What are the advantages and disadvantages of time shifting in live performance and DJing?

1 What is time shifting?

Time shifting is the process of changing the tempo or duration of an audio signal without affecting its pitch or frequency. For example, you can make a song faster or slower, or stretch or compress a sound to fit a certain length. Time shifting can be done digitally or analogically, using software, hardware, or turntables. Time shifting is often used to create seamless mixes, transitions, and effects in live performance and DJing.

2 How does time shifting work?

Time shifting works by dividing the audio signal into small segments or grains, and then rearranging them according to a desired speed or duration. The grains can be overlapped, repeated, or skipped, depending on the algorithm and the settings. The result is a new audio signal that has the same pitch as the original, but a different tempo or length. Some common time shifting algorithms are granular synthesis, phase vocoder, and beat slicing.

3 What are the advantages of time shifting?

Time shifting can offer many benefits for live performance and DJing, such as the ability to match the tempo and beat of different tracks to create smooth and harmonic mixes. You can also adjust the length and speed of songs or sounds to fit your set or mood, adding variety and creativity. Additionally, time shifting allows you to create interesting effects and transitions, such as pitch shifting, scratching, stuttering, or glitching. Moreover, it can enhance musical expression and interaction with the audience, as you can manipulate the audio in real time and respond to their feedback.

4 What are the disadvantages of time shifting?

Time shifting, although a useful technique, can have some drawbacks and challenges. These include a degraded audio signal with artifacts, noise, or distortion if the shift is too extreme or the algorithm is not optimal. It can also require more processing power and memory, which can affect performance and stability. Additionally, it demands more skill and practice to master the technique and tools appropriately and tastefully. Lastly, time shifting can conflict with the original intention and integrity of the music, as it may alter the mood, tone, or message of the songs or sounds, or lose the sync with vocals or other instruments.

5 How to use time shifting effectively?

Time shifting can be a powerful and versatile technique for live performance and DJing, however, it requires caution and discretion. It's important to choose the right algorithm and settings that suit your audio signal and desired effect. Experimenting with different time shifting effects and transitions can help you create subtle or dramatic changes. Practicing and rehearsing your time shifting skills is also necessary to control and manipulate the audio signal with precision. Lastly, respect the music and the audience when using time shifting to enhance the musical experience, not to ruin or overpower it. You can add your own touch but not disrespect or distort the original music.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?