Harmonic Mixing w/ DJ Endo Pt. 2: Mixing Without Key Lock

In this second part of harmonic mixing, Dubspot instructor and contributor to the ‘Mixed in Key’ algorithm, DJ Endo shares his knowledge about how to mix harmonically with Traktor Pro using Relative Key.

A lot of DJ’s today are mixing harmonically and using the software Mixed In Key to scan their digital music collections so they can organize their music by key and quickly find tracks that will sound good together. In my previous article, I discussed how to mix harmonically and how to use the Camelot Wheel mix chart to easy reference keys that are compatible with each other.

I also mentioned that to effectively use this system, you must either play tracks that are very close in tempo, or to use ‘Key Lock’ or ‘Master Tempo’ feature to lock the keys of your tracks. Until Recently, I’ve been against using Key Lock since it can often be a CPU hog or cause audio glitches and unwanted sound artifacts. It also takes away some high and low frequencies. Recently, Traktor Pro and Ableton Live have adapted a new time-stretching algorithm called Z-Plane Elastique Pro, which almost sounds perfect, but still changes the original sound of the record, especially when pitched up or down significantly.

Caution Key Changes

One problem with harmonic mixing is that when you are beatmatching two records, you are changing the speed of the records, which also changes the key. When you speed up a record, the key of record changes as well. If one record is pitched up to 6%, this means that the record is in a new key, one semitone, or half step up. For example, a song in the key of B minor played at 6% will pitch to the key of C minor. If you play a record at -6%, you will change the key a half step down. For example, a song playing in te key of C minor will pitch down to B minor.

Relative Key System

To effectively mix harmonically without using Key Lock, you must know what key your first record is at based on the speed it’s being played at and also what key your next record will be in when played at that tempo. This method can often be challenging to think about that when there are thousands of screaming clubbers on the dancefloor.

It was because of this challenge that I created a new system of harmonic mixing called ‘Relative Key.’ Relative Key is a system of harmonic mixing where you figure out the key of every record at the same BPM. Once you know the key of every record while played at that BPM, you can then sort your playlists by the new key at that BPM. Then no matter what pitch both tracks are played at, you know that they will mix harmonically with each other, even though Key Lock is off for both decks.

Although you can use this concept using other DJ Programs, this system was specifically designed for Traktor Pro because Traktor will tell you what the new key of your track is based on its tempo.

The following steps are how I key my tracks using my Relative Key system and Traktor Pro.

Step 1

In Traktor, go into Preferences then Deck Details or ‘Decks’ depending on what version you’re using. In the Deck Header section, locate the field called ‘Key.’

Step 2

Pick the BPM value you are going to use. Try to pick a BPM value that is around the average tempo of the original track tempo. I often use 126 BPM. Keep in mind you are going to key EVERY song at this tempo (for all genres), so choose your BPM wisely.

Step 3

Make sure Key Lock is turned off in the Deck in Traktor and raise the songs tempo to your default Relative Key tempo (for me it would be 126 BPM). A good trick is to set the master clock to ‘Internal Mode,’ type in your BPM, and then sync the decks to the master clock, so they are always at your BPM.

When the song is at that BPM, look in the Deck Header at the key field and take note of how much the song has changed from its original key. If the key field says +1, that means it’s a semitone (half step) higher. If it says -1, that means the track is a semitone (half step) lower. Make a note of the new key at your default tempo. For example C minor or 5A.

In the image above the BPM is set to 132.84. The +6.3% means the track is pitched up at 6.3%. +1.05 means the track is raised 1.05 semitones, which I would round to 1.

Step 5

In Traktor, I like to put the original Mixed In Key (Camelot Code) tags into the ‘Key’ field. I then write the actual key in the ‘Catalog Number’ field. When I figure out what key the track is at and BPM I will write that new key in the “Key Lyrics” field. Then I write the Camelot Code for the new key and BPM into the ‘Comments 2′ field.

When all is said and done, and I’m ready to play I will hide everything except for the ‘Comments 2′ field, and sort my playlist by the column ‘Comments 2.’ After that I can play all night with Key Lock off and know that whatever tempo I’m pitching my tracks up or down to, it will mix harmonically and won’t lose any of its sound quality due to Key Lock. this works great as long as I mix another track that’s in the same or complementing ‘Relative Key.’

While this may sound like a lot of work, once you get the system down, it only takes me a half hour more to prepare my gig playlists which makes a huge difference in the sound and saves me a lot of time by not thinking about tempo and key during my gigs.

Check out the other tutorials of DJ Endo’s series on harmonic mixing.

Harmonic Mixing w/ DJ Endo Pt 1: What Is Harmonic Mixing?

Harmonic Mixing w/ DJ Endo Pt 3: Is ‘Mixed In Key’ Accurate?

DJ Extensive Program

Immerse yourself in the complete art of DJing: from the fundamentals of beatmatching and mixing to using effects and programming extended club sets. Whether you’re a beginner wanting to learn fundamentals or a seasoned pro looking to take your talent to the next level, our curriculum is designed to accommodate all skill levels and styles of music. This comprehensive DJ program covers everything from basic mixing to advanced digital DJing with both Serato and Traktor.

What’s Included

DJ Level 1: Rookie Sessions | Essentials I
DJ Level 2: Phrase Mixing | Essentials II
DJ Level 3: Beyond The Blend | Intermediate Skills
DJ Level 4: Preparation | DJ Psychology
DJ Level 5: Classroom to the Club | Advanced Techniques I
DJ Level 6: Club to the World | Advanced Techniques II

More start dates and information about payment plans can be found here.

If you have questions, please call 877.DUBSPOT or send us a message.

Blade
8/10/2010

Pure genuis. Thanks.

snowseals
8/10/2010

How do u show the Real Key in Traktor? (for example: ”Bbm” in the picture)
Since I only see the Camelot Key (ie. 3A) in the Key tab (and Comments tab).

Or is that an option in Mixed In Key? If so, where do I find it?

How can I show AND the Camelot System key AND the Actual key (as in A-Minor -> Am for example) in Traktor?
I have played with Mixed In Key 4.0, but it seems it writes either the Camelot notation, or the Actual key in the MP3-file…:s

Endo
8/10/2010

As of now there is no way to show the actual key as it pertains to pitch in Traktor. However you can show the key offset in the decks by going to preferences – deck details and showing “Key” in the decks. However it will say “+1″ which means you went up a half step (ex. F to F#). I’ve made a feature request to show the actual key, and they used to show this in Traktor 2. We’ll see what happens. No luck so far :-|

Anton
8/10/2010

Wouldn’t be awesome if NI can implement a feature to re-calculate the key of all tracks from the original track tempo and key to match all the tracks to master tempo. This way you can just sort by “actual key” and of course set your own tolerance (let’s say less than 2.5% net difference). Don’t think it would be very hard for them to implement this.