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Music/Video Organization Method: by Sixxx of 2illegalaliens.com
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Music/Video Organization Method: by Sixxx of 2illegalaliens.com

sixxx 12:19 AM - 14 May, 2009
A lot of people have hit me up over the years wondering how I organize my music and now video. My method started as a result of using iTunes Smart Playlists.

If you're not familiar with iTunes Smart Playlists, this is the definition:

Quote:
A Smart Playlist is a song list in Apple's iTunes application which is updated automatically depending a set of rules.

The ability to create playlists by mixing music tracks from different albums and genres has always been one of the cool features of iTunes.

iTunes (versions 3 and above) lets you personalize your listening experience by creating Smart Playlists based on powerful features like My Rating, Last Played, Keywords, and Total Play Count.

This feature is extremely useful for anyone with a digital music collection, especially iPod users.


I've always used codes in my music and currently in video as well. It was an easy transition going from music to video as far as codes go. You'll see below.

A code can be anything. It can be a word, set of words, a number, etc. I use initials from a word that has a meaning. This makes it very easy to remember and eventually led to me getting rid of Smart Playlists all together as it is easy to use these codes in the search box.

The codes I use are entered in the (song) Name field as I like to see them in ScratchLive when I load a track. I highly recommend you enter yours somewhere else, say the comments field, grouping field, etc. as it will be easier to change more than 1 song at a time in case you change your mind about a code.

So, in my library, this is what you will see:

Name Of Song (CE)
Name Of Song (Clean) (CE)
Name Of Song (Inst) (CE)
Name Of Song (Acap) (CE)
Name Of Song (MS) (CE)
Name Of Song (MS) (Clean) (CE)

Or, you might see this:

Name Of Song (OSE)
Name Of Song (Clean) (OSE)
Name Of Song (Inst) (OSE)
Name Of Song (Acap) (OSE)
Name Of Song (MS) (OSE)
Name Of Song (MS) (Clean) (OSE)

Or, you might see a combination of several codes

Name Of Song (CE) (OSE)
Name Of Song (Clean) (CE) (OSE)
Name Of Song (Inst) (CE) (OSE)
Name Of Song (Acap) (CE) (OSE)
Name Of Song (MS) (CE) (OSE)
Name Of Song (MS) (Clean) (CE) (OSE)

.....

And for video, a "V" is added to any code.

So if I have the song of the video of some classic hip hop joint you will see.

Name Of Song (HHE)
Name Of Song (VHHE)
etc.

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----------

So, what exactly are these codes and how are they used?

These codes make it super easy to search for specific content you may want while you're playing (or just listening at home). You enter the code + any other information to narrow your search, and there you have it. NO NEED TO NAVIGATE THROUGH CRATES OR SMART PLAYLISTS EVER AGAIN

Example:

1. Let's say that your gig requires you to play nothing but old school. You type (OSE) in the search box. Or, if you're a noob and all you can handle is Extended Intros (or Mix Show ready songs) you would enter (MS) in the search box.

Now why in the world would I go through the hassle of entering all those codes when I can just as easily type "Old School" in the search box and get the same results?

Actually, you might, but if your library is as extensive as mine (no misquote), you will not get the results you want. You want to be able to look up ONLY what would be playable at a gig. The E in my codes stands for Essential. Meaning, that this song is a must have/must play song. If you play it, chances are, you won't go wrong. This weeds out all the other Old School songs you may have in your library that only a few people may recognize. The same goes for every other genre.

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----------

NOTE: It's very important that you have as many fields (information) filled out in every song or video as this will help you immensely when trying to narrow a search. I try to have all my Year fields in order. Also, the genre is filled out as specific as I can. I will list those at the end.

----------------------------------------------------------------------
----------

THE CODES

(CE) = Club Essential
(Clean) = Clean
(Inst) = Instrumental
(Acap) = A Capella
(MS) = Mixshow (Used to be (Ext Intro) but it took too much space)
(RX) = Short for Remix
(OSE) = Old School Essential
(HHE) = Hip Hop Essential
(RE) = Rock Essential
(PE) = Pop Essential
(RGE) = Reggae Essential
(DHE) = Dancehall Essential
(RGTE) = Reggaeton Essential
(CUE) = Cumbia Essential
(ME) = Merengue Essential
(SE) = Salsa Essential
(DE) = Dance Essential (I don't play EDM, so I group them all in one [for now])

These are just a few, and I'm always adding more, as I play different venues that require me to play different music.

For video, you just add a V to any code. So a Club Essential Video would be: (VCE)


----------------------------------------------------------------------
----------


Genres

I try to be as specific as possible in the Genre field. This makes it easier for me to find exactly what I'm looking for.

Example:

I may have a very general type of genre for a specific song: Rap

Or, a more specific entry such as: Hip Hop/Rap/Classics

Or, even more specific: East Coast/Hip Hop/Rap/Classics

YOU BASICALLY DICTATE WHAT'S MORE IMPORTANT TO YOU AND HOW SPECIFIC YOU WANT TO GET. IT'S A LOT OF WORK, BUT IN THE END IS DEFINITELY WORTH THE HASSLE.

And remember, you can use as many codes as you want for one song. The same goes for searching.

Last Example:

Say I want to do a 90's set of nothing but R&B that was a hit (or is essential). I type the following in the search box: (CE) r&B 199

Questions? Comments?
djpuma_gemini 12:54 AM - 14 May, 2009
I have been doing this ever since jammy jam 5 or some shit.
I use the composer crate and grouping crate for (CE) and (NS)
that way when the new shit isn't new anymore I can group a bunch of them and clear out the composer crate of (NS)
sixxx 1:01 AM - 14 May, 2009
Well done sir. I do the same thing now too. I used to put (NS) in the song name but then it was a bitch to go back and delete it from new songs. Duh!!!!!

So, now they're in my comments field. :)

Live and learn!
sixxx 1:01 AM - 14 May, 2009
(NS) = New Shit (or New Song) :)
hipster 3:56 AM - 14 May, 2009
too complicated
sixxx 4:02 AM - 14 May, 2009
It really isn't. It's actually a very simple process. Reading it makes it seem like it is... but it really isn't.
djmallon 4:32 AM - 14 May, 2009
Very interesting..I organize in a similar fashion.

Here's a question for you:

I've always hated hiphop that has a ton of people being 'featured' on the track. I personally always have the artist as the main artist so example:

Artist: DJ Felli Fel
Title: Feel It (Feat. T-Pain, yada yada & dada)

Do you (or anyone really) do the same? The only thing that sucks about this method is that it can clog up the title field...but it clears things up when I sort by artist or do a search.

Am I making sense? hahah.
Marty Mcfly 4:44 AM - 14 May, 2009
well written explanation sixxx
gonna give this a try. thanks.
sixxx 5:32 AM - 14 May, 2009
djmallon,

I always move that information to the Artist field where I think it should be.
So, for your example:

Name Of Song - DJ Felli Fel feat T-Pain, etc.

------


Thanks Marty Mcfly
stevie o 1:31 PM - 14 May, 2009
I like it. And smart playlist i the shit. After setting up these codes why not set up smart playlists that read the codes. Such as title contains (ns) etc.. Im sure its just s easy to type (ns) in the search but its a lazy mans world and I like to use my 57 for everything. I hate touching the laptop during a gig for anything. I have everything assigned to midi or the 57 so I basically don't even need the lappy near me especially because I don't stare at the waveforms to mix,..(yes jab at wavies).
I just need my 2 tts mixer and a midi and the skys the limit. (no biggie)
DJ Cas!! 1:56 PM - 14 May, 2009
great info sixxx... this should be a sticky
panic_1 2:24 PM - 14 May, 2009
nice info very use full for those (CE) 199 i always find my self digging through my 90's/% crate looking for those classics during a gig
sixxx 3:37 PM - 14 May, 2009
stevie o, you're correct. Once you have the codes, you can create smart playlists OR even SSL crates and navigate through them using the 57 without ever touching a keyboard. :)


Thanks Cas and panic_1
stevie o 4:13 PM - 14 May, 2009
Sixxx or whoever I have a question. I have several hard drives and I'm trying to consolidate everything into two 2tb hds. One for audio one for video. I am gonna gave many duplicates so I'm starting over and starting a new iTunes library. (I don't want to fuck up my original library yet because I have playlists on there that I need to switch over. My goal is to import all the videos into the new library tag organize and trash the dups. I want to be able to do everything in iTunes so I'm clicking the let iTunes organize files tab and I'm selecting whatever hard drive I am organizing at the time.
Now for the questions. First should I also click the copy files to iTunes folder tab? And when I change the location hard drive under preferences, does that change all my iTunes libraries locations, or just the library I'm currently in?
I hope that all makes sense. I want to be able to delete tracks from iTunes and have it permanantly deleted on the hd also. Basically I want the hd to mirror my iTunes files.
Thanks
AKIEM 8:38 PM - 20 July, 2009
This is exactly the way I organize.
If I want classic westcoast hip-hop I search [HH [CL [WC
If I want all westcoast hip-hop I search [HH [WC
I can even search [HH [DH which gives me all those nyc dance hall remixes
If I search [DH it gives me all dance hall but if I search [RG [DH those nyc tracks will not be included and so on.

It was hard to set up at first, and I still have some things that show up in the wrong place, but I am close to forgeting about folders and crates.

I think this organization system is officially called 'Labels'. It is exactly the way gmail works.

I think it would be excellent if SSL also used this system.
feature suggestion serato.com


imagine if you could link labels to midi buttons. all you would have to do is tap a few buttons and whatever you want would show up
sixxx 8:40 PM - 20 July, 2009
Glad to see you using this method as well. I love it.
djaction 8:43 PM - 20 July, 2009
i dig the system but why not drop the (E)ssential part of the code?

instead of CE just C ?
nik39 8:46 PM - 20 July, 2009
Quote:
i dig the system but why not drop the (E)ssential part of the code?

instead of CE just C ?

Have you tried searching in your library for "C"? ;)
sixxx 8:48 PM - 20 July, 2009
lol nik39....

The reason is because I also have codes that don't have the E....
AKIEM 8:51 PM - 20 July, 2009
right, which still might be requested, but you dont really need to be labeled


I chose to use a [ instead of (
there are a whole lot less [ in my tags then (
also with [ no need to use shift
and I learned that I only need to put the [ in the front of the code, no ]
also, all my codes are two letters, that wont usually show up in a search
nik39 8:53 PM - 20 July, 2009
"[xx" sounds feasible.
sixxx 8:59 PM - 20 July, 2009
Correct. I also can use the end of the code or the beginning.

So, for (HHE), I can just use HHE) or (HHE

.....

Mmmh. I didn't think about the [ vs the ( using the shift. I guess cause I can type super fast, that doesn't bother me. But, it's a good suggestion.
sixxx 9:00 PM - 20 July, 2009
Btw, using an applescript I found, I could change all my codes from (xx) to [xx].

:)
AKIEM 9:21 PM - 20 July, 2009
I hate the kayboard
dougs apple scripts is essential

what I love, is it lets me go [hh [wc [cl (hip-hop classic west)
then I can move into all west coast [hh [wc (hip-hop west)
then cut that down to just [hh [wc [cm (west commercial)
then open it up to all commercial hip-hop [hh [cm
then just wide to all commercial music [cm

WAY more dynamic then just moving from crate to crate. you just cant do it with crates.


dont sleep on this:
serato.com
imagine tapping one midi button and everything with that label pops up - or better yet goes away
sixxx 9:23 PM - 20 July, 2009
Yup. I hate crates ever since I realized this method is really more efficient.
nik39 9:31 PM - 20 July, 2009
Then both of you do not need any (smart) crates. Why do you use them sixxx?
sixxx 9:48 PM - 20 July, 2009
I don't use any smart crates. I just use the codes.
nik39 9:56 PM - 20 July, 2009
Then...What do you need iTunes for?
sixxx 10:07 PM - 20 July, 2009
I like the way iTunes tags my files vs trying to tag it using SSL alone. I also let iTunes organize my files. I also like to preview my videos in iTunes... something that you can't really do in VSL. Let me explain. In VSL, all you will is the file... no matter what size it really is, it will fill up the screen. iTunes shows you the size of the video as in video screen size. I had some PO that were ripped wrong and had I'd been using VSL alone, I wouldn't have known about it unless I kept looking at the size of the file... which most of the time I don't.

I also use iTunes to burn CD (sometimes) and for to play music at home without having to have anything else plugged in (no SSL shitty preview).
sixxx 10:09 PM - 20 July, 2009
... and KC Double has an iPod .... that's another reason. lol
Proto J 5:34 AM - 21 July, 2009
Quote:
I have been doing this ever since jammy jam 5 or some shit.
I use the composer crate and grouping crate for (CE) and (NS)
that way when the new shit isn't new anymore I can group a bunch of them and clear out the composer crate of (NS)


this is a great idea.

i want to mark new songs with a code, but later take the code out once it's not new anymore.

so you're saying you can group a bunch together that need the code taken out and do it all in one swoop?

how exactly?
Proto J 5:45 AM - 21 July, 2009
this is how i'm about to finally organize all my music. i'm gonna use my own codes of course, and still have all my genres filled in. but one thing i've decided not to do is care about a cleanly organized itunes music folder. like, making sure all the artist names are exactly the same so there's not multiple folders for one artist, i realized it just doesn't matter. i can't remember the last time i actually went into my itunes music folder to get music. i just drag a song(s) to my desktop or where ever if i need it, or, since that doesn't work when sending files over aim, you can just apple-r the track and it takes you right to it.

i'm probably gonna put featured artists in the comments field or somewhere. only because serato doesn't abbreviate like itunes, so if you have the artist and title columns to the left, and then bpm's, and you want to view all of that without scrolling, then you can't have long track names, or artist names, and several featured artist names, or they'll push everything over.

i'm gonna build smart playlists based off my codes, genres, and new stuff...

so if i put my codes in the grouping field, can't i just use a comma between the codes, or a "/", or something, and smart playlists will still recognize them? why are you guys using "(" and "["?

and if i use a "[", i only have to use one? i don't have to finish it out with a "]"?

glad i've taken my sweet time doing this, i saved myself a lot of work by not trying to go super hard at keeping my itunes music folder clean (i just can't think of a reason to), and i'm learning stuff now that's probably gonna save me some time as well...
Proto J 5:52 AM - 21 July, 2009
Quote:
too complicated


i've got other friends who say the same thing when i tell them what i plan to do, but the reality is, it's actually too complicated to always have to drag new music into crates every single time, or even later if you make a new crate...

furthermore, it's the perfect way to have uber thorough crates/playlists. like my lounge crate for instance, it's a crate i've built based on any track appropriate to play at my lounge gigs (tons of different genres). but when i first built it, i slept on tons of tracks that could/should be in there. so now, if i wanna include those, i need to go back through my all crate and drag and drop all those tunes in there.

fuck that. if i'm gonna put in work like that i'm gonna come up with a code system and every single track appropriate to play at my lounge gigs will be in a smart playlist based off that, and anytime i add new music, i just put the codes in for what crates it belongs in and it automatically goes into those crates, live updating, no more dragging and dropping all over the place...

i really think at the end of the day, besides making my crates more on point, it's gonna be easier/less work...
SuckaDJ 6:43 AM - 21 July, 2009
Been following the forums for some time now, never really needed to post, but had to join to say thanks Sixxx. I really like this technique! Just when I thought smart list was the way to go (still good though). Can't wait to finish organizing now haha
WarpNote 6:46 AM - 21 July, 2009
Thanks for sharing Sixxx!
Think I'll pick up this method, probably be using either groupng, comment and/or composer field. (I used to put my keycodes in grouping/comment, no need for that anymore...)

Also Ill probably be using the < bracket in front of codes. On a European keyboard, I find it easier/faster...

Thanks again!
AKIEM 7:13 AM - 21 July, 2009
Quote:

so if i put my codes in the grouping field, can't i just use a comma between the codes, or a "/", or something, and smart playlists will still recognize them? why are you guys using "(" and "["?

and if i use a "[", i only have to use one? i don't have to finish it out with a "]"?


The reason I use '[' is that it is highly unlikely that a search would yield any result with a search for "[HH" for example, unless I tag them that way specifically. There is a chance that just "HH" or any other two letters would give some result naturally in the tags. So I name all my tags with the bracket and two letters. For example if I want all my instrumental hip-hop, I would search "[hh [in". Or all instrumentals would come up if I just search "[in". But if I searched "in" plenty more would show up besides instrumentals. So the "[" is just a way of concentrating the search on the labels that I have given to the records. You could use any key. I started with "(" and changed them to "[" so I didnt have to use the shift key.
Proto J 8:38 AM - 21 July, 2009
got you!

now answer this, if you're not using smart playlists, and assuming you're not using crates, then don't you have to run searches every time you want to sort your tracks out by their codes?

wouldn't it just be easier to have the smart playlists and navigate between them to sort through stuff, than run a search every time? i mean, it's not a lot of work to set up the smart playlists at all...
djchrischip 9:37 AM - 21 July, 2009
had an idea... Combine this system with a crate system built upon ur residencies...
on to something give me a second lol
AKIEM 9:56 AM - 21 July, 2009
yes, I absolutely hate touching my keyboard during sets - but its very easy to type "[hh [cm" before I start and the only records I see are Commercial Hip-Hop. I can leave it like that and play as long as I want. But say I throw on Dr. Dre then I want to continue with more West Coast, I just add [wc. Now all I see are Hip-Hop Commercial WestCoast. Then I can erase everything but [wc, now I have all my WestCoast records including Old School, New School, Commercial, Funk, anything with the [WC tag. You cant do that just navigating crates or smart playlists.

the key to understanding this system is that you can tag you records with several tags. For example say you have a Hip-Hop remix of a Dancehall Classic, you can tag it [HH [DH [CL. Now it will come up in a [HH search, a [DH search, or a [CL search.

Look how many smart playlists you would need to approximate all possible search combinations possible with just these three tags:
[HH
[DH
[CL
[HH [DH
[HH [CL
[DH [CL
[HH [DH [CL


I have about 25 different Labels that I use with a loose hierarchy. Genres, subgenres, eras, coasts, versions (voc, instr), commercial vs indie etc.

The number of possible list you can make with various combinations of labels is huge.

And I still use crates for things like mixes or sets for rappers and so on.
Proto J 11:24 AM - 21 July, 2009
well, i think i'm gonna use a combination of both. smart playlists and searches... my plan is to have genres, but to also have very broad smart playlists based off code words, like [CB, short for "club", that would give me everything appropriate to play in a club in one crate/playlist. i wouldn't have to run a search, it's all gonna be right there, ready for me...

but then if i wanted to get specific, i could run a search based on other code words, and play all oldschool, or all east coast, or all new stuff, etc.
djaction 1:39 PM - 21 July, 2009
hmm one advantage I see of crates vs this code tagging method is.. you can have one song in multiple crates.

Unless.. you put multiple genre tags on one song? hmm i guess that works.

I think thats my biggest problem with organizing. Figuring out what to categorize music as.. theres a thin line between hip hop and pop.
deezlee 1:57 PM - 21 July, 2009
secondary genres in the grouping tag with codes
using add/remove group applescript for bulk editing
nik39 2:02 PM - 21 July, 2009
Quote:
yes, I absolutely hate touching my keyboard during sets - but its very easy to type "[hh [cm" before I start and the only records I see are Commercial Hip-Hop. I can leave it like that and play as long as I want. But say I throw on Dr. Dre then I want to continue with more West Coast, I just add [wc. Now all I see are Hip-Hop Commercial WestCoast. Then I can erase everything but [wc, now I have all my WestCoast records including Old School, New School, Commercial, Funk, anything with the [WC tag. You cant do that just navigating crates or smart playlists.

Unless you don't need all ... all the time you can do that. Create a parent crate named [HH, add subcrates [WC, [EC etc. That's easier for me, cause I can rather navigate than type. Typing sucks.


Quote:
I have about 25 different Labels that I use with a loose hierarchy. Genres, subgenres, eras, coasts, versions (voc, instr), commercial vs indie etc.

The number of possible list you can make with various combinations of labels is huge.

Fair enough... covering all lists (as crates) would make this thing ineffecient.


Quote:
well, i think i'm gonna use a combination of both. smart playlists and searches... my plan is to have genres, but to also have very broad smart playlists based off code words, like [CB, short for "club", that would give me everything appropriate to play in a club in one crate/playlist. i wouldn't have to run a search, it's all gonna be right there, ready for me...

Sounds like a good compromise.


Quote:
Figuring out what to categorize music as.. theres a thin line between hip hop and pop.

Haha.. lately you can interchange both genres without anyone noticing ;) But that's a different story+thread.
sixxx 3:08 PM - 21 July, 2009
You're welcome.... to all who are diggin' this method.

You can definitely have more than one code in each song... and I do. This method hasn't failed me yet.
sixxx 3:20 PM - 21 July, 2009
Action,

One of the most important reasons for me to use the E in my codes is that sometimes I want to go through essential songs regardless of genre.... so in this case I type E) in the search box. This is great for types of events where there's a huge variety of people.


Otherwise, I would have to type each code and each genre in the search box.
DPR250R 3:36 PM - 21 July, 2009
Quote:

The codes I use are entered in the (song) Name field as I like to see them in ScratchLive when I load a track. I highly recommend you enter yours somewhere else, say the comments field, grouping field, etc. as it will be easier to change more than 1 song at a time in case you change your mind about a code.


I change my mind about codes, categories, genres all the time....

the "Action" feature of this tagging program makes changes easy.....

www.mp3tag.de

Right now my codes are in the "grouping" category.
sixxx 3:42 PM - 21 July, 2009
You can actually change any code anywhere using a script. I just recommend adding codes somewhere other than the song name in case you don't wanna mess with scrips or other programs outside of iTunes.
DPR250R 3:45 PM - 21 July, 2009
Quote:
You can actually change any code anywhere using a script. I just recommend adding codes somewhere other than the song name in case you don't wanna mess with scrips or other programs outside of iTunes.



A script is a Mac thing? i don't know much about them...

I should have mentioned... I think the MP3Tag program is PC only...

But I agree... screwing up a category by itself is one thing... but if you make a mistake in your "Title" category.... ouch!!! thats a lot of work!!!
sixxx 3:54 PM - 21 July, 2009
Yeah. Applescripts are awesome. You can create your own (if you know how) or get some.... search iTunes applescripts and you will find a ton for just about anything.
DJ Dub Cowboy 4:00 PM - 21 July, 2009
dougscripts.com

I live by these:

proper english capitolization
add text at end of track name
remove n characters from front or back
list MIAs
copy files to folder
tracks without artwork to playlist
embed artwork

all free. you can do so much with scripts. I don't know how to write them, but I sure like using them.
sixxx 4:12 PM - 21 July, 2009
That's what's up! :)
DJ Dub Cowboy 4:15 PM - 21 July, 2009
oh, but I have learned the hard way that all that is for nothing unless I strip all ID3 tags to none (2-3 times) and then write only version 2.3 tags using itunes.

oh and my new favorite script [_"artist - name" corrector.] this one saves me so much typing I wish I had found it 15,000 files ago.
sixxx 4:16 PM - 21 July, 2009
What does that script do Dub Cowboy?
DJ Dub Cowboy 4:22 PM - 21 July, 2009
takes

"sadsfre - orange crush transition" (all in the track name)

and puts "sadsfre" in the artist field, "orange crush transition" in the name field, and deletes the " - "


it will write over whatever is in the artist field, it assumes the correct info is all in the name tag. It also only works when the artist and name are separated by space-dash-space ( - ). I get a lot of files like this.
DJ Dub Cowboy 4:24 PM - 21 July, 2009
its easier for me to change a different separator like just a dash to ( - ) and then use the script
sixxx 4:31 PM - 21 July, 2009
Oh yeah. I know that one. I used it when I started importing movies. :)
DJ Dub Cowboy 4:32 PM - 21 July, 2009
I wish I had known about that then!
nik39 7:35 PM - 21 July, 2009
You can do all of these using mp3tag.de

It can rename your files, transfer tags to filenames, vice versa. You can use regular expressions... endless possibilites.
nik39 7:36 PM - 21 July, 2009
I mean "you do all these *also* using mp3tag.de"
sixxx 7:37 PM - 21 July, 2009
is that a mac thing?
sixxx 7:38 PM - 21 July, 2009
.exe file... mmmh. That is a no I take it. lol
AKIEM 7:47 PM - 21 July, 2009
for mac itunes dougscripts.com
close to anything Ive needed to do
WarpNote 7:49 PM - 21 July, 2009
For all mac users (especially if you don't like iTunes that much), I'll reccomend media rage, will do most of the functions found in id3tagit. Will set you back about $30, well worth it in my opinion...
DJ Dub Cowboy 8:41 PM - 21 July, 2009
Quote:
You can do all of these using mp3tag.de

It can rename your files, transfer tags to filenames, vice versa. You can use regular expressions... endless possibilites.


I used this when I was PC

Quote:
for mac itunes dougscripts.com
close to anything Ive needed to do


this is cool if you use itunes, because its all in the program. A new menu shows up when you install a script.


Quote:
For all mac users (especially if you don't like iTunes that much), I'll reccomend media rage, will do most of the functions found in id3tagit. Will set you back about $30, well worth it in my opinion...


this is also a good program, great if you do not like itunes. I used this to clean my library of 1.x ID3 tags without deleting the 2.3 tags. NICE!
Proto J 10:59 PM - 21 July, 2009
is there a free program for macs that will allow me to convert only the files that aren't already 2.3 to none then 2.3, without losing cue points, loops, etc?

i'll probably only use it once to do that, and then use itunes to tag new music. it's just easy to download stuff, click apple-o, it opens in itunes, tag it all, and be done with it. otherwise b4 i bring stuff into itunes i will have to open it in another program, tag it, save it, then open it in itunes. i just think it's more efficient to eliminate that extra step, unless there's some benefit worth it to take the extra step?

i'd also like to be able to make the file names across my entire library show the artist - title, instead of "track 02", or just the song title, and stuff like that. not that it matters too much, as my iphone displays tags, but if i were to send someone a file, or upload it somewhere, i'd rather it be named artist - title, than just the title, like it usually is...
sixxx 11:01 PM - 21 July, 2009
You can strip the tags in iTunes....
sixxx 11:01 PM - 21 July, 2009
But, I think everytime you do that, you loose cues.
Proto J 9:37 PM - 22 July, 2009
yeah, i'd really rather not loose cues and loops...
Proto J 9:39 PM - 22 July, 2009
Quote:
oh, but I have learned the hard way that all that is for nothing unless I strip all ID3 tags to none (2-3 times) and then write only version 2.3 tags using itunes.

oh and my new favorite script [_"artist - name" corrector.] this one saves me so much typing I wish I had found it 15,000 files ago.


why 2-3 times?
DJ Dub Cowboy 9:50 PM - 22 July, 2009
sometimes it doesn't work in one batch. weird behavior, but if you are doing a bunch of files try it a few times. the second time it will do some more and the then the third time nothing happens.

I hate nothing more than tagging a file and having it revert to some BS.
Proto J 9:55 PM - 22 July, 2009
are most files you get these days 2.3, or do you still see some older ones?

if i gotta convert all the time, and itunes fucks it up like that, then i might as well get a program that will convert them and let me tag them b4 i even open them in itunes...
DJ Dub Cowboy 9:59 PM - 22 July, 2009
itunes still encodes with 2.2 but I am not bothered by those as much

I don't mind using itunes to handle tags but that little double process trick has just become part of my work flow
sixxx 10:22 PM - 22 July, 2009
I haven't had any problems with tags anymore. At the very beginning (years ago) I did, now they all seem to "take" by iTunes. :)

Yeah. 2.2 or higher seems to do the trick.
CMOS 12:00 AM - 23 July, 2009
Some decent MediaMonkey Scripts:


tippopotamus.blogspot.com
Proto J 2:48 AM - 23 July, 2009
what kind of problems can older tag versions present?

like, if i were to go in and do all my genres and add all my codes for smart playlists and searches, is there a chance stuff like that could revert back if the tag version is older than 2.3?

if not then i'm not gonna worry about converting them, but i'd hate to put in all that work and have some files freak out on me...
DJ Dub Cowboy 2:58 AM - 23 July, 2009
thats exactly what will happen.

you will especially loose your genre and comments if the old tag reverts
sixxx 4:38 AM - 23 July, 2009
What Dub Cowboy said. As soon as you play the track, it will revert.
Proto J 5:13 AM - 23 July, 2009
crap!

ok, so should i just use itunes to convert my entire library to none then 2.3, since i don't wanna spend the time going through 8k files and converting them all individually?

just gonna suck to have to redo all those cue points and loops...

there's gotta be a program for macs that will only convert the ones that's aren't 2.3 already, and do it without losing cue points and loops...
sixxx 5:21 AM - 23 July, 2009
I believe there's a program out there that will identify tracks that aren't a certain tag version.... let me search....
sixxx 5:25 AM - 23 July, 2009
mmmh. nothing yet.

Well, basically, I doubt you will run into a ton of tags that will revert.... I know when I do my library it "was" a few far in between. Nowadays I find nothing that reverts. I don't know if it's because I've updated iTunes so many times and they fixed that or maybe all my tags are 2.2 +
Proto J 5:26 AM - 23 July, 2009
that'd be so rad, after i use it on my existing library, then i'd just use it to scan new batches of tracks i get b4 i even load them into itunes to tag them...
sixxx 5:27 AM - 23 July, 2009
... and HONESTLY, I would not worry about it so much. You WILL DO MORE DAMAGE if you change all the tags to none then 2.3 since tracks that have a lot of characters will get cut off and then you wont have any idea what was deleted.
Proto J 5:51 AM - 23 July, 2009
welp, it looks like the only program i can find info on that works for a mac is mediarage.

mp3tag, id3tagit, all that stuff i windows only apparently.

so, i know mediarage will figure out which tags aren't 2.3 and convert only those, but will it do it without losing cue points & loops (apparently it's the converting to none that kills them, but you have to convert to none first in itunes, right?)
DeezNotes 12:33 PM - 23 July, 2009
Quote:
... and HONESTLY, I would not worry about it so much. You WILL DO MORE DAMAGE if you change all the tags to none then 2.3 since tracks that have a lot of characters will get cut off and then you wont have any idea what was deleted.

Yes. This may have been an issue a long time ago with SSL, but it's no longer an issue. I used a program which could identify tracks that havd v1 tags and removed all v1 tags leaving only the 2.3 tag. It screwed up a ton of files for me.

I've never really had an issue with having both v1 and v2.x tags. If I could do it all over again, I wouldn't have ever tried to remove the v1 tags. It took some time, but all my files are now fixed.

As an alternative, I would use a program like Media Monkey to save all tags to 2.3 (select the files and press CTRL+S). It may not remove the v1 tags, but you can configure it to MAKE SURE it writes a 2.3 tag to your files.
MexiKanMan 10:49 PM - 23 July, 2009
I read the whole thread b4 but I can't remember if it was asked, so I'll ask right now:
Sixx, Konix, DVDHardy, or whomever, could you do a vid on:

1. How to go about using an external program to tag multiple files....I bought one at one time when I was on PC but couldn't figure how to use it and it fell by the wayside.

2. Show how you work through your library using the codes? (I think I understand by what you've written, but I'm a visual learner).

If you have the time to do this, please make it at a layman's level as some of us have no idea about command prompts or the like....thanks in advance if you can help.
sixxx 12:26 AM - 24 July, 2009
1. I don't use any external programs outside of iTunes so I can't help. My guess is read their instructions. lol

2. Say I'm at the club and I want to play club shit. I type (CE) in the search box. That brings all the "Club Essentials" that I can play at a club.
Or, say I want to narrow it down and just play r&B from the Club Essentials - Then, I just type (CE) R&B

Basically, you come up with any codes for your music and you use those codes alone or a combination of 2 or more.
DJ_X_Trodinaire 2:20 AM - 24 July, 2009
chit more things to reorganize!

Interns anyone?
AKIEM 2:54 AM - 24 July, 2009
its not all that hard if you already have them organized in crates
it shouldnt take that long to get a basic system running
MexiKanMan 4:11 AM - 24 July, 2009
k...thx sixxx
deezlee 7:02 AM - 24 July, 2009
if you have them in itunes playlists or smart playlists already...
get itunes add/remove group actionscript.
in each playlist, select all,
then hit the actionscript button and add yer code
repeat with each playlist
now your grouping tag will say
"[cln], [hh], [R&B]" or whatever.

i don't add the codes to each song as i get it.
i just throw them into playlists called "wedding to tag", "clean to tag" etc
when i'm done adding tracks i do the above process to the playlists then empty them
DJJOHNNYM_vSL3 9:44 AM - 24 July, 2009
Quote:


The reason I use '[' is that it is highly unlikely that a search would yield any result with a search for "[HH" for example, unless I tag them that way specifically. There is a chance that just "HH" or any other two letters would give some result naturally in the tags. So I name all my tags with the bracket and two letters. For example if I want all my instrumental hip-hop, I would search "[hh [in". Or all instrumentals would come up if I just search "[in". But if I searched "in" plenty more would show up besides instrumentals. So the "[" is just a way of concentrating the search on the labels that I have given to the records. You could use any key. I started with "(" and changed them to "[" so I didnt have to use the shift key.


Now THAT'S a +10
deezlee 10:59 AM - 24 July, 2009
yeah the thing sixxx does with the "e" and the end bracket is good too.

i guess you could use "[hhe]" for hip hop essentials

and "[hhm]" for hip hop that's mellow, etc.

and use "e]", "m] ", etc.

to get multi genre essentials, mellow tracks, etc.

i dunno if sixxx does that but it makes sense.

thanks for the ideas sixxx
peace
DeezNotes 1:00 PM - 24 July, 2009
Whatever you decide to do, try to do it with the least amount of effort.

Typing will take the most time. Minimize your typing time. Drag all the songs to a playlist or crate you want to tag with the same code. Once they're all there, select them all and enter that code in whatever field you want. That way, you only have to type it once. Of course, this won't work if you need to type multiple codes in the same field, but you can still do this if you plan it right.

If you're using 1.9 with the new history layout, use your existing playlists from when you play certain sets. Before 1.9, at the end of each set I would drag the review list to a crate and label that crate as the gig, date and maybe the type of music played. This helped me hit multiple songs that I KNOW are hot (because I played them out) with a color.

I basically use the colors in SSL the same way sixxx uses codes, only my colors span multiple genres. My crates are set up by genre. In each crate there are tracks which have colors that represent something. This way, I can have an "Essentials" list for house, hip hop, r&b, reggae, rock, etc. The benefit to using sixxx's method is that you can type in a code and the genre and have your list where my lists are pre-defined in crates.

I think it's possible to implement both to utilize them to their fullest possibilities. Just gotta keep an open mind and a plan to get things done the easiest way.
DJJOHNNYM_vSL3 2:17 PM - 24 July, 2009
Quote:
Of course, this won't work if you need to type multiple codes in the same field, but you can still do this if you plan it right.


Why not?

I'm imagining having, say Good Times with code (OSE) "Old School Essential", BUT I also may want to have an additional code for (BRE) "Battle Record Essential", so couldn't I drag it to 2 different crates, 2 different times, and add a code each time?
djchrischip 2:18 PM - 24 July, 2009
sixxx's method is pretty cool would take me rest of my life to impliment it lol
DJJOHNNYM_vSL3 2:19 PM - 24 July, 2009
Quote:
sixxx's method is pretty cool would take me rest of my life to impliment it lol


I'm just starting out, so I just have to figure out all the codes I want before I start...
AKIEM 4:32 PM - 24 July, 2009
If you already have genres or crates (which you must) it wont take anytime at all.

For example, I use the genre tag to put my labels in. Take all your Hip-Hop and tag it [HH. Take all your R&B and tag it [RB. And so on, nothing complex there. But now for the dynamics*. I use itunes and dougscripts.com (no pc) to append a label to a tag. So I search "instr" which gives me most of my Instrumentals and then append those genre tags with [in. Both the HipHop and the R&B records get labeled. This way if you search [hh you get all HipHop, if you add [in so its '[hh [in' you get all HipHop instrumentals, but (now for the dynamics) if you search just '[in' you get all instrumentals BOTH the HipHop and the R&B instrumentals. If the tag is labeled '[HH [IN' or if it is labeled '[RB [IN' they both come up if you search for just '[in'

If you plan out what you are doing you can have a pretty dynamic system in a couple hours.

And you know how you have all those records that fit into two genres? just tag them with both, they will come up in both searches.

*look up the word 'dynamic' if you dont know wtf Im talking about
DeezNotes 5:08 PM - 24 July, 2009
Quote:
Quote:
Of course, this won't work if you need to type multiple codes in the same field, but you can still do this if you plan it right.


Why not?

I'm imagining having, say Good Times with code (OSE) "Old School Essential", BUT I also may want to have an additional code for (BRE) "Battle Record Essential", so couldn't I drag it to 2 different crates, 2 different times, and add a code each time?

Quote:
sixxx's method is pretty cool would take me rest of my life to impliment it lol

I'll address both of these statements by adding on to what Akiem just said.

Let's say as is stands now, not only do I not use codes, I don't even have my genre set on ANY of my tracks... BUT I have all my crates set up where all my hip hop is in one folder and R&B is in another folder, etc. (or crate).

My folder or crate listing has all my files in one place that are all common. Select them all and edit the Genre of them all in one shot. BAM! All my Rap music in my \Rap folder now has a genre of "Rap."

Now I need to mark some as "Essential" the way sixxx does. I save my playlists, so I go through some playlists from some decent sets at the club, drag them to a new crate or playlist. From here, I can mark all these songs as "Essential" because they're obviously songs I've played out. If they don't need that tag, I don't add that tag to them. It's easy to scan your set list to know what worked and what didn't after a particular set.

As for not adding multiple tags to songs, my reference was when doing it in a large batch like I stated above. You can do this in small batches of common files or one at a time, sure. But to save time I personally try to do as much as I can ONCE using scripts or whatever I need to in order to get the job done.

Rule of life is most likely someone else has come across this issue before. Don't repeat history... learn from those before you. Ask questions, use Google, whatever... there's usually ALWAYS an easier way.
sixxx 5:39 PM - 24 July, 2009
Correct. It really doesn't take that long to implement if you're already using something else. You can select whatever playlist you already have and add codes to it. It can be in the "grouping" field or the "comments" field. Some people even use the "album" field for codes. So, that alone gives you 3 places that you can add individual codes. It gets a little bit trickier if you want to add multiple codes to one song in one field, but it can't be done.

Johnny is right. Right now is the best time to decide what codes to use so you don't have to change them later. I've modified mine over the years. Remember, this has taken me years to "perfect". You basically get the end result and learn from what Ive experienced.
DJJOHNNYM_vSL3 5:43 PM - 24 July, 2009
Quote:

Johnny is right. Right now is the best time to decide what codes to use so you don't have to change them later. I've modified mine over the years. Remember, this has taken me years to "perfect". You basically get the end result and learn from what Ive experienced.


Yep, and basically, (so I can tie this to the other thread...), I can take YOUR idea Sixxx, master it, improve on it, etc...etc....

And then when I've come up with a much more robust plan, I should hit you up on the board and say, "Yo, Sixxx, I'm working on version 10.5 of SeratoCodes, but you're still on version 4.3, why ain't you up to speed...."
AKIEM 5:47 PM - 24 July, 2009
if you think this is in anyway a good idea, go to this thread and bump serato.com

maybe we could get Serato to implement this officially
you wouldnt have to type in the search, just click on the label
or just hit a midi key
CMOS 5:53 PM - 24 July, 2009
^^^^ Yeah but then we'd have to agree on codes. This forum and agreements dont go so well together.
AKIEM 6:06 PM - 24 July, 2009
make that point in the thread tho
sixxx 6:30 PM - 24 July, 2009
lol @ SeratoCodes version X.X
DJJOHNNYM_vSL3 6:48 PM - 24 July, 2009
Quote:
^^^^ Yeah but then we'd have to agree on codes. This forum and agreements dont go so well together.


Actually, IF IT WAS AT ALL POSSIBLE to come up with a community of codes, whenever we/you get together for a Jammy Jam, it would be NOTHING to just go up to somebody's else's laptop and just start rocking....

Just put in codes of what you want, and see what comes up, and just kill it...

THAT would make for awesomeness in a battle, or friendly competition...
sixxx 6:52 PM - 24 July, 2009
Yup. I agree. A bunch of universal codes would be dope.
AKIEM 6:52 PM - 24 July, 2009
Quote:
Quote:
^^^^ Yeah but then we'd have to agree on codes. This forum and agreements dont go so well together.


Actually, IF IT WAS AT ALL POSSIBLE to come up with a community of codes, whenever we/you get together for a Jammy Jam, it would be NOTHING to just go up to somebody's else's laptop and just start rocking....

Just put in codes of what you want, and see what comes up, and just kill it...

THAT would make for awesomeness in a battle, or friendly competition...


bump the other thread with this, so the mods see it, and consider it
keep this thread for how we do it now

and the answer is NO, we dont all have to agree on the same crate names, why would we all have to agree on Labels?

you hit "+Label" - name it
just like crates

everyone names them how they like
CMOS 6:53 PM - 24 July, 2009
Agreed, if the mods make the code list, no one can bitch about it either.
AKIEM 6:54 PM - 24 July, 2009
Quote:
Agreed, if the mods make the code list, no one can bitch about it either.


do the mods name our crates?
CMOS 6:56 PM - 24 July, 2009
I was talking about this idea, which i actually like.





Actually, IF IT WAS AT ALL POSSIBLE to come up with a community of codes, whenever we/you get together for a Jammy Jam, it would be NOTHING to just go up to somebody's else's laptop and just start rocking....
sixxx 6:58 PM - 24 July, 2009
Quote:
Quote:
Agreed, if the mods make the code list, no one can bitch about it either.


do the mods name our crates?


Good point. Scratch the universal codes thing. hahahaha

------
Quote:
Actually, IF IT WAS AT ALL POSSIBLE to come up with a community of codes, whenever we/you get together for a Jammy Jam, it would be NOTHING to just go up to somebody's else's laptop and just start rocking....


I thought about this and I've been to about 10 Jammy Jams and I can tell you it wouldn't work simply because we don't all have the same music.
CMOS 6:59 PM - 24 July, 2009
yeah but that would be the point of it, to see what other people consider "essentials".
DJJOHNNYM_vSL3 7:00 PM - 24 July, 2009
Quote:

and the answer is NO, we dont all have to agree on the same crate names, why would we all have to agree on Labels?

you hit "+Label" - name it
just like crates

everyone names them how they like


I haven't read your other thread fully, so I may be missing something in the label vs. code thing.

Why wouldn't you want a Universal set of CODES?
DJJOHNNYM_vSL3 7:01 PM - 24 July, 2009
Quote:
Agreed, if the mods make the code list, no one can bitch about it either.


No, that should be up to whoever is DJ'ing or owning the software to create.

What WE should do is come up with a list that WE would all agree to.
AKIEM 7:02 PM - 24 July, 2009
Jesus Christ (not the DJ)
sixxx 7:02 PM - 24 July, 2009
Quote:
Quote:

and the answer is NO, we dont all have to agree on the same crate names, why would we all have to agree on Labels?

you hit "+Label" - name it
just like crates

everyone names them how they like


I haven't read your other thread fully, so I may be missing something in the label vs. code thing.

Why wouldn't you want a Universal set of CODES?


This program is universal so what may work here as far as codes, may not work for someone in Japan.

The cool thing about codes is that they're designed to make it easier for you to remember. You can say you can change them to numbers, or shit that doesn't make sense, but that would defeat the purpose as you'd now have to remember what each code means.
CMOS 7:03 PM - 24 July, 2009
Quote:
Quote:
Agreed, if the mods make the code list, no one can bitch about it either.


No, that should be up to whoever is DJ'ing or owning the software to create.

What WE should do is come up with a list that WE would all agree to.


haha, we cant even agree on the fact that we cant agree on shit.
DJJOHNNYM_vSL3 7:03 PM - 24 July, 2009
Quote:

I thought about this and I've been to about 10 Jammy Jams and I can tell you it wouldn't work simply because we don't all have the same music.


That's precisely the point of the "competition". You punch in the codes that you WANT, and rock off of what comes up!

You just have to agree that everybody uses the SAME SYNTAX.
AKIEM 7:04 PM - 24 July, 2009
Lord Have Mercy (and not the rapper or whatever his name is)
sixxx 7:04 PM - 24 July, 2009
Quote:
Quote:

I thought about this and I've been to about 10 Jammy Jams and I can tell you it wouldn't work simply because we don't all have the same music.


That's precisely the point of the "competition". You punch in the codes that you WANT, and rock off of what comes up!

You just have to agree that everybody uses the SAME SYNTAX.


You don't have to get to extremes then. It's easy. One person brings a flash drive with music on it. THEY all have to play off whatever it's on that flash drive. :)
DJJOHNNYM_vSL3 7:05 PM - 24 July, 2009
Quote:
Jesus Christ (not the DJ)


We must be thinking of 2 different things. If you have SERATO HARDCODE IT, (HH, HHE, etc..etc), that means nothing...to someone who only plays R&B...

But if the DJ can create his own set of CODES, and everyone agrees to tag their files (or even temporarily tag them (like on a flash drive), then that makes it dope.
AKIEM 7:06 PM - 24 July, 2009
God Almighty (no Bruce, no Vice Lord)
DJJOHNNYM_vSL3 7:06 PM - 24 July, 2009
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
Agreed, if the mods make the code list, no one can bitch about it either.


No, that should be up to whoever is DJ'ing or owning the software to create.

What WE should do is come up with a list that WE would all agree to.


haha, we cant even agree on the fact that we cant agree on shit.


I'm not sure if I agree with that or not....
DeezNotes 7:06 PM - 24 July, 2009
I wouldn't mind if they made color crates. If you have a color enabled on one or more tracks, a crate of that color is activated. This can be optional of course.

Currently, there is no way to show you only one particular color. This would solve that.

I know some stated they don't use the colors, but for me Red is essential, so that kinda replaces the need to type in anything in any field.
AKIEM 7:08 PM - 24 July, 2009
Allah in person (NOI)
DJJOHNNYM_vSL3 7:09 PM - 24 July, 2009
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:

I thought about this and I've been to about 10 Jammy Jams and I can tell you it wouldn't work simply because we don't all have the same music.


That's precisely the point of the "competition". You punch in the codes that you WANT, and rock off of what comes up!

You just have to agree that everybody uses the SAME SYNTAX.


You don't have to get to extremes then. It's easy. One person brings a flash drive with music on it. THEY all have to play off whatever it's on that flash drive. :)


But no, because that limits EVERYONE to whatever is on that 1 flash drive..

I should be able to go to YOUR LAPTOP, type in what I think will match up with HHE, and rock off of that...

but, what I CONSIDER a HipHop Essential, might not be what YOU consider a HHE.

For example, you might have California Love while I may have HipHop Hooray....
AKIEM 7:10 PM - 24 July, 2009
yes color codes would be nice
When Gmail started they didnt have
Quote:
I wouldn't mind if they made color crates. If you have a color enabled on one or more tracks, a crate of that color is activated. This can be optional of course.

Currently, there is no way to show you only one particular color. This would solve that.

I know some stated they don't use the colors, but for me Red is essential, so that kinda replaces the need to type in anything in any field.



yes, colors would be nice - when gmail started they didnt have color, now they do
nik39 7:10 PM - 24 July, 2009
Quote:
Jesus Christ (not the DJ)

+1

Quote:
Lord Have Mercy (and not the rapper or whatever his name is)

+11

Quote:
God Almighty (no Bruce, no Vice Lord)

+111

That wouldn't work and I think it is a dumb idea.
sixxx 7:14 PM - 24 July, 2009
lol @ AKIEM
DJJOHNNYM_vSL3 7:15 PM - 24 July, 2009
Quote:


This program is universal so what may work here as far as codes, may not work for someone in Japan.


No, I'm talking about agreeing amongst US what codes to use between OURSELVES...
AKIEM 7:17 PM - 24 July, 2009
I dont understand why the discussion turned to using other peoples laptops. does anyone use crates to let other people use their laptops? maybe but - kuff that



key - you can think of Labels as a more dynamic alternate to Crates or Playlists


thats why Ive been trying to get people over to the Feature Suggestion, which is slightly different from Sixxx 'codes', its kind of a work around from what the FS would be



Quote:
if you think this is in anyway a good idea, go to this thread and bump serato.com

maybe we could get Serato to implement this officially
you wouldnt have to type in the search, just click on the label
or just hit a midi key




Quote:
if you think this is in anyway a good idea, go to this thread and bump serato.com

maybe we could get Serato to implement this officially
you wouldnt have to type in the search, just click on the label
or just hit a midi key




Quote:
if you think this is in anyway a good idea, go to this thread and bump serato.com

maybe we could get Serato to implement this officially
you wouldnt have to type in the search, just click on the label
or just hit a midi key



my last try
AKIEM 7:21 PM - 24 July, 2009
Quote:
Quote:


This program is universal so what may work here as far as codes, may not work for someone in Japan.


