TABLE OF CONTENTS PLATFORM INTRODUCTIONS HOME, BROADCASTER, PRO BASIC, and PRO FULL INTERFACES – ZONES BROWSER FILE SYSTEM / FOLDER STRUCTURE FILE / SEARCH RESULTS AUDIO AND VIDEO TAG SUPPORT GLOBAL SEARCH SEARCHING NETSEARCH TRACK OPTIONS BPM ANALYSIS AND KEY DETECTION COMPUTER BEAT GRID (CBG) AND MANUAL BPM CORRECTION PLAYLIST AND AUTOMIX EDITING AUTOMIX MIX POINTS SIDELIST FILE SYSTEM / FOLDER STRUCTURE ORGANIZATION FAVORITE FOLDERS VIRTUAL FOLDERS FILTER FOLDERS NESTING FOLDERS WITH VIRTUAL FOLDERS DECK
PLATFORM INTRODUCTIONS INTRODUCTION VirtualDJ offers a few different platforms of choice to fit a DJ‘s needs. Let us take a look at each platform and what each provides in functionality. HOME (FREE) Provides all the enjoyments of PRO without all the overhead of complex sound configurations, complex controller setups, broadcasting, or full video output. VirtualDJ HOME is built for the simple at home setup where a DJ can explore the art of mixing by simply using the keyboard, mouse, and built-in sound card.
INTERFACE - ZONES Before beginning to use VirtualDJ, it is important to familiarize yourself with the controls and ―zones‖ of the software. Upon opening VirtualDJ for the first time, your screen resolution is evaluated and one of the included multiple resolution skins are selected and displayed for you automatically. To change to a different skin, click on the ―Config‖ menu then select the ―Skins‖ tab to access the available selections. VirtualDJ Pro: Widescreen (1280x800) 1.
BROWSER The Browser Zone area is where you navigate and organize files stored on a local, external, or network hard disk. The Browser zone is divided into panels. 1. 2. 3. 4. File System / Folder Structure File / Search Results Automix Playlist Sidelist Panel 1: File System / Folder Structure Panel VirtualDJ provides several organizational groupings of your collection and access to a few third-party interfaces by default.
BROWSER 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. History data is saved on the fly in order to provide running history of played tracks for each 24hr timeframe of use. iTunes – displays iTunes playlists and uses the information in the playlist for accessing files.
BROWSER Panel 2: File / Search Results VirtualDJ provides several elements of information about each track. The information is a combination of VirtualDJ defined data fields and supported file tag data. 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.
BROWSER The browser area is determined by the skin designer on how much space it will use as part of the skin. However, you can use the Browser Zoom button to maximize the browser area to consume the entire skin area. The Browser Zoom button is the dual monitor graphic found to the far right of the Search box. Click on the graphic and the browser area will expand to consume the entire skin. This is very usefully when planning your events where you need to see all results of your search.
AUDIO AND VIDEO TAG SUPPORT VirtualDJ supports ID3Tags of MP3 audio files and MP4 and MOV tags of video files. VirtualDJ has always provided the fastest information access about one‘s collection by using VirtualDJ‘s database. Adding direct tag access to every file considerably slows applications ability for timely browsing and searching. VirtualDJ retrieves and stores the tag information in similar fields as part of its own database.
AUDIO AND VIDEO TAG SUPPORT Under each field with the up-arrow button can be read from the tag and import the information into VirtualDJ‘s database. Click on the button to copy the data into the VirtualDJ data field. Using the right-arrow button found under a field is used to write the VirtualDJ data field information into the files tag. VirtualDJ supports writing to MP3 and MP4 tag formats. The right-arrow button next to the Filename field is used to parse the file name into the Artist and Title fields.
AUDIO AND VIDEO TAG SUPPORT Displaying VirtualDJ data field columns In the file browser or playlist panels, right click on any column title and the list of available fields is displayed. Select a field title to place a check next to the name to have it included in the display. Select the field name for a checked item to have it removed from the browser display. To change the order of the columns select the Order… option from the bottom of the list.
AUDIO AND VIDEO TAG SUPPORT Data Fields Loaded On – shows the deck that the track is currently loaded on Title – Title of the track Artist – Artist of the track BPM – Beats per Minute as analyzed by VirtualDJ Length – Length of the track in Minutes:Seconds Album – Album the track is associated with Genre – Genre of the track Key – Key of the track as analyzed by VirtualDJ Bitrate – the bitrate of the encoded audio file Year – Year in which the track w
DATABASE MANAGEMENT The database management system comes with additional tools found on the Config -> Browser tab. Save ‗On the Fly‘ during each session use Automatic check of database integrity at start Manually check the database integrity Fix database error(s) Clean out database entries for missing/moved files VirtualDJ updates and saves the database immediately when changes are made. At start of the application the integrity of the database file(s) are validated.
