What I mean is an option to set Beat FX to Automatic, similar to Pioneer DJM mixers.
I know Engine FX already supports beat values, but I would like an Auto mode where the effect automatically follows the track BPM and beatgrid without needing to manually choose the beat value every time.
This would be especially useful for Echo Out transitions, allowing for a smoother and more intuitive workflow.
Engine already has beat-based effects, but I would like to see an optional AUTO setting for the BEATS parameter.
AUTO could use BPM, beatgrid and Quantize data to automatically select a musical timing for the effect, while still allowing manual beat selection for DJs who prefer it.
After reading the feedback, I would like to clarify my suggestion too you.
My idea is not to replace the existing beat values, since Engine FX already provides 1/4, 1/2, 1, 2, 4 beats and more.
What I would like to see is an optional AUTO setting for the BEATS parameter across all Beat FX.
When AUTO is selected, Engine OS could use BPM, beatgrid and Quantize information to automatically choose a musical timing for the selected effect.
As an all-round DJ, I regularly move between tracks at 90 BPM, 100 BPM, 120 BPM and beyond during the same event. In these situations, I often need to manually decide which beat value works best for the transition or effect.
An AUTO mode would allow the effect timing to adapt automatically to the music while still keeping the existing manual beat options available for DJs who prefer full control.
This is not about copying Pioneer DJ products. It is about creating a faster and more performance-oriented workflow for Engine OS users across Denon DJ and Rane products.
The AUTO mode simply controls how the BPM is measured, in case it doesn’t come from the CDJs via PRO DJ LINK. It doesn’t control the beat value. From the DJM-A9 manual:
AUTO/TAP button
Selects the BPM measuring method (AUTO/TAP). The selected method is displayed on
the screen.
-– AUTO: Automatically measures BPM of the input sound (measuring range: 70 to
180).
-– TAP: Manually sets a BPM (page 51).
• AUTO is automatically set when you turn the unit on.
Since tracks already have their BPM analyzed in Engine OS, there is no need for this mode. You just select the beat value, and the effect is already applied based on the BPM and beatgrid.
I think we’re talking about two different things.
You’re absolutely right that the AUTO/TAP button on the DJM controls BPM detection.
What I’m trying to describe is more of an intelligent beat value selection.
Engine already knows the BPM and beatgrid. As an all-round DJ moving between very different BPM ranges, I sometimes wish the system could automatically suggest or select a musical beat value for effects instead of always requiring manual selection of 1/2, 1, 2, 4 beats, etc.
Maybe “AUTO” was the wrong word on my part, but the goal is simply a faster and more intuitive FX workflow.
Do you mean that Engine should analyze the audio, and then decide whether 1/8th, 1/4th, triplets etc. is the best match for that particular track? A “groove-detection”, in lack of better words?
I’m not sure what the best technical implementation would be, but the goal is to make Beat FX feel more intuitive across different BPM ranges.
Whether that’s done through groove detection, BPM analysis, or another method, I would simply like an optional mode that helps choose a suitable beat value automatically while keeping manual control available.
I think what I miss most is the DJM Beat FX workflow itself.
On DJM mixers, I could simply select an effect and use the control knob to bring it in during a transition. The effect always felt musical because the timing was automatically synchronized to the BPM..
What I would like to see is an optional AUTO mode for Beat FX.
When AUTO is enabled, Engine OS could automatically use the track BPM, beatgrid and other available information to adjust the effect timing and related parameters for a more musical result.
For example, instead of manually choosing between 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, 1, 2 or 4 beats, AUTO could select a suitable timing automatically. Since BPM affects the actual timing in milliseconds, the effect would naturally adapt across different BPM ranges.
In addition, parameters such as feedback, frequency or other effect-specific settings could also be adjusted automatically if appropriate.
Manual control should of course remain available for DJs who prefer to adjust everything themselves.
Yes, it’s difficult to understand with so many technical aspects, but basically, or at least that’s how I see it, the effects don’t sound quantized to the beat, even if you have quantization turned on.
If you press an effect off-beat, it should automatically adjust to the beat, and if you don’t have quantization turned on, it should start right where you pressed it and at the size you have selected.