No, I'm talking about agreeing amongst US what codes to use between OURSELVES...


why would you try and order your codes in a way that would let you fly out to cali and let some fool jump on your laptop and know what he is doing?


wouldnt you fucking make your codes to fit your library and fit the way you work?

If you dont have HH in your library are you going to make a HH code anyway just cuz some other fucker does?

cmon fam
DJ Dub Cowboy 7:26 PM - 24 July, 2009
^I'm with you on that.

anyone would look at my codes and say "what the fuck"

use the idea for codes, don't copy them. make your own shit up, just like you should all be making your own mixes and own crates

I like the gmail label idea. where is the thread to bunp
AKIEM 7:37 PM - 24 July, 2009
Quote:
I like the gmail label idea. where is the thread to bunp


Quote:
if you think this is in anyway a good idea, go to this thread and bump serato.com

maybe we could get Serato to implement this officially
you wouldnt have to type in the search, just click on the label
or just hit a midi key
AKIEM 7:39 PM - 24 July, 2009
Quote:
lol @ AKIEM


LOL
DJ Dub Cowboy 7:42 PM - 24 July, 2009
gmail style "hot labels"

clickable
midi assignable
color coded
editable
AKIEM 7:48 PM - 24 July, 2009
Quote:
gmail style "hot labels"

clickable
midi assignable
color coded
editable


exactly

only bump the Feature Suggestion so the developers actually take note.
DJJOHNNYM_vSL3 7:51 PM - 24 July, 2009
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:


This program is universal so what may work here as far as codes, may not work for someone in Japan.


No, I'm talking about agreeing amongst US what codes to use between OURSELVES...


why would you try and order your codes in a way that would let you fly out to cali and let some fool jump on your laptop and know what he is doing?


wouldnt you fucking make your codes to fit your library and fit the way you work?

If you dont have HH in your library are you going to make a HH code anyway just cuz some other fucker does?

cmon fam


OMG! I was saying it would be A NICE WAY TO BATTLE OR HAVE A FRIENDLY COMPETITION....Not as a way to just let "some fool" get on my stuff and rock...

Scroll up...This was a hypethetical situation man...lmao.
DJJOHNNYM_vSL3 7:51 PM - 24 July, 2009
Quote:
^I'm with you on that.

anyone would look at my codes and say "what the fuck"

use the idea for codes, don't copy them. make your own shit up, just like you should all be making your own mixes and own crates

I like the gmail label idea. where is the thread to bunp


You know what, I think I will fall back,cuz y'all don't realize what I'm suggesting FOR FUN....
nik39 8:16 PM - 24 July, 2009
Good, back on topic now.
DJJOHNNYM_vSL3 8:34 PM - 24 July, 2009
*****sigh*****
AKIEM 8:40 PM - 24 July, 2009
Jah Ras Tafari
deezlee 3:36 AM - 25 July, 2009
quote:
"Once they're all there, select them all and enter that code in whatever field you want. That way, you only have to type it once. Of course, this won't work if you need to type multiple codes in the same field, but you can still do this if you plan it right."

broken record (me):
use a applescript like "add/remove grouping" or whatever to add/remove codes from multiple files at a time without it erasing the already existing info.

i keep repeating that cause it's saved me so much freeking time, i don't want anyone to have to add codes one at at time like i used to. also, if you change your system or your codes, you can use the script to erase and replace the old codes
sixxx 5:26 AM - 25 July, 2009
Correct. But we're explaining two methods. Either way works.... noobs may not understand or may not wanna bother with scripts.
Proto J 9:33 AM - 25 July, 2009
Quote:
It gets a little bit trickier if you want to add multiple codes to one song in one field, but it can't be done.


why's that?

that's what i'm gonna be doing, adding multiple codes to the grouping field for a lot of my tracks...
DJ Dub Cowboy 9:38 AM - 25 July, 2009
Quote:
Quote:
It gets a little bit trickier if you want to add multiple gropes to one song in one field, but it can't be done.


why's that?

that's what i'm gonna be doing, adding multiple grabs to the groping field for a lot of my tracks...
sixxx 7:25 PM - 25 July, 2009
That's supposed to say 'But it CAN be done'
AKIEM 8:06 PM - 25 July, 2009
It gets trickier when you want to add a code to a set of songs that are already coded. You have to append that code to the tag because there are too many possible combinations of codes to just re-tag each group that a search combination yields.

If I want to add the code [IN to all my instrumentals, some are Hip-Hop, some are Reggae, some are R&B, etc. How do I add [IN to a track that is already tagged [HH [NS [WC [CM and a track already tagged [RG [DH [CL ? I have to use a script so that each becomes [HH [NS [WC [CM [IN and [RG [DH [CL [IN.
deezlee 8:21 PM - 25 July, 2009
last time i promise...
dougscripts.com
peace
AKIEM 8:24 PM - 25 July, 2009
Quote:
last time i promise...
dougscripts.com
peace


nice, that one got past me
thanks
Proto J 12:06 AM - 26 July, 2009
Quote:
That's supposed to say 'But it CAN be done'


yeah, but why does it get tricky?
AKIEM 12:44 AM - 26 July, 2009
It gets tricky when you want to add a code to a set of songs that are already coded.
MexiKanMan 6:27 PM - 27 July, 2009
Okay got the codes but how do you store your music. I have mine in folders:
COUNTRY
DECADES
50S-60S
70S
80S
ALL
RAP
BBOY
90S
COUNTRY
TX COUNTRY
TEJANO
CUMBIA
POLKA
RANCHERA
BALADA
HIPHOP
CLEAN
DIRTY
NOT USED
LATIN RAP
REGGAETON
REGGAE
POP
ROCK

Does everyone do it similar to this or do you have a MUSIC folder and everything is all together. I was thinking about moving it to one folder and managing genres in itunes or in crates. By storing it in one folder, i was thinking it might cut down on duplicates? Thoughts?
AKIEM 6:51 PM - 27 July, 2009
It doesnt matter if you have them in crates or not - the point is that you can go to you ALL library, type in a code and get what you want.

The thing to think about here, are you going to want to type out R A N C H A ?
no

Might searching for 'dirty' bring up more then just your actual dirty versions?
yes

Thats why you change them into quick codes that will specifically bring up only what you are looking for.

Use '[RNC' for RANCHARA.
Then you type ' [ r n c ' and all your Ranchara will come up, and nothing alse will because there probably is not anything else in your library with the letters '[rnc' in it.
sixxx 6:59 PM - 27 July, 2009
What AKIEM said. No point in using codes if you're gonna use the words as your codes. You're defeating the purpose of it.

A code should be:

Short
Unique
Something easy to remember that links your code to the word or words you're 'replacing'
deezlee 8:20 PM - 27 July, 2009
@mexikan
i use itunes with "organize music" turned off, so all of my songs are in one itunes folder.
i use genres and then codes in my gouping tag
MexiKanMan 8:25 PM - 27 July, 2009
clarification: I got how to use codes, sixx's way is excellent. I was asking how you store the actual file on your hard drives? In seperate folders or all together....sorry for the mix-up.
sixxx 8:40 PM - 27 July, 2009
Quote:
clarification: I got how to use codes, sixx's way is excellent. I was asking how you store the actual file on your hard drives? In seperate folders or all together....sorry for the mix-up.


I let iTunes handle my organization as I could care less where and how they're stored. Remember, if anything, I can always pull music out of iTunes without needing to worry where they are. So, let's say that I want to take music to one gig. Specific music that is.....

I just type the code, get the songs I need and drag them out of iTunes. :)
MexiKanMan 2:39 AM - 28 July, 2009
cool...thx
Proto J 3:12 AM - 28 July, 2009
yeah, i really don't see the point in NOT letting itunes store all your music... as said b4, you can drag anything out of it, and even when using aim to send files, you can't drag a track directly from itunes to aim, but you can hit apple-r and it will show you exactly where that file is in the itunes music folder, and you can drag it from there.

i was gonna keep "keep itunes music folder organized" checked, because my original plan was to keep a super clean itunes music folder (like, making sure an artist name is spelled exactly the same, with no featured artists in the artist field, so that there isn't multiple folders for the same artist), but i just don't see the point anymore. it's a lot of work with no real benefit. you can locate and move any tracks you need to directly from itunes, so why fuck with it? i can't remember the last time i went into my itunes music folder looking for anything. so i could care less how clean it is in there.

keeping "keep itunes music folder organized" checked will put stuff where it belongs within the itunes music folder, for instance, if you get a file with the wrong, or misspelled artist name filled in, or blank in the artist field, and you add the correct artist name, it will file it away in the same folder for that artist within the itunes music folder, but if it's unchecked, it will end up in a folder somewhere called something like "unknown artist", and won't move it to the correct folder... which sucks if you want a clean itunes music folder, but i don't care anymore.

but why are you guys unchecking "keep itunes music folder organized"? i remember having a problem with files disappearing within serato's crates and calling them and them telling me to uncheck it, and i haven't had problems like that since. but what are your reasons?
Proto J 3:24 AM - 28 July, 2009
and btw, i know guys who store their music outside of itunes in genre folders elsewhere on the harddrive (and either don't use itunes at all, or only use it to organize and manage tracks)... but i don't see the point.

i know a guy who does that and uses smart playlists, but it's one more step every time you get new music, you gotta drag each new track you get to it's designated folder. same thing as dragging tracks into their crates in serato, defeats most of the purpose of using smart playlists imo...

the reason my buddy gave me was "well what if itunes crashes and you lose everything?" well, when the hell have you really heard of that happening? and even if it did, you'd be a fool to not have a somewhat recent back up, especially now considering how easy it is to do via timemachine...

the serato guys advise against using itunes with serato. apparently they've seen absolute nightmares doing so... but it's a lot of work not to, and until they implement smart/dynamic playlists, they're not gonna see many people not using itunes. they've told me of a couple instances where someone had itunes synced up with serato and all of the sudden one day they opened serato and none of the music would load into serato, none of their playlists were there, nothing. but i think that's really rare, and if you got a recent back up, you should be fine reverting back to that.
DJJOHNNYM_vSL3 3:53 AM - 28 July, 2009
I swear, the longer I wait, the more information comes out...The REAL Pros and Cons.

Sixxxx, question. Do you PHYSICALLY have all your music in one gigantic folder?
Proto J 4:59 AM - 28 July, 2009
no, i think sixxx is letting itunes store his music in it's music folder, at least from what i remember him saying here or from another similar thread.
illmatic 7:04 AM - 28 July, 2009
this sounds good except for i dont have time to re edit my gargantious library
AKIEM 7:11 AM - 28 July, 2009
To get the benefit of this system, it will only take a couple hours to add the codes.
illmatic 7:16 AM - 28 July, 2009
enlighten me,i only read the first and last part of this thead
AKIEM 7:27 AM - 28 July, 2009
the enlightenment you seek must be in the center then
illmatic 7:48 AM - 28 July, 2009
lol,i have a crazy wide selection of tracks with all kinds of sub genres as im sure everybody does,i dont see how i do this in 2 hours ,much less 2 weeks,or even 2 months,without completely starting over
WarpNote 7:53 AM - 28 July, 2009
DJJohnnyM & MexiKanMan, I'm one of the people who had "absolute nightmares" with iTunes in SSL. Only 1/3 of my music showing up in SSL, tags dissapearing, no color dots etc...
More on the miserable story here -> scratchlive.net

In addition to those issues, I found (at least in my experience) that SSL gui-response seems quicker and more solid when iTunes library is not loaded, especially using large libraries.

I do store my music in folder structures,
the main 2 folders on root level are Artists and Compilations
I also have CD Rip and Download. These are temp folders for checking out new tracks. Tracks will then be moved to appropriate folders if I decide to use them for playing out.

My main structure goes something like this:
Artists
-Pop
-Rock
-Indie
-New Wave & Punk
-Metal
-HipHop
-R&B
-Soul
-Funk
-Electro
-Electronica
-House
-Techno
-Disco
-1950s
-1960s
-1970s
-1980s
-1990s
-Reggae
-Dancehall
-Country
-Jazz
-Salsa
-Latin
-Misc Artists (Stuff that don't fit elsewhere)

Compilations
-Pop
-Rock
-Indie
-New Wave & Punk
-Metal
-HipHop
-R&B
-Soul
-Funk
-Electro
-Electronica
-House
-Techno
-Disco
-1950s Hits
-1960s Hits
-1970s Hits
-1980s Hits
-1990s Hits
-Reggae
-Dancehall
-Country
-Jazz
-Salsa
-Latin
-Xmas
-Soundtracks
-Breaks
-Sample drops
-Misc Compilations (Stuff that don't fit elsewhere)

You might ask, why would I go through all this trouble of organizing?
Well, my main reason is that I'm not only a DJ, but a MUSIC COLLECTOR too. I've realized that I need collect music digitally, as I dont have more shelves for vinyl and cd's.

So I keep a large backup drive using the exact same folder structure, all tracks on the backup drive have been analyzed in serato for bpm & autogain. This way I can go "dig" for tracks before gigs, just like I used to with vinyl. I just go through whatever genre I need and copy from the backup to my portable. Sync with www.scratchtools.de - and ready to go. I always keep the current hot tracks on my portable, but still I think it is a DJ's responsible to always work in some different, unexpected tracks, keep the element of surprise.

For syncing newly added tracks (cd rip/download) from my portable to my backup drive I use iBackup. It will only copy new/altered files, making sure the backup always contain the fresh versions of my files. (whenever tags, cues, loops, etc are changed...)
AKIEM 8:51 AM - 28 July, 2009
Quote:
lol,i have a crazy wide selection of tracks with all kinds of sub genres as im sure everybody does,i dont see how i do this in 2 hours ,much less 2 weeks,or even 2 months,without completely starting over


You dont tag one song at a time, you select all of a certain group then add a code to it.

If there is a group of songs you always play, tag those songs with a code, then you wont have to click on the crate.
Proto J 9:16 AM - 28 July, 2009
Quote:
Quote:
... and HONESTLY, I would not worry about it so much. You WILL DO MORE DAMAGE if you change all the tags to none then 2.3 since tracks that have a lot of characters will get cut off and then you wont have any idea what was deleted.

Yes. This may have been an issue a long time ago with SSL, but it's no longer an issue. I used a program which could identify tracks that havd v1 tags and removed all v1 tags leaving only the 2.3 tag. It screwed up a ton of files for me.

I've never really had an issue with having both v1 and v2.x tags. If I could do it all over again, I wouldn't have ever tried to remove the v1 tags. It took some time, but all my files are now fixed.

As an alternative, I would use a program like Media Monkey to save all tags to 2.3 (select the files and press CTRL+S). It may not remove the v1 tags, but you can configure it to MAKE SURE it writes a 2.3 tag to your files.


ok, so based on this post of your's, i guess i'm not gonna try to use mediarage to convert any and all v1 tags to v2.x tags...

not sure how it screwed up a ton of files for you, and i definitely don't wanna go through that myself (got enough work cut out for me)...

but, that media monkey program you mentioned, does it work on macs, and if so, can i use it on all my music in my itunes, to make sure they all have a 2.3 tag written to them? or can i only use it on new files i get?

the last thing i want to happen is spend a ton of time adding the codes to my tracks (i'm going about it differently than most so i'll likely be doing it to files individually, which is gonna be very time consuming), and then have some revert and be lost within thousands of files... it'll just be a major pain in the ass...
deezlee 9:17 AM - 28 July, 2009
like Akiem said. if you use itunes, use this on each group of songs.
dougscripts.com
DJJOHNNYM_vSL3 10:29 AM - 28 July, 2009
Quote:
DJJohnnyM & MexiKanMan, I'm one of the people who had "absolute nightmares" with iTunes in SSL.

You might ask, why would I go through all this trouble of organizing?
Well, my main reason is that I'm not only a DJ, but a MUSIC COLLECTOR too. I've realized that I need collect music digitally, as I dont have more shelves for vinyl and cd's.


You must have read my mind. I'm taking so long to do this because not only do I want to do it once, but DO IT RIGHT. I too am somewhat of a MUSIC COLLECTOR. Not necessarily an audiophile, but I forsee this new digital library eventually becoming a main entertainment focus for the rest of the family with readily available iPods, MP3 players, and the digital fronteer ahead. Plus, lots of cats know to get at me for stuff they can't find digitally.

The kind of foresight which made me save all types of cassette, 8-Track, and / or LP's in the past, of otherwise undocumented performances is ringing loudly in my head, so I'm pressed to create some Digital Universal Library, that is able to be backed up and maintained in an orderly fashion.

I've already started to go down the wrong path lately with just DOWNLOADING stuff I know I won't burn from vinyl, and I need to stop and put structure to it before I continue.

At the same time, I'm anxious to get the most out of SL3 without carrying too many crates, but like Sheak and others have said, it's a weaning process, so I read the stories, and try to take the best from all suggestions to come up with a plan that works for me.

I already KNOW that iTunes will get on my last nerve with "Organizing My Library".
I also understand that there are better CD wave converters than iTunes.
I know I will use codes somehow, that only makes sense.
I know that my MAIN MUSIC Library won't necessarily be my Serato Music Library.

Decisions, decisions.....
DeezNotes 1:23 PM - 28 July, 2009
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
... and HONESTLY, I would not worry about it so much. You WILL DO MORE DAMAGE if you change all the tags to none then 2.3 since tracks that have a lot of characters will get cut off and then you wont have any idea what was deleted.

Yes. This may have been an issue a long time ago with SSL, but it's no longer an issue. I used a program which could identify tracks that havd v1 tags and removed all v1 tags leaving only the 2.3 tag. It screwed up a ton of files for me.

I've never really had an issue with having both v1 and v2.x tags. If I could do it all over again, I wouldn't have ever tried to remove the v1 tags. It took some time, but all my files are now fixed.

As an alternative, I would use a program like Media Monkey to save all tags to 2.3 (select the files and press CTRL+S). It may not remove the v1 tags, but you can configure it to MAKE SURE it writes a 2.3 tag to your files.


ok, so based on this post of your's, i guess i'm not gonna try to use mediarage to convert any and all v1 tags to v2.x tags...

not sure how it screwed up a ton of files for you, and i definitely don't wanna go through that myself (got enough work cut out for me)...

but, that media monkey program you mentioned, does it work on macs, and if so, can i use it on all my music in my itunes, to make sure they all have a 2.3 tag written to them? or can i only use it on new files i get?

the last thing i want to happen is spend a ton of time adding the codes to my tracks (i'm going about it differently than most so i'll likely be doing it to files individually, which is gonna be very time consuming), and then have some revert and be lost within thousands of files... it'll just be a major pain in the ass...

You're right... I wasn't specific on what happened to my files.

My files are tagged very very accurately. I use colors, all my overviews are built and I also use MP3gain on all my files. Removing the tags shortened the ID3 tag fields on some files. So if an album was named "Promo Only Urban Radio August 2009" it may have been shortened to "Promo Only Urban Radio A." The same went for the artist and title fields. I lost MP3gain and overview info on the files which I expected, but the biggest pain was the shortening of the file names.

Media Monkey is PC only. It's one of the few programs I wish I could run on my Mac (which I do via VMware Fusion). To answer your question, I believe you can do anything you want on any files you want with any program whether you use iTunes or not. They are only files. I hope this answers your questions.
DeezNotes 1:29 PM - 28 July, 2009
Quote:
Quote:
DJJohnnyM & MexiKanMan, I'm one of the people who had "absolute nightmares" with iTunes in SSL.

You might ask, why would I go through all this trouble of organizing?
Well, my main reason is that I'm not only a DJ, but a MUSIC COLLECTOR too. I've realized that I need collect music digitally, as I dont have more shelves for vinyl and cd's.


You must have read my mind. I'm taking so long to do this because not only do I want to do it once, but DO IT RIGHT. I too am somewhat of a MUSIC COLLECTOR. Not necessarily an audiophile, but I forsee this new digital library eventually becoming a main entertainment focus for the rest of the family with readily available iPods, MP3 players, and the digital fronteer ahead. Plus, lots of cats know to get at me for stuff they can't find digitally.

The kind of foresight which made me save all types of cassette, 8-Track, and / or LP's in the past, of otherwise undocumented performances is ringing loudly in my head, so I'm pressed to create some Digital Universal Library, that is able to be backed up and maintained in an orderly fashion.

I've already started to go down the wrong path lately with just DOWNLOADING stuff I know I won't burn from vinyl, and I need to stop and put structure to it before I continue.

At the same time, I'm anxious to get the most out of SL3 without carrying too many crates, but like Sheak and others have said, it's a weaning process, so I read the stories, and try to take the best from all suggestions to come up with a plan that works for me.

I already KNOW that iTunes will get on my last nerve with "Organizing My Library".
I also understand that there are better CD wave converters than iTunes.
I know I will use codes somehow, that only makes sense.
I know that my MAIN MUSIC Library won't necessarily be my Serato Music Library.

Decisions, decisions.....

I work with a similar type of logic as WarpNote. I keep 2 different libraries. It works pretty much the exact same way it did when I had vinyl. I have my personal CD collection and I have my vinyl collection. I could never play vinyl in my car... and I could never play CDs when I DJ, so it's easy for me to keep them separate as I've been doing for over 10 years.

JM... based on what I've been reading, I can probably narrow some things down for you, but I don't want to thread-jack so the one thing I can say to anyone that may want to use this method is to figure out a way to get a group of tracks together so you can add codes in batches. Maybe it'll be a playlist/crate you created manually, maybe it'll be from playlists/crates from past gigs, or maybe you have your crates set up for specific gigs already... any of those methods will help you get to where sixxx is a lot quicker than doing songs individually.
sixxx 1:58 PM - 28 July, 2009
Quote:
any of those methods will help you get to where sixxx is a lot quicker than doing songs individually.


Yup. It's only taken me this long because it's not like I came about having my library yesterday. :P

I add a bunch of songs each week. I listen and decide what to keep but most importantly what should be tagged in any way. Once you tag a song, you can always re-tag it.

Johnny, I let iTunes organize my music which means I have 1 folder with a million folders inside of it. :P
DJJOHNNYM_vSL3 3:22 PM - 28 July, 2009
Quote:

Johnny, I let iTunes organize my music which means I have 1 folder with a million folders inside of it. :P


Gotcha, and I'm petrified of that scenario. But I will figure something out.
:-)
sixxx 3:26 PM - 28 July, 2009
It's all in your head. It's like having a million dollars in the bank and wanting to know exactly where each dollar bill is located. Who cares as long as you can access your money.
WarpNote 3:31 PM - 28 July, 2009
Quote:
It's all in your head. It's like having a million dollars in the bank and wanting to know exactly where each dollar bill is located. Who cares as long as you can access your money.

I guess thats all nice and dandy, but when that bank is filled up, you need to find another (ie hard drives) - there will be issues.... tracks are "individuals" not just numbers... ;)

Then again, whatever works for you, with the least amount of work possible should be the answer...
DJ Dub Cowboy 3:38 PM - 28 July, 2009
Quote:
Quote:

Johnny, I let iTunes organize my music which means I have 1 folder with a million folders inside of it. :P


Gotcha, and I'm petrified of that scenario. But I will figure something out.
:-)



Johnny,

If you are going to use your digital library with ipods and such, don't be afraid of itunes. Sixxx made a good example with the bank. I keep an itunes library of every mp3 I get. If the kids want something on their ipod or the wife wants to listen to an album, we have a family computer with all of it in itunes. I have 4 ipods synced to that library.
I have a DJ library, that I also use itunes with but on a different computer, this is my DJ library. No one touches this except for me. I can back up from my master library if I need to, but I also keep a dupe of the external that these files are on. I let itunes manage the location of the folder because all I have to do to back up is copy one folder. I use smart playlists, embed codes into my files, and I make crates. I use all of the technics and don't ever hit a snag. This way if I don't tag a file, I can find it in a playlist or crate or search. I know there is not method to rule them all, but by this time you can take some of the more established methods and make a powershake out of all of them.
The thing about digital, is that technology changes. We are used to putting records on a shelf and they stay there next to other records. If we take a record out its not there anymore. Now with mp3s the record stays on the shelf when we play it, so we don't have to put it back when we are done, and therefore do not have to worry about its exact location. A better worry is to make sure you have 2-3 copies of it in different locations (drives).

best of luck
DeezNotes 3:54 PM - 28 July, 2009
Well, since it's going down that road...

I don't think Johnny will use iTunes because 1) he won't like the way iTunes organizes if he chose that option, 2) he's on PC, so he can't take advantage of the scripts to extend iTunes functionality, 3) he'll probably be better suited to use Media Monkey for the type of user he is.

He'll probably be better off using SSL Crates for now. It's a lot easier and it'll give him the control he'll need.

I think we've beat it in his head to make sure he TAGS everything specific to each song as best as possible. I suggest leave out any tags that can be set in groups (like genre, key or whatever).

The question JM has to answer for himself is how he'd like to create his SSL crates... I say set them up the same way you set up your physical crates for now. Put each file in a folder that'll represent a crate. Drag that folder into SSL. When/If you decide to move on to subcrates, look to ScratchTools. There's a forum for help on it and I'm sure plenty of us will pitch in to help you set the syntax (you only need to do it once).
sixxx 4:02 PM - 28 July, 2009
Quote:
Quote:
It's all in your head. It's like having a million dollars in the bank and wanting to know exactly where each dollar bill is located. Who cares as long as you can access your money.

I guess thats all nice and dandy, but when that bank is filled up, you need to find another (ie hard drives) - there will be issues.... tracks are "individuals" not just numbers... ;)


Have upgraded 4 times in 5 years. No issues. Next! :)
WarpNote 4:17 PM - 28 July, 2009
Me too sixxx, but 4 times in 3 years, had issues twice....
I just don't trust iTunes anymore. I will add my music to iTunes, but manually place tracks in folders, and I never load the iTunes library when playing out...
sixxx 4:27 PM - 28 July, 2009
So, what's the point of using iTunes.... just for tagging then?
DeezNotes 4:46 PM - 28 July, 2009
Quote:
So, what's the point of using iTunes.... just for tagging then?

Possibly. I use iTunes to do certain tasks that are easier than it is to do in other programs.

For example: Find & Replace... In SSL, type a search string "NeYo" and drag that selection into an iTunes playlist; use the Search & Replace script to change "NeYo" to "Ne-Yo" then rescan those tags in SSL; remove the playlist and tracks added to iTunes when I'm done.
sixxx 4:48 PM - 28 July, 2009
SSL should have it's own organization tools. :(

Either way, I use iTunes a lot. Well, everyday. lol
WarpNote 5:21 PM - 28 July, 2009
Quote:
So, what's the point of using iTunes.... just for tagging then?

Tagging, looking up artwork on the net (scripts), Adding artwork, browsing records by cover art, stripping ID3 v2.3 tags, syncing iPods, smartlists that go into crates, front row use iTunes Library -> www.apple.com
DJJOHNNYM_vSL3 5:34 PM - 28 July, 2009
Quote:
It's all in your head. It's like having a million dollars in the bank and wanting to know exactly where each dollar bill is located. Who cares as long as you can access your money.


Ha ha! But I'm good for doing SPOT CHECKS on my dollars in the bank! (No Bernie)! It has to be EXACT. Found out once ,they were charging me an extra nickle for monthly charges, made them return it all, WITH INTEREST.
sixxx 5:38 PM - 28 July, 2009
lol
DJJOHNNYM_vSL3 5:39 PM - 28 July, 2009
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:

Johnny, I let iTunes organize my music which means I have 1 folder with a million folders inside of it. :P


Gotcha, and I'm petrified of that scenario. But I will figure something out.
:-)



Johnny,

If you are going to use your digital library with ipods and such, don't be afraid of itunes. Sixxx made a good example with the bank. I keep an itunes library of every mp3 I get. If the kids want something on their ipod or the wife wants to listen to an album, we have a family computer with all of it in itunes. I have 4 ipods synced to that library.
I have a DJ library, that I also use itunes with but on a different computer, this is my DJ library. No one touches this except for me. I can back up from my master library if I need to, but I also keep a dupe of the external that these files are on. I let itunes manage the location of the folder because all I have to do to back up is copy one folder. I use smart playlists, embed codes into my files, and I make crates. I use all of the technics and don't ever hit a snag. This way if I don't tag a file, I can find it in a playlist or crate or search. I know there is not method to rule them all, but by this time you can take some of the more established methods and make a powershake out of all of them.
The thing about digital, is that technology changes. We are used to putting records on a shelf and they stay there next to other records. If we take a record out its not there anymore. Now with mp3s the record stays on the shelf when we play it, so we don't have to put it back when we are done, and therefore do not have to worry about its exact location. A better worry is to make sure you have 2-3 copies of it in different locations (drives).

best of luck


Now you see where I'm going with this. I personally am not a fan of iTunes, but I see it's value. I also, like you, would like to create a Master Music Library for the family. That just sounds dope.

I apprecate the scenario you gave about the record on the shelf, BUT suppose something stupid happens, and the record gets misplaced, rolls out, or somehow makes it into the wrong sleeve?

I now have to go through EVERY record (sleeve) to find it...and we've all been there...lol
DJJOHNNYM_vSL3 5:42 PM - 28 July, 2009
Quote:
So, what's the point of using iTunes.... just for tagging then?


That's what I'm perceiving. Also for converting CD WMA files to mp3! ;-)
DJJOHNNYM_vSL3 5:46 PM - 28 July, 2009
Quote:
Well, since it's going down that road...

I don't think Johnny will use iTunes because 1) he won't like the way iTunes organizes if he chose that option, 2) he's on PC, so he can't take advantage of the scripts to extend iTunes functionality, 3) he'll probably be better suited to use Media Monkey for the type of user he is.

He'll probably be better off using SSL Crates for now. It's a lot easier and it'll give him the control he'll need.

I think we've beat it in his head to make sure he TAGS everything specific to each song as best as possible. I suggest leave out any tags that can be set in groups (like genre, key or whatever).

The question JM has to answer for himself is how he'd like to create his SSL crates... I say set them up the same way you set up your physical crates for now. Put each file in a folder that'll represent a crate. Drag that folder into SSL. When/If you decide to move on to subcrates, look to ScratchTools. There's a forum for help on it and I'm sure plenty of us will pitch in to help you set the syntax (you only need to do it once).


You sir are precisely right. I don't really think I would need Subcrates, but I'm REAL picky when it comes down to synching up folders and such. I should probably learn iTunes JUST for the hell of it.
sixxx 5:47 PM - 28 July, 2009
I looks like you may be using iTunes on the side and just crates in SSL or codes for SSL Johnny.
sixxx 5:47 PM - 28 July, 2009
aaaah. Too late in my post. lol
DJJOHNNYM_vSL3 5:54 PM - 28 July, 2009
Quote:
I looks like you may be using iTunes on the side and just crates in SSL or codes for SSL Johnny.



shhhhhh.....
deezlee 6:02 PM - 28 July, 2009
everyboby's like "if i check the organize music box it'll make a bunch of folders, what a problem with itunes"...

just uncheck that box, problem solved, it'll never make another random folder.

...i didn't realize pcs couldn't use applescripts, though (makes sense)
DJ Dub Cowboy 6:03 PM - 28 July, 2009
Quote:
I looks like you may be using iTunes on the side and just crates in SSL or codes for SSL Johnny.



I use itunes now really only for tagging files and keeping them stored in one location. I have some smart playlists that I use to update my crates. I used to find everything in the itunes playlists, now I hide those and use serato crates.

1. I can adjust, create, edit my playlists while I am gigging. itunes you have to do get everything where you want it before you open SSL.

2. I can play on other computers and my crates come with me.

3. Subcrates. you'll find a use for them even if it's just temporary
DeezNotes 6:15 PM - 28 July, 2009
Quote:
...i didn't realize pcs couldn't use applescripts, though (makes sense)

I didn't think PCs could use applescripts either... did they change that?

If it was up to me, and I had "the family" accessing my music... I'd have all my CDs on MY computer, accessible via the network. Let the kids use iTunes on the family computer (and ONLY iTunes so they won't fudge anything up). They'd have read-only access to my CDs and can add these songs to their individual iTunes libraries if needed. They won't be able to screw up my file locations or album artwork since the drive is set to read-only. Furthermore, they'd be able to download their own crap and stuff that computer full of viruses and junk without messing up the disk or the computer where MY cd collection lives.

Then, my DJ collection would be completely separate.. the family wouldn't have access to it at all. I'd have crates in SSL and would only use iTunes for tagging purposes.
MexiKanMan 2:25 AM - 29 July, 2009
How do ya'll tackle the word "The" as in The Beatles, The Cure, The Bangles, etc in your file names?
DJ_Mike_Coquilla 3:22 AM - 29 July, 2009
Quote:
I swear, the longer I wait, the more information comes out...The REAL Pros and Cons.

Sixxxx, question. Do you PHYSICALLY have all your music in one gigantic folder?


'round here, we likes ta call em crates.

And in these neck-o-tha-woods we call em orange crates
a DJ 5:43 AM - 29 July, 2009
Quote:
So I keep a large backup drive using the exact same folder structure, all tracks on the backup drive have been analyzed in serato for bpm & autogain. This way I can go "dig" for tracks before gigs, just like I used to with vinyl.

Thats a cool idea. My music collection isn't big enough yet that I need to do that though. Drive storage is so cheap, I can fit it all.
itunes will sync and it's easier and faster to use than scratchtools, thats one of the reasons I use it.
The only thing I didn't like about not having files sorted by iTUnes

But I can see how. I think the best would just be for iTunes let you customize how exactly it organizes, like tell it how to split the folders by. Now it splits by Artist, but maybe it could split by Genre and it could still rename the files for you, but you could choose the way you name the files, like in EAC. You could just use EAC for ripping (I already do). But I get files from a lot of different places, online record pools get us songs way faster than CDs do, and CDs just sit around anyway. So then you have to rename the files to keep them the way you want them. Thats the whole reason I use iTunes to organize my files, so it can rename them when I make changes. I hated renaming files after making changes to the tags. I know there's control/apple R, I know you might think who cares about the names of the files they're still in the database, but I like the names to be right if I do have to copy them over or open them in editing programs.
Proto J 7:39 AM - 29 July, 2009
Quote:
Thats the whole reason I use iTunes to organize my files, so it can rename them when I make changes. I hated renaming files after making changes to the tags. I know there's control/apple R, I know you might think who cares about the names of the files they're still in the database, but I like the names to be right if I do have to copy them over or open them in editing programs.


hold up, so how does itunes rename the file name itself?

i was gonna use a program called fixtag to rename all my files based on the artist name and the track name (just being picky, so when i pull it into ableton, or send it to someone, it's named right)...
DJ Dub Cowboy 8:44 AM - 29 July, 2009
check: keep itunes organized
AKIEM 8:46 AM - 29 July, 2009
there is a dougs applescript that will rename your files based on your tags.
Proto J 9:13 AM - 29 July, 2009
Quote:
check: keep itunes organized


nah, it just files them away in the artist folder it belongs to i thought, it doesn't rename the actual file itself to "artist - title"...
AKIEM 9:14 AM - 29 July, 2009
Quote:
there is a dougs applescript that will rename your files based on your tags.
djchrischip 7:18 PM - 30 July, 2009
Quote:
SSL should have it's own organization tools. :(

Either way, I use iTunes a lot. Well, everyday. lol

+1!
mastermind 7:23 PM - 30 July, 2009
<<<<<<<Itunes 100% till SL get's smart playlist.


another thing that i love about ITunes is how it predicts your text, so you don't have to type the whole word!!
SeriousCyrus 3:50 PM - 15 October, 2009
I want to do something like this because I need to sort or search the music by multiple criteria, but

Does anyone know of a tool for mac that lets me append comments instead of overwriting exisitng comments?

Say I have 5 tracks of genre x, 5 tracks of genre y, and 5 are a bit of x and y. I want to just select the 10 tracks and label them with genre x, then select 10 tracks and label them genre y, ending up with the following.

track 1-5 : Comment : Genre X
track 6-10 : Comment : Genre Y
track 11-15 : Comment : Genre X : Genre Y

You follow?
DJ Dub Cowboy 4:02 PM - 15 October, 2009
dougscripts.com
Append to Selected Tag


There a LOT of useful scripts on this site. I use this one all the time. Just read the instruction about installing scripts and do it all within itunes. It's really really easy.

When you use it.

Select a track>select the append script from the new script menu in itunes>select which tag to add to>type> select front or back to chose where the new type goes
SeriousCyrus 4:04 PM - 15 October, 2009
^Cheers! really got to take a better look at those scripts, I hear good things about them.
DJ Dub Cowboy 4:17 PM - 15 October, 2009
I live by them.

my faves:

-"Artist - Name" Corrector
-Add text at end of track name
-Proper English Title Capitalization
-Remove n characters from the front or back
-swap this with that
-Copy files to folder


there are a few I use when I have backup issues too that will find dead track, make lists of dead tracks, and so on
sixxx 4:34 PM - 15 October, 2009
Yes. Scripts are awesome!!! They save you lots of time.
CMOS 4:40 PM - 15 October, 2009
Scripts are like auto beat match. Fuckin cheaters. Yall aint real, you should be doing em 1 by 1 the way we used to.


hehe
sixxx 4:41 PM - 15 October, 2009
lol
DJJOHNNYM_vSL3 6:50 PM - 15 October, 2009
Quote:
Scripts are like auto beat match. Fuckin cheaters. Yall aint real, you should be doing em 1 by 1 the way we used to.

hehe


I OBJECT....










whooops...

wrong thread.....
DeezNotes 7:36 PM - 15 October, 2009
Quote:
dougscripts.com
Append to Selected Tag


There a LOT of useful scripts on this site. I use this one all the time. Just read the instruction about installing scripts and do it all within itunes. It's really really easy.

When you use it.

Select a track>select the append script from the new script menu in itunes>select which tag to add to>type> select front or back to chose where the new type goes

Thanks for this! I wish they had a better way of searching through scripts on that site.

The ones I use are:
-"Artist - Name" Corrector
-Filenames to song names (when your file names match your tags and you need to fix tags in an emergency.. like if your ID3 tags get wiped out)
-Move files to folder
-Needle drop
-Parser (Song Names)
-Proper English Title Capitalization
-Rename Files
-Search/Replace Tag Text <<-- A MUST HAVE!!!
-Swap This With That

It gets things somewhat close to Media Monkey, but not quite...
DJ Dub Cowboy 7:42 PM - 15 October, 2009
-Needle drop
-Parser (Song Names)

what do these do for you?
DeezNotes 7:55 PM - 15 October, 2009
Quote:
-Needle drop
-Parser (Song Names)

what do these do for you?

Needle drop: Will go through a playlist and play the songs for x seconds at x time into the song. So... let's say I get a bunch of new house songs from the record pool. I can set it to play 30 seconds of the song from the 1 minute point in the song. As it's playing I drag songs to the crates they should go into (if I add them at all).

Parser: Will go through the Song ID3 tag to fix any broken tags. Let's say I record a TON of vinyls. I set the filename to <Artist> - <Title> - <Album> - <Year> - <Genre>. Then lets say I use the Filenames to Song Names script... now that Song ID3 tag will be something like "The Roots - 100% Dundee - Things Fall Apart - 1998 - Hip Hop" ...with ALL the other ID3 tags BLANK. Frustrating, yes? Set up parser to go through the tags and automatically set all those fields to what they should be. The same thing would work from a bunch of files from your record pool or whatever that incorrectly tags things, or does things like puts the riddim somewhere you don't want it (I put the riddim in the Grouping field). I can run Parser against it to move that text into any ID3 field.

If you see the screen shot to parser, it might make sense. It's kind of a pain to set up, but it can save you a lot of time in the long run.
DJ Dub Cowboy 8:01 PM - 15 October, 2009
I C

I probably use like 3 or 4 scripts to do what that can do. I'll be checking that out. Thanks.

Needle drop sounds useful too.
DJ KEVLAR 2:13 AM - 28 October, 2009
Is there a program to append codes to say the grouping field with a code already there with out over writing the current one for PC?

Big up to Sixxx for this system!!
lil vito 4:43 AM - 28 October, 2009
Also, for PC users...
liquidparallax.com
javascript for itunes... pretty much the same as applescript....
DeezNotes 10:49 AM - 28 October, 2009
If you're on a Mac, you could probably use the iTunes script "Put this after that" but I'm not 100% sure.
DJ KEVLAR 2:31 PM - 28 October, 2009
I am PC...
DJ KEVLAR 2:32 PM - 28 October, 2009
Thanks lil vito I will look into it and see if I can figure it out, I have never used scripts before.
DJ KEVLAR 2:44 PM - 28 October, 2009
WOW I am lost! No clue on how that works!
DJ KEVLAR 4:31 PM - 28 October, 2009
Ok so I figured out how to change from .txt to .js.

But I do not know where I am supposed to change the text and put in my code or codes.

Any one with directions would be a great help.
DJ KEVLAR 4:33 PM - 28 October, 2009
Here is what the .txt script I am trying to use looks like incase you do not want to download it yourself......



/* Save this file, rename extension from .txt to .js
Be sure to replace both instances of "your appendage" below with the text you actually want in the tag.
Highlight tracks you want AppendTo in iTunes * Ctrl+Click for multiple files *
then Execute by double clicking file in Windows Explorer
liquidparallax.com */

var ITTrackKindFile = 1;
var objApp = WScript.CreateObject("iTunes.Application");
var tracks = objApp.SelectedTracks;
var numTracks = tracks.Count;
var i = 0;

while (numTracks != 0)
{
var currTrack = tracks.Item(numTracks);

if (currTrack.Kind == ITTrackKindFile)
{
var storedGroupy = currTrack.Grouping;
if (storedGroupy.match(/your appendage/i) == null)
currTrack.Grouping = storedGroupy + " your appendage";
}
numTracks--;
i++;
}
WScript.Echo ("The text has been appended to Grouping field.");
lil vito 10:55 PM - 28 October, 2009
Just change where it says your appendage to what you want it to add at the end of your tags...
So if you want to add (Radio Version) to the tag, make it look like this:
Quote:

var ITTrackKindFile = 1;
var objApp = WScript.CreateObject("iTunes.Application");
var tracks = objApp.SelectedTracks;
var numTracks = tracks.Count;
var i = 0;

while (numTracks != 0)
{
var currTrack = tracks.Item(numTracks);

if (currTrack.Kind == ITTrackKindFile)
{
var storedGroupy = currTrack.Grouping;
if (storedGroupy.match(/(Radio Version)/i) == null)
currTrack.Grouping = storedGroupy + " (Radio Version)";
}
numTracks--;
i++;
}
WScript.Echo ("The text has been appended to Grouping field.");


Also, If you want it to append to a different field than grouping, (eg. title) Change the following:

Quote:

var storedGroupy = currTrack.Grouping;

to:
Quote:

var storedGroupy = currTrack.Title;


Good luck kevlar :)
DJ KEVLAR 11:08 PM - 28 October, 2009
Word, Thanks man!! So I should leave the brackets, quotations and foreward slashes in there I guess.

Thanks again for the help I am gunna try to get on this tonight!!
DJ KEVLAR 3:48 AM - 29 October, 2009
Hey Sixxx, forgive me if this is posted above as I read it all a couple days ago.

So you keep all your files in the same "folder"?

Do you have crates in ssl or playlists from itunes or just one ALL crate and use the codes t navigate?
sixxx 3:59 AM - 29 October, 2009
I have zero crates and zero playlists from iTunes. It actually all started because I liked using smart playlists. Then, I realized that those same codes were really all you needed. So, you navigate through you music like that. iTunes organizes all my files. Basically, one iTunes folder with a million folders inside of it. I've never had a single problem.
AKIEM 5:23 AM - 29 October, 2009
nice if serato implemented this
DeezNotes 11:45 PM - 5 November, 2009
So if you ever wanna fuck with sixxx and get on his bad side, clear all his comments. lol
sixxx 1:12 AM - 6 November, 2009
My comments are empty. My codes are not found there. :)
SuckaDJ 12:32 AM - 11 November, 2009
Hey Sixxx and all, I have my codes under grouping.
Lately they have not been showing up. I have to rescan files tags and then they'll show up. Never had a problem with it until now,(1.9.2) but I just deleted my receipts and reinstalled 1.9.1 and same thing. Any ideas?
sixxx 12:48 AM - 11 November, 2009
What version of iTunes do you have?
sixxx 12:52 AM - 11 November, 2009
and are you rescanning your files in SSL? If so, don't do that. Do this instead.

Open iTunes, select all your files. Do Command + i (if you're on a mac) hit return. Don't replace any of the info. This basically forces iTunes to reread your files. Then quit iTunes. Open SSL and let me know if that works.
SuckaDJ 5:40 AM - 11 November, 2009
I have iTunes 9.0. Been getting iTunes 9.0.2 update reminders but haven't done so yet.

Trying that out right now.. (crosses fingers) Get back at ya in a min.
SuckaDJ 5:48 AM - 11 November, 2009
It actually shows up lesser than before now.
I forgot to edit earlier post, that some show up, not all.... but now, less.
MexiKanMan 5:00 PM - 16 January, 2010
Maybe this has been asked before, but I just haven't found it or the answer. Before I started getting organized, I had 4 diff portable HDs and three diff laptops for diff things. Before I knew it had music on everyone of them and some w/ more than others. I consolidated everything into one place and found myself with M U L T I P L E DUPLICATE TRACKS.

If you are working in ITUNES, and you go to the duplicate tracks feature, and start sorting, how do you PERMANENTLY delete the track from your central location? I've tried deleting the track which disappears from the ITUNES library but not from my MUSIC folders.

My music folders are broken down by GENRE and I may have the song "It Takes Two" in two diff folders. I take time and delete by sound, bitrate, and overall quality so I really don't care which folder I delete from, only that, I be able to get it down to one copy of the song.

If this has been asked before and you can link me, thanks for your help!!!
a DJ 5:21 AM - 17 January, 2010
Quote:
If you are working in ITUNES, and you go to the duplicate tracks feature, and start sorting, how do you PERMANENTLY delete the track from your central location? I've tried deleting the track which disappears from the ITUNES library but not from my MUSIC folders.

shift + delete, im pretty sure. if it doesnt work try other buttons like ctrl, alt, etc
dj_KaSE 11:24 AM - 17 January, 2010
When the orange-selling business is slow, Sixxx comes up with his pinche codes.
Dj Nyce 2:33 PM - 18 January, 2010
Quote:
Maybe this has been asked before, but I just haven't found it or the answer. Before I started getting organized, I had 4 diff portable HDs and three diff laptops for diff things. Before I knew it had music on everyone of them and some w/ more than others. I consolidated everything into one place and found myself with M U L T I P L E DUPLICATE TRACKS.

If you are working in ITUNES, and you go to the duplicate tracks feature, and start sorting, how do you PERMANENTLY delete the track from your central location? I've tried deleting the track which disappears from the ITUNES library but not from my MUSIC folders.

My music folders are broken down by GENRE and I may have the song "It Takes Two" in two diff folders. I take time and delete by sound, bitrate, and overall quality so I really don't care which folder I delete from, only that, I be able to get it down to one copy of the song.

If this has been asked before and you can link me, thanks for your help!!!


when deleting from the latest version of itunes, it should ask if you want to move the files to trash. if thats not working for you try mediamonkey. mediamonkey can pretty much do anything.
DJ Dub Cowboy 4:28 AM - 19 January, 2010
I think it will only ask you if the file is in the same lace as your itunes library is pointed. I always consolidate my library so that all the doubles are in the folder that itunes is pointed to. When I delete doubles it asks me if I want to throw it in the trash or just remove from my library.
MexiKanMan 5:47 AM - 19 January, 2010
Didn't work for me. I "think" the very first time I deleted from ITunes it asked me that but now, no matter what combo of key strokes or clicks I use will offer me the same choice. It simply deletes it from the Itunes Library but not from my folders. If anyone knows how to restore that default, other than reloading ITunes, I would really appreciate it?!?!?!
a DJ 6:12 AM - 19 January, 2010
You can't restore the default without deleting your preferences file:
forums.macosxhints.com
I had to do it once too
sixxx 6:25 AM - 19 January, 2010
In iTunes Preferences, do you have the "Copy files to iTunes library" checked? If you do, then it will ask you. If you don't, it won't.
MexiKanMan 6:45 AM - 19 January, 2010
a DJ - Did it and yes it did ask to remove it from my ITunes library but still didn't delete from my "Music" folder.....arrrrgggg

Sixxx - If I select that option, will it store the file (song) both in my "Music" folder and in the ITunes folder?

