MixEmergency 2.2: Layer, Sequence, Step-Sequence Effects, in Beautiful Update

MixEmergency has been the “DVJ” tool of choice among many readers here, a surprisingly-powerful visual tool that integrates with Serato Scratch Live for hybrid vinyl/visual performance.

It already gives Serato’s own visual offering, Serato Video, a run for its money. The latest update has a powerful effects tool that could be the envy of any visual software – not only in Serato-land. There are various updates, including UI improvements and reduced CPU usage and a variety of fixes and tweaks. But it’s the FX Sequencer that looks especially nice, and might have you wondering, “why doesn’t my VJ tool work like this”?

It’s nicely-illustrated in the video at top, but in short, the FX Sequencer can:

• Layer eight effects animations
• Set up sixteen beats step-sequencer style, with real-time control
• One-shot sequence triggering (hey, actually, why don’t musical step sequencers do that?)
• Trigger keyframed animations

This is also the first visual tool I know of to offer Retina Display support. (If someone else knows of one, speak up.)

Upgrades are US$79-99; new licenses are $199.
http://www.inklen.com/mixemergency/download

Full changelog from the developers:

New in MixEmergency 2.2:

– Refined and redesigned the user-interface. It’s crisp, intuitive, and looks stunning on Apple’s Retina display.
– Added a new FX Sequencer. One of the biggest innovations in this version. Layer up to 8 complex FX animations over up to 16 beats.
– Optimised video pipeline, reducing CPU usage by around 30% when playing HD videos. These optimisations will help to keep your
processor free for other tasks, and your computer cooler when playing high-definition footage.
– Added new autofade mode (triggered via the crossfader). The new “Auto-Autofade” mode gives you a simple and intuitive way to trigger the autofade function – making your transitions look smoother and more professional.
– Effect presets can now be assigned specific target channels per preset (right-click to modify). Choose either A, B, or Mid channel as the target for your preset – allowing you to map single-button access to your favourite effect presets.
…and so much more:
– Added Quality control for Video Input overlay.
– Added controls to set the autofade duration in beats.
– Added a new autofade duration knob to the Control window.
– Effect preset titles can now be edited (double-click to edit).
– Added a parameter window for Quartz Composition overlays.
– Added title/value labels for a number of controls.
– Added MIDI mapping of the external control pop-up button.
– Increased the delay compensation range.
– Quartz Composition Effect and Transitions can now access the new Beat value input.
– Added a Reset button to the MIDI window for quickly resetting all MIDI mappings.
– Added in and out indicators for all MIDI mappable controls.
– Fixed issues with text positioning when recording.
– Fixed issues reading tags from files processed with Scratch Live
2.3.3 or higher.
– Fixed issues when using some rotary MIDI knobs.
– Fixed bug where certain control change messages would save their mappings incorrectly.
– Fixed an issue where Grid mode control of effects would not take into account delay compensation.
– Fixed issues where album art was not being loaded correctly when used with Scratch Live 2.4 or higher.
– Fixed issues with QuickTime edit points causing some files to display incorrectly.
– Fixed issues with the file relocation function.
– Fixed minor issues with the notification windows.
– Fixed issues when using large numbers of transitions.
– Fixed minor memory leaks.

By the way, if you like this vinyl control business and don’t always like lugging decks around, see their iOS Tonetable product.