User Guide

WHAT IS SOUNDSWITCH?

At its core, SoundSwitch is a DMX lighting control software.

SoundSwitch diers from all other DMX lighting control

because of its direct connection with leading

DJ software and hardware.

SoundSwitch not only allows you to create and edit lighting

displays but also syncs your lighting creations with

DJ software, in time with your DJ performance so that you can

focus on DJing.

SoundSwitch supports:

Serato DJ

Virtual DJ

Engine Prime Hardware

Ableton LINK

WHAT TO EXPECT

What SoundSwitch can do?

SoundSwitch allows you to edit presets and create your

own custom Autoloop lighting scenes as well as create

Scripted Light shows for individual audio tracks.

SoundSwitch can also analyze your music library and

create basic light shows for you, however, as with any

creative pursuit, the more work you put in the better the

result. SoundSwitch gives you a great base to start from

which you can customize to your liking, if you choose to

do so.

Once you have created and/or customized Autoloops and

Scripted Tracks, SoundSwitch will automatically load and

sync these lighting displays while you focus on DJing.

What SoundSwitch Can’t Do?

Because of the way DMX works, SoundSwitch cannot

discover and patch your lighting xtures automatically.

This means there is some setup required, but don’t worry,

setting up xtures is easy and this only needs to

be done once.

The following Setup Guide steps you through exactly how

to connect your lights and make sure they

are working correctly.

HOW DOES SOUNDSWITCH WORK?

SoundSwitch works in two “Modes”

Edit Mode and Performance Mode.

Using Edit Mode, you can setup xtures, and edit

xtures and lighting displays then, when it comes time

to perform, switch into Performance Mode and

SoundSwitch connects with your DJ software and loads

and syncs your light shows in real time.

In Performance Mode, SoundSwitch knows what song

you are playing, at what tempo and follows along as you

mix.

SoundSwitch uses Track Tags, Play-head, Beat-grid and

Fader Position data to sync the lighting displays created

for each song and load Autoloops for songs that do not

have a custom light show.

Think of Autoloops as a backup system so that you

DO NOT need to create custom Scripts for every song.

DMX Explained

- What is DMX 1

- DMX Modes 2

- DMX Addressing 3 - 4

- What Fixtures are Supported 5

Quick Setup Guide

- Installing Software 7

- Connecting hardware 8 - 9

- Setting up DMX Fixtures 10 - 12

- Setting up Philips HUE 13 - 14

- Testing

- Customizing Autoloops 15

- Moving Heads 16

- Controlling Strobe 17

- Performance Mode

- Serato DJ 18

- Virtual DJ 19

- Engine Prime 20

- Fader Settings 21

- General FAQ’s 22 - 23

CONTENTS

More Info

For more information check out our Tutorial Videos at

soundswitch.com/tutorial-videos

Or chat with us on :

Facebook.com/soundswitchdj

Instagram/soundswitch_dj

And for technical support email us at

support@soundswitch.com

DMX Explained

DMX is the most confusing thing about lighting control.

We will try and explain it as simply as possible here, however,

its best to do some research and try to understand how DMX

works. This will help when it comes to troubleshooting errors

but here goes:

What is DMX?

DMX is a protocol for controlling DMX Fixtures. A DMX Fixture

is anything that can be controlled via DMX. For example, a

xture might be a smoke machine or a simple RGB LED light.

DMX Fixtures are controlled using “Channels”. Each channel

controls a dierent feature of a light. Simple lights have less

DMX control channels then more complex xtures.

SoundSwitch allows control of 512 DMX channels for each

DMX interface connected to your computer.

Each set of 512 DMX channels is called a DMX Universe and

SoundSwitch allows for control of up to two universes.

Every DMX xture has one or more DMX Modes with each

mode having a dierent number of DMX channels.

When “Patching” or setting up a xture, you must also set a

DMX Address, which tells SoundSwitch where a xture is in

the DMX Universe.

This is the most confusing part and its important to know the

dierences between DMX Modes and DMX Channels and

DMX addresses.

