Harmonic Mixing

[BentoSan]

IDD.. When it comes out that is.

(Still think it's an April's fool hoax. )

lol, i agree that there are some elements that i am going to have to see to believe. I personally cant wait to see what it comes out with when i throw a complex dnb bassline with a wobbly pitch, lots of frequency cuttoff automation and a break going over the top at it :eek: That will put it to its test

I know key detection software does not do too well with these kinds of tracks

[tekki]

lol, i agree that there are some elements that i am going to have to see to believe. I personally cant wait to see what it comes out with when i throw a complex dnb bassline with a wobbly pitch, lots of frequency cuttoff automation and a break going over the top at it :eek: That will put it to its test

I know key detection software does not do too well with these kinds of tracks

Just hand me a QuadFrohmage plugin and I will transform that into something that really will never be recognized.

[aiden]

Bento, I just started messing around with rapid evolution. Is there a way to have it detect the key for a directory instead of manually doing a file at a time? l can get a printout from MixMeister, but i want something that will write it to the track.

[aiden]

Actually, it looks like MixMeister will write it to the track, but for some reason it wont show up in Traktor unless i add it in MM before i add it in traktor.. the songs that i already added to my collection in traktor dont show a key, but the ones that i havent played in traktor, yet, but I just added in MM do show a key..
does that make sense/.
any ideas?

[BentoSan]

Thats probably because Traktor is storing the tracks information in a database instead of having to rescan each individual mp3 id3 tags every time traktor loads. Force Traktor to re-read the id3 tags from the mp3's.

[Dj Lorenzo]

Really Thank You for this precious Link Bento!

[aiden]

Ahhh, ok. Ya, that did work. thanks!

btw, i think when beatport 2.0 comes out all their tracks are gonna have info such as key, etc, already in the id3 tags

[midian]

I've been looking for a free key detection program!
Thankyou Dr Bento San.

.. you should start a self help show for DJs. Dr Phil of digital DJs.

[aiden]

Ean, you did an article in Remix and djtt a while back on harmonic mixing.. you said something about jumping up 3 or 7 in the camelot chart would usually work, as well as just going up or down on the chart. Is that right?

Is there an archive that i'm missing? i can never find those articles when i want to refer back to them

Are there any other "rules of thumb" (or, tricks to change the mood) for harmonic mixing like that?

anyone?

[amadora]

Jumping up/down 1 or 2 semitones works (translated to Camelot, add/subtract 7 or 2, respectively). As with all mixing, trust your ears and do what sounds best

This is taken from the forums at MixedInKey.com:

Overview

"Energy boost mixing" is a great technique to create energy on your dance floor.


How-To

Here is how to use it: Detect the key of your current song, and pick the next song to be 1 or 2 semitones above it.

If you're in C Minor, your next key should be D-flat Minor (+1 semitone) or D Minor (+2 semitones). The rule is always the same, just go "right" on the piano from your original key.

The effect is really interesting: Energy on the dancefloor will rise every time. It doesn't work with every song, but most of the time it can create a pleasant effect.


Does this translate to Camelot numbers?

Yes. To go up one semitone, add 7 to your current Camelot number. If you're in E-flat Minor (2A), add 7 and you'll be in E Minor (9A).

To go up two semitones, just add 2 to your current Camelot number. If you're in C Minor (5A), add 2 and you'll get D Minor (7A). Play your next tune in 7A, and you'll experience an energy boost mix.


Who uses it?

I've heard Sasha and Armin Van Buuren use this technique many times. I personally love mixing +2 semitones since it does not clash as much as mixing +1 semitone. Every DJ should try this mix: The effect is really interesting.