Understanding and executing beat matching masterfully is key to becoming a successful DJ. For some, it's a talent. But for others, it’s a learned skill acquired from years of practicing and studying other talented DJs. Whether you’re in the former category or the latter, fully understanding what beatmatching for DJs is, and its importance in the industry is your first step in mastering this skill as a beginner.
With beat matching, DJs can align the beats of two tracks perfectly without any noticeable disruptions. This is especially great, as seamless transitions are important for maintaining the life of the party and energy on the dance floor.
For the DJ, mastering beat matching allows you to get more creative. When your beats are perfectly synced, you can play around with loops and other elements without the fear of messing something up. Aside from the confidence that this gives you in your craft, you gain creative control of your skill. In this article, you will learn every basic thing you need to know about DJ beat matching.
In this article
Part 1: How Beat Matching Works
DJ Beat matching is the process of adjusting the tempos of one track to match that of another, and aligning the beats of both tracks so they play seamlessly together. This is done by either using sync or manually with the jog wheeler, and allows a smooth and perfect transition between the two.
Usually, beat matching is an umbrella term that DJs use for the three types of matching—tempo matching, phase matching, and beat matching.
- Tempo Matching: this ensures the beats per minute (BPM) of one rack matches the other. It essentially, makes sure that both tracks are playing at the same speed.
- Phase Matching: also called bar-matching, this aligns the beat pattern within the bar structure of the two tracks so that they start and end together. A bar is made up of four beats.
Phase matching should not be confused with phrase matching, which involves aligning the phrases of two tracks in a mix. Phrase matching allows a transition between tracks without breaking the musical structure.
Key Terminologies
- Beats Per Minute (BPM):The number of beats in a track per minute. It is used to measure how fast the beat of a song is. ‘BPM’ and ‘tempo’ are usually used interchangeably.
- Beat:This is the music’s pulse. It is the basic concept of time and rhythm in music. Music, typically, has four beats in a bar.
- Bar:This is the measure of musical time, typically consisting of four beats.
- Cue points:The point at which the DJ begins the tune. That is the first beat of the first bar.
- Mix:A blend of different songs in different orders.
- Pitch control: A knob on a turntable or controller used to adjust the speed of a track.
- Upbeat: The weakest beat and the last of every bar.
- Downbeat: The best beat and the first beat of every bar.
- Loops: Short sections of an audio track that are put on repeat, either to keep the rhythm while transitioning between tracks or to create a unique remix.
- Samples: Snippets of sound or music extracted from a track.
Part 2: Tools and Equipment for DJ Beat Matching
Great beat matching skills are important in making a good DJ, and a proper DJ setup with the right equipment will significantly increase your chances of mastering this skill. To set up a DJ kit, you can just get a laptop and the right beat matching software, especially if you’re just starting. Or, you can opt for a simple setup with two turntables and a mixer.
Mixers: that help you transition between tracks, apply effects, perform any tricks, or manage different audio signals. A mixer requires a turntable to plug into, to mix music.
Turn tables: that are used to play and manipulate prerecorded tracks. It allows the DJ to control the direction, playback speed, sound of the record, and a few functions like play/pause.
DJ controllers: that work like a turntable and a mixer all in one. Controllers either use a USB stick to load music or are connected directly to a computer. They combine various DJ functions into one. Hence, they are made up of different units.
- Jog wheels:to move the track forward and backward, helping align beats during beat matching.
- EQ controls:to adjust the bass, mid, and treble frequencies in a track.
- Built-in sound card:to send audio out to speakers and headphones.
- Pitch faders: to adjust the BPM of your track.
- Performance pads:to trigger loops or cue points and to add creativity
To add to these, you will also need headphones to listen to, cue, and mix tunes with precision, speakers and sound systems to hear mixes better, and of course to entertain an audience, and an audio interface usually used in a non-controller set-up to get the mixer’s audio output into a computer to record the signal. An audio interface is not important in a beat matching DJ setup; however, it is useful.
5 Commonly Used Beat Matching Software
In addition to tools and equipment, DJ software plays a vital role in beat matching. The right beat matching software can make the process more precise, especially for beginners. Here are five commonly used beat-matching software.
- Serato DJ
- Traktor Pro 4
Serato DJ is a popular software among DJs around the world, mostly because of its integration with Serato hardware equipment. It has an intuitive interface with reliable and rich features ranging from an automatic sync function to visual grids that show the beats of a track, helping you align them perfectly. This software allows you to set and trigger cue points to specific parts of a track. It is compatible with a wide range of controllers and is ideal for both beginners and professionals.
Traktor 4 is a professional 4-deck DJ software that offers flexibility, and creativity for DJs across all skill levels. Developed by Native Instruments, this tool has an accurate sync feature that matches complex rhythms and remix decks that add loops and samples to your mix. Just like its predecessor, Traktor Pro 3, it allows you to customize your workflow to suit your style.
This particular version of Traktor Pro is only compatible with the following systems:
- macOS 12,13,14
- iTunes 12
- Intel Core i5 or Apple M1/M2
- Rekordbox DJ
Rekordbox DJ is a beat-matching software developed by Pioneer DJ and integrated with Pioneer hardware. It offers high-speed track analysis and has a Cloud Library Sync that syncs to eight devices and keeps your music library updated at all times. Rekordbox DJ loads tracks directly from the cloud to devices compatible with Rekordbox CloudDirectPlay. This tool isolates vocals and drums, and plays them separately, enhancing the creativity of your track mix.