DMX Explained

- What is DMX 1

- DMX Modes 2

- DMX Addressing 3 - 4

- What Fixtures are Supported 5

Quick Setup Guide

- Installing Software 7

- Connecting hardware 8 - 9

- Setting up DMX Fixtures 10 - 12

- Setting up Philips HUE 13 - 14

- Testing

- Customizing Autoloops 15

- Moving Heads 16

- Controlling Strobe 17

- Performance Mode

- Serato DJ 18

- Virtual DJ 19

- Engine Prime 20

- Fader Settings 21

- General FAQ’s 22 - 23

DMX Modes

Every DMX Fixture has one or more DMX Modes.

For example a simple RGB Wash light, typically has two DMX

Modes however some xtures can have 10 or more DMX

modes.

Let's use a simple RGB Wash Light as an example. Below are

two dierent modes, each with a dierent amount of DMX

Channels, the more advanced mode, the more channels and

features can be controlled.

Mode One = Simple (3 Chn Mode)

Channel 1 = Red

Channel 2 = Green

Channel 3 = Blue

Mode Two = Advanced (6 Chn Mode)

Channel 1 = Red Channel 4 = Dimmer

Channel 2 = Green Channel 5 = Strobe

Channel 3 = Blue Channel 6 = Build in Eects

For more Information on DMX Modes, check the user manual

for your specic xtures

DMX Addressing

SoundSwitch allows control of two 512 channel DMX Universes.

The DMX Address is where in the DMX Universe the xture is

patched. For example, if you have a RGB LED Wash running in 3 Chn

Mode, SoundSwitch needs to know where it is patched.

You can set the DMX Address to any number between 1 and 512.

If you set the DMX Address on the xture to 1, and the xture is in 3

Chn Mode, then the xture will use channels 1,2 and 3,

however, you only need to set the start address.

So the Address for this xture is 1.

If you set the DMX Address on the xture to 10 and the xture is set

to 6 Chn Mode, the xture will use channels 10,11,12,13,14 and 15.

Again, the DMX Address is 10

Below is an image of the SoundSwitch DMX Universe Map. As you

can see, there are two xtures “Patched” in the DMX Universe and

you can see how many channels each xture is using and what the

DMX Address is.

DMX Addressing cont..

The main thing to avoid when setting up your xtures is “Cross

Patching”. You must also make sure the settings on the xture

match the settings in the software.

Cross Patching is when you have two xtures with

overlapping channels.

For example you might have one xture on DMX Address 9 and

another on DMX Address 10. This would cause the light on DMX

Address 10 to function incorrectly as it will be receiving information

meant for the xture on DMX Address 9.

SoundSwitch will indicate cross patched xtures in the DMX Map as

shown below:

Cross patching is the main cause of setup issues, however, making

sure the settings on your xtures match the settings in the software

is also super important.

Basically, however the xture is setup in the real world must match

how the xture is patched in the software or the lights

won't function properly.

The example below is of a correct setup:

Fixture Settings = DMX Mode 1, DMX Address 10

Software Settings = DMX Mode 1, DMX Address 10

What Type of Fixtures are Supported?

There are loads of dierent DMX Fixtures and SoundSwitch can

control them all, however, some xtures work dierently to others.

SoundSwitch works best with RGBWAUV LED xtures, however,

Moving Heads with Color and Gobo wheels work great as do

Lasers and Smoke machines however, these xtures require a few

extra steps to setup when compared with simple LED wash lights.

All-in-one combination FX lights, while fully supported, are

sometimes a little more complex to control.

However, as combination FX lights provide a lot of functionality in a

single unit you can create some really cool eects but it often

takes a little more work.

We will dive into controller xtures later in the User Guide.

If you cannot nd your xture listed in the Fixture Library, please

send the user manual to support@soundswitch.com and we will

add them for you.

Quick Start Guide:

Now that you’re up to speed with the concept, lets get started.

The following is a step by step guide to getting started with

SoundSwitch. We will cover installing and setting up the software,

connecting your hardware, setting up and controlling xtures and

nally switch over to Performance Mode and start mixing!

