#268

[@eskei83]

couldn’t agree more!! I use sync for a couple of years now and it made me so much cleaner because I can focus on other things like performance elements or FX. together with Key Sync you can create so much dope stuff with only a minimum of risk of messing up. one thing I want to add: prepare your tracks properly and still listen to what you do. some DJs became blind/deaf using sync and only a wrong grid will mess up everything.

[@benworthington4696]

With all the tricks and stuff that you do in your sets I'm pretty sure there is still a HIGH chance of messing up

[@eskei83]

@@benworthington4696 true 😂

[@cdw4255]

Use sync, become a beatgrid speed master. I can FLY though that process.

[@GroundBeatDe]

Thats not fair...you can do the best stuff with a spinning Bratwurst over a TT :D...you are the goat man!!! :D

[@dinkelnicosrf5471]

Ganz ehrlich, stimme dir da sogar zu. Aber du legst auch echt ganz schön wild auf! Schnelle Übergänge & wechselnde tracks, du lebst dich kreativ voll aus und den sync Button zu nutzen um der Kreativität mehr Zeit zu verschaffen ist hier für mich legitim.

[@Sebb747]

Honestly, all that matters is that the end result sounds good. There are edge cases, because some performers (Luke being one of them) have the show of craftsmanship as part of their package, but overall, to most people, it really just needs to sound good in the end. It's like arguing whether it's better for you if your bus has a manual or an automatic transmission; if you're not there to enjoy the skill of the driver, all you care about is having a smooth ride. Similarly, outside of the DJ space, very few people care or appreciate if you perfectly match manually or simply use sync.

[@ceedavecee]

Thing is, there is an endless number of "Honestly, all that matters is..." and until people can truly see other's "all that matters..." with a straight and clear lens, there argument will always be there. I'm classicalloy trained like Luke, my first turntable in 1993 only had 3 feet, thrashed up, and I loved it cause it worked. But I personally find no reason to hate on DJs that press the Sync button - I mean these online streaming DJs need the extra time to 'shout out' and say thank you to every person that pops iinto their stream right?

[@jonathandufour6153]

Now this is the real deal! Sync isn’t a sin… it’s how you use it. James Hype uses sync and no one would question his talent. I find it gives me time to worry about other aspects of my set; More time for music selection, more time to think about the next phrase, more time to actually mix the tracks and get unique sounds of multiple tracks playing. I think it’s still important to learn to beatmatch by ear though, because as a club DJ you never know what kind of messed up gear a place might have. Power to creativity!

[@colehorne3027]

James Hype doesn't use Sync. He has said it he doesn't use it. You can clearly see he beat matches and corrects the tracks. Watch his gear. No sync.

[@jonathandufour6153]

@@colehorne3027 Go watch his full mix class on Digital Dj Tips and you’ll see. Tempo sync and beat sync are both syncing…

[@colehorne3027]

I got the course. He uses master not sync XD

[@jonathandufour6153]

@@colehorne3027 Master is tempo sync my friend….

[@rdenir]

I have watched a few of James Hype’s videos and it would virtually be impossible for him not to use Sync,, His blends are so quick it would be impossible for him to beat match perfectly every single mix,,having said that I still have the utmost respect for what he does,, using Sync doesn’t take away for a minute his sheer talent..

[@krazywabbit]

When you go to a restaurant and the food comes to your table smelling fresh and it bangs upon entry to your mouth, you are not asking yourself, did the chef mix by hand or beat with a blender? You are like, damn, that hit hard!! Same on the dance floor, car or couch.

[@djerikfox]

...totally agree..im a pro deejay for more than 30 years started in 1986,i can sync any song bpm and can match the key by ear co's im a musician too...and in 2023 i do use sync,co's it gives me a time to concentrate on the transitions and the songs..at the end the most important is the party we make and music we play..regards Luke and thanks for your amazing videos...

[@AngeloSposato]

Back djing after 20 years.. I learned using Technics 1200 MKII and after played also with Cdj 100... In the era of dj controllers, everything is way easier and cheaper, but the 1st thing I'm focusing on is beatmatching by ear. Without that, I think you can't master the art of djing! With that said, with Sync and quantize is possible to work with loops, one-shot, etc so no problem at all! 👍🏻

[@apexpredator_jku]

I started on turntables in the 90's & I have zero issues with anyone using Sync...as long as you already know how to beat match by ear. That way you'll be able to distinguish the difference between Sync being a tool and not a crutch. Sync liberates you and gives you the head space to get the creative juices flowing. Honestly, if you can't see past the whole Sync debate then you've already put a ceiling on what it is that can be done by a DJ.

