Mixed in key (MIK) 10 launched with new features and improved key detection. A team of data scientists created a new algorithm to detect the musical key of an audio file. The result is 10% more accurate than the next best key detection software.
First impressions, you’ll notice the interface has been redesigned. A cleaner, reduced colour scheme makes the colour coded keys pop. Which is easy to identify viewed in a list. There is a new metadata editor, accessible by clicking on the ‘Edit Tags’ tab which opens to reveal a simple yet effective tagging tool that can perform batch tagging. The ‘Personalise’ tab is where you modify settings and stipulate how you want MIK to process your audio tracks.
Most DJ software will analyse your tracks and present you with the BPM and key but MIK does it better. Which means you’re sets sound better. It’s that simple.
Once analysed MIK presents BPM (Beats per minute), Energy rating (how danceable a track is) and up to 8 cue points. Cue points allow a DJ to jump between sections of a track and re-edit, live. Most DJ software have cue point creation tools built in but these have to be set by the DJ. Mixed in Key takes the hassle out of setting cue points by setting them. This is a massive timesaver.
The first cue point is set on the first beat which means your beat grids will be perfect. I tested 500 tracks and every track had the first beat marker exactly on the first beat. Which beats doing this analysis inside your DJ app. Furthermore, you can edit, shift or remove the MIK cue points before exporting to your DJ software. Another win.
This should come as great news because setting beat markers is an absolute chore. Many a plant pot has been flung in my direction when I’ve given more hours to rekordbox than my spouse. Which brings me to the good news, Version 10 supports Rekordbox. There has always been support for Serato and Traktor but Pioneer weren’t forthcoming. Which meant Rekordbox users wanting to use MIK analysis had to use other software to bridge the gap.
I am happy to say goodbye to my convoluted workflow that involved exporting cues to Traktor. Then, converting playlists in Rekord Buddy and refreshing the XML file. Or, use Mix Master G’s Rekordbox Cue and Key Tool (ReCK). The latter had to ensure your first beat marker was set in Rekordbox before running the tool. Which didn’t always work. MIK does away with all the hassle.
Mixed in Key 10 is an epic release. Great to see MIK have stuck to what they do best, key detection, cue point creation, and some tagging throw in. As far as I’m concerned there is every reason to upgrade and a lot more if you don’t currently own a licence and if you are Rekordbox DJ, get it.
$58 or $39 upgrade
More information – Mixed in Key
Harmonic mixing guide: https://mixedinkey.com/harmonic-mixing-guide/
Recordbox – how to export cues