Here is an overview of steps covered in the Quick Start Guide:

Installing Software

Connecting Hardware

Setting up DMX Fixtures

Testing Fixtures

Customizing an Autoloop

- Controlling Color

- Controlling Movement

- Controlling Strobe

Switching to Performance Mode

Installing Software

Step 1: Download the Latest Version of SoundSwitch

To get started, head over to www.soundswitch.com to setup your

SoundSwitch account and download the latest version of the

software.

Step 2: Update your Operating System, close all other applications

and reboot.

Once downloaded, make sure your operating system is up to date

with all the updates installed. Its also a good idea to close all other

applications and reboot your computer just for good measure.

Step 3: Run the SoundSwitch Installer

Be patient and make sure not to close any windows during the

installation process as the may cause some elements such as

drivers not to be installed.

Step 4: Activate SoundSwitch

Once the installation is nished, sign in using the login details

provided when setting up your account on our website.

Done!

Connecting Hardware:

Step 1: Connect your SoundSwitch or Third Party Interface.

Connect your DMX interface to a spare USB port or Powered Hub.

If SoundSwitch does not recognize your hardware right away, leave

the hardware connected and restart SoundSwitch.

Step 2: Check the Hardware Settings.

Open the Preferences but clicking on the Preferences icon

and select the “Hardware Tab”. Check that your hardware is listed

and make sure the correct universe is assigned.

In most cases you will want to select assign Universe One to your

hardware.

Done!

Connecting Hardware:

Step 1 : Connect your xtures to power and power them on.

Step 2 : Connect a DMX cable from the DMX interface to the

rst xture and continue to connect the cables from each light

to the next. This is called “Daisy Chaining”.

Step 3 : Set the xtures into DMX Mode and Select a DMX Mode

and Set the DMX Address.

Now that your xtures are powered on and Daisy Chained set

the DMX Mode and DMX Address on the xtures and patch the

xtures in SoundSwitch

Setting Up DMX Fixture

Step 1: Open SoundSwitch and select Edit Mode

Step 2 : Create a new Venue tab and name it and press

Enter/Return

In SoundSwitch, “Venues” are used to setup and organize lighting

rigs allowing you to design and create eects specically for that

lighting rig.

SoundSwitch allows seven Venues to be setup in the software.

If you are a Club DJ you might setup multiple Venues each specic

to the dierent clubs that you play at. Mobile DJs on the other

hand might setup dierent Venues for each lighting package they

oer to clients. For example you might have Venues for Small,

Medium and Large Lighting Rigs Rigs.

SoundSwitch shares information between Venues. For example, if

you create a light show for a song in one Venue, you can easily play

this back in another venue, even if the xtures are completely

dierent. This makes adding, updating and changing your xtures

easy, without having to go through and rebuild your shows and

allows you to jump between Venues without having to re-script.

To create a new Venue, press the (plus) icon at the top of the

workspace, name the Venue and press Enter.

Setting Up DMX Fixture

Step 3: Patching Fixtures

This is the most important step to get right. If you do not patch

your xtures correctly, SoundSwitch will not be able to

communicate with the xtures.

Start by opening the DMX Map by select the Icon from the

tool bar. The DMX Map will look like this:

Universe Tabs

Fixture Library

DMX Map

Fixture Information

Search for the xtures you are using.

Fixture Library

Setting Up DMX Fixture

Step 3: Patching Fixtures

Once you have found the xture, select the mapping which

matches the DMX Mode you set on your xture.

Then drag and drop the mapping onto the DMX Universe Map and

position the mapping on the same DMX Address you have set on

your xture.

For example, if you have set the xture to DMX address 1 , drag the

mapping and place it on 1 in the DMX Map

If your Fixture is set on a dierent DMX Address, make sure to

place your mapping on the correct address.

Remember to make sure xtures are not crosspatched.

SoundSwitch will indicate if you have crosspatched a xture by

turning the DMX icon yellow and in the DMX map as