeat Marker is created, the Beatgrid will then be created using the BPM value of the track to lay out a series of Bar Markers throughout the track on each bar start. Each Bar Marker has a Bar number displayed next to the line, these indicate the start of the track’s bar number (i.e. the first beat is the start of bar number 1). If the BPM value is correct, then the Beat Markers will fall on each of the track’s beats.
Beatgrids Editing Beatgrids If the Beatgrid markers aren’t falling on top of the track’s beats, you will need to edit the Beatgrid. You can do this by loading the track to the deck, either in offline player, or while connected to your Serato DJ hardware, then clicking on “Edit Grid” which appears next to the time elapsed/remaining information for your track. If you click on Edit Grid, the Beatgrid Editor will appear and a blue bar will appear above the waveform of the track.
Beatgrids Incorrect Downbeat Marker Incorrect Downbeat marker (pictured) If the Downbeat Marker is set incorrectly or you want the first beat to be in a different position (i.e. if the track has a long intro), then you will need to create a new Downbeat Marker. 1. Open the Grid Editor by clicking Grid Edit or using the keyboard shortcut, alt + spacebar. 2. Clear the beatgrid by clicking on the CLEAR button to delete the marker closest to the playhead.
Beatgrids Adjust Incorrect Beatgrid Incorrect Beatgrid (pictured) The Beatgrid may not always be correctly estimated and the markers may not line up exactly with the track’s beats. If the Beatgrid Bar Markers start falling off the beats over time, then you will need to Adjust the Beatgrid. Adjusting the Beatgrid will expand or contract the Beatgrid from your last Downbeat or Bar Marker. 1. Open the Grid Editor by clicking Grid Edit or using the keyboard shortcut, alt + spacebar. 2.
Beatgrids Grid Edit Shortcuts To edit a Beatgrid you will need to open the Beatgrid Editor. Grid Edit mode (pictured) NOTE: You may find it easier to make adjustments to the Beatgrid with the track not playing.
Simple Sync (No Beatgrids) Simple Sync does a simple transient sync to the opposite track on the deck. You do not need Beatgrids in order to use Simple Sync. SEE SYNC PREFERENCES FOR MORE INFORMATION Simple Sync Pressing Sync will match the both the BPM values and transients of your tracks together. If you have dropped your next track in but it’s not quite in time, by pressing sync you can perform an automatic beat sync. Beat sync works by snapping the two closest transients together and matching the BPM.
Simple Sync (No Beatgrids) Snap to Beatgrid Snap to Beatgrid will make Beatgrids visible on your tracks waveform, and when first pressing sync it will sync the track using the tracks Beatgrid information rather than the transients. You can enable this option in the DJ Preferences tab of the Serato DJ Pro Setup Screen.
Smart Sync (Using Beatgrids) Smart Sync gives you more control and requires your tracks have accurate beatgrids. You can select which type of Sync you wish to use in the DJ Preferences tab of the Serato DJ Pro Setup Screen. SEE SYNC PREFERENCES FOR MORE INFORMATION Once you have accurate Beatgrids you can now use them to easily sync tracks together. SEE BEATGRIDS FOR MORE INFORMATION Beat Position Indicator The Beat Position Indicator is a display of where the track’s playhead within the current bar.
Smart Sync (Using Beatgrids) Arm Beat Sync You can arm Sync by pausing the deck and pressing Sync. THE BEAT POSITION INDICATOR WILL ILLUMINATE GREY WHEN IN BEAT SYNC IS ARMED Pressing the play button using your Serato DJ hardware or on the virtual deck will start playback and automatically Beat Sync the track to other tracks currently in Sync mode.
Smart Sync (Using Beatgrids) Disengage Sync Press SHIFT + SYNC on the hardware to disable Sync for the deck. You can also click the OFF button to the left of the SYNC button in the software. The first press of the OFF button will keep the deck in Relative Pitch, but it will no longer be in Sync. This will be shown by the SYNC button having a blue outline.
Smart Sync (Using Beatgrids) Loading tracks With No Beatgrid Loading a track with no Beatgrid will disable Sync for that deck. A Beatgrid will be created for un-analyzed tracks if ‘Set Auto BPM’ and ‘Set Beatgrid’ are enabled in the Offline Player. SEE SET AUTO BPM AND SET BEATGRID FOR MORE INFORMATION Once a Beatgrid has been created you can then press Sync to engage Beat Sync.
