Setting Up Virtual DJ Remote Connection Over IP with SoundSwitch
This guide explains how to establish a connection between Virtual DJ and SoundSwitch running on different computers. The scenario involves Virtual DJ running on the "DJ's Computer," while SoundSwitch is on the "Lighting Computer." Here are the steps to set up this remote connection:
Requirements:
Make sure the following software is installed on your computer:
1. Virtual DJ 2020 or newer
2. SoundSwitch 2.2 or newer
3. Bonjour (Windows only)
Ensure that your network security settings, including firewalls, allow Virtual DJ and SoundSwitch access to networks without being blocked by firewall or third-party antivirus software.
Both Autoloops and Scripted Tracks are supported in this configuration. The primary aim is to allow a separate lighting operator to control the lights while keeping all lighting effects, Autoloops, and Scripted Tracks in sync as the DJ focuses on their performance.
Setting up a remote connection between Virtual DJ and SoundSwitch:
Step 1: Scripting Audio Files
Scripting audio files is not mandatory if you only plan to use Autoloops. However, if you want a customized light show for each song, follow Step 1. If you only want to use the Autoloop feature, skip to Step 2.
When a light show is created for an audio file, a unique ID number is added to the audio file's metadata to link a light show to a song. Virtual DJ sends this ID number to SoundSwitch, which loads and syncs the appropriate light show. Here are two workflows for auto-scripting the DJ's audio files.:
a. Script Light Shows on the Lighting Computer
The best workflow is to have the DJ provide their audio files on a USB drive. In SoundSwitch, auto-script these audio files and return them to the DJ, ensuring they "replace" the original audio files with the newly scripted ones. This step is essential as it ensures the unique ID number is copied to the DJ's tracks.
b. Script Light Shows on the DJ's Computer
In this example, SoundSwitch needs to be installed on the DJ's computer. You should also provide them with your SoundSwitch project file. The project file is located under the following directory: `users/username/music/SoundSwitch`. Install SoundSwitch on the DJ's computer and copy your SoundSwitch folder to this location on the DJ's computer. Now, the DJ can auto-script their audio files and playlists and provide their SoundSwitch Project file, including the new lighting files.
Step 2: Setting up the connection
1. On the DJ's Computer, start Virtual DJ, connect to a network, and find the IP address of this computer.
2. On the Lighting Computer, start SoundSwitch, connect to the same network as the DJ's computer, and open the Preferences in SoundSwitch. Select the following option: "Virtual DJ - On another Computer with IP." Enter the IP address of the DJ's computer.
Step 3: Testing
1. Restart SoundSwitch and select Performance Mode. Then, select the Venue you will be using.
2. On the DJ's computer, load tracks into Virtual DJ, press play, and verify that the correct light show is playing back.
If you've followed these steps and still can't establish a connection between SoundSwitch and Virtual DJ, please check if you have "os2l" enabled in your Virtual DJ preferences.
For further assistance, contact support@soundswitch.com.