As a DJ for over 34 years I use Serato for my main DJing and Virtual DJ for cocktail and dinner music because of the automix feature. I have NEVER in over 3 decades of DJing at around 2000 events involving close to half a million people had a client come up to me during the event to call me out for using automix! The bottom line is that the client could care less if you use automix for cocktail, dinner music or during bathroom breaks. All they expect is a great night of music and happy guests. The only ones who seem to have an issue with this practice (automix) are other DJs...and personally I am not DJing an event to cater to other DJs... So other DJs should stop worrying about what about other DJs are doing and concentrate on their own performances. Let me put it to you this way... If you were at a wedding with your back turned to the DJ...would you be able to tell if the DJ was using automix? Or for that matter, what software they were using or whether they were using DVS, a controller or strait vinyl? I'll bet you can't. To each their own...
Well said Ken. I DJ part time and consider myself a very novice DJ. What I have found at weddings and partys is exactly what you said. They just want to hear fun music. Getting people on the dance floor is far more important than a good blend or transition. I love the automix feature on virtual DJ and honestly use it almost exclusively. My wife and I DJ together and it is fun to go out on the dance floor with the guests and not have to worry about running back to get the next song cued up. Love your videos Rachel.
With the right level of music knowledge and stage experience you can use automix and still throw a spectacular show! Once you locked down where your preset que points should be then you can concentrate more on control effects, scratching and microphone engaging with the crowd.
I DJ for a nonprofit organization and the average age is 50 and up. The members know nothing about song structure or mixing music. I play for five hours and use auto mix for that time. I mostly play for a Hispanic crowd no hip-hop and no Hard-core dance music. I play every hit song in every other genre and they are impressed with just that. I am not a DJ but I like to play the music for the crowd. Someone told me if I play the music for a crowd no matter what then I am considered a DJ.
I was a guest at a weeding recently but at short notice I was asked to DJ. I played for six hours and occasionally I used Automix to go to the toilet, Dance with my wife and play the 3 finale songs associated with a Scottish wedding. I think Virtual DJ is brilliant and VDJ 2020 is another vast improvement
YES! My problem has been solved. Been trying to get my head around VDJ for a few days now and couldn't understand why the automix feature was so disappointing. But, you're right - it's not really designed for impressive in-your-face mixing, but just as a straightforward playlist player that blends tracks together a bit for a few seconds. I haven't got a separate controller so I'm relying on keyboard and mouse control. I find that visually dragging the next track's waveform to the centre cue line with the mouse then triggering the playback with alt1/alt7 on the keyboard gives some pretty tight results. That allows me to control the crossfader with the mouse. Selecting the right place to cue in and how to ride the crossfader are creative processes that software will struggle with, I think. But assisting the DJ in searching and tweaking the BPM/Key is something that VDJ excels at. Now, I'm looking forward to using this thing!
This is a great demonstration. I definitely use this feature now, it's so convenient. I'll never forget the stress of putting on a 4 minute track and having to run through a crowded Dance Floor go to the washroom and make it back before it ended. High stress, good pay and a lot of fun ... but in my old age this tool is amazing!
Nice tutorial Rachel! I find the AutoMix feature very handy. For my Wedding events (Dinner Music or seating before ceremony) or charity events (when I'm doing MC duties) Its great for me to pre-select my chosen songs and let them run. I do adjust the mix points to my preference using the POIS editor. At anytime, I can control my VDJ remotely with my phone to stop if need be. Of course when it comes to the entertainment portion, I'm live on the decks!
Hi Rachel I made up a mix yesterday on VDJ of 18 songs and It added track marks automatically and also added a song list in the POI. I made up 2 other mixes but VDJ did not add the same marks and song list. I was hoping that you could direct to where i can turn this feature on. Thanks
I'm a serious noob - and have only done a couple of kids birthday parties and kindergarten sporting events... which mostly require filler / background music. Automix is VERY handy for this and allows me to interact with guests / family etc. during "slow" periods. Quick TIP though... You don't HAVE to choose songs of the same BPM (depending on what you want to do)..if your selections are varying BPM's - you can sort the list by BPM slow to fast (or vice versa) so that it doesn't sound too abrupt when transitioning... ;)
Thanks .. I use it for exactly that cocktail and dinner emergency and bathroom breaks ..being a mobile dj and out of the club's now I find this program offers exactly what I need. It does video, karaoke, on top of ton of other features. The others are very programs as well. This one just happens to suite my needs.