[@spinster123]

I could have not said ti better myself, I was mixing on turntsbles since 86 and had to use my ear to beatmix, I've earned my badge to use sync to further my transitions as the controller is beat syncing for me.

[@BarakaDJ]

This is actually the best forum I've ever found about sync and anti-sync. Thank you guys, and thank you Laidback Luck

[@CitrasFlava]

I think refusing to use a tool is only limiting yourself, while only using the same tool has the same effect. Im still new but see the benefit of using the right tool for the job. Use sync and sound great, learn to beatmatch to understand the music more and bring yourself into it, but dont limit yourself or you have already said( this is as good as it gets).

[@RyanUybengkee]

im open format and i do a lot of quick mix when i DJ. Sync is a time saver. every second counts.

[@SteveAldous]

Im a 50 year old DJ, I learnt on 1200s, I don't use the sync Button but I do match the bpms on each cdj, which is essentially sync. It's all down to personal preference I think. The technology is there.......

[@djdragstorm6320]

Hi Luke I'm the same opinion as you i started DJing back in the late 80's beginning 90's I had to learn everything just by obnserving other DJ's and then trying it athome or in the club myself. I also learned to betmatch on SL1210 MK2. But nowadays i somtimes like to use sync just to save me some time and prepare my next track better. As a Techno DJ The best thing with sync i find that when i'm also using my external gear (Tr-8 / Tb03 /JX-305 /SE-02 VT 3 etc.) to give the mix my own spin while DJing it all plays in perfect sync. wityhout the hasle that the maschines drift apart during the set.

[@BASSR1DER]

I personally have always mixed by ear. on my first DJ-setup it didn't have the thing on the screen telling you what bpm the track was so you would just have to keep adjusting until you get the correct tempo but because I mostly play house music it's safe to assume the bpm is between 120 and 130 so it only takes a few seconds to figure it out.

[@TonyThomas10000]

I was DJing on the radio long before dance music was a thing. We used to slip sync (platters had felt pads) and power sync using broadcast turntables (Gates, QRK, etc.). Back then, it was not about beat matching as much as it was about segueing seamlessly from one song to another even when BPMs weren't matched. It was a real art, especially on progressive rock stations in the late 60s/early 70s. Beat matching by ear is a great skill to have, but I would say, use the technology if you can get the artistic results you are looking for. It it enhances the listening experience, by all means use it!

[@djhousecatEDM]

I feel sync is a powerful tool, but it isn’t fool proof. We’ve all had songs incorrectly analyzed in your software of choice, and if you lack the ability to manually beat match you can get in some trouble. But I totally agree it has a place and shouldn’t be so stigmatized.

[@IanDeVos]

You can and should fix the beatgrids yourself. I lock the beatgrids I did so I know which tracks are safe to sync. Even live drummed tracks can be beatgridded in a lot of software.

[@mikkliish]

Agreed. I think some people just assume that they will ALWAYS have sync available on ANY gear they have to play on. This just isn't true. If pro DJ link is not working, then sync will NOT be working -- even on a CDJ-3000, so having correct beatgrids won't help. If you have to use a CDJ-2000, then having correct beatgrids won't help since the 2000 doesn't even have beat sync at all!

[@Komplex_Music_]

that's why i spend time checking are well analyzed before loading them into my usb, so i don't have any problem when i'm mixing

[@Drrolfski]

The "sync" discussion has always been the biggest bullshit discussion in DJ history. The average dancefloor crowd simply doesn't care about using the sync button, they just want easy on the ear transitions. How you do it is just irrelevant. Sure, knowing how to beatmatch is still a relevant skill in DJ-ing. But if you want to uplift your performance in transitions then you're simply better off exploiting the advanced options that modern gear offers nowadays vs wasting it on something that doesn't add any value to the crowd.

[@HotraOfficial]

One of the realest guy in the industry just casually being real. Thank you for this 🙌

[@aidennymes6335]

sync is like driving an automatic transmission car. it's good to know how to drive a manual, but not necessarily anymore.

[@axMf3qTI]

depends where you live, got luck finding an automatic over here.

[@robertinman5438]

This may be the best description for this topic I've heard yet.