Just thinking of dumping everything into one big folder and calling it a day.....scary though
Nicky Blunt 7:17 AM - 19 January, 2010
media monkey is what you want!!!!! That program is the shit!!!!!
a DJ 7:45 AM - 19 January, 2010
Quote:

Sixxx - If I select that option, will it store the file (song) both in my "Music" folder and in the ITunes folder?

I think Sixxx has your solution right there. Yes it will store them in both folders, but what you do is just turn the option on, then delete your files, then turn the option back off. It will only copy files when you add them to your library.
DJJOHNNYM_vSL3 10:41 AM - 19 January, 2010
Quote:
media monkey is what you want!!!!! That program is the shit!!!!!


I'm sitting here thinking,

"THAT'S why I need COMPLETE control of my folders...forget all that scrouring through duplicate or closely named folders to find mp3's.....

Thank God I've got Media Monkey"....

/End Thought
Nicky Blunt 10:42 AM - 19 January, 2010
^^^ no thanks nicly for putting me onto this shit???

hahahaha
DJJOHNNYM_vSL3 1:28 PM - 19 January, 2010
Quote:
^^^ no thanks nicly for putting me onto this shit???

hahahaha


Hey, it was BOTH you and Deez....
Dj Nyce 1:30 PM - 19 January, 2010
co-sign mediamonkey
Nicky Blunt 1:32 PM - 19 January, 2010
hahaha I just noticed, how the fuck did i manage to miss spell my own name!!

& I was only kidding Johnny
sixxx 2:15 PM - 19 January, 2010
SSL has smart crates now. It doesn't matter if you have one folder or thousands. This is why I designed the code system.
DJJOHNNYM_vSL3 2:42 PM - 19 January, 2010
Quote:
hahaha I just noticed, how the fuck did i manage to miss spell my own name!!

& I was only kidding Johnny


Man, look. In 2010, I'm gonna start charging people royalties for using my copyrighted stuff...

Stay tuned.
Nicky Blunt 3:09 PM - 19 January, 2010
huh?

You lost me
sixxx 3:18 PM - 19 January, 2010
Dimentia... lol
sixxx 3:20 PM - 19 January, 2010
Quote:
Quote:
media monkey is what you want!!!!! That program is the shit!!!!!


I'm sitting here thinking,

"THAT'S why I need COMPLETE control of my folders...forget all that scrouring through duplicate or closely named folders to find mp3's.....

Thank God I've got Media Monkey"....

/End Thought


Must be a PC. It's 2010. Doesn't it have drag & drop yet? That's how easy it is in iTunes. That's why it doesn't matter where it is stored. Need the file? Drag it out of iTunes. Even a caveman can do it - Geico.
Nicky Blunt 3:25 PM - 19 January, 2010
lol @ geico & I was referring to my use of copyrighted stuff????

Still lost on that!!
a DJ 6:09 PM - 19 January, 2010
You guys need to stop waking up @ 7 to post on the serato forums, I didnt follow any of that either!! lmao
DJJOHNNYM_vSL3 6:13 PM - 19 January, 2010
Quote:
You guys need to stop waking up @ 7 to post on the serato forums, I didnt follow any of that either!! lmao


That was 10 AM EST.....

Bright Eyed and bushy tailed...
a DJ 6:15 PM - 19 January, 2010
Yeah you're right lol. Well I knew sixxx is from Cali but I didnt realize Nicky Blunt is from the UK.
sixxx 6:42 PM - 19 January, 2010
I'm from Cali but I'm posting from Haiti.
ral 6:48 PM - 19 January, 2010
im trying to use this code

i normally preview all my mp3 files when im on the go using iphone star ratings

in itunes, i use smart crate to show up all 5 star, then in grouping, use a script to add [hot or [new tag in the grouping.

or when it's not [hot or [new anymore, i run a script again to replace all [hot / [new to nothing/blank, means, the rest of the tag in group field stays intact (ex. if it has [ws [hh [rnb etc)

lately, the iphone doesnt sync well with itunes. all the 5 star that i move to 4 star, wont sync. f*ck.
sixxx 6:54 PM - 19 January, 2010
Blame it on the i i i i ii ii iPhone. hahaha
MexiKanMan 4:22 AM - 20 January, 2010
Had to go back and ck the website cos someone had already mentioned that it's PC only, and yep, PC only!!!
MexiKanMan 4:22 AM - 20 January, 2010
mediamonkey that is
hp 10:40 AM - 6 March, 2010
Quote:
Maybe this has been asked before, but I just haven't found it or the answer. Before I started getting organized, I had 4 diff portable HDs and three diff laptops for diff things. Before I knew it had music on everyone of them and some w/ more than others. I consolidated everything into one place and found myself with M U L T I P L E DUPLICATE TRACKS.

If you are working in ITUNES, and you go to the duplicate tracks feature, and start sorting, how do you PERMANENTLY delete the track from your central location? I've tried deleting the track which disappears from the ITUNES library but not from my MUSIC folders.

My music folders are broken down by GENRE and I may have the song "It Takes Two" in two diff folders. I take time and delete by sound, bitrate, and overall quality so I really don't care which folder I delete from, only that, I be able to get it down to one copy of the song.

If this has been asked before and you can link me, thanks for your help!!!


use the 'whack current track' script on dougscripts.com -> dougscripts.com

another tip i'd recommend (for mac osx), is to go into your "system preferences > keyboard & mouse > keyboard shortcuts" and set a keyboard shortcut for this script. personally, i use CMD+SHIFT+W but it can be anything you'd like.

you can do this for any itunes applescript, or any other menu item in itunes or in any other program as well.
dirtyonekanobi 7:35 PM - 8 April, 2010
This + Smartcrates = cure for cancer! or at least, solution to my problem...
I'm ALWAYS forgetting to play a song during a gig... it normally comes from me forgetting to throw it in a crate/playlist. My Itunes Playlists are getting out of control - this will be a major help!
sixxx 11:31 PM - 8 April, 2010
Glad it will work for you.


It's been a life saver for me.
DJ eXeS 4:06 AM - 14 April, 2010
man, i have been tracking this discussion for over a year now since I got SSL. Now, when i'm djing i really have trouble finding specific songs, forgetting songs, and so on.

I really want to organize it your way sixxx but with the tons of music I have collected over the years it's going to be a pain in the a**. BUT reading and following this for a long time it is worth it.

Summer break is close and I don't have to worry about college so much so I'm planning on starting to re-organize my library for serato this summer!

I'm pumped but also scared!
Nicky Blunt 8:34 AM - 14 April, 2010
Will take a while but with some intelligent use of some scripts, & programs like media monkey its not the daunting task u think it is!

Also Just remember that when U add new stuff keep it in the same format & eventually, You will only be tagging new stuff, not the stuff that's already there!

Takes a while but its totally worth it!
sixxx 1:22 PM - 14 April, 2010
Quote:
man, i have been tracking this discussion for over a year now since I got SSL. Now, when i'm djing i really have trouble finding specific songs, forgetting songs, and so on.

I really want to organize it your way sixxx but with the tons of music I have collected over the years it's going to be a pain in the a**. BUT reading and following this for a long time it is worth it.

Summer break is close and I don't have to worry about college so much so I'm planning on starting to re-organize my library for serato this summer!

I'm pumped but also scared!


If you're already using crates of some sort, it should be easy. You can start adding codes to groups of songs. Select all those songs, add the tag (WHATEVERYOUWANT) in the field you want that is empty, and you're set for that group.
sixxx 1:23 PM - 14 April, 2010
Quote:
Will take a while but with some intelligent use of some scripts, & programs like media monkey its not the daunting task u think it is!

Also Just remember that when U add new stuff keep it in the same format & eventually, You will only be tagging new stuff, not the stuff that's already there!

Takes a while but its totally worth it!



And Nicky is absolutely right. Scripts help a lot! If you aren't using them, you need to start looking into it.
DJ eXeS 6:11 PM - 14 April, 2010
never used them but when this semester is over i ll learn how to use them.
Yea i have already crates, some are called brand new, brand new 2, brand new 3 but the brand new crate is old compared to the brand new 5 crate. (if you know what i mean)

so using the script i can select any amount of tracks and give them all at the same time a (CS) or a (ME)...if so than this would be really helpful.

getting anxious to organize it so i can stop trippin' while djing 'cause i can't find a song or forgot a banger
Nicky Blunt 8:34 AM - 16 April, 2010
yeah one of the main reasons i use scripts is because some tracks will need more than one tag,

(Hip Hop), (West Coast) (Pop) (samples) (Loops) Could all be in one grouping for say Dr Dre Next Episode

& If I just wanted to tag that With The west coast tag in a group tagging I would loose all my other tags, So I use a script instead Just to Add that to the already existing tags!

This is just an example,

But hopefully u get the idea
DJ Dub Cowboy 9:18 AM - 16 April, 2010
Scripts are key!
Manny Rize 2:29 AM - 30 April, 2010
i didnt read the whole thread so i may have missed something but one question...lest say in my smart crates i have a rule for 120 bpm and higher being that house is usually at that bpm but sometimes you have those songs like pitbulls that are 124-128 how do i filter this out??? oh and do you have to add the codes you mentioned to every single song..that must take ages... idk maybe i didnt understand it right....help out the smart crates noob sixxx
sixxx 3:17 AM - 30 April, 2010
1. If you're using Scratch Live's smart crates, you would create more than 1 rule. The first rule would be the bpm one. The second one would be perhaps genre.

2. The codes are added to every single song BUT scrips make this process easy. Also, if you don't feel comfortable with scripts, you can still add a single code to more than one song at a time in a field that's open like say: grouping.

I hope that helps.
Manny Rize 5:45 AM - 30 April, 2010
yeah ill def give scripts a try..smart crates isnt working out too much even by breaking it down in every possible way i can, a few songs still slip out from other genres
ninos 6:10 AM - 30 April, 2010
damn i need to step up my game, i organize everything by BPM and genre.
Manny Rize 6:15 AM - 30 April, 2010
yeah i bet u have cross genres in ur crates..thats y i just stuck to doing it manually after realizing smart crates are kinda whack ..smart crates is good to a certain extent but doesnt filter everything out...so ill def be using scripts
ninos 6:22 AM - 30 April, 2010
god im just to damn lazy to organize, i dont have the much music right now, only about 7500 songs and im getting new tracks everyday and i know in the end its gunna suck for me to organize. damn man.
sixxx 1:47 PM - 30 April, 2010
7500 songs? You better do that shit right. Wait until you got 75 thousand songs in your library like I do. lol
dirtyonekanobi 2:05 PM - 30 April, 2010
It took me about two weeks to do this for 11000 songs. But I am telling you that its worth it. Sixxx puts down the framework, but while doing this, you'll likely develop your own naming convention for your codes. I found it useful to write down all the codes on paper, and eventually I saved it to a file on my mac. I wrote down as many as I could think of beforehand, and sometimes I would come upon a song that had a quality that I hadn't originally thought of, and I added it to the sheet. My naming convention for my songs is Genre>type>quality/use>misc. ex [hh] [ds] [cb] [ns] [mp] - (hip-hop, down-south, club banger, new stuff, must play). I have codes like [mel] for mellow, [ls] for love song [90] for 90s style music... I then created smart-playlists & smart-crates to group songs up.
I used this @ 2 gigs so far and it is FANTASTIC! The codes I use directly reflect what I logically think about the songs. So it makes it easy to find the exact type of song I'm looking for, instead of having to think "what crate did I put that in?" or sifting through the ENORMOUS selection of hip-hop & r&b by bpm. It may seem overkill @ first, but it makes a huge difference for me. The other thing I was able to do is separate my music that is just for listening by using a [lis] code. Then i was able to set my smartplaylist/crate rules to omit tunes w/that code. It made sorting through songs @ my gigs a lot quicker.
Mad RESPECT to sixxx for putting this in writing and sharing it!!
dirtyonekanobi 2:05 PM - 30 April, 2010
oh yeah, and scripts are key
sixxx 2:48 PM - 30 April, 2010
No doubt. This is all about finding codes that work best in your mind. I never had to write mine down because they were created little by little and well, that's just how my mind kept remembering. But, for someone who just started, it's a great idea to write the codes down.

I'm glad DJ's are feelin' this method.
Dj-M.Bezzle 2:50 PM - 30 April, 2010
Quote:
No doubt. This is all about finding codes that work best in your mind. I never had to write mine down because they were created little by little and well, that's just how my mind kept remembering. But, for someone who just started, it's a great idea to write the codes down.

I'm glad DJ's are feelin' this method.


lol id def have to write em down if i used that method, the way my mind works id be up there at a gig trying to figure out if the code for down south crunk booty music was enchalada or platapus
dirtyonekanobi 3:25 PM - 30 April, 2010
Quote:

lol id def have to write em down if i used that method, the way my mind works id be up there at a gig trying to figure out if the code for down south crunk booty music was enchalada or platapus


HAHA - classic!!! I had to write mine down to start. Because honestly, I'm a bit of a tard. I wrote a few codes down at the start, and most as I added song qualities. That way I was able to keep track of what label I used for the song quality.
xplycyt 1:39 PM - 27 May, 2010
along the lines of using codes and itunes...anyone having issues with the comments you input on itunes not coming across on SSL.

it gets pretty annoying when I edit the comments field on itunes and rescan the tags on SSL (numerous times) and it still keeps the old comment. is this a bug or I'm missing something?
DJ Dub Cowboy 2:40 PM - 27 May, 2010
more than likely it is an issue with what version ID3 tags are attached to the file. SSL likes ID3 v2.3 where as if there are any ID3 v1.x tags it will do what you mentioned.

I use itunes (and sometimes Media Rage) to strip all tags from my files and then add only v2.3 tags and label properly. Then I have no issue going back and forth from itunes to SSL as long as I scan properly
Nicky Blunt 7:57 PM - 27 May, 2010
+1 ^^^^ I Use media monkey to do this, numerous programs are available for this.
DJ Dub Cowboy 8:11 PM - 27 May, 2010
I use Itunes to do this when I get new files. I generally take a whole batch of recent downloads, strip all tags (which will truncate the song name and may erase some info including artwork) and then rebuild with 2.3 tags and then label everything accordingly.

sometimes I get so many files that I forget to strip the tags. Then I use Media Rage which will allow you to sort by tag version and strip out the V.1 tags while keeping the v2.3 tags intact.

Media Rage does a better job and can be more accurate but itunes makes it convenient since I only have to use one program.
Nicky Blunt 9:13 PM - 27 May, 2010
I hate using iTunes to do my tagging work! I Dont use iTunes @ all anymore! Just a decent tagging system & Smart crates!
sixxx 9:16 PM - 27 May, 2010
how do you find duplicates?

That's probably one of the features I use in iTunes the most.
Nicky Blunt 9:24 PM - 27 May, 2010
I actually found that the dupilcate finder in media monkey did a much better ob with dupes than Itunes as its not just based on the filenames & tags! It does that, as an option but you can also find dupes that are named differently!

Such as for example

Redman & Method Man - Y.O.U.
Method Man & Redman - Y.O.U.
- YOU

etc etc!
Nicky Blunt 9:25 PM - 27 May, 2010
Ive been telling you for ages, this program is the business!
DJ Dub Cowboy 11:06 PM - 27 May, 2010
I wish they had media monkey for OSX
DJ Ritmo 11:20 PM - 27 May, 2010
After reading most of this I agree that the codes are very great idea. So now I can ride of my 27 crates.
sixxx 11:48 PM - 27 May, 2010
Quote:
I wish they had media monkey for OSX


... there's the problem.
Nicky Blunt 1:19 AM - 28 May, 2010
Oh damn! I finally got something to shout about!

Yay my POS Dell!

Hahahaha!
Nicky Blunt 1:22 AM - 28 May, 2010
You could run it under that paralell prog no?

I hear it works ok!
Dj Nyce 4:23 AM - 28 May, 2010
i have mediamonkey working via wine bottler. wine bottler works great for most low impact win apps
Nicky Blunt 4:25 AM - 28 May, 2010
I knew there would be some way to get it running on a mac
U guys should really look into it!
WarpNote 12:44 PM - 28 May, 2010
Quote:
Quote:
I wish they had media monkey for OSX


... there's the problem.


Sure, MM for OSX would be nice, however, Media Rage have a pretty good duplicate finder, try it out, I'm guessing you'll like it a lot....

Dub, did you try the find duplicate feature in MR ?
Works well for me :D
WarpNote 1:04 PM - 28 May, 2010
Also, you guys seem to know your iTunes scripts a lot,
so I'd like to ask all of you professors this question:

I'm looking for a script to:
- Read the star-ratings,
- then convert this to a value number in the comments field.

ie:
rating " * " -> comment " 1 "
rating " * * " -> comment " 2 "
rating " * * * " -> comment " 3 "
rating " * * * * " -> comment " 4 "
rating " * * * * * " -> comment " 5 "

Obviously I wanna do this to read my star ratings in SSL, then set up smart crates in a neat for my ever-changing list of favorites. SSL would sort by decreasing numbers for the comment field, displaying highest tracks first.
Basically, just run the script in iTunes, rescan tags in SSL, and good to go for the gig at hand....

So, anyone up for the challenge?
This is such an obvious idea, I'm sure someone else already did it ?
How about the "eggheads" at Serato HQ ?

Would be a neat function for sure...
WarpNote 1:11 PM - 28 May, 2010
For the record, "eggheads" at HQ are the talented people who developed this very nice and addictive software that we all have grown so dependent upon...
MikeNicco 4:18 PM - 28 May, 2010
Quote:
After reading most of this I agree that the codes are very great idea. So now I can ride of my 27 crates.


It thought the same thing when I started using codes. However, I find the Smart Creates in 2.0 very useful.
DJ Ritmo 4:25 PM - 28 May, 2010
It seems I have to reorganize my hole library now with these codes. I see the benifits of sorting your music this way as suppose to having a metric ass ton of crates like i do. However I do have all of my keys tag so I mixed by key most of the time.
DJ KEVLAR 3:40 PM - 30 May, 2010
Ok so I have decided to implement this system. I see Sixxx has listed the codes he uses but lets maybe see what every one else is using that has implemented the codes especially mobile Dj's.

I know we will all have our own preference to what to use but it may trigger some ideas for those getting started on it. Like Sixxx and others have stated they have had to redo it a few times to "perfect it". Just thought it may help us to make sure we cover all our bases when we code our tags.
sixxx 4:27 PM - 30 May, 2010
The codes themselves weren't "perfected". The place where they were placed was.

Everyone is going to have different codes for everything. And, some may have more than others. The key is to find something that works for you. The codes have to be something that you can remember easily or they won't be useful.
a DJ 6:16 AM - 31 May, 2010
Here's some I use:
[C] for anything danceable
[NS] for mainstream/radio stuff (took that one from sixxx way back lol)
[L] any songs for ladies
[B] certified banger songs that everyone knows and loves, old or new
[S] slow/sex songs
[H] hype tracks like Party Up that are not really for the ladies but get the crowd hype. like songs you would play at sports games
[Bay] for anything from the Bay. Currently I have this in the Genre tag instead of
[G] for gangsta shit, everything from shit you can dance to in the club, and the shit you can only ride to. this one's kinda tricky lol, it's mostly so I can do "anything without [G]" if the vibe isnt right for those types of songs.
[U] for underground, which really just means older type hip hop, what people like to call conscious & backpack. I dont like the labels either but it is music for a certain type of crowd so it helps.

All that year & genre stuff is pretty easy for me to take care of with smart playlists/crates since I already have it tagged, so I dont really worry about that. That takes care of a lot of the "90s Rap" "80s Disco/R&B/Funk/Pop" etc etc

Obviously I'm still in the process of tagging all my songs and I don't always have the time to mark all my songs. I'm also still thinking of more categories.

I also started to rate my favorite songs as 2. I'm thinking of if I want to make higher and lower ratings, but right now I'm just marking everything I like as a 2.
feniks 10:12 AM - 31 May, 2010
How about [T] for transition tracks meaning any track that has a tempo change. Could use [TU] for "tempo up" transitions and [TD] for tempo down transitions. I recently sorted out all my transition tracks and found that it really helps control the floor a bit more when you can transition smoothly.
sixxx 6:04 PM - 31 May, 2010
Great idea feniks. I don't use transition tracks even though I noticed I have a bunch of them now but that's a great way to sort them.
xplycyt 7:00 AM - 1 June, 2010
Quote:
How about [T] for transition tracks meaning any track that has a tempo change. Could use [TU] for "tempo up" transitions and [TD] for tempo down transitions. I recently sorted out all my transition tracks and found that it really helps control the floor a bit more when you can transition smoothly.


damn - why didn't i think of that. i've been going through my transition tracks typing transition up/down and it's getting annoying. scripts + [TD] and [TU] = easy life
DJNickSaunders 9:03 AM - 1 June, 2010
Quote:
Quote:
How about [T] for transition tracks meaning any track that has a tempo change. Could use [TU] for "tempo up" transitions and [TD] for tempo down transitions. I recently sorted out all my transition tracks and found that it really helps control the floor a bit more when you can transition smoothly.


damn - why didn't i think of that. i've been going through my transition tracks typing transition up/down and it's getting annoying. scripts + [TD] and [TU] = easy life



Great system. just updated all my tracks a couple of weeks back

I do this too but also have [TG] for a Genre transition too, a track which will help me jump between Genres.

I also use [ED] for Early Doors
dirtyonekanobi 12:59 PM - 1 June, 2010
Quote:

Great system. just updated all my tracks a couple of weeks back

I do this too but also have [TG] for a Genre transition too, a track which will help me jump between Genres.

I also use [ED] for Early Doors


I use [ET] for early tunes too. This and my [NS] - new stuff codes have helped me the most.
feniks 1:18 PM - 1 June, 2010
You know...in my world when some tells me they have ED I usually put them on Viagra or Cialis. Lol

just fucking with ya.
DJ KEVLAR 3:01 PM - 1 June, 2010
I thought guys posting codes they use might spark some new ideas for the rest.......

Great ideas guys keep em comming! And big up to sixxx for the code system too!!!!
dj-cab 3:12 PM - 1 June, 2010
Not really a code, but I have a two smart playlists based on the date I add a track to . One called Recently Added (for the past 3 months) and another called Recently Added 2 (for the past 2 weeks). They update themselves automatically, so you'll never find a track that's older than 3 months in the "Recently Added" playlist. Smart Playlists are the way to go.
sixxx 4:42 PM - 1 June, 2010
When I go through new songs, I automatically tag the songs I might play or the ones that I want to "break" in the next gig.

I will post a list of all my codes soon....
bill-e 12:58 AM - 30 June, 2010
any other scripts besides liquidparallax.com this is getting confusing.
bill-e 12:58 AM - 30 June, 2010
for i windows i mean
DJ Bushido 11:03 AM - 19 August, 2010
nice
DJ GaFFle 11:31 AM - 19 August, 2010
Quote:
Here's some I use:
[C] for anything danceable
[NS] for mainstream/radio stuff (took that one from sixxx way back lol)
[L] any songs for ladies
[B] certified banger songs that everyone knows and loves, old or new
[S] slow/sex songs
[H] hype tracks like Party Up that are not really for the ladies but get the crowd hype. like songs you would play at sports games
[Bay] for anything from the Bay. Currently I have this in the Genre tag instead of
[G] for gangsta shit, everything from shit you can dance to in the club, and the shit you can only ride to. this one's kinda tricky lol, it's mostly so I can do "anything without [G]" if the vibe isnt right for those types of songs.
[U] for underground, which really just means older type hip hop, what people like to call conscious & backpack. I dont like the labels either but it is music for a certain type of crowd so it helps.

All that year & genre stuff is pretty easy for me to take care of with smart playlists/crates since I already have it tagged, so I dont really worry about that. That takes care of a lot of the "90s Rap" "80s Disco/R&B/Funk/Pop" etc etc

Obviously I'm still in the process of tagging all my songs and I don't always have the time to mark all my songs. I'm also still thinking of more categories.

I also started to rate my favorite songs as 2. I'm thinking of if I want to make higher and lower ratings, but right now I'm just marking everything I like as a 2.

+1 especially on ladies markings... I use more than [L ... I use [LAD because [L will also include all my Latino music which is marked [LAT. It's important to specify Ladies hits because it'll save you if you're in a rutt.
j beatz 11:03 AM - 25 August, 2010
So, basically you put all the tracks in the same folder and then you set codes to them?
Nicky Blunt 11:42 AM - 25 August, 2010
Quote:
So, basically you put all the tracks in the same folder and then you set codes to them?


run scripts for coding, its way easier!
j beatz 11:48 AM - 25 August, 2010
Quote:
Quote:
So, basically you put all the tracks in the same folder and then you set codes to them?


run scripts for coding, its way easier!



What are the scripts? :$
dirtyonekanobi 12:32 PM - 25 August, 2010
Here ya go J Beatz - Doug's apple scripts dougscripts.com
The scripts I use most are the Remove Duplicates, Not in Any Playlist, and Append to Tag.
They are hella useful! Hopefully you're using a MAC or I've wasted this post lol
j beatz 1:02 PM - 25 August, 2010
Quote:
Here ya go J Beatz - Doug's apple scripts dougscripts.com
The scripts I use most are the Remove Duplicates, Not in Any Playlist, and Append to Tag.
They are hella useful! Hopefully you're using a MAC or I've wasted this post lol



Don't worry, I own a Mac lol

I'm going to check that dougscripts, but it seems to be through itunes. I mean, I got music in my ipod that I don't want to play with Serato, and I got music to play with Serato that I don't want to hear in my ipod.
If I want to use that scripts do I have to set all my Serato music in itunes?
dirtyonekanobi 7:53 PM - 25 August, 2010
To my knowledge yes ... but, I got a code for that lol. Just setup a code for listening only, and then add that as a "not" value to your smart crates/playlists. I do that for a lot of full albums, etc...
bill-e 8:24 PM - 13 September, 2010
all i gotta say is...make sure your codes transfer when moving your library around: IE putting them in obscure places that don't make it as opposed to putting it in the comments or something...

it's okay i gotta have a complete revision of my library...i'm like the a & e itunes hoarder
AnthonyNok 1:04 PM - 11 November, 2010
So,

If codes are written somewhere in the ID3 Tag (Comments, Grouping, etc) they stay with the MP3. Never have to worry about crates.

It's Genius IF you 1. make good codes that fit your style and format 2. Remember the proper codes

90s is a broad range of music
90s hip-hop was also split into a few sections
Gritty Wu-Tang
Chill Tribe
West Snoop
East BIG
What about if you want to do a set from a certain label
Bad Boy
Death Row

But what about that 1989 hip hop that has that chill or gritty quality?

Possibilities are endless

Tags are the BEST time investment I think.

PS
I don't like the term "Old School" because that is opinion. Also, it changes over time.
Slick Rick is "Old School" to me but even more it's:
80s
Banger (not a general banger but def top 20 hip-hop in the 80s)

I may sound confusing right now but if you map it out to match your workflow you can do some nasty well thought out sets

Also if you order the codes the same in all MP3s... you can narrow down as you go.
hip-hop>90s>banger>gritty>

I like the idea for "Ladies" tags and such... just gotta plan ahead before you go tagging everything. Test it with 50 songs first.
sixxx 5:43 PM - 11 November, 2010
I've been taggin with codes for years now. I absolutely love it. I have zero crates in SSL.

And, at the gig, with a simple code search, I find exactly what I want.
Dj MacMillz 6:54 PM - 11 November, 2010
hey sixxx, do you tag the file itself or just in SSL?
stevie o 9:23 PM - 11 November, 2010
Sixxx post a screenshot of your serato screen with subcrates open if applicable please. I am on a organization mission and want to see if your shit works for me (no fesces) (no 2 djs 1 cup)
Dj MacMillz 10:47 PM - 11 November, 2010
I'm seriously considering re-doing my entire collection...its gonna be a long and tedious task which I don't intend to complete for several months...

My current method is my crates mirror my folders, I want to implement some type of coding system other than the color dots method because certain songs fall into more than 1 category
stevie o 10:50 PM - 11 November, 2010
Quote:
I'm seriously considering re-doing my entire collection...its gonna be a long and tedious task which I don't intend to complete for several months...

My current method is my crates mirror my folders, I want to implement some type of coding system other than the color dots method because certain songs fall into more than 1 category


I am also redoing my shit. My current system is a clusterfuck brought on by itunes keepin my shit organized. I find serato works best with its own crates so I am currently moving all files to folders to mirror crates and keeping everything in sync with the itch sync tool. This will take forever but when its done it will be sweet, Than i can work on a code system
Jensen Määäm 10:55 PM - 11 November, 2010
^I use that sync tool also. It's great and time saving. I love it!
stevie o 10:58 PM - 11 November, 2010
could be easier to set up. It took me a week to figure out the word volumes in the path had to be capitilized
Jensen Määäm 11:01 PM - 11 November, 2010
Quote:
could be easier to set up. It took me a week to figure out the word volumes in the path had to be capitilized


What? Did you watch the vid Konix made for that? After watching, it was a piece of cake...
stevie o 11:23 PM - 11 November, 2010
yes I did. Can you find in the video where it says the name volumes has to be capitilized or it doesnt work?
Jensen Määäm 11:34 PM - 11 November, 2010
I'm gonna write you an pm with the stuff I wrote down in that file.
stevie o 11:50 PM - 11 November, 2010
i fugured it out already
Dj MacMillz 3:09 AM - 12 November, 2010
While I'm here at work just brainstorming I kinda want to go the route of codes plus color dots.

For example: in my selection of hip hop songs with code [HH I can color dot the 'hot tracks' red...therefore the hits still stand out from the list
sixxx 5:34 AM - 12 November, 2010
There are NO CRATES in SSL at all. Zero. Nada. Zip. lol

All codes. They're added in iTunes.
Dj MacMillz 3:01 PM - 12 November, 2010
Sixxx:

No crates, got that part.

Codes are actually written to the file itself, so if you were to transfer it to a different computer, device, or what have you, that code still shows.....correct? I also saw that you mentioned that you put the code in the Artist field, so is it safe to assume you put the artist info along with the track name in the "track name " field?
Dj Nyce 3:43 PM - 12 November, 2010
not to be speak for Sixxx, but yes the codes are saved in the id3 tag which is embedded in the mp3. so wherever the mp3 goes, the tag follows. i don't use the artist or song tag for codes, but i do know it looks like this

Song: Shook Ones Pt. II (Clean) (HHE)
Artist: Mobb Deep
sixxx 4:11 PM - 12 November, 2010
I have some codes in the song name. I have most of my codes in the grouping field.
sixxx 4:13 PM - 12 November, 2010
I shouldn't say most but rather a diff set of codes in the grouping field.
Dj MacMillz 6:23 PM - 12 November, 2010
Quote:
not to be speak for Sixxx, but yes the codes are saved in the id3 tag which is embedded in the mp3. so wherever the mp3 goes, the tag follows. i don't use the artist or song tag for codes, but i do know it looks like this

Song: Shook Ones Pt. II (Clean) (HHE)
Artist: Mobb Deep


I'm really feeling this method (no misquote), I think this way plus my color dot method together will make for a much cleaner, easier to navigate/find shit on the fly library

Now the dreaded task of fixing tags, deleting doubles/low quality bullshit.
Nicky Blunt 1:35 AM - 13 November, 2010
Quote:
Quote:


not to be speak for Sixxx, but yes the codes are saved in the id3 tag which is embedded in the mp3. so wherever the mp3 goes, the tag follows. i don't use the artist or song tag for codes, but i do know it looks like this

Song: Shook Ones Pt. II (Clean) (HHE)
Artist: Mobb Deep


I'm really feeling this method (no misquote), I think this way plus my color dot method together will make for a much cleaner, easier to navigate/find shit on the fly library

Now the dreaded task of fixing tags, deleting doubles/low quality bullshit.


Deleteing doubles made easy

www.mediamonkey.com

best music management prog ever!
sixxx 1:51 AM - 13 November, 2010
Let me tell you why I don't want programs deleting doubles automatically....

The reason is simple. Quality. You may have doubles that come from different sources so you have to hear them and delete them manually. I guess using a program to separate duplicates is good but deleting them automatically to me is a no no.
Dj MacMillz 2:25 AM - 13 November, 2010
Yea I downloaded media monkey today, didn't get a chance to use it though..

I got a question about itunes for taggin only......when I edit tag info (I know it saves to the file itself) so what exactly info is stored in the itunes folder? Don't want itunes to manage my library, or move it,or anything other than edit tags.
stevie o 2:38 AM - 13 November, 2010
I use media rage. It analyzes all files and presents it as a list and then you manually delete
Nicky Blunt 2:41 AM - 13 November, 2010
Quote:
Let me tell you why I don't want programs deleting doubles automatically....

The reason is simple. Quality. You may have doubles that come from different sources so you have to hear them and delete them manually. I guess using a program to separate duplicates is good but deleting them automatically to me is a no no.


Nothings automated! It brings up lists tells u which is of a higher quality u get to listen b4 deleting! Simular to i tunes but this does a step further! Rather than just listig duplicates by name it analyses the sound & produces a duplicate list that way too!

Very handy for mis-spelt tracks etc!
stevie o 2:50 AM - 13 November, 2010
Quote:
Quote:


Quote:




not to be speak for Sixxx, but yes the codes are saved in the id3 tag which is embedded in the mp3. so wherever the mp3 goes, the tag follows. i don't use the artist or song tag for codes, but i do know it looks like this

Song: Shook Ones Pt. II (Clean) (HHE)

Media monkey only works for pc. Makes no sense
Artist: Mobb Deep


I'm really feeling this method (no misquote), I think this way plus my color dot method together will make for a much cleaner, easier to navigate/find shit on the fly library

Now the dreaded task of fixing tags, deleting doubles/low quality bullshit.


Deleteing doubles made easy

www.mediamonkey.com

best music management prog ever!
stevie o 2:50 AM - 13 November, 2010
only works for pc. Makes no sense
Jensen Määäm 10:26 AM - 13 November, 2010
Quote:
Let me tell you why I don't want programs deleting doubles automatically....

The reason is simple. Quality. You may have doubles that come from different sources so you have to hear them and delete them manually. I guess using a program to separate duplicates is good but deleting them automatically to me is a no no.


Yep, that's how I run too.
Jensen Määäm 10:29 AM - 13 November, 2010
Quote:
Quote:


Let me tell you why I don't want programs deleting doubles automatically....

The reason is simple. Quality. You may have doubles that come from different sources so you have to hear them and delete them manually. I guess using a program to separate duplicates is good but deleting them automatically to me is a no no.


Nothings automated! It brings up lists tells u which is of a higher quality u get to listen b4 deleting! Simular to i tunes but this does a step further! Rather than just listig duplicates by name it analyses the sound & produces a duplicate list that way too!

Very handy for mis-spelt tracks etc!


Nicky, just a number 320, 256, 192...doesn't tell you about the quality at all...you have to listen to your files to check them!
sixxx 3:12 AM - 14 November, 2010
Yeah. Nothing worst than a fake 320 file.
Dj MacMillz 3:13 AM - 14 November, 2010
Just to check back in......media monkey is what I needed loooooong time ago.....the ish even changes the filename.....its gonna be a long journey....but I'll get there eventually so my final decision on my new method is:

Codes, similar to what Sixxx and many others posted (with my own twist), then once in SSL I will also implement my color dot method.

Thanks folks.
sixxx 5:59 AM - 14 November, 2010
Yup. Do what works for you. ;)
DJJOHNNYM_vSL3 8:40 AM - 14 November, 2010
Media Monkey is THE TRUTH.
Nicky Blunt 5:49 PM - 14 November, 2010
Quote:
Media Monkey is THE TRUTH.


told yall
stevie o 6:41 PM - 14 November, 2010
Quote:
Quote:


Media Monkey is THE TRUTH.


told yall


Why dont the make media monkey for mac? Mackes no sense.

programs I use

Media rage
tune up
tidy up
beatunes
itunes
dupin
supersync

all good
Nicky Blunt 6:44 PM - 14 November, 2010
Dont u have the abillity to boot up windows programs in mac?

Im pretty sure U do.
Nicky Blunt 6:44 PM - 14 November, 2010
I think Puma talks about doing that. Ask one of the MAc heads Like Art Payne.
DJJOHNNYM_vSL3 8:05 PM - 14 November, 2010
Get a DELL DUDE.
stevie o 8:10 PM - 14 November, 2010
Quote:
Get a DELL DUDE.


Since you are suggesting I buy inferior products should I buy a 27" zenith tv also?

good times
DJJOHNNYM_vSL3 10:35 PM - 14 November, 2010
Quote:
Quote:

Get a DELL DUDE.


Since you are suggesting I buy inferior products should I buy a 27" zenith tv also?

good times


Only if it's BLACK and white...

he he...
DJJOHNNYM_vSL3 10:36 PM - 14 November, 2010
It would have a LARGE tube ...

LMAO!

Oh, I kill myself...haha
stevie o 12:12 AM - 15 November, 2010
Watchwww.youtube.com

You really are a funny guy
sixxx 12:18 AM - 15 November, 2010
I forgot why I didn't use Media Monkey. I would never boot up windows on a mac.

I'm good with iTunes plus scripts.
Dj Nyce 1:12 AM - 15 November, 2010
you can use media monkey on osx via wine/wine bottler
stevie o 1:49 AM - 15 November, 2010
Sixxx do you just dougs scripts or are there others out there?
sixxx 7:48 PM - 15 November, 2010
dougs scripts
Dj-M.Bezzle 7:59 PM - 15 November, 2010
Quote:
dougss cripts



WESTSIDE
Jensen Määäm 8:03 PM - 15 November, 2010
^Are you not from tha durrty south, Bezzle? lol
sixxx 10:40 PM - 15 November, 2010
Nah. He's just dirty in the south area. hahahaha
Audio1 10:53 PM - 15 November, 2010
Quote:
Nah. He's just dirty in the south area. hahahaha
south centro carteo?
DJBEATSONLINE 12:53 AM - 19 November, 2010
haha @ dirty in the south area
Dominic Carter™ 8:14 PM - 20 December, 2010
Anyone have any screenshots of their itunes/crates setup? Really would like to see this in true form.
DJ Remy USA 2:28 PM - 11 January, 2011
ok sixxx Im doing codes now....i going through my library track by track....oh the pain but it needs to happen I have way to many playlist
LilSwann 3:56 PM - 11 January, 2011
for the guys that are using codes and Doug scripts in iTunes is what is or is there a script to just add a code in the grouping tag to multiple songs? This is really the only thing i would need a script for thus determining my choice on whether or not to put my songs in iTunes.
Dj Nyce 4:10 PM - 11 January, 2011
Quote:
for the guys that are using codes and Doug scripts in iTunes is what is or is there a script to just add a code in the grouping tag to multiple songs? This is really the only thing i would need a script for thus determining my choice on whether or not to put my songs in iTunes.


'Append To Selected Tag' can place text before or after text in the the grouping tag.
LilSwann 4:12 PM - 11 January, 2011
Quote:
Quote:


for the guys that are using codes and Doug scripts in iTunes is what is or is there a script to just add a code in the grouping tag to multiple songs? This is really the only thing i would need a script for thus determining my choice on whether or not to put my songs in iTunes.


'Append To Selected Tag' can place text before or after text in the the grouping tag.

Thanks Nyce that's just what I needed but while i'm thinking about it is there any other scripts that can really help with tagging codes on songs? Or just any script that you find really helpful when tagging your songs?
DJ Dub Cowboy 5:17 PM - 11 January, 2011
"artist - title" corrector
Proper English Capitolization
Remove n characters from front or back
Swap this with that

I use all those when coding.
sixxx 5:17 PM - 11 January, 2011
I use a bunch of scripts. I don't know all the names but when I get home I will try and post them up.
LilSwann 5:28 PM - 11 January, 2011
Quote:
"artist - title" corrector
Proper English Capitolization
Remove n characters from front or back
Swap this with that

I use all those when coding.

thanks man i will take a look at those

Quote:
I use a bunch of scripts. I don't know all the names but when I get home I will try and post them up.

thanks sixxx it's much appreciated
DJ Remy USA 6:24 PM - 11 January, 2011
yooo sixxx Im diggin the codes I taged about 100 tracks and it improved my set a lot. Didnt have to searcg very hard to find what I was looking for. I only did about 30 min set but yea the codes are def the way to go. Heres what i got for codes


HHE= Hiphop Essentials
SHHE= South Hiphop essential
RBE= Rnb Essentials
HM= House Music
EH=Electro House
DNC= Dance Commercial
DN=Dance
CD=Chill Dance
LH=Latin House
LEH=Latin Electro House
PB=Party Breaks
CE=Club essential
CF=Club Filler
CC= Club Classic
ECE=East Coast Essentials
WCE=West Coast Essentials
LSE=Latin Salsa Essential
LME= Latin Merengue
LD= Latin dance
ME= Mambo Essential
BL=Blend
RX=Remix
NM=New Music
DHE=dance hall Essentials
LRE= Latin Reggeaton Essentials
LBE = Latin Bachata essientials
CT=Chart Topper
OCT= Old Chart Topper
RKE=Rock Essentials
BMH= Bmore House
TB= Throw back
FE= Freestyle Essentials
MO=Moombahton
IN= Indie
WU= Warm Up
TR= Tranisiton
Dj Nyce 6:31 PM - 11 January, 2011
Some more applescripts...

Albumize Selection
Export as HTML Table
Export Selected Song List
Search-Replace Tag-Text
Super Remove Dead Tracks
Dj Nyce 6:32 PM - 11 January, 2011
Quote:
"artist - title" corrector
Proper English Capitolization
Remove n characters from front or back
Swap this with that

I use all those when coding.


i'll have to check out a few of these. thanks.
sixxx 7:48 PM - 11 January, 2011
@ DJ Remy USA - Yes, the codes are sooooo useful. It's great not having crates at all.

I mean, you can make a quick crate if you want something specific to play or you can create a temporary code for it too.
tehBEN 7:57 PM - 11 January, 2011
I have a temp crate called garbage where I throw all the current top 40's crap into. I treat it as a "must play" kind of folder and then just dig around for other songs using the codes I tag my files with.

I spent the last 6 months on hiatus to tag and code in the comments section. Helps a lot.
DJ Deebar 8:00 PM - 11 January, 2011
Good Thing I saw this thread! Thanks Sixxx.. I can organize my music as early as now...
sixxx 8:11 PM - 11 January, 2011
Glad you did too Deebar. lol

@ BEN, I have a "must play" code. I sort through that weekly and add/delete as necessary. It's also the "garbage" code. hahaha
DJ Deebar 8:13 PM - 11 January, 2011
yeah! because I tried it in a couple of file and it really amaze me.. I can search files easily.. Thanks! sixxx, your a genius..
sixxx 8:36 PM - 11 January, 2011
It's settled then. I am a genius. :P

thanks Deebar.

I'm glad you're finding this useful. Makes my gigs a lot easier.
DJ Deebar 9:03 PM - 11 January, 2011
Quote:
It's settled then. I am a genius. :P

thanks Deebar.

I'm glad you're finding this useful. Makes my gigs a lot easier.


Hahaha... Yeah! it really helps.. before I change my files to this setup I am really having hard time searching for a file.. now, it has been resolved!
DJ Remy USA 9:04 PM - 11 January, 2011
sixxx one quick question. Is there a such thing as adding to many tags. Like Im being real specific on mine.
AKIEM 9:20 PM - 11 January, 2011
make smartcrates for each code. Then just click on those smart crates.
Now imagine how useful it would be to be able to click on more then one crate at a time.

show some love for this suggestion:
serato.com
DJ NoNseNse 9:33 PM - 11 January, 2011
I use codes and crates. I started making a crate for a specific gig and then used codes to narrow down what I would play. When vinyl was around did you take all your records with you or did you just take what you think you were going to play? I put all the songs I'm going to play and think I might play for the night and put it in 1 crate. When I had another gig at that same venue I deleted songs that didn't work, didn't play and added new ones and recoded some.
WarpNote 10:10 PM - 11 January, 2011
Quote:
'Append To Selected Tag' can place text before or after text in the the grouping tag.

That's a really helpful script Nyce, do you know of any script that can append to the genre field? (I use quite a few genres for each track, sort of like a code system with smart crates, but I use english not codes...)
sixxx 10:17 PM - 11 January, 2011
Quote:
sixxx one quick question. Is there a such thing as adding to many tags. Like Im being real specific on mine.



Not really. As long as you know all your tags, you're golden. You can even print out a cheat sheet if you think you have too many.
Jensen Määäm 10:43 PM - 11 January, 2011
Quote:
I use codes and crates. I started making a crate for a specific gig and then used codes to narrow down what I would play. When vinyl was around did you take all your records with you or did you just take what you think you were going to play? I put all the songs I'm going to play and think I might play for the night and put it in 1 crate. When I had another gig at that same venue I deleted songs that didn't work, didn't play and added new ones and recoded some.


That'S what you try to avoid these days, packing your cases with records you gonna play that night...it was time consuming, back in the days.
Of course preparing a crate in SL is good, but if it's not necessary, I'm not gonna do it.
sixxx 10:59 PM - 11 January, 2011
I freestyle, so the codes are essential. I don't want to spend time before a gig and think of what I may or may not play. There are too many variables like reading the crowd, requests, etc. that will throw that out of wack.... unless I'm just showcasing. Then, different story. By all means, plan ahead.
Dj Nyce 2:06 AM - 12 January, 2011
Quote:
Quote:


'Append To Selected Tag' can place text before or after text in the the grouping tag.

That's a really helpful script Nyce, do you know of any script that can append to the genre field? (I use quite a few genres for each track, sort of like a code system with smart crates, but I use english not codes...)


'This Tag, That Tag' can append before/after genre.
djpuma_gemini 7:14 AM - 12 January, 2011
post a tracklist
fresher 12:48 AM - 17 January, 2011
Officially deleting my unorganized crates & doing it the good ol' sixxx way.
sixxx 12:49 AM - 17 January, 2011
Quote:
Officially deleting my unorganized crates & doing it the good ol' sixxx way.


You won't regret it.
DJ Deebar 1:18 AM - 17 January, 2011
Quote:
Quote:

Officially deleting my unorganized crates & doing it the good ol' sixxx way.


You won't regret it.


Hahaha... Yeah! trust the genius sixxx... Thanks man! much way to search easier.. Proven and tested, I got a gig last sturday. there was a request, I'm in a rush finding the file, i just typed in the extension and boom! i find it very quick! :D
DJ Remy USA 2:26 AM - 17 January, 2011
you da man ash tray
sixxx 5:42 AM - 17 January, 2011
lol Deebar... and Remy
WarpNote 6:04 AM - 17 January, 2011
Quote:
Quote:


Quote:




'Append To Selected Tag' can place text before or after text in the the grouping tag.

That's a really helpful script Nyce, do you know of any script that can append to the genre field? (I use quite a few genres for each track, sort of like a code system with smart crates, but I use english not codes...)


'This Tag, That Tag' can append before/after genre.

Well not really, it still needs to read the info from a another tag-field, and then optionally delete the original tag. Counter-productive IMO... The standard append to tag is a whole lot faster...
Dj Nyce 6:53 AM - 17 January, 2011
'AppendTo' cannot write to the genre tag. 'This Tag, That Tag' can.

I guess you could modify the 'AppendTo' script to use genre though.
DJ Remy USA 1:13 PM - 17 January, 2011
im doin my library the OG way one track at time. Its time consuming but not every track needs a tag. I got about 22,000 tracks maybe 10,000 really need to tagged for DJ use
WarpNote 5:21 PM - 17 January, 2011
Quote:
'AppendTo' cannot write to the genre tag. 'This Tag, That Tag' can.

I guess you could modify the 'AppendTo' script to use genre though.


