Why do DJs mix music? Why would I want to?
DJ’s mix their songs together to create a continuous and seamless set for their listeners. By doing so, all song transitions are at the same speed and on the same beat, so there are no uncomfortable pauses or harsh changes in tempo. This flow is what separates good DJs from amateurs and allows listeners to feel that all the songs are a part of one continuous set. Mixing also allows DJs to choose whether they want to play part or all of each song. Sometimes DJs like to play only a portion of each song to keep the crowd excited and to truly differentiate their set from a traditional playlist.
Individuals and amateurs who don’t know how to manually mix their music can benefit from CIMIO’s automatic tempo lock and beatmatching capabilities to achieve the same effect. In doing so, they will be able to take their playslits one step further… to customize, personalize and create their own musical tapestry.
What is Scratch DJ Academy?
Scratch DJ Academy LLC was founded in 2002 by the late Jam Master Jay from Run DMC to help lower the barrier to entry for those interested in the art forms of DJ’ing and music production. Today there are academies in New York City, Miami and Los Angeles where students can go and learn how to mix, blend, scratch, and make beats from copyrighted curriculum and celebrity DJ instructors. Visit www.scratch.com for more information.
Does Cimio work with every song combination?
Cimio’s automatic beatmatching tool is very accurate, but you need to experiment with different songs to find the perfect mix. Not every song will mix perfectly, and some will not mix at all. One of the best aspects of CIMIO is trying out different song combinations to make your mixes just right. You can also refer to the “Playlist Hints” section in the application to learn what DJs look for when searching for the perfect mix.
Does Cimio include scratch effects?
No, the current version of Cimio does not include scratch effects. The goal of Cimio is to help anyone mix their music in a matter of minutes. Cimio is a simple and inexpensive application by design—please note that this is not a professional DJ application (DJ software can cost over $400 and is very intimidating for the average user).
How does Cimio work?
Cimio utilizes advanced algorithms to detect the speed (Beats Per Minute) and waveforms of your digital music files. Cimio then automatically adjusts the tempo and beats of each song to create smooth mixes between your tracks — just like a professional DJ. To enhance performance and response, Cimio makes a temporary copy of the most recent ten digital music files you’ve imported. If you try and mix an older imported song, Cimio reads the song from the original music file (unless it’s been erased by you).
Is Cimio compatible with my iPod®?
Yes! You can drag your completed mixes from Cimio into iTunes® and import them onto your iPod®. This is perfect for enjoying mixes at the gym, during a commute, or simply on-the-go.
Is Cimio available for Mac® and PC?
Absolutely. We are available for both formats. Please note that Cimio is not compatible with Windows 2000 or non-Intel based Macs.
Is using Cimio the same as DJ’ing?
Although Cimio is a great tool for making mixes on the fly, no software application can match the skill or accuracy of a professional DJ. Cimio teaches the DJ basics, but the application is an easy-to-use mixing program — not a professional DJ application.
Professional DJs take years to perfect their mixing skills and just like the piano or guitar, turntables are serious instruments that take time to learn. Check out www.scratch.com if you are interested in learning how to DJ or produce music from real celebrity DJs.
Is Cimio difficult to use?
Absolutely not. Cimio was designed for casual music listeners and serious fans alike. Cimio requires no prior DJ or music production experience.
Will Scratch DJ Academy release future versions of Cimio?
Yes. A “Pro” version of Cimio is planned for release in 2010. This version will include scratch effects and additional features.
What music files does Cimio work with?
Cimio currently works with standard digital formats including MP3, WAV, MP4, and AAC files. Please note that Cimio does not work with music files with embedded digital rights management (DRM) protection software. Please note that most tracks purchased from online stores (including iTunes®) included DRM until early 2009. Tracks purchased today from stores selling MP3, WAV, WMA or AAC format digital tracks should be free of DRM and compatible with Cimio.
For technical questions, please see our Support FAQ.
Does it legally matter where I get my digital music files?
Yes. Be sure you only import and use music that you own or have acquired legally, and only make permitted uses of legally acquired music files. Click here to review the CIMIO End User License Agreement. That means you must be the owner of all rights in the song and the recording, or you must pay the copyright holder (the artist or record label) for your copy of the music, or you need to find a copyright holder who will give you music for free.
If get your music legally, it’s generally accepted that copying songs for your own personal use (including making a copy on your computer) is allowable under the Copyright Law doctrine of “Fair Use.”. However, you should read through any licenses or user agreements that apply to digitally downloaded music and make sure that using it with Cimio won’t conflict with any of the terms.
If you’ve composed and recorded the music yourself or if you’ve created the music from “royalty-free” loops and samples, you can do use it with Cimio. But if you’ve avoided paying for something which is usually sold (like downloading a song from a peer-to-peer network or copying a friend’s CD), it is illegal to use your copy with Cimio.
Can I play my mixes wherever I want?
Yes, if you wrote all the songs and created all the recordings imported into Cimio, you can do WHATEVER you want with your Cimio mix, including selling it, distributing it, playing it at a club, downloading it from a website, and copying it as much as you want.
If you use any other songs by other people in your mix, there are certain things that you can and can’t do without opening yourself up to potential copyright liability and be in violation of the CIMIO EULA. For other people’s songs and recordings (that you have legally obtained as explained above), you can play your mix for your personal entertainment, copy the mix to an mp3 player or to your computer or another form or device for you to play at home or in your car, and play your mix at a party (as long as you’re not charging people money for it). Playing your mix anywhere else will probably require you to pay a fee to agencies for performance rights. The major organizations that handle performance rights are ASCAP, BMI and SESAC. For example, even if you want to perform your mix by webcast, you can only do that legally if you secure the appropriate rights (contact ASCAP, BMI, SESAC, and SoundExchange also in this case).
If you’re a DJ playing your mix at a club or other event, performance rights are still required, but traditionally these fees are the responsibility of the venue where you’re performing and not the DJ.
Can I sell any of my mixes?
Yes, if you own all the rights to the musical compositions and sound recordings included in your Cimio mix.
No, if you use other people’s songs in your mix, even if you purchased your copy, unless you can prove that you have gotten permission from and paid royalties to the appropriate music publisher(s) and record label.
If I live in another country, can I use Cimio, and do the same copyright rules apply?
This FAQ only covers questions about U.S. copyright law and using Cimio in the U.S. If you are using Cimio or your Cimio mixes in another country, you must check with that country’s copyright laws to make sure you’re doing it legally. Every country’s copyright law system is unique and nuanced, so Scratch can’t answer questions about every system. You can find out answers by checking with a lawyer based in that country or familiar with international intellectual property law.