I use the Automix feature for a couple things: dinner & cocktails at a wedding when I’m often working on other things like audio editing or talking to guests. I also use it when I need to step away for a restroom break or to go dance for a song (at my country bar gigs.) My favorite feature about it is that I use the Automix window as my “prepare” folder if you will. Anything I’m planning on playing is in there in order (at least the first few) along with crowd requests even though I’m manually loading and mixing. Because I keep my next few to several songs in there I can press 1 key (keyboard mapping) and walk away. In Serato you can only Autoplay from the crate you are playing the current track from and you have no control over it.
There’s absolutely nothing wrong with using SYNC… Waveforms or Automix. If you admit to using it. The problem is most… if not all… will never admit it. It takes a lot of skills to perform live at events and sound flawless in your blends. For those who don’t use any type of SYNC….. I applaud you for putting in the time. I know most people don’t care about this topic…. Unless you took the time to perfect your craft. For the Djs who use sync… I hope you respect Djing enough to want to learn and grow in this business…. Take Pride in your Mix Don’t SYNC.
Great for when the DJ has to talk with management, running to the toilet, etc. Also good at the beginning of a gig when you want music and are still doing partial set up, such as lights ECT... works well for filler music at karaoke shows that want filler music.
virtual dj is the best for beginner and pros...due to the versatility for all types of djs. i just sent this to serato techs so they can see what they are missing. their auto play is crap if you need to leave for a few mins or so. etc. thanks for the video
I use this feature when I gotta go!!!!! after setting up all that equipment and drinking gallons of water automix comes in handy.. I even do auto mix when I'm tearing down or setting up.. play a few songs while I tear down my lights or when setting up..
I agree with you Rachel on this just being a good tool for when you need to step away. Back before automix we had certain long songs that were played while you took care of certain business that could not wait until the end of the gig. This also is a great way to do cocktail music at a wedding reception while you are reading down a ceremony system.
awesome video- I was not aware of this in VDJ- great tips- Im a serato guy but Im aiming on just using virtual Dj - seems like there is so much to offer- just my opinion-
Rachel, good points but I'll say auto mix is not a bad thing. NO one other than a long time DJ would even know. I started when we used cassette tapes. than CD'S that skipped a lot when the dance floor really got to hopping. these so-called DJ'S this day and age have no idea of the work that goes into entertaining your clients and their guests. More people like an entertainer than a person that can mix with an extra beat or two. Secret is working smarter not harder. Work on your presentation more than a song cross fade. My opinion Thank you for the conversation. and please everyone get away from saying "Let's make some noise" so many hold on to this cliche.
Hey even DJs need to go to the bathroom every once and a while. Or step outside for a smoke. Because I haven't gone digital yet and still spin analog vinyl, I use the medly mixes found on Ultimix or (Ultimix) Funky Mix for those needs.
Wait...so a DJ can, in fact, step away from the mixer to....go to the bathroom., grab a drink...and mingle with the guests during cocktail hour, or check the volume levels during dinner???? :) I'm being sarcastic of course. Automix is a great thing. If it wasn't WHY did they make it an option, right?
I agree with all the comments below and use this myself for school fates as well when needing that needed break to the rest room or when talking to the public. Again i have been doing this for 30 years and as already mentioned would have to pick a long 12 inch mix or megga mix (remember them) to do the same. well done on the video.
ty very much all good auto mix for real life party for hire most the money is in this type there should be more real videos because most people that watch or have interst in DJING in real life this is were the money is everyday people, view of what a dj is not real mixing etc just what your showing here.keep it up maybe do video on DJ reality NOT THE FEW SPOTS THAT ONLY A FEW DJ'S IN WORLD GET .MONEY IS IN REG PARTY'S
The Automix features is not really eliminate the DJ who mixes the party but the DJ who are on the Radio.... just drag the 3 songs on the list then commercial + radio plugs + etc.... would that makes sense?
Rachel hi. I bought VDJ 8, and here is my question. Is there another way too see the blue and red waveforms better & larger and slower for mixing ? Now the blocks are really small, and going really fast to see it good. I only do it for homedjing or bedroomdjing (wich you prefer :-). I'll try another skin, and move the sidebar left on the waveforms up & down, byt then they are going to fast, or to slow.