[@corey75952]

I went to a DJ school here in NYC to learn the basics of DJing. What I liked about the course is that we learned beat matching on vinyl before ever even touching a CDJ. We did a little work riding the pitch fader, but to teach beginners they used control vinyl for Serato and had us load up two songs that were already the same BPM. While I know I probably won’t use it long-term, I’m very grateful that I learned how to beat match the old fashioned way so that I have both the raw skill AND the sync button at my disposal. To your point, this gives the artist way more freedom and relieves a lot of angst about things not sounding right. For myself, sync works best when I’m abruptly changing BPM and I want the tempo change to sound drastic or timed out. I also use it when I fuck up and need help 😂 loved the video!

[@brawlerz1299]

The words of an OG legend! We all should listen and learn from him. In whatever style anyone goes, I say learn both to do the sync and without it.

[@schwet0r]

I learned DJing on Denon DN-1800F and later on Technics 1210, thanks for refreshing these memories 😎 I think everybody who messed up a transition because of not being able to beatmatch in the remaining time of the current song would give a finger to have a SYNC button instead of playing a whole extended version from the beginning to the crowd. Anyway, DJ technology has evolved so much with so much opportunities in mixing, cutting, sampling, ... that there are much bigger sins (as already mentioned). The most important thing: Rock the crowd. Thanks for your time and all the valuable input and keep up the great work 🤩

[@JEEKMUSIC]

What a great topic Luke. I'm DJ since 2012 and started with Virtual DJ and a laptop. Crazy!! This is part of my storie in that particular case. 😁 By the time, use sync button (or laptop) was... Deshonor! lol My now DJ friend (not in that time) who was a resident on a big beach club (who use Denon HC-4500) let me play and looked me kinda weird when I open my latop with VDJ and start loading a track... I heared when the guys at my back said: "Look, he is using laptop.." and his laughs intencified when I press the Sync Button... That night use only the keboard of my laptop to make aroud 300 people dance (opening). And it was my first time on public. It was Surreal!! I think, always thinked, If you wanna use sync just to mix 2 songs... you are waisting a tool man. Keep pushing! 🤩😎

[@danielhunt9929]

Sync only works well if the grids line up correctly, which they sometimes don’t , particularly when playing nu disco and classic tracks.

[@SpaceQuakeOfficial]

I learnt how to play with sync first at the age of 8 because I could not for the life of me beatmatch. I then finished all of my other skilsl and performance features and have now truely learnt how to propperly beatmatch. Although It's a great skill to have on hand when the sync feature is not available for whatever reason, I'm surely never going to stop using Sync becuase it surely gives me a lot of mental headroom. Especially with Dennon SC6000's grid positioniong the sync is simply flawless!

[@zerzolar3968]

Props for differentiating a dj, producer and a musician. You are the reason I got into dj-ing in a first place after being a guitarist for as long as I can remember. I've always enjoyed the way you think and see music in general but today my respect for you grew even more. Which honestly I thought isn't possible. Great video as always! Keep it up! I can only dream to meet you one day and chat with you for just a little bit. I can only imagine that would be a very interesting conversation to have. Greetings from Bulgaria and L's Up!

[@TheLarryWilson]

I'm an Algoriddim DJay Pro guy myself (since 2018). Tapping the sync button on and off to quickly get the correct BPM is the way to go, when you're tired of moving the pitch sliders. Glad to see I'm not the only one lol

[@djmarvinkim]

From my own experience I would agree with you Luke, that SYNC is not a sin, it's a technical advantage for DJs today. But I think it is also important that you should be capable of beatmatching as a DJ. Because I already had technical problems back at Gigs in the past with the sync button or my rekordbox made a mistake with a track in my preparation. When this happens, as a DJ with experience and ability to beatmatch, you can still do a good DJ set with cool transitions. If you never learned beatmatching, then you could get in trouble when there are technical problems. Thanks for your amazing VLOGs by the way, I love how you talk about all these cool topics! :)

[@theAnGle89]

Sync is a great tool to switch genres, going from edm to a dubstep drop, or switching to moomba synching on the build up

[@tweedius]

I first discovered the art of DJing in 2000 and everyone back then was using technics and their ears. While I grew up and went away from parties I came back and people were using laptops, for some reason that still doesn't sit right with me. But then when I really got back into it in the last few years and saw how the CDJs and the all-in one controllers respected and incorporated the roots of the art and included great technology I fully embraced that. Very interesting video and I like the way you compared 2 opposing view points within yourself, brilliant.

[@uncledub]

At about 128 bpm it is -0.8 to 127 bpm and +0.8 to 129 bpm.

