Serato DJ help needed

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DJ_MJ

DJ_MJ

DJ Extraordinaire
Nov 30, 2006
437
168
N.D.
I'm attempting to dive into the world of computer based DJing, after years of fighting it. I have purchased a Pioneer DDJS1 and have upgraded all firmware to current spec. I have downloaded the current version of Serato DJ (1.8.1) but I have run into a wall with the setup. The mixer powers up/lights up but controls nothing on the laptop. There is a signal coming from the laptop, music is playing (can only be started with mouse) and I can hear through headphones, which are plugged into the mixer. The only real control of any sort on the mixer is the levels on the main and for the phones. The screen shot of software is a one deck only and is missing many of the functions I am seeing on various tutorials. No ability to change to the traditional 2 deck set up. No mixing of any sort. Are these limitations due to the software being a trial version? There was no sort of warning of limitations on the download. Not sure if my mixer is working properly or the issue is with the software. Any Serato users out there? Thanks.serato.jpg
 
I am a Serato user .. and recently went from Serato Itch to Serato DJ (I have them both loaded, so I can use whichever version I need to). I use the Vestax VCI-300 controller. Everything 'basic' seems to be working for me at the moment - however I have lost loop and scratch control from the controller. It seems the mapping is not right for my controller. From looking at your screenshot, it looks like it doesn't see your controller.
 
Let me fire mine up .. give me a few.

Start with the basics, is the controller plugged in and powered on - are the lights lighting up on the controller when it's plugged in to the machine?
 
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note #1 at the bottom of the product page states that a firmware update is needed to work with Serato Dj. Did you update your firmware?
 
Firmware has been updated and the unit lights up when powered. None of the controls have any effect on the program when connected. As I stated, the music on the laptop is sending a signal to the controller and I can hear it through the headphones....but everything else is non functional.
 
PhaseIIPro said:
note #1 at the bottom of the product page states that a firmware update is needed to work with Serato Dj. Did you update your firmware?
Click to expand...

If you're talking about mine - the firmware is gone - Vestax is out of business. I remapped the functions that I need .. and I still have the various versions of Itch and DJ that I can use. At the moment, I have Itch 2.2.2 and 2.0 and DJ 1.8.0 and 1.8.1
 
DJ_MJ said:
Firmware has been updated and the unit lights up when powered. None of the controls have any effect on the program when connected. As I stated, the music on the laptop is sending a signal to the controller and I can hear it through the headphones....but everything else is non functional.
Click to expand...

Sounds like a mapping issue - similar to mine. Do you still have or have you ever had Itch? You can try to update the ASIO drivers or see if there is a firmware update from Pioneer.
 
Never used Itch. I purchased this thing used and the previous owner was already using Serato DJ....but I did the firmware update anyhow....just to be sure I was up to date. I can't imagine it being a mapping issue, since I did the specific download for this controller. We even deleted the first download of the program and did a second, just to see if that was the problem. We got the exact same result.
 
You can download Itch, I suggest 2.2.2 and see if that works. I started with Itch and it still works with Itch. Some of the controls do not work with DJ and as I said, I remapped the functions I want.

If you're running the latest version of DJ (1.8.1), you could also try an earlier version of that.

FYI, Serato Itch 1.8.0 was specifically designed for the DDJ-S1. Maybe whoever you got it from was using it with Itch and upgraded and built their own mappings?

Serato Itch 1.8 - Download (latest version) - (if Itch will work for you, I highly suggest getting version 2.2.2)

Itch versions - Download Archive

Pioneer updates (and MIDI mapping file) - Download firmware or software for DDJ-S1 - Pioneer DJ - Global English Website
 
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First the obvious - you do have the correct (and working) power supply plugged into the DDJS1 and the power switch is on?

With USB cable disconnected, go into Windows Device Manager and look at both "Sound,video and game controllers" and "Universal Serial Bus controllers". Write down what you see.