VDJs Auto mix is far more versatile and powerful than made out in this video for a start you can permanently add, move or remove your own cue points to each track so that when the track is placed in auto mix it starts and ends at exactly the right place which will make your mixes in auto mix sound as smooth as mixing manually you can also change the way it mixes and where it crosses over yes it does take a while to add all the cue points etc but once done if done correctly the audience will not be able to distinguish the difference between auto mix and a live DJ mix but it still requires a level of experience and skill to know where to place the cue points and select the tracks that will fill the dance floor in the first place. there are loads more features and tricks you can use to customise things in auto mix so there will always be a need for experience and skill of a live DJ
Paul Knigh you're correct. The automix feature is sophisticated and intelligent. I mentioned this in the video. I stated with lots of planning and effort automix can be high customized. This was just an intro do the feature. Personally the amount of effort it takes to really refine automix I'd rather just do it myself. I need it for time filler when I'm running around not to play for me during an event. That was all I was trying to say. Thanks for your comment and watching.
there is 1 thing on VDJ thats anoys me, and that's the moving waveform on top of the program. I find it too small/little. Is there something in the software that i have to click on, so it's 'bigger'. It's always better for my sight too set the blue and red blocks simoultanious for mixing
I will Book a thousand gigs a month...your gigs and will AUTOMIX IN ALL OF THEM (EVIL LAUGH) HA HA HA HA ! AND ALL THE "REAL" DJS WILL BE DOOMED FOR EVERRRRR !
As a DJ for over 34 years I use Serato for my main DJing and Virtual DJ for cocktail and dinner music because of the automix feature. I have NEVER in over 3 decades of DJing at around 2000 events involving close to half a million people had a client come up to me during the event to call me out for using automix! The bottom line is that the client could care less if you use automix for cocktail, dinner music or during bathroom breaks. All they expect is a great night of music and happy guests. The only ones who seem to have an issue with this practice (automix) are other DJs...and personally I am not DJing an event to cater to other DJs...
So other DJs should stop worrying about what about other DJs are doing and concentrate on their own performances. Let me put it to you this way... If you were at a wedding with your back turned to the DJ...would you be able to tell if the DJ was using automix? Or for that matter, what software they were using or whether they were using DVS, a controller or strait vinyl? I'll bet you can't.
To each their own...
Well said Ken. I DJ part time and consider myself a very novice DJ. What I have found at weddings and partys is exactly what you said. They just want to hear fun music. Getting people on the dance floor is far more important than a good blend or transition. I love the automix feature on virtual DJ and honestly use it almost exclusively. My wife and I DJ together and it is fun to go out on the dance floor with the guests and not have to worry about running back to get the next song cued up. Love your videos Rachel.
Amen, feel the same way .
Yep....works great for cocktail hour and dinner music....and trip to the John is exactly what I use it for.
This!!!! You get the gold star ⭐️
I'm a dj you know what I care about. The dj is playing good music... That's it. Selection. Litteraly all I care about.
With the right level of music knowledge and stage experience you can use automix and still throw a spectacular show! Once you locked down where your preset que points should be then you can concentrate more on control effects, scratching and microphone engaging with the crowd.
I DJ for a nonprofit organization and the average age is 50 and up. The members know nothing about song structure or mixing music. I play for five hours and use auto mix for that time. I mostly play for a Hispanic crowd no hip-hop and no Hard-core dance music. I play every hit song in every other genre and they are impressed with just that. I am not a DJ but I like to play the music for the crowd. Someone told me if I play the music for a crowd no matter what then I am considered a DJ.
I was a guest at a weeding recently but at short notice I was asked to DJ.
I played for six hours and occasionally I used Automix to go to the toilet, Dance with my wife and play the 3 finale songs associated with a Scottish wedding.
I think Virtual DJ is brilliant and VDJ 2020 is another vast improvement
YES! My problem has been solved.
Been trying to get my head around VDJ for a few days now and couldn't understand why the automix feature was so disappointing. But, you're right - it's not really designed for impressive in-your-face mixing, but just as a straightforward playlist player that blends tracks together a bit for a few seconds.
I haven't got a separate controller so I'm relying on keyboard and mouse control. I find that visually dragging the next track's waveform to the centre cue line with the mouse then triggering the playback with alt1/alt7 on the keyboard gives some pretty tight results. That allows me to control the crossfader with the mouse. Selecting the right place to cue in and how to ride the crossfader are creative processes that software will struggle with, I think. But assisting the DJ in searching and tweaking the BPM/Key is something that VDJ excels at.
Now, I'm looking forward to using this thing!
This is a great demonstration. I definitely use this feature now, it's so convenient. I'll never forget the stress of putting on a 4 minute track and having to run through a crowded Dance Floor go to the washroom and make it back before it ended. High stress, good pay and a lot of fun ... but in my old age this tool is amazing!
Nice tutorial Rachel!
I find the AutoMix feature very handy.
For my Wedding events (Dinner Music or seating before ceremony) or charity events (when I'm doing MC duties)
Its great for me to pre-select my chosen songs and let them run. I do adjust the mix points to my preference using the POIS editor. At anytime, I can control my VDJ remotely with my phone to stop if need be.