DJ-FX The DJ-FX panel gives you control of two FX Units, with effects powered by iZotope™. The DJ-FX panel button appears in the top left area of the main screen, click FX to open this panel. This will only be available when supported Serato DJ hardware is connected. Using The DJ-FX Click the ‘Effect Select’ drop down box to select an effect for the effect slot. Click the ‘On’ button below the effect select box to turn the effects on or off.
DJ-FX DJ-FX Modes You can select between the two FX modes by clicking either the Single FX mode button button or Multi FX mode Single FX Mode Single FX Mode allows you to select one effect per FX bank, and has multiple parameters that can be adjusted. Multi FX Mode Multi FX Mode allows you to select up to three effects per FX bank, and adjust only one parameter, the FX Depth. Beats Multiplier The Effect Beats Multiplier is used to adjust the effect time.
DJ-FX Tempo Source and Tap Tempo The FX Unit Tempo has two modes, Automatic and Manual. Automatic Tempo mode requires that the track on the deck/channel assigned to the FX Unit has BPM information. BPM information can be added to most tracks using the Track Analyzer. Manual Tempo mode allows you to tap in the tempo yourself. To change to Manual mode, simply click ‘TAP’ until a BPM is established Tap the button on each beat to calculate the BPM.
DJ-FX FX Channel Assign Select either Channel 1, Channel 2 or Master to assign the selected FX bank (2 deck hardware) or Channel 1, 2, 3, 4 or Master Channel (4 deck hardware). Some hardware also has the option of assigning FX to an auxiliary channel (A). When you assign a bank to Master any other channel assignments are removed, and selecting any channel while Master is selected will remove the Master channel assignment. You can turn off any channel assignment by clicking it again.
Sampler The Sampler allows you to play up to eight sources of audio, in addition to the tracks playing on the Virtual Decks. Any audio file in your Serato DJ Pro library can be loaded to any one of the eight slots, allowing playback of short samples, audio loops, sound effects, or full length tracks. NOTE: The Sampler is only operational when Serato DJ hardware is connected, it is not operational in the offline player mode.
Sampler Sampler View Modes There are two different view modes to suit your workflow, Simple, and Advanced. You can toggle between these view modes using the toggle buttons in the upper left-hand corner of the Sampler panel. Simple Simple mode shows just the selected Sample bank, the eight slots, their playing status, and the Sampler Master Volume and Sample Master Mute toggle.
Sampler Sample Player Repeat Sample Player Repeat When the playhead reaches the end of the track it returns and continues from the start of the track. Short audio loop samples can be turned into a continuous track using repeat. Ensure there is a clean cut at the start and end of the sample’s bar. Sample player repeat can also play any stored loop if the file contains any. Select the stored Loop slot from the ‘Play From’ Selector.
Sampler Sampler Track Information (Advanced Mode only) When a track has been loaded to a sample slot, if available, the track title and BPM information will be displayed. An overview of the track loaded to each sample slot is displayed also. The waveform, playhead position, Cue Points and any armed loops will all be visible. Sampler Sync (Advanced Mode only) When Sync is on and play is pressed, the audio will Sync with all other tracks on decks or sample slots that currently have Sync activated.
Sampler Sampler Pitch Controls (Advanced Mode only) There are individual Pitch Adjustment, Bend, Nudge, and Keylock controls for each sample slot. Pitch adjustment will be displayed as a percentage. Use the shortcut control + click on the pitch percentage to reset the pitch to zero. Click and drag up or down on the Pitch Percentage to reveal the Pitch Adjustment Slider. To make fine adjustments, hold shift while clicking and dragging.
Sampler Individual Sample Gain (Advanced Mode Options only) Adjust to compensate for tracks that are too quiet / loud. This gain value is stored with the file, not the sample slot. This allows you to fine tune the volume level of the loaded sample relative to other sample files, the same as the Track Gain control on the main virtual decks. The gain adjustment will also be written to the track tags, meaning that it will be the same every time you load it to the sample slot or to a virtual deck.
Sampler Sampler Sample Banks The Sampler has 4 available sample banks. Store up to 8 samples in each bank and jump between them for quick access to your favorite samples. Slot and sample settings will also be saved. To switch between the different banks click on the A, B, C or D buttons. Sample Bank A will load as the default.