Yay! Success,
I just changed the "show" tag in the script for "genre".
It only took 5 minutes too. Feel kinda dumb I did'nt try this before... ;-)
Oh well, live & learn...
sixxx 6:56 PM - 17 January, 2011
These are the scripts I have and the ones I actually use:

Add Tag
Remove Tag
Artist - Name corrector <-- USE SOMETIMES
Add Text At End Of Track Name <-- USE ALL THE TIME
Remove n Characters From Front Or Back <--- USE ALL THE TIME
Rename Files
Search-Replace Tag Text <--- USE ALL THE TIME
DJ Deebar 7:31 PM - 17 January, 2011
Quote:
These are the scripts I have and the ones I actually use:

Add Tag
Remove Tag
Artist - Name corrector <-- USE SOMETIMES
Add Text At End Of Track Name <-- USE ALL THE TIME
Remove n Characters From Front Or Back <--- USE ALL THE TIME
Rename Files
Search-Replace Tag Text <--- USE ALL THE TIME


You gotta explain this to me sixxx... Lolz! my nose is bleeding now... I need a medic...
sixxx 9:17 PM - 17 January, 2011
If you use iTunes, you need scripts to automate a lot of stuff that otherwise you'd have to do manually with each file. Instead, scrips help you rename, etc. a lot of files at the same time in places where iTunes wouldn't let you do it in bulk.

I hope that helps.

If you use iTunes, go here:

dougscripts.com
AKIEM 11:29 PM - 17 January, 2011
heres a couple more I use a lot

Parser (song names) <--- supper good for files with all the info in the name tag
Put this after that
Put this before that
Put this in that
Swap this with that
Whack Current Track
Dj Nyce 12:12 AM - 18 January, 2011
and for the very best in duplicate song management yo gotta go with Dupin or Media Rage. These are not free though.
Caliber 11:10 PM - 22 January, 2011
help sixxx, I starting getting in tags and i love it. I use the grouping field to put my codes. I been searching on doug's script for help with a script to help me remove a certain code from that field. eg. code for new [N to just remove or replace with something else. how would I go about doing that
sixxx 11:32 PM - 22 January, 2011
Caliber, look for this one:

Search-Replace Tag Text <--- USE ALL THE TIME

You can add, delete, replace any info
from any field including the grouping field.
Caliber 11:48 PM - 22 January, 2011
thanks a lot sixxx. you do not know how much you save my fingers from typing
DJ Remy USA 4:54 PM - 23 January, 2011
Question how long is new music new? Is there a way to automatically erase new music based on rating?
WarpNote 8:55 PM - 23 January, 2011
Remy, in iTunes you can make smart lists based on "date added", so that could probably make it easier to weed out older stuff, if thats what you're looking for...
AKIEM 9:55 PM - 23 January, 2011
or sort by date imported.
I leave my main library sorted by import date I use it so much
I can always see exactly what I just brought in. And better yet If I come across an odd file thats out of place, I can always find the rest of the files that I imported it with.
Jensen Määäm 10:01 PM - 23 January, 2011
I killed my SL library maybe twice and started from scratch...I regret it, because than I couldn't go by import date anymore, everything had the same date.
DJ Remy USA 11:05 PM - 23 January, 2011
I use my itunes sort by import date but sometimes its overwhelming I import to much crap and Im also trying to back fill my library with older music from 70s and 80s so sometimes the new stuff is not exactly new jus new to my library. Speaking of older stuff I cannot for the life of blend music from the 70s. Even when i use my ears or the waveforms that shit is tough. Hats to DJs that been doing it since the 70s that music is not blend friendly....:)
AKIEM 11:32 PM - 23 January, 2011
yeah, I wasnt talking about the song date - just the import date.
for example If I find a crap file, chances are It was imported the same time as some other crap files
WarpNote 7:30 AM - 24 January, 2011
Quote:
or sort by date imported.
I leave my main library sorted by import date I use it so much
I can always see exactly what I just brought in. And better yet If I come across an odd file thats out of place, I can always find the rest of the files that I imported it with.


In my iTunes it's actually called "date added", maybe they changed it in the new version. But yeah, like AKIEM says, you get the idea. (I'm still running iTunes 9 due to the broken rescan feature in later versions)
I have an iTunes smart list that filters music added within the last 2 weeks,
so I basically try to keep that one tidy. You can also a smart crate based on "added" field in SSL, however, there is no "within the last months/days/weeks" option, you'll have to specify a date. So you would just make a new temp one every week or so, and keep this tidy...

Remy, keep practicing, you'll get the hang of 70s mix after a while :D
(then again, a few tracks are almost impossible = damn that, doped out drummer...)

Also, A key to keep it organized is to not add too much at the same time, if you're doing back catalogs, try to focus on a limited area/genre/style, move on to the next, then come back to add more, once the "foundation" is built.
You Know, Classic NY disco, Northern Soul, Soul-Jazz, Jazz-Funk, Synth, New Jack Swing, New Wave, or whatever you're into...
AKIEM 7:33 AM - 24 January, 2011
"date added"
yes
DJ Remy USA 7:59 PM - 24 January, 2011
I feel you warp my problem is I have short attention span. I will start doing my 70s then I will hear something then Im getting funk music then I'll be on the nu disco then Im all over the place. So the codes are helping me stay organized without being organized if you get what Im saying
dirtyonekanobi 8:03 PM - 24 January, 2011
Quote:
or sort by date imported.
I leave my main library sorted by import date I use it so much


You mentioned "Main Library" ... you use more than one?
AKIEM 11:03 PM - 24 January, 2011
I use other iTunes Libraries to organize my archived music on other drives that I will probably never play but just keep.

Then I have my iTunes Library for anything I 'might' spin.

I use iTunes for all tagging and organizing - when I know I will play it and I am sure I have it tagged well I pull it out of the iTunes Library putting songs in folders and importing them into the Serato Library. I have just started to NOT use the iTunes library for songs I regularly spin because iTunes no longer easily reads tag changes from other programes (serato).

iTunes - for organizing and tagging archived, newly imported, and maybe tossed files
Serato - for files I am likely to play already tagged correctly

Set Serato to read iTunes Library for just finding stuff, practice, or if I am going to get crazy requests.
dirtyonekanobi 4:33 AM - 25 January, 2011
@ Akiem - thanks for the explanation. Your method sounds meticulous...props!

I have been looking for a practical way to treat digital music like physical music (basically carrying only what I will play to gigs) to cut down on confusion. The codes method has drastically made searching easier, and I'm able to freestyle based on mood, tone, etc... but I've been thinking of creating a separate library altogether. I just worry about duplicates, etc... Sounds like you've already got a great system in place. Thanks again for the info.
tehBEN 12:21 AM - 26 January, 2011
Changed all the "Piss Break" comments to (PB) in my library for taking a piss.

And for those "oh shit, I gotta take a shit and my DJ buddies are too faded to DJ" moments, I have this code (911) for every song and mini mixes I have in my library that is more than 15 minutes long lol
DJ Remy USA 1:23 AM - 26 January, 2011
I just put on one of my mixtapes if I have oh shit gotta go take a shit moments. Ive done it before
AKIEM 5:44 AM - 26 January, 2011
Quote:
@ Akiem - thanks for the explanation. Your method sounds meticulous...props!

I have been looking for a practical way to treat digital music like physical music (basically carrying only what I will play to gigs) to cut down on confusion. The codes method has drastically made searching easier, and I'm able to freestyle based on mood, tone, etc... but I've been thinking of creating a separate library altogether. I just worry about duplicates, etc... Sounds like you've already got a great system in place. Thanks again for the info.


yeah, my 'system' is still evolving...

Ive worried about doubles, but I decided drive space is plentiful enough that doubles of some files wont mater. What does matter is getting the best quality file into the Serato library and not the iTunes. I figure that I could pretty easily consolidate the libraries by dumping everything into iTunes, organizing then pulling it all out again.
sixxx 2:49 PM - 26 January, 2011
@ tehBEN. The (911) code makes a lot of sense. lol
tehBEN 4:59 PM - 26 January, 2011
works like a charm!
AKIEM 7:34 PM - 26 January, 2011
911 - Im a use that - good one
tehBEN 8:05 PM - 26 January, 2011
lol

(69) for all the ending songs that make people want to go home and have sex, then wake up the next morning next to a butt ugly person they thought was hot that night lol.
Proto J 12:06 AM - 9 February, 2011
so most of ya'll are putting "[top40" style codes in your comments or grouping now, and just searching those codes in serato's search box for gigs, right?

well i just wonder, what's the point in searching every time when you can just build a smart playlist around those codes anyways? then you just put in the code and it's gonna be right there in that crate/playlist. no need to run a search.

i'm finally about to reorganize i think, and put codes to work. gonna be mr. ask a million questions in this bitch here soon. LOL!
sixxx 12:08 AM - 9 February, 2011
The reason being, you don't have to navigate to crates ever again.

You type a code or, a bunch of different codes and it's like you're creating a very specialized crate every time you search. :)

So, basically you have an infinite amount of virtual smart crates/playlists. :)
DJ Dub Cowboy 12:23 AM - 9 February, 2011
Quote:
so most of ya'll are putting "[top40" style codes in your comments or grouping now, and just searching those codes in serato's search box for gigs, right?

well i just wonder, what's the point in searching every time when you can just build a smart playlist around those codes anyways? then you just put in the code and it's gonna be right there in that crate/playlist. no need to run a search.


this is what I do. why type the same search over and over again? I have smart crates for top 5 searches and then just use custom searches beyond that
sixxx 12:28 AM - 9 February, 2011
For me navigating through crates is a waste of time. That's just me though.
Proto J 12:37 AM - 9 February, 2011
yeah, i think i'm gonna take dub's approach and use both.

so you should put a "[" next to your code so it doesn't pull up random stuff with those letters in that order, right?

gosh, i gotta figure out my codes now. i'd like to be sure about them so i can make sure i put them all in correctly on each file, and not have to go back and edit stuff.

but there's prolly a script for that, huh?

i don't even know how to use scripts unfortunately.

i'm also curious if there's a way to have two different itunes libraries, like one for DJ use, and one for personal use (that will have mixes, live concerts, stuff like that, that i'd never use in a DJ setting)...
DJ Dub Cowboy 12:48 AM - 9 February, 2011
I use { instead of [ for the reason that [ appears more often in remixes and such.

With {, I type { and already I have narrowed my library down to my most played tracks and then I just go from there.

I put my codes in the comment field.

Scripts are easy, just dive in. Once you do the first one it's cake from there.
Watch the video.
dougscripts.com

For the itunes libraries.

Hold the 'alt/option" key when you open itunes. It will ask if you want to choose a library or start a new one.

I have all my DJ music in one library. The master iTunes folder for that library is on its own drive (partition). If I want to use my library on another computer I can just use a clone of my drive and the option/open itunes and there is my itunes library BAM!

I have an external drive that has another itunes library for mixes and recordings. That is the one I sync my iphone with.


I know I confused you, so ask ?s
Proto J 12:53 AM - 9 February, 2011
so when you download new songs, and let's say it's something you want on your personal library and your DJ library, how do you send it to both? just open it in each one?

do you have duplicates that way?

and when you select "read itunes library" in serato, how does it only read your DJ library?
DJ Dub Cowboy 1:20 AM - 9 February, 2011
well, I actually have a third itunes library on my imac. Every couple months I use I use itunes file sharing to add all my new music to the library.

as long as they are both on wi-fi you can just drag and drop from a remote computer.

on one computer, you would either end up with duplicates or have to store those tracks in a separate area.

I have itunes sort all my files, so I don't fuck with it.


with Serato it will read whatever the last itunes library that was open. I learned this the hard way when I got to gig and only saw my DJ mixes and no crates

just restarted everything, opened itunes to the correct library and then opened SSL and it was all back to normal
DJ Remy USA 1:29 AM - 9 February, 2011
Quote:
For me navigating through crates is a waste of time. That's just me though.


im with you sixx every since switching my game up to codes. Its made finding the next song a breeze. Sometimes I have to many good songs to choose from which is a very good thing cause now I have lots of options at my hands
Jensen Määäm 1:40 AM - 9 February, 2011
I'm follwing this thread...and I kinda like the codes on one hand, on the other hand, I don't want to put codes behind the song name nor in the comment field, I could use the grouping field for that, but with smart crates and crates I'm able to narrow down things and with the help of my X1 I can jump through crates pretty fast, so rigth now I'm undecided if I should go the codes route...
Dj Nyce 1:48 AM - 9 February, 2011
Sixxx's method is great one and a starting point for many. You should feel free to tweak it how you see fit. If you would rather use codes and smartcrates, knock yourself out. If you want to use codes and ctrl+f, nothing wrong with that either.

i use both and it suits me just fine.

once again, big ups to sixxx for the this amazing idea.
sixxx 1:54 AM - 9 February, 2011
Yup. You gotta do what's best for you. :)

Thanks Nyce
Proto J 4:43 AM - 9 February, 2011
yeah, sounds like i'm gonna have to deal with one big itunes library then. don't want duplicates...

gotta figure out my codes now... uuugggghhhh!
dirtyonekanobi 5:23 AM - 9 February, 2011
Just my 2cents. I use the smart crates for genre & bpm (I.E Hip Hop 90-95, 95-100, etc...) and for newest tracks using code [NS].

For everything else, I just type in codes. Once you develop a system, and learn to use scripts, its a breeze. I just went through and changed the majority of my new tracks to identify as 2010 tracks using the 'replace this with that' script.

I filled in and played off another DJs laptop for an hour the other week, and when I got done I asked him "HOW THE @#$@#$ do you find your songs???

Sixxx for president!!!
Jensen Määäm 5:46 AM - 9 February, 2011
Scripts are for the use of/with itunes only, right?
lil vito 9:37 AM - 9 February, 2011
Quote:
yeah, sounds like i'm gonna have to deal with one big itunes library then. don't want duplicates...

gotta figure out my codes now... uuugggghhhh!

I use [nodj code for tracks I don't wanna use for djing with. When I search for other tags [nodj tracks don't show up. In smart crates, I use criteria "does not contain [nodj"
Proto J 9:50 AM - 9 February, 2011
but when you add a bunch of music, and some of which isn't for DJ use, do you hand pick what needs overviews built each time?

i dunno, i like just hitting "analyze files" and let it run. i'll likely just build overviews for everything...
lil vito 10:20 AM - 9 February, 2011
My smart crate for tagging has criteria, added in the last 7 days + does not contain [nodj. I drag that crate onto the build overviews button.
dirtyonekanobi 4:34 PM - 9 February, 2011
that nodj is a good idea. i was using [lis] for "listen only" but I like the [nodj] better. My only wish is to keep these tracks completely out of serato, but that isn't an option since I use Itunes.
sixxx 4:49 PM - 9 February, 2011
I think any code is good as long as you can remember it. Whatever makes it easy for you.
tehBEN 7:21 PM - 9 February, 2011
Quote:
im with you sixx every since switching my game up to codes. Its made finding the next song a breeze. Sometimes I have to many good songs to choose from which is a very good thing cause now I have lots of options at my hands


+1
Quote:
I think any code is good as long as you can remember it. Whatever makes it easy for you.


yup, I use a combination of codes and smart crates along side some great ideas mentioned here.
sixxx 9:18 PM - 9 February, 2011
I'm still feeling the 69 and 911 codes. lol


nm
DJ Remy USA 9:25 PM - 9 February, 2011
I have a list of about 25 codes now that I always keep open while Im playing. So i can reference. I like that no dj code. Im starting to erase alot of stuff that I will never play or listen to
Jensen Määäm 9:53 PM - 9 February, 2011
I love that 911 code, what stand that 69 code for again?
Konix made a vid about multiple databases, maybe that's an option for somebody...
DCD 9:56 PM - 9 February, 2011
I separated my DJ music and music I listen to. If I want to play something from my non-DJ folder during a set, I'll have placed a copy of it in my DJ folder.
tehBEN 10:30 PM - 9 February, 2011
Quote:
what stand that 69 code for again?


songs to play at the end of the night, the ones they hear b4 they go home with the girl they thought was hot with their beer goggles on

here's another code I use for trainspotters on the fly: (FU)
best if seen in action: i82.photobucket.com
AKIEM 10:55 PM - 9 February, 2011
lol thats a good one

make 100 of those files - hit the code - and the guy is going to say

"holy shit - that DJ has a button that makes all his tracks say 'fuck you' to me"
Proto J 1:48 AM - 10 February, 2011
Quote:
I separated my DJ music and music I listen to. If I want to play something from my non-DJ folder during a set, I'll have placed a copy of it in my DJ folder.


i might just do that. put a "[DJ" code on every track i'd use in a DJ setting... or some sorta code for "no play", so that stuff is never in the equation (so if i ever wanted to view my entire library of DJ stuff, of any genre or theme, i can, without all the extra non-playable shit being there)...

so do you guys capitalize the code's initials or what?

is there any benefit to using comments or grouping to store your codes?

thanx.
DCD 2:42 AM - 10 February, 2011
Quote:
Quote:


I separated my DJ music and music I listen to. If I want to play something from my non-DJ folder during a set, I'll have placed a copy of it in my DJ folder.


i might just do that. put a "[DJ" code on every track i'd use in a DJ setting... or some sorta code for "no play", so that stuff is never in the equation (so if i ever wanted to view my entire library of DJ stuff, of any genre or theme, i can, without all the extra non-playable shit being there)...

so do you guys capitalize the code's initials or what?

is there any benefit to using comments or grouping to store your codes?

thanx.

I put mine in the Title section because you can't see the codes when they're on a deck. But it's personal preference.
Proto J 2:47 AM - 10 February, 2011
hhhmmm, what's the advantage of seeing them on the deck tho?
DCD 3:31 AM - 10 February, 2011
Now that I think about it, there isn't much of an advantage. I just like seeing my codes there. Although I will admit that I do get stupid and forget whether or not the song I'm playing is a quick hitter or has an acapella outro.
sixxx 3:57 AM - 10 February, 2011
That is actually why codes in song titles are useful.
I know someone who has a code for dirty song and it's
not seen when loaded. Clean, Dirty versions must be seen on deck.
Nicky Blunt 8:49 AM - 10 February, 2011
I use the grouping field for my codes as I thought that's what it was for?

As for xplicit & Dirty I use colour codes for that so with an nstant glance i can tell which deck is playing the acapella/instrumental/radio edit/explicitmix etc etc
Proto J 11:34 AM - 1 March, 2011
so i was on the phone with Rafael from serato support today about an issue, and i asked him about itunes not importing a file, and we got to talking about tags, and he was sayin' he puts all of his info in the track title. basically because of issues with serato and itunes having new versions that could screw up all your tags, but the one thing it never really messes with is the title (which is also the name of the actual mp3 file if you pull it out of itunes or have it chillin' in a folder, etc.)...

what you guys think about that? have you ever had a new version of itunes or serato wipe out all your hard work of putting tags in the grouping or comment fields? have you had it wipe out the artist field?
DJ Remy USA 2:28 PM - 1 March, 2011
Quote:
so i was on the phone with Rafael from serato support today about an issue, and i asked him about itunes not importing a file, and we got to talking about tags, and he was sayin' he puts all of his info in the track title. basically because of issues with serato and itunes having new versions that could screw up all your tags, but the one thing it never really messes with is the title (which is also the name of the actual mp3 file if you pull it out of itunes or have it chillin' in a folder, etc.)...

what you guys think about that? have you ever had a new version of itunes or serato wipe out all your hard work of putting tags in the grouping or comment fields? have you had it wipe out the artist field?


no I have not but itunes stopped updating tags automatically when I choose get info like it use to. I put my tags in the title of the song as well. Itunes just writes to a xml file and serato just reads that xml file. Its almost as if serato has a itunes emulator built in
DJ Remy USA 2:29 PM - 1 March, 2011
oh yea and never had it wipe out the artist feild. I have had problems with some song disappearing over the years. Thats few and far between but it still sucks
Jensen Määäm 2:30 PM - 1 March, 2011
Quote:
That is actually why codes in song titles are useful.
I know someone who has a code for dirty song and it's
not seen when loaded. Clean, Dirty versions must be seen on deck.


I put [dirty] [clean] [radio] [album] [instr.] [acapella] behind the titel, like you said sixxx. this is a very important information and must be seen on the deck. Beside that I use different colours for instr. acapellas and the main version I want to play (normally), but I didn't have any other codes yet. I love the idea, but I would put them into the grouping field. If you are using an extra field for the codes, it makes changes/mass changes even easier.
sixxx 3:36 PM - 1 March, 2011
Exactly. I also use some common tags on the song title, the rest in the grouping field.
There is no way I could put all my tags in the title field.... They would be too long as I used up to 6 tags per song.
Dj Nyce 3:38 PM - 1 March, 2011
never had an issue with itunes. i have been using itunes since the days of final scratch.

i think the title atom should be used for just that the title. ancillary info should be placed in comments, grouping etc imo.
sixxx 3:40 PM - 1 March, 2011
I didn't update to the new iTunes cause I was aware of the songs not updating via get info.
DJ Remy USA 5:34 PM - 1 March, 2011
Quote:
Exactly. I also use some common tags on the song title, the rest in the grouping field.
There is no way I could put all my tags in the title field.... They would be too long as I used up to 6 tags per song.


does serato show the grouping feild on deck? I thought about moving my tags to the grouping feild because some songs have like 6 or more tags
djmallon 6:31 PM - 1 March, 2011
Negative
DJ Remy USA 6:47 PM - 1 March, 2011
@ sixxx is there a script to move tags from one comment catergory to another
sixxx 6:52 PM - 1 March, 2011
Quote:
@ sixxx is there a script to move tags from one comment catergory to another


I'm not sure if there is but it isn't hard to do with the current scripts I have. You just have to do it a few times.



1. search by code (say you want to move [CODE] to title).
2. Use the Add to end of song Script to add [CODE]
3. Use Replace with Script to delete [CODE] from grouping field by replacing it with nothing.
xplycyt 9:52 PM - 1 March, 2011
Quote:
Quote:


@ sixxx is there a script to move tags from one comment catergory to another


I'm not sure if there is but it isn't hard to do with the current scripts I have. You just have to do it a few times.



1. search by code (say you want to move [CODE] to title).
2. Use the Add to end of song Script to add [CODE]
3. Use Replace with Script to delete [CODE] from grouping field by replacing it with nothing.


Try the 'Put This Before/After/In That' script!
dreamkast 11:11 PM - 1 March, 2011
I use smart playlists from Itunes.

Tag all my tracks in the Genre field with 1 or more of the following tags.

HH3 (90's Rnb Hip Hop for early chill sets)
HH2 (2000-2008 ish hiphop (think Mims,Lloyd Banks etc)
HHprime (Bangers from any year Be Faithful,Dutty love,Get it on the floor)
HHnew (New tracks only)
Hiphouse (Bsides,electro remixes etc of pop and hiphop tracks
Party (what I play out of when not in clubs. Prince,Bob Marley etc)
EDM

Then I have Custom crates in Serato for certain gigs. For example my Weds Night gig I have a folder which consists of New uptempo tracks that havn't been broken in yet,uptempo edm remixes of hiphop tracks and bangers in the lower BPMS. Reason why I have this folder is cause the club is packed at 11 when I start, I start with all the 90bpm plus bangers, then I go into upbeat stuff that keeps people dancing but gives the next guy all the room to play the big upbeat tunes like g6 etc.
sixxx 11:26 PM - 1 March, 2011
Quote:
Quote:


Quote:




@ sixxx is there a script to move tags from one comment catergory to another


I'm not sure if there is but it isn't hard to do with the current scripts I have. You just have to do it a few times.



1. search by code (say you want to move [CODE] to title).
2. Use the Add to end of song Script to add [CODE]
3. Use Replace with Script to delete [CODE] from grouping field by replacing it with nothing.


Try the 'Put This Before/After/In That' script!


I think that's the wrong script though. He is wanting to move info from one field to the next.
DJ Remy USA 2:49 AM - 2 March, 2011
Quote:
Quote:


Quote:




Quote:



I will try your method sixxx but I think for now I will go with what i have. Oh and thanks on putting me on to codes its really taken my sets to the next level. I perform so much better. Plus I can do any kinda party with barely any prep. I did a neo soul party then did a latin party the next day and all I did was use my codes with a lil prep and I killed both parties


@ sixxx is there a script to move tags from one comment catergory to another


I'm not sure if there is but it isn't hard to do with the current scripts I have. You just have to do it a few times.



1. search by code (say you want to move [CODE] to title).
2. Use the Add to end of song Script to add [CODE]
3. Use Replace with Script to delete [CODE] from grouping field by replacing it with nothing.


Try the 'Put This Before/After/In That' script!


I think that's the wrong script though. He is wanting to move info from one field to the next.
xplycyt 3:10 AM - 2 March, 2011
^^ i don't see how that wouldn't work?! If you selected the 'Put This In That' script, it would pull the data in one field and put it in the field you choose!
Dj Nyce 3:49 AM - 2 March, 2011
xplycyt is right. Put This in That (a part of the This Tag, That Tag scripts) takes data from one tag and replaces the data in another tag. By default it does a copy, but there is an option to delete data from the first tag.
DCD 5:01 AM - 2 March, 2011
I'm thinking about creating a new tag [MG which would mean Me Gusta. Use it mainly for Dance tracks which names I don't remember, but know that are bangers.
sixxx 2:59 PM - 2 March, 2011
Quote:
^^ i don't see how that wouldn't work?! If you selected the 'Put This In That' script, it would pull the data in one field and put it in the field you choose!


Aaah. Gotcha. I misread it. lol
dreamkast 11:29 PM - 2 March, 2011
Can that script program change all of 1 genre tag to another name?

for example change all songs with the label Metal to Rock?

And would it change songs like this. eg

Artist : Metallica Songname : Enter Sandman Genre : Party Metal Pubmusic.

then run the script to change all songs with metal in genre to rock,would it do the following? Or would it just change the genre field to just rock ?

Arist Metallica Songname : Enter Sandman Genrea : Party Rock Pubmusic
Nicky Blunt 1:58 PM - 3 March, 2011
idk but media monkey would do that, if ur not on a mac that is.
Dj Nyce 2:06 PM - 3 March, 2011
Quote:
Can that script program change all of 1 genre tag to another name?

for example change all songs with the label Metal to Rock?

And would it change songs like this. eg

Artist : Metallica Songname : Enter Sandman Genre : Party Metal Pubmusic.

then run the script to change all songs with metal in genre to rock,would it do the following? Or would it just change the genre field to just rock ?

Arist Metallica Songname : Enter Sandman Genrea : Party Rock Pubmusic


'Search/Replace Tag text' can do this.
tehBEN 12:03 AM - 8 March, 2011
Quote:
idk but media monkey would do that, if ur not on a mac that is.


I wrote scripts for media monkey if anyone needs it. (nm)
dreamkast 12:20 AM - 8 March, 2011
that search replace tag txt thing rules, just wish it wasnt case sensitive :D
ral 3:34 PM - 8 March, 2011
how soon do you guys update your mp3?

ex. [hot [new

..when its not hot / new anymore? every month? week?
WarpNote 4:10 PM - 8 March, 2011
Quote:
I didn't update to the new iTunes cause I was aware of the songs not updating via get info.

Me too, so now I can't update my iphone to IOS4 :(
Apple really messed this up big time...
sixxx 4:52 PM - 8 March, 2011
@ ral, I review those on a weekly basis.
tehBEN 4:55 PM - 8 March, 2011
Quote:
@ ral, I review those on a weekly basis.

+1
ral 5:30 PM - 8 March, 2011
cool - thanks - i guess im that lazy (updating in months) - he he
Nicky Blunt 2:29 PM - 10 March, 2011
Quote:
Quote:


idk but media monkey would do that, if ur not on a mac that is.


I wrote scripts for media monkey if anyone needs it. (nm)


They would come in handy plz ben.
Thanks in advance.
tehBEN 7:14 PM - 10 March, 2011
I'll send the scripts to you when I get home (nm)
sixxx 8:05 PM - 10 March, 2011
Quote:
I'll send the scripts to Charlie Sheen when I get home (nm)


I guess he needs a job bad. :P

nm
Steve E Wunda 10:38 PM - 10 March, 2011
Quote:


I guess he needs a job bad. :P

nm



He'll probably be spinnin in Vegas next week. Celebrity DJ Tiger Blood.....winning!


Oh yeah I'm starting to code all new music input into my collection, will be going back and coding all the old stuff a little bit at a time. Let's see how it works out.
Da1nonly89 12:25 AM - 14 March, 2011
sixx i have been following this thread for a while...I am have a week from today to reorganize my entire library of 130gb..Its hard to read through this whole thread.I need just a few questions answered is there any way i can personally contact you please?
or shoot me an email at dopestarthedj@gmail.com

Thanks,
DJ Dopestar
sixxx 1:45 AM - 14 March, 2011
eyeamsixxx@gmail.com
djcheeto 9:24 PM - 16 March, 2011
Sorting by codes!
#NOICE!
MexiKanMan 4:26 AM - 23 March, 2011
A while back I used a program to "sync" all my crates automatically to keep updated with my music library. I searched but couldn't find the thread....

If someone knows about the thread, could you re-post?

Also, over the last year, i've gone from 1.9 to 2.2 and re-ran the "script" / "program" and got an error message in my path.

My old path was music.library.itch=/Users/Hernandez/Music/ScratchLIVE/

I am fairly Comp Literate but when i go to /user/hernandez/Music/ "ScratchLive" is no longer there..... Instead there is _Serato_ folder. Is this because, I have updated to the newer SSL versions? If so, how can I fix?

I edited the "script" replacing the "ScratchLIVE" with "_Serato_" and it ran with no error, but it did not fully update my crates. I searched for songs I knew were in my library but did not show in my "updated" crates....

Please advise...
MexiKanMan 4:32 AM - 23 March, 2011
Figures...as soon as I post I get it to work...It was the _Serato_ folder. Don't know why it didn't work the first time but it works and has updated all....but if someone still can post the original thread, I'll save in case it happens again...
Jensen Määäm 4:34 AM - 23 March, 2011
Here you are:
serato.com
MexiKanMan 4:51 AM - 23 March, 2011
tracked...ty
Caliber 2:37 PM - 23 March, 2011
Hey anyone is there any script that copy lets say the artist name to the artist album or any other field within the tag?
DJ Wade-West 4:50 AM - 31 March, 2011
i'm still freakin confused with this shit
sixxx 7:20 AM - 31 March, 2011
It's VERY EASY. Just pick a code. Whatever you want to use and add it in any place you want. When you want to search songs, use that code and it will come up.
DJ Wade-West 2:40 PM - 31 March, 2011
lol... ok. Thanks sixxx. I understand that. I am wondering about where to put the code, and if doing it through iTunes is a recommended way.

I no longer want to use iTunes, but if it's recommended for sorting and adding these codes/tags, then I will.

Thanks sixxx
sixxx 3:55 PM - 31 March, 2011
Nah. You can use whatever taggin' program you prefer. Even just in SSL. The reason why I personally use iTunes is because there are a ton of scripts that make it easy to do a ton of files at a time. But, a lot of people use other taggin programs.

Just find a method you like, and stick with it.
DJ Wade-West 5:02 PM - 31 March, 2011
Any chance you could hit me a link that gives me scripts? I wouldn't mind giving it a try before uninstalling iTunes. it's caused me some bullshit in terms of letting it organize all my tunes and putting them into separate folders.
CMOS 5:52 PM - 31 March, 2011
dougscripts.com
DJ Wade-West 6:58 PM - 31 March, 2011
^ thank you. i do not own a mac however.
Proto J 8:51 PM - 31 March, 2011
Quote:
Any chance you could hit me a link that gives me scripts? I wouldn't mind giving it a try before uninstalling iTunes. it's caused me some bullshit in terms of letting it organize all my tunes and putting them into separate folders.


what i figured out, partly due to sixxx, is it doesn't ultimately matter how itunes organizes the files and folders within it's itunes music folder. in fact, letting go of caring about that makes life so much easier.

you can organize music in any way you like within itunes itself, and you can move music around, to other harddrives, folders, your desktop, where ever, from itunes.

i've just never heard a good reason to store music outside of itunes. all it does is create more work for yourself, and if you have a song that can go in multiple genre folders (like a lot of music can these days), then you end up with doubles or it's not there.

i still need to figure out my codes for once and for all and get to it, but i still plan to use this method (along with some smart playlists)...
DJ Remy USA 9:28 PM - 31 March, 2011
as I said before codes and itunes rule and dougs scripts. with those three you can really put your library together in a a way unique to your playing style
AKIEM 9:29 PM - 31 March, 2011
Quote:
as I said before codes and itunes rule and dougs scripts. with those three you can really put your library together in a a way unique to your playing style


the next step will (hopefully) be selecting more then one crate at a time
DJ Remy USA 9:34 PM - 31 March, 2011
Quote:
Quote:


as I said before codes and itunes rule and dougs scripts. with those three you can really put your library together in a a way unique to your playing style


the next step will (hopefully) be selecting more then one crate at a time


that is the beauty of codes. No need to have crates. I dont search in my crates for anything anymore. 100% codes and remembering track names. Crates are obsolete imo
AKIEM 9:51 PM - 31 March, 2011
Quote:
Quote:


Quote:




as I said before codes and itunes rule and dougs scripts. with those three you can really put your library together in a a way unique to your playing style


the next step will (hopefully) be selecting more then one crate at a time


that is the beauty of codes. No need to have crates. I dont search in my crates for anything anymore. 100% codes and remembering track names. Crates are obsolete imo


Except that if you could select multiple crates you could make smart crates of all your codes then just click on the crate instead of typing the code.

Then you could have a rule that decides if it adds ALL files in both crates or only files found in both crates.
Grumpy 10:00 PM - 31 March, 2011
Quote:
Caliber, look for this one:

Search-Replace Tag Text <--- USE ALL THE TIME

You can add, delete, replace any info
from any field including the grouping field.


@SIXX: so by using this script can you delete characters from the artist name and place it in another field? For example i have all my keys inserted before the artist name, and want to move it to the key field.
DJ Dub Cowboy 10:00 PM - 31 March, 2011
Quote:
i still need to figure out my codes for once and for all and get to it, but i still plan to use this method (along with some smart playlists)...


don't be afraid to use a whole word.

I usually encase the word in parenthesis and type it the comments. sometimes you'll find that there is a unique combination of letters and there is your code.

or instance. I type, "(booty)" in the comment field of songs that are about shaking your ass.

now I can type the whole word, type or just "ty)" and get mostly the same results.

I have a lot of word tags like that. I don't want to have to remember some key of codes. I just use what makes sense.

I do have some specific codes for a broad range of songs that aren't words. I use symbols that wouldn't normally be in song IDs such as " { " As soon as I type that symbol I have narrowed down 30,000 songs to about 4000 relevant for my regular gigs.
I keep my codes simple and use Genre and (word tags) to break it down further.
AKIEM 10:02 PM - 31 March, 2011
Quote:
Quote:


Quote:




Quote:






as I said before codes and itunes rule and dougs scripts. with those three you can really put your library together in a a way unique to your playing style


the next step will (hopefully) be selecting more then one crate at a time


that is the beauty of codes. No need to have crates. I dont search in my crates for anything anymore. 100% codes and remembering track names. Crates are obsolete imo


Except that if you could select multiple crates you could make smart crates of all your codes then just click on the crate instead of typing the code.

Then you could have a rule that decides if it adds ALL files in both crates or only files found in both crates.





actually I would also be happy to type:

OR - "everything in code A or in code B shows up"
adds both together

AND - "it must be in both code A and in code B to show up"
it excludes anything not in both

NOT - "everything in code A shows up, but not if its in code B"
it excludes whatevers in B


so in the search field you could type codes "[HipHop] OR [RNB] NOT [Krunk]"
and you would get all your Hip-Hop, and all your R&B, then the Krunk would be deleted.
djcheeto 11:14 PM - 31 March, 2011
Quote:
use iTunes is because there are a ton of scripts that make it easy to do a ton of files at a time.


What scripts can help me do this? Ive just recently started to add codes to my tracks and it works REAL DOPE, but ive been doing them one by one just want to know how could i do a couple tracks at a time.
Dj Nyce 1:35 AM - 1 April, 2011
most scripts in itunes work by currently selected. so search, filter, etc. control/command all, then run your script.
Dj MacMillz 2:26 AM - 1 April, 2011
For those stumped on what codes to use, as mentioned above by Dj Dub Cowboy, something as simple as the genre or an abbreviation of it will suffice. Like Sixxx mentioned and echoed throught this thread "USE WHAT WORKS FOR YOU"

The way I tag my codes

[HH] - HipHop
[RB]- R&B
[PO]- Pop

So my tags reflect the genre and so forth......

I'm on PC using Media Monkey....but I'm not scripting, I'm doing it all manual, yes time consuming, but I'm finding a lot of bullcrap, doubles, low quality...so it has its benefits....

Just my .02
Dominic Carter™ 1:50 AM - 17 May, 2011
Sixxx: it would be great if you could chime in here: serato.com - We would love our input on "our" methods/my method more or less.. lol. I gave yours a shot but found that it would require some pretty decent memorization more or less and just got lazy I guess.
Dominic Carter™ 1:52 AM - 17 May, 2011
your input *
str8nger 4:05 AM - 12 August, 2011
ill pay someone to do my folders? lol
sixxx 4:14 AM - 12 August, 2011
There is no need for folders.
str8nger 4:19 AM - 12 August, 2011
so its all in one folder on the hard drive correct no folders with party rockers, 90s, 80's just 1 big folder? i need to delete a crap load of music and then ill start this, i will start after this sat i have a stupid wedding i hate weddings but did a favor for a friend of a friend, anyways i will do it for sure!!!
sixxx 4:25 AM - 12 August, 2011
Yup. Doesn't matter how your music is on the hard drive.
str8nger 4:37 AM - 12 August, 2011
ok cool, i have like 30 folders each folder has like 200-400 songs ugh………..some repeats but good info on here sixxx i will be asking alot of questions when i get started :)
DJ NoNseNse 8:36 AM - 12 August, 2011
For anyone looking for ways to organize on your hard drive this is how I do it. I have my main music folder then I have folders for each month and year. Makes it easy for me back up to my hard drive.
Djaward 5:47 AM - 17 August, 2011
How would you label a pitbull song like TOMA or KRAZY?
ninos 6:15 AM - 17 August, 2011
Quote:
How would you label a pitbull song like TOMA or KRAZY?


(t) = trash
DJ Remy USA 1:50 PM - 17 August, 2011
Pitbull - Toma

(LA) - ladies
(WU)- warm up
(CF)- club filler

It's really all depends on how you play but these are my codes for that song it hasn't been played in a few years tho
DJ Remy USA 1:54 PM - 17 August, 2011
Pitbull - krazy

(DNC) - dance commercial - basically pop EDM music
(LA)- ladies
(CF) - club filler
(CH) - certified hit - which means everyone should respond to this song in a positive manner

Haven't played this one in a good while but it used to be a hit tho
Dj Nyce 2:04 PM - 17 August, 2011
i'll call it a club filler. it used to be a club essential, but its not anymore. i try to keep my tagging simple.

when you start using codes, you need to decide what each code means to you. once you make that determination, there is no right or wrong way to tag music.
djpuma_gemini 2:58 PM - 17 August, 2011
Don't play Krazy anymore. too many pitbull songs that are CF's that will make it seem like I'm just playing pitbull all night.
sixxx 3:55 PM - 17 August, 2011
Quote:
i'll call it a club filler. it used to be a club essential, but its not anymore. i try to keep my tagging simple.

when you start using codes, you need to decide what each code means to you. once you make that determination, there is no right or wrong way to tag music.



Exactly. Mine is labeled.

(CE) Club Essential
(VCE) Video Club Essential

Nothing else too specific cause like Puma, I only rotate this and other old pitbull songs once in a while.
str8nger 4:52 PM - 17 August, 2011
Hey sixxxx, can you please help me get started I will start today, but I need help big time. What do you recommend me to do first go into my library clean it up get ride of doubles and crap music then start scriptags and then iTunes thingy? I'm hella lost lol I Wouk really thank you
sixxx 5:26 PM - 17 August, 2011
If you're going to use iTunes, dump everything into iTunes.
Have iTunes find duplicates and get rid of those.
Then, start tagging away.

Download the scripts you need from dougscripts
dougscripts.com

Then figure out what codes you are going to use. <--- You may want to do that before you even start.
str8nger 5:48 PM - 17 August, 2011
Ok right on six thanks. so if I delete songs from iTunes will it delete them from my MacBook pro harddrive also?
str8nger 5:49 PM - 17 August, 2011
I want them to completly delete
Djaward 5:49 PM - 17 August, 2011
Thanks guys. And a special thanks to REMY. I have to stop using the term banger and starter. It doesnt do much. Im trying to organize my songs in a similar way like sixx does.

Where do you guys label these songs (CE), (LA) etc. Im putting my labels in the COMMENTS section.
Djaward 5:50 PM - 17 August, 2011
Quote:
Ok right on six thanks. so if I delete songs from iTunes will it delete them from my MacBook pro harddrive also?

If you delete from ITUNES, it will send the song to your trash can. Just empty your can and everything will be gone.
sixxx 5:53 PM - 17 August, 2011
Quote:
Quote:
Ok right on six thanks. so if I delete songs from iTunes will it delete them from my MacBook pro harddrive also?

If you delete from ITUNES, it will send the song to your trash can. Just empty your can and everything will be gone.



What he said...
sixxx 5:54 PM - 17 August, 2011
I put most of my codes in the grouping tag.
dirtyonekanobi 5:57 PM - 17 August, 2011
Here's acouple questions for my fellow coders:

I've neglected my music a bit over the last three months. I'm in the process of reorganizing a bit and while going through my codes I've been wondering if I'm being redundant. Example: take a song that was a banger like "Bottoms Up." Previously, I listed it as [rb] [cb] [mp] [ns] - R&B Club Banger, Must Play, New Stuff. Normally, I would just remove the [ns] or [mp] as a song becomes older and less mandatory, but I'm going overboard with the coding. Sometimes a song will have up to 7 codes on it, depending on how/when I use it.

My question is 2parts: How do you handle migrating songs from new and definite to another classification as it gets older? Also, do you use minimal codes, or quite a few on each song? (I think this was discussed a bit earlier)

Thanks in advance fr your input
Djaward 6:03 PM - 17 August, 2011
Quote:
Here's acouple questions for my fellow coders:

I've neglected my music a bit over the last three months. I'm in the process of reorganizing a bit and while going through my codes I've been wondering if I'm being redundant. Example: take a song that was a banger like "Bottoms Up." Previously, I listed it as [rb] [cb] [mp] [ns] - R&B Club Banger, Must Play, New Stuff. Normally, I would just remove the [ns] or [mp] as a song becomes older and less mandatory, but I'm going overboard with the coding. Sometimes a song will have up to 7 codes on it, depending on how/when I use it.

My question is 2parts: How do you handle migrating songs from new and definite to another classification as it gets older? Also, do you use minimal codes, or quite a few on each song? (I think this was discussed a bit earlier)

Thanks in advance fr your input

Having the same problem. I just started this code thing and I think Im over doing it already.

Example:

LiL Wayne- 6 foot 7 foot [HHE (Hip hop essential) [DIRTY [DS (dirty south) [11 (2011)
or if it has an intro
LIL Wayne- 6 foot 7 foot- (Intro- Dirty) - [HHE [INTRO [DIRTY [DS [11

I think Im doing it wrong.
DJ Remy USA 6:08 PM - 17 August, 2011
Quote:
Here's acouple questions for my fellow coders:

I've neglected my music a bit over the last three months. I'm in the process of reorganizing a bit and while going through my codes I've been wondering if I'm being redundant. Example: take a song that was a banger like "Bottoms Up." Previously, I listed it as [rb] [cb] [mp] [ns] - R&B Club Banger, Must Play, New Stuff. Normally, I would just remove the [ns] or [mp] as a song becomes older and less mandatory, but I'm going overboard with the coding. Sometimes a song will have up to 7 codes on it, depending on how/when I use it.

My question is 2parts: How do you handle migrating songs from new and definite to another classification as it gets older? Also, do you use minimal codes, or quite a few on each song? (I think this was discussed a bit earlier)

Thanks in advance fr your input


to answer your question use scripts and organize by last added in itunes and run scripts like that for example.

If wanna change all my dancehall from the last 6 months to a new tagging system or just change the codes so I play them more or play them less. What I first do it type the code in itunes to get all my dancehall to show up. Then if I need to drill down further into my dancehall like (DHE) (LA) which is dancehall ladies I will have my dancehall songs for the ladies. Then I sort by last added then I create a playlist in itunes (this is just I only run the script on those tunes only to be sure I dont fuck up the rest of my dancehall tags) Ok so I drag all those dancehall ladies song from the last 3 months cause remember I sorted by last added but if you want to sort by era just make sure you have a code for that era but the same rules apply here. Ok so I drag all the songs into the playlist run the script from dougs script the one that finds and changes values. After I run the script all those codes are changed and then I delete the playlist NOT the songs just playlist then I check it by typing in the new I just changed to. Rinse and repeat you can apply the same logic by sorting by bpm/date added/date modified/etc when partnered with a code it narrows down exactly what you want.

Sorry for the lengthy post

-out of breath
dirtyonekanobi 6:22 PM - 17 August, 2011
@Remy - G if you answer my question that well, I don't care if you type a 47 page book! lol... Thanks for the response, that actually makes a WHOLE lot of sense.

@djaward - there is no right/wrong way. I normally don't use a code for intro/outro tracks because that info is in the title, but that's just me. It's all what works for you.
sixxx 7:11 PM - 17 August, 2011
Here's a song and its different versions are coded by me:

Song Name (CE)
Song Name (Clean) (CE)
Song Name (Inst) (CE)
Song Name (Acap) (CE)
Song Name (MS) (CE)
Song Name (MS) (Clean) (CE)
Song Name (VCE)
Song Name (Clean) (VCE)
Song Name (MS) (VCE)
Song Name (MS) (Clean) (VCE)

Anything with a (V is a video... so I can search as CE) and it will bring everything including the videos. Since I mix videos, this is very useful.

Now, of course all codes are in the song title but they just basically identify a song by what type of version it is, example: Acapella, Intrumental, Clean, Dirty, etc.

Now, for my songs I NEVER write Dirty. If the code doesn't say (Clean), then it's dirty or it might be dirty. I did this because I couldn't afford to go through my entire library and figure this out. This way, I just know for a fact which ones are clean.

Now, the codes that I use on my GROUPING FIELD are simple too.

[RAP] [CRUNK] [HYPHY] [WEST] [R&B] [R&BCLASSICS] [ELECTRO] [EDM] [POP]... ETC

Now, all these codes are not put into every song, only the songs that "matter" in a party or club environment since I do both clubs and private parties. Sometimes a song is hot at a club but not at a private event or vice versa.

I try not to go too crazy with the codes. I find that I never have more than 4 codes per song in my grouping field.

Another thing that I got rid off was the whole (NS) or NEW SONG code. Instead, I have just ONE SINGLE SSL CRATE where I drop songs that are new and banging. This is just the MUST PLAY SONGS OF THE NIGHT. I go through that crate weekly. This way, I don't have to go back and delete or update codes.

The more you update, the more you work, so I try to avoid more work.

I also use this single SSL crate as a way to "keep it fresh" at any given party. At the club every week, I make sure I put some classics in there. I remove some, I add some. Since I freestyle when I'm actually playing, this makes more sense to me.
dirtyonekanobi 7:49 PM - 17 August, 2011
@sixxx - YOU ARE THE MAN!

Seriously bro, you could charge for this. People spend a lot of money to get organized and develop 'best practices' - I think you have developed a system for DJing.

Many thanks man. Your post above gave me all the info I needed to get over my 'coders block'
DJ Remy USA 8:22 PM - 17 August, 2011
I agree this is best way to DJ, if you have the right system you can basically kill any show you do. Its all about getting organized
dj_soo 8:39 PM - 17 August, 2011
it's all about keeping on top of your tagging.

*looks in his "to be tagged" folder and sees 1000+ tracks*

sigh...
sixxx 10:25 PM - 17 August, 2011
lol @ soo, no doubt. Every week I get about 100 videos and about 200 songs. I go through those EVERY week and make sure I tag them properly. Of course, if the songs/videos are garbage, I will delete them but if they seem like they may be playable later on, I just code them with a (KEEP). Nothing more.

Also, from time to time, I go back and organize old stuff. But, I don't waste too much time on it. I just do a little bit whenever I have time. The main stuff is already all done. The remaining part of my library gets organized little by little.

Now, this is VERY IMPORTANT.

Everytime someone requests a song, or you remember an old song that you haven't played and you play it live but it was never organized, make a note of it. The next time you're organizing files, you can tag it properly.

At every gig I try to play shit I haven't played in a while. Always try to keep it fresh (minus the current stuff that's always banging).

