Introduction:
This guide is designed to assist you in resolving common problems encountered when using SoundSwitch in conjunction with Virtual DJ Performance Mode. Before proceeding with this guide, make sure you have already added your fixtures in Edit Mode, and that they work correctly during scripted track playback or autoloops in Edit Mode. Additionally, ensure your SoundSwitch is set to the "Virtual DJ" Input type in the SoundSwitch Preferences.
Issue 1: Unable to Establish Connection Between SoundSwitch and Virtual DJ
Solution:
1. Open the Virtual DJ Software.
2. Navigate to the Virtual DJ Preferences and confirm that the os2L settings are set to "YES."
3. In SoundSwitch, ensure the "Input" is set to Virtual DJ, and the connection type is set to "Auto Connect." On some Windows machines, you may need to change this to "On This Computer."
4. These changes may require a restart of both SoundSwitch and Virtual DJ. Once restarted, start SoundSwitch in Performance Mode, load a track to a Deck in Virtual DJ, and with the Faders set correctly, you should see the Blue LED Status indicator confirming an active connection between the two software.
Troubleshooting:
If you are still unable to establish a connection between SoundSwitch and Virtual DJ after following the above steps, try the following:
For Windows:
1. Confirm that the SoundSwitch Software is open.
2. Allow SoundSwitch through the Windows Firewall for both Private and Public Networks.
3. Confirm that the Bonjour Service is running:
- Open the "Services" application on Windows and ensure you have a Bonjour Service present and that it is running. If not, you can download and install it (a restart may be required after installation). Download Here.
4. Check for any Third-Party Anti-Virus tools like Avast or AVG that might be blocking the connection with their own Firewall. Temporarily disable the Anti-Virus tool or enable silent mode if needed.
After making any changes to the above settings, a restart of both SoundSwitch and Virtual DJ may be required for the changes to take effect. An active connection between SoundSwitch and Virtual DJ is indicated by the presence of the Blue LED Status indicator in the SoundSwitch Software.
Issue 2: Fixtures Only Responding to One Deck
Solution:
1. In SoundSwitch Preferences, go to Performance Mode and confirm the following settings:
- Fader Settings: Choose your desired Fader settings. For users who do not use the CrossFader, selecting the "Upfader Only" option is common. This will exclude the CrossFader when mixing lighting shows.
- Ensure that the "External Mixer" option is not enabled when using "Deck 1-2" Mode.
Issue 3: Fixtures Only Responding to One Deck/Upfader in "Deck 1-4 Mode"
Important Note for Windows Users:
Deck 1-4 Mode Not Supported on Windows:
On Windows computers, it's important to know that you cannot use the Deck 1-4 Mode. This is because Windows has a limitation with Midi Devices that prevents them from supporting multiple programs at the same time. As a result, you won't be able to Midi Map your up faders to the SoundSwitch Software while simultaneously controlling Serato.
Use Deck 1-2 Mode Instead:
To work around this limitation, it's recommended that Windows users use the Deck 1-2 Mode exclusively. This mode does not require Midi Mapping of upfaders and will ensure proper functionality without the issues associated with Deck 1-4 Mode on Windows.
Solution:
When using "Deck 1-4" Mode and experiencing fixtures responding to only one Deck/Upfader, consider the following:
1. Midi Map your Upfaders on your Mixer or DJ Controller to the SoundSwitch Faders in the SoundSwitch Software.
- Note: Using "Deck 1-4" Mode is not possible on Windows due to a limitation with Midi Devices. Use "Deck 1-2" Mode instead.
- Midi Mapping is only required with "Deck 1-4" Mode; for "Deck 1-2" or "Deck 3-4" options, Midi Mapping is unnecessary.
Before Midi Mapping:
1. Confirm your SoundSwitch Performance Preferences match the recommended settings.
2. Midi Map the Upfaders of your Mixer or DJ Controller to the Software Faders via the Midi > External Mixer page.
Issue 4: Faders Do Not Control Fixtures After Pressing "Link"
Solution:
Do not use the "Link" option with Serato. It is intended for SoundSwitch Standalone Mode or when connecting to another Link-supported application. Disable the "Link" option and ensure the correct SoundSwitch x Serato connection to resolve this issue.
By following these troubleshooting steps, you should be able to address common SoundSwitch and Serato Performance Mode issues effectively.