[@DJJEFFBONE]

A DJs knowledge of music is of the utmost importance. The most elusive skill that can not be taught and takes years to learn is how to read a crowd. That brings us to programming, about understanding the feelings of a group of people and directing them to a better place. To sync or not to sync is only a debate dominating discussions between DJs. To be a truly great DJ, the only thing that matters to your dance floor is generating shared moods to make the whole room fall in love.

[@19rayrayray90]

I'm a liveset DJ. True, back in the day, we only have CDJs without waveform (850, 900s, 350, etc) and we have no choice by to beat matching slowly and it takes time. Coming to CDJ with waveform (2000, 2000-ii, etc) we can see the waveform and beatmaching is easier. Now in digital era, especially for me who is a liveset DJ (ableton + launchpad + midi keyboard, etc. for additional sound on the fly), i have no time for beatmatching. Like u said, a peace of mind is really important to deliver a good performance.

[@larrycoffey806]

LL - Thx for addressing. Was a radio/club jock late 70s-90s. Also used 1200s. (Been at it long enough to ignore purist preaching.) Retired, bought a controller, doing clubs/events. I use sync for modern music and beat matching if needed for older music (beat grid inaccuracies).

[@shanerice]

This has got me thinking, I never use sync but I am limiting my ability to expand further as a dj as you said always a worry of bpm drift so it’s is taking some creative capacity away good discussion point Luke will try my next mix using sync see what happens. I think understanding and being able to beat match is a skill so once you have it does it really matter using the sync???? I must admit the joy of djing for me is taking 2 tunes and manually beat matching so the sync may remove some level of personal enjoyment

[@mutzang]

I think it’s okay to use sync so you can be more creative in your set. But knowing how to beatmatch it’s a must I think as a basic foundation

[@Ryu3sT1]

I use always sync in transition from 128 to 136 bpm, looping them and changing pitch on master for both of them, as they in sync.

[@aegean_444]

Almost same evolution here (started on Vinyl ear matching, ending on control syncmatching, skip the CD part), I agree with all being said.

[@naizondj]

i tried syncs few times and to be honest it make more issue then my ears.... lol so many time was not on time.. donno why is that and i also fix all the tracks cue point on the beat... mystery.... im talking about Pioneer right now.. when i used to use traktor never happen one time...

[@Rehoxx]

It's important to beatmatch by ear. The important thing is to know how it worked without too much tech going on.

[@CMak3r]

I want to share my experiences with sync and classic beatmatching from a newcomer perspective. As a hobbyists DJ I’ve seen so many videos about how bad sync button is, but actually it’s never been clear to me why. I decided to use only pitch faders and intentionally hide BPM values to get to use to correct technique of beat matching. After couple days of practice I was able to get tracks in sync with some natural slightly floating BPM which I correct with jogs, but my focus is shifted drastically to technical details. With sync button I look on my harmonic mixing wheel, trying to find next song that will blend organically into my mix, placing CUE loops on the fly, and can work more freely and creative with my music, but with beatmatching if I create trainwreck, I need to start over again. Still I can see the benefits of beatmatching by ear, and I appreciate all this hard work that DJs done live back in the days

[@AJ_UK_LIVE]

Hi Luke. I do a little of both. I have a DenonDJ Prime 4. I usually 'beatmatch' with waveforms, as that's how I have learned, but I will still move the pitch faders to roughly the right spot, even if I do use sync - to keep the muscle memory working. I don't think it would be much fun to always rely on it personally; it takes some of the skill out of things to a degree. But I absolutely use it. It's part of my toolkit - why wouldn't I? The most important thing is does it sound good. Because, if it does, and everyone is having a great time, then who the hell cares how you get there?

[@jsbrisam1]

Absolutely great video! I agree completely. Not to mention it helps preserve my pitch sliders on my 12’s lol. Technology is here and we must embrace it but not loose ourselves in it.

[@abdomusa1438]

I use the sync button on the Denon Prime 4 if I wanna move the pitch fader on both decks at the same time

[@IanDeVos]

I learned to play vinyl and ride the pitch back in the day. Now I just hit sync. I think since 2015 or something. The only thing is you need to make sure your beatgrids are correctly set. But I always beatgrid and lock the analysis so I know which track is 'safe' and which isn't. Beatgridding sloppy edits, vinyl rips and live drummed tracks takes longer, but dynamic beatgrids enable you to sync those as well. But it can take a great amount of time to beatgrid those. It opened up a whole new musical world for me as I didn't need to play it safe anymore. And people in the crowd don't care. Great music is great music, mixed with synced or not. They want to hear their tunes and have a good time.