Thanks for your compliments!
DJ NoNseNse 3:48 AM - 18 August, 2011
Tagging in serato vs itunes? Which is better and easier?
sixxx 3:51 AM - 18 August, 2011
iTunes or use any other program to help you do different stuff like media monkey.
Serato alone isn't good for talking lots of files unless the change is the same to all.
DJ NoNseNse 3:57 AM - 18 August, 2011
To separate your serato songs in itunes do you just create a playlist for it?
str8nger 3:49 AM - 19 August, 2011
Quote:
If you're going to use iTunes, dump everything into iTunes.
Have iTunes find duplicates and get rid of those.
Then, start tagging away.

Download the scripts you need from dougscripts
dougscripts.com

Then figure out what codes you are going to use. <--- You may want to do that before you even start.


where do i start in dougscripts ? lol im like hella confused now
DJ Dub Cowboy 3:52 AM - 19 August, 2011
look through them and see if there any that will help you.

I use:
"Artist - Title Corrector"
Add Text At End of Track Name
Swap this With That
Remove N Characters from the Front or Back
Proper English Capitalization
Append to Selected Tag
Put This After That

all the time while tagging
DJ Dub Cowboy 3:55 AM - 19 August, 2011
as far as installing them and using them, the best instruction are right on the dougscript site
str8nger 3:57 AM - 19 August, 2011
ok thanks i will look into it
str8nger 4:07 AM - 19 August, 2011
dam man its harder than i thought :(
DJ Dub Cowboy 4:10 AM - 19 August, 2011
what part are you having trouble with?
sixxx 4:11 AM - 19 August, 2011
It's not really that hard. You just have to find a method that suits you. Tell us step what step what you want to accomplish. What programs you want to use besides SSL.
str8nger 4:12 AM - 19 August, 2011
trying to get the dougscript downloaded it shows what to do, i made a new folder called scripts and when i download the zip file some window thingy pops up and then i drag the files in them to the scripts folder, then from there do i open itunes up? i am not a computer guy thats whats f@#$ me up lol
str8nger 4:14 AM - 19 August, 2011
Quote:
It's not really that hard. You just have to find a method that suits you. Tell us step what step what you want to accomplish. What programs you want to use besides SSL.

i want to delete the doubles i have and fix the tags and make it where i can have it nice and neat like your guys
DJ Dub Cowboy 4:14 AM - 19 August, 2011
yes, when you open Itunes again, there will be a new menu at the top with a script symbol
str8nger 4:15 AM - 19 August, 2011
mine right now has some track names blank and unkown all thats gargbage for sure, however i have tons of some tracks with no title but artist album things like that i just want to have it really clean
DJ Dub Cowboy 4:16 AM - 19 August, 2011
display duplicates is in the file menu, you don't need scripts for that one

the other ones I listed, just select one of more files, go to the script menu, and pick the one you want

depending on the script it may open up another window.
some of them are slow and it doesn't look like anything is happening until it is done
some of them will ask you to install rosetta (do it if you haven't upgraded to Lion yet)
sixxx 4:16 AM - 19 August, 2011
Stop downloading from limewire. lol
sixxx 4:17 AM - 19 August, 2011
I would start with duplicates on iTunes too. Actually, start with crappy files. Sort by bit rate and get rid of any low quality files you may have.
DJ Dub Cowboy 4:18 AM - 19 August, 2011
yep
str8nger 4:22 AM - 19 August, 2011
i done for tonight my head is hurting some people like me are just stupid not made for computers lol i still havent got no scripts folder or icon on itunes :( anyone from the bay area i will pay someone to help me out :)
str8nger 4:24 AM - 19 August, 2011
oh hell na bro i never downloaded anything from limewire or any illegal downloading this was from cds that transfered, besides i will delete alot of the empty tracks with no names on them trust e i dont want them in my files or any low quality music or crappy music i am going to step my game up
DJ Dub Cowboy 4:26 AM - 19 August, 2011
drive 5 hours north to take a trip up to the redwoods and I will help you. no charge

I'll show you exactly how I do it.

don't get discouraged, it takes time.

I'm still working through all the files I started with. I'm a lot better now at only adding tracks I need, but I've been working the last couple years on sorting the bulk of the 30K files in my library.
str8nger 4:30 AM - 19 August, 2011
dam man i would drive up there lol but for reals doe a video of this can help out a lot of people in here. just to see this on a video would help out, its like hands on learning
dj_soo 5:21 AM - 19 August, 2011
yea, the worst part is trying to implement a proper tagging system when you're already tens of thousands deep into a collection. Once you've most of your good shit tagged properly it gets easier as you just need to be sure to stay on top of your new tracks...

what also sucks is when you want to incorporate a new tag into your existing system and it means you need to go back and retag all the old shit...

i wish i had an intern to do this shit :).
DJ Dub Cowboy 9:48 AM - 19 August, 2011
I was hating on that, but now I'm on a massive delete mission and it helps to go back through the stuff I have already tagged.

for adding new tags, I usually make smart playlist or a regular one and use the append to tag script and it works great

deleting tags is usually a pain in the ass though and is all done manually
sixxx 4:48 PM - 19 August, 2011
Quote:
deleting tags is usually a pain in the ass though and is all done manually


Actually, you can use the script SEARCH REPLACE TAG to remove any tags. You can replace it with nothing. That's what I do.
Steve E Wunda 3:41 AM - 23 August, 2011
Quote:
I've been taggin with codes for years now. I absolutely love it. I have zero crates in SSL.


So you just set SSL Song Library Options to Read Itunes Library?
DJ K-Zee 4:18 AM - 23 August, 2011
@sixxx.... You are my hero. This organization system you got going is amazing!
sixxx 4:19 AM - 23 August, 2011
@ Steve, yes. But, I uncheck it before every gig. All the songs remain there. I do this because if I were to restart ssl with iTunes checked, it takes forever to load.


@ K-Zee. Thanks!
DJ K-Zee 5:02 AM - 23 August, 2011
Think this will benefit a lot and make my performance much better.. Little late on this but hey, atleasy I found something that works! hahaha
sixxx 5:14 AM - 23 August, 2011
It's never too late. :)
DJ K-Zee 5:27 AM - 23 August, 2011
Quote:
It's never too late. :)

haha very true!
DJ K-Zee 1:38 AM - 24 August, 2011
Hey sixx I notice that some of my songs, when I load them onto a deck the tags (C) (RX) ETC. go away. Is there any way to fix this or do I have to move all the tags to the comments field? Right now they are in the title field next to the name of the song.
sixxx 5:35 AM - 24 August, 2011
check to see what tag version your file has
DJ K-Zee 5:41 AM - 24 August, 2011
how would i do that
sixxx 2:34 PM - 24 August, 2011
If you're using iTunes, select 1 file then do command + i

In the Summary tab you will see a bunch of info.

Over to the right you will see:

ID3 Tag: v2.3

or whatever... make sure this is 2.2 or 2.3. Anything else and SSL sometimes doesn't like it.
DJ K-Zee 6:44 PM - 24 August, 2011
I'm not using iTunes, I'm going from my crates
Djaward 8:26 PM - 24 August, 2011
Quote:
I'm not using iTunes, I'm going from my crates

The songs you're tagged, were they purchased through ITUNES? If they were, you need to add the tags in itunes and in serato. I dont know why it does that.
DJ K-Zee 8:58 PM - 24 August, 2011
Right now in serato i have it set so it doesn't read the songs from itunes, it comes straight from my downloads
DJ Remy USA 1:48 AM - 25 August, 2011
you need to be using itunes for this tagging system or some kind of tagging program
DJ K-Zee 2:04 AM - 25 August, 2011
Damnn that sucks, cause when i try to click and drag my crates over into itunes my computer crashes
DJ Remy USA 2:15 AM - 25 August, 2011
Quote:
Damnn that sucks, cause when i try to click and drag my crates over into itunes my computer crashes


lol that sounds like you have a PC
DJ K-Zee 2:22 AM - 25 August, 2011
Haha oh gee... How'd ya know!? I'm getting a Mac in a week so I don't mind waiting, question.. Would this still work if you have your music on an external?
sixxx 3:04 AM - 25 August, 2011
Quote:
Haha oh gee... How'd ya know!? I'm getting a Mac in a week so I don't mind waiting, question.. Would this still work if you have your music on an external?



Yes. All my music and videos have always been on an external. :)
sixxx 3:05 AM - 25 August, 2011
I bought SSL in 05. I NEVER ONCE put music on my drive. It has always been an external drive.

It went like this:

250GB
500GB
750GB
1TB
2TB

I upgraded to 1TB once I got into videos then I had to go to 2TB's. lol
DJ K-Zee 3:27 AM - 25 August, 2011
Thats a lot of music! I'm new im still trying to build my library. But I just finished moving all my songs from my crates to my itunes. Now another question. Well two. 1. Should I move all my codes I have here to lets say the description field in iTunes or can I leave them next to the song now? 2. How would I move my itunes onto an external and remove it from my internal? Just drag and drop itunes then delete it on my internal drive?
Steve E Wunda 3:32 AM - 25 August, 2011
All you have to do is move the itunes music folder to the external. The rest of itunes you leave on your cpu.
www.tuaw.com
DJ K-Zee 3:35 AM - 25 August, 2011
Thanks a lot Steve!
ral 1:34 PM - 25 August, 2011
how do you organize your personal collection / album / wedding playlist ??? is it merge to the main itunes library or different itunes library?
sixxx 3:21 PM - 25 August, 2011
I honestly just have one library for everything. I use codes even for wedding stuff. (WE) Wedding Essential or (VWE) Video Wedding Essential.

For my personal stuff I just have other codes.
djpuma_gemini 3:22 PM - 25 August, 2011
So you're saying every week you get new music you go through each song/video and tag it.

I just don't have that time, well I do, but it just seems like a ton of work.
djpuma_gemini 3:23 PM - 25 August, 2011
Give us an average downloading,tagging day for you (Sixxx)
sixxx 4:06 PM - 25 August, 2011
I usually get my music starting Wed until Friday. Even if it's videos, it's all the same.

Let's say I just got 100 files (mp3's or mp4's.)

1. Download files and extract if they're compressed as a zip.
2. Import into iTunes. Videos will go into "Movies" in iTunes. I change them as "Music Videos" so they go into the "Music" side of iTunes.
3. I sort by "Date Added"
4. I select all the files and I add in the grouping "Fixxx"

I now begin the process of tagging. First step is to fix how they arrive into how I like them.

5. I search the new files by "Fixxx" and "Instrumental" (This pulls only all the new files that are instrumental that I just imported)
6. I select them all and use the Script "Search-Replace Tag Text" to change them from "Instrumental" to (Inst).
----- I also do the same for all the files.
Sort by "Fixxx" "Acapella" to change From: Acapella To: (Acap)
Sort by "Fixxx" "feat." to change From: (feat. To: feat
Sort by "Fixxx" "Dirty" to change From: Dirty To: (Blank) <--- nothing there, not the word Blank.
Sort by "Fixxx" "(8b Intro Clean)" to change From: (8b Intro Clean) To: (MS) (Clean)
Sort by "Fixxx" "(8b Intro Dirty)" to change From: (8b Intro Dirty) To: (MS)

and so on for any other intro variation.

It may seem like a lot of work but it isn't. Using the scripts saves a TON of time.

Next step:
Listen to all the new shit and decide where it needs to go. The process isn't really that time consuming. All it takes is a few seconds to know if the song or video I just downloaded is a hit, might be a hit or is something I want to play regardless. So, I select all the versions of the song (Clean, Dirty, Instrumental, Acapella, etc) and I add the codes necessary in the GROUPING field.

I also add a code to the beginning of the song. (CE) (DE) (VCE) (VDE) etc.

I change the genre tagging to whatever I prefer. (if needed)
I also check the year for the files and make sure they all match.
If I don't have a year, I usually add it if it's new. If it's a classic without year, I usually go
to www.discogs.com to get the proper year.

All this is done using the scripts. (minus the year) Again, not really that time consuming.
Now, if you had to do every single file manually, it would definitely be time consuming.

Every other file that isn't really going to be tagged anywhere because I either think it may not really do much (but I still want to save) I just add the tag (KEEP) in the Grouping field.

Every file that is garbage, I will trash. I used to keep every single file. Now I don't.



-------- ALL THE ABOVE IS IN ITUNES -------

Now on to SSL on the day of the gig.

1. Start SSL
2. Go to Setup, Library Tab and select Read iTunes Library
3. Wait until SSL loads the iTunes library file and pulls up all the files.
4. Sort by file type. (Click on the icon on the very left). SSL will sort all the videos together, then all the MP3's.
5. Scroll all the way to the bottom. You will see files that won't have any icon. ALL THESE FILES ARE MP3 FILES YOU CHANGED SOMEHOW AND THEY'RE NO LONGER IN YOUR ITUNES LIBRARY. THEY ARE NOT PLAYABLE. If you were to load any of those files on the deck, they will show up as missing.
6. Delete all these mp3 files by selecting them all then doing control-delete.
7. Scroll back up between the video files and mp3 files there will be videos that don't have the iTunes icon. ALL THESE FILES ARE VIDEO FILES THAT YOU CHANGED SOMEHOW AND THEY'RE NO LONGER IN YOUR ITUNES LIBRARY. THEY ARE NOT PLAYABLE. If you were to load any of those files on the deck, they will show up as missing.
7. Delete all these video files by selecting them all and doing control-delete.

8. Sort by Grouping and scroll to the bottom.
9. You will see all the new files that you just fixed and tagged. The grouping info or your tagging will be missing. All those codes for nothing? Hell no. Just select them all.
10. Select all those files. Rescan their ID3 Tags. ONLY FOR THOSE FILES. You don't want to do the entire library every time.
11. You will see SSL Reading the Tags for each file at the bottom of the screen. When it's done, all your new files will have its proper tagging/coding. :) <--- happy face!
12. You may want to analyze files. I do so every time. Even though many files come analyzed from record pools and video pools, SSL still wants to reanalyze them. Well, some of them sometimes. It's best it's done now and not at your gig.
13. Go to Setup and deselect "Read iTunes Library".

Now, the iTunes logo disappears from all your movies and mp3's but SSL knows where they are and will play them.

I do this because iTunes takes a bitch to load every time I restart SSL. If I were to crash in the middle of the gig and had to restart SSL, I would have to wait sometimes up to 20 minutes. I don't know why but it has been like that for me since version 1.7 or something.

Now, I can just quit SSL. When I get to my gig, I restart SSL and I'm ready to play.


-------

I will also let you know that I use SuperDuper! every time before my gig to make sure there's a current back up of my library before I take it out. It usually takes about an hour for SuperDuper! to "duplicate" and match my Gig Hard Drive to my Back Up Hard Drive. I back up my Gig Hard Drive every week or prior to a gig after I added all the new files.

Also, once every 3 months, I bring my other back up hard drive that's off-site and back that one up too. Then, take it off-site to always have a copy just in case shit... lol

Time consuming?
A Bitch?

Not so much. It's all done very easy. It takes commitment. It takes some time but not as much if I were to tag each file manually.
str8nger 4:52 PM - 25 August, 2011
Ey to sixxx please please and please can you make a quick video on a little bit of everything on how is done :) I'm sure alot of cats in here would love to see.
DJ NoNseNse 6:15 PM - 25 August, 2011
Quote:
Ey to sixxx please please and please can you make a quick video on a little bit of everything on how is done :) I'm sure alot of cats in here would love to see.


I might do a video soon on how I organize
DJ K-Zee 6:21 PM - 25 August, 2011
So where do you put these codes Sixxx? Next to the song or in another field like description or something? Right now in Itunes they are right next to the song in the same field. Should I move them?
str8nger 6:22 PM - 25 August, 2011
He'll yes to the video!
sixxx 6:38 PM - 25 August, 2011
I put some basic codes in the song name. The ones that really matter though are in the grouping field.
LilSwann 6:43 PM - 25 August, 2011
I love this thread very informative! A couple of things though maybe it's something I'm doing wrong but I can't search anything in my grouping field. Like if i put "Fixxx" in the grouping field as you stated above and then try to search it doesn't work. What's the problem? Second what do you guys put as the year when you do your own remixes. I've been trying to figure out what would be better for me to put the year I made it (like i made the mix this year so I put it as 2011), or put the year of the acapella or particular song I remixed?
sixxx 6:53 PM - 25 August, 2011
@ LilSwann

Are you using iTunes?

I use the year the song came out whether it was remixed later or not.
LilSwann 6:58 PM - 25 August, 2011
Yeah I'm using iTunes I'm just testing with my personal stuff I put on my iPhone but it's still all being done in iTunes idk what's wrong I can't search years either I look in the library I see all the songs that have 2011 on them but when I go to the search bar and type in 2011 I get nothing.
sixxx 7:06 PM - 25 August, 2011
The year doesn't work in iTunes. It works in SSL though.

The "fixxx" or any other word search should work though.
LilSwann 7:16 PM - 25 August, 2011
Ok I found what the problem is I was in Album by Artist view and it wasn't working when I went to regualar list view the search worked but now I'm discovering a different problem.....whenever I uncheck "read iTunes library" the songs that I just analyzed in SSL don't stay there as you described and then when I got back to Setup and re-check the bpm of the songs I just analyzed don't show up as well as the codes in the grouping even though I already analyzed the whole library before-hand...what am I doing wrong?
LilSwann 7:57 PM - 25 August, 2011
On top of that now all of a sudden it will search fine in iTunes no matter what view I'm in smh is my cpu just messin with me or what lol
sixxx 8:03 PM - 25 August, 2011
Quote:
Ok I found what the problem is I was in Album by Artist view and it wasn't working when I went to regualar list view the search worked but now I'm discovering a different problem.....whenever I uncheck "read iTunes library" the songs that I just analyzed in SSL don't stay there as you described and then when I got back to Setup and re-check the bpm of the songs I just analyzed don't show up as well as the codes in the grouping even though I already analyzed the whole library before-hand...what am I doing wrong?



I know exactly what the problem is here.

I have two smart crates in SSL. I completely forgot about that. One is called KEEP and the other one is called PARTY. Basically, all my files have one code or the other. This way, Serato automatically throws all those songs in there and when you deselect Read iTunes Library, they keep showing up in Serato because they're maintained within the library by those two "crates".

One way to test it is this (So you don't have to change all your files yet).

Make a smart crate of any code you may have. Watch all the songs get moved there. Deselet Read iTunes Library and you will see those files will remain in that smart crate and they will be playable.
LilSwann 10:05 PM - 25 August, 2011
Quote:
Quote:
Ok I found what the problem is I was in Album by Artist view and it wasn't working when I went to regualar list view the search worked but now I'm discovering a different problem.....whenever I uncheck "read iTunes library" the songs that I just analyzed in SSL don't stay there as you described and then when I got back to Setup and re-check the bpm of the songs I just analyzed don't show up as well as the codes in the grouping even though I already analyzed the whole library before-hand...what am I doing wrong?



I know exactly what the problem is here.

I have two smart crates in SSL. I completely forgot about that. One is called KEEP and the other one is called PARTY. Basically, all my files have one code or the other. This way, Serato automatically throws all those songs in there and when you deselect Read iTunes Library, they keep showing up in Serato because they're maintained within the library by those two "crates".

One way to test it is this (So you don't have to change all your files yet).

Make a smart crate of any code you may have. Watch all the songs get moved there. Deselet Read iTunes Library and you will see those files will remain in that smart crate and they will be playable.


Worked like a charm Sixxx I think I just came up with a way to put only have files in SSL that I actually want to play out. I just tested and added [ssl and made a smart crate to read and so now I figure all the files that I want to play out/see in SSL I just put that code in and it will keep everything else that I may not necessarily care about out of sight.
DJ Dub Cowboy 10:05 PM - 25 August, 2011
how many tracks are in your Itunes sixxx? it shouldn't take that long to load SSL.

have you tried rebuilding your Serato databass and/or itunes library file?

I have 32K audio and video files and it never takes more than a minute to boot Scratch and I always have itunes checked.

Itch 2.0 loads my Itunes library lightning fast
LilSwann 10:56 PM - 25 August, 2011
Quote:

-------

I will also let you know that I use SuperDuper! every time before my gig to make sure there's a current back up of my library before I take it out. It usually takes about an hour for SuperDuper! to "duplicate" and match my Gig Hard Drive to my Back Up Hard Drive. I back up my Gig Hard Drive every week or prior to a gig after I added all the new files.

Also, once every 3 months, I bring my other back up hard drive that's off-site and back that one up too. Then, take it off-site to always have a copy just in case shit... lol


You probably already know this but if you buy SuperDuper! to have a registered copy you can use the SmartUpdate feature which will only backup what's necessary to make both drives the same and make your back-up less time consuming
sixxx 11:01 PM - 25 August, 2011
Yeah. That's what I use. Smart Update is the bomb!


@ Dub Cowboy, I have over 68K files.
It started lagging no matter how many I have after some version of SSL.
No idea why. It loads, then looks like it freezes for up to 20 minutes.
Serato couldn't tell me why this happens. We tried everything.
DJ Dub Cowboy 11:05 PM - 25 August, 2011
68K is my guess.

whoa!
sixxx 11:11 PM - 25 August, 2011
Nah. I tried with an external that only had less than 10K.
It loaded fine the first time, after that it always freezes
after iTunes library has loaded.
Dj Nyce 12:58 AM - 26 August, 2011
Quote:
Yeah. That's what I use. Smart Update is the bomb!


@ Dub Cowboy, I have over 68K files.
It started lagging no matter how many I have after some version of SSL.
No idea why. It loads, then looks like it freezes for up to 20 minutes.
Serato couldn't tell me why this happens. We tried everything.


Sixx, i have 80,000+ mp3's in itunes. i leave read itunes library all the time and serato takes about 1 minute to load.

sounds like there is problems with your itunes library.

you may want to kill your itunes library files (library and library.xml files). doing this will lose add date, modified date, plays, ratings and playlists in iTunes. basically everything not stored in the id3 tag. since you don't use playlists shouldn't be a problem for you.

i highly recommend doing this the next time you're doing spring cleaning.
DJ Dub Cowboy 1:00 AM - 26 August, 2011
agreed, that made things much quicker for me
DJ Dub Cowboy 2:15 AM - 26 August, 2011
2.3 loads in 35 seconds for me
Itch 2.0 loads in 15 seconds


with 32K tracks in my iTunes
sixxx 2:27 AM - 26 August, 2011
@ Nyce. Trust me. I've done that too.
Completely from scratch. I've tried EVERYTHING.
it's okay. My method works now.
I don't rely on iTunes except for tagging.
sixxx 2:29 AM - 26 August, 2011
SSL loads for me when I have it read iTunes in about a min.
The second time is the killer.

So, let's say I quit SSL with iTunes on, next time start SSL
It will take up to 20 mins. It's always the second time.

So, my method prevents that.
LilSwann 4:22 AM - 26 August, 2011
Quote:
SSL loads for me when I have it read iTunes in about a min.
The second time is the killer.

So, let's say I quit SSL with iTunes on, next time start SSL
It will take up to 20 mins. It's always the second time.

So, my method prevents that.


I think it's better that way because doesn't SSL run better when it's not trying to read the iTunes library? It would only make sense since it's only reading it's own database and not tyring to read another's.
DJ NoNseNse 8:04 AM - 26 August, 2011
Just had serato read my itunes library for the first time and my date added got all messed up in serato. I don't think I'm touching itunes anymore
Dj Nyce 9:44 AM - 26 August, 2011
Quote:
Quote:
SSL loads for me when I have it read iTunes in about a min.
The second time is the killer.

So, let's say I quit SSL with iTunes on, next time start SSL
It will take up to 20 mins. It's always the second time.

So, my method prevents that.


I think it's better that way because doesn't SSL run better when it's not trying to read the iTunes library? It would only make sense since it's only reading it's own database and not tyring to read another's.


ssl only read the itunes library on when it first starts if you have the option enabled. what ssl does is add itunes info to its own database. that's why when you disable the option, the tracks are still there.

@sixxx, very odd that it reads slow on the 2nd time. anyways you have a work around so eff it.
sixxx 1:57 PM - 26 August, 2011
Exactly. I still get to use iTunes to tag but it doesn't get in the way
when playing cause it's disabled.
LilSwann 9:08 PM - 26 August, 2011
Sixxx one last thing I thought about do you know of way to change where "feat" is? What I mean is like change (Artist) Jay-Z, (Song Name) Empire State of Mind feat. Alicia Keys to Jay-Z feat. Alicia Keys - Empire State of Mind? I like to have my featuring artist all in the artist tag and not the song name tag or do you just have to do it manually?
sixxx 10:08 PM - 26 August, 2011
I believe there's a script for that. I think someone here uses it. (Someone chime in if so).

I know I don't use it cause all the stuff I get already has the feat in the artist info, not the song name.. but I get my stuff from pools.
Steve E Wunda 12:14 AM - 27 August, 2011
Quote:
ssl only read the itunes library on when it first starts if you have the option enabled. what ssl does is add itunes info to its own database. that's why when you disable the option, the tracks are still there.


When I disable the read itunes option none of the tracks stay they all disappear. Therefore I always keep it checked.
sixxx 1:05 AM - 27 August, 2011
@ Steve, you have to have all your songs in an SSL crate so when you disable iTunes, the songs are read off that SSL crate.
xplycyt 9:51 AM - 27 August, 2011
Quote:
I believe there's a script for that. I think someone here uses it. (Someone chime in if so).

I know I don't use it cause all the stuff I get already has the feat in the artist info, not the song name.. but I get my stuff from pools.


haven't come across a script for that - when i get tracks like that I always have to change them manually. curious to hear if there is something else other people do.
Dj Nyce 8:24 PM - 27 August, 2011
Quote:
Sixxx one last thing I thought about do you know of way to change where "feat" is? What I mean is like change (Artist) Jay-Z, (Song Name) Empire State of Mind feat. Alicia Keys to Jay-Z feat. Alicia Keys - Empire State of Mind? I like to have my featuring artist all in the artist tag and not the song name tag or do you just have to do it manually?


i looked at all of the dougs scripts and there isn't one to search, replace and move the found text to a specific place in another tag at the same time.

that is actually a complicated procedure. first you need to find [feat.] in the song tag, next you would need to account for everything after [feat.]. then you need to copy it and remove it. finally you would need to paste the copied text at the end of the artist tag.

it's possible to come up with a custom script to do this, but it would be very time consuming. i would leave the feat. where it is or manually move it to artist.
sixxx 12:00 AM - 28 August, 2011
Thanks for the input Nyce. Yeah. That's a hard one. I might have been thinking of scripts for SSL with that program of Nik39.

Oh well...
Steve E Wunda 12:26 AM - 29 August, 2011
Quote:
@ Steve, you have to have all your songs in an SSL crate so when you disable iTunes, the songs are read off that SSL crate.


So should I make a regular crate or some sort of smart crate that reads the codes from the grouping field? That means every time I add music into Itunes I will have to import it into the crate? Currently not using any crates just the codes reading from itunes.
sixxx 12:35 AM - 29 August, 2011
Or, you can just create a simple crate. Call it "ALL MUSIC" or whatever and drag all your iTunes music there. When you deselect Read iTunes Library, all will be read still.
djwillymix 7:13 PM - 3 September, 2011
Hi guys, is there anyway to keep your Smart Crates in alphabetical order?
DJ Dub Cowboy 11:10 PM - 3 September, 2011
yes, go into your _serato_ folders and delete the 'neworder.pref' files

it will alphabetize your current crates

the file will reappear the next time you start SSL so it won't keep them in alphabet order but you can do this each time you want to sort them
DJ Remy USA 1:41 PM - 5 November, 2011
Just figured this out last night. If you are using the code system to organize music this lil tip will help create unique playlist on the fly. It worked really great last night here goes

Fist I have these code

LCM = latin club music
LL= latin ladies
DHE= Dancehall essentials

Ok so we all know that if I were to type in (LCM) (LL) (DHE) that it would pull everything I have tag for those specific tags which in reality would only bring up about 12 songs that fit that criteria. But what if you want to hit in between those different tag groups with relevant music that would fit that mood.

So I typed in

(LC (L (D = Latin club latin dance

what that did in my library was populated a playlist of about 212 songs, so instantly I went from having 12 songs that were very specific to a mood to about 212 that are still relevant to that mood but allow me a bit more freedom.

I know some poeple may not understand but if your using codes and your stuff is very specific like mine this will help take you music selection to the next level. This may bot work for everyone becuase everyone code system is different but it may work for you.
sixxx 5:11 PM - 5 November, 2011
Correct. I do the same thing.

For instance, I have codes that are similar so that I can either type them as they are and pull specific songs or type part of them to pull out a broader range. Works great.

Also, since my video codes vs my audio codes are only a (V code, it makes it easy to pull both when I need to.

Example:

(CE) <-- for audio
(VCE) <--- for video

If I wanted to pull from both, I would type only CE)

:)
AKIEM 5:33 PM - 5 November, 2011
Dealing with the "feat" problem isnt easy. What you could do (done it) is use the 'parser script' Tell it to move everything on the right of "feat" to another tag for example. I mostly use that script for files with "Artist - Song" in the same tag.
AKIEM 5:35 PM - 5 November, 2011
I just hope one day that we will be able to select more then one crate at a time. Then instead of typing codes in the search you could just click on several smart crates.
sixxx 5:43 PM - 5 November, 2011
Quote:
I just hope one day that we will be able to select more then one crate at a time. Then instead of typing codes in the search you could just click on several smart crates.


Actually, this is true already but ONLY if all those crates reside within another crate.

So, if you search on that one crate, you're searching on all of them, but also, you can choose to search on only one crate that's inside the main crate. Hope that makes sense.
sixxx 5:44 PM - 5 November, 2011
Quote:
Dealing with the "feat" problem isnt easy. What you could do (done it) is use the 'parser script' Tell it to move everything on the right of "feat" to another tag for example. I mostly use that script for files with "Artist - Song" in the same tag.


I always moved the feat next to the artist. I can't stand seeing it on the song, besides, it made life more difficult for those codes that go in the song name.
AKIEM 6:09 PM - 5 November, 2011
Quote:
Quote:
I just hope one day that we will be able to select more then one crate at a time. Then instead of typing codes in the search you could just click on several smart crates.


Actually, this is true already but ONLY if all those crates reside within another crate.

So, if you search on that one crate, you're searching on all of them, but also, you can choose to search on only one crate that's inside the main crate. Hope that makes sense.


Yeah I get that. But what Im dreaming of is making smart crates with each code. So each and every code you have gets its own crate.

So for example you might make a crate for Hip-Hop [HH] and another for Dancehall [DH] and another for Clean [CL]. Then you could click on those three crates and gat only those clean tracks that are Dancehall/Hip-Hop. Then you could narrow it down further by clicking on [1991]. Then unclick on [CL] and all the Dirty and Instrumentals would show up. You could navigate all night changing genre, year, version, key, bpm, whatever all by just clicking and unclicking on crates.
sixxx 6:45 PM - 5 November, 2011
Ah, gotcha. Nice.
MexiKanMan 5:09 AM - 7 November, 2011
Quote:
I always moved the feat next to the artist. I can't stand seeing it on the song, besides, it made life more difficult for those codes that go in the song name.


I like to see clean lines in the Artist field so I change "feat" to "f" and it's on the R side of the song title; sorta OCD but I like to see just the artist name esp because of all the new remixes and versions.

Artist - Song
Artist - Song f Pitbull
Artist - Song f Whoever

For me it just looks cleaner.
sixxx 3:29 PM - 7 November, 2011
I remove the period... so mine say Song feat Whoever

does shortening it to just the "f" is also ideal
sixxx 3:29 PM - 7 November, 2011
Btw, I could fix that at any time with a simple replace script in iTunes if I ever chose to.
Jensen Määäm 8:37 AM - 8 November, 2011
I'm with sixxx, all featuring artists go to the artist field, in my library, I don't want to see it behind the song name, it's would be too much there, the song name would be too long, you can't see all the information anymore...and it's a better balance between those two columns.
DeezNotes 8:54 PM - 8 November, 2011
I put ALL artists in the artist field. This is a nightmare if you use the Browse function in Serato or iTunes, but I never use those - and I don't know anyone who does. It also sucks if you let iTunes organize your library and you care about how iTunes structures the folders.

Years ago, I decided to drop the ft, feat or whatever and just use all commas. It takes up less space and it's consistent. It also cuts down on search results. I also try to get rid of "and" or "&" when it's not necessary. I do keep it the "&" some cases where that is the actual artist name, but other than that it's all commas.
sixxx 10:11 PM - 8 November, 2011
Never thought about using all commas. That's a good idea actually.
Jensen Määäm 10:35 PM - 8 November, 2011
What I don't like about this idea, I wanna see clearly now how is the main artist and who is featured. You could say the 1st one is always the main artist, but, I still prefer that feat. but I like everything cut short as well.
a DJ 12:24 AM - 16 November, 2011
Yeah that is a good idea to use commons.

You can use the Album Artist field if you organize with iTunes.

What does everyone do with songs that have no cuss words? I just thought of tagging them both Clean and Dirty now while I was typing this. But right now I've been just tagging songs with no cuss words as (Main) and I try to tag all Dirty songs.
Jensen Määäm 8:15 AM - 16 November, 2011
^I tagg them as [clean].
Nicky Blunt 5:06 PM - 20 November, 2011
(Radio) & (Explicit)

If the song has no explicit lyrics (Radio) (Album Mix)
DeezNotes 5:22 PM - 20 November, 2011
Quote:
Yeah that is a good idea to use commons.

You can use the Album Artist field if you organize with iTunes.

What does everyone do with songs that have no cuss words? I just thought of tagging them both Clean and Dirty now while I was typing this. But right now I've been just tagging songs with no cuss words as (Main) and I try to tag all Dirty songs.

I use (Clean) and (Dirty) for most songs. Even songs that don't have a dirty version. Sometimes the singles are listed as (Main) and I'll leave that as well, but I'll most likely change it to (Clean) if I were to ever ask myself "is this safe?" just to be 100% certain when on the radio or at a corporate gig.

I'll use (Club Mix) and (Radio Edit) mostly for house songs that are cut in half for radio play. Instead of using (Radio) to determine if it's clean or not, that tells me the song has been edited to play shorter for the radio so they can spend more time playing commercials.

Some disco tracks from the 70's or 80's will have (Extended Version) or (12'' Version) <-- notice I use (2) apostrophes, because quotation marks can't be used as file names.

It's crazy.
sixxx 6:13 PM - 20 November, 2011
Quote:
Yeah that is a good idea to use condomns.


Yup. It is. hahaha
DJ Fresh Direct 6:25 AM - 12 December, 2011
So I'm just starting to implement this tagging system, can't wait to try it out next time I spin. I'm having a little issue though with the searchability of the labels that I add in the tags.
I've been editing the tags using iTunes, adding my labels to the Comments or Grouping sections, but it seems that Scratch Live doesn't index those tag sections until the track has been loaded to a deck. Is there any way to have Scratch Live re-index all the tags of my iTunes library?

Thanks Guys,

FD
AKIEM 6:28 AM - 12 December, 2011
There are some bugs with the library tagging that will hopefully be ironed out soon so this system can work properly.
sixxx 6:31 AM - 12 December, 2011
Rescan your tags in SSL.
AKIEM 6:50 AM - 12 December, 2011
there are still some bugs that cause some files to not show up in a search...
DJ Fresh Direct 6:57 AM - 12 December, 2011
Quote:
Rescan your tags in SSL.


Thanks Sixxx, I rarely open that Files pane so I forgot that button was there. Exactly what I needed!
DJ Fresh Direct 11:30 PM - 12 December, 2011
So I started going through my Scratch Live history and labeling tracks that I've played recently to build a foundation for my system and I've actually been enjoying it! I figured I'd share the tags that I've come up with so far and show how I've been using them. Let me know what y'all think.

The sticky on the left of the screen is my label bank, and you can see the labels added in the comments section of the mp3 tag in my library.

static.djfreshdirect.com

-FD
sixxx 11:33 PM - 12 December, 2011
Nicely done. I find this method to be very effective. People always trip at the fact that I have no crates in my library. lol
DJ Wade-West 11:46 PM - 12 December, 2011
^ I think this is great, if you're mad dedicated and have 100 hours to spare.
I really only spin hip-hop... so it's a lot easier for me to categorize everything. Sixxx you sort of helped me. This is what I do in case anyone is curious:

90's Hip-Hop
90's Hip-Hop Heaters
2000's Hip-Hop
2000's Hip-Hop Heaters
90's/200's Heaters

I figure if I'm spinning anywhere, it'll either be a pretty mainstream club only down with heat... but if it's a hip-hop scene, I can go more into the regular crates. I don't download songs that I know I will never play. That's the hardest part I think. I have full CD's that I've been listening to for years... unfortunately those tracks that I love but will never play in 99% of scenarios, gotta go. Makes it easier on my end.

But everyone has their own method. Good looks to everyone
sixxx 11:54 PM - 12 December, 2011
No doubt....
DeezNotes 12:58 PM - 14 December, 2011
Quote:
So I started going through my Scratch Live history and labeling tracks that I've played recently to build a foundation for my system and I've actually been enjoying it! I figured I'd share the tags that I've come up with so far and show how I've been using them. Let me know what y'all think.

The sticky on the left of the screen is my label bank, and you can see the labels added in the comments section of the mp3 tag in my library.

static.djfreshdirect.com

-FD

what is cooking music?
DJ Fresh Direct 7:38 PM - 14 December, 2011
Quote:
what is cooking music?


Watchwww.youtube.com

Watchwww.youtube.com

Not sure I'm gonna end up using that tag, but we'll see
DeezNotes 9:09 PM - 14 December, 2011
Quote:
Quote:
what is cooking music?


Watchwww.youtube.com

Watchwww.youtube.com

Not sure I'm gonna end up using that tag, but we'll see

Sometimes I wonder if I'm just getting old, if the rappers are getting dumber or if the music just sucks in general. Then I realize it's all three. Thanks.
DJ Remy USA 9:10 PM - 14 December, 2011
those videos were horrible just terrible music, its not just you the music sucks
sixxx 9:11 PM - 14 December, 2011
"Sometimes I wonder if I'm just getting old, if the rappers are getting dumber or if the music just sucks in general. Then I realize it's all three. Thanks. "

ha! I agree
Dj Nyce 9:39 PM - 14 December, 2011
that shit is garbage. really "based' music? these likkle ones have no creativity.
DJ Fresh Direct 10:19 PM - 14 December, 2011
Not really my style, but I've been in more than one situation where that's what people were requesting... It's amazing (and maybe a bit unfortunate) the reaction songs like that get in at the right place / right time.

Also, I don't want to hijack this thread with a discussion of shitty rap music, cause I'm sure we could all go on.
a DJ 1:36 AM - 15 December, 2011
Does anyone mark songs that could only be played at the end of the night? Or songs that could only be played at the beginning of the night? And then peak songs? I'm thinking of starting to do that. As of right now I don't even mark peak songs, only hype songs, and the songs that are most known/my favorite.
DJ Fresh Direct 1:52 AM - 15 December, 2011
I've just started tagging [RLY] [PKHR] and [LTE], but I'm figuring the late night tag is going to me the most useful. When I'm drunk, tired, and just want to leave, I can search for songs that convey that message in the current genre that I'm playing.
sixxx 4:04 AM - 15 December, 2011
Quote:
Does anyone mark songs that could only be played at the end of the night? Or songs that could only be played at the beginning of the night? And then peak songs? I'm thinking of starting to do that. As of right now I don't even mark peak songs, only hype songs, and the songs that are most known/my favorite.


Yes. [OPENER] [CLOSER] [HEATER]

Or something similar might work too
djpuma_gemini 7:21 AM - 15 December, 2011
I use (ES) (CS)
early set , closing set or closers
DJ Remy USA 5:00 PM - 15 December, 2011
I stopped marking my tracks based off opener/ closer/ banger etc because something thats a banger will become a opener its helped me DJ better when I removed that kind of thinking
sixxx 5:52 PM - 15 December, 2011
Quote:
I stopped marking my tracks based off opener/ closer/ banger etc because something thats a banger will become a opener its helped me DJ better when I removed that kind of thinking


This is not necessarily true. As a matter of fact, I would never suggest to open with a banger at a club. Ever. (I'm thinking when the club opens)
DJ Remy USA 6:06 PM - 15 December, 2011
Eventually most tracks that are considered mainstream bangers become warm up material after they fade out. Of course there are exceptions to this I can think of about 15 old tracks I can play for warm up/peak time/ and closer just because of how well they are recieved when played
sixxx 6:28 PM - 15 December, 2011
I think we're talking about two different things. I like to start my night on a mellow note.... unless there's a huge crowd READY TO PARTY.
Dj MacMillz 9:55 PM - 15 December, 2011
This question is geared towards Sixxx but anyone can chime in if they know what they are talking about.

I would love to use itunes and do all my tagging, my question is: when I change stuff in itunes will it reflect the actual file (ie filname changes)

like this: artist - song name ft artist xyz if I change it to this: artist ft artist xyz - song name
In itunes, will it reflect on the original filename.

I'm on win7 right now, and I use mediamonkey for batch editing/tagging, and mp3tag for some stuff too....so its like a 3 step process before I even load em into SSL

Once again I'm a complete noob dealing with itunes (other than loading up an ipod/ipad/iphone with music)
sixxx 9:57 PM - 15 December, 2011
Well, itunes has its own way of naming its files. But, if you're using iTunes, who cares what the file is named right? The important info is in the mp3/mp4 file itself.
deejayosa 10:02 PM - 15 December, 2011
iTunes saved my life =)
DeezNotes 11:50 PM - 15 December, 2011
Quote:
This question is geared towards Sixxx but anyone can chime in if they know what they are talking about.

I would love to use itunes and do all my tagging, my question is: when I change stuff in itunes will it reflect the actual file (ie filname changes)

like this: artist - song name ft artist xyz if I change it to this: artist ft artist xyz - song name
In itunes, will it reflect on the original filename.

I'm on win7 right now, and I use mediamonkey for batch editing/tagging, and mp3tag for some stuff too....so its like a 3 step process before I even load em into SSL

Once again I'm a complete noob dealing with itunes (other than loading up an ipod/ipad/iphone with music)

If you change the ID3 tag, the Rescan ID3 Tag function in ScratchLIVE will update the tags in the ScratchLIVE database.

If you change the actual file name, the Relocate Lost Files function in ScratchLIVE will find them as long as you don't change too many things at once - for example, don't change the ID3 tags AND the filename at the same time or else it won't be able to match up the old tags with the new ones.

I care what my files are named. A quick example as of why... once or twice, I've had a lot of songs selected and accidentally cleared all of the artist tags. Since my files are named "Artist - Title.mp3" all I had to do was run a script that would take the "artist" field from the filename and apply it to the proper ID3 tag. This has saved me more than once, so every month or two I'll update all my file names to "Artist - Title.mp3" because I'm usually fixing tags as I DJ or organize music.
Dj MacMillz 12:49 AM - 16 December, 2011
Thanks guys
djpuma_gemini 12:58 AM - 16 December, 2011
Most of my openers are 90s R&B or early 2000s openers.
Not for all spots, some spots you gotta start out with opening uptempo stuff.

That's a different level like a opening dj might play a taio cruz track or a kesha so as to not burn the headliner, but build the floor at certain clubs, but you may open with some old school r&b at a bar/lounge etc (janet jackson, 112, etc)
2 diff scenarios.
I have mine labeled for the latter.
a DJ 10:06 PM - 16 December, 2011
Quote:
Eventually most tracks that are considered mainstream bangers become warm up material after they fade out. Of course there are exceptions to this I can think of about 15 old tracks I can play for warm up/peak time/ and closer just because of how well they are recieved when played

I feel you, but you can always change the tag when they get played out. And yeah that is a problem. I think J Cole - Work Out is a good example.. you can probably get away with playing it at any time, but the energy of it is definitely an opening song..
a DJ 10:11 PM - 16 December, 2011
What do yall do for love songs / songs for the ladies?
I have a bunch of different groups, it's kinda too much but I can't think of how to simplify it.

[F] for songs you could freak/twerk too.. not fuck, just freaky songs for the dance floor
[S] for sex songs and slow songs
[L] for all songs that were made for the ladies
add my [G] Gangsta tag when it's a song that most likely only hoodrats would appreciate, or at least that has that vibe.. mostly bay shit lol

Now I'm thinking of making another one for serious love/wifey tracks.
a DJ 10:46 PM - 16 December, 2011
And what about songs that are more like break up or angry R&B songs? lol damn there's too many types
sixxx 12:37 AM - 17 December, 2011
Quote:
Quote:
Eventually most tracks that are considered mainstream bangers become warm up material after they fade out. Of course there are exceptions to this I can think of about 15 old tracks I can play for warm up/peak time/ and closer just because of how well they are recieved when played

I feel you, but you can always change the tag when they get played out. And yeah that is a problem. I think J Cole - Work Out is a good example.. you can probably get away with playing it at any time, but the energy of it is definitely an opening song..


This is true. Probably one of those tracks that works both ways.
dj_soo 11:38 AM - 17 December, 2011
Quote:
Does anyone mark songs that could only be played at the end of the night? Or songs that could only be played at the beginning of the night? And then peak songs? I'm thinking of starting to do that. As of right now I don't even mark peak songs, only hype songs, and the songs that are most known/my favorite.


I have a last tracks folder with a bunch of closers in there. I once did a party with a buddy where we were told there was a strict 3am curfew - 3 rolls around and we start dropping out last tracks for the evening then the party host rolls up and tells us to keep it going till 4am - we basically just dropped end-of-the-night tracks, unmixed for the next hour with the crowd going nuts with each one.

That was fun...
Steve E Wunda 11:00 PM - 8 January, 2012
Just started using scripts to help with tagging. Do any of you guys know a script that will clear out a certain field in the ID3 tag area and leave it blank. Specifically the Album Artist field and the track # fields. Searched through Doug's scripts but didn't see anything for this.
DJ Dub Cowboy 11:27 PM - 8 January, 2012
you can just use the get info in iTunes

select all tracks
get info
place a checkmark next to the field you want to clear (make sure the text box is empty)
enter
wait
Steve E Wunda 11:44 PM - 8 January, 2012
Thanks Dub!! As always you are of great assistance.
sixxx 12:33 AM - 9 January, 2012
You can also use the Replace This With That.

I forgot if that's the actual name of the script.
DeezNotes 3:47 PM - 9 January, 2012
Quote:
You can also use the Replace This With That.

I forgot if that's the actual name of the script.

There is "Put this in that" and another Search and Replace one that I can't remember the exact name of, but those scripts only do certain fields so you can't get those other fields (like track number or album artist). There might be a way to do it by modifying the apple script, but scripting isn't my strong suit. I can only do minor things.

That being said, if there is someone that's good with scripting, I'd like some help with combining a few of Doug's scripts into one for repetitive tasks I do for record pool tracks.

Record pools like to put their tags in all kinds of crazy fields, so I usually clear certain fields, then do a find and replace on all the reggae ones, then move album to grouping, add to the album field, another find and replace on title and artist... etc. It would be nice to do this in one or two clicks.
sixxx 11:52 PM - 9 January, 2012
Search and Replace... that's the one I use. :)
bcherb2 8:55 PM - 16 January, 2012
Anyone changed over to this system have any comments to how they like it? I'm badly in need of a new organizational system and it's between this and doing nested crates/live crates.

I get the part about tagging all of your current Hip-Hop crate [HH] in no time in iTunes, but what about songs that you want to add very specific tags to? Like 4-6 tags....seems like that'd have to be done individually, which means going back through and typing all that in for every one like that?
deezlee 8:59 PM - 16 January, 2012
Try doug's apple scripts if yer on a mac. They can add tags to multiple files at once without overwriting the existing tag. I use an "add/remove group" script to add remove tags.
bcherb2 9:22 PM - 16 January, 2012
Yeah I got that part, my question is on the workflow. Say you're listening to 100 new songs of a potentially wide variety (you have to listen to each) - do you click and edit each one in iTunes and type the tags in? Or do you add them to temporarily playlists to add the tags en masse.