GLOBAL SEARCH VirtualDJ provides an intuitive on the fly search capability. Adding files to the global search is quite easy and can be done in two ways. First is by setting the ‗Search Database‘ property in the Configuration‘s Browser tab to ‗Add automatically‘. This will add any files not already part of the search (new additions) when browsing the folder structure of your collection.
UNDERSTANDING THE RESULTS Once you have entered the search term, VirtualDJ‘s center browser section displays the results that match your search string. In the following example, a search on ‗Bobby Valen‘ is entered. The 2 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 your collection.
NETSEARCH With the NetSearch options selected, VirtualDJ will also search the NetSearch services for results matching the search criteria. VirtualDJ will only produce results where the Artist and/or Title of the track match the search criteria. NetSearch can be used by either selecting the NetSearch option from the left navigation panel or by having the NetSearch options activated in for the entire database. You can also set when VirtualDJ should produce results from NetSearch.
BPM ANALYSIS AND KEY DETECTION The BPM Engine analyzes the audio to determine the tempo of the track. Analyzing a track can be performed 2 ways – Load the track to a deck or right-click on the track in the Brower panel and select BPM -> Re-Analyze. You can also analyze a group of tracks contained in a folder from the left Navigation panel, right-click on the folder and select Scan for BPMs.
COMPUTER BEAT GRID (CBG) AND MANUAL BPM CORRECTION EDIT GRID tab Alternatively, an anchor method can be used. First tap-out the beat using the "Manual Beat Tap" button while the track playing. Second, pause the track and move the track to the first downbeat (first beat), and click on "First anchor". Then advance to the upbeat (second beat), and click on "Second anchor". Check that the number of beats displayed corresponds well to the number of beats between the two anchors.
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 Playlist & Automix Management Using the Playlist management menu by clicking on the [+] icon and choose from the available options for how the automix will function and tracks are managed in the playlist.
PLAYLIST & AUTOMIX 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 you know will played sometime during your session. It also provides a location for VirtualDJ to moved tracks that were loaded but never played because a new track was loaded to the deck. The Sidelist can also be use to stage and construct Playlists and VirtualFolders by drag-anddrop 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.
FILTER FOLDERS A highly dynamic and creative way to organize a collection of tracks is to apply conditions that automatically filter (search) the database for tracks that match the criteria outlined. VirtualDJ calls these types of folder FilterFolders. Create a Filter Folder Click on the blue FilterFolder icon and a Filter creation dialog is displayed. Give the NEW filter folder a name. For example - Top 100 Played Now enter the Filter to be used for creating the results desired.
Filter Folder Examples FILTER Expected Result isscanned=0 or isscanned=1 Local Database top 100 nbplay top 100 list top 100 firstseen recently added top 100 lastplay recently played bpm>120 and bpm<130 bpm range from 120 to 130 year>=1980 and year<1990 80s music days since lastplay<7 songs played last week days since lastplay<31 songs played last month days since lastplay<365 songs played last year lastplay=0 never played songs isscanned=0 files not scanned type=video video group type=audio audio group type
NESTING FOLDERS WITH VIRTUAL FOLDERS Depending on the level of complexity of using Favorite, Filter, or Virtual folders; you may need to group the folders together into one or multiple folders. Or, create a folder with a mixture of these types for quick access to key track types in your collection. To create a nested folder structure, use the Virtual Folder feature and create a new virtual folder and give it an appropriate name.
DECK CONTROLS VirtualDJ‘s standard interface provides access to two virtual ―decks‖. To load a track to a deck, drag and drop files into each of the decks spinning virtual platters. The two decks are equipped with the following controls and displays: 1. Information about track currently loaded – provides key information about the currently loaded track. Artist, Title, Elapse Time, Remaining Time, Gain level, Key of Track, Current Pitch position. 2. Hot Cues - Use the three (3) buttons to set cue points.
DECK CONTROLS 4. 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. When highlighted in blue or red (Using the default skins), that area of the waveform indicates what has been played and the current position of the audio. The remaining grey area of the waveform shows the length of the audio remaining.