[@acidheadtom4165]

You are absolutely right Luke. I sync everyday everytime.

[@Truckertvshow]

I still remember the time i was spinning and after so long trying to actually hear both tracks. It was so exciting to try over and over and to finally hear the separation. For that reason alone, I love beat matching from scratch as it were... I don't look down on anyone who uses sync. People who have learned the skill of matching by ear tend to be proud of the skill. It's nice to know as we age that there is something we can do that we didn't use technology to achieve. Is beat matching important? Yes but, I believe it doesn't matter how you achieve it. The average listener doesn't know or care how you got there. Programming is the skill that shows and always will. Building of energy in a room and taking people on an emotional ride. Its also front and center for everyone to see. If people don't like what you're playing, there is no hiding it with technology.

[@DJKue]

I've been using sync for the past two years and it's definitely opened up my creativity when mixing. Granted, beatmatching is still super helpful when I'm loading songs that are vinyl rips and aren't quantized, but I find I'm way more creative and mixing faster when using sync. Great video Luke!

[@Slow2Life]

I have been DJing for several years now and use sync all the time, mostly because I tend to just throw tracks together in a set list then mix whatever sounds good. I still have to beatmatch though since sync isn't perfect. I also agree with the head space point since I truly don't know what song I'll play next until I find it.

[@MixMasterG]

Sync is a great tool, especially with certain transistions. The way Algoriddim djay implemented sync is on a whole other level. With djay you have 2 types of sync, the "white" sync, which is basically a tempo match. But click again and there is the "Blue" sync which keeps tracks in phrase as well, even if the tempo changes. This is great stuff especially when doing live mashups with acapella's. Regardless of the DJ software, sync is only as good as the quality of your beatgrid. Auto analysis seldom gets it 100% right all the time. So the craft is how well can you edit your grids.

[@DemolitionMedia]

I look at beat matching and sync like we learn math as a kid. We all use calculators now because they are faster and more accurate. However, we all learned to add, subtract, divide, etc by hand. We use this if we don't have a calculator handy, etc. I think beat matching is the same way. It is an important skill to learn in the beginning to not only learn to use it in the case of an emergency (sync isnt working, grid is not aligned properly, using a different setup, etc.) but also to train our ears, to listen when things don't sound right. Sync is a great tool to be able to concentrate on more creative aspects of DJing but have the skills to fall back on it when things don't go right.

[@amitbhanushali3595]

SYNC is a boon for beginers like me to start djing and not get disappointed at first by not being able to beatnatch. Its a tool also to learn how to sync the songs when you advance ti playing different genre and different tempo tracks . It automatically makes you learn beat matching

[@derzarte3390]

Hi Luke Hi Volks , I have a question , the Laidback Luke - LIVE @ Ultra Music Festival Europe 2014 at 59:20 is about "fucking Bells". who is this song by? Thank you very much if someone could help me.

[@ianvjones]

I love double-tapping the sync button and then nudging slightly forward and backwards depending on where the tracks sit well together. Sometimes "dead on" just doesn't sound good. But yes. Sync all the way baby! =)

[@feastmode7931]

i like the manual transmission metaphor. driving stick is fundamental to OG driving, beloved by many pro racers, and is all about maintaining "feel" and "control." but modern automatic transmissions are undeniably smooth, fast and efficient...

[@FilmKillProductions]

As a producer first DJ second I do not use the Sync button very often for a few reasons. 1st is the variety of bpm I use in my sets by cutting in halftime beats in breakdowns even if you can double the bpm in Engine. 2nd In my production which is mainly DeepDub, I use a crap ton of SWING and I find that being able to push a little ahead or behind sometimes allows for certain drum patterns to sit better in the mix. And 3rd having the ability to see the waveforms together ( I use the Prime 2) I can adjust better by sight now that I’m in my mid 40’s . But with that being said if I’m having a few too many drinks I use that button without any thought cause it makes mixing fun again .

[@SuperFuzzmonkey]

Starting DJ'ing on Turntables in 2000. Gave it up in 2005. Started DJ'ing again in Christmas 2021. The technology is almost unrecognisable and has changed so much. Sync is not a sin, it's what we longed for 20+ years ago, so you never have to worry about timings and instead can concentrate on mixing skills and tricks. If people think sync is a sin then the pitch slider shouldn't have ever been used to match the tempo.