If the later is chosen it would seem like you'd potentially have to listen and tag some songs twice....
deezlee 9:42 PM - 16 January, 2012
I drag them into multiple playlists (a playlist for each tag) then when I'm done I select all in each crate and "add grouping tag".
bcherb2 11:10 PM - 16 January, 2012
How do you know when a song is done being tagged? For instance, if you add a bunch of songs you're going through to a [CE] temporarily playlist, then you select all and add that tag to them all, but 25% of them you should probably add other tags to. Have any special protocol for handling that situation?
DJ Val-BKNY11203 1:36 AM - 17 January, 2012
Classics
Classic Hip Hop
Disco
Hip Hop
House
R&B
Reggae
Slow Jams
White Labels
80's
Everything Else

I see I am clearly not as anal (no homo) as some of you.
DJ Remy USA 3:41 AM - 17 January, 2012
I love it the best system around I can freestyle pretty much any style of music as if I DJ'd that style of music everyday. It gives the impression that I have deep crates in a lot of different directions.
dead serious 4:03 AM - 18 January, 2012
so has it been established if using Smart Crates natively in Scratch Live is any better over iTunes smart playlists?

since its 2012 I figure I might find something new to do and to keep me mindlessly busy
Dj Nyce 4:44 AM - 18 January, 2012
Quote:
so has it been established if using Smart Crates natively in Scratch Live is any better over iTunes smart playlists?

since its 2012 I figure I might find something new to do and to keep me mindlessly busy


serato smart crates are actually pretty dumb. we've asked for updates since it was introduced but it's 2012 and nothing.

iTunes smart playlists are waaay more powerful than smart crates. and there isn't any reason why smart crates can't be as good or even better than itunes. but that would require serato to actually implement it.
RogerRabbit 6:41 AM - 18 January, 2012
Quote:
serato smart crates are actually pretty dumb. we've asked for updates since it was introduced but it's 2012 and nothing.

Between itch,intro and ssl - maybe the programming staff is spread too thin..
xplycyt 8:14 AM - 18 January, 2012
Quote:
Quote:
serato smart crates are actually pretty dumb. we've asked for updates since it was introduced but it's 2012 and nothing.

Between itch,intro and ssl - maybe the programming staff is spread too thin..


...and the video update.
bcherb2 10:22 PM - 20 January, 2012
Just realized with this method I can start downloading and listening to tracks on my desktop (28" monitor, 12gb memory, studio monitors, etc), tagging them, than transferring them to my macbook's music folder, rescan ID3, and thats it. Done.

/revelation
sixxx 11:20 PM - 20 January, 2012
:)
LilSwann 12:56 AM - 21 January, 2012
bcherb2 do you just drop your whole music folder into your MacBook or do you just add the new songs that you get? Always been wondering the best method for transferring to a laptop when mainly working from a desktop at home (besides just using an external between the two)
bcherb2 9:48 AM - 21 January, 2012
Just new songs, I just drag and drop for a month or 2, then do a 2 way sync every once in a while to catch any older files that were modified.
a DJ 12:53 AM - 3 February, 2012
Just dropped by to say this way of organizing is the shit lol.. I already did it before this thread but it encouraged me to do it for everything. Its easy to tag songs and it makes easy to find all types of songs quickly.
grrillatactics 2:17 AM - 3 February, 2012
Quote:
Just dropped by to say this way of organizing is the shit lol.. I already did it before this thread but it encouraged me to do it for everything. Its easy to tag songs and it makes easy to find all types of songs quickly.


I agree. I had been working on a system of my own and was starting to implement it when I stumbled across this thread. I kept plugging away and have now gotten about 90% of my library organized this way, even with music that I have no intention of using for DJ purposes.

10% to go (plus everything that I add!)!!!
sixxx 2:45 AM - 3 February, 2012
Nice! :)
djchrischip 12:19 AM - 15 February, 2012
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
serato smart crates are actually pretty dumb. we've asked for updates since it was introduced but it's 2012 and nothing.

Between itch,intro and ssl - maybe the programming staff is spread too thin..


...and the video update.

now the bridge too...

shameless plug for my library management plug in I am requesting

serato.com
Dj Nyce 1:26 PM - 23 February, 2012
i had some tracks that i forgot to tag so they got 'lost' in itunes.

after searching the net i found this Doug AppleScript.

Sundry Info To Comments v3.0
Copies your single choice of file name, file path (location), parent folder name, current playlist, sound volume, file's Spotlight comments, file creation date, purchase name or purchase account ID to the Category, Comments or Description tag of each selected track. By putting such data in one of these available tags it can be visible and sortable or used with Smart Playlist criteria.

this is maaaad useful
Dj MacMillz 3:35 PM - 24 February, 2012
quick question folks.

Just got my mbp and want to know what are the equivalent mac programs to these windows programs i've grown to know and love> media monkey, mp3tag

PS: I don't wanna use iTunes.....

if nothing will do the job just as good, i'm willing to use the windows machine to download and tag just like normal, then transfer to the mbp.
Dj Nyce 4:11 PM - 24 February, 2012
Quote:
quick question folks.

Just got my mbp and want to know what are the equivalent mac programs to these windows programs i've grown to know and love> media monkey, mp3tag

PS: I don't wanna use iTunes.....

if nothing will do the job just as good, i'm willing to use the windows machine to download and tag just like normal, then transfer to the mbp.


the closest thing is mediarage. it's not free tho. it's amazing for mp3's, not so much for mp4's.

i know you don't want to use itunes, but when used with Doug's AppleScripts, you can almost do everything that mediamonkey can do.

i haven't found a free tagger that is as powerful as mediamonkey.
Dj Nyce 4:12 PM - 24 February, 2012
Also another option is to run MediaMonkey or mp3tag via wine and wine bottler.

wine/wine bottler let's you run windows executable's. i have used it with mediamonkey and mp3tag.
Dj MacMillz 9:38 PM - 24 February, 2012
Thanks for the response, all this on the Mac side of things is all new to me. Sucks that's there is no free programs but I will check out wine/ wine bottler

Gonna check out you tube vids for it and see how it works. If all else fails I'm just gonna download and tag via windows laptop, then transfer to mbp
sixxx 10:53 PM - 24 February, 2012
iTunes + scripts is the way to go on a mac imo
DJ Dub Cowboy 10:54 PM - 24 February, 2012
Quote:
iTunes + scripts is the way to go on a mac imo


mac is supposed to make your work flow easier
fighting iTunes on a mac defeats the purpose
Dj MacMillz 1:40 AM - 25 February, 2012
I just took a look at wine, it seems cool.

about the itunes thing.....well it's basically (for me anyway) I'm not educated enough about that program to feel comfortable using it for managing my library....only thing I have used it for in the past was syncing ipods/iphone...but now that i'm part of the Mac family, I see your point "why use something else if it's a great program already available".

I know eventually I will leave the windows laptop behind even as a backup, but I still have other windows machines at home so I will still have to be relevant with it in general (but not for music)
anthracite98 12:31 AM - 26 February, 2012
So my question, which may have been answered or may be clear, is since I don't use iTunes to manage my serato library can I somehow recreate my serato crates as iTunes playlists so I can use iTunes scripts or am i basically screwed on that front. Maybe I need to reed up on nik's tool thingy...
Jensen Määäm 12:57 AM - 26 February, 2012
Anthracite, there is another tool if you just want to sync folders and crates, Have you heard about this one?
Jensen Määäm 1:16 AM - 26 February, 2012
Here is the link: code.google.com
Dj MacMillz 1:17 AM - 26 February, 2012
Would it be wise/feasable/advised to install windows on my Mac using parallels or vmware.. something to run windows side by side with OSX?

Is there anyone who can break it down in noob lingo to us who don't know, understand or use itunes to manage our library? I looked at the whole scripts thing and it's a tad bit confusing.

I'm not looking for a semester or a course on itunes but maybe point to the right places, or show some examples....thanks alot.
anthracite98 3:38 AM - 26 February, 2012
@Jens I'll have a look tomorrow and see if that will work. Thanks!
Jensen Määäm 4:25 AM - 26 February, 2012
^You are welcome!
DeezNotes 8:34 PM - 28 February, 2012
I use Serato crates; not iTunes in SSL/ITCH. I use iTunes to manage tags. I don't use iTunes to keep a running library to manage. I will dump a bunch of songs in iTunes, edit tags, then remove them from the iTunes library. iTunes with Doug's Scripts is pretty powerful. It's worth looking at, even if you hate iTunes.
LilSwann 10:57 PM - 28 February, 2012
Quote:
I use Serato crates; not iTunes in SSL/ITCH. I use iTunes to manage tags. I don't use iTunes to keep a running library to manage. I will dump a bunch of songs in iTunes, edit tags, then remove them from the iTunes library. iTunes with Doug's Scripts is pretty powerful. It's worth looking at, even if you hate iTunes.

What do you do with the songs after you dump them? Do you let iTunes organize your music too or are you strictly using it for tags and put your physical files somewhere else afterwards?
Dj Nyce 11:15 PM - 28 February, 2012
you don't have to let itunes manage your music. just turn the option off. i think it's the best of both worlds with this option disabled.
DJ Remy USA 12:48 AM - 29 February, 2012
Itunes FTW stop fighting and let it do the work for you. My only advice if you use itunes back your itunes folder up weekly. If you've ever had a corrupt XML file in your library it will devastate you besides that Itunes is where it has always been and Ive been using itunes since 2008 to organize music
sixxx 12:58 AM - 29 February, 2012
iTunes user with SSL since 2005 here. No major issues yet. I love it because I can tag everything, use scripts, and be done with it.

I then let SSL load my iTunes library, drag all the music to one single crate, then disable Read iTunes library in SSL. Boom. Done.

nm
Capo Status 1:32 AM - 29 February, 2012
My question is where do you guys store your music on your computer outside of serato, do you have a music folder with seperate folders such a 90's hip hop, 90's R&B etc or do you just have them all laying around in the itunes folder
DJ Remy USA 1:38 AM - 29 February, 2012
Quote:
My question is where do you guys store your music on your computer outside of serato, do you have a music folder with seperate folders such a 90's hip hop, 90's R&B etc or do you just have them all laying around in the itunes folder


its all stored inthe Itunes folder which is normally in your default music folder unless you change the location.

The tip with itunes just tag and organize with itunes and dont worry about were it is and where its all going. It does not matter Sixxx has mentioned this over and over
Dj Nyce 1:40 AM - 29 February, 2012
Quote:
My question is where do you guys store your music on your computer outside of serato, do you have a music folder with seperate folders such a 90's hip hop, 90's R&B etc or do you just have them all laying around in the itunes folder


i dont use the itunes music folder, i use my own. i like to still keep some level of folder organization.

examples
user/music/library
user/music/library/DJ City/2012/02
user/music/library/ClubKillers/2011/11
Dj Nyce 1:41 AM - 29 February, 2012
this also allows me to automatically add new music to itunes via FolderActionScripts.
djvtyme85 1:56 AM - 29 February, 2012
i'm a little worried because i use itunes playlists as my crates. i've backed up music in a folder by itself and i use time machine regularly. but i want to use a separate external to only back up my music.

as well i want to mirror my itunes playlists as crates in itunes on that external in case i want to plug into someone else's computer. whats my best course of action?
DJJOHNNYM_vSL3 2:17 AM - 29 February, 2012
Quote:

The tip with itunes just tag and organize with itunes and dont worry about were it is and where its all going.


I can not let a machine have that much control....
Dj MacMillz 2:30 AM - 29 February, 2012
Quote:
Quote:
The tip with itunes just tag and organize with itunes and dont worry about were it is and where its all going.


I can not let a machine have that much control....



^^^^THIS is why I'm still hesitant..

I also heard of this thing called crossover, any word if it works with Lion?
I'm not too comfy with that whole wine/wine bottler thing. I'm even considering Parallels 7 once i upgrade my HDD .
DJ Remy USA 11:35 AM - 29 February, 2012
Quote:
i'm a little worried because i use itunes playlists as my crates. i've backed up music in a folder by itself and i use time machine regularly. but i want to use a separate external to only back up my music.

as well i want to mirror my itunes playlists as crates in itunes on that external in case i want to plug into someone else's computer. whats my best course of action?


just copy your itunes folder onto a external....done! Or you can get some special backup software.
sixxx 4:30 PM - 29 February, 2012
Quote:
Quote:
The tip with itunes just tag and organize with itunes and dont worry about were it is and where its all going.


I can not let a machine have that much control....


7 years letting iTunes put the music wherever the hell it wants and still not having issues.

You


just


need


to


stop


being


afraid


and


let


go.


Micromanaging is a waste of time.

I also backup weekly with SuperDuper. Takes about 30 minutes. Boom. Done.
LilSwann 4:35 PM - 29 February, 2012
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
The tip with itunes just tag and organize with itunes and dont worry about were it is and where its all going.


I can not let a machine have that much control....


7 years letting iTunes put the music wherever the hell it wants and still not having issues.

You


just


need


to


stop


being


afraid


and


let


go.


Micromanaging is a waste of time.

I also backup weekly with SuperDuper. Takes about 30 minutes. Boom. Done.

Only 30 minutes for 2TB of files? Or do you have it set to just update new files so it doesn't take as long.
nik39 4:38 PM - 29 February, 2012
Why would you update your unchanged files all the time?
sixxx 4:53 PM - 29 February, 2012
Quote:
Why would you update your unchanged files all the time?


Exactly...

It basically makes both drives identical in less than an hour each week.
LilSwann 5:08 PM - 29 February, 2012
Ok guys dang slow question *doh
DJJOHNNYM_vSL3 6:26 PM - 29 February, 2012
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
The tip with itunes just tag and organize with itunes and dont worry about were it is and where its all going.


I can not let a machine have that much control....


7 years letting iTunes put the music wherever the hell it wants and still not having issues.

You

just

need

to

stop

being

afraid

and

let

go.

Micromanaging is a waste of time.

I also backup weekly with SuperDuper. Takes about 30 minutes. Boom. Done.


I see what you're saying, but there are times when I make dupes of my music library to bring other places, or put on other machines...

I need to go to be able to go to c:\DJOHNNYM\My Music\ and copy what I need, when I need it ...

Not have to make my way through a maze of iTunes directory structures....
DJ Dub Cowboy 7:10 PM - 29 February, 2012
for that situation in iTunes. you make a playlist, drag playlist to folder...done.

one list with the contents of multiple folders neatly packaged into one folder in seconds
DeezNotes 7:32 PM - 29 February, 2012
Quote:
Quote:
I use Serato crates; not iTunes in SSL/ITCH. I use iTunes to manage tags. I don't use iTunes to keep a running library to manage. I will dump a bunch of songs in iTunes, edit tags, then remove them from the iTunes library. iTunes with Doug's Scripts is pretty powerful. It's worth looking at, even if you hate iTunes.

What do you do with the songs after you dump them? Do you let iTunes organize your music too or are you strictly using it for tags and put your physical files somewhere else afterwards?

My iTunes is configured to NOT copy files added to the iTunes library to my iTunes folder. Once I'm done tagging, I'll delete the playlist I'm editing in and every once in a while I'll delete everything from the main playlist.

I have multiple reasons why I don't use iTunes. Without getting too deep into it..
1) I don't like dependencies. If iTunes integration breaks, so is my crate organization. (See Mix Emergency and 2.4).
2) Subcrates. I use these frequently.
3) If my tags ever get corrupt or erased, my crate system is not totally screwed. This has happened to me before and I was able to get back the artist and title of a large batch of files, because this is what my MP3 file names are. iTunes doesn't let you change the default organization of your files or the file names.
4) I can play from my mirrored external without thinking about a conflicting iTunes database or whatever else you have to think of when connecting your external to someone else's computer who runs the iTunes crate system.
5) If I decide to switch my OS or DVS, I'm ready. I can even use both at the same time with minimal work to do on my library.

All that being said, I'm not trying to convince anyone anything. These are just my own personal reasons.
DeezNotes 7:33 PM - 29 February, 2012
One more thing... I also don't like how ANY audio file you play gets played in iTunes, which causes files you may not want in your professional library to be automatically added. I like keeping my personal and professional libraries separate.
sixxx 8:22 PM - 29 February, 2012
Quote:
Not have to make my way through a maze of iTunes directory structures....


Quote:
for that situation in iTunes. you make a playlist, drag playlist to folder...done.


Exactly. I NEVER have to navigate through folders... EVER.

I can make a playlist of anything I have in codes. That's the whole point of codes to begin with.

It's very simple. You're complicating your life AND thinking you have complete control of it. nm
sixxx 8:30 PM - 29 February, 2012
I have multiple reasons why I don't use iTunes. Without getting too deep into it..
1) I don't like dependencies. If iTunes integration breaks, so is my crate organization. (See Mix Emergency and 2.4).

- I have zero crates. So, it doesn't really matters. I thought that was the whole point of doing codes.

2) Subcrates. I use these frequently.

--- You make very easy subcrates from codes. Again, the reason for codes.

3) If my tags ever get corrupt or erased, my crate system is not totally screwed. This has happened to me before and I was able to get back the artist and title of a large batch of files, because this is what my MP3 file names are. iTunes doesn't let you change the default organization of your files or the file names.

-- Again, more crates. Codes. Also, there is a script to change the name of the file within iTunes.


4) I can play from my mirrored external without thinking about a conflicting iTunes database or whatever else you have to think of when connecting your external to someone else's computer who runs the iTunes crate system.

I have done this a lot without problems. You have to remember, all my music is in my external BUT the files that iTunes would read are actually on my internal, so there is no chance that me, plugging my drive to someone else's computer would corrupt their libraries. This is why I uncheck iTunes and let SSL handle that. And, even if I didn't, again, iTunes xml files are only on my internal.

5) If I decide to switch my OS or DVS, I'm ready. I can even use both at the same time with minimal work to do on my library.

Same here.

All that being said, I'm not trying to convince anyone anything. These are just my own personal reasons.

I'm not trying to convince you either. But, I don't see the benefits of what you're doing.

I also have ALL my music on my external. To me, there is no such thing as a professional music library and a personal one.

nm
DeezNotes 9:12 PM - 29 February, 2012
Quote:
To me, there is no such thing as a professional music library and a personal one.

I've always had 2 libraries. For example, I would never have full albums in my DJ library, but I'll have full albums in a CD case in my car. I never kept CD singles in my car, but my DJ library is full of them. I don't have DJ Intros in my personal library either. It was easy to distinguish between vinyl and CDs, but I've been ripping my CD collection to MP3 since the late 90s. Now that both libraries are in MP3 format and I no longer use CDs in my car, I still keep them separate. Drake and Lady Gaga are in my DJ libraries for obvious reasons. None of that shit has a place in my personal music library.
DJ Remy USA 9:24 PM - 29 February, 2012
Quote:
for that situation in iTunes. you make a playlist, drag playlist to folder...done.

one list with the contents of multiple folders neatly packaged into one folder in seconds


yeap you can create a playlist then create a folder on your desktop and drag and drop all those tunes into one folder and play off a USB if you like. Ive done it before and it works.
LilSwann 10:59 PM - 29 February, 2012
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
I use Serato crates; not iTunes in SSL/ITCH. I use iTunes to manage tags. I don't use iTunes to keep a running library to manage. I will dump a bunch of songs in iTunes, edit tags, then remove them from the iTunes library. iTunes with Doug's Scripts is pretty powerful. It's worth looking at, even if you hate iTunes.

What do you do with the songs after you dump them? Do you let iTunes organize your music too or are you strictly using it for tags and put your physical files somewhere else afterwards?

My iTunes is configured to NOT copy files added to the iTunes library to my iTunes folder. Once I'm done tagging, I'll delete the playlist I'm editing in and every once in a while I'll delete everything from the main playlist.

I have multiple reasons why I don't use iTunes. Without getting too deep into it..
1) I don't like dependencies. If iTunes integration breaks, so is my crate organization. (See Mix Emergency and 2.4).
2) Subcrates. I use these frequently.
3) If my tags ever get corrupt or erased, my crate system is not totally screwed. This has happened to me before and I was able to get back the artist and title of a large batch of files, because this is what my MP3 file names are. iTunes doesn't let you change the default organization of your files or the file names.
4) I can play from my mirrored external without thinking about a conflicting iTunes database or whatever else you have to think of when connecting your external to someone else's computer who runs the iTunes crate system.
5) If I decide to switch my OS or DVS, I'm ready. I can even use both at the same time with minimal work to do on my library.

All that being said, I'm not trying to convince anyone anything. These are just my own personal reasons.


So how do you or what do you use to do your organization and file names of the physical files. I'm like you I love the whole tagging capabilities of iTunes with the scripts but I don't like the organization and file name structure it's not quite the way I would want to do it.
djvtyme85 11:30 PM - 29 February, 2012
I don't even think I have a personal collection of music anymore. Outside of organization of my crates I'm too lazy too think out or search for myself. I just listen to other DJs & pandora premium
DeezNotes 5:23 PM - 1 March, 2012
Quote:
I don't even think I have a personal collection of music anymore. Outside of organization of my crates I'm too lazy too think out or search for myself. I just listen to other DJs & pandora premium

I have one, but it's synced to my Google Music account. All those CDs had to go somewhere. That being said, I don't manage that library with iTunes either. I'm just making a point about separation.

It may have been better if I made an example where I have my library of music, but then I have 1000+ songs from a record pool on a weekly basis I need to listen to and organize. I will listen to them in iTunes - this will be a pain when I go to clean out songs I don't want vs songs I do want in my iTunes library for DJing.
DeezNotes 5:25 PM - 1 March, 2012
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
I use Serato crates; not iTunes in SSL/ITCH. I use iTunes to manage tags. I don't use iTunes to keep a running library to manage. I will dump a bunch of songs in iTunes, edit tags, then remove them from the iTunes library. iTunes with Doug's Scripts is pretty powerful. It's worth looking at, even if you hate iTunes.

What do you do with the songs after you dump them? Do you let iTunes organize your music too or are you strictly using it for tags and put your physical files somewhere else afterwards?

My iTunes is configured to NOT copy files added to the iTunes library to my iTunes folder. Once I'm done tagging, I'll delete the playlist I'm editing in and every once in a while I'll delete everything from the main playlist.

I have multiple reasons why I don't use iTunes. Without getting too deep into it..
1) I don't like dependencies. If iTunes integration breaks, so is my crate organization. (See Mix Emergency and 2.4).
2) Subcrates. I use these frequently.
3) If my tags ever get corrupt or erased, my crate system is not totally screwed. This has happened to me before and I was able to get back the artist and title of a large batch of files, because this is what my MP3 file names are. iTunes doesn't let you change the default organization of your files or the file names.
4) I can play from my mirrored external without thinking about a conflicting iTunes database or whatever else you have to think of when connecting your external to someone else's computer who runs the iTunes crate system.
5) If I decide to switch my OS or DVS, I'm ready. I can even use both at the same time with minimal work to do on my library.

All that being said, I'm not trying to convince anyone anything. These are just my own personal reasons.


So how do you or what do you use to do your organization and file names of the physical files. I'm like you I love the whole tagging capabilities of iTunes with the scripts but I don't like the organization and file name structure it's not quite the way I would want to do it.

I *think* I do it the same way as other people who organize this way.. I'll drag those files to whatever folder I want them in and I'll run the ITCH Sync tool or ScratchTools to add those songs to my SSL library. I will use iTunes to rename files if necessary.
LilSwann 5:38 PM - 1 March, 2012
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
I use Serato crates; not iTunes in SSL/ITCH. I use iTunes to manage tags. I don't use iTunes to keep a running library to manage. I will dump a bunch of songs in iTunes, edit tags, then remove them from the iTunes library. iTunes with Doug's Scripts is pretty powerful. It's worth looking at, even if you hate iTunes.

What do you do with the songs after you dump them? Do you let iTunes organize your music too or are you strictly using it for tags and put your physical files somewhere else afterwards?

My iTunes is configured to NOT copy files added to the iTunes library to my iTunes folder. Once I'm done tagging, I'll delete the playlist I'm editing in and every once in a while I'll delete everything from the main playlist.

I have multiple reasons why I don't use iTunes. Without getting too deep into it..
1) I don't like dependencies. If iTunes integration breaks, so is my crate organization. (See Mix Emergency and 2.4).
2) Subcrates. I use these frequently.
3) If my tags ever get corrupt or erased, my crate system is not totally screwed. This has happened to me before and I was able to get back the artist and title of a large batch of files, because this is what my MP3 file names are. iTunes doesn't let you change the default organization of your files or the file names.
4) I can play from my mirrored external without thinking about a conflicting iTunes database or whatever else you have to think of when connecting your external to someone else's computer who runs the iTunes crate system.
5) If I decide to switch my OS or DVS, I'm ready. I can even use both at the same time with minimal work to do on my library.

All that being said, I'm not trying to convince anyone anything. These are just my own personal reasons.


So how do you or what do you use to do your organization and file names of the physical files. I'm like you I love the whole tagging capabilities of iTunes with the scripts but I don't like the organization and file name structure it's not quite the way I would want to do it.

I *think* I do it the same way as other people who organize this way.. I'll drag those files to whatever folder I want them in and I'll run the ITCH Sync tool or ScratchTools to add those songs to my SSL library. I will use iTunes to rename files if necessary.

Ok just checking your method I think I'll user MediaRage I already use it now to do my filenames. I can also use it to put songs away kinda like how iTunes does but you can create your own structure.
Dj MacMillz 5:55 PM - 1 March, 2012
Quote:

Quote:

I *think* I do it the same way as other people who organize this way.. I'll drag those files to whatever folder I want them in and I'll run the ITCH Sync tool or ScratchTools to add those songs to my SSL library. I will use iTunes to rename files if necessary.

Ok just checking your method I think I'll user MediaRage I already use it now to do my filenames. I can also use it to put songs away kinda like how iTunes does but you can create your own structure.


Please explain how to do so...I'm confused on Media Rage..
LilSwann 6:29 PM - 1 March, 2012
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
I *think* I do it the same way as other people who organize this way.. I'll drag those files to whatever folder I want them in and I'll run the ITCH Sync tool or ScratchTools to add those songs to my SSL library. I will use iTunes to rename files if necessary.

Ok just checking your method I think I'll user MediaRage I already use it now to do my filenames. I can also use it to put songs away kinda like how iTunes does but you can create your own structure.


Please explain how to do so...I'm confused on Media Rage..

Let's see if I can figure this out off the top of my head (at work so can't look at the program right now.) But you will user the Organizer tool and you will see there that you can create the folder structure on how the files will organize based on tags. For example you can do Genre, Album Artist, Album, Song and it will move the files in that structure. From that same window you can pick or drag the folder of files you want to organize and where you want them to organize at, which could just be your music folder or a particular that you create.
LilSwann 6:30 PM - 1 March, 2012
www.chaoticsoftware.com
Scroll down and look at the picture of the organizer tool to get a better idea of what I'm explaining.
Dj MacMillz 12:19 AM - 2 March, 2012
Ok, I see.

I'm still wondering changing the actual (.mp3)filename...

let's say I have a track:
Tyga - Rack City
once I add my code to the tag it will read like this
Tyga - Rack City [HH]
now when i go to the actual file on the HDD outside of media rage or itunes it still says Tyga - Rack City and not the changed file name....

in Media Monkey and Mp3Tag I was able to achieve this and change the actual file name like: Tyga - Rack City [HH].mp3
that way where ever i take this mp3 afterwards it will read as such, in any other DVS, ipod, mp3, android....
I hope I'm not confusing anyone.
I'm a new Mac convert and really don't want to go back and forth windows to mac or even install windows on the mac...to make this work the way I want, but if I have no choice.....
djvtyme85 1:16 AM - 2 March, 2012
Quote:
Ok, I see.

I'm still wondering changing the actual (.mp3)filename...

let's say I have a track:
Tyga - Rack City
once I add my code to the tag it will read like this
Tyga - Rack City [HH]
now when i go to the actual file on the HDD outside of media rage or itunes it still says Tyga - Rack City and not the changed file name....

in Media Monkey and Mp3Tag I was able to achieve this and change the actual file name like: Tyga - Rack City [HH].mp3
that way where ever i take this mp3 afterwards it will read as such, in any other DVS, ipod, mp3, android....
I hope I'm not confusing anyone.
I'm a new Mac convert and really don't want to go back and forth windows to mac or even install windows on the mac...to make this work the way I want, but if I have no choice.....


This is my problem with iTunes. If I ever have to export my library all the files I changes will go back to their original name and not what I named them in iTunes. Just found that out when I had to restore after I f'ed up the other day.
LilSwann 11:19 AM - 2 March, 2012
Quote:
Ok, I see.

I'm still wondering changing the actual (.mp3)filename...

let's say I have a track:
Tyga - Rack City
once I add my code to the tag it will read like this
Tyga - Rack City [HH]
now when i go to the actual file on the HDD outside of media rage or itunes it still says Tyga - Rack City and not the changed file name....

in Media Monkey and Mp3Tag I was able to achieve this and change the actual file name like: Tyga - Rack City [HH].mp3
that way where ever i take this mp3 afterwards it will read as such, in any other DVS, ipod, mp3, android....
I hope I'm not confusing anyone.
I'm a new Mac convert and really don't want to go back and forth windows to mac or even install windows on the mac...to make this work the way I want, but if I have no choice.....

You can change file names with media rage too I do it all the time. Just take a folder and drag it into Media Rages filname changer and you change the exact way files are name based on tags. For example I have my files come out to change from rack city_tyga to 99BPM-Tyga - Rack City (Dirty) once I get done tagging
grrillatactics 5:11 PM - 2 March, 2012
I think what some people are doing, unfortunately, is that they are adding layers of complexity to their organization and creating an illusion of control, when in reality, the simplest solution also offers the most control and flexibility. imo, of course.

I wholeheartedly bought into using codes, and it is work on the front end making sure that you tag everything correctly, but once that is done, the hardest part is just remembering your codes (but of course, you make up your own codes, so that shouldn't be hard). Everything else is EASY. I do keep a Playlist Folder of my smart playlists in itunes for each code, just to see how some songs that you wouldn't think go together may actually fit, but I don't use them when playing, only when listening at home (and the side benefit to this is that I can open the playlist folder in itunes labeled Codes, and have a list of all of my codes and what the code stands for; I don't even have to go into any of those playlists, just having them listed is enough).

I also don't understand why someone would have multiple libraries. Sometimes that ultimate sleeper track is right under your nose or is an album cut that doesn't ever even get a singles release. If you organize your ONE library in this manner, you can find what you are looking for both in your personal daily life and your professional DJ life.

But I can only speak for me, so if you don't think that a system like this can help you, by all means, stick with what you're doing.
Dj MacMillz 5:28 PM - 4 March, 2012
So I managed to get crossover up and running, and mp3tag installed....

my issue comes in with media monkey, I mean it installs fine, but wen I play the audio files, they are just greyed out and runs through the list of songs in about 4 seconds...none of them play, but they are fine outside of media monkey. I even ran them through mp3Val (Scan & Repair), all fine. Anyone with any insight on this issue?
Dj MacMillz 9:45 PM - 4 March, 2012
Well finally i got around to getting Media Rage.....now how the hell do i use it, it's not explaining or I'm not getting what I want done, the way I want it done. Any Help....
monchi 12:18 AM - 5 March, 2012
Ok first of all I have been reading this since Friday, whenever I get a chance.
Sixxx Gracias, I have the biggest fvken migrane right now, lol. I am new to Macbook Pro but getting there. When it comes to digital stuff and comp. I am not to knowledgeable, so Stranger I feel you.
I read all Dougscripts, installed the ones I believe I will need.
Now Sixxx you mentioned in your first post that you put title song then [CE] etc. but than later on I read you have [CE] etc. than title song, does it matter?
I am stoked that by reading all this post I think I might have this way of organizing my musica down..... I have put a sample here of what did in my itunes, all instrumental, does this here seem correct fellaz? I know I have to change tags again maybe add commercial, underground, soft {HH} Thanks all

BTW SIxxx I

All The Above {HH} {Instr} 3:52 Maino ft T-Pain
Angels {HH} {Instr} 6:23 Diddy (Dirty Money) ft Notorious B.I.G.
Armada Latina {HH} {Instr} 4:05 Cypress Hill ft Pitbull & Marc Anthony
Beamer, Benz, Or Bentley {HH} {Instr} 3:28 Lloyd Banks ft Juelz Santana
Bedrock {HH} {Instr} 4:50 Young Money ft Lloyd
Bitch {HH} {Instr} 3:18 E-40 ft Too Short
Black And Yellow {HH} {Instr} 3:36 Wiz Khalifa
Bottle Service {HH} {Instr} 3:19 Duane DaRock ft Jadakiss & Akapello
Centipede {HH} {Instr} 4:15 Ying Yang Twins ft Lil Jon
Check Yo Self {HH} {Instr} 4:17 Snoop Dogg ft The Hustle Boyz
Chillin' {HH} {Instr} 3:25 Wale ft Lady Gaga
D.O.A. (Death of Autotune) {HH} {Instr} 4:21 Jay-Z
Damn {HH} {Instr} 4:02 40 Glocc ft Ray J
Dead & Gone {HH} {Instr} 5:01 T.I. ft Justin Timberlake
Diddy Bop {HH} {Instr} 4:26 Diddy ft Yung Joc
Do You Think About Me {HH} {Instr} 3:28 50 Cent
Dope Boy Fresh (Jockin' Jay-Z) {HH} {Instr} 3:34 Jay-Z
Down On Me {HH} {Instr} 3:47 Jeremih ft 50 Cent
Every Girl {HH} {Instr} 4:48 Young Money ft Lil Wayne, Drake, Jae Millz, & Mack Maine
Everything Everyday Everywhere {HH} {Instr} 4:10 Fabolous ft Ryan Leslie & Keri Hilson
Exhibit C {HH} {Instr} 5:31 Jay Electronica
Fear {HH} {Instr} 3:58 Drake
Fed Up {HH} {Instr} 3:28 DJ Khaled ft Usher, Drake, Young Jeezy & Rick Ross
Flex {HH} {Instr} 4:20 Party Boyz
Flickin' {HH} {Instr} 4:06 Kidz In The Hall
Fresh Out The Oven {HH} {Instr} 3:27 Jennifer Lopez ft Pitbull
Frisky {HH} {Instr} 4:56 Tinie Tempah ft Labrinth
Gangsta Luv {HH} {Instr} 4:20 Snoop Dogg ft The-Dream
Get It Jerkin' {HH} {Instr} 3:35 Draft Pick
Gone {HH} {Instr} 3:02 Donnis
Ha Ha (Slow Down Son) {HH} {Instr} 3:26 Fat Joe ft Young Jeezy
Hard In Da Paint {HH} {Instr} 5:10 Waka Flocka Flame
Hello Good Morning {HH} {Instr} 4:01 Diddy (Dirty Money) ft T.I.
Homegurl (He Gotta) {HH} {Instr} 3:47 Bone
I Do {HH} {Instr} 3:53 Lil Jon ft Snoop Dogg & Swizz Beatz
I Just Wanna Party {HH} {Instr} 3:48 Yelawolf ft Gucci Mane
I Rep That West {HH} {Instr} 4:32 Ice Cube ft Jigg
I Wanna Rock {HH} {Instr} 3:59 Snoop Dogg
I'm Beaming {HH} {Instr} 4:50 Lupe Fiasco
I'm On It {HH} {Instr} 2:53 Tyga ft Lil Wayne
Ice Cream Paint Job {HH} {Instr} 3:59 Dorrough
If It Ain't About Money {HH} {Instr} 3:55 Fat Joe ft Trey Songz
Lemonade {HH} {Instr} 4:06 Gucci Mane
Light Up {HH} {Instr} 3:43 Drake ft Jay-Z
Live Your Life {HH} {Instr} 5:45 T.I. ft Rihanna
Look Like Money (Smell Like Dollaz) {HH} {Instr} 3:02 Chalie Boy
Lose Control {HH} {Instr} 3:29 Sentury ft Chamillionaire
Lose My Mind {HH} {Instr} 4:00 Young Jeezy ft Plies
Massive Attack {HH} {Instr} 3:16 Nicki Minaj ft Sean Garrett
Miss Chocolate {HH} {Instr} 3:22 Lil Jon ft R. Kelly & Mario
Miss Independent {HH} {Instr} 3:50 Ne-Yo
Miss Me Kiss Me {HH} {Instr} 3:15 Cold Flamez
Move {HH} {Instr} 3:13 Mims
My Chick Bad {HH} {Instr} 3:37 Ludacris ft Nicki Minaj
Nothing On You {HH} {Instr} 4:24 B.O.B. ft Bruno Mars
O Let's Do It {HH} {Instr} 4:11 Waka Flocka Flame
OK, You're Right {HH} {Instr} 3:06 50 Cent
On Fire {HH} {Instr} 4:11 Lil Wayne
One More Drink {HH} {Instr} 3:42 Ludacris ft T-Pain
Otis {HH} {Instr} 2:59 Kanye West & Jay-Z
Pass The Patron {HH} {Instr} 3:06 Tony Yayo ft 50 Cent
Play The Record {HH} {Instr} 3:39 40 Glocc ft Mobb Deep & Racq Dolo
Pop Champagne {HH} {Instr} 3:41 Jim Jones ft Ron Browz & Juelz Santana
Pretty Girls {HH} {Instr} 4:13 Wale
Rack City {HH} {Instr} 2:34 Tyga
Roger That {HH} {Instr} 3:33 Young Money
Run This Town {HH} {Instr} 4:35 Jay-Z ft Rihanna & Kanye West
Say Something {HH} {Instr} 4:04 Timbaland ft Drake Other
She Geeked {HH} {Instr} 3:51 Sean Garrett ft Tyga & Gucci Mane
She's Fine {HH} {Instr} 4:41 Hurricane Chris
Snoop Dogg - That Tree {HH} {Instr} 4:39
Stanky Leg {HH} {Instr} 3:47 G Spot
Steady Mobbin' {HH} {Instr} 5:08 Young Money ft Gucci Mane
Successful {HH} {Instr} 4:25 Drake ft Trey Songz & Lil Wayne
Supernova {HH} {Instr} 3:15 Kanye West ft Mr. Hudson
Teach Me How To Dougie {HH} {Instr} 3:36 California Swag District
Throw It In The Bag {HH} {Instr} 3:49 Fabolous ft The-Dream
Wasted {HH} {Instr} 4:10 Gucci Mane ft Plies
We Made You {HH} {Instr} 4:48 Eminem
Who Dat {HH} {Instr} 3:58 J. Cole
Who's Real {HH} {Instr} 3:09 Jadakiss ft Swizz Beatz & OJ Da Juiceman
Wired To The T {HH} {Instr} 3:19 Dorrough
World Tour {HH} {Instr} 3:56 Wale ft Jazmine Sullivan
20 Dollaz {HH} {Instr} 3:26 Ron Browz
monchi 12:19 AM - 5 March, 2012
Sorry didn't mean to post all them up,been up all night and day reading, sorry guys.
Jensen Määäm 1:13 AM - 5 March, 2012
^I know everybody sees things different, but to me Ne-Yo - Miss Independent and Bruno Mars - Nothing on you - are R&B songs and not Hip Hop and I would label Supernova as Pop.
monchi 1:31 AM - 5 March, 2012
Jensen without a doubt. I was just playing eith the Scripts as this is just a sample and was asking if this was correct? I made the whole list with only one commnad of the script
sixxx 2:33 AM - 5 March, 2012
Hi monchi,

Glad you're about to embark in this method. It really doesn't matter what you use or where you use it. That code can be in (parenthesis) [brackets] {or whatever the hell you call these things} hahaha

:)

Also, they can be words or acronyms or just made up letters that really only mean something to you. Have fun with it but also think of whatever makes more sense to you as you will be the one to benefit from this the most.
monchi 2:56 AM - 5 March, 2012
Thanks Sixxx and much appreciated. Sent you a PM. Got to go sleep now
Hitman303 6:34 PM - 5 March, 2012
I'll be using the "grouping" category for my codes, but I wanted to know what script I should use to add new codes to a track without deleting the old info.


Does anyone use ratings in iTunes? I noticed there is a script for half-star ratings, curious to see if anyone uses it.
Dj Nyce 8:03 PM - 5 March, 2012
Quote:
I'll be using the "grouping" category for my codes, but I wanted to know what script I should use to add new codes to a track without deleting the old info.


Does anyone use ratings in iTunes? I noticed there is a script for half-star ratings, curious to see if anyone uses it.


This Tag will put text in front, in back or replace a tag.
dougscripts.com
Hitman303 8:10 PM - 5 March, 2012
thanks DjNyce! I wasn't sure which one to use.
djvtyme85 10:58 PM - 5 March, 2012
I want something that can help find release dates etc. I've been doing it manually bit by bit. Needless to say it's been very time consuming
sixxx 11:12 PM - 5 March, 2012
Quote:
I want something that can help find release dates etc. I've been doing it manually bit by bit. Needless to say it's been very time consuming


Yeah. I use discogs. nm
DJ Dub Cowboy 11:16 PM - 5 March, 2012
Discogs is good for album art too.
djvtyme85 11:46 PM - 5 March, 2012
OK so as I get my mac I'm checking that out.
sixxx 12:04 AM - 6 March, 2012
Quote:
Discogs is good for album art too.


Fuck album art. lol

nm
Hitman303 12:16 AM - 6 March, 2012
Quote:
I want something that can help find release dates etc. I've been doing it manually bit by bit. Needless to say it's been very time consuming


yeah that is such a pain to have to do for older tracks, wish there was an easier way.
monchi 12:20 AM - 6 March, 2012
There is always a way just depends how bad you want it. Nothing is eazy, you all grown you should know that.
Hitman303 do yourself a favor and re-read the scripts, only way you gonna get it. My eyes are still bleeding.
monchi 12:22 AM - 6 March, 2012
Mr Nyce thanks for your help and Sixxx sent you a PM.
Hitman303 12:25 AM - 6 March, 2012
I don't think there is a script for figuring out the release date of my tracks. I think you can use a program like tagalicious but it isn't always accurate. I have to manually enter the release year of my older tracks....like 80's, 90's music. Especially when some older tracks are re-releases or remastered....they have a different release year than the original track.
sixxx 12:28 AM - 6 March, 2012
THIS....

Quote:
I don't think there is a script for figuring out the release date of my tracks. I think you can use a program like tagalicious but it isn't always accurate. I have to manually enter the release year of my older tracks....like 80's, 90's music. Especially when some older tracks are re-releases or remastered....they have a different release year than the original track.
djvtyme85 1:11 AM - 6 March, 2012
Quote:
I don't think there is a script for figuring out the release date of my tracks. I think you can use a program like tagalicious but it isn't always accurate. I have to manually enter the release year of my older tracks....like 80's, 90's music. Especially when some older tracks are re-releases or remastered....they have a different release year than the original track.

I exactly. So it's defeating the purpose of my smart crates when I see a 90'S track mixed in very last year's DL but it made finding tracks that needed to be corrected easier so I'm not complaining too too much lol
monchi 9:04 AM - 7 March, 2012
For those of you who get music in zip folders, what app/software do you use to extract the music? I got a Macbook Pro, thanks
Dj Nyce 12:22 PM - 7 March, 2012
Quote:
For those of you who get music in zip folders, what app/software do you use to extract the music? I got a Macbook Pro, thanks


i use stuffit expander. it's not free and it has bloatware. but i like it tho.

the other alternative which is free and just as good is the unarchiver.
nik39 12:24 PM - 7 March, 2012
7zip
www.macupdate.com

freeware.
DeezNotes 4:39 PM - 7 March, 2012
Quote:
Quote:
For those of you who get music in zip folders, what app/software do you use to extract the music? I got a Macbook Pro, thanks


i use stuffit expander. it's not free and it has bloatware. but i like it tho.

the other alternative which is free and just as good is the unarchiver.

+1 on The Unarchiver
sixxx 5:01 PM - 7 March, 2012
I use The Unarchiver thanks to DeezNotes. nm
monchi 9:53 PM - 7 March, 2012
The Unarchiever Dl but can't import Zipdj .com folders to itunes. Can someone give me step by step instructions to see wether or not I am doing it correctly? As far as how you downloaded and actulaly use it. Thanks
monchi 3:53 AM - 8 March, 2012
Well now i tried using Bandizip X and this is what I got, must be an issue with Zipdj .com zip format.
Unknown file format (3793926-Alex_Wackii-Heavens_Rage-Andy_van_Kayne_Remix.mp3)
WarpNote 9:56 AM - 8 March, 2012
Quote:
Quote:
For those of you who get music in zip folders, what app/software do you use to extract the music? I got a Macbook Pro, thanks


i use stuffit expander. it's not free and it has bloatware. but i like it tho.

the other alternative which is free and just as good is the unarchiver.


It's built into OSX you know.
Just right click/control click the file and chose open with Archive Utility...
> en.wikipedia.org
Dj Nyce 12:50 PM - 8 March, 2012
archive utility is shit. it cannot open every compression format (for example rar). its not easy to control how it decompresses and creating a compressed file with it is very basic.

if you are going to bundle an app with an OS to decompress compressed archives it needs to at least do those basic things.
WarpNote 5:10 PM - 8 March, 2012
Just pointing out that there's an alternative in the OS... I've not had to much trouble with archive utility myself. Also used RAR Expander, UnrarX, Ez7z, MacPAR deLuxe & Stuffit for archiving...
DJ Remy USA 5:18 PM - 8 March, 2012
stuff it all the way, it even works cross platforms. I had issue when I use macs OS standard for zipping. Then I would get to another computer using a Window OS and the files would not unzip properly or they would but the files would be corrupted. Just had tons of issue when I started creating archives in stuff it problems went away. again just my experience
CMOS 8:33 PM - 8 March, 2012
I found ZiPeg to be the best simplest zip tool for mac.

www.zipeg.com
monchi 10:08 PM - 9 March, 2012
CMOS thanks for the link, that actually helped me unzip my folders. Thanks to all who gave me some input, much appreciated.
monchi 10:26 PM - 25 March, 2012
Well just bought two G-tech firewire 800 2TB externals @ my local Frys. My harddrive is at 420gb out of 500gb I have a couple of questions to ask:
1. If I transfer my Itunes music folder to my external will I have to always plugin my external HD in order to play itunes?
2. I have about 9,800 songs that I have already taggged, will those stay the same when I transfer itunes folder to my external?
3. Any and all folders of music,seperate from Itunes, that I drag and drop to my external, can i go ahead and send original (files) folders in my hard drive to the trash bin?
4. How do I back up my 2tb g-tech to my other 2tb g-tech?
5. Must I always send external icon to trash bin when done updating?
New to macbook so all help would be appreciated. Thanks to all and anyone who responds.
DJ Dub Cowboy 1:45 AM - 26 March, 2012
1. Yes
2. Yes. Use the file>library>organize files command
3. Yes, double check that the files transferred by opening the new copy
4. Use a program like super duper to clone the drive
5. Yes, eject the drive by sending icon to the trash before disconnecting drive
DJ Dub Cowboy 1:49 AM - 26 March, 2012
I have my library set up with my entire iTunes folder on the external. I let iTunes organize my files.

This way I can open my library on another computer at any time. This also makes it so that iTunes asks me where the drive is before opening if it is not connected. When I had
The main iTunes folder on my native drive and all my media on an external iTunes would make a new library if I opened the program without my drive attached.
monchi 2:16 AM - 26 March, 2012
^^^Thanks for your response, this is all overwhelming when new to all this digital stuff. Guys like yourself and Sixxx make it a lot painless. Thanks a bunch
monchi 2:18 AM - 26 March, 2012
"Yes. Use the file>library>organize files command", how do I implement this? Or how do I use it? Thanks again.
djvtyme85 2:26 AM - 26 March, 2012
Good to know bc I'm going to be doing the same thing in the very near future
DJ Dub Cowboy 1:12 PM - 26 March, 2012
Quote:
"Yes. Use the file>library>organize files command", how do I implement this? Or how do I use it? Thanks again.


first of all,check your settings in iTunes>preferences
I have 'Keep iTunes media folder organized' checked
and 'Copy Files to iTunes media folder when adding to the library' unchecked

The first option makes iTunes rename your file according to the tags you have in iTunes. It also automatically sorts all your files into folders by name of artist and name of album. All the files live in one folder. On that same preferences screen you can set the location of that folder. Usually that folder lives in Users/****/Music/Itunes/iTunes Media. You can move just the 'iTunes media' folder to your external drive or like I have done move the entire iTunes folder onto the external.

Then, once you have all the tracks in your library that are in various locations. Use the file>library>organize files command (in the File menu in iTunes) and it will copy all the music into that 'iTunes media' folder. If you have set up your folder correctly on the external it will move a copy of every file into the external and you can now go delete the originals in finder.

When I get new files they go into my 'download' folder on my main HD. I evaluate the tracks I want to keep, adjust my tags, and then use the file>library>organize files command to consolidate then all into my drive and then I delete the ones in my download folder. I do this once a week. I end up with an external that only has my music on it.

I back that up by cloning the entire external drive to an identical drive using the program Super Duper. I do a smart clone so it only copies the files that have changed and it doesn't take long.

