4 - CUE Points
In order to start track 2 at the desired time (beat 1 of track 1) and to match the first beat,
track 2 should be placed on pause and be ready to start instantly.
On a turn table, listen to track 2 from the start and wait for the first beat.
Then hold the vinyl disk on the edge. The turn table should keep turning underneath
(use a special tissue called a slipmat between the turn table and the vinyl to reduce friction).
You can also slightly forward or rewind the vinyl to place the needle on the start of beat1.
When track 1 enters the exit, release track2 and the beats should match.
This requires some training at the beginning then it becomes more natural.
On a double deck CD or an MP3 software, listen to track 2 from the start and press the
CUE button when you hear beat 1. The player then enters CUE mode. Meaning it pauses the track
and repeats the last second of music in an endless loop to show you the exact position of the CUE.
You can then go forward or rewind with high precision using the Jog (little wheel). The Jog will
let you precisely position your CUE point at the beginning of beat 1.
Some professional Players have auto CUE so they automatically find the first beat for you and get paused on it.
Others memorize the CUE point you set so when you use the same Track, the CUE point is automatically selected.
Some also memorize more than one CUE point for each song. Finally, when track 1 enters its exit, release track 2
and the beats should match.
This figure shows the exact place where the CUE point needs to be placed on track 2:
The next step is to adjust the speed so the beats of track 1 and track 2 match all the way.
Next: Pitch Control
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