[@AnonymousPerspective33]

I use sync when transitioning to a higher or lower bpm. It’s just more accurate and it allows me focus on adding effects in the transition

[@snapshotprophotobooth1864]

Because quick mixing tracks is the new thing using sync allows me to concentrate more on the mix with the fx or be creative getting out in the transition then to beat match

[@blackoutkiller]

I've used beat matching for BPM changes in tracks. Fast to slow and vice versa during my mix. I also use it if I multiple tracks being used in a mashup and want to use one deck as the master tempo. This is how I have incorporated it into my sets.

[@rufian2630]

I learned in the late 90s / early 2000s on Tech 1200s too. I think the skill is invaluable even today but I totally agree that using some of the technology available frees up your hands and mental space for more creativity. The limits back when we learned were pretty hard and fast. You were limited by how fast you can move and how many hands you had available. Now a days there still is some limitation of how fast you can move but the options available to you and the creative input is nearly endless. So why not use sync to handle the basic, mundane tasks and focus more on making your sets unique. Having said that, I also still ride the pitch because I enjoy doing it. Although I have whacked on the sync and gone nuts with effects and such plenty of times. :D

[@instruktiondj2462]

beat matching is a super useful skill that all dJ's should know even though its not essential anymore I reckon. Luke when are you coming back to London?!

[@Bradmopar]

Leaning to beat match is good. I don’t use it all Of the time but some times I will. Also the auto mix feature will never be able to read a crowd and quickly move to a new song that fits their current mood bettero

[@mikeybarreneche]

No one should care how someone else mixes. I do think you should know how to mix without it so you’re not completely dependent on it tho. What if it’s not working on the setup you’re using that night? You don’t want to be stuck without it

[@DavidDiSabato]

Great video man! We're in 2022 and it's time to stop considering technology as crap. I mean, the final result is going to be the really important thing too because...you can listen to a lot of perfectly mixed sets but without a logical thread and people in the end, no matter what tools you use to have a good dj set. Selection is the only thing that really matters nowadays. I also started 15 years ago with my pioneer cdj 100, it was like mixing with your eyes closed, just using your ear. I loved those times, but time passes, everything changes and technology offers you more advanced things, why discard them? Everyone does what they want, I don't use any sync, I like to mix even without looking at the bpm on my cdj screen, but that's me. Selection is the most important thing 100%.

[@DJTide]

As many mentioned, beginners should definitely learn to beatmatch by ear. You never know when something may go wrong no matter how much you precheck your songs in the software.

[@rixbills1912]

I started DJing back when I was 15 years old, back in the 80s. Had the Technic 1200s and a Numark mixer and we didn't have sync back then so we were all forced to beatmatch manually. But now you can simply press a button and technology does the rest. So what's wrong with that? I am a bedroom DJ now and I use sync ALL the time. However, I would highly recommend any DJ that is starting out to learn to beatmatch by ear! This will give you a better understanding of the skill and, if you are in a pinch, cover you if your sync happens to go out on you on a gig. So I say, use it! Technology is great and has helped the DJ throughout the years. If it wasn't for all the cool stuff you can do on a DJ controller you wouldn't have so many cool sounding mixes! Cheers to you all and happy DJing!

[@philiplatour6005]

You righr the sync is a great tool . I use it and i have been mixing for years .. it is not cheating !!!

[@zendygarrido6177]

43 year old man here. Whatever floats your boat. But respect purists who beatmatch by ear, respect the new technology, it allows for more aggressive live production

[@keith6743]

Luke yes I was one that started with counting each record BPM with a 3 hand watch... 30 sec and times by 2... use to slow down the records with the spindle then started to use the pitch bend... Now as far as using the sync button at the end of the day we DJ's are our worse enemies... as long as the music sounds great and keep the crowd going don't mind using sync... it also helps you to mix some songs at different BPM that you would think of and if you are mixing maybe 3 songs together you better have sync on cause the songs can drift so fast that it will sound terrible

[@ericpman]

In performance mixes you don't even have the time to beatmatch only by ear. Fast performances are only possible thanks to all the modern techniques of mixing by graphic, in which exact way ever. BUT It is still necessary to check every mix by ear before applying via Master Out Not only because of the sync, but also according to the key and sound altogether. The same key or another nearby in the camelot wheel is no garant for the mix to sound good. On the other hand, even mixes between completely opposite keys can sometimes sound great.

