Pitch Play mode allows you to trigger Cue Points across a range of musical pitches using your controller’s performance pads. This unlocks a creative way to add melodic transitions, harmonic fills, and expressive phrasing to your DJ sets.

Requirements

• Serato DJ Pro (we recommend using the latest version)

• Pitch 'n Time DJ expansion pack (must be activated and enabled)

• Compatible hardware that supports Pitch Play mode

For controller-specific instructions related to Pitch Play, check out the Hardware Support section or visit the Serato DJ Pro Downloads page to access QuickStart guides.

Enabling Pitch 'n Time DJ

1. Open Serato DJ Pro

2. Go to Setup > Expansion Packs

3. Select Pitch 'n Time DJ under Available Expansion Packs, then check the box next to Enable Pitch 'n Time DJ:
   

Entering Pitch Play Mode

To enter Pitch Play mode, use the pad mode shortcut on your controller. Check your hardware’s quickstart guide or the Hardware Support page for the correct shortcut.

Using Pitch Play

Once Pitch Play mode is active, press any of the performance pads to trigger your selected Cue Point at different pitches.

• Each pad corresponds to a semitone interval relative to the root key (0 pad)

• Pads above and below adjust the pitch up or down accordingly

• This allows you to perform melodies, harmonies, and pitch-based transitions on-the-fly

For example, pressing the pad assigned to +3 will play the selected Cue Point three semitones higher than the original, while pressing the pad assigned to -2 will play it two semitones lower.

Use this creatively to:

• Reharmonize vocal samples

• Play melodic fills

• Build musical phrases across tracks

Tip: Experiment with triggering different pitches in rhythm for expressive live remixing.

Selecting a Key Range

Pitch Play maps your selected Cue Point across semitone variations. The “0” pad represents the root key, the original pitch of the Cue Point. Use the Parameter Left/Right buttons on your controller to switch key ranges, if your device has these controls. Each pad adjusts pitch in semitone steps relative to the root.

Here's how each range maps across an 8-pad (2×4) layout:

Middle Range (Default)

-4	-3	-2	-1
0	+1	+2	+3

Upper Range

+4	+5	+6	+7
0	+1	+2	+3

Lower Range

-3	-2	-1	0
-7	-6	-5	-4

Tip: The root pad (0) is always lit white to visually center your phrasing. Not all controllers support every key range.

Selecting Cue Points

To pitch a different Cue Point in Pitch Play mode:

1. Hold the SHIFT button

2. Press the pad corresponding to the desired Cue Point (1–8)

• The selected Cue defaults to Cue Point 1 when a track is loaded
• If you select an empty pad, a new Cue Point will be created
• You cannot delete Cue Points while in Pitch Play mode

Best Practices & Limitations

• Pitch Play resets to the Middle range upon loading a new track

• Your selected key range persists when switching between pad modes and returning to Pitch Play

• Only one Cue Point can be used in Pitch Play mode at a time

• Requires compatible hardware and Pitch 'n Time DJ

• Some hardware may be limited to Middle range only