Recording Serato DJ Pro can capture recordings of your mix output. Click the REC button to open the Recording Panel in Serato DJ Pro. This is located in the top left hand area of the main screen. NOTE: You can select the file format and bit depth for your recording in the playback tab of the setup screen. SEE RECORDING OPTIONS FOR MORE INFORMATION Recording Panel input select - Click on the drop-down to select the recording input. For recording the master audio output signal select MIX.
MIDI Assign MIDI Overview The MIDI assign feature in Serato DJ Pro provides the ability to control functions of Serato DJ Pro using secondary MIDI controllers such as keyboards, triggers, sliders, and knobs. Integrating MIDI controllers into your Serato DJ Pro setup can improve live performance usability, such as hitting pads on a MIDI controller to trigger Loops and Cue Points. You can create, save and edit MIDI presets and preferences in the SETUP screen, under the MIDI tab.
MIDI Assign Secondary MIDI Controller Setup Many devices can connect to a computer using MIDI over USB, and will either be supported directly by your operating system, or require installation of drivers. Follow the manufacturers instructions for installation. Older controllers may use a MIDI out connector to send control messages, and will require a separate MIDI interface unit to communicate to software.
MIDI Assign MIDI Data Types Some Serato DJ Pro functions allow you to change the MIDI data type after assigning. As MIDI controllers vary between brand and model, not all MIDI data sent is the same. Because of the different MIDI messages received from controllers, Serato DJ Pro has different ways of interpreting these MIDI messages. That is where these MIDI data types come in. NOTE: MIDI data types are only an option for certain functions, namely those which are controlled with knobs and/or faders.
MIDI Assign Assign Other Serato DJ Pro Controls Controls which are not normally visible are available for assignment when in MIDI assign mode by clicking on the Show MIDI Panel button. This will open up a panel allowing MIDI assignment for controls including library navigation as well as additional Deck functions such as fine pitch control and extended cue and looping features.
History The History panel is useful for three main reasons: Viewing or editing what you played during a previous set • Exporting your set to the Serato Playlist website or to other formats • Enabling live playlists • • • Pressing the button in Serato DJ Pro opens History panel. This is a complete log of all the tracks you have played (in sessions) and allows you to export your Serato DJ Pro session information as a data file or to Serato Playlists. Each session is cataloged by date and time.
History Delete History Session To delete a history session, highlight the session, then press control + delete. TIP: To make a new Serato DJ Pro crate containing your session information, select a session and drag it to the + plus crate button. (This will automatically name the crate with the session date). Listing Behavior Serato DJ Pro considers a track played if you have cross faded to the track and brought the line level fader up.
History Uploading Serato Playlists Once you have finished your session, or to upload a previous history session, select the desired session in the History panel. Click the Format drop down box, select Serato Playlists and click the Export button. You will receive the following warning: If you choose “Yes” you will then be taken to serato.com where you can review your playlist before choosing to post it online. Once posted, you have the option to edit the playlist and track information.
Setup The setup screen allows you to customize elements of Serato DJ Pro to how you want them to work. You can check for software updates by clicking the CHECK FOR UPDATES button in the bottom left corner of the Setup screen. You can also change the language that Serato DJ Pro uses by using the LANGUAGE drop down menu in the bottom right hand corner of the Setup screen. Click the tabs to switch between groups of options; DJ Preferences, Audio, CD/Vinyl, Library + Display, Mixer, MIDI, and Expansion Packs.
Setup DJ Preferences (Control Preferences) Show Beat Jump Controls Show and enable Beat Jump controls. Checking this box will turn on Beat Jump features in the Virtual Deck area and let you control Beat Jump from your supported Serato DJ hardware. Use Auto Gain As part of the overview building process, Serato DJ Pro automatically calculates an auto gain value for each track. This value represents the gain adjustment required to match the perceived loudness of the track to a reference level.
Setup DJ Preferences (On Song Load) Instant Doubles Instant Doubles allows you to quickly match the playhead position of the same file on both decks. When enabled, load a track to one virtual deck (or sample slot) that is already loaded on the other virtual deck (it must be the same file), the playhead will jump to the position of the track playing. This also copies the Keylock state, Sync state and Looping settings.
