One major problem I can see with the number of MIDI compatible controllers that are becoming available is pitch accuracy. MIDI only provides 128 unique values for a knob or fader, which is fine in most cases for volume, EQ's, etc. but is simply too inaccurate for pitch adjustments for manual beat matching.
Even at 8% range, the pitch will sometimes 'jump' by +/- 0.2%, which means that you may end up being slightly too fast or too slow.
This problem could be got around by adding the following to VirtualDJ:
* A 6% pitch range - This will allow adjustments of +/- 0.1%. The overall range may be a bit limiting though, but should be fine for anyone who is not using time stretch (Probably most users at the moment until it's improved) and mixing tracks with small differences in BPM so that they are not noticeably playing too fast/slow.
* Add a fine_pitch_adjust option that can be mapped to a button on the MIDI controller, shortcut key, added to a skin, etc. When activated, this would adjust the pitch relatively from the current value in increments of +/- 0.05% or perhaps even +/- 0.025%. For example, using a 12% range, this would allow you to first set the pitch coursely to near the correct value, then switch to fine adjustments to set it exactly.
Also, a shortcut to switch between the various pitch ranges would be useful, allowing direct access (Like on most CD players) without needing to go into the config screen.
Even at 8% range, the pitch will sometimes 'jump' by +/- 0.2%, which means that you may end up being slightly too fast or too slow.
This problem could be got around by adding the following to VirtualDJ:
* A 6% pitch range - This will allow adjustments of +/- 0.1%. The overall range may be a bit limiting though, but should be fine for anyone who is not using time stretch (Probably most users at the moment until it's improved) and mixing tracks with small differences in BPM so that they are not noticeably playing too fast/slow.
* Add a fine_pitch_adjust option that can be mapped to a button on the MIDI controller, shortcut key, added to a skin, etc. When activated, this would adjust the pitch relatively from the current value in increments of +/- 0.05% or perhaps even +/- 0.025%. For example, using a 12% range, this would allow you to first set the pitch coursely to near the correct value, then switch to fine adjustments to set it exactly.
Also, a shortcut to switch between the various pitch ranges would be useful, allowing direct access (Like on most CD players) without needing to go into the config screen.
geposted Thu 08 Sep 05 @ 12:56 pm
you can alredy adjust the pitch in 4096 steps thru shortcuts or skin buttons.
geposted Thu 08 Sep 05 @ 5:31 pm
4096 steps are only available if using the mouse. The point is that if mapping a MIDI slider (or knob) to the pitch, then there are only 128 steps, and it's a good point.
I think the 'course and fine' pitch adjustments would be the best solution, especially since we are not likely to be able to get the specs for MIDI to be changed ;)
I think the 'course and fine' pitch adjustments would be the best solution, especially since we are not likely to be able to get the specs for MIDI to be changed ;)
geposted Fri 09 Sep 05 @ 4:08 pm