Of course when it comes to the entertainment portion, I'm live on the decks!
Hi Rachel
I made up a mix yesterday on VDJ of 18 songs and It added track marks automatically and also added a song list in the POI. I made up 2 other mixes but VDJ did not add the same marks and song list. I was hoping that you could direct to where i can turn this feature on. Thanks
This tutorial is amazing and you are really good at teaching !! great job sir !
Like you said... That is exactly how I use it. It comes in handy for those 10 hour car shows!
I'm a serious noob - and have only done a couple of kids birthday parties and kindergarten sporting events... which mostly require filler / background music. Automix is VERY handy for this and allows me to interact with guests / family etc. during "slow" periods. Quick TIP though... You don't HAVE to choose songs of the same BPM (depending on what you want to do)..if your selections are varying BPM's - you can sort the list by BPM slow to fast (or vice versa) so that it doesn't sound too abrupt when transitioning... ;)
Thanks .. I use it for exactly that cocktail and dinner emergency and bathroom breaks ..being a mobile dj and out of the club's now I find this program offers exactly what I need. It does video, karaoke, on top of ton of other features. The others are very programs as well. This one just happens to suite my needs.
I use the Automix feature for a couple things: dinner & cocktails at a wedding when I’m often working on other things like audio editing or talking to guests.
I also use it when I need to step away for a restroom break or to go dance for a song (at my country bar gigs.)
My favorite feature about it is that I use the Automix window as my “prepare” folder if you will. Anything I’m planning on playing is in there in order (at least the first few) along with crowd requests even though I’m manually loading and mixing. Because I keep my next few to several songs in there I can press 1 key (keyboard mapping) and walk away. In Serato you can only Autoplay from the crate you are playing the current track from and you have no control over it.
What settings do you use when you scratch using the jog wheel and cross fader?
There’s absolutely nothing wrong with using SYNC… Waveforms or Automix. If you admit to using it. The problem is most… if not all… will never admit it. It takes a lot of skills to perform live at events and sound flawless in your blends. For those who don’t use any type of SYNC….. I applaud you for putting in the time. I know most people don’t care about this topic…. Unless you took the time to perfect your craft. For the Djs who use sync… I hope you respect Djing enough to want to learn and grow in this business….
Take Pride in your Mix
Don’t SYNC.
Auto Mix saved me when my headphones died and I had to run out to the trailer for a spare. Moral of the story.. always have back-up equipment. 😎
Great for when the DJ has to talk with management, running to the toilet, etc. Also good at the beginning of a gig when you want music and are still doing partial set up, such as lights ECT... works well for filler music at karaoke shows that want filler music.
Awesome job Rachel
virtual dj is the best for beginner and pros...due to the versatility for all types of djs. i just sent this to serato techs so they can see what they are missing. their auto play is crap if you need to leave for a few mins or so. etc. thanks for the video
Still working as of today, ty!
I need to see if version 21 has this hidden... I never knew about this... Which would work for the needed bathroom break 👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿
Thanks... it's working... Good Job...!
Dj Rachel u r the best
I use this feature when I gotta go!!!!! after setting up all that equipment and drinking gallons of water automix comes in handy.. I even do auto mix when I'm tearing down or setting up.. play a few songs while I tear down my lights or when setting up..
I agree with you Rachel on this just being a good tool for when you need to step away. Back before automix we had certain long songs that were played while you took care of certain business that could not wait until the end of the gig. This also is a great way to do cocktail music at a wedding reception while you are reading down a ceremony system.
awesome video- I was not aware of this in VDJ- great tips- Im a serato guy but Im aiming on just using virtual Dj - seems like there is so much to offer- just my opinion-
working fine thank you
Rachel, good points but I'll say auto mix is not a bad thing. NO one other than a long time DJ would even know. I started when we used cassette tapes. than CD'S that skipped a lot when the dance floor really got to hopping. these so-called DJ'S this day and age have no idea of the work that goes into entertaining your clients and their guests. More people like an entertainer than a person that can mix with an extra beat or two. Secret is working smarter not harder. Work on your presentation more than a song cross fade. My opinion Thank you for the conversation. and please everyone get away from saying "Let's make some noise" so many hold on to this cliche.
I use virtual DJ pro
Thanks
Hi DJ Rachael, can direct me where to find that last song you played please? No scrubs x Work, that was amazing but I just can't find it. please help.
thanks dj for this video tutorial im your new subscrber
Link is down
Hey even DJs need to go to the bathroom every once and a while. Or step outside for a smoke. Because I haven't gone digital yet and still spin analog vinyl, I use the medly mixes found on Ultimix or (Ultimix) Funky Mix for those needs.