DECK CONTROLS 9. Pitch slider / Pitch buttons Controls the speed/pitch of the track when moving the slider. Moving it downward the speed of the music speeds up. By moving upward the speed slows down. The ―Zero‖ button lets you smoothly bring the pitch back to 100%. Double click on it to bring it back instantly. The two Pitch buttons are used to temporarily change the speed of the track playing.
MULTI - DECK CONTROLS VirtualDJ also support more than the traditional 2 deck setup by using skins that have multiple decks defined for use. The basic transport (CUE, PAUSE, PLAY, SYNC) controls all function the same as described in the prior section for each independent deck. Also, the supporting controls like Hot Cues, Loop IN and OUT, pitch faders, etc also function the same for each independent deck.
MULTI - DECK CONTROLS With the 6 deck skin all of VirtualDJ‘s standard controls are still the same, however; the [A] and [B] options on the individual decks identify which deck is assigned to the Left or Right FULL deck. If Deck 1 is set to A then all the controls from the LEFT deck for loop, effects, and transport controls will act upon Deck 1. The same is true when selecting an individual deck to [B], all the controls from the RIGHT deck will act upon the deck selected.
INTERNAL MIXER CONTROLS VirtualDJ features an internal mixer section as part of the Mixer panel. It can be used just like a regular DJ mixer. The controls on the mixer include: 1. Panel selection buttons 2. Master and Headphone Cue volume knobs 3. 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.
MULTI-DECK INTERNAL MIXER CONTROLS With the multi-deck skins the fundamentals of mixer have not changed. But depending on which skin is used the controls do act differently on the individual decks. With the 4 deck skin, you will find that each deck has gain, eq, volume and PFL controls. The 6 deck skin has the traditional 2 deck layout.
TOP TOOLBAR CONTROLS PC Version Mac Version ZOOM LEFT ZOOM RIGHT Items found on the toolbars – 1. 2. 3. 4. VirtualDJ Logo CPU – usage graph of the CPU 4/4 CBG Beatkeeper Clock – Displays current time. Depending on the skin, a left click will change the display to a counter or different time formats of 12hr/24hr. 5. Config – Provides access to the configuration settings dialog. See ―Configuration Settings‖ section of this manual for more information. 6.
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 yet it is also fully customizable to match your preferred system performance. To make changes to VirtualDJ‘s configuration, click on the (CONFIG) button. This will bring you to the ―Settings‖ dialog.
OPTIONS The Options settings control the multiple features and actions to accommodate your style for using VirtualDJ. Crossfader – This option allows you to select the cross fader curve. There are four different options including: Full, Cut, Scratch, and Smooth. Pitch Range – Allows you to change the pitch range of the pitch slider. Reducing the range of pitch can increase the precision with which you are able to control the pitch (speed) of the records.
OPTIONS MSN – When activated, this option will allow your Windows LIVE Messenger to show the music you are playing. To take advantage of this feature, you need to make sure that the ―what I am listening‖ option is on in your MSN Messenger. 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.
OPTIONS Disengage Beatlock – Once engaged, the Beatlock feature will keep the deck locked to the beat on the other deck, no matter if you are scratching or changing the pitch on the other deck. Disengage ―on load‖ or ―on switch‖ will automatically disengage the beatlock feature when the deck is loaded/switched. Smart BeatTap – When enabled and using the beat_tap action, it will automatically "snap" to the nearest plausible BPM and phase.
PERFORMANCE SETTINGS VirtualDJ Performance Settings tab is for optimizing performance to the capabilities of the computer. Depending on the system‘s resources, some settings will work better than others. NOTE: When new components (controllers, soundcards, external drive, and software) are added to the system, performance options may require changing to achieve a new best possible performance based on the additions or changes to the system.
PERFORMANCE SETTINGS Master Tempo PureScratch (no Master Tempo) – Don't use timestretch, but focus on getting a pure scratching sound. This option can be used when you want VirtualDJ to act like traditional turntables and focus on providing a quality scratch sound.
MAPPERS VirtualDJ, PRO platform; provides a very powerful mapping capability to support almost any external controller on the market today. Utilizing device definition and mapping files natively embedded in VirtualDJ and/or externally hosted in VirtualDJ‘s file structure and created by you, almost any controller can be used with VirtualDJ. Along with VirtualDJ‘s own action scripting (VDJScript), you have complete access in assigning the functionality of the controller to VirtualDJ‘s capabilities.
MAPPERS Mapper Options – to the right of the Connected Devices drop-down, click on the button for accessing the various mapper options. Rescan for New Devices – when selected VirtualDJ scans for any devices connected Toggle On/Off the use of these various type of devices. Checked is On, Unchecked VirtualDJ will not use that type of device(s).