Now plug in the USB cable from the controller and reboot your computer. Go back into Windows Device Manager and look at the same settings - you should see something different in both.
 
I don't use Serato, but it looks like you should try another USB cord. It appears that your controller isn't connecting to your laptop. I had a similar problem with a Denon controller and it turned out to be a bad USB cord. So it's worth a try.
 
I have considered the cord. Will definitely replace that. Of course I have it powered up. I've tried it on bus power as well as it's own dedicated power cord. Both work. As stated, it cycles through the lights and the sound is transferred from the laptop...but thats it. Zero controls are enabled. I'll certainly go in and look at those settings on the laptop. Thank you for that tip.

I did some further research and found out that Serato DJ sometimes does not play nice with AMD processors, which could also be part of the problem. Looking into getting another laptop with an i5 processor and Windows 7 on board. Not a fan of 10.
 
Sorry about the "power" question, I just had to make sure. The screen you are getting is in fact the exact screen you normally get when the Serato compliant hardware is disconnected - this is normally done when you want to be in the "Analyze Files" mode. From Serato -

To analyze files you will need to run your Serato software in Offline mode. Disconnect your Serato DJ hardware and you will see the Analyze Files button appear above the library. Click the Analyze Files button to start the analysis of all the music that has been added to your Serato library.
Screen_Shot_2015-10-29_at_11.30.49_AM.png
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You have also loaded the DDJ-S1 V1.10 driver in addition to the firmware update, correct?
 
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I have full version of Serato DJ which I don't much care for it (Came with my Denon Controller otherwise I wouldn't have it at all) - Virtual DJ 8 is simply top shelf for my needs (but then I am A VJ so my focus is soley on integration with video and SDJ can't compete if you upgrade to SDJ Video in the PC environment). As a sound only app it is also fantastic. Works with most controllers straight after install.....

The beauty of VDJ8 is you can go to their site and download the app free for home use to play with to your hearts content. The Pro (paid ) version has a few extras of course (like full screen video with no VDJ8 logo) but for all intents and purposes you can get a real good idea of how good VDJ8 is without paying a dime. You need pro to use it for public performances of course but nothing really to stop you....
Goto 3 min 20 secs in the clip below to see the screen

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P3evhHmJrO4
 
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Serato DJ has video capability as well - you have to buy the video plug in. IMO, Serato Itch is what originally came with his controller.

As shown previously, based on the screenshot, the machine is not seeing the controller. Based on his info, the controller needs to be remapped.
 
Trouble with Serato is every little extra add-on costs more and more every time - not so with VDJ8 once you go pro (and it is not a bank breaker). I have heard that video is OK for Mac but not so with PC but am not willing to shell out the extra scratch to confirm this when I have something that works amazing right after install. Plus I don't much care much for the crate concept and the ability to go between platforms and drives as backups. That is just me though....
 
Navydiver said:
Trouble with Serato is every little extra add-on costs more and more every time - not so with VDJ8 once you go pro (and it is not a bank breaker). I have heard that video is OK for Mac but not so with PC but am not willing to shell out the extra scratch to find out when I have something that works amazing right after install. Plus I don't much care much for the crate concept and the ability to go between platforms and drives as backups. That is just me though....
Click to expand...

Video is AWESOME on a Mac! :)

I don't use Crates - I use the iTunes index. ;)

BTW, I don't know anyone on here that has had to anything but install and play - right after install on a Mac. Additionally, I have several versions of Itch and DJ loaded on my Mac - and can utilize them all. Try that on a Win machine. :)

When a new version comes out, I can install and play with it .. but still use the old one for shows until I am ready to go primetime with the new one.

Perhaps the biggest reason I use the iTunes index is because every DJ software can use it. I don't have to reinvent the wheel every time.

If you recall, I'm an IT guy so I actively use and play with alot of OS' and not just Mac. That said .. one HUGE benefit to Mac .. you can use one from today just as easily as one from 1984.
 
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