Serato has answered the calls by opening up supported hardware for user remapping.
It is well known that non-affiliated controllers can’t be used or mapped in the software, but it seemed ridiculous that a Serato controller couldn’t be remapped to better fit personal preferences. One of the most-requested missing features from Serato DJ is the ability to remap hardware.
The Pitch n’ Time update in conjunction with the added key detection tool gives DJs more creative freedom over their tracks and it will be interesting to see how the software keeps up with DJs’ crates.
A track can also be speed up or slowed down to extreme tempo values without changing the key of the track. The key algorithm was created and used by post-production professionals, audio engineers, and producers to ensure accurate key detection within Serato DJ. The key detection update for Pitch n’ Time (a paid add-on download to the software – free if you already have the Pitch n’ Time add-on) allows the DJ to key shift, match, and sync tracks. A visual representation of compatible track keys based on the current deck can be accessed for harmonic mixing.
The algorithm used for the key detection was developed in-house by Serato who is also offering Serato Key, an external key detection tool for free download. The key display is color-coded (similar to other software) and a DJ can choose how the software displays the key of track – Camelot, Open Key, Musical Key notation. Serato has added their own key-detection engine (yes, we’ll be testing its accuracy soon). Now, DJs can import their tracks directly into Serato DJ to get all the necessary information needed for the perfect mix. In Serato DJ 1.8, there’s now user MIDI remapping tools, as well as key detection, and an update to Pitch ‘n Time DJing allowing key shifting/sync. Until now, if a DJ wanted to remap their controller it was next to impossible without some creative engineering skills. There’s a new a major update coming out for Serato DJ that gives the entire platform a facelift.