MAPPERS Assign a Key and Action using Key-Learn + Action-Learn The fastest and most likely the easiest is using the Key-Learn in combination with the ActionLearn skin selection options. 1. Select your controller from the devices dropdown 2. Click the Plus button at the bottom to Add a new entry (Key-Learn is on by default) 3. Press or Move the appropriate item on the controller. You should see a key descriptor show in the Key drop-down list that represents the key you just touched/moved. 4.
MAPPERS Actions and Parameters (VDJScript) There are a large number of actions that have various types of parameters that can be added to give various levels of control when the action is applied. The standard for using the action with the parameter is - . e.g. pitch +0.05 – changes the pitch slider to a position +0.05 from zero position. * To learn more about the actions visit our wiki at http://www.virtualdj.com/wiki and review the VDJScript section.
SKINS VirtualDJ allows you to choose between several different interface designs called ―skins‖. By default, VirtualDJ provides you with several skin options at install. Installed skin options include a traditional 2 deck layout, or you can select between 4 or 6 deck designs; all in multiple resolution options. So, you can choose from the pre-installed skins or visit our website and download other user created skins.
INTERNET VirtualDJ can now take advantage of many features while connected to the Internet. These features (MusicGroups, NetSearch, etc...) require you to have an active Membership on the VirtualDJ website, and to provide your login and password on this tab. The MusicGroups feature is the ability for a DJ to show their playlists to other DJs, and help new DJs improve their music selection.
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. Window mode is only available on Home, Broadcaster and Pro Basic platforms.
VIDEO Decode in multi-thread – Decode the video streams using all available CPUs/GPUs (faster, but on some computers it can sometimes fail to load the video) Keep ratio (crop) – Keep the videos in 16/9 or 4/3 no matter what the screen resolution is, by cropping the videos on the sides Keep ratio (full) – Keep the videos in 16/9 or 4/3 no matter what the screen resolution is, by adding black bars on the sides Audio Only Plug-in – Check this option and select the desired plug-in from the drop-down box.
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.
SAMPLER Samples can be played from the skin‘s interface. The sampler is found just below the ‗Effects‘ interface on the skin. 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. The effects list is displayed on the left side. Each of the effects can be activated for both decks. Multiple effects, both audio and video; can also be activated. To use an effect, select the effect and activate it by clicking the ‗Activate‘ button for the desired deck and the effect will be applied.
VIDEO In addition to mixing traditional audio, VirtualDJ makes it possible to mix video content with the ease and familiarity of a DJ interface. Instead of audio files (.mp3, .wma, .m4a, etc.), video files (.avi, .mpg, .wmv, .vob, etc.) can be played. VirtualDJ‘s interface provides all the same features to mix, scratch, effect, and transition video content, just as with audio content. Additionally, you can link video files to audio files to produce a video enhanced combination.
VIDEO Video Files in the Browser 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 playing a video/linked audio file, a video window will open in VirtualDJ. . When If the installed video card has a TV output or a second output screen, the secondary output can be specified as the output for full-screen display, instead of the windowed output.
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.
Split in multiple files – checked will split the session as separate tracks, instead of one large audio file. When splitting to separate tracks, a ―Cut‖ button appears next to the ―Start Recording‖ button to demarcate tracks. The ―Auto-split on crossfade‖ option will automatically demarcate tracks when the crossfader in the VirtualDJ interface begins to move to the deck being mixed in. Format – select the audio file format to be used when recording. WAV – will record a .
Broadcasting to the Internet (“Broadcast”) with BROADCASTER, PRO BASIC, or PRO FULL platforms VirtualDJ provides a method for broadcasting the session in real time 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 – Auto-Start – checking this box will automatically begin the recording when the first track begins playing.
RECORD MOVIE Record Movie Click on ―Config‖ to access the configuration settings for video recording. Record From – Auto-Start – checking this box will automatically begin the recording when the first track begins playing. If not checked then manual activation of the recording will need to be activated using the ―Start Recording‖ button File – Path – provide the path and name of the file where the recording is going to be saved.
LEGAL INFORMATION http://www.atomixproductions.com http://www.virtualdj.com Atomix Productions Inc. Los Angeles CA 90036, USA VirtualDJ Copyright: Copyright 1997-2010 Atomix Productions All Rights Reserved Number IDDN.FR.001.040012.01.R.C.2000.000.31400.
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 s oftware 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.
2 Copyright © 2009 written by Christopher J.
