Hello,
This is an odd one but I've drawn a total blank.

I've scanned all tracks using Mixed In Key 4 to obtain the Key information. A small percentage (but a large number of tracks) just will not display this information within Serato Live. It's particular releases rather than individual tracks from releases. Problem is occurring with both VBR and CBR MP3. I've verified in 'RapidEvolution' that the key information is present; I've converted all MP3 files using iTunes to version 2.4, tested, then 2.3, tested and no result; I've re-scanned id3 tags in Serato Live and keys still not detected; I have deleted history, backed up and rebuilt 'database V2' (losing all timing data in track list hence back-up and hence the fact the old version is being put back!) and still the Key data is not being read.

Any ideas?

Thanks, Kia

One thing I've just noticed is that the BPM value that MIK4 has recorded within the files that are not displaying Keys *are* displaying.

Hello Kaicho,

Where are you getting your files?
Are you running them into other programs aside from MIK prior to importing them into SSL?

If so, I would try stripping a tag of one of these problem files using iTunes and then reconverting to id3 tag version 2.3 (which gets along best with SSL).
Once done, drag the file into MIK to add the key to the file, then rescan the id3 tags in SSL to see if it then shows up.
My guess is there is too much id3 tag info and its confusing SSL.

Here are specific directions on how to strip and convert the tags in iTunes:

Note: This will delete any cues or loops you might have in your files. You might want to try this on one track first.

If you don't use iTunes than you'll want to go into the 'advanced' preferences of iTunes first and uncheck the 'copy files to iTunes music when adding to library' option.
Once you've done that than drag and drop one of the problem files into iTunes and follow the directions below.

1. Completely quit all programs.
2. Open iTunes.
3. Click on your 'music' to show all the songs in your library.
4. Select the problem song.
5. Right click on the file.
6. Select 'convert id3 tags'.
7. Check the 'id3 tag version' and select 'none'.
8. Press 'ok'.
9. Click on the 'advanced' column.
10. Select 'convert id3 tags'.
11. Check the 'id3 tag version' and select '2.3'.
12. Press 'ok'.

Now shut down iTunes completely, key the file in MIK, (don't put the file in Rapid Evolution), and rescan your id3 tags in SSL to see if the key info then populates.

Any luck?

My hat goes off to you. Well done. It worked. Thank you very much.

Now I have a method to fall back on I'll try to find a less destructive solution based upon your 'too much id3 tag info' assumption. It will save me a lot of time. After this initial batch of 15,000 tracks (my CD trax and 2009 purchases) I have another 40,000+ to organize from years gone by! Haven't even come close to completing the digitizing of my vinyl... I don't know how my wife puts up with it ;)

If I find a method I'll post here for you.

I didn't know this before I tried it out of frustration. The file tables are compatible between applications. You can order the key field, highlight the files with key display issues, drag them from Serato Live to itunes, reset id3 tag and once done drag everything over from itunes to Mixed In Key 4 for processing. Before I was buggering about in Live, locating in explorer blah-de-blah and it was a complete pain in the proverbial. I think you should inform anybody else of this method if anybody else comes across this issue.

I'm still none the wiser as to what's causing it. One CD I ripped with Lame and obtained id3 info for as normal was one that the key info wasn't displaying and the 1001 other cds I've converted didn't have a problem.. c'est la vie.

Again, thanks for the help. Much appreciated.

Just if you're interested, the one CD with an issue was FSOL - Accelerator, ripped at -b 320 using Exact Audio Copy and the latest version of Lame. Within EAC I obtained the tagging info from 'freedb'.

all the best:)