Setup DJ Preferences (Sync Mode) Sync Off Using the Sync Off option will remove the Sync button completely from the main screen. Simple Sync Click this to enable Simple Sync. Simple Sync does a simple transient sync to the opposite track on the deck. You do not see Beatgrids in order to use Simple Sync. SEE SIMPLE SYNC FOR MORE INFORMATION Smart Sync Click this to enable Smart Sync. Smart Sync gives you more control and requires your tracks have accurate beatgrids.
Setup Audio (Deck Setup) The Deck Setup options will only be available for hardware that requires it. • Select the TURNTABLES option if you wish to control Serato DJ Pro using analog turntables. All Channels are plugged into PHONO. • Select the CDJS option if you wish to control Serato DJ Pro using digital CDJS. All channels are plugged into CD/LINE. • Select the CUSTOM option to set your own configuration using the devices driver setup window.
Setup Audio (Record Channel) The Record Channel options will only be available for hardware that requires it. To record, designate a channel you wish to use. You will not be able to use this channel to DJ. Audio (USB Buffer Size [Latency]) Serato DJ Pro processes audio data in small chunks. When smaller chunks are used, the movement of the platter is translated into audio more often, which results in a lower overall system latency.
Setup CD/Vinyl The CD/Vinyl Setup tab will only be available for supported Serato DJ hardware that allows for Vinyl or CDJ control. CD/Vinyl (Vinyl Control) Adjust Loops with Vinyl Loop end points can be adjusted using the control vinyl. Disable this option if you wish to use the computer’s arrow keys to adjust loops, and keep audio playback controlled by the vinyl. Anti-Drift Stabilize fluctuating BPM when using Vinyl or CDs (DVS), in Relative mode.
Setup CD/Vinyl (Sticker Lock) Aligns your vinyl sticker with the Serato DJ Pro virtual deck spindle position. This alignment is applied when loading a track to the virtual deck and will apply when “Drop to Cue Point” is enabled. Note: This is a REL mode feature and is only applied for control vinyl. Spin Nearest Spin platter forwards or backwards to align the first cue point or start of track with your vinyl sticker.
Setup Library + Display (Library) Show iTunes Library Enable the Show iTunes library option to show your iTunes library and playlists in the Serato DJ Pro library. You can collapse your iTunes playlists by clicking on the icon. Disable Show iTunes library to remove iTunes playlists and iTunes songs from your Serato DJ library.
Setup Library + Display (Library) Include Subcrate Tracks Displays the tracks from any subcrates in their parent crate. With this disabled, browsing in a parent crate will not show tracks that are in any subcrates of that parent crate. Played Track Color You can select between either the colors Gray, Blue or None for your played track. This means that once you play a track, it will appear your selected color in the library as an indicator that you have already played the track.
Setup Library + Display (Display) Show Key As This option allows you to select which key notation you would like to be displayed in your library. Hi-Res Screen Display Enabling this feature allows Serato DJ Pro to scale the user interface for Retina, UHD and other higher resolution displays. NOTE: The Hi-Res Screen Display option may have a performance impact and requires a restart of Serato DJ Pro to take effect.
Setup Mixer Depending on your Serato DJ hardware, some options in the Mixer section of the Setup Screen may not be available for adjustment. This is because those options are adjusted using your Serato DJ hardware instead. SEE YOUR HARDWARE QUICKSTART GUIDE FOR MORE INFORMATION Mixer (General) EQ Boost Gives you the option to select either 6dB or 12dB of gain for your equalizer. Output Allows you to set the audio output to Mono or Stereo.
Setup Mixer (Upfader) Adjusts the upfader curve. Turn the dial to the left for a slow gradual fade or to the right for a fast, tighter cut. NOTE: Fader options may not be available for all Serato DJ hardware. Mixer (Crossfader) Adjusts the crossfader curve. Turn the dial to the left for a slow gradual fade or to the right for a fast, tighter cut.
Setup FX The FX setup allows you to customize the Effect Select drop down menus that appear in your DJ-FX by only showing the FX you want. Simply select an effect from the “Available Effects” list on the left, then click so that the effect will now appear in your “Favorite Effects” list. You can also an effect from the Favorite Effects list, if you decide you no longer wish to have it.
Setup MIDI (MIDI Devices) Here you can see if Serato DJ Pro has successfully detected your MIDI Device. Click on the MIDI device in the list to select it and use ‘Enable MIDI Device’ option to enable or disable that device. Your Primary Serato DJ hardware will show up here if it is able to be remapped. Allow Serato Hardware Remapping Enable this to allow your connected Serato DJ hardware to be remapped.