Enjoyed your video, infomatvite and full of helpful tips. I will try soon on VIJ.
,
VDJ
Wait...so a DJ can, in fact, step away from the mixer to....go to the bathroom., grab a drink...and mingle with the guests during cocktail hour, or check the volume levels during dinner???? :) I'm being sarcastic of course.
Automix is a great thing. If it wasn't WHY did they make it an option, right?
I agree with all the comments below and use this myself for school fates as well when needing that needed break to the rest room or when talking to the public. Again i have been doing this for 30 years and as already mentioned would have to pick a long 12 inch mix or megga mix (remember them) to do the same. well done on the video.
Nice vid! I never used this feature. I made pre-made 3 song mixes for bathroom breaks or similar reasons
Great stuff
Traktor has this too
ty very much all good auto mix for real life party for hire most the money is in this type there should be more real videos because most people that watch or have interst in DJING in real life this is were the money is everyday people, view of what a dj is not real mixing etc just what your showing here.keep it up maybe do video on DJ reality NOT THE FEW SPOTS THAT ONLY A FEW DJ'S IN WORLD GET .MONEY IS IN REG PARTY'S
Loved it
How can I switch automix from playing on deck A to B?? Can this be done?????
She does do this towards in this video. Dual deck mode.
I use atomix always
The Automix features is not really eliminate the DJ who mixes the party but the DJ who are on the Radio.... just drag the 3 songs on the list then commercial + radio plugs + etc.... would that makes sense?
We gotta eat too.
thx and subscribed
Rachel hi. I bought VDJ 8, and here is my question. Is there another way too see the blue and red waveforms better & larger and slower for mixing ? Now the blocks are really small, and going really fast to see it good. I only do it for homedjing or bedroomdjing (wich you prefer :-). I'll try another skin, and move the sidebar left on the waveforms up & down, byt then they are going to fast, or to slow.
thank you
😎 THANKS :-)
Excellent tool for exactly what you said. Thanks for sharing!
Love your videos DJ Rachel
Which record pool do you use? I have noticed several mixes I like.
IAMBOBBY Promo Only and Xmix Remix.
Hello, can you make a vid on how to import playlists into Virtual DJ?
nice video every time DJ Rachel , could you make a video on how to add your own effects to virtual dj.
thank you very much .
Auto mix...or sync is ok..but...there will always be needed manipulation...period!
What master db output do you use choose with a controller 0db or -3 always wondered
Great tutorial
stepn code is work
VDJs Auto mix is far more versatile and powerful than made out in this video for a start you can permanently add, move or remove your own cue points to each track so that when the track is placed in auto mix it starts and ends at exactly the right place which will make your mixes in auto mix sound as smooth as mixing manually you can also change the way it mixes and where it crosses over yes it does take a while to add all the cue points etc but once done if done correctly the audience will not be able to distinguish the difference between auto mix and a live DJ mix but it still requires a level of experience and skill to know where to place the cue points and select the tracks that will fill the dance floor in the first place. there are loads more features and tricks you can use to customise things in auto mix so there will always be a need for experience and skill of a live DJ
Paul Knigh you're correct. The automix feature is sophisticated and intelligent. I mentioned this in the video. I stated with lots of planning and effort automix can be high customized. This was just an intro do the feature.
Personally the amount of effort it takes to really refine automix I'd rather just do it myself. I need it for time filler when I'm running around not to play for me during an event. That was all I was trying to say. Thanks for your comment and watching.
it's an autologger. it's a good feature but it's a very basic one.
all this beauty.😍 It did not reach one million subscribers. The world today lacks taste
there is 1 thing on VDJ thats anoys me, and that's the moving waveform on top of the program. I find it too small/little. Is there something in the software that i have to click on, so it's 'bigger'.
It's always better for my sight too set the blue and red blocks simoultanious for mixing
Yes, you can make it bigger, or make it vertical.
it is just like in mwindows media player "crossfading and auto volume leveling" in enhancement option. Very useful.
Also good for Bathroom break 😁
Oh HELL 2 the NO!!!!
The simple automix sounds very similar to what we began doing in "automated" radio in the early 80s.
Man which I had automix back in the day. We had to rely on just doing dope mixes.
I will Book a thousand gigs a month...your gigs and will AUTOMIX IN ALL OF THEM (EVIL LAUGH) HA HA HA HA ! AND ALL THE "REAL" DJS WILL BE DOOMED FOR EVERRRRR !
tha Automix DJ better then her , lol
Back in the day we had automix. It was called The DJ.
Serato is better than VDJ?
Ahahahahahha funny