If I ever need to use my files on another mac. I simply connect my drive, hold 'option' while opening iTunes and it will ask which library you want to open. Navigate to my iTunes folder and it will open my library on any mac with all my playlists, ratings, etc. intact.

if you have any more questions, please ask
monchi 8:27 PM - 26 March, 2012
OKAY, Dj Dub all the music that I have been downloading up to now I have 'Keep iTunes media folder organized' checked and 'Copy Files to iTunes media folder when adding to the library' checked, do I only change it to 'unchecked' when transferring all my internal to my external to avoid losing my tags?
Since from now on all my music will be on my external , when downloading new music to my 'finder' folder do I 'Keep iTunes media folder organized' checked
and 'Copy Files to iTunes media folder when adding to the library' unchecked?
Hope I am not confusing because I think I just confused myself, I think
DJ Dub Cowboy 8:55 PM - 26 March, 2012
the way you have it now, all or most of your music will already be in the music/itunes music/itunes media folder.

the reason I have 'Copy Files to iTunes media folder when adding to the library' unchecked is because sometimes I DL a song and delete it immediately. I don't want iTunes to copy that file until I tell it to otherwise my folders will fill up with stuff I don't want.

When you use the consolidate files command it will transfer all your tags regardless of what your preferences are in iTunes. 'Keep iTunes Media folder organized' will ensure that iTunes actually writes the tag to the file so that other programs will see the correct tags.

also , keep in mind that when you delete any song, iTunes will ask you if you want to keep the file or move it to the trash. I always select move to the trash.
monchi 9:08 PM - 26 March, 2012
Well thanks again. When you say you moved all your "Itunes" to the external, do you still have Itunes in your laptop to to start up, or do you have to plug your external to have access to Itunes? And that is the last ? of the day, thanks Dub.
DJ Dub Cowboy 9:11 PM - 26 March, 2012
the actual iTunes application still lives in my APP folder on the main HD, but all the other iTunes info is on my 2nd drive (which is now installed where my CD drive used to be)

so if the drive is not connected and I start iTunes it asks me if I want to start a new library. I choose no, close iTunes, connect the drive, and then restart iTunes.
djvtyme85 4:34 AM - 27 March, 2012
Dub you've just given me just the right edjumacation lol I needed on this very subject. But now I need to figure out how to get rid of all these doubles I have.
DJ Dub Cowboy 5:10 AM - 27 March, 2012
well iTunes has the display duplicate feature in the file menu which is great is they have the same exact name and artist

I've used media rage to sort some doubles out too.

The best method I have is using a crate in SSL. When I find double when playing I add them to a certain crate. Next time I have the chance to have both iTunes and SSL open I go through the crate and manually delete the dupes.
djvtyme85 11:49 AM - 27 March, 2012
Yea my doubles only show when I copied my music folder into serato but don't showing itunes. So i think it's double files
DJ BIS 10:43 AM - 28 March, 2012
Quote:
Quote:
I'll be using the "grouping" category for my codes, but I wanted to know what script I should use to add new codes to a track without deleting the old info.


Does anyone use ratings in iTunes? I noticed there is a script for half-star ratings, curious to see if anyone uses it.


This Tag will put text in front, in back or replace a tag.
dougscripts.com


• Is there anything like this for PC?


========================================================
Man, back in the day, iTunes did NOT let you move the location of its ONE database. Now you can keep it anywhere (even in external drives) and have MULTIPLE databases that you can open.

The way I got around this was to trick windows into thinking that the "My Music" folder was by default located in my external drive. I have to totally redesign my system, its overdue for an overhaul.

With that I am also trying to figure out if SSL Smart Crates are the way to go. I have been using ID3 tag "codes" (like Sixxx's OP) since I started with SSL, but I dislike that on SSL I cannot do "right-click" on a song/crate like you can in iTunes which allows you access to some cool functions that are missing in SSL.

Another interesting reason I have stuck with iTunes as my main form of music organization is that it provides me with a sort of "back-up" in the few occasions when my SSL database has gone corrupt from an update or a Hard Drive hiccup. Since SSL reads the iTunes Database (which for me has been SUPER stable/reliable) any problems on the SSL database can be easily fixed by just deleting it. SSL recreates a new one from iTunes.

Are any of you still being faithful to iTunes? What version? Why do you choose to stick with it?

Thank you!
DJ Remy USA 11:10 AM - 28 March, 2012
Yes ITunes FTW sixxes codes plus smart playlist in iTunes makes life a breeze
DJ BIS 12:05 PM - 28 March, 2012
So you don't favor the simplicity of messing with only ONE database (SSL's) and the Smart Crates?
sixxx 1:44 PM - 28 March, 2012
Quote:
So you don't favor the simplicity of messing with only ONE database (SSL's) and the Smart Crates?


you can't do much with just SSL when it comes to renaming files/data info
DJ Remy USA 2:13 PM - 28 March, 2012
Quote:
Quote:
So you don't favor the simplicity of messing with only ONE database (SSL's) and the Smart Crates?


you can't do much with just SSL when it comes to renaming files/data info


Itunes smart playlist blow SSL's out of the water. SSL's lib mamangement is due for a overhaul.
Dj Nyce 2:54 PM - 28 March, 2012
it's sad because smart crates could be better than smart playlists if serato would just work on it. i mean it would take less than 8 hours of coding to add in hmm lets say date is greater than 30 days. really my only choices are before and after? why the would i want to hard code a date in a dynamic playlist?

and while i'm ranting...really since 2004 you haven't added capability to automatically add new tracks into serato? are you serious i still have to manually add new music? FinalScratch did this since day one and guess...what virtualdj and traktor can do it.

end rant
DJ Remy USA 4:43 PM - 28 March, 2012
which is why I use Itunes. The only thing is if you make changes to itunes while your DJing it will not reflect in serato until you restart. Smart playlist are dope but I only use them when Im playing clubs or party type events.
DJ BIS 10:06 PM - 28 March, 2012
Already then. Just updated to iTunes 10.4 from 7.2!!!! lol I hope I won't see any major problems tomorrow.
monchi 7:25 PM - 1 April, 2012
Dang should of probably asked these ?s prior to the others, but here it goes.
Again using Macbook Pro
1. When I hook up my external it will ask me , do you want to save to time machine , do I say yes/no?
2. When I download music (that is not in zip folders) and place it in my "finder" download folder, can I just 'copy' and 'paste' onto an Itunes 'new playlist' or do I have to 'import' my DL 'finder folder' via import to Itunes.
Thanks
DJ Dub Cowboy 8:12 PM - 1 April, 2012
1, click no

2 i just drag my files from the finder window into the iTunes window
monchi 8:41 PM - 1 April, 2012
Intersting Dub because when I imported the extracted zip folders it actually changed the total count of songs I have in Itunes, but when I just drag the DLed music in my 'finder folder' the total count of songs remain unchanged, as if though no music was added.
DJ Dub Cowboy 8:47 PM - 1 April, 2012
because a lot of times tracks that DL into the download folder automatically show up in iTunes. So they were probably already in your library. Look at the 'date added' column to verify.
monchi 10:14 PM - 1 April, 2012
Verified and you were correct, thanks again.
Dj Nyce 12:09 AM - 22 April, 2012
i've updated Append To Selected Tag to include genre if anybody wants it.
dl.dropbox.com

i'm also extending Remove N Characters from Front or Back, Put This and Swap This. I'll put them up as well.
Dj Nyce 12:18 AM - 22 April, 2012
Remove n Characters From Front or Back
added genre and grouping

dl.dropbox.com
djaction 12:19 AM - 24 April, 2012
hrmm this "essentials" tag kinda bothers me..

what do you do for a track like Justin Timberlake Love Stoned (or ANY lady gaga record).. when they came out they could have easily been labeled as Pop Essential.. yet now they are not. Do you go in and remove the Essential tags from all these old disposable crap records?
DJ Remy USA 12:29 AM - 24 April, 2012
Quote:
hrmm this "essentials" tag kinda bothers me..

what do you do for a track like Justin Timberlake Love Stoned (or ANY lady gaga record).. when they came out they could have easily been labeled as Pop Essential.. yet now they are not. Do you go in and remove the Essential tags from all these old disposable crap records?


well to comment on that the essential tags in my case apply I have dropped the essential tag all together and sort by date added or year depending

Lady gaga -Poker face (PP) = pop (T40) = Top 40

I wanna play a warm up set of 2009 pop and top 40 hits which pretty spans all the commerical tracks including.

sort by date added and or year assuming thats filled out correctly. Then go to 2009

Or you can do it a easier way by specifying a smart crate with the same attributes but instead you get only stuff from 2009 then you can sort by bpm.

set your smart crate up like this please follow the rules in this order or it wont work

Choose your dates first
Then choose the feild where you have your tags at mine are append to the song name. Put your codes in the feild creating a new rule for each code.

Thats how I do it works great for me
Jensen Määäm 12:30 AM - 24 April, 2012
You are making the rules djaction. If you want to take that essential away then do it, or maybe you wanna leave it there and use colour codes on top.
djaction 12:51 AM - 24 April, 2012
yeah i already do it by year now.. was just curious as to how u guys handle "essentials" in the pop genre considering songs so quickly become not essential
sixxx 4:04 AM - 24 April, 2012
You can batch remove or add tags. Everyone uses their own coding method and you can place the codes wherever you want.
djvtyme85 11:41 PM - 24 April, 2012
i never delete anything, even the garbage. when i go to gigs i dont even use my entire library i just make playlists according to the venue and how i think i want to go that day. then i dump it. makes my interesting lol
CRESCENDO 8:56 AM - 28 April, 2012
Quote:
Micromanaging is a waste of time.


I'm this close to converting to itunes + scripts. Over-thinking a new organization method is giving me a headache.

Right now, I've got music on my internal (nearly maxed out) and music on 3 other externals. Tons of overlap tho...and now I'm trying to think of the best way to manage the files to where I don't have 'music I won't play often' on my internal. But, I see some of you are using externals to house your music library or itunes library. Are you using your external as your only source for audio files? If you're not and have music on your laptop's internal drive, how do you separate what goes on and what stays off (i.e. for a dj primarily in the club: listening/wedding tracks & Top40/underground/party tracks)?

Side note: when I first started using itunes a few years ago, 'Copy Files to iTunes media folder when adding to the library' was checked while importing files. Is there any way to find only those dupes and delete them? Or must I follow the same procedure I would use for deleting any normal dupe? This would be too easy if I could remember the media added back then. Maybe this worry will disappear once I use the 'file>library>organize files command' once deeper in this method.. and delete the original files.
sixxx 4:31 PM - 28 April, 2012
I keep everything in one external especially for this reason: not having music all over and ending up with duplicates. Codes make it easy to separate music you play at home vs a gig vs a specific gig.

This is just an example. I would add these codes to specific songs.

[GIG] to all songs played at gigs regardless of type of gig. Then you could also break down even further by adding [WEDDING] or [CLUB] or any specific type of gig you do.

I would do this code for anything play at home: [HOME] or anything you like.

Then, you use those codes on your search. Example: [GIG] 2012 [R&B]

This is your method. Use whatever code names are easiest to remember and/or take up less space. You can be as broad or as specific as you want. It is all up to you.
sixxx 4:34 PM - 28 April, 2012
So in short, a song can have as little as one code and as many as needed for whatever need you have for that song.
CRESCENDO 10:12 PM - 28 April, 2012
And I can make copies of my 'Crates' and 'Subcrates' folders in case, for whatever reason, I don't like codes and want to revert, right?

I just like not having to bring an external to gigs... I do a lot of dubstep and drum & bass shows, so I don't need the other half of my library with me. I guess that's why I was looking for a solution to utilize an external AND my internal. To only bring my external for the surface level events (or better yet, just to the occasional wedding and holiday events).
Jensen Määäm 7:07 AM - 29 April, 2012
You can also work with multiple data bases for your different events, check the vid Konix (Seratotutor) made about it on youtube.
sixxx 10:41 PM - 29 April, 2012
Quote:
And I can make copies of my 'Crates' and 'Subcrates' folders in case, for whatever reason, I don't like codes and want to revert, right?

I just like not having to bring an external to gigs... I do a lot of dubstep and drum & bass shows, so I don't need the other half of my library with me. I guess that's why I was looking for a solution to utilize an external AND my internal. To only bring my external for the surface level events (or better yet, just to the occasional wedding and holiday events).


Well, you don't have to use an external.

Also, for the easiest thing, just create codes using your existing crates/subcrates.
DJ BIS 2:05 PM - 1 May, 2012
Quote:
i've updated Append To Selected Tag to include genre if anybody wants it.
dl.dropbox.com

i'm also extending Remove N Characters from Front or Back, Put This and Swap This. I'll put them up as well.


Is that a script for MAC?
LilSwann 2:44 PM - 1 May, 2012
Is there a script that can change the way the files get organized like instead of it going Artist ~ Album ~ Song it can go Album Artist ~ Album ~ Song? Not really a big deal but would be nice like if I go through the file structure I can go a Young Jeezy album and not have the songs spread out because one song is Young Jeezy and another is Young Jeezy ft. Ne-Yo thus putting it in a different folder.
Dj Nyce 6:25 PM - 1 May, 2012
Quote:
Quote:
i've updated Append To Selected Tag to include genre if anybody wants it.
dl.dropbox.com

i'm also extending Remove N Characters from Front or Back, Put This and Swap This. I'll put them up as well.


Is that a script for MAC?


Doug's Apple Scripts for iTunes...mac only
Dj Nyce 7:13 PM - 1 May, 2012
Quote:
Is there a script that can change the way the files get organized like instead of it going Artist ~ Album ~ Song it can go Album Artist ~ Album ~ Song? Not really a big deal but would be nice like if I go through the file structure I can go a Young Jeezy album and not have the songs spread out because one song is Young Jeezy and another is Young Jeezy ft. Ne-Yo thus putting it in a different folder.


perfect example of why i have that option disabled in itunes. it's a preference, but i want to control itunes...i don't want itunes to control me. the day you stop using itunes, your folder structure will be a mess.

anyways there isn't a script to do what you want. your options would be to custom write a script or if you use mediarage, the data mover tool (you'll need the proper regex).

if you have access to a windows machine, mp3tag has something similar called action groups. the code for move featuring artist to/from artist/title has been discussed numerous times in the mp3tag forums.
tehBEN 7:22 PM - 1 May, 2012
Quote:
Is there a script that can change the way the files get organized like instead of it going Artist ~ Album ~ Song it can go Album Artist ~ Album ~ Song? Not really a big deal but would be nice like if I go through the file structure I can go a Young Jeezy album and not have the songs spread out because one song is Young Jeezy and another is Young Jeezy ft. Ne-Yo thus putting it in a different folder.

Media monkey on windows can do this, I do believe I've seen a script for iTunes that performs the same
DJ Remy USA 8:23 PM - 1 May, 2012
why would you ever stop using itunes if you build your system around it. I dont get why people concentrate so much on folder structer when the program does it for you. If your argument is you want to rely on a computer program then why even use a DVS to DJ? Its not guys are carrying a nights worth of music in crates or CDs with them anymore or did I miss something
Dj Nyce 8:38 PM - 1 May, 2012
Quote:
why would you ever stop using itunes if you build your system around it. I dont get why people concentrate so much on folder structer when the program does it for you. If your argument is you want to rely on a computer program then why even use a DVS to DJ? Its not guys are carrying a nights worth of music in crates or CDs with them anymore or did I miss something


Remy this is a personal preference. just like i won't ever understand why you want itunes to rename your folders you will never understand why i don't want itunes to rename my folders.

in the end if that's what works for you, that's what works for you.

and a reason to stop using itunes is if serato implements auto import of new music and smart crates that have the equivalent logic of smart playlists.

another reason is we are at the mercy of apple. what if apple ditches the xml or implements some new database that no third party apps can read. look what they did with final cut pro.
djvtyme85 10:01 PM - 1 May, 2012
And now I am lost time to wiki XML , final cut
Dj MacMillz 5:10 PM - 2 May, 2012
hey guys, I finally built up the courage to use iTunes for possible tagging use.

first off i'm relatively new to mac, and i have been using media rage and mp3tag via crossover to get all my tagging right. I would love to use just 1 program or even if i have to use iTunes with media rage that's fine.

I have already unchecked keep iTunes library organized, and unchecked copy to iTunes library.

so can i just drag my files from my download folder onto iTunes window, then tag......then what??
should i then take that folder into media rage and do my custom string of data changer, filename to tag etc? or can all this be done in iTunes.

basically i want my end result to be.
initial file:
kanyewest ft bigsean,pusha T & 2chainz - mercy(dirty).mp3

finished file when i'm done tagging:
Kanye West ft Big Sean, Pusha T & 2 Chainz - Mercy [HH].mp3

that's how i want the filename to end up so where ever i take this mp3 it shows that info, iPod,iPhone,cd player, computer, cd text, car stereo etc.

How can I do this either using iTunes alone or a combination of programs like i have been doing?

Sixxx, Dj Nyce, Dj Dub Cowboy, and all other iTunes vets are welcomed for input/guidence.

PS: I want to control itunes, not have it control my folders/files
DJ Remy USA 7:58 PM - 2 May, 2012
you guys are doing way to much with this library management. If you want to manage your own folders and own structer why use Itunes in the first place? If you dont let itunes manage where your folders are placed then basically you are just using it to tag and there are a some programs that can accomplish the same and are way more scaled down and featureless compared to itunes.

Quote:
Quote:
why would you ever stop using itunes if you build your system around it. I dont get why people concentrate so much on folder structer when the program does it for you. If your argument is you want to rely on a computer program then why even use a DVS to DJ? Its not guys are carrying a nights worth of music in crates or CDs with them anymore or did I miss something


Remy this is a personal preference. just like i won't ever understand why you want itunes to rename your folders you will never understand why i don't want itunes to rename my folders.

in the end if that's what works for you, that's what works for you.

and a reason to stop using itunes is if serato implements auto import of new music and smart crates that have the equivalent logic of smart playlists.

another reason is we are at the mercy of apple. what if apple ditches the xml or implements some new database that no third party apps can read. look what they did with final cut pro.


Itunes will never ditch the XML standard unless something better comes along to replace it. XML is the standard for database management. I dont use final cut so I have no idea what your talking about there. Final cut is video editing software last time I checked and not a video database manager....although it would make sense if it was (Im assuming this about final cut) Itunes has used the XML standard since its inception and has been awesome at taming my every growing library with the exception of few times when third party applications have corrupted my itunes XML file


To all who use ITUNES never ever ever ever use any third party applications that can edit your itunes library...why because almost every third party app has corrupted my itunes library after extended use. The only one that hasnt is Serato.
DJ Remy USA 8:05 PM - 2 May, 2012
Correction Itunes doesnt use the .XML file in real time to find music. It sole purpose is to interface with third party programs. The .lib or .itl is what Itunes uses to actually keep track of its files within the application. The .lib file is all in binary on the flipside you can recover your library with just the .XML file because it includes all the file paths to every song in your library. The .XML is suppose to be a mirrored image of the .lib or .itl but it has happened to me that a third party program can add unique characters to the .XML file and cause it to become corrupt and itunes cannot update the file properly anymore
djvtyme85 8:54 PM - 2 May, 2012
It happened to me as well. But that was user error. So far I'm sticking by iTunes. Hasn't failed me one bit. All I'm doing going forward is making sure I proactively back up & clone everything before I update anything.
Dj Nyce 9:09 PM - 2 May, 2012
Quote:
hey guys, I finally built up the courage to use iTunes for possible tagging use.

first off i'm relatively new to mac, and i have been using media rage and mp3tag via crossover to get all my tagging right. I would love to use just 1 program or even if i have to use iTunes with media rage that's fine.

I have already unchecked keep iTunes library organized, and unchecked copy to iTunes library.

so can i just drag my files from my download folder onto iTunes window, then tag......then what??
should i then take that folder into media rage and do my custom string of data changer, filename to tag etc? or can all this be done in iTunes.

basically i want my end result to be.
initial file:
kanyewest ft bigsean,pusha T & 2chainz - mercy(dirty).mp3

finished file when i'm done tagging:
Kanye West ft Big Sean, Pusha T & 2 Chainz - Mercy [HH].mp3

that's how i want the filename to end up so where ever i take this mp3 it shows that info, iPod,iPhone,cd player, computer, cd text, car stereo etc.

How can I do this either using iTunes alone or a combination of programs like i have been doing?

Sixxx, Dj Nyce, Dj Dub Cowboy, and all other iTunes vets are welcomed for input/guidence.

PS: I want to control itunes, not have it control my folders/files


i wouldn't recommend changing the file names as long as the tag has the info you need in it you are golden. but if you really wanted to there are scripts to do so. also mediarage is very good at this.

next steps is to head on over to doug's apple scripts and get the scripts that you need and start tagging.

my scripts of choice:
Append to Selected Tag
Artist - Name Corrector
Moves Files to Folder
Proper English Capitalization
Remove n Characters
Search-Replace Tag Text
Sundry Info To Comments
Super Remove Dead Tracks
This Tag That Tag

and as you add new music just drag/drop in itunes or use FolderActionScripts to do it automatically.
Dj MacMillz 10:41 PM - 2 May, 2012
Dj Nyce so you are saying even if I leave the actual file name like:

Kane west ft push a t, bigsean& 2 chainz - mercy(dirty).mp3

Once I apply the right scripts or even use media rage the tags will show correctly in SSL?

But when I take that file anywhere else, will the "tagged" format show or will the original format stay.

My current method works, it's just tedious when u slack off for a week or so and try to play catch up or when you get a bulk load of dancehall music and riddims.

So again I have a method, just looking for an easier way to achieve the same results if possible.

Sorry for the noob like questions.
djvtyme85 11:27 PM - 2 May, 2012
Quote:


i wouldn't recommend changing the file names as long as the tag has the info you need in it you are golden. but if you really wanted to there are scripts to do so. also mediarage is very good at this.

next steps is to head on over to doug's apple scripts and get the scripts that you need and start tagging.

my scripts of choice:
Append to Selected Tag
Artist - Name Corrector
Moves Files to Folder
Proper English Capitalization
Remove n Characters
Search-Replace Tag Text
Sundry Info To Comments
Super Remove Dead Tracks
This Tag That Tag

and as you add new music just drag/drop in itunes or use FolderActionScripts to do it automatically.


Where can I find that program
Dj Nyce 2:37 AM - 3 May, 2012
Quote:
Dj Nyce so you are saying even if I leave the actual file name like:

Kane west ft push a t, bigsean& 2 chainz - mercy(dirty).mp3

Once I apply the right scripts or even use media rage the tags will show correctly in SSL?

But when I take that file anywhere else, will the "tagged" format show or will the original format stay.

My current method works, it's just tedious when u slack off for a week or so and try to play catch up or when you get a bulk load of dancehall music and riddims.

So again I have a method, just looking for an easier way to achieve the same results if possible.

Sorry for the noob like questions.


yes, once tagged the tags wil show up in ssl and any other mediaplayer or iPod. messing with the filename is an extra step that is unnecessary and can be very tedious.

so for example after adding your music to itunes you can change the artist, title (any any other tags) like this:

artist:Kanye West ft Big Sean, Pusha T & 2 Chainz
Title: Mercy [HH]
Dj Nyce 2:42 AM - 3 May, 2012
Quote:
Quote:
i wouldn't recommend changing the file names as long as the tag has the info you need in it you are golden. but if you really wanted to there are scripts to do so. also mediarage is very good at this.

next steps is to head on over to doug's apple scripts and get the scripts that you need and start tagging.

my scripts of choice:
Append to Selected Tag
Artist - Name Corrector
Moves Files to Folder
Proper English Capitalization
Remove n Characters
Search-Replace Tag Text
Sundry Info To Comments
Super Remove Dead Tracks
This Tag That Tag

and as you add new music just drag/drop in itunes or use FolderActionScripts to do it automatically.


Where can I find that program


Doug's Applescripts
dougscripts.com

FolderActionScript to automatically add music to iTunes
serato.com
Dj MacMillz 2:49 AM - 3 May, 2012
I feel like kicking myself for taking the extra tedious steps...

now I have a better understanding, and opinion towards iTunes.

I'm about to head over to that scripts thing and get schooled.

thanks once again
LilSwann 3:14 AM - 3 May, 2012
Quote:
Quote:
i wouldn't recommend changing the file names as long as the tag has the info you need in it you are golden. but if you really wanted to there are scripts to do so. also mediarage is very good at this.

next steps is to head on over to doug's apple scripts and get the scripts that you need and start tagging.

my scripts of choice:
Append to Selected Tag
Artist - Name Corrector
Moves Files to Folder
Proper English Capitalization
Remove n Characters
Search-Replace Tag Text
Sundry Info To Comments
Super Remove Dead Tracks
This Tag That Tag

and as you add new music just drag/drop in itunes or use FolderActionScripts to do it automatically.


Where can I find that program


dougscripts.com
Dj MacMillz 8:08 AM - 3 May, 2012
tested this thing out with my new batch of riddims, oh man this thing is a life and time saver

iTunes with scripts are the way to go (new found way)

now i'm not saying i'm a full iTunes tagger convert, but I definitely have a new found respect for the job it can do.

thanks guys.

need more scripts!!! lol
Dj MacMillz 12:50 AM - 4 May, 2012
Anyone know a script for bath changing the album artist to whatever

example:
i have a lot of riddims and i sort by year>genre(dancehall or reggae)

if I load em into iTunes it's scattered all so basically 1 riddim will have each song as a single album if i use the artist for the album artist. It groups em all together if i change the album artist to: Various Artists. that way it's 1 album then when i click on it, my files are in there.

so i ask: is there a way to batch edit the album artist field, i tried searching the scripts, nothing, the only thing is 'Put This In That'or 'search and replace' both these won't do what i need.
DJ Dub Cowboy 6:58 PM - 4 May, 2012
I think there is one that copies 'Artist' to 'Album Artist"

I do this with all my reggae/dancehall for the same reason. I usually just select the riddim and manually fill in the Album Artists tag in bulk. I also will use the name of the riddim so I don't end up with so many "various artists" I'll make it say Country Run Riddim Artists or Drop Lead Riddim Artists, etc
Dj MacMillz 8:40 PM - 4 May, 2012
Thanks, makes sense that way also. Gonna try it out and see how it flows with me.

Man it's like a whole new light with tagging using iTunes.

knowledge is power for real...
Dj Nyce 9:13 PM - 4 May, 2012
yeah i use various artists for my riddims as well. i like the riddims to be grouped like an album.

anyways here is a script to copy artist to album artist
dougscripts.com

this tag that tag can do this as well and is the better option because it has other functionality
dougscripts.com
Dj MacMillz 11:23 PM - 4 May, 2012
I'm still kinda confused as to how 'Tag this, Tag that' will work.

I have that script, but it doesn't make sense as to how I should use it (not that it doesn't make sense, cause I'm sure it works for you, just I don't know what to do)

can you show an example please.

my understanding (haven't tried it yet though) is: select the album artist then check the delete box and for the 'that' select album artist again and then type in 'Various Artists' or even use Dub's suggestion with the "Riddim Artists"
DJ Dub Cowboy 12:16 AM - 5 May, 2012
this tag, that tag

copies info from one tag to another
DJ Dub Cowboy 12:17 AM - 5 May, 2012
pick the 'copy from' tag first, then pick the tag you want to copy to
Dj Nyce 1:17 AM - 5 May, 2012
It also swaps, prepends and appends between two tags. so you could copy artist to album artist, copy artist to the front/back of album artist or swap artist with album artist.

the delete option is if you want to delete what's in the first tag (i.e. copy artist to album artist and delete artist).

the delimiter is used when appending or prepending. this character will go between the old and new data.
djvtyme85 1:19 AM - 5 May, 2012
Ya know reading this thread lets me know I been working too hard lol
monchi 1:42 AM - 20 May, 2012
Quote:
Wait until SSL loads the iTunes library file and pulls up all the files.



Quote:
I usually get my music starting Wed until Friday. Even if it's videos, it's all the same.

Let's say I just got 100 files (mp3's or mp4's.)

1. Download files and extract if they're compressed as a zip.
2. Import into iTunes. Videos will go into "Movies" in iTunes. I change them as "Music Videos" so they go into the "Music" side of iTunes.
3. I sort by "Date Added"
4. I select all the files and I add in the grouping "Fixxx"

I now begin the process of tagging. First step is to fix how they arrive into how I like them.

5. I search the new files by "Fixxx" and "Instrumental" (This pulls only all the new files that are instrumental that I just imported)
6. I select them all and use the Script "Search-Replace Tag Text" to change them from "Instrumental" to (Inst).
----- I also do the same for all the files.
Sort by "Fixxx" "Acapella" to change From: Acapella To: (Acap)
Sort by "Fixxx" "feat." to change From: (feat. To: feat
Sort by "Fixxx" "Dirty" to change From: Dirty To: (Blank) <--- nothing there, not the word Blank.
Sort by "Fixxx" "(8b Intro Clean)" to change From: (8b Intro Clean) To: (MS) (Clean)
Sort by "Fixxx" "(8b Intro Dirty)" to change From: (8b Intro Dirty) To: (MS)

and so on for any other intro variation.

It may seem like a lot of work but it isn't. Using the scripts saves a TON of time.

Next step:
Listen to all the new shit and decide where it needs to go. The process isn't really that time consuming. All it takes is a few seconds to know if the song or video I just downloaded is a hit, might be a hit or is something I want to play regardless. So, I select all the versions of the song (Clean, Dirty, Instrumental, Acapella, etc) and I add the codes necessary in the GROUPING field.

I also add a code to the beginning of the song. (CE) (DE) (VCE) (VDE) etc.

I change the genre tagging to whatever I prefer. (if needed)
I also check the year for the files and make sure they all match.
If I don't have a year, I usually add it if it's new. If it's a classic without year, I usually go
to www.discogs.com to get the proper year.

All this is done using the scripts. (minus the year) Again, not really that time consuming.
Now, if you had to do every single file manually, it would definitely be time consuming.

Every other file that isn't really going to be tagged anywhere because I either think it may not really do much (but I still want to save) I just add the tag (KEEP) in the Grouping field.

Every file that is garbage, I will trash. I used to keep every single file. Now I don't.



-------- ALL THE ABOVE IS IN ITUNES -------

Now on to SSL on the day of the gig.

1. Start SSL
2. Go to Setup, Library Tab and select Read iTunes Library
3. Wait until SSL loads the iTunes library file and pulls up all the files.
4. Sort by file type. (Click on the icon on the very left). SSL will sort all the videos together, then all the MP3's.
5. Scroll all the way to the bottom. You will see files that won't have any icon. ALL THESE FILES ARE MP3 FILES YOU CHANGED SOMEHOW AND THEY'RE NO LONGER IN YOUR ITUNES LIBRARY. THEY ARE NOT PLAYABLE. If you were to load any of those files on the deck, they will show up as missing.
6. Delete all these mp3 files by selecting them all then doing control-delete.
7. Scroll back up between the video files and mp3 files there will be videos that don't have the iTunes icon. ALL THESE FILES ARE VIDEO FILES THAT YOU CHANGED SOMEHOW AND THEY'RE NO LONGER IN YOUR ITUNES LIBRARY. THEY ARE NOT PLAYABLE. If you were to load any of those files on the deck, they will show up as missing.
7. Delete all these video files by selecting them all and doing control-delete.

8. Sort by Grouping and scroll to the bottom.
9. You will see all the new files that you just fixed and tagged. The grouping info or your tagging will be missing. All those codes for nothing? Hell no. Just select them all.
10. Select all those files. Rescan their ID3 Tags. ONLY FOR THOSE FILES. You don't want to do the entire library every time.
11. You will see SSL Reading the Tags for each file at the bottom of the screen. When it's done, all your new files will have its proper tagging/coding. :) <--- happy face!
12. You may want to analyze files. I do so every time. Even though many files come analyzed from record pools and video pools, SSL still wants to reanalyze them. Well, some of them sometimes. It's best it's done now and not at your gig.
13. Go to Setup and deselect "Read iTunes Library".

Now, the iTunes logo disappears from all your movies and mp3's but SSL knows where they are and will play them.

I do this because iTunes takes a bitch to load every time I restart SSL. If I were to crash in the middle of the gig and had to restart SSL, I would have to wait sometimes up to 20 minutes. I don't know why but it has been like that for me since version 1.7 or something.

Now, I can just quit SSL. When I get to my gig, I restart SSL and I'm ready to play.


-------

I will also let you know that I use SuperDuper! every time before my gig to make sure there's a current back up of my library before I take it out. It usually takes about an hour for SuperDuper! to "duplicate" and match my Gig Hard Drive to my Back Up Hard Drive. I back up my Gig Hard Drive every week or prior to a gig after I added all the new files.

Also, once every 3 months, I bring my other back up hard drive that's off-site and back that one up too. Then, take it off-site to always have a copy just in case shit... lol

Time consuming?
A Bitch?

Not so much. It's all done very easy. It takes commitment. It takes some time but not as much if I were to tag each file manually.


So in your external drive all you have is your iTunes Media>Music folder(all music), everything else is in your harddrive? Do you have superduper software and download music from the same Macbook too?
sixxx 4:00 AM - 20 May, 2012
Well, actually, the external has a couple of things.

3 MAIN FOLDERS

_Serato_ <---- Serato crates this folder, so if I ever plug in my hard drive to another computer.
_Serato_Backup <--- obvious
iTunes <--- Where all my music is located. Folders inside folders, inside folders, etc.
sixxx 4:01 AM - 20 May, 2012
I guess 3 is not a couple... but you know what I mean. lol
neoteric 7:38 PM - 20 May, 2012
not to thread jack, but If you want to automatically update an iTunes playlist (and Serato/Traktor) when you add a file to a folder, check this tutorial I put together: youtu.be
dreamkast 1:38 PM - 5 June, 2012
Sorry for chiming in late but I have basically killed myself 12x over my library. Been through tagging,sorting into specific folders. I've wasted 99% of my DJ career over sorting music. I want that to end.

I love having specific playlists that I don't have to jump out of till its time to switch it up, but when trying to create these playlists theres so many tracks that only meet might not quite have the right feel etc etc and I end up losing alot of sleep over it.

After reading this I like the tag method, but serato can't search specifically in 1 field , so how do you search for lets say tracks that are hip hop bangers from 2012 (I would have 2012 in the year section, and urban-hiphop,banger in the genre section with my current method) I would get lots of shit back that doesnt meet the criteria as it may have "2012" in the song title for example or "banger" in the artist field.

My goal is to be able to play hour long sets out of folders/lists to suit a certain mood then switch to another folder when its time to change or play lets say a hiphop to house transition track then jump into a specific house folder after.
LilSwann 2:35 PM - 5 June, 2012
Quote:
Sorry for chiming in late but I have basically killed myself 12x over my library. Been through tagging,sorting into specific folders. I've wasted 99% of my DJ career over sorting music. I want that to end.

I love having specific playlists that I don't have to jump out of till its time to switch it up, but when trying to create these playlists theres so many tracks that only meet might not quite have the right feel etc etc and I end up losing alot of sleep over it.

After reading this I like the tag method, but serato can't search specifically in 1 field , so how do you search for lets say tracks that are hip hop bangers from 2012 (I would have 2012 in the year section, and urban-hiphop,banger in the genre section with my current method) I would get lots of shit back that doesnt meet the criteria as it may have "2012" in the song title for example or "banger" in the artist field.

My goal is to be able to play hour long sets out of folders/lists to suit a certain mood then switch to another folder when its time to change or play lets say a hiphop to house transition track then jump into a specific house folder after.


If you want to bring up like say hip hop bangers of 2012 you could use codes like this

[hh] - Hip-Hop
[bang] - Banger (or whatever you would like to use as a code for banger)

Then when you search [hh] [bang] 2012 this will only bring up the hip-hop bangers of 2012.

When you search with you code in the brackets [ ] you automatically at that point is only searching codes which would filter out a lot of joints that you may not want to see in the search.

Hope that helped a little.
LilSwann 4:33 PM - 5 June, 2012
Quote:

Now on to SSL on the day of the gig.

1. Start SSL
2. Go to Setup, Library Tab and select Read iTunes Library
3. Wait until SSL loads the iTunes library file and pulls up all the files.
4. Sort by file type. (Click on the icon on the very left). SSL will sort all the videos together, then all the MP3's.
5. Scroll all the way to the bottom. You will see files that won't have any icon. ALL THESE FILES ARE MP3 FILES YOU CHANGED SOMEHOW AND THEY'RE NO LONGER IN YOUR ITUNES LIBRARY. THEY ARE NOT PLAYABLE. If you were to load any of those files on the deck, they will show up as missing.
6. Delete all these mp3 files by selecting them all then doing control-delete.
7. Scroll back up between the video files and mp3 files there will be videos that don't have the iTunes icon. ALL THESE FILES ARE VIDEO FILES THAT YOU CHANGED SOMEHOW AND THEY'RE NO LONGER IN YOUR ITUNES LIBRARY. THEY ARE NOT PLAYABLE. If you were to load any of those files on the deck, they will show up as missing.
7. Delete all these video files by selecting them all and doing control-delete.

8. Sort by Grouping and scroll to the bottom.
9. You will see all the new files that you just fixed and tagged. The grouping info or your tagging will be missing. All those codes for nothing? Hell no. Just select them all.
10. Select all those files. Rescan their ID3 Tags. ONLY FOR THOSE FILES. You don't want to do the entire library every time.
11. You will see SSL Reading the Tags for each file at the bottom of the screen. When it's done, all your new files will have its proper tagging/coding. :) <--- happy face!
12. You may want to analyze files. I do so every time. Even though many files come analyzed from record pools and video pools, SSL still wants to reanalyze them. Well, some of them sometimes. It's best it's done now and not at your gig.
13. Go to Setup and deselect "Read iTunes Library".

Now, the iTunes logo disappears from all your movies and mp3's but SSL knows where they are and will play them.

I do this because iTunes takes a bitch to load every time I restart SSL. If I were to crash in the middle of the gig and had to restart SSL, I would have to wait sometimes up to 20 minutes. I don't know why but it has been like that for me since version 1.7 or something.

Now, I can just quit SSL. When I get to my gig, I restart SSL and I'm ready to play.



Now correct me if I'm wrong but couldn't a lot of these steps be skipped if you just import your music folder instead of actually making SSL read the iTunes library?

Like just open the Files pane in SSL take your music folder which would contain all your files and drag it to the All Library "crate" in SSL.

If I remember right this will just import the newest files into SSL then you can order by Date Added and then Analyze, Scan, add cue points, loops, etc.

That way you can skip all the steps with finding the "dead iTunes files" and just scan the new tracks to get the updated tags.
sixxx 4:38 PM - 5 June, 2012
"Now correct me if I'm wrong but couldn't a lot of these steps be skipped if you just import your music folder instead of actually making SSL read the iTunes library?"

I do everything in iTunes, so importing my entire music folder into SSL would not work.
Dj Nyce 5:33 PM - 5 June, 2012
and with FolderActionScripts adding new music to iTunes is done Automagically
LilSwann 5:50 PM - 5 June, 2012
Quote:
"Now correct me if I'm wrong but couldn't a lot of these steps be skipped if you just import your music folder instead of actually making SSL read the iTunes library?"

I do everything in iTunes, so importing my entire music folder into SSL would not work.


Even with doing everything in iTunes since your physical files which is all SSL needs to read then just drop the music folder to the all crate which will only add the new files SSL hasn't read yet then just scans the tags for the new files. That wouldn't work?
sixxx 6:01 PM - 5 June, 2012
Quote:
Quote:
"Now correct me if I'm wrong but couldn't a lot of these steps be skipped if you just import your music folder instead of actually making SSL read the iTunes library?"

I do everything in iTunes, so importing my entire music folder into SSL would not work.


Even with doing everything in iTunes since your physical files which is all SSL needs to read then just drop the music folder to the all crate which will only add the new files SSL hasn't read yet then just scans the tags for the new files. That wouldn't work?


No. Because I'm constantly updating files in iTunes. My work is NEVER done when it comes to organizing. I may change up a code here and there and boom, the file has to be updated.
Dj Nyce 6:20 PM - 5 June, 2012
learn them yo. learn them.
LilSwann 6:52 PM - 5 June, 2012
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
"Now correct me if I'm wrong but couldn't a lot of these steps be skipped if you just import your music folder instead of actually making SSL read the iTunes library?"

I do everything in iTunes, so importing my entire music folder into SSL would not work.


Even with doing everything in iTunes since your physical files which is all SSL needs to read then just drop the music folder to the all crate which will only add the new files SSL hasn't read yet then just scans the tags for the new files. That wouldn't work?


No. Because I'm constantly updating files in iTunes. My work is NEVER done when it comes to organizing. I may change up a code here and there and boom, the file has to be updated.


True I guess my method wouldn't work for files that are already loaded in SSL but I figured it would work for new files that you're adding in at least without having SSL load the iTunes library.
sixxx 7:25 PM - 5 June, 2012
Yeah. New files, indeed. But, mine are usually old files that are just re-named or updated. :/

At any rate, my system works great. The only reason why I deselect iTunes and have to do it again when I add new files is because I want my library to load fast at a gig. That's all. You know, in case of a crash or something.

If I have to wait for SSL to start and wait while iTunes loads, it takes a looooong time AND I HAVE A QUAD CORE MBP. There's gotta be something Serato can do about it. It loads fast if I do it the first time, but after that it takes like 5 minutes.
LilSwann 8:13 PM - 5 June, 2012
Quote:
Yeah. New files, indeed. But, mine are usually old files that are just re-named or updated. :/

At any rate, my system works great. The only reason why I deselect iTunes and have to do it again when I add new files is because I want my library to load fast at a gig. That's all. You know, in case of a crash or something.

If I have to wait for SSL to start and wait while iTunes loads, it takes a looooong time AND I HAVE A QUAD CORE MBP. There's gotta be something Serato can do about it. It loads fast if I do it the first time, but after that it takes like 5 minutes.

Yeah I understand it all makes sense just thinking of an alternative for new files added.
Dj Nyce 8:50 PM - 5 June, 2012
Quote:
Yeah. New files, indeed. But, mine are usually old files that are just re-named or updated. :/

At any rate, my system works great. The only reason why I deselect iTunes and have to do it again when I add new files is because I want my library to load fast at a gig. That's all. You know, in case of a crash or something.

If I have to wait for SSL to start and wait while iTunes loads, it takes a looooong time AND I HAVE A QUAD CORE MBP. There's gotta be something Serato can do about it. It loads fast if I do it the first time, but after that it takes like 5 minutes.


how many tracks in your library? i have about 50k and ssl loads in about 45-50 secs. all my music is on a 1TB 5400 Samsung Spinpoint M8. i only have about 10 crates tho.
sixxx 9:27 PM - 5 June, 2012
Quote:
Quote:
Yeah. New files, indeed. But, mine are usually old files that are just re-named or updated. :/

At any rate, my system works great. The only reason why I deselect iTunes and have to do it again when I add new files is because I want my library to load fast at a gig. That's all. You know, in case of a crash or something.

If I have to wait for SSL to start and wait while iTunes loads, it takes a looooong time AND I HAVE A QUAD CORE MBP. There's gotta be something Serato can do about it. It loads fast if I do it the first time, but after that it takes like 5 minutes.


how many tracks in your library? i have about 50k and ssl loads in about 45-50 secs. all my music is on a 1TB 5400 Samsung Spinpoint M8. i only have about 10 crates tho.


I have two crates that aren't really crates. They're just there so all my files load up without me having to drag my library to SSL.

I have 68K files... that's including 14K music videos. I have a 2TB external that is Firewire 800. Serato has never figured out what this takes so long. It all started after version 1.9 I think....

Like I said, it loads VERY fast (under a minute) the first time I do it. But, if I quit and restart SSL with iTunes enabled then it takes up to 5 minutes.
Dj Nyce 11:41 PM - 5 June, 2012
that's odd. with my external plugged in (video only) my entire library (audio+video) loads in less than 60 secs. and my video library has hundreds of crates (mirrored folders).

audio only in iTunes on an internal read by ssl. and video only (no iTunes) on an external. the external is 1TB + 1TB in Raid 0 tho. but even when i had a single 1tb ext my library still loaded in less than 60 secs.
sixxx 11:51 PM - 5 June, 2012
Quote:
that's odd. with my external plugged in (video only) my entire library (audio+video) loads in less than 60 secs. and my video library has hundreds of crates (mirrored folders).

audio only in iTunes on an internal read by ssl. and video only (no iTunes) on an external. the external is 1TB + 1TB in Raid 0 tho. but even when i had a single 1tb ext my library still loaded in less than 60 secs.


Yeah. It started doing it and at that time I had a 1TB. So, I know it's not the drive.

Like I said, it only does it after the second SSL start up with iTunes Library checked.
dreamkast 3:24 AM - 7 June, 2012
Started to retag all my tracks along the lines of your method Sixxx. I will quickly run through it, so if you guys see any holes in my method let me know before I get any further into my thousands of tracks.

Song Title and Artist pretty much stay the same.

Year - I use to tag songs from their decade (apart from tracks newer than 2010 that I tag with their exact year) So I have 70's,80's,90's etc With Itunes not being able to have any letters in the year column I am thinking about going back and actually putting the exact year on every track.

Genre - Basically all my tags go in here. I pick tags from the following catergory.

Genre specific tags - #HH #RNB #EDM #EDMPOP #ELEC #POP #POPCLUB #MASH
Strength/Mood - #BANGHH #BANGEDM #LATE #HEATHH #HEATEDM #GIRL #GANG
Structure - #MS (mixshow,has intro etc) #DROP (original track thats suited for dropping)
#ACAIN #ACAOUT #HYPE #TRANS
Extras - #PSHH #PSRNB #PSEDMPOP #PSPOPCLUB (PS = Power Set) #ESS (Well known songs)
DJ Remy USA 11:21 AM - 7 June, 2012
dreamkast looks good but your tags are kinda long I try and keep mine under 3 characters
dreamkast 1:30 AM - 8 June, 2012
Hmm I guess I might search and replace once I finish.

Sorting my EDM section. Found out I will need to be more specific here, all my EDM is relatively commercial but I can see my #EDMPOP folder getting quite messy. I've had to add just #EDM then add #ESS to big tracks in EDM that aren't really big outside of the genre, but then tag songs that everyone knows in the EDM genre as #EDMPOP.

Example

Afrojack & Steve Aoki - No Beef - #EDM #ESS
Beyonce - Countdown - Billionaire Remix - #EDMPOP
sixxx 2:49 AM - 8 June, 2012
It really doesn't matter what codes you use (short, long, whatever) as long as YOU can memorize them or you have a method to their naming which makes them easy to remember.
djvtyme85 3:10 AM - 8 June, 2012
I'd have to use the stickie app as a reference hiding my waveforms for a bit b4 I could remember that method. I might try this as well first I'm making the switch from using iTunes folders to making master folder copies of my crates. All iTunes serves as is the initial organizational method
DJ BIS 11:05 PM - 12 June, 2012
Quote:
not to thread jack, but If you want to automatically update an iTunes playlist (and Serato/Traktor) when you add a file to a folder, check this tutorial I put together: youtu.be


This alone is reason enough for me to want to ditch my PC. That and doughscripts. Damn!
sixxx 11:12 PM - 12 June, 2012
Dougscripts makes stuff soooo easy. I remember when I first started using SSL and not knowing about scripts and was doing everything the long way. Overkill!
MexiKanMan 6:31 PM - 7 July, 2012
I'd like to get different thoughts on how you handle artists that span decades....Madonna, Green Day, etc.... do you have a decades crate, or do you keep them separated by Genre, or whatever? Looking for different ways to address this...
Dj Nyce 2:48 PM - 8 July, 2012
i try not to get that deep. on my hd i have folder named madonna. all her singles and albums are in that folder. as far as tagging nothing special.

i hardly use crates so if i want madonna i search for madonna, song and/or year.
sixxx 6:45 PM - 8 July, 2012
As long as you use the year tag on songs/videos, no biggie searching
so no need to separate further than genre.
DJ Dub Cowboy 8:32 PM - 8 July, 2012
I tag my 90s Madonna videos with "90s" in the comments. I tag my 80s Madonna videos with "80s" in the comments. They are all under "pop"in the genre tag, and I let iTunes organize my folders, so they are all in a "madonna" folder.
Jensen Määäm 8:35 PM - 9 July, 2012
Dub, I guess you are using the year as well, why the extra year info in the comments, to see what's a video and what's a song?
DJ Dub Cowboy 8:45 PM - 9 July, 2012
smart crates

I have smart crates for 70s, 80s, 90s etc.

or just a quick search and I see only what I want for a retro set.

70s 80s 90s are all unique combinations of letters/numbers so it's really quick to pull up what I want.

