Should DJs Use Sync?

[@t.b0tthebotanist419]

I use a sink to wash my dishes.

[@kwisclubta7175]

T.b0t TheBotanist - I'm against it

[@JohnLumapaskeith]

I use Sync. Because I believe that, at the end of the day, it's all about playing good music and making people dance.

[@seanfrance3182]

I use sync too, I can beat match by ear but I do look at the BPMs when I’m choosing songs but if I really want a certain song next I always find a way to mix it well. I think creating a good show for ppl where the music is blended well

[@TheGXO]

I think kinda of the same; but for me it is about "generation" also. Back in time we didn't have the SYNC option, so everyone needed to learn to beat match by ear, there wasn't other option. With better technology, they introduce things (like SYNC) that make you do things much faster. For "old school DJs" that would be translated as EASIER. From my own "producer perspective", it would be the same if you produce something without a beat grid or something. Back in time there wasn't computers to produce a perfect constant BPM, now we have; so I think that's nothing wrong using it. For example I like to do a lot of quick remixes within the tracks when I'm playing as DJ; if I never use SYNC, it would make me a lot slower with everything. With sync you get the same result as beat match by ear, but only if the track has a perfect and constant BPM). If not, for sure you should be able to beat match by ear, so you never have any trouble with tracks that aren't in sync with the BPM (like live music and a songs that have variable BPM). Plus there are transactions (like using quick pressing hot cue to make your own beat sample) that with SYNC ON it makes impossible to do it how you really want. I see a lot of old school DJ's that are a bit against the SYNC, but come on... they created the sync so you can be more productive, the button is not there for nothing. It's kinda of the same if you compare with a automatic car gear and a manual gear; it doesn't mean that the person who drives an automatic gear can't drive a car. Drive is much more than manual or automatic gear, like DJing is much more than using or not using sync. Am I wrong to think like this?

[@kayzeetv]

Controversial topic. I learnt how to beat match by ear but here's my opinion: The 'Sync' feature matches one deck's bpm to the other. Most DJs that use serato, traktor or even CDJs, beat match visually (myself included) by looking at the bpm on one deck and then manually just moving the slider on the other deck to match bpms (Why make it hard for yourself if you can just copy bpms right? lol). What difference does it make to just pressing the sync button then? Lol cos that's still cheating if you want to call it that. I always advice people to learn by ear because systems don't always detect accurate bpms + it's more fun to do (depending on your style of mixing). To conclude, if you visually match bpms manually, that isn't any different to pressing the button that does exactly the same thing for you therefore, it's hypocritical to criticise those that do use sync. As TLM said, beat matching is only one aspect of the job and doesn't define the overall skill of the DJ. There's still song selection, crowd interaction, transitions (EQ, etc), and so much more; As long as the clients are left happy, I personally don't care how the job is done (neither do the clients). Don't shoot me. Kayzee

[@dkmu6]

Couldn't agree more! I learned to beatmactch from dj on vinyls. But when I use controller I don't feel any shame to use 'Sync'. It save a lot of time, that means I have more time to think about transition and other things. And as you said it not always detect the right bpm. So I have to check by ears. I think djs should learn to use Sync and understand visual of waveforms. It helps a lot.

[@OneElevenClub]

Well said

[@djsullisoul2816]

Not using the sync feature equals: More time concentrating on mixing and less concentrating on those damn effects!! I watched djs that use the sync on the regular over use the effects because they feel they have to stay busy in the mix....Hell, you would be busy if you were manually beat matching and keeping your damn fingers off that effects button. BTW, as a dancer for all my life and a dj for over 20 years, I think we need to put more emphasis on less is better.....using less effect, tricks and more on track selection. That is why djs are losing the dance floor on many dance scenes......because all the extras. Please stop! When I'm dance to a dj's set and the song continues to be interrupted effects and all the extras, I get pissed and walk off the dance floor. Let's keep it simply please and allow the dance track to breath. That concludes my rant.

[@Steve_T14]

I definitely agree with a lot of what you’re saying. Over use of effects sounds lazy and forced, it can make a good song sound horrible. You’re absolutely right when you say less is better, track selection is the biggest thing when being a dj, back in vinyl days, all you had was your tunes and your beatmatching. I’ve found with the more experience I get in Dj’ing the more I am beginning to understand that everyone is not looking to see what you’re doing on the decks every single moment, so there is no need to look “busy” all the time. Bring your track in, use your Eq’s effectively, bring the other track out, use the odd effect or filter occasionally, maybe in build ups for example, the dance floor is listening to what you’re playing, not watching what you’re doing.

[@dirrtyxris956]

SYNC is a tool. I am from the vinyl era as well, and I feel its a tool you must earn. However I do use it because it makes it easier to throw in tracks much faster when you are in the climax of a set in a club. But think about this... If you have Serato, Traktor or hardware that gives you bpms, all u have to do is set the pitch slider to match the tempo as well without pressing the sync button. If that was the case for the stubborn, don't display the BPM on your screen or hardware.

[@djantonio72]

Ok but how many times do you find yourself jogging the wheel to get a perfect mix compared to the bpm counters?

