Should DJs Still Know How To Beatmatch By Ear?
With the advancement of technology we are seeing more and more DJs relying entirely on “sync” functionality and unable to actually beatmatch by ear.
Richie Hawtin famously explained how he takes advantage of automation when playing, using the sync option on Traktor to allow him to work on four decks simultaneously, layering loops, dropping multiple bass lines at once and playing materials that may not be ready to be played on its own but works perfectly with other sounds.
Although it can be totally understandable for an artist to forego manual beatmatching for the benefit of doing more behind the decks — especially if working with a live set-up — there are some important reasons why being able to beatmatch in the first place is still a vital skill for any DJ out there.
