Loops in Your DJ Set: What a Loop Actually Does
· re:union Radio editorial · 1 min read
What a loop in your DJ set actually is and what it's for, according to the manual – a look at the basic principle behind the loop.
Loops are among the fundamental tools in a DJ set when transitions need to last longer than the track itself allows. Native Instruments describes a loop in the Traktor manual as an audio snippet that repeats – intended for remixing parts of a track and extending transitions.
Beat-Accurate, Not Arbitrarily Long
How long or large a loop turns out to be in a specific case varies. However, according to the manual, it always remains aligned with the beat of the track:
“The length or size of Loops differ but are always beat-accurate. This means Loops always stick to the beat.”
— Native Instruments, Traktor Pro Manual
What Loops Are For in Your Set
According to the Traktor manual, loops primarily serve two purposes: to remix parts of a track and to stretch transitions over time. This allows you to artificially extend a break or an intro without needing additional audio material – the loop fills the time required for a clean blend. The exact operation, meaning which buttons or control panels are used in the respective program, differs between applications and is detailed in the original manuals.
To learn how to cleanly separate the frequencies of two tracks after a loop, check out DJ Tip: How to Mix Perfect Transitions with the EQ.
Source: rekordbox 7 Instruction Manual (AlphaTheta), Traktor Pro Manual (Native Instruments)