Using effects in this auto (quantized) mode makes them sound infinitely better; you have to compare them to understand.
What I miss from the DJM Beat FX workflow is how naturally the effects feel connected to the music. Everything feels tight, musical and performance-oriented.
With Engine FX, I sometimes find myself spending more time adjusting beat values and effect settings before triggering the effect.
Whether that’s achieved through tighter quantization, BPM-aware effect behavior or another method, my goal is simply a Beat FX workflow that feels more intuitive and musical during performance.
Yes, I know what you mean… when you’re used to Pioneer’s auto mode or quantized effects, the difference is very noticeable, especially when you trigger the effect slightly off-beat.
Pioneer’s auto beat mode is perfectly synchronized, but Engine isn’t. It’s not because the quantization isn’t precise, but rather because we’re not hitting it at the exact moment.
Engine is more accurate, but when using the manual mode to apply the effect, our small mistakes are more noticeable because it’s not as “automated.” A clear example can be seen in the gate effect: when you hit it slightly out of sync, the effect sounds off, and it’s not because it’s faulty, but because it only activates the effect at the exact moment you hit it, and then it doesn’t sound as good.
I discovered something you can try with this effect: intentionally use the gate effect off the beat, and you’ll see it makes it exactly as out of sync as you tapped it.
However, if you do it with a loop and slip mode activated, things change. Try it and you’ll see the difference.
Yes, that’s probably a big part of what I’m trying to describe.
On DJM mixers, Beat FX feels more forgiving because the effects are tightly synced to the detected BPM. Even when my timing isn’t perfect, the effect stays rhythmically aligned with the track, so it still sounds musical and naturally integrated.
In contrast, Engine FX feels more dependent on my own timing and parameter choices. I often feel like I need to be more precise with both the moment I trigger the effect and the settings I use to achieve the same result.
It’s difficult to point to a single feature, but in live performance the overall feel is noticeably different: DJM Beat FX tends to smooth over small timing imperfections, while Engine FX feels more hands-on and timing-critical.
To be clear, I didn’t move from Alpha Theta / Pioneer to Denon DJ and Rane because I was unhappy with Pioneer. I moved because I genuinely prefer the technology, features, quality, opportunities ,flexibility and innovation offered by the Engine ecosystem.
I’ve owned and went from Prime 2 to Prime 4 and now use the Rane System One, and overall I consider them some of the best DJ products I’ve ever used as I started as dj.
The reason I’m discussing this isn’t because I want Engine to copy Alpha Theta/ Pioneer. It’s because there is one aspect of the DJM Beat FX workflow that I still miss, and I think Engine could potentially build upon that idea in its own way.
Everything else is what made me stay with Enginedj , Denon DJ and Rane.
Sorry, I got confused with the explanation. This was so the gate and scratch effects would sound good; it was something else entirely.
Also, if I remember correctly, you had to have sync enabled to do the gate scratch effect, or trans scratch, as Pioneer users call it. I apologize for the confusion.
You’re right, no effect works like Pioneer’s auto mode, not even with quantization enabled (which it should). It’s something that’s never worked as well as it could.
You have to rely on using them very precisely for them to sound perfectly in time. It’s definitely an area for improvement.
Thank you for taking the time to explore it further.
I think you’ve summed up what I’ve been trying to describe much better than I could.
That’s exactly the difference I’ve noticed since moving from Pioneer to Engine products. The effects work, but they require much more precise timing from the DJ to achieve the same musical result.
I’m glad I’m not the only one who has noticed it, and I agree that it’s definitely an area that could be improved in the future.
We’re not the only ones; anyone who’s ever used Pioneer effects will notice. There are surely many threads discussing them, and even feature requests, though perhaps not well-phrased. Ideally, a thread should be created with a title like “Automate Effects,” or something similar that’s easy to read and understand, so people can vote on it.
The title I chose probably wasn’t the clearest way to describe what I was trying to achieve.
“Automate Effects” or something similar may explain the idea better, especially now that we’ve narrowed it down to the overall Beat FX workflow rather than a specific effect.