- Engine DJ
Engine DJ offers features for precise beat matching with advanced key detection and real-time track analysis that allows you to synchronize beats with precision and accuracy. Its algorithm allows you blend tracks seamlessly with flawless results.
Engine DJ integrates streaming services that let DJs access a wide range of tracks on the go—this works on via Wi-Fi or wired connection on devices that are compatible with Engine DJ. Also, its user-friendly interface makes the beat-matching process easy.
- Virtual DJ
Virtual DJ is a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) and a virtual DJ beat matching software that uses advanced technology to enhance creativity in the DJ industry. This software allows you to mix as a DJ with just your computer—no controller needed. Its real-time separation feature allows you to remove or isolate songs from a mix, mix or remix songs on the go, and fine-tune different elements of your tracks live in the mix. It promises better mixes at your fingertips—literally.
Part 3: A Step-by-Step Guide to DJ Beat Matching
The process of beat matching dj is broken down into these five steps to ensure the smooth flow of your tracks and an amazing listening experience for your audience.
1. Organizing Audio Tracks
Beat matching begins long before you start mixing your tracks. It starts with properly organizing your audio library and picking the songs that will make up your DJ mix. Organizing audio tracks can come in the form of creating a playlist based on tempo, genre, or the overall mood of the song. Tag your tracks with relevant data like BPM or genre to make the process easier.
2. Matching the BPM
Once your tracks are organized, match the BPM to the two tracks you want to mix. Check the BPM of each track—some software can automatically detect this, or you can just estimate the tempo using your ears—if they are different, use the pitch fader of your controller or mixer to adjust the tempo of one track so it matches the BPM of the other.
Alternatively, you can use the sync feature on your DJ software to automatically match the BPMs of two tracks.
3. Aligning the beats of the audio tracks
Next, align the beats of the two tracks to ensure they hit at the same time, creating a seamless transition. Listen with your headphones to monitor the track you want to mix while the current track is playing on speakers. Pay attention to the downbeats of the two tracks. Most DJs cue the incoming track at the start of the first downbeat but feel free to choose a point that suits your track/mix.
4. Monitoring beat alignment
After beat alignment, it is imperative to monitor the track alignment throughout the mix even if the beats are perfectly aligned at the start, as slight drifts can occur at any point in the mix. If you notice any, use the jog wheeler on your controller or mixer to shift the beats forward or backward without disrupting the flow of the mix.
5. Fine-tuning the audio mix
This is the part where you add your personal touch to your mix. Adjust volume levels, and equalizer to balance the frequencies of both tracks to suit your style. Apply effects like delays or reverbs to give a fun transition. This can also help mask imperfections in your beat matching and give it a creative touch.
Bonus: Beat Matching vs. Audio Sync: Which is Better for DJs?
Manual beat matching involves aligning the beats of two tracks by listening and adjusting their tempos using pitch faders and jog wheelers on your DJ controller. It requires a good ear for rhythm, familiarity with the music, and great skill, usually groomed over time from experience.
Manual beat matching is applicable if you’re performing creative sets that require complex mixes if you want to maintain a traditional approach, or if you’re a beginner looking to develop your beat matching DJ skills.
Despite being time-consuming, manual beat matching hones a DJ’s listening and observation skills and increases your understanding of music structure. In addition, it gives you complete creative control of your mix.
On the contrary, audio sync is a feature found in DJ software that automatically matches the BPM and aligns the beats of two tracks with the push of a button. Audio syncing is more applicable in live performances where quick transitions are necessary.
Compared to manual DJ beat matching, audio syncing is fast and efficient. This feature makes DJing easy for even beginners with not much experience in the industry. However, overdependence on the sync button impedes the development of essential beat-matching skills and limits your versatility as an artist.
The best option for DJs? A balance between the two; manual traditional beat matching for creative and complex mixes that you would like to flex your DJ muscle, and modern audio syncing for simple mixes.
Filmora for Audio Syncing for DJs
While Wondershare Filmora is a video editing software and not a DJ software, it offers an efficient audio syncing feature that allows you to align multiple audio tracks based on waveforms.
This Auto Sync feature automatically matches your audio clip to your video clip with just one click. This tool improves your audio and makes it clearer. Even better, it can be used simultaneously with other Filmora features like the >Auto Beat Sync that matches video clips with music or Keyframing that allows you customize video animations on your video clip.
Filmora Auto Sync is compatible with Windows 7 and later versions, as well as macOS 10.15 – mac 14.
This feature is useful for DJs who want to sync sound effects or does who want to diversify their skills by venturing into video editing or video content creation.
Conclusion
Whether you prefer the precision and art of beat matching or the convenience and ease of audio syncing, developing your skills means finding the right balance of both that fits your style and goals as a DJ. Understand the basics of DJ beat matching, get the necessary tools and software you need, and practice constantly without holding back, and you’re on your way to captivating your audience and developing good DJ skills.