[@1.2.3.4..5]

I use sync because I use a traktor kontrol s5 and often have 3 tracks playing at the same time. Since I play techno and tech house sync rarely ever fails me.

[@MrCliff_77]

I agree TLM. I think a useful time to use is if you are producing a mix. Something you might be recording. When mixing live, the suggestions you made are acceptable. Just to help you with time since there will always be interruptions by other people.

[@austinvs]

my thought on sync is this: if you can do it (beat match) without, then it's a tool to use (and intelligent people use all their tools), if you cannot beat match without it. . . then you shouldn't use it!

[@CrashKinkaide]

To mangle TLM's analogy, if you try to use cruise control on a hilly, twisty country road, you're going to have a bad time.

[@EvilJohnny81]

Crash Kinkaide I would say that would be more like driving stick or automatic.

[@Benlyrical]

Austin Vance agreed mostly

[@Benlyrical]

NATAS 23 #realtalk

[@JimLigon]

I actually agree with that. If you already know how to beat match you can correct those tracks by ear that have the beat grids not quite right. I do that all of the time. Of course, I learned how to beat match back in 1984 on 1200's. Good point, Austin!

[@synthenza7505]

I use Sync cause it's a help so you've more time you can spent on other things, like next track, transition or playing with effects and probably scratch you on places where the sun barely shines at ^^' But also i beatmatch by ear if it's needed or if i am in mood for it. Like you said, sync is a help and no pocket Pro who does all the work for you.

[@ahrayahdabar4756]

Well spoken DJ TLM. I totally agree with you about the sync feature as we as music choices. I personally do either or depending on my mood. I'm a DJ front way back in the 80's & have seen the DJ game change, so it's there for a reason & is what it is.

[@dj-peterofficial2753]

Spot on, and I think you nailed the reason why this still is a topic. If you like us learned to DJ on vinyl and like to be in total control, sync is not an option, most of the time. DJ's you know and how skilled they are is no problem. If I see a DJ for the first time using 2 players, and have the sync activated the whole time, my first thought is; ''I wonder if that dude knows anything about manual beat mixing?''. I admit it, that's how it is, and from that moment that guy better not make any technical errors while I'm there. So by using sync when there's no benefit doing so, you create this bad situation and I think that should be avoided. Sometimes, when there's a very slow start of the night, I'm asked to put something mixed to play in the background, and not enter the DJ boot until there's enough people to start the dance floor. In other places, it's the other way around. I have to start playing at a set time, even if there's no people in sight for hours, because they don't tolerate DJ's who doesn't do the job themselves, no matter what. To argue in either case in a bad idea. So, if there's no benefit at the moment to use the sync, please don't. If you're a bit new in the game, and actually can't mix by ear, be upfront with it. Perhaps you stepped in on short notice and saved the night and should be given shoulder bumps all night long. It's no shame to be on the path of learning, but it is kind of bad to defend something when it's used for no purpose. If I, who think that knowledge in music is the number one skill for DJ's, to know when, how and to whom to play what is number two, and as number three put technical skills, think this way. How will people with less insight and knowledge think? If you wanna leave with an impression. Is this the way you wanna do it?

[@DenisDamulira23]

Sync is a great tool during prime time throwing tracks in and out fast but of course a good DJ has to know how play without it...just like an automatic transmission is great but knowing how to drive a manual gives you that all around edge.

[@djctrlentertainment]

Sync in Serato sucks compared to Traktor. I recently transitioned to serato and luckily I know how to beat match by ear. Any body know how to transfer music with all the cue points and beat grid settings from Traktor to Serato.

[@drummerdom6665]

My thought on sync: If you turn up to a venue and the decks don't have sync you have to beatmatch by ear, and if you don't know how to do that it's just a ticking time bomb before a disaster happens. To guarantee using sync at clubs etc, you would have to bring your own gear everywhere. Another point is that you don't always have to use a sync button, you just match up the bpm on the screen on both tracks before playing them, then they're automatically in time. Imaging turning up to a club and the decks couldn't read the bpm on the screen properly so you have no choice but to do it by ear.

[@djsinless]

The Sync button is a tool of the trade whereas beat matching by ear is and should be a required skill to even call yourself a DJ. With more DJs implementing live remixing and live production in their sets, using sync can be helpful and shouldnt be looked down on if it makes someone more efficient in their mix. Bottom line is most partygoers don't care what you use as long as you use it well and keep the party rockin nonstop! #salute TLM💯

[@kwisclubta7175]

DJ SINLess This is pretty much how I feel about it. A more concise version of my own comment. Thumbs up

[@PrimiusLovin]

You've said it all really, I see the sync feature as the equivalent of cruise control in automobiles: it helps getting things rolling on, but that's just that, it doesn't make you a better driver in the same way the sync button doesn't make you a better DJ, it just relieves some workload.

[@rayz-ro7543]

I also started in the vinyl ere and of course I still use turntables. But In my opinion, sync is very useful and definitely sync can help djs. So I prefer to use sync. But the thing is, how djs use it.

[@Sirch100precent]

The whole hate on sync started when controller became popular. Djs who used DVS saw it as a way for another DJ to cheat. The only thing that would make that cheating is that they didn't spend all their money on a setup .. you can have a $300 controller or a $1800 dvs setup .. doesn't matter .. what matters is how you sound. And if you can see the bpm & waveforms you're cheating & that's fine. It really is one of the worst arguments in the history of DJing.