[@MickyStardust]

I just use the sync to match the tempo i then beat match by ear but yeah i think if you were doing loads of tricks i think to give your head space to think it would be acceptable, not all the way through a set though. Thanks for this mint vid

[@ToddBryantsr]

I beat match but on the Prime 4+, there are times when I need another set of hands to bring in effects. For instance using the fader and echo requires two hands and if the song goes out of phase it can get crazy. Of course I can mix faster but sometimes you get into a groove that you want you ride with fire a while. Hitting sync keeps me locked in.

[@zacharysanchez8938]

I think the sync button is necessary is certain situations. Most of the time if I'm playing a live set, I find it more useful to manually beat match endless I need to mix fast for some reason. I find it useful to use sync to put together a more "professional" clean sounding set, more specifically if I'm recording a set and it it can't have any obvious mistakes then I'll utilize the sync button.

[@reorderdj]

Turntable days were sooo hard hehe. Denon is just the best. Have been using it in my studio in past 2 years and its just super smooth! 🙌🏻 always enjoy beatmatching on long sets. Just to have fun. Yet Sync is a live saver especialy when you go nuts on stage

[@KRAD1469]

You should always mix with whatever technology makes you mix the most creatively

[@VinylVinnie]

My personal opinion is that it doesnt matter what you use, if you rock the crowd you are doing it good. There is one thing that I am fearing. The art of picking music as a dj is getting lost. Taking the crowd on a journey. Having the guts to play music the crowd doesnt know, but this is a gamechanger when dropped at the right moment... Nowadays the Dutch "Hokjes" influence is bigger than ever worldwide and will be pivatal in the next years to come for the evolution of (electronic) dance music.

[@spinster123]

I could not agree more on using beat sync, you are a DJ first so you can use all the tools at your disposal to get that dancefloor filled up, whether you use it or not, but it's sooo true using it frees your mind to make the best out of on the fly fx, edits and transitions. Been Djaying since 1986 and i used 1200s and my ear to beatmatch, so I've earned my badge on upgrading my skills using beatsync and don't have to prove to anyone I can't mix without beatsync.

[@obsgynuns4651]

always back to nature.. updating technology just for variating and expansion of our genre mindset.. best regards for you and keep respect.. wassalam..

[@hardcoreplur]

I feel like new DJs need is learn it as a skill only so they know what to do if sync fails. But DJing isn't a beatmatching contest, if you beatmatch two songs together that clash or don't harmonize, it won't save the transition.

[@danhitchcock727]

I've always said it's like learning to drive in a manual then driving an automatic. There's nothing wrong with it as long as you know how to do it (beat match) if you need to!

[@ko-jaxxedm9643]

Sinc is a crucial part of modern djing as it give u more time to give the audience more ie effects acapellas etc. If the audience had a brillant night and come back next week with their friends and promote the venue then your job is done and you will progress as a well known DJ thats all that matters the end goal. If you get their you have done your job well and make sure you enjoy what you do that is the real thing that matters at the end of the day.

[@cryptout]

It's up to the people that go listen to your set's in clubs and other venues. For me personally I like deep long mixes and I don't enjoy a mix with zero drift.

[@hamonrye9823]

I only use sync to get all 4 decks on the exact to the decimal bpm. I match by ear after hitting my pre set cue points. I will line up a track hit sync first thing then press key reset to keep key at its original or just take decks off key lock. I know a lot of ppl mix "in key" but when I mix 4 deck hard groove some songs in any key other than their original key(which the producer designed for a reason) sound weird. When I was learning how to dj on software I noticed the sync button doesn't always align the kicks correctly so I started adjusting by ear and I hear sooooo many pro / famous djs have the most weird distorted slightly off beat kicks and I hate that.

[@DaBlueMonster]

Although the era of the classically trained DJ/turntable-ist is gone. If you’re from that vinyl era and still moving forward with todays tech, you have the broadest experience a Dj can have, you have all the fundamentals of the craft mastered and know how to dynamically break them/use them to enhance your djing style, like how, say a master painter like Monet or Picasso reached their master echelons. Greatness through a life that started at the very bottom/basic level and grew through the full range of the artistic experience/life experience. Having all that experience in your bag as an artists results in nuance; the spice that comes from the unknown parts of a great artists soul that even they don’t really understand from where it emanated. Using short cuts in any discipline can rob that artist from learning/stumbling onto/into areas that crack open pathways to discovery/revelation within the ether of creativity. It’s more important now, possibly more than ever to learn electronic music production and dive deeply, head first into that artistic space in order to develop a sound that is instantly recognizable as yours. Then if the masses are attracted to what you’ve produced, you’ll be catapulted on to the stage to do what all other successful music artists have done and the sync button will be the last thing you think about. In 1908 while on a train journey, a photographer happened to sit down beside Pablo Picasso, the photographer eagerly and excitedly showed Picasso a few of his photographs, exclaiming how the photos were so precisely like the real thing, the photographer was very happy with his new tool as it made everything faster than the old way of recording an image. Picasso sat there listening and holding the small paper photograph in his hand, and once the photographer was finished speaking about his new technology, Picasso turned to him looking a bit confused and said; But it’s so Flat.

