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Best Practices
Tips and recommendations for getting the most out of MixMatrix.
Optimal Library Size
MixMatrix is optimized for libraries up to 10,000 tracks. For best results:
| Library Size | Processing Time | Experience |
|---|
| Under 500 | A few seconds | Instant |
| 500 - 2,000 | 15-30 seconds | Quick |
| 2,000 - 5,000 | 1-2 minutes | Smooth |
| 5,000 - 10,000 | 4-6 minutes | Wait time |
Pro tip: Instead of importing your entire collection, import specific crates/playlists for faster processing. You can always import more later.
Prepare Your Tracks First
MixMatrix works best when your tracks have accurate BPM and key data:
- Analyze in your DJ software first - Serato/Rekordbox key and BPM detection is excellent
- Fix incorrect tags - Check tracks that show 0 BPM or "Unknown" key
- Trust the data - Modern analysis is very accurate
Workflow Recommendations
For Gig Preparation
- Start with a seed track - Pick your opening track first
- Use Focus mode - Click a track to see only its compatible pairings
- Build in sections - Create 3-4 track sequences, then connect them
- Preview transitions - Use the built-in player to verify mixes
- Export and practice - Import into your DJ software for final prep
For Crate Digging
- Import a crate of new tracks
- Sort pairings by score to find your best matches
- Star the pairings you want to remember
- Export starred tracks as a new crate
Understanding the Scores
Not all "Perfect" matches are equal. Consider these factors:
Key + BPM Together
A Perfect key match at ±20 BPM is less usable than a Top key match at ±3 BPM. Consider both when evaluating pairings.
Half-time / Double-time
Tracks showing "Half" or "Double" in BPM Match column have special relationships:
- 140 BPM → 70 BPM: Great for breakdowns or tempo drops
- 70 BPM → 140 BPM: Energy boost through tempo change
Energy Flow
Key compatibility doesn't tell the whole story:
- A → B transitions (minor to major) lift energy
- B → A transitions (major to minor) darken the mood
- Clockwise movement (+1) builds tension
- Counter-clockwise (-1) releases tension
Session Management
Save Your Work
- Save sessions regularly - Use Cmd+S or the Export menu
- .mixmatrix files contain everything: library, pairings, playlist, and ratings
- Keep session files for different genres or venues
Incremental Imports
When you add new tracks to your DJ software:
- Import just the new tracks/crate into MixMatrix
- MixMatrix adds them to your existing library
- Pairings are recalculated automatically
Performance Tips
If MixMatrix feels slow:
- Reduce library size - import specific crates instead of full collection
- Close other apps to free up memory
- Let pairing generation complete before scrolling
Memory Usage
- Each track uses ~1KB of memory
- Each pairing uses ~100 bytes
- 5,000 tracks with 100,000 pairings ≈ 15MB
Troubleshooting
Tracks Showing "Unknown" Key
Re-analyze these tracks in Serato/Rekordbox. The key data is stored in the audio file's tags.
No Pairings Found
This happens when tracks have no compatible keys/BPMs. Check that your tracks have valid BPM (not 0) and key data.
Slow Performance
Large libraries take time. The progress bar shows estimated time. For 10,000+ tracks, expect a few minutes of processing.
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