[@Brizzle293]

I think the argument is there simply because of the fact that cheap controllers opened the path to almost anyone becoming a dj. That paired up with the sync feature essentially made it so a person can pick up a controller and hit sync then hit a cue point on the 1 and be able to mix perfectly. I have no problem with sync, but I also use DVS. I just think that djs should learn how to manually beat match first and then move to sync, because there's an issue when a person can dj perfectly on a controller with sync, but can't dj on turntables without sync.

[@djeslic5377]

My friends and I started doing house parties in the 80's with just a cheap mixer a cassette deck and a belt drive turn table and as we made (a little) money here & there doing those parties we bought better gear (direct drives, mixers etc.) So I know how to beat match manually although not every track can be synced so you still need that manual ability. BUT... I take no issue with a sync button for making that process simpler. Just like I take no issue with my music all being loaded into my hard drive or laptop but I don't hear anyone saying "If you're not lugging around 30 milk crates then you're cheating". Sync or not if it makes my job simpler, bring it on. I know Dj's that manually match beats and STILL can't keep the floor full. It's not about a button. My focus is that dance floor.

[@ReboyGTR]

I *kind of* use Sync. I do look the BPM and match them up using the Pitch Control. However, i DO NOT assume that just becauce the BPM on screen is the same that they will automatically mix. So during the transition i always keep a close ear on the beat so that they don't drift apart.

[@SunriseReaper3]

Been DJing for a year, still suck. Still refuse to touch sync

[@DJJRCO]

SunriseReaper practice is key my friend

[@edgarayala945]

SunriseReaper I love your honesty, but let me tell you, sync doesn't help with song selection or energy management and creativity. It's a shortcut, and in the end doesn't help you become better

[@kwisclubta7175]

SunriseReaper Good for you. It's like anything else worth doing- learn to do it the proper way from the very beginning so you don't form bad habits from relying on shortcuts.

[@kingnight83]

massive respect goes out to you!

[@Jamaaaat]

I learned beatmatch in 1week

[@DenisDamulira23]

Forget sync,song selection and energy management + creativity up there is what DJs need to focus on.

[@progressiveastronaut]

so much talk arroun sync and yet i still never heard audience say (major dj involved) "wow this dj set sucked because he used sync" noone cares rly.... use sync don't use sync only one who debates arround it are djs.. :)

[@essaysd]

As a mobile DJ, I SYNC too when getting requests but when I'm playing dance music I ride the pitch to get on beat.

[@waefonkey]

Good video TLM. I feel if you're a beginner you should not use sync. As you explained beat matching by ear helps you develop your skill as a dj. Plus when you want to make a seamless transition from one dj's turn to another, you will need that skill to beat match by ear because sync would not work in that situation. If you are a seasoned Dj I have no issue with it. Lately I've started using it, because I do a lot of quick transitions in my performances, and sometimes with technic 1200 I can only go -+8 on the pitch, but with sync in serato I can exceed that limitation.

[@thasco]

Its good to learn how to use your own ears to beatmatch. Technology has kinda taken the fun and creative challenge of beatmatching.

[@corywilliams458]

I agree!....Da Sync button iz earned!.....whn ur n da heat of a good mix!...jus wanna keep it going...cuts matching time!....people want dat next song NOW!

[@rawselectmusic4395]

My thing with using sync has always been if you don't have to worry about taking time to beat match because of it, then you should be doing something as creative as possible (doing on the fly remixes, playing four decks, interesting filtering, etc.).

[@ElementalCosmos]

it's as old as violinist saying guitar players aren't really musicians because they have frets. any DJ who complains about others using sync because it's lazy or reveals a lack of skills needs to accept the criticism that they're not a real musician because they're to lazy or unable to actually play an instrument. i'm 47 years old and couldn't give two shits for someone who judges me by my gear or technique. i'm doing my thing and you can change the channel of you don't like it.

[@kwisclubta7175]

Elemental Cosmos - part of the allure of a DJ (or any musician) is the fact that it is hard. There's something about watching someone do something that few others can do, something that requires skill and practice. That's why people pay good money to see bands, athletes and other performers. You have to admit that much of that has been lost when it comes to DJs. A lot of "DJs" these days are doing what literally anyone could do.

[@househeadspeakz]

If you are a House music DJ, you were told never use the Sync button. I don't use it for I want to make certain I know the basics! There are no short cuts for having fun DJing.

[@tracevideoproductions]

I use sync to quickly get the tempos lined up or at least close, then I adjusted from there to make sure it isn't completely off. Never trust sync alone.

[@kirkstate]

when you have a automatic BPM counter what you need sync for ??

[@saikouentertainment]

Sync is just a tool. A feature that is optional in use. The reason is was created was to ease mixing, and if you use the beat grid function (Serato) you can use functions that the software has in it and do some cool things. Question: does sync include key sync or key lock??? I agree with TLM with the beat part, but what about pitch... because syncing also effects the key of the song , so if its controversial to talk about this (beat portion) is it controversial to use those other functions of the software? Anyways, my opinion is that it's a tool and if you use if good on you, and if you don't good one you... there isn't a standard way of DJing.. golden rules and what not. Someone's style and background may have been started with sync function. People shouldn't knock on another instead help others who to strengthen their skills.

