Operation Manual

VirtualDJ 8 - User’s Guide

Timecode

What is Timecode

Timecode (also known as DVS-Digital Vinyl system) is a special audio signal recorded on a

standard vinyl record or audio CD that allows you to use traditional vinyl or non-MIDI capable

CD decks to control song playback in VirtualDJ.

VirtualDJ 'listens' to the audio signal coming from the timecode record/CD playing on the

vinyl/CD deck and can work out the song position, what speed it's playing at and which

direction, allowing this to be replicated on the virtual deck in VirtualDJ. This allows you to

use traditional DJ hardware to control song playback in VirtualDJ.

Turntables with timecoded vinyl’s and CD players with timecoded CDs can be used to

control the VirtualDJ decks.

Different Timecode systems and compatibility

Compatibility between different timecode systems is not guaranteed. Every DJ software with

timecode support can have its own timecode. However, unlike other DJ software that can

only use one type of timecode signal, VirtualDJ (in addition to its own timecode media) is

also compatible with most of the popular timecode systems including Serato timecode vinyl

and CD and Traktor first generation timecode vinyl’s.

It is important that the correct timecode type is selected from the Timecode dropdown menu

(depending on the loaded timecode media), otherwise the timecode reading and decoding

will be incorrect and will not function as expected.

Timecode Modes

VirtualDJ supports the two main timecode modes as found in most timecode systems.

But there is also a unique mode in VirtualDJ called “Smart Mode” and it is the default mode.

- In Absolute mode the timecode player (turntable or cd) is the “master” and VirtualDJ

responds to playback position changes (needle drop), pitch changes and scratches when

performed from the timecode player (Timecode Vinyl or cd).

Pitch change and Sync from the software are not allowed in this mode. However VirtualDJ

switches automatically to the more flexible ‘Smart mode’ when loops or HotCues are

performed from the software or the Timecode media, and it switches back to Absolute mode

when the timecode media restarts from the beginning.