In this mode you can play Cue Points over variable pitch ranges to help create new and interesting performances.
What do I need to use Pitch Play?
The Pitch Play pad mode is available when compatible primary hardware is connected, and when the Pitch 'n Time DJ expansion pack has been activated in the Expansions window of Serato DJ Pro.
Once you've done this, open Serato DJ Pro, then navigate and configure yours to show as below, via Setup > Expansion Packs > Pitch 'n Time DJ > Enable Pitch 'n Time DJ:
How do I enter Pitch Play mode on my hardware?
Below you can find a full list of compatible Serato DJ hardware, as well as the Pitch Play performance pad mode shortcut:
- AlphaTheta DDJ-GRV6 - [SHIFT + HOT CUE]
- AlphaTheta XDJ-AZ - [SHIFT + LOOP SLIP]
- Akai Pro AFX - [SHIFT + SAMPLER]
- Denon MCX8000 - [SHIFT + SAMPLER]
- Denon DJ MC7000 - [SHIFT + SAMPLER]
- Denon DJ Prime 4/Prime 4+ - [SHIFT + HOT CUE]
- Denon DJ SC Live 4 - [PRESS CUE TWICE]
- Hercules DJControl Inpulse 300 MK2 - [SHIFT + HOT CUE]
- Hercules DJControl Inpulse 300 - [SHIFT + TONE PLAY]
- Hercules DJControl Inpulse 500 - [SHIFT + HOT CUE]
- Hercules DJControl Inpulse T7 - [SHIFT + HOT CUE]
- Numark MixTrack Platinum FX - [SHIFT + SAMPLE]
- Numark MixTrack Pro FX - [SHIFT + SAMPLE]
- Numark NS6II - [SHIFT + SAMPLER]
- Numark NS7II - [SHIFT + SAMPLER]
- Numark NS7III - [SHIFT + SAMPLER]
- Numark NV - [SHIFT + SAMPLER]
- Numark NVII - [SHIFT + SAMPLER]
- Numark NS4FX - [SHIFT + CUE]
- Pioneer DJ DDJ-FLX10 - [SHIFT + HOT CUE]
- Pioneer DJ DDJ-1000SRT - [SHIFT + SAMPLER]
- Pioneer DJ DDJ-FLX4 - [SHIFT + HOT CUE]
- Pioneer DJ DDJ-REV5 - [PRESS 'HOT CUE' TWICE]
- Pioneer DJ DDJ-REV7 - [PRESS 'HOT CUE' TWICE]
- Pioneer DJ DJM-S5 - [SHIFT + MODE + HOT CUE]
- Pioneer DJ DJM-S7 - [SHIFT + HOT CUE]
- Pioneer DJ DJM-S9 - [LONG PRESS SAMPLER or PRESS 'SAMPLER' TWICE]
- Pioneer DJ DJM-S11 - [SHIFT + HOT CUE]
- Pioneer DJ DDJ SP-1 - [PRESS 'SAMPLER' TWICE]
- Pioneer DJ DDJ-SR2 - [SHIFT + SAMPLER]
- Pioneer DJ DDJ-SX - [SHIFT + SAMPLER]
- Pioneer DJ DDJ-SX2 - [LONG PRESS SAMPLER or PRESS 'SAMPLER' TWICE]
- Pioneer DJ DDJ-SX3 - [SHIFT + SAMPLER]
- Pioneer DJ DDJ-SZ - [LONG PRESS SAMPLER or PRESS 'SAMPLER' TWICE]
- Pioneer DJ DDJ-SZ2 - [SHIFT + SAMPLER]
- Pioneer DJ XDJ-XZ - [SHIFT + BEATJUMP]
- Pioneer DJ XDJ-RX3 - [SHIFT + BEATJUMP]
- Reloop Elite - [PRESS 'HOT CUE' TWICE]
- Reloop MIXON 4 - [PRESS 'SAMPLER' TWICE]
- Reloop MIXON 8 Pro - [PRESS 'HOT CUE' TWICE]
- Reloop Ready - [MODE + PAD 5]
- Rane Performer - [SHIFT + HOT CUE]
- Rane One - [SHIFT + HOT CUE]
- Rane Four - [PRESS 'HOT CUE' TWICE]
- Rane Seventy - [PRESS 'CUE' TWICE]
- Rane Seventy A-Trak Edition - [PRESS 'HOT CUE' TWICE]
- Rane Seventy Two - [PRESS 'CUE' TWICE]
- Rane Seventy Two MkII - [PRESS 'CUE' TWICE]
- Roland DJ-707M - [SHIFT + SAMPLER]
- Roland DJ-202 - [PRESS 'HOT CUE' TWICE]
- Roland DJ-505 - [PRESS 'SAMPLER' TWICE]
- Roland DJ-808 - [SHIFT + SAMPLER]
Selecting a key range
There are 3 key ranges to choose from, with the exception of some hardware (usually without Parameter buttons), which only allow for the Middle range (default). The images below show pitched key ranges (in semitones) while using the 8 performance pads in Pitch Play mode. To toggle between key ranges press the left or right PARAM 1 buttons.
When in Pitch Play mode, the root key pad (0) is always lit white, which will play the cue point at it’s regular pitch. Pressing a pad will pitch the currently selected cue point up or down the following ranges:
Upper Range (Up 7 Semitones)
Middle Range (Up 3 & Down 4 Semitones)
Lower Range (Down 7 Semitones)
NOTE: When Pitch Play mode is first enabled, the middle range is selected. The range will be remembered if you jump to another performance pad mode and then back to Pitch Play mode while the same track is loaded. If a new track is loaded, key mode will default to middle range.
Selecting a different Cue Point
You are only able to use Pitch Play with one Cue Point at a time. To change the selected Cue Point, hold the SHIFT button on your hardware and press a pad (cues are ordered the same as shown in the CUE performance pad mode). While holding SHIFT, the available cue points will be dimly or fully lit to give you an idea of which cue points have been set. Pads without cue points are not lit.
e.g. while holding SHIFT, press the corresponding performance pad for:
The selected cue point defaults to Cue Point 1 on track load, even if instant doubled. If a pad with no cue point is selected, then a new cue point will be created. Deleting a cue point however, is not possible in Pitch Play mode. Range is remembered if you change to another pad mode, then back to key mode. If a new track is loaded, key mode will default to middle range. Pitch adjustments while in Pitch Play mode will not be recorded while recording a Flip.