PS. writing it 80's 90's is one of my pet peeves.
Dj Nyce 8:55 PM - 9 July, 2012
i'm with Dub, i use 80s, not 80's. my ocd is starting to kick in.
Jensen Määäm 9:00 PM - 9 July, 2012
I use smart crates for those decades as well, I was just wondering, why writing the info in 2 fields.
DJ Dub Cowboy 9:02 PM - 9 July, 2012
because not all my files have the year tag, and I can put songs from the late 70s in the 80s crate if they were big in the 80s but came out in '79

I write a lot of info in my comments field
Jensen Määäm 9:05 PM - 9 July, 2012
I see.
sixxx 9:12 PM - 9 July, 2012
Quote:
because not all my files have the year tag, and I can put songs from the late 70s in the 80s crate if they were big in the 80s but came out in '79


THIS....
DJ Remy USA 2:43 AM - 10 July, 2012
guess Im the only one that over categorizes his music. I have 80 as a general tag then directly attached to it is a genre

80PP = 80s pop
80HH= 80s hiphop
80RB= 80s rnb
80RK= 80s rock
80CO= crossover hits from the 80s there are tons

my stuff is broken down by sound so if something is from the 90s but sounds like a 80s song I give the 80s and 90s tag cause you never know
MexiKanMan 2:48 AM - 12 July, 2012
@Remy....i have the same codes for 80s....all other decades only 70s, 90s, 60, etc...

Thanks for the input guys...I keep them [artists] all together for a reason I can't figure out now. Just always did it that way. I've tried twice to putting everything in one folder and just use the smart crate thing but, I ended up going back to decades folders, I guess because that's the way I just got use to? Thanks again.
DJ NoNseNse 1:52 AM - 13 July, 2012
Quote:
guess Im the only one that over categorizes his music. I have 80 as a general tag then directly attached to it is a genre

80PP = 80s pop
80HH= 80s hiphop
80RB= 80s rnb
80RK= 80s rock
80CO= crossover hits from the 80s there are tons

my stuff is broken down by sound so if something is from the 90s but sounds like a 80s song I give the 80s and 90s tag cause you never know


That's just too much
DJ Remy USA 1:09 PM - 13 July, 2012
I feel you DJ Nonsense it is a lot but it pays off when you need the right song at the right time without thinking to hard about it. Its all about being as prepared as I can be. I have all the same codes for 90s and 2000-2010 music. Gotta stay organized
Capo Status 10:12 PM - 16 August, 2012
I haven't seen this folder used yet but I'm more of a mobile DJ so it comes in very handy because we know how much people love top 40, I have a {BB} folder that stands for billboard
Capo Status 10:17 PM - 16 August, 2012
If I could get some feedback on {CE} Club Essential Vs {DE} Dance Essential, I have both
I figured Club Essential would be songs that would work in all ethnicity clubs Vs {DE} songs that would be better suited for a more white environment
sixxx 10:36 PM - 16 August, 2012
The Club Essential basically depends on what type of clubs you do. My Club Essential now looks like a mobile gig. lol
Dj Nyce 12:33 AM - 17 August, 2012
for me i try not to get too deep into it. i only use Club Essential, Club Filler for all top 40 and electronic type of music. whether it's club, dance, electro. basically if i can play it at midnight at XS or Greenhouse then it's (CE).

p.s. i do use TE, DH and PH for trance, deep house, progressive house as well. only because my catalog for these genres aren't as big as other genres.
DeezNotes 1:18 AM - 18 August, 2012
Quote:
for me i try not to get too deep into it. i only use Club Essential, Club Filler for all top 40 and electronic type of music. whether it's club, dance, electro. basically if i can play it at midnight at XS or Greenhouse then it's (CE).

p.s. i do use TE, DH and PH for trance, deep house, progressive house as well. only because my catalog for these genres aren't as big as other genres.

You play at XS? I haven't been there in years.. if it's the XS I'm thinking of..
Dj Nyce 12:53 PM - 18 August, 2012
Quote:
Quote:
for me i try not to get too deep into it. i only use Club Essential, Club Filler for all top 40 and electronic type of music. whether it's club, dance, electro. basically if i can play it at midnight at XS or Greenhouse then it's (CE).

p.s. i do use TE, DH and PH for trance, deep house, progressive house as well. only because my catalog for these genres aren't as big as other genres.

You play at XS? I haven't been there in years.. if it's the XS I'm thinking of..


i wish!

never played in vegas. i'm only good enough for Atlantic City, Toronto, and Rio.
Darrion36 11:47 AM - 19 September, 2012
Evening Gentlemen. Sixxx i wondered if i could ask a couple of questions please. I have just continually collected music and videos over the years and have never categorised anything. Have just bought a MBP and am going to finally catagorise everything.

First question, is it better to use itunes or serato to ID3 tag my files or does it not matter which one I use.

I've downloaded the scripts. Do I run those one script at a time or do i put them in a particular order and run them all at once (don't know if this makes sense)

Is there any extra tips that i should follow when doing this? i have about 800gb of movies and 1tb of movies. I am thinking of doing what was discussed in your other thread and removeing the optical drive and chucking two x 1tb hd's in.

Thanks heaps for your assistance.
Dj Nyce 3:21 PM - 19 September, 2012
my personal opinion is that it is better to use itunes for tagging and organization. itunes give you better id3 tagging, you have access to scripts, smarter smart playlists and it allows you to auto-import new music.

the scripts run on demand. you select the files you want to work on or isolate them by searching or making a new playlist. you click on the script icon in iTunes and run the script. most scripts have a dialogue box where you put in your parameters.

i highly recommend removing the optical drive and putting another HD. i have a 512 SSD in slot 1 and a 1TB HD in the optical drive slot. i use the drive in an external usb enclosure.

all my music is on the 1TB and all my music videos are on a 2TB external.
sixxx 8:43 PM - 19 September, 2012
I prefer iTunes. Follow Nyce's instructions about the scripts. If you don't think you want iTunes, then you can work off folders on your desktop with the new program that someone posted. (link)
It has a nice GUI and everything. However, I think codes is much more powerful. But, to each its own.

As far as tips, I think just about everything has been covered on this thread. You're gonna need a lot of patience and a lot of time to organize stuff but if you do it correctly from the get go, you won't have to go back and redo stuff.

I'm still on externals because I'm waiting for SSD's to drop more in price. But, that is also the route I will be taking. I do like having everything on one hard drive though, as opposed to videos on one and mp3's on another.
LilSwann 8:55 PM - 19 September, 2012
Quote:
I prefer iTunes. Follow Nyce's instructions about the scripts. If you don't think you want iTunes, then you can work off folders on your desktop with the new program that someone posted. (link)
It has a nice GUI and everything. However, I think codes is much more powerful. But, to each its own.


I personally think I'll be using combination of both iTunes and the new Zinc program. To me it seems the best combination of using iTunes with scripts to handle all the tagging while still having the full control of putting songs into organizational folders myself. The new Zinc program makes for importing everything into Serato a breeze.
Darrion36 11:30 PM - 19 September, 2012
Thank you very much for your replies guys. 1 last question, Because my library is obviously too large for the HD pn my MBP at present, how do I get my library into itunes, and do all of my tagging and catergorising but have all of that work done and housed on my external drive?
Steve E Wunda 3:00 AM - 20 September, 2012
Move the itunes media folder to the external drive. See link below.

support.apple.com
Darrion36 4:09 AM - 20 September, 2012
Thank u Steve E Wunda. I must have googled 20 different ways of asking this question (admittedly I didn;t use the term media folder) and never came up with this link. Cheers
sixxx 6:34 AM - 20 September, 2012
Yeah. I have all my music and videos on my 2TB external. No issues whatsoever.
MexiKanMan 3:33 PM - 27 September, 2012
ok, I'm not sure what's going on but I did my montlhy coding of music, sorting them into their respective folders (external drive) and then update using the new Alchemie sync tool. I open SSL and checked out a few of the songs and they aren't registering the coding?

Luckilly I had them still sorted on my desktop so I dragged/dropped each folder into iTunes as playlists. I checked out the songs and all the codes were present. At the same time, I was preping my sons laptop and checked the SAME SONGS in SSL and all the codes were there!!!

I re-ran the music back through MediaRage, again, and the transferred the songs to my hard drive, again, and then re-synced using the old sync tool and still no codes in the SSL on my MBP!!!

I rescanned my entire library last night and checked this morning and the codes are still not showing up.....any ideas?
MexiKanMan 3:43 PM - 27 September, 2012
Seperate question - As you can see, I keep my music on an external hard drive but on my sons laptop (Old Sony Vaio), I only keep Pop/Hip Hop/Rock/Eletronic for his gigs. I am tired of having to manually transfer all these folders but have always been too afraid to keep his music on an external (because the Sony only has 2.0 usb ports, while with my MBP, I use the firewire 800 w/ the rugged lacie drive.

Should I just bite the bullet and make a mirror of my external and let him use that or continue to keep the music on the internal hard drive on the Sony?
djaction 4:17 PM - 27 September, 2012
Quote:
i never delete anything, even the garbage. when i go to gigs i dont even use my entire library i just make playlists according to the venue and how i think i want to go that day. then i dump it. makes my interesting lol


This is hands down the best way to do it. Basically you treat Serato like real vinyl crates. Before the gig you pick what records (mp3s) you want to use that night, load them to a crate and use JUST that.

DJ'ing became a lot different once we had 100,000 songs to select from as opposed to a couple of physical crates of records.
sixxx 9:57 PM - 27 September, 2012
Quote:
Quote:
Before the gig you pick what records (mp3s) you want to use that night, load them to a crate and use JUST that.

DJ'ing became a lot different once we had 100,000 songs to select from as opposed to a couple of physical crates of records.


Correct. Cause you are Nostradamus and can tell with precision what type of crowd you're gonna have, etc.

/sarcasm
djvtyme85 10:29 PM - 30 September, 2012
Quote:
Quote:
i never delete anything, even the garbage. when i go to gigs i dont even use my entire library i just make playlists according to the venue and how i think i want to go that day. then i dump it. makes my interesting lol


This is hands down the best way to do it. Basically you treat Serato like real vinyl crates. Before the gig you pick what records (mp3s) you want to use that night, load them to a crate and use JUST that.

DJ'ing became a lot different once we had 100,000 songs to select from as opposed to a couple of physical crates of records.


I actually plan on using this method on my cdjs with thumb drives. I'll probably have my laptop on standby but I'd rather have two 16 gb thumb drives linked up than carrying my laptop out 100% of the time. I'm used to ppl seeing me lol
Jensen Määäm 7:23 AM - 1 October, 2012
^The crowd can't see you? How tall are you? Try a smaller laptop (13 or 15 inches) and get rid of that huge flat screen you are using. And last but not least, don't put that laptop sitting on a high level like on the Uberstand, right infront of you. Put it to the side, use the crane stand in the z-position... and the crowd will see you.
djvtyme85 3:17 AM - 2 October, 2012
im 6'2 i mean my hands etc of course they can see me
Darrion36 9:36 AM - 8 October, 2012
Hi Guys,

What script do you use to remove stuff in (...) that is held in the Song name? Eg Higher (Travie McCoy)?

Cheers
Dj Nyce 1:26 PM - 8 October, 2012
Quote:
Hi Guys,

What script do you use to remove stuff in (...) that is held in the Song name? Eg Higher (Travie McCoy)?

Cheers


Search-Replace Tag Text
sixxx 2:04 PM - 8 October, 2012
What he said
Darrion36 11:45 AM - 13 October, 2012
Thank you for the reply. If i had a whole heap of songs like this, do i have to do them one by one or does this script allow me to make it look for (....) and remove whatever is inside them all and the brackets.
sixxx 4:12 PM - 13 October, 2012
Yup. The script will help you. I remember when I would rename songs one at a time. :/

Scripts are your friend! :)
djvtyme85 4:14 PM - 14 October, 2012
ok so i just brought a new HD and use itunes to organize then drop my playlists into serato. ive copied the file path and folders into the new hd but before i wipe my internal. what the best way to make sure everything is there?
monchi 7:50 PM - 14 October, 2012
Quote:
Well, actually, the external has a couple of things.

3 MAIN FOLDERS

_Serato_ <---- Serato crates this folder, so if I ever plug in my hard drive to another computer.
_Serato_Backup <--- obvious
iTunes <--- Where all my music is located. Folders inside folders, inside folders, etc.


Sixxx, I am about to move my all tunes music to my 2TB g-drive. Do I copy and paste, _Serato_, _Serato_Backup, _Itunes_ folders from my 15" HHD to my external or does it do it automatically? I am on a Macbook Pro, thanks again.
djmallon 4:56 PM - 15 October, 2012
monchi: serato.com
monchi 11:12 PM - 15 October, 2012
Quote:
monchi: serato.com


djmallon, actually I am moving my Itunes media folder over to en external from my 13" macbook and on my 15" all I have, are the (3) folders I mentioned aboved. So being that all my music will be on my external my question was do I have to copy/paste my (3) folders from my HHD on my 15" over to my external? Hope I made my self a little more clear. Thanks for helping out.
monchi 8:38 PM - 17 October, 2012
Anyone ? thanks
MexiKanMan 3:29 PM - 20 October, 2012
I'm not a techie but if your idea is to plug your external into either computer and have it work the same, then yes.
monchi 5:36 PM - 20 October, 2012
Yeah, exactly what I want to do Mexi, but need a positive answer prior to doing this. Thanks for your input. Will wait for someone else to chime in.
monchi 10:54 PM - 20 October, 2012
Somebody anybody,thanks
monchi 3:30 AM - 21 October, 2012
Need /wanted to do this tonight, no one. I have searhed them Konix video, and nadaa!
WarpNote 11:20 AM - 21 October, 2012
As far as I know, moving the iTunes library database files is no trivial task. Not talking about the actual tracks just the database file(s). That's one of the reasons why I rely solely on SSL crates/smartcrates for my DJ'ing...
monchi 1:49 PM - 21 October, 2012
^^ well went ahead and copy/paste all three folders over to my external. Started analyzing since or about 11:00pm (25,237)songs its 6:50am and I'm @ (19,505) songs. Will see how things go.
djvtyme85 2:26 PM - 21 October, 2012
I was thinking doing the same thing but then decided to just move my music and start using Serato. I organize in iTunes, copy the playlist as a crate in Serato on my external. This way if I'm doing a gig with a friend I can use my external for all my needs.
Dj Nyce 10:14 PM - 21 October, 2012
Monchi,

you can move your itunes folder to your external, but 3rd party apps won't recognize your iTunes library when it's not in /users/music.

you should move all of your music and serato folders to your external. leave itunes on your main drive. in iTunes set the music folder to be the folder on your external where you moved the music to. ex /Volumes/MyExtHD/Music/Library
monchi 12:59 AM - 22 October, 2012
1)Nyce, well already transfered everything. So on my 15" where I am using Serato. I have downloaded and saved to my internal HD _serato_, serato_backup, and Itunes. Do I delete the three folders from my 15" internal HD?

2)If I plan on pluggin my external onto other macbooks,, isn't it feasible to transfer all of Itunes+itunes music, to have access to all my Itunes, since itunes is what I use to tag and organize my music? Thia has got me going a little crazy. Thanks Nyce.
-
monchi 1:17 AM - 22 October, 2012
Never mind Nyce gonna delete my external and redo leaving my itunes in my internal and moving music to external, thanks again.
monchi 1:21 AM - 22 October, 2012
Dj Nyce can I pm you any question as I do not want to Whore out this thread, thanks?
Dj Nyce 3:54 AM - 23 October, 2012
pm away.
monchi 11:44 PM - 23 October, 2012
Thanks Nyce, sent you one!
sixxx 1:16 AM - 24 October, 2012
My bad. I guess I untracked this track by mistake.

I'm here if you need me and I can help.
sixxx 1:16 AM - 24 October, 2012
this thread... not track. lol
monchi 1:26 AM - 24 October, 2012
Cool SIxxx, sent ya PM, graicas.
sixxx 7:04 AM - 24 October, 2012
Just got home. Will check in the am. Hold on tight.
monchi 2:16 AM - 26 October, 2012
Sixxx check your PM, thanks!
monchi 4:30 AM - 5 November, 2012
Quote:
Yeah. That's what I use. Smart Update is the bomb!


@ Dub Cowboy, I have over 68K files.
It started lagging no matter how many I have after some version of SSL.
No idea why. It loads, then looks like it freezes for up to 20 minutes.
Serato couldn't tell me why this happens. We tried everything.


Well it probably doesn't matter to you Sixxx, but I am able to load 27,500 in less than 40 seconds. No lagging @ all.I do keep itunes library checked. Could it be that like Dub I also have my entire Itunes folder on my external? Just an observation.
sixxx 5:49 AM - 5 November, 2012
You know. That could be a factor. I may have to try that. I'm so used to just having iTunes unchecked. I might give it a try and move the entire iTunes folder if I get a chance this week.
dreamkast 7:40 AM - 5 November, 2012
Run into a problem. I want to import all my tunes (all tagged with hash tags) into Itunes so I can take advantage of being able to have smart folders inside smart folders, but Itunes has a shorter limit of characters available in the genre section compared to Serato, in fact too short for a bunch of my songs which have an insane amount of tags.
Dj Nyce 8:20 AM - 5 November, 2012
Quote:
Run into a problem. I want to import all my tunes (all tagged with hash tags) into Itunes so I can take advantage of being able to have smart folders inside smart folders, but Itunes has a shorter limit of characters available in the genre section compared to Serato, in fact too short for a bunch of my songs which have an insane amount of tags.


use the comment and/or grouping field
dreamkast 12:31 PM - 5 November, 2012
I have the itunes script thing installed, any easy way to transfer genre field across to the comment field?
Dj Nyce 4:07 PM - 5 November, 2012
Quote:
I have the itunes script thing installed, any easy way to transfer genre field across to the comment field?


this tag, that tag
dougscripts.com

also for non-id3 tags: sundry info to comments
dougscripts.com
dreamkast 11:24 PM - 25 November, 2012
Are all you guys using Itunes inside Serato. This method only seems to really work to its full potential with Itunes enabled but Itunes seem to suck a lot ram and delay the changing of tracks by a considerable amount.

Not using Itunes has its pro's and cons. Not using it theres no way to have smart lists inside folders and I also find tagging a lot easier in Serato, whenever I seem to change data in Serato is doesn't follow through to Itunes.
sixxx 12:21 AM - 26 November, 2012
Quote:
Are all you guys using Itunes inside Serato. This method only seems to really work to its full potential with Itunes enabled but Itunes seem to suck a lot ram and delay the changing of tracks by a considerable amount.

Not using Itunes has its pro's and cons. Not using it theres no way to have smart lists inside folders and I also find tagging a lot easier in Serato, whenever I seem to change data in Serato is doesn't follow through to Itunes.


I think we all change data within iTunes. As far as RAM and delays, deselecting iTunes in Scratch makes it as fast as if all the tracks were within SSL only.
dreamkast 12:53 AM - 26 November, 2012
All my music is stored in a folder on my music library which is imported into SSL and Itunes (the mp3s are not shifted into the itunes folder, everything stays as it is)

The whole delay of changing a song on beat is made ever more impossible when my Itunes library is selected.
Dj Nyce 5:58 AM - 26 November, 2012
i have itunes open whilst i use serato. it uses avg 0.9 cpu and avg 280mb of ram. that's a fly's turd to my macbook.
dreamkast 5:59 AM - 26 November, 2012
Talking about the load time of tracks when it has to go through Itunes. Which seems to be creating a noticeable difference.
Dj Nyce 6:08 AM - 26 November, 2012
are referring to when serato first starts and it is loading the itunes library? yes there is a delay, it's a different file that ssl has to read and load. the power that you get with itunes is worth the extra 30 seconds i have to wait (54,000+ tracks).
dreamkast 6:09 AM - 26 November, 2012
Nope talking about loading tracks onto playing decks.
WarpNote 11:16 AM - 26 November, 2012
If your SSL library has a lot of crates, and you have quite a few crates in iTunes, then SSL will be a LOT slower when using the iTunes lib, compared to only running SSL crates. At least that's my experience. My mbp is rather old, about 5 years, 2,4 ghz intel core 2 duo, 4 gb ram, 45k tracks, 92 smartcrates, 247 crates/subcrates.

Each to their own though, I just use crates only, as they work best for me :D
sixxx 2:46 PM - 26 November, 2012
Quote:
Nope talking about loading tracks onto playing decks.


I don't notice this delay you're talking about. I do uncheck iTunes though so I'm not navigating through iTunes crates. I also don't have many crates as I use codes. I also have a quad core MBP.
Dj Nyce 4:44 PM - 26 November, 2012
there is absolutely zero difference in load time when loading tracks managed by itunes vs ssl in my library. everyone i know using itunes can attest to this. if you are getting long track load times because you have itunes integration enabled then maybe something else is wrong.
WarpNote 5:23 PM - 26 November, 2012
Not so sure about that Nyce, not saying the the load time itself is longer, but all over SSL performance is a lot more sluggish. This applies to older machines though, I know, time to upgrade my old mbp. SSL will eat more RAM when loading the iTunes Lib, and will take more resources. Had this confirmed by Serato techs several times, back when I had iTunes issues...
DJ Remy USA 9:54 PM - 26 November, 2012
Quote:
there is absolutely zero difference in load time when loading tracks managed by itunes vs ssl in my library. everyone i know using itunes can attest to this. if you are getting long track load times because you have itunes integration enabled then maybe something else is wrong.


I would have to agree with this no difference at all. SSL is just reading the itunes library file to find the location of the actual files. Just like if it were using its crate system to locate files. Its just a different method to locate files and I have not noticed any difference between using crates or itunes
dreamkast 10:24 PM - 26 November, 2012
I'm using a 2011 MBP 13 inch. I get a delay in loading a track with just serato, but if I have previously loaded that track in the session it will load perfectly on time. When running Itunes through serato even if I have loaded the track previously it still has the chance of not loading perfectly on time.
sixxx 12:18 AM - 27 November, 2012
Quote:
I'm using a 2011 MBP 13 inch. I get a delay in loading a track with just serato, but if I have previously loaded that track in the session it will load perfectly on time. When running Itunes through serato even if I have loaded the track previously it still has the chance of not loading perfectly on time.


What do you mean loading perfectly on time. You mean to tell me that you're "dropping" a song on a set by loading it on the deck?
dreamkast 6:03 AM - 27 November, 2012
From time to time. Will chuck an acapella loop over an instrumental part of the song then switch the instrumental part with an intro of another song on time.
WarpNote 7:31 AM - 27 November, 2012
Quote:
I would have to agree with this no difference at all. SSL is just reading the itunes library file to find the location of the actual files

I thought you were an IT guy Remy, would expect a more balanced and elaborate take on this from you. If having "a few" playlists in iTunes, as most users do - they sync their phones, pods & pads, then reading the itunes library in SSL is a memory hog.

I'm running an older pre unibody machine, 2,4 ghz intel core 2 duo, maxed out at 4 gb ram.
My normal RAM usage in offline player is about 0,9 GB, once itunes lib is loaded, the number climbs to 1,8GB, leaving very little for the rest of the system (some other RAM is wired, some inactive etc.) This will lead to audio drop outs, sluggish library performance, slower load times, that whole deal. Pretty much renders SSL unusable on my machine.

So saying "no difference at all" is simply NOT true. The difference on some systems are HUGE, all based on system specs, and number of playlists/crates.

I always cue my songs, never "load on beat", but quite a few DJ's does,
and if that's their workflow, fine, why not...?
WarpNote 7:34 AM - 27 November, 2012
Quote:
SSL is just reading the itunes library file to find the location of the actual files

Wrong, SSL is loading this database into the computers memory, just like the native databaseV2 file.
DJ Remy USA 2:13 PM - 28 November, 2012
Quote:
Quote:
I would have to agree with this no difference at all. SSL is just reading the itunes library file to find the location of the actual files

I thought you were an IT guy Remy, would expect a more balanced and elaborate take on this from you. If having "a few" playlists in iTunes, as most users do - they sync their phones, pods & pads, then reading the itunes library in SSL is a memory hog.

I'm running an older pre unibody machine, 2,4 ghz intel core 2 duo, maxed out at 4 gb ram.
My normal RAM usage in offline player is about 0,9 GB, once itunes lib is loaded, the number climbs to 1,8GB, leaving very little for the rest of the system (some other RAM is wired, some inactive etc.) This will lead to audio drop outs, sluggish library performance, slower load times, that whole deal. Pretty much renders SSL unusable on my machine.

So saying "no difference at all" is simply NOT true. The difference on some systems are HUGE, all based on system specs, and number of playlists/crates.

I always cue my songs, never "load on beat", but quite a few DJ's does,
and if that's their workflow, fine, why not...?


I am IT just a lazy forum writer.....lol with that being said. Try reloading the OS on your pre unibody mac. Just because its Mac doesnt mean that you do not have to reload the OS ever so often. I had a pre unibody Mac and after abotu 2 years I noticed the performance got a bit sluggish in SSL.

How big is your itunes library? I have about 28000 songs in mine and I dont any difference when loading songs from crates or itunes.

Your telling me that SSL is importing the entire Itunes database into the computers memory? When you say database you mean just the library files that tell the computer where the file is actually located. The database is only about 30mb for 28000 songs. Your computer is having a hard loading 30mb database file?

what do you mean exactly because on none of mac book pros did using itunes cause SSL to be sluggish.

And DJ Nyce is IT guy to..lol
DeezNotes 2:31 PM - 28 November, 2012
Quote:
Try reloading the OS on your pre unibody mac. Just because its Mac doesnt mean that you do not have to reload the OS ever so often. I had a pre unibody Mac and after abotu 2 years I noticed the performance got a bit sluggish in SSL.

On a Mac, I would try creating a different profile before reloading the entire OS. Creating a new profile does wonders on a Mac.

The bigger problem most people would face would be granting permission to your Music folder which may be under your previous profile. That's not hard to do, but a novice user may need a little help doing that. Or, you could just copy a few songs to your new profile just for testing.
Dj Nyce 2:52 PM - 28 November, 2012
trying to tell you guys, the only performance hit from using iTunes is during initial startup. after startup, the song loads from disk the same way when itunes is used or not.

if you are experiencing song load lag/delays i would make sure i am using the lastest version of ssl, then take a look at hard drive.
sixxx 2:55 PM - 28 November, 2012
65K files here and they load the same from iTunes (if I have it checked still) and SSL crate.

Btw, I would never try to load a song on beat. That's what my hand is for when dropping the song on beat. nm
WarpNote 7:06 PM - 28 November, 2012
About 45k songs, 92 smart crates, 250 crates/subcrates. Database file about 45 mb. Just loading ssl uses about 900 Mb system memory, this will doble when reading the iTunes lib.

Gonna try that profile trick first. Need to read up on how to share the Music folder between two users.
DeezNotes 7:13 PM - 28 November, 2012
Quote:
Gonna try that profile trick first. Need to read up on how to share the Music folder between two users

The short of it is...

- Log in as yourself (let's call this account user1)
- Create a new user (we'll call this account user2)
- Right-click your music folder, Get Info
- In the users section at the bottom, add user2 with read+write permissions
- Log in as user2
- Add music from user1's music folder (/Users/user1/Music or whatever) while logged in as user2
WarpNote 5:12 AM - 29 November, 2012
Thanks Deez.
neat trick to have a "clean, dj-only" user.

I just did that, and as expected the performance is identical.
Ssl uses about 900 Mb of system memory, 1,8 GB when loading the itunes lib.

Before doing a clean install, I'm gonna try this library on i7 17". It has a fresh lion install.
However, pretty sure RAM usage will be about the same. For a current 16 GB ram machine, it really won't be an issue though.

Quote:
trying to tell you guys, the only performance hit from using iTunes is during initial startup. after startup, the song loads from disk the same way when itunes is used or not.
Agian I think you are wrong guys, if this is your experience, then I don't believe you've tried libraries with a lot of crates. If you run the codes system, that makes sense anyway.

This is not about sluggish drive performance, I've tested my drive. Its about SSL performance, once you hit the the "memory border" of what your SSL can handle on said computer specs. A 45 mb database file does not equal to 45 mb of ram usage in my experience.

At one point I had about 70k songs, and about 500 crates, 75mb database file. At that size I experienced a lot of spinning beach ball on this older machine. So I had to slim down the library to improve performance. All in all I, believe a large number of crates slows down SSL performance more than a large number of tracks.

I realize this makes a good argument for using codes, might eventually look into it.
DeezNotes 2:26 PM - 29 November, 2012
If you think it's related to the crates, you could always move the Subcrates folder out of your _Serato_ folder to start SSL with no crates at all to see if having 0 crates improves performance. Copy the Subcrates folder back to get your crates back.

Of course, back up your _Serato_ folder before doing reckless things with your library suggested by idiots like me on the internet.
sixxx 4:19 PM - 29 November, 2012
lmao at the disclaimer. Classic
WarpNote 5:31 AM - 30 November, 2012
Deez, I know thats the case. I tried your suggestion 1 year ago. I use my crates, and have already slimmed down to about 250 from about 500 crates. My goal is about 200 crates, and about 50 smart crates. Once I eventually upgrade to a new computer, I´m pretty sure its gonna be pretty smooth.

Quote:
lmao at the disclaimer. Classic
Sixxx, if your´e referring to:
Quote:
I realize this makes a good argument for using codes, might eventually look into it.
That wasn´t really meant as a disclaimer. I might look into codes at one point, however, as the size of my library would tell you, I play pretty diverse gigs, with a broad spread of genres. I know how my mind works, and my biggest hurdle for converting to codes, is just remembering them all during a gig.
grrillatactics 12:39 PM - 30 November, 2012
Warp, I think this was the disclaimer Sixxx was referring to:

Quote:
Of course, back up your _Serato_ folder before doing reckless things with your library suggested by idiots like me on the internet.
sixxx 2:54 PM - 30 November, 2012
Quote:
Warp, I think this was the disclaimer Sixxx was referring to:

Quote:
Of course, back up your _Serato_ folder before doing reckless things with your library suggested by idiots like me on the internet.



Yup
sixxx 2:56 PM - 30 November, 2012
Quote:
Deez, I know thats the case. I tried your suggestion 1 year ago. I use my crates, and have already slimmed down to about 250 from about 500 crates. My goal is about 200 crates, and about 50 smart crates. Once I eventually upgrade to a new computer, I´m pretty sure its gonna be pretty smooth.

Quote:
lmao at the disclaimer. Classic
Sixxx, if your´e referring to:
Quote:
I realize this makes a good argument for using codes, might eventually look into it.
That wasn´t really meant as a disclaimer. I might look into codes at one point, however, as the size of my library would tell you, I play pretty diverse gigs, with a broad spread of genres. I know how my mind works, and my biggest hurdle for converting to codes, is just remembering them all during a gig.


Btw, I know a few who wrote them down and keep a cheat sheet with them while playing. I'm sure if you do that, eventually you'll memorize them.
DeezNotes 3:31 PM - 30 November, 2012
If you have trouble remembering codes, just use real words instead. That's what I do. I use a mix of acronyms which I understand, plus normal words like "SlowJam" only I prefix it with a pipe "|" to ensure I can search on a specific code. I use the Grouping field, so it doesn't add a lot of clutter to the actual track name and it is a common field that is used in iTunes, so most scripts can be used to modify that field.

If you already have that many crates, it should be pretty easy to select a crate, select all those songs (or some of them), drop then into an iTunes playlist, modify a tag field for a code (using a script like Put This After That) and rescan tags in SSL. Do this for most of your crates and you're set.

I still use crates with ScratchTools, but I also leverage codes to help refine my searches when needed.
sixxx 8:29 PM - 30 November, 2012
That's what I do too. Sure I have a few codes for the song name but beyond that, they're all in my grouping field and they're actual words.

[CRUNK]
[HYPHY]
[BIRTHDAY]
[CLOSE]
[OPEN]

things like that. It's hard not to remember those.
Dj MacMillz 10:43 PM - 30 November, 2012
I put my tags in the track name, so I can quick glance at it in the library (i don't have the comments section viewable)

It's been working for me, but I know it's gonna be a bitch if it comes a time to a: batch rename, b: change codes..(I guess that's something to deal with when it arises (NH,NM))

so my files look like this : Atrist - Track [HH]

My personal library is separate from my Dj library (actually I don't even have a personal library, I load em in, and then delete from itunes once on my various devices)

Also it's only for my Singles section of my Dj Library....(just couldn't do it for all other folders, dancehall riddims, reggae riddims, soca etc...)
D-Raze the SoulJunkie 9:41 PM - 10 December, 2012
Quote:
this also allows me to automatically add new music to itunes via FolderActionScripts.


Dj Nyce, may I ask you how do you import video files into iTunes by using Automator?

It would be great if there is an action in the Automator similar to "Import files into iTunes", but which can handle mp4 files, and then to attach it to a folder via FolderActionScripts.

Thanks!
Dj Nyce 10:00 PM - 10 December, 2012
i tried with automator, but i couldn't get it to work.

so now i only use folder actions with a script.
D-Raze the SoulJunkie 10:05 PM - 10 December, 2012
I'm kinda of a newbie when it comes to Automator and FolderActionsScripts

in my understanding, don't you use Automator to create these scripts?


well, in any case, if you got it to work with mp4 files thats awesome. that's something what I've been trying to figure out for past few hours.

mind to explain a bit more? would be much much appreciated!
Dj Nyce 10:12 PM - 10 December, 2012
so folder actions are builtin to osx. it monitors folders and when a change happens it runs a script. the scripts are applescripts and are edited and created with the applescript editor.

there are built in ones like when you put a jpg in a folder, resize it to 640x480 and move it to another folder.

so i have a script that will add a mp3/m4a in a parent folder and child folder to iTunes and popup a msg (or growl notification).

so my workflow is download mp3's (say from DJ City). move the files to DJ City/2012/12 and they are automatically added to iTunes. a msg pops up saying how many were added and how many were ignored (non-mp3's).

here's the script: serato.com

it can be modified to include mp4's.
D-Raze the SoulJunkie 10:19 PM - 10 December, 2012
yeah, I was reading this post earlier, and noticed it is only for mp3 files. wasn't aware that it can be used for mp4s!

thank you very much for pointing out the possibility to modify it and it use it for mp4 files!

would replacing the "mp3" into "mp4" using the applescript editor do the trick, or is there more to it that needs to be modified?
sixxx 11:04 PM - 10 December, 2012
Oh wow. Learn something new. Thanks Nyce. No idea that was a built-in OSX function.
Dj Nyce 3:07 AM - 11 December, 2012
Quote:
yeah, I was reading this post earlier, and noticed it is only for mp3 files. wasn't aware that it can be used for mp4s!

thank you very much for pointing out the possibility to modify it and it use it for mp4 files!

would replacing the "mp3" into "mp4" using the applescript editor do the trick, or is there more to it that needs to be modified?


just add logic for mp4's or m4v and that's it.

change the mp3 line to this (addition in bold).
else if (name extension of anItem is "mp3") or (file type of anItem is in {"MP3 ", "MPG3"} or (name extension of anItem is "mp4")) then

the rest of script doesn't have to be changed, but you could the 'msgs' if you wanted.

@sixx yeah when i found out about automater, folder action scripts and applescripts i went crazy. i have lil scripts for all kind of mundane tasks. one of the osx updates added growl support, so your scripts can post growl notifications as well.
djvtyme85 6:38 AM - 11 December, 2012
This stuff is completely over my head but I'm sure I'm working way too hard. Ever since I stopped using iTunes I switched to a ext. my updates go as such

DJ>music>artist>song>clean,dirty,instru

That's for everything, then in Serato I drop them not the corresponding crate. Problem is like a dummy I didn't think about the fact if I want switch programs I have no way of copying the crates...at least I don't think. Another small problem is deleting and replacing some songs I only add downloaded on Whitelabel that I can only play with Serato. HEADACHES
DeezNotes 2:39 PM - 11 December, 2012
I tried using the automated folder actions, but there was a constant running process on my machine that sometimes used up more memory + CPU than I wanted. A manual script sounds like a much better idea for this.

I actually don't use iTunes to manage my music, but I figured I'd give it a try just once. Turns out the iTunes library doesn't read some tag fields when you open the library in SSL. That's a deal breaker for me.
D-Raze the SoulJunkie 9:44 PM - 12 December, 2012
Quote:
Quote:
yeah, I was reading this post earlier, and noticed it is only for mp3 files. wasn't aware that it can be used for mp4s!

thank you very much for pointing out the possibility to modify it and it use it for mp4 files!

would replacing the "mp3" into "mp4" using the applescript editor do the trick, or is there more to it that needs to be modified?


just add logic for mp4's or m4v and that's it.

change the mp3 line to this (addition in bold).
else if (name extension of anItem is "mp3") or (file type of anItem is in {"MP3 ", "MPG3"} or (name extension of anItem is "mp4")) then

the rest of script doesn't have to be changed, but you could the 'msgs' if you wanted.

@sixx yeah when i found out about automater, folder action scripts and applescripts i went crazy. i have lil scripts for all kind of mundane tasks. one of the osx updates added growl support, so your scripts can post growl notifications as well.




Nyce, THANK You very much, it worked smooooooooth!

I've made one small modification, I've used your script with Automator ("Get Specified Finder Items" > "Get Folder Contents">"Run AppleScript") and created a new workflow, so now your scripts works even inside the deep subfolders of the original folder which has the FolderActionScript attached ;)

Now I can keep my original way of organizing music without putting my tracks into iTunes Media folder :)

Like Dj Nyce said it once, the best of both worlds :)


I might update the msgs when I figure out how to script, but for now this is it!
D-Raze the SoulJunkie 10:13 PM - 12 December, 2012
hmmmm that might've been a rushed conclusion, I've made a mistake while testing

it works smoooooth!

but not with subfolders LOL


:)
Dj Nyce 8:29 AM - 13 December, 2012
i noticed that it only goes one level down for subfolders. i'm not a applescript expert so i'm not sure how to make it go 'any' level deep. it seems like it may be a limitation of the folder action service tho.
LilSwann 4:18 PM - 13 December, 2012
Quote:
i noticed that it only goes one level down for subfolders. i'm not a applescript expert so i'm not sure how to make it go 'any' level deep. it seems like it may be a limitation of the folder action service tho.

Nice do you have any process you do for the filenames of your music? Since you're not letting iTunes actually put your files away do you have a process for chaning the filename from something like 01 - Do It (Clean) to Mykko Montana - Do It (Clean) for example?
Dj Nyce 6:15 PM - 13 December, 2012
i actually leave the filenames alone. i used to care about filenames, but i stopped focusing on that along time ago. i only care about the folder that they go into.

so when i download a song all i do is put it in a the proper folder (i.e. Rap & Hip-Hop/2012/12). song is automatically added to iTunes.

then i edit the tags in iTunes. sometimes when i have a lot of files i'll batch tag them in mp3tag or mediarage.
sixxx 6:17 PM - 13 December, 2012
If you're using iTunes, you definitely don't want to mess with the file names because once you edit something in iTunes, it will change the name again. Well, at least that's how it used to be. No idea if this has changed with newer versions.
LilSwann 7:19 PM - 13 December, 2012
Quote:
i actually leave the filenames alone. i used to care about filenames, but i stopped focusing on that along time ago. i only care about the folder that they go into.

so when i download a song all i do is put it in a the proper folder (i.e. Rap & Hip-Hop/2012/12). song is automatically added to iTunes.

then i edit the tags in iTunes. sometimes when i have a lot of files i'll batch tag them in mp3tag or mediarage.

I guess just leaving the filenames alone would save a lot of time so you just move it where you want it to go, it's added to iTunes, you do the tags using scripts etc, then let Serato just read your iTunes library.
D-Raze the SoulJunkie 5:54 PM - 16 December, 2012
Dj Nyce

it is possible to go deep into subfolder structure by creating Automator FolderAction and attaching it to the main folder as a FolderActionScript

This is how it looks like in Automator
"Get Specified Finder Items" > "Get Folder Contents">"Import Files into iTunes"

Only problem is that it doesn't work with mp4 files, and thats what I've tried to do by putting your AppleScript at the end of the FolderAction, but for some reason it didn't work

give it a try! ;)
DJRemixEnt 6:00 PM - 16 December, 2012
Quote:
i used to care about filenames, but i stopped focusing on that along time ago. i only care about the folder that they go into.


filenames have to be correct for me (artist - title)... just incase the tag info gets damaged somehow or corrupted (which has happened before)... then all i have to do is throw my files into a batch tagging program and create tags from the filenames.
DJ_X_Trodinaire 6:07 PM - 16 December, 2012
^+1
DJRemixEnt 6:35 PM - 16 December, 2012
im actually goin thru all my shit right now and correcting any halfed or doubled bpms, and im gonna change my file names to (artist - title - bpm). ill prolly include genre, once im done getting everything sorted.


i had set up my entire library by crates in serato... and everything was great until i upgraded from my mbp13 to my mbp17... and i lost all my crates. (user error of course nothing to do with scratchlive) but nothing was hard tagged into the files and i had to start from scratch.

ive figured filenames are the safest place to store critical info about a track. but i know its diff for everyone else.
Lanif 4:52 PM - 5 August, 2014
Very effective system.
Unfortunately the hardest part for me is to tag the songs the right way.
I have a lot of tracks which i can not assign to a specific genre.

For example: Pitbull - Turn Around

Hip Hop / Pop / Pop House ?
dj_ys 5:23 PM - 5 August, 2014
Quote:
Very effective system.
Unfortunately the hardest part for me is to tag the songs the right way.
I have a lot of tracks which i can not assign to a specific genre.

For example: Pitbull - Turn Around

Hip Hop / Pop / Pop House ?


I'd go pop and if there's another genre that fits, just put it in the comments section.
Lanif 6:21 PM - 5 August, 2014
I go with Pop too, wiki says genre: Hip Hop..
So confusing. In the end it doesn't matter as long as I find the track in time, but it's not satisfying though
dj_ys 7:00 PM - 5 August, 2014
Progress, not perfection my friend ... These systems can get ridiculously complicated if we let them but at the end if the day, we're DJs and not librarians.
Steve E Wunda 8:07 PM - 5 August, 2014
Quote:
Very effective system.
Unfortunately the hardest part for me is to tag the songs the right way.
I have a lot of tracks which i can not assign to a specific genre.

For example: Pitbull - Turn Around

Hip Hop / Pop / Pop House ?


Just put all three tags on it. It will pop up when you search for any of those tags and then from there you can make the decision on whether or not it fits in with whatever else you are playing at the time. You can also search for say hip hop and pop at the same time so only songs that have both designations will appear giving you only the popish hip hop songs and not the more underground/hardcore stuff on the hip hop side and not the super pop records that have no trace of hip hop or rapping in them.
DJ Boom Bap 8:42 PM - 5 August, 2014
Hip-hop is not a genre.... Rap is the music of hip-hop. If it's Pitbull, I'd go pop. If its Masta Kills I'd say rap.
Jensen Määäm 8:47 PM - 5 August, 2014
Quote:
Hip-hop is not a genre.... Rap is the music of hip-hop. If it's Pitbull, I'd go pop. If its Masta Kills I'd say rap.


I guess everybody has its own way of labeling it, but to me, Pitbull is still rapping...I dont have that song in my mind, but all that other current Pitbull stuff is Pop/Dance music to me, but he is still rapping in his songs, so I add the label Rap as well.
Dj-M.Bezzle 9:07 PM - 5 August, 2014
Quote:
Quote:
Hip-hop is not a genre.... Rap is the music of hip-hop. If it's Pitbull, I'd go pop. If its Masta Kills I'd say rap.


I guess everybody has its own way of labeling it, but to me, Pitbull is still raping house music...

Fixed
DJ Boom Bap 9:15 PM - 5 August, 2014
*was supposed to be Masta Killa, not Masta Kills
 6 10:51 PM - 5 August, 2014
Quote:
Very effective system.
Unfortunately the hardest part for me is to tag the songs the right way.
I have a lot of tracks which i can not assign to a specific genre.

For example: Pitbull - Turn Around

Hip Hop / Pop / Pop House ?


With this system, you can code it for all three!

:)

nm
 6 10:51 PM - 5 August, 2014
Quote:
Quote:
Very effective system.
Unfortunately the hardest part for me is to tag the songs the right way.
I have a lot of tracks which i can not assign to a specific genre.

For example: Pitbull - Turn Around

Hip Hop / Pop / Pop House ?


Just put all three tags on it. It will pop up when you search for any of those tags and then from there you can make the decision on whether or not it fits in with whatever else you are playing at the time. You can also search for say hip hop and pop at the same time so only songs that have both designations will appear giving you only the popish hip hop songs and not the more underground/hardcore stuff on the hip hop side and not the super pop records that have no trace of hip hop or rapping in them.


Exactly

nm
Dj Nyce 1:32 AM - 6 August, 2014
at the end of the day it's what works for you. don't over think it. if you feel pitbull is pop, then fuck it, pitbull is pop.

as long as you stick to the tenets of your organization strategy, you'll be fine.

me personally, i would put pitbull in the genre rap. in my mind, he is still rapping. but i tag with other things that would allow me to find pitbull songs if i was doing a top 40 or pop segment.
Lanif 10:23 AM - 6 August, 2014
thanks guys, thats the way to go.
DJ Remy USA 8:40 PM - 6 August, 2014
Quote:
Very effective system.
Unfortunately the hardest part for me is to tag the songs the right way.
I have a lot of tracks which i can not assign to a specific genre.

For example: Pitbull - Turn Around

Hip Hop / Pop / Pop House ?


You just tag it with all of those genres and whenever you type one in it will always show up. Kinda like customized playlist on the spot. You should also intergrate this with smart playlist and break them up by bpm range for some really sweet sets
Hon. DjSlick 1:30 AM - 12 August, 2014
Okay i've been following this thread a while now and i've decided to give it a go now that i have my own personal laptop to play from. I placed my tags in the comment section but i could only search for one tag at a time. Whenever i try combining tags i get no results...

Can someone explain what i'm doing wrong??? How can i combine tags in the search field??
 6 1:39 AM - 12 August, 2014
Yes. You should be able to combine tags in the search field. What program are you using?

nm
Hon. DjSlick 1:48 AM - 12 August, 2014
How?? I had a test folder with some tracks i added the codes to, when i enter each individual code i get the corresponding songs but nothing when i enter multiple codes...

I'm using SSL 2.5.0

Thanks for the response
 6 1:51 AM - 12 August, 2014
What do you mean a test folder? Where? The whole idea of codes is so you have virtual crates not actual crates or folders.


nm
Hon. DjSlick 1:58 AM - 12 August, 2014
Nevermind....i figured it out...thanks anyway
 6 2:09 AM - 12 August, 2014
Glad you did.

nm
DJ VEE 1:27 PM - 12 August, 2014
Quote:
Nevermind....i figured it out...thanks anyway


What was it?
KayPlaya 3:55 PM - 20 November, 2014
Dope post! Gonna try to incorporate this myself. I really only do freestyle sets and on occasion I find a song at the end of the night that I forgot to play throughout the night!

Thanks
 6 7:02 PM - 20 November, 2014
Quote:
Dope post! Gonna try to incorporate this myself. I really only do freestyle sets and on occasion I find a song at the end of the night that I forgot to play throughout the night!

Thanks


You're welcome. Don't know if you've seen this or not, but I think this is a more refined version to the same thing.

eyeam6.blogspot.com
BIGG BEAR 5:07 PM - 21 November, 2014
@ 6 I've been thinking of having a go at this but can't be arsed with all the work involved. However these days I just use a folder for each year and chuck everything in I then move some of the half decent stuff into my playlists. I don't use I tunes and won't. I think I might try this system on the 2014 folder to try to sort out the wood from the trees. What do you think.
PureARRT 6:00 PM - 1 February, 2017
Hey - good post, question tho. Once I add codes in iTunes how do I transfer them back to sdj without creating doubles.
Dj_Nix 9:29 PM - 2 February, 2017
Quote:
Hey - good post, question tho. Once I add codes in iTunes how do I transfer them back to sdj without creating doubles.


iirc if youre only adding tags to the files and not completely chaning the file names, youre files will remain in your serato DB... you may need to rescan (not reanalyze) them to see the new files tho. you should see them if you load a track
Dj_Nix 9:30 PM - 2 February, 2017
Quote:
Hey - good post, question tho. Once I add codes in iTunes how do I transfer them back to sdj without creating doubles.


iirc if youre only adding tags to the files and not completely chaning the file names, youre files will remain in your serato DB... you may need to rescan (not reanalyze) them to see the new files tho. you should see them if you load a track
PureARRT 11:06 PM - 3 February, 2017
Thx a million. I was reanalyzing and getting doubles for a week then having to delete doubled songs.