Top 7 SoundSwitch Features Every Performer Should Know

SoundSwitch Setup 101: How to Sync Music and Lights Seamlessly

What SoundSwitch does

• Purpose: Automatically syncs DMX/Philips Hue/Nanoleaf lighting to music for DJs and live performers.
• Works with: Serato DJ Pro, Virtual DJ, Ableton (via Link), Rekordbox/Traktor/Djay (via BPM Detection or Ableton Link), and MIDI clock.

Quick checklist (what you need)

1. Computer (macOS or Windows) with SoundSwitch desktop app installed.
2. Sound source: DJ software (Serato, Virtual DJ, etc.) or audio input for BPM Detection.
3. Lighting hardware: DMX fixtures + interface (Control One / Micro DMX) OR Philips Hue / Nanoleaf smart lights.
4. USB/DMX cables and standard fixtures addressing info.

Step‑by‑step setup (basic, decisive defaults)

1. Install SoundSwitch desktop software from soundswitch.com and open it.
2. Plug in your DMX interface (Control One or Micro DMX) via USB, then connect DMX cable to your first fixture. If using Hue/Nanoleaf, ensure the lights and computer are on the same network and discoverable.
3. In SoundSwitch, go to Devices > Add Interface and select your DMX interface (or Hue/Nanoleaf gateway). SoundSwitch should detect fixtures—map and assign each fixture type and DMX channels.
4. Create a new Show (default length 8–16 bars). Add Scenes or use AutoCreate to generate looks automatically. Place cues for intensity, color, gobos, movement and strobe on the timeline.
5. Sync to music:
   • If using Serato or Virtual DJ: enable the SoundSwitch integration in your DJ software’s External Control/API settings; SoundSwitch will follow track play, BPM and scripted tracks.
   • If using other software or audio input: enable BPM Detection or Ableton Link in SoundSwitch, and select the audio input or Link session.
6. Test in Performance mode: load a track, play, and watch the show follow BPM, loops and fader actions. Tweak scene timing, crossfader behavior, and intensity to taste.
7. Save your Show and (optional) export to USB or use Control One hardware for live tactile control.

Helpful settings to tune

• BPM smoothing: adjust sensitivity if lights feel jittery.
• Crossfade mapping: choose whether lights follow track crossfades or stay per‑deck.
• Autoloops vs Scripted: Autoloops react to loops/BPM; scripted tracks are pre‑arranged for specific songs.
• Latency compensation: add a few ms if lighting lags audio.

Quick troubleshooting

• No fixtures detected: check USB drivers, DMX cable wiring (pinout), and that fixtures have unique addresses.
• Lights not following DJ deck: confirm integration is enabled in the DJ software and SoundSwitch shows the active deck.
• BPM drift/jitter: increase audio sensitivity or use Ableton Link for a tighter clock.

Recommended default workflow for DJs (decisive)

1. Build 3–5 reusable Scenes (Intro, Verse, Peak, Breakdown, Outro).
2. Use AutoCreate for new tracks, then adjust one Scene for the track’s peak.
3. Run SoundSwitch integrated with Serato/Virtual DJ for the most reliable live sync.
4. Use Control One for on‑the‑fly overrides and quick edits during a set.

If you want, I can create a concise checklist tailored to Serato, Rekordbox, or a Hue-only setup—tell me which.