[@Bluntisgood]

For me it's simple : Music is the most important thing in a mix. With or without Sync a good mix is a good mix that's all ! I don"t care about this.

[@dj_marc_en3rgy]

I think the SYNC button helps with beginner DJs and for those who have quick mixes or mashups. Though both ways of beat matching are highly recommended for any DJ

[@SULTANRS]

Sync can be such a life saver sometimes

[@ClectaSkiMusic]

Ugh.... I can beat match by ear but I still use sync.... Stop complaining about Sync, its here to stay like it or not.. Either you use it or not... Just make sure to do the job & rock the party!

[@muchodj]

thats what im talking about- its how you rock the party and what song to put next to continue to rock the party.

[@kwisclubta7175]

ClectaSkiMusic - sure, I won't complain about people using sync as a substitute for learning how to beat match as long as those people don't claim to actually be DJs. It would be like me hiring guys to remodel my house for me and then calling myself a carpenter. If you want to BE something you have to learn the skills of that trade. EDIT: I thought you said you CAN'T beat match. My mistake. Even still, something isn't rendered legitimate simply by virtue of having staying power. Donald Trump is here to stay (at least for another three years) but people still complain about him.

[@OnlyBelters_]

sync is not cheating if you cant blend or choose the right tracks it doesnt matter

[@netfamiller4356]

ClectaSkiMusic facts

[@joelewis]

I need to use sync to keep my tracks in time with the DJs I work with for private events as a VJ. DJs I work with can go anywhere with a song so I need to make sure I have my music videos ready to quickly go from one song to the next and if I adjust both sides to make sure they are perfect with one another (ESPECIALLY since beat matching for example a 75bpm track with a 128 with vocals), I'm gonna miss my cue. So being able to just beat match one deck to adjust both is important for me.

[@Guerilla_G]

There are advantages to beatmatching in that you are paying a lot more attention to the music, however lets be honest, pressing sync is literally the most accurate way to match the bpms together, mixing well and using sync are totally independent of eachother.

[@Deejayirie]

Team sync right here! As TLM said, it doesn't select your songs. That's all on the DJ.

[@bboymac84]

i use it if im remixing a hip hop version of an edm song. or if im im using remix decks or my MIDI connections like MPC or korg stuff. it helps with ableton too. but have fun doing what you love and dont impose your way of life on others

[@kwisclubta7175]

Mac Joseph - using sync for the things you've described isn't only ok, it's necessary. I only take issue when people use it as a substitute for real beatmatching in a traditional DJ set. When you start talking about live performance or live remixing/producing I don't think sync is an issue at all.

[@iamnotahater1000]

Nice video. I'm a bit late coming to this discussion, but I'll throw in my two cents as yet another prior vinyl DJ. I'm back now after a decade-long break, having recently bought a controller. I still remember how to beat match fairly well, but I'm finding myself riding the sync button instead, and feeling kind of guilty when I do. But I've been thinking about this a lot and I'm not sure I should feel that guilt. Old school people in any craft will always feel that newer people are getting some sort of free ticket through those early hellish learning stages, and that's probably true. But the fact is, beat matching was never about artistry; it was a mechanical necessity borne of the fact that we didn't have a sync button. Plenty of crap DJs who learned how to expertly beat match, were still crap DJs. And it occurs to me that saying to not use sync is in a lot of ways equivalent to saying that an advanced mathematician should avoid using a calculator and stick to an abacus. Technology will keep marching forward, and people will keep pushing the boundaries on the upper end. Sync doesn't change any of the actually interesting artistic aspects of DJing. It merely reduces one of the more painful entry points. Meanwhile, it opens the door to an amazing array of creative options. I now have the ability to simultaneously blend music from three or four four turntables, and leave them there over the course of minutes without having to constantly check back in and see what needs a nudge. Meanwhile I can concentrate on a perfect EQ balance, fade back and forth, maybe even throw in a little bit of effect, and create something entirely unique and totally on the fly. That's something that I never could have imagined doing with vinyl. So is that cheating? Maybe. Or maybe it's just evolution...

[@Senuta76]

Sync is good if the monitor goes out and you can't hear what the crowd is hearing. Back in the day we didn't have that and it was the hardest thing to do as a dj in cases like this.

[@JimLigon]

I agree 100%. Sync is nothing more than a tool. I learned how to beat match without the aid of knowing the BPMs of the records beforehand in the 1980s. So, I can beat match easy. I like using sync because it frees me up to do more things in my mix & I like how perfect it sounds. I know a lot of people disagree & that's fine but, my DJ skill has nothing to do with beat matching. That's a basic skill I learned when I was 16 years old & now I want to push the envelope of djing past just beat matching. In my opinion, if you can't beat match, WTF? Beat matching isn't impressive. Let's move towards the next paradigm in djing & stop stagnating on beat matching. Just my opinion. All dj's should do what they do to hype the crowd & have fun. Peace!