Setup Expansion Packs Serato Video Serato Video is a software Expansion Pack for Serato Software which adds the ability to playback and mix video files, with effects and fader transitions controllable with your Serato DJ hardware, an additional MIDI controller or your mouse/keyboard. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT SERATO VIDEO Sampler Use the check box to enable and disable the Sampler. The Sampler is enabled by default.
Setup Expansion Packs Vinyl / CDJ Control (DVS Expansion) Unlock DVS and connect turntables or CDJs to your controller setup to allow control in Serato DJ Pro using NoiseMap™ control records or CDs. CLICK HER FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT DVS EXPANSION PACK Pitch ‘n Time DJ Pitch ‘n Time DJ is our award winning keylock algorithm for Serato DJ Pro. Enabling the Pitch ‘n Time DJ keylock will replace the current Serato DJ Pro keylock and allow for Key Shift and Key Sync of tracks.
Deck Calibration (CD/Vinyl Only) Calibrating Serato DJ Pro Since Serato DJ Pro is controlled by an analogue signal, there is no guarantee of what state that signal will be in by the time the software gets to interpret it. Therefore, Serato DJ Pro needs to be able to handle a wide range of signals, and be configurable to use them optimally. Calibrating is just configuring the software to your situation. Calibration is equally important for both vinyl and CD users of Serato DJ Pro.
Deck Calibration (CD/Vinyl Only) How To Calibrate Serato DJ Pro With music playing in the background through your system or booth output, put your needle on the record with the turntable stopped. If you are using CD players, the same rules apply. Have the CD deck paused or stopped while calibrating. Click and hold the estimate button until the slider stops moving.
Deck Calibration (CD/Vinyl Only) The Scopes The scopes on the setup screen in Serato DJ Pro display the input signal as a phase diagram. The key factors to look at on the scope display are crisp clean lines, round shape, and the tracking percentage in the lower right corner. Start both turntables or CD players. You will see green rings appear in the scope view, as shown above. For optimal performance the inner ring should be as close to circular as possible.
Link Link is an Ableton technology used for synchronising Serato DJ Pro with other devices and applications, usually over a local network. It can be used to tempo sync two Serato DJ Pro instances on separate computers, synchronise Serato DJ Pro with other Digital Audio Workstations (such as Ableton Live), or other devices and applications. Prerequisites for Link The following conditions are required for using Link in Serato DJ; • Serato DJ 1.9.
Troubleshooting If you are experiencing any issues with Serato DJ Pro, try some of the following suggestions below. If you require further assistance visit SUPPORT.SERATO.COM for articles and guides or alternatively, visit www.serato.com/forum where you can receive help from the DJ Community. You can also click GET SUPPORT in the HELP panel. Warning Lights Serato DJ Pro displays warning lights in the top right hand corner of the main screen, which can indicate a possible issue.
Troubleshooting MIDI Warning Serato DJ Pro has not been able to process an incoming MIDI signal from your Serato DJ hardware. Try disconnecting any other USB devices you may have connected. • Try using a different USB cable. • Try connecting your Serato DJ hardware to a different USB port on your computer.
Troubleshooting Visual Waveform Dropouts • Ensure that you analyzed all your files. • If you are using an external drive, try using your internal drive. • Try some of the above optimization tips for Audio Dropouts. Files Not Saving Information Issues • • • • • Ensure that you have read and write capabilities for that file. Ensure that you have read and write capabilities for the folder that contains the files.
Troubleshooting Corrupt File Diagnoses If you find a file displaying the corrupt icon, you can hover your mouse mover the corrupt icon for information on what type of corruption was found. The information will displayed in the Status Bar at the very bottom of the library. Corrupt file: This MP3 contains invalid frames This MP3 contains frames which do not conform strictly to the official MP3 specification. Serato DJ Pro can not be certain that this file will play back 100% accurately.
Troubleshooting Corrupt File Diagnoses Unsupported file: This file is more than 2 GB in size At the moment, Serato DJ Pro does not support files that are 2 GB in size (or larger). Unsupported file: This file has data blocks greater than 2 GB in size This file contains chunks of data that are larger than 2 GB. Serato DJ Pro does not support files that are more than 2 GB in size. Corrupt file: This WAV contains no valid chunks This WAV file contains no recognizable WAV data.