DJ Mag wrote a review of Mixed In Key! DJ Mag says, "Taking your mixing to the next level is child’s play with this simple programme."
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THE PERFECT MIX
This new software could prove to be invaluable to digital DJs.
THE latest version of Mixed In Key has
taken massive leaps and bounds from the
previous. It can now automatically scan
musical keys of MP3 and WAV fi les.
Previously, DJs needed to play a virtual
keyboard along with tracks to work out the
key. But now the software keeps a database
of your music and via its interface, DJs can
search the library for harmonically
compatible music and organise virtual
record cases.
As fashioned by the likes of Sasha and
Digweed, DJs wanting to take their mixing
to the next level should look no further
because this update is a dream to use.
Choose folders for analysing and the
software will automatically save harmonic
info to the file tag.
HOW IT WORKS
The software uses its own numbering
system instead of keys (such as D minor, B
fl at, etc) to find suitable songs, but both
can be listed. It lists keys from one to 12 with
A and B versions, so there are 24 in total.
There’s a colourful table in the guide that
demonstrates what numbers are
compatible. It looks a bit like a clock, which
is the logic it works from.
Imagine if a track is listed as No.12. Well,
DJs can play another track listed as 12A or
12B, and the same an hour either way – one
and 11 (A or B).
The Mixed in Key software can sort tracks
out according to this number system, so DJs
can quickly list all the tracks within range.
IN PRACTICE
The good thing about the system is its pure
simplicity and it’s not like DJs have to stay
in the same key all night, but instead can
drift around the clock slowly, jumping
around within range.
With a decent collection of tunes, we were
surprised at how many options there were
and the most glorious thing is not worrying
about mixing out a track before the melody
comes in because songs won’t clash. All
that remains is making sure they are
rhythmically compatible by ear.
Tracks can be dragged and dropped into
Ableton Live, Traktor DJ Studio and so on so
it’s easy to integrate into current systems.
DJs need to use the key lock feature in their
software though.
Digital DJing just gets better and better
every day! And what’s more, there’s a free
trial version that will only scan WAV files -
fine for some!
VERDICT
HYPE
Automatically analyse entire collections and list
music in order of harmonic compatibility.
GRIPE
Could do with BPM recognition and faster
scanning.
TECH VERDICT (OUT OF 5) 4.5
Website for Mixed In Key: http://www.MixedInKey.com
As always, free version is available.