[@Houseofgamesreal]

The only times I really use sync is if i'm changing the tempo of two or three songs at the same time (one song at 70, mixing in a song at 75, I'll want to move the tempo up) so this allows me to move one tempo slider and change both tempos at the same time, but I know how to beatmatch and I know how to cue, sync can be used in different ways as well.

[@DJAUDIO1]

Like you TLM, I've been Djing on 1200s for near 3 decades. We learned by ear. These days, on occasion I will use controllers and I still prefer to ride the pitch and mix by ear. The only real use I have found for sync is to manually BPM transition inside DJ sets. Say I am at 128, but want to transition to 100, I can pick a track in the 100 range and hit sync. It will sync to 128. I get to a mixout point and can move the pitch control down and create a live BPM transition. That's the only case I personally have found it useful for. I won't knock others for using Sync. I only ask DJs to actually learn to manually beatmatch. I often meet DJs who only mix by Sync, and they are left clueless when having to beatmatch by ear. I also have to say that since Serato came out, We also have visual reference which to many DJs has become a crutch as well. One love.

[@Sonimeboy]

For me u re right, but then there re some of the Dj controllers doesn't have a full length pitch controls, and then u have 2 songs with a good beat match but the temple of one is higher than the other, what do u do if not sync?

[@kwisclubta7175]

"It's not choosing your tracks for you, it's not adjusting your EQ..." Ugh. Right. All it's doing is the single hardest thing to learn when becoming a DJ. I mean, when I hear new DJs who are looking for technical advice from pros, the one thing they struggle with, almost exclusively, is beatmatching. I have mixed feelings about sync. I currently use it when I play (at home) but only because I sold my turntables and CDJs and now use controllers that don't have pitch sliders; you have to hold "shift" while turning a knob and it only adjusts pitch by small increments so... not very effective or fun. However, I feel guilty when I record a mix that way because half of the part that requires skill has been done for me. If using sync affords you the ability to develop new and innovative skills then I have no issue with it. The term "DJ" has a much broader meaning today than it used to and there are some guys out there who never learned to beatmatch that can do things I never dreamed of doing. However, to pretend that it's not taking away the bulk of the work required to become a good "traditional" DJ, like this guy is doing, is utter bullshit.

[@dj.JAVS.13]

Auto sync is for more time to make your next step and when you bored off the auto sync and play it by beat matching by ear so the audience see you still busy on your controller

[@eriklavsjo8717]

Use or not, if you can get the crowd going that's good enough for me. I won't judge a dude for using it but I'd get bored myself (beat-matching is fun!)!

[@CrashKinkaide]

Sync also won't save you if you choose a song that is a LOT slower (or faster) than the master track. Like every other tool, you need to know how to use it.

[@mickywiswedel71]

learnt how to DJ on vinyl and can beatmatch by ear. I use sync now though, as to me beatmatching isn't a creative part of dj'ing, its just admin to get your tracks in time. With sync on I just need to micro adjust quickly get things spot on and can spend more time on the creative side of dj'ing like mixing, finding the right tracks to play and occasional fx. What's important is what people hear on the dance floor not DJ egos competing with each other over sync in the booth.

[@jeroneallison8978]

REAL DJs as myself don't need to use "Sync"! But it does help out when "Extremely Necessary"! Take time and practice scratching, counting your beats and other techniques to become a unique dj! Know the art, study the art, practice the art, live the art! That's my motto!

[@BryanOwens]

I don't use it but whatever floats your boat I say! I would only use it for recording mix tapes. Sync is just a tool you can use but you still have to know where to match the beats.

[@BryanOwens]

I take that back I used it when my pitch broke so it has it's uses!

[@hot4futureyears2come]

I use it to do my sample decks and sometimes the third and four deck.

[@SALZKE.Official]

I use sync from going from 128bpm to 140 if it's a rough transition, but I mainly beat match cause like you said it's more fun ;)

[@EvilJohnny81]

Personal preference. I personally prefer no.

[@corywilliams458]

.....I come frm Viynl....wasnt no sync button on dem Technics,but i used it now!...

[@stephenmusic69420]

I use a Kontrol S5 that doesn’t have tempo sliders, so I have to press a button then hold shift and turn a knob to adjust BPM. The S5 and S8 almost force you to use sync because they don’t have tempo sliders but if I had them I wouldn’t use sync cause it has messed me up before. Just my experience

[@JayElzDj]

Every DJ should know how to beat match. That's basic knowledge. But what makes a DJ great is creativity, not beat matching. I personally use it. It frees up time for me to mess with stems, remix decks and beat sequencers. Gotta use the tools that will elevate you, not keep restricted

[@TheScizzorhands]

Agree!! Learn to beat match first

[@DAVEDigitalandVinylExpert]

Well said!

