A timeline based deck function

[discopex]

As digital DJ'ing is evolving I'd like to suggest a new feature or an idea (something like this is in the works already for some DJ softwares).
If the Mixvibes wizards could implement a new kind of deck that is based on a continous 'live' waveform that could be 'built' as a timeline. This would be super useful for making smooth transitions in advance and planning sets on the fly, for example when you know you got certain 2 or 3 songs queued up and just wait to play them and know already how to mix them in and out. So why not just have a timeline where you can stack song waveforms and align the beats/transitions and let the waveform deck play this selection for you. This would mean you'd have more time for finding the next few songs, experiment with fx/some crazy loops/ more drinking/toilet time, you name it.

[djphaidon]

See "the One" DJ software. Already has it, sucks in usage

Also see, Ableton Live. Already has it, not very "playable", but is very good at making complete performances and not allowing you to get too drunk to play

Not that it's a bad idea, but seeing as others already are trying to capture this end of the market, it would probably be risky to jump in where people are already performing and performing well, in the case of Ableton Live 9.

My suggestion would be to use Cross and Ableton live together for something like this, because regardless of the implementation of the timeline, a lot of pre-work would have to be put in to make the seamless transitions like you describe.

[daniel clark]

seems like you are talking about a music editing program,,pleanty of them out there ,,all for the product of a premade mix,,,in a streach you could use Cross like this by recording the transtions you want and saving them,to use when you see fit ,,but a editing program works much better

[discopex]

I'm an Ableton user myself and love it for producing music . Also very quickly tried The One when the first demo came out. I'm thinking something far more simpler than Ableton, perhaps something similar that has been suggested in the form of implementing mix in and out points for the Auto mix function. Much of the EDM and top 40 tend to have the same kind of song structure and are super easy to mix anyways, the real difficult part is finding the absolute right songs at the right moment (I take requests too). Talking about perfecting the art.

[Alexkidd]

Feautures like these can make me change software, in bad way. IMHO if you know two songs that fit well why not premix them so you have all the time you want to throw fx and search the next song?

No offense, I believe Cross to be a LIVE djing software and these kind of features are off the target. that's my view.

[daniel clark]

No offense, I believe Cross to be a LIVE djing software and these kind of features are off the target. that's my view.

ditto,,but the thought of implementing in and out points in auto play has some merit ,,

[discopex]

I don't like the idea of prerecorded mixes and then always play them out in the same order. I do get requests often and like to make harmonic mixes so there are always a few alternatives to choose from. Just thinking of how to get more time off for finding tunes, tweaking fx or loops and taking requests/chatting with people. Some advanced automix function would be a nice tool or option to work with. And whether you want or not, I'm thinking this sort of feature is creeping in DJ softwares, slowly surely.

[daniel clark]

the techonolgyhas made the d j /artist job easier ,,but you still need the fundemental talents /ears/music selection,,
i think the general intent of the software was to give tools to make the live performance ,,better/easier,more proffesional ,,the days of two turntables,vinal and a mixer are waining ,,use the tools avaible ,properly to do a proper job

[discopex]

Personally I don't care about other people's equipment, style, music selection or mixing tehnique. What comes out the speakers and how it affects the people is the only thing that matters. I myself want to do my job the best I can MY WAY and as technology evolves it is therefore allowing us to express ourselves as DJ's in whole new ways. Still thinking that DJ'ing is the best job ever and I first started in 1991!

[djphaidon]

Just thinking of how to get more time off for finding tunes, tweaking fx or loops and taking requests/chatting with people.

A combination of this
http://forum.mixvibes.com/viewtopic.php?f=360&t=27160
and some of the automix functions that have been mentioned already would be heaven for me. I only really use automix at weddings and corporate events, but it is a lifesaver if you have an extra chatty guest or have an extended dinner that only requires background music.

And whether you want or not, I'm thinking this sort of feature is creeping in DJ softwares, slowly surely.

At an every increasing rate. I think it's great to have more tools, and even for certain venues and locations, automated "jukebox" style playback for bars that don't want to have a DJ all night, but don't want to have the same patron pay to play "come on eileen" 30 times in a row because he has the cash.

As a side note, one way that I find useful to get more time to interact, take requests, and fiddle with FX is to use "autoplay" as a request list and selection list. I have mapped TAB to automatically add the songs that I find during the night or have requested to the autoplay list. From there, I can have a list of song that I would like to play as the night progresses or that have been requested but aren't at the optimal time to play. I also use mostly extended mixes of everything, and I have locators mapped out to add mix out points if I need to shorten the song. Certain songs can be played all the way out giving you a few minutes to plan your next route or get a few more requests. If the crowd goes south on a particular long edit, you can just mix out early.