[@DJThunderOfficial]

I still beat match by ear but Sync comes in handy when an employee or someone comes up to you and you got to deal with something quick without realizing you are almost out of time on the track and haven't even loaded up a new track yet. Then I quickly hit that sync to bring in the next song quick.

[@aaronthedj12]

I've only tried it a couple of times and was just used to mixing by ear. I like yourself am a DJ from the 90's, however, I'm not afraid to try new things, so maybe I'll mess with sync again and see

[@rossvee1235]

As someone who's been dj ing for 3 months now I try to match by ear but still require visuals some of the time. I've tried to stay away from using the sync bar a few times when I was going from 128 to 138 for the build up in the next track. I think it's a useful tool to help bring different genres together but other than that I'll probs continue to learn by ear

[@rerollgeek]

I used to play out....Stopped year ago but still play parties for friends...I moved to digital because of the weight, I used to match by ear and then I was using the BMP....sync can still sound like trash if you can't mix at all but I use it all the time now. Like you said, i can think about the mix not the matching....or mixing the 3rd track or 4th track....Use the tools you have...all of them!

[@ddjjavel]

I still use my ears because with Latin music the bpm sometimes is all aver the place and sync just does not work as it does in house music.

[@houstoner]

I've maybe used sync a dozen times in my 20 years of DJing. It comes in clutch once in a blue moon, usually when I get distracted and needed to bring in a new track quick on a whim. I don't think of it as a bad thing, I just simply don't use it because I can mix by ear 99.999% of the time lol. I genuinely forget it is even a thing, until I need it.

[@SauceSoundz]

But beat matching is so much fun and rewarding! Forget about the cheating part. Your cheating yourself from fun. I get wanting to mix faster and trying to mix 3 songs at once for a mashup but if it's a chill gig or just practice then use your ears and show off your skills

[@robertcneki2355]

Hey Luke i wos wonndering how do you progress as producer mastering sounds,learning how to make melodys etc...

[@djrealz]

The simple answer is.... DJs should be able to use BOTH! You need to learn how to beat match by ear AND use sync! Each of these blending techniques has its uses when you perform. If you only rely on using sync you maybe caught off guard if it doesn't work as expected and only beat matching by ear can be a missed opportunity to be more creative in your sets. Anyone else agree? Leme know lol. Great post Luke!

[@djfrankib45]

If you are playing older disco (House Music). The option to use sync. Will get you a trainwreck. The tracks bpm moves around quite a bit. Lol.

[@garyfraser1020]

Personally like you brother, I am a vinyl DJ. Can mix most styles on the fly. I have never really had a issue with DJs using sync. My issue is music quality,timing and reading a dance floor. I did find You Low also my man,still in great condition. It was an absolute belter and still works the dance floor 🙏

[@kobebourne]

I personally believe beatmatch is a must to learn when beginning to DJ. It is something you should know how to do. That being said you don’t have to use it if you don’t want to in your sets, use sync if you feel like it and it works for you. You just never know when something might go wrong and not knowing how to best match on an emergency situation can get you in trouble. It gives you more comfort knowing you can do something but you just choose not to do it, rather than being lazy and not learning it. It’s really not that hard or impressive to beat sync

[@natejulianmusic]

I've been DJing for about 4 years now and I prefer not to use sync because once it locks in the bpm you can't change it with the pitch faders and I find that to be restricting but that is more of a personal preference. I don't necessarily fault other DJs for using it though. After all I'm sure that there are older DJs who would critisize me for setting tempo by using the display so who am I to judge?

[@nicholasm8946]

Also some songs don't even have an intro version, which is basically impossible to beatmatch by ear.

[@sabatheus]

It's about the music. It's only ever been about the music. Therefore, anything you can do to get your listeners to the promised land...is valid. ;)

[@alexzanderking1556]

i dont use sync personally but if i am in the crowd i would not know if the dj is using sync or not if it sounds good its a win