[@DMITRYTechmusic]

nice content

[@AhmetTasdemirDJLuds]

i use'ing double click to synch for every per track before the mix.. but i dont useing it when i selecting track...so i dont useing synch for mix ..i useing synch button for only beat mutch for win the time for creation and freadom and pitch bend ...and never useing quantize because it killing my freedom ;) everytime double click the sync button for only beat much and win the time for mix creations ;) ( i never use laptop in live mix in the dj box ..i useing it only some time at home ...dj pro for auto mix from spotify when i working maker works for background music ;) )

[@ScottSummersLV]

DEAD ON EVERY POINT!!! This is exactly why i fuck wit DJ city. It is the ultimate Beat match tool and at this point turntablism a lot of effects and transitions would need more focus and time in order to be executed better to flawless. I learned how to mix by ear in 2003 when i started up in high school. Which, i believe, is a crucial part and understanding of mixing. It needs to be learned manually... as important as learning how to drive manual as of now (2017). Sure it can be useful most of the time but sync can be a lot more and with the technology to do so, why go backwards? I wanna DJ at the Ferrari level (pedal shifting like a boss). Sometimes it can be a little more fun because of the challenge level of no assistance but let's be real DJs, ever since the digital age came along to help us out, we all benefited tremendously. "i used to have to carry crates to the club in order to get down in my day, now these kids and their laptops just don't know anything about the struggle" etc. etc. I don't hear that type of complaint now, from anyone. Everyone got over it as soon as they were able to get a pc of some sort and stuff it full of music till their heart's content. WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE HERE?? if your kid needs help with their long division and you need to get dinner going and leave to work after. Are u gonna sit there and check the work of 21 Questions or pull out your phone to quickly calculate them? I genuinely enjoy doing long division with my daughters if i have the time but realistically i can't sit with 2 kids for 2hrs each to get homework done before bedtime because I have a 3rd kid, meals to serve and bedtimes to meet in order for them to have the energy to learn in the morning. ... i.e. I have to find the next song to Match (cause I'm not a 100 song playlist type of DJ when I'm live), set cues or loops, Transition with some kind of effect, cue/scratch in my drops every once in awhile, watch the crowd, MC and (most important) not forget to reset my EQs and effects on the last channel. So, why would i waste any of that precious time on making the tempo match when it can be done in a split second. Think about it. It is what you make it ...Just don't Smart Sync and the world will be a better place.

[@slashv]

I use very rarely the synch, just in special case I do, but like you said, you should now to mix without synch. Something else is that I prefere to control the machine then the machine controls me !!! ;-) Enjoy and Practice

[@mixaneerhk7009]

I don't see why using sync is considered controversial by many, while no one has issues with the quantize function? Or matching the bmp on the screens or aligning waveforms? All are similar tools available to use while mixing or practising, but the key is to have the skills to switch to other options at anytime needed. Personally I don't use sync unless it would be the only option left to get me out of trouble, maybe because I learned beatmatching using my fingers on the vinyl label speeding it up or slowing it down, so when the sync feature came up , it was just another option available.

[@dj_marc_en3rgy]

The SYNC button should not be used at any DJ battle, or you could get disqualified.

[@DJKOOLBREEZE]

I LOVE SYNC. I CAN BEAT MATCH BY EAR. BUT I PREFER SYNC CAUSE ITS THERE.

[@bernercalito8422]

I'm from the vinyl era so I know how to beat match but with all the stress that I have then sync is more then welcome in my mixes😁😁😁but don't get it twisted I Do Know How To Beat Match👍👍👍

[@kwisclubta7175]

Berner Salvador - stress in your life is preventing you from beat matching? Strangest thing I've ever heard.

[@bernercalito8422]

take it easy, i'm just being sarcastic.

[@runthetrvp_]

I do not use sync because I like to stay mindful of what BPM range I'm in and not stretch tracks to far, because sync will stretch a 75 bpm song all the way to 128 if you let it and that won't sound good.

[@clawe6379]

I use sync just to correct the bpm AFTER I've corrected the pitch, then turn it off. Why you may ask? Well I'm lazy and don't want/have to continuously beat match all the time if I do it this way. And by making a rough adjustment on the fader before sync helps me not to fuck up the tempo if I accidentally bump into the pitch fader which will happen at some point! If sync is on and the tempo hasn't been corrected when switching to a new track, well you're in for a nasty sudden change of tempo!

[@steezify303]

If you are going to sync, use it with purpose! I can do it by ear, but it takes time. Sync gives you extra time. It is the responsibility of the DJ to utilize that time in a manner that works best for the crowd. In the end, they don't care if you are using sync. They DO care about what they can hear. If you can free up extra time to address the crowd or build the energy, the question becomes "why not?" Just don't be the DJ that uses sync then gets on the phone to Gram that cute cat pic they took earlier.

[@jamesrbrindle]

I like that it's an option as it speeds up my multi deck mixes but I came from turntables. Use the tools you have and as TLM says, sync does not actually make you a DJ. Understanding musical mood, key, energy of each track and the ability to read a crowd are what counts.

[@thetree2044]

We are in 2021, we should embrace technology. Just imagine if the DMC mix championship banned the use of Quartz direct driven turntables and then told all DJs to use belt driven ones or better still if they banned the use of electric powered decks and instructed all to compete with clockwork gramophones.

[@muchodj]

I dont use it but if anyone wants to use- then why not- I use Serato and I see myself matching waves- making sure the waves are numbered(beat grids)- actually this is sync in another way. If people claim that you only mix by ear- i do as well but you tend to look at your beat grids and waves and making sure they match- then you are syncing as well. so technically we all syncing one way or the other- dont you think? the only way you can mix by ear is by having two turntables and the real vinyl, period. therefore you see no- waves or beat grids- cue starts, etc.....

