Amsterdam Dance Event 2011: The Sync Button, panel discussion

Companion webpage: http://traktorbible.com/video/ade2011-the-sync-button.aspx

ADE asks whether the invention of the synch button; the one click perfect mix function, renders the fourth previously key factor, beat-matching, obsolete.

Panel discussion recorded on October 21, 2011

Category:

Education

Tags:

• Dave Clarke
• Pioneer
• Rik Parkinson
• Serato
• Baptiste Grange
• Paul Hamill
• Gregor Tresher
• Terry Weerasinghe
• Native Instruments
• Traktor
• Sync Button

[TraktorBible]

I prefer to have my eyes closed when dancing and clubbing. This brings me closer to the music. I don't care what tools the DJ uses. I want to be taken away. I don't want to watch.

There are DJs that can do that to me: some are using digital equipment, some aer using classic tools. I really don't care how they take me on that journey, as long as they are able to do it.

[Slatanicmushroom]

Don't be afraid, use that sync button and be more creative! :O)

[superm0g]

Very hard to understand what some of them were saying. Could't you connect the camera mic input from the mixing board in order to get a proper sound on this video ? I mean, it's not like they aren't experts or anything :/

[camperbear]

i began DJing in the generation of the Sync button. I started out by just clicking sync. as i got more experienced i learned that i can't always rely on it. I then taught myself to look at tractor and make the BPM the same and then match the beats by ear. i think that part of the technology is brilliant and saves time. I work with the loops and the effects and my mixes are clean because i work on my sets and know my music. I can beat match by ear but i use the technology to save time

[6th818]

@6th818 Also the other issue would be in a club setting. Most venues are using either CDJ's due to fact that it's alot easier for the next DJ to come with his CD's and what not opposed to hooking up software that utilizies sync technology

[6th818]

@6th818 .....(unawaringly taking that snare and laying it over the kick of the live track; Hardwell Encoded is an example that comes to mind. It's a step forward into live performance in the right hands, but it is an evil that is used as a crutch when one has no idea the basic aspects of mixing. Much respect to Dave Clarke, thanks for the upload TraktorBible

[6th818]

@TraktorBible Well the issue I have is that most tracks these days that are associated with progressive house, dutch and what not are produced as 128BPM. Pitch adjustment is most likely null if you're going to put in the next track. I see countless mixtapes on soundcloud and what not with tracks that are out of phase due to sync. Since most take it from the top....

[oddio95]

Anyone notice that Rip Parkinson,Pioneer employee lied when he said Pioneer doesn't have any sync functions on their hardware?

the CDJ 350-S has BPM Lock on it,when u connect 2 of them they will lock bpms,same as the sync function.

[Slatanicmushroom]

@poznanski666 I sure believe that some people can be very creative without using software. If someone chooses to use lots of buttons, he may not loose contact with the crowd. If he does, he should practice more or start using less buttons. ;O) It's ALL about the END product.

[poznanski666]

@Slatanicmushroom some people can be creative even without software and a sync button i live remix by ear and i think djs who stare at screens are losing the connection with the crowd

[DigitalFeeder]

i like my vinyl(13 years vinyl and can mix with no headphones!)..its cool..and looks good to others watching ..the odd cool spin back ..nudge here..looks great! on stage!!.original!!..but my tracktor duo($200 cost less than my headphones)..shits all over my decks/vinyl..hands down..its quicker..newer..functions ..loops..fuck i could even make a track with traktor...i dont use sync..no need as all tracks can be bpm matched...drop in and a nudge in time..fuck the grids..i dont use them.

[DigitalFeeder]

@KevSchism haha..i dont think so....anyone can old fashion beatmatch on two round things that jump and skip.. i learnt before year 2000..1000s of vinlys later.. and money and bending over everyrecord....13 years going round and round on stuff..great looks good ..impressive ..but now i can rock the party..just with a laptop..that has my whole vinyl collection inside...... i can mix just the same with a fucken mouse now and using hot keys...quicker and better than any vinyl player!