BPM questions with timecode

I just switched from Serato to the latest version of Traktor Scratch Pro.
Running the Audio 10 DJ interface, 2 x CDJ 900:s via timecode cd:s.

I encountered two small problems otherwise it works perfectly.

Problem 1: for example a track which original tempo is 120 BPM when playing internally will instead say it's 119.9 when using the timecode cd:s and the pitch set to 0.

Problem 2: Sometimes It's not possible to match the BPM:s perfectly, the master track that's playing is 120 BPM, when trying to beatmatch the other track manually I can only get it to 119.9 or like 120.2. The problem is solved if i hit the sync button, but there must be a fix to this problem.

 

are you simply concerned by the onscreen BPM reading or are you unable to mix?

 

+1

 

I can mix, but with problem 2 I need to jog track number 2 to keep it in phase and synced with the master track all the time. Not with all tracks but maybe 50 % of them.

Can I change the pitch setting maybe?

With problem 1, I've changed the deck heading to show the Stable BPM. I still encounter the same problem.

Is this a common problem that people just ignore with tractor or is it meant that it should be foolproof like Serato?

 

i don't know that a pitch setting will help... when using timecode, Traktor is simply "reading" the timecode signal. technically, the issue is with the pitch resolution of the slider on your physical deck(s).

it is also possible that your beatgrid or BPM calculation is slightly off... if so, then it doesn't mean that your tracks are not in sync.

however, if your main concern is keeping the tracks in sync then use the sync button. take it from an old veteran DJ, no one cares if you can ride the pitch like a champ...your audience is there to dance or listen to tunes, period.

p.s.

Scratch Live (AKA: Serato) is NOT "foolproof" ..not sure where you got that silly idea. lol, no offense. i have SSL, don't really use it much but always check out the latest updates to keep current (actually i've redesigned my lab, now i have an SSL-dedicated rig)...but i can tell you, it's never been "foolproof" in regards to BPM calculation (or any other sense in that matter). what WAS TRUE, in the past, was that SSL was capable of running on low-spec machines...but this ceased to be true once SSL tried to keep up with Traktor, and is definitely no longer the case.

don't get me wrong.. SSL is a fine DVS, but it's not even close to Traktor (imo). it's just popular (in the US especially, because we're all about namebrands & trends before actual research over here).

 

what's annoying is that when I inc/dec the pitch on my decks the bpm in traktor changes in 0.02 or 0.03 sometimes for one step either way. why can't it be locked to 0.01 like serato?

the support suggested that I map my midicontroller/keyboard to do this. but then I can't see any meaning of running with timecode at all. then I might as well go completely with a midi controller...
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can anyone confirm if it should be possible with pioneer decks, or is there something wrong with my pair.

 

idk.. but if you're reading timecode then the pitchshifting is done with your CD deck, not the software..however, if you have the capability to run in MIDI/HID then i'd strongly suggest doing so over timecode....go for direct response, much better than analyzing a timecode signal. i only suggest timecode for scratch DJs and turntablists needing hands on track manipulation, otherwise it's a waste.

in any case, i certainly don't suggest concerning yourself with onscreen pitch increments...just mix and let us know if you're unable to get the clean results you're trying to acheive.

 

for both: please have a read about beatgrids and how to set those (there are numerous tutorials out there) - only then you get the proper value.

but most of the time, traktor is correct in detecting bpm nowadays.

btw, ssl only shows whole numbers, not like in traktor - so you barely cant compare that.