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DJ Mag writes a glowing review of Mixed In Key! 4.5 out of 5 stars
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nennon
Dear TranceAddicts,

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."





(Click to see the whole image)




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.
pkcRAISTLIN
just posting this coz what DJ mag seems to have missed would be the most important area of a keying program- its accuracy.

justify a program that is less than 50% accurate costing $50 USish.

use your ears kids. its pretty simple. like anything, practice. then you'll know for sure your keys are accurate.

quote:
Originally posted by qualia
had another update,

wanted to let people know there's an unbiased comparison of key detection software going on at http://www.mixingonbeat.com/phpbb/v...p?p=21494#21494

so far 81 songs have been tested on songs where camelot has identified the key... see the link for details, but here is the summary so far:

rapid evolution 2:
43 correct (53%)
18 compatible (75%)
20 incorrect (25%)

mixmeister 5:
44 correct (54%)
12 compatible (69%)
25 incorrect (31%)

mixedinkey:
33 correct (41%)
24 compatible (70%)
24 incorrect (30%)

the percentage next to the compatible count indicates the degree of songs that are correct OR compatible with the actual key

things to note: this is using the latest version of rapid evolution which has a few improvements to the key detection (2.2.10). also, notice that mixedinkey is nowhere near the 95% accurate that it claims to be...

more songs will be tested, but i'm glad to see a side by side comparison actually done!!!
ORSTTranceAddic
ill use a program like mixed in key to take care of 66% of my songs... then through trial and error and piano verification i take care of the rest. Works fairly well for me.
Tony Morello
i'll use my ears thank you
miamitranceman
Interesting...thanks for the post.
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