[@Sirch100precent]

muchodj you're right .. alot of djs hate on the sync button but couldn't make a transition if they weren't constantly looking at wave forms.

[@kwisclubta7175]

muchodj "the only way you can mix by ear is by having two turntables and real vinyl, period." Really? You're going to put a period on that? I've used Traktor with CDJs (waveforms, BPM counters and all) and have totally mixed completely by ear. Surprise, It's actually possible! Just start your track and focus on your mixer. It's really not that difficult... period.

[@chrisborecki2674]

There are two different types of DJ's and this is my problem with the sync feature There are the mobile djs that do events like weddings, birthday parties etc that dont mix at all and just press play when one song starts ending. they are more of an entertainer for the night, some use the sync button if they do mix, some beatmatch by ear but they arent claiming them selves as glorified dj's or become headliners anywhere. Essentially these types of DJ's dont really require to beatmatch at these types of events but some do whether its sync or manually by ear to add new spice or flavor to their event. which brings me to the 2nd type of DJ Dj #2 playing at clubs, bars, large scale events etc, essentially a party DJ. THIS is where the sync button is an issue for me. Now anybody can pick up a controller, rip songs off the internet learn to use the sync button , match up wave forms or match bpms in a matter of hours, and within a few days and a few youtube vids about phrasing, counting beats, etc can become djs. Where I'm from these up and coming bedroom dj's want to be the cool DJ, the ones that play at the clubs, large scale parties so they can be knob whores for self glorification to be cool and also to please a crowd but mostly its the wrong reasons. you take sync away from them, yeah they can still beatmatch no problem, just by lining up the waveforms on their program. Then theres djs out there that put in the time and effort to learn all tricks of the trade, the hardest one, which is actually just a small fraction of being a dj but essential, is beatmatching. you get these newbies comingout undercutting you to play for "free" because they can dj in a matter of months . One time I networked with a dj met him a few times at clubs seeing him on serato saying hes been playing for about 4-5 years, really good at mixing and I invited him out to a beach party I was playing at a few weeks later with 2 other guys. told him bring a USB with his music, it'll mainly be house music so bring a variety on a thumb drive. he arrives I told him hed get a 55 minute set before me and was shocked that there was no laptop or software as i really did not think that would be an issue. I told him its fine just go on decks and play. I could tell he was nervous as hell as he had no idea what he was going to do and sure as shit 15 minutes of trainwrecking because there was no waveforms to match up . The only good mix he did was litterly an outro/intro mix, held for 6 beats (not bars) then cut it to the next baseline. Needless to say i had to jump in and take over from there. Just goes to show that you NEED to learn. I just find the sync feature a slap in the face to the djs that to time to perfect that art

[@djgartek]

It colube more a help for more complex mixes. But for a regular mix it doesn't have sense

[@MelloState]

I find it a useful tool for when I am running out of time when selecting a track or when I need more than 2 hands. beatmatching is alright and all but the problem is with bpm readouts and the like on every thing i a dj setup to even mixers, it's really easy to just read the numbers and match it on the gear. I personally match the BPM and make the micro adjustments when needed. Just tested myself if I could beatmatch by ear without readouts... yes but only when I know the bpm I am working with with only a +-6% range on the fader because anything more and it becomes less accurate and wont stay for as long (Trance)

[@djctrlentertainment]

I recently transitioned from Traktor to Serato DJ and I can't find all my cue points, gridlines and loops. Does anyone know how to? All the videos I found talked about transitioning from Serato to Traktor (Using Traktor ssl software) but not Traktor to Serato DJ. Buying music buddy app is a little expensive from one time use. #Sharetheknowledge.

[@michaelc1818]

DJ TLM, the main problem with sync ad the only real problem for me is how utterly boring the modern dance tracks have become, mostly just the most minimal empty boring tracks with a simple beat and not much more, mass produced and churned out by the thousands every week, nowadays everyone is a DJ and everyone is a producer, fake dj's and noring producers, not only did sync drastically reduce the skill of djing and reduce the artform to " oh so what your'e a dj anyone can do that " but it also made the tunes super mass produced, the demand for tunes is huge because with dance music the track is changed every 30 secpnds, in the vinyl era this did not happen, the tunes were serious bangers, they were well thought out, weren't fulll of lengthy 32/48 bar totally boring breakdowns that make me want to fall asleep on my feet behind the decks....the tunes were bangers 20 years ago and I still play them now, I try to play the new rubbish and I hate it, it's soulless , boring and empty and is only suitable for dj's that press sync, either that or you end up in constant breakdowns, the music was quantized and structured to aid beatmatching and beatmatching was desigbned to keep the beat going so people never leave the dancefloor, now all you get is EPIC BREAKDOWN (Yawns) syndrome.... Leaving people itching for a drop...fact is the drop is also so underwhelming it's like listening to a longwinded joke with a bad punchline. I hate what sync has done to the industry...I am classed as a hater because I use tables and love manual beatmatching and vinyl, but the thing is vinly dj's hate it because we have had to change how we mix, we now have an expectation to change tracks every 30 seconds ...but the fact is we don't want to, we just want to mix bangers and classics and do lots of copping and cutting with the fader like the good old days of drum and bass...The old days peeps went to record shops to buy tunes with £100 in their pockets, they were careful and made sure they got the right tunes, tunes were not needed in massive demand..the tracks were so good the dj could play the same 20 new tracks with lots of older tunes and just swap the transitions and vary them for 2 months and get away with it happily without complaint, nowadays all you get is track hungry sync dj's hitting sync and playing 100 + tracks an hour as opposed to vinyl era where they played 25 tracks if they were great at beatmatching and quick at it. I find the nowadays rubbish so so boring..noone talks about that and although the sync is totally controlversial noone has ever touched on the fact that it has changed the way music is produced, the demand is crazy and there are producers that will gladly exploit it, and the sync dj's of this era just download insane amounts of tunes for their 150 track dj mix , it's a shame but for me DJ'ing has become something that is also reaching the end of it's run. I would like to see a video about this and you to throw this strangely never touched upon subject for debate

[@DjDubStak]

I've tried using sync. It didn't work so well with me. I rather match the tempo with the pitch slider and listen to the tempo of both tracks. The waveform helps out but not all the time. I still find myself adjusting the speed manually.......... I honestly don't really know how to use sync properly. I'm from the old school. I'm rocking on the Numark Ns7iii

[@P4boot]

Edit your beatgrids

[@Atem_S.]

I use the master tempo but still drift away from it during djing! Unless I really fucked up ( 4/6decks mixing) sync is a button I have to remember to use!

[@sergegirard0101]

I would be curious about the sellers reaction if Pioneer comes whit a new controler wiht no Sync button !!! Comments would be realy funnys.....!!!

[@AlbertLara]

Modern cars have automatic transmissions, power steering, and power brakes but there are still a lot of bad drivers. If a DJ doesn't know how to read a crowd and perform to make the party fun, it doesn't matter if they use sync.

[@djceejaay]

I use it, sparingly, and I have no problem with it but folks these days just plain going crazy on this shit. Anyway, check out Laidback Luke's vlog where he spoke with Afrojack about how some dj's are using prerecorded sets, etc. Its an excellent discussion, just like this one. Peace ✌🏾💯

[@TLRPhotographe]

Still a bit too close to the green screen 😉

[@djTLMtv]

Timothée Le Roy Yup, I need a bigger space to shoot green screen, but for now this will have to do 😁

[@TLRPhotographe]

djTLMtv congrats for all your work here & on your channel ! I'm a long time viewer and i also help friends discovering DJ technics 😃

[@ashleystyles6888]

You can HEAR when a DJ uses this. Synch sounds "computerised" and not "organic" and besides, old school house DJs who earned their bread and butter with vinyl i.e the BEST DJs who used to mix vinyl, the ones who had a reputation for being the best at this (Sasha for example) took it up a level because people could HEAR the nuances of the mix. The slight imperfections of overlap.

[@smsno1]

ITS NOT CHEATING. KNOWING THE PITCH OF THE TRACK ON A CDJ WAS ONCE CHEATING, AND NOW ITS CALLED "USING A CDJ". caps, sorry but for gods sake, learn to dj. all this laptop crap drives me crazy. there is very little "art" to it, no "dues paid". but ill admit, im 43 and learned on vinyl. the hard way. on belt driven decks. upshot of this, i can mix on almost anything, with any music. love this channel.

[@macdjmarco]

There are many thoughts about using it and not using it. Beatmatching by ear for me is what i prefer because it sounds more real in the ear. The sound of imperfect matched BPM is more like a human is deejaying and not the computer. Sync is also sometimes not correct or BPM reads it sometimes wrong. But Like TLM said, sync is useful in any case as well. I just don't trust it entirely.

[@danielar7491]

I'm not against using sync button as long the dj really knows and can beat match by ear . but me personally not using it , because for me beat matching manual is an art and i love doing it manual . 😬✌️

[@SupaSandeep]

like it or not, it's there... I don't use it personally, but there's no avoiding it. You can hate it all you want, but software companies aren't taking it away anytime soon. Even if you don't use sync the software still shows you BPM, phase meters, and waveforms that are "cheating" as well... it's a waste of my energy to hate on it, there's tons of more productive things to do.....

[@djantonio72]

My God how did we learn to mix back in the day? I learned on one direct drive turntable my dad had with round dials for pitch control, another turntable with levers on front for pitch control and a radio shack mixer and earphones. No bpm counters nothing. Snyc and bpm's counters look cool but that's it. And a sync button is not always accurate Anyways. Sync is the ear and vibes of the DJ.

[@djmetrokid]

sync is a tool for people who can beat match i only use it when i mess up with timing (rarely)

[@djbige2664]

Truth bro..

[@redvivid]

Only use sync if I'm on my prime time. Constantly changing songs and I don't have time to change BPM.

[@gaetanogalizia8960]

I agree with ya 100%!

[@busywl69]

play how you like. the fans don't care how you play at all.

[@busywl69]

of course they should lol. use it, its there. concentrate on playing fire instead of keeping music on time. in fact manual is close to sync now today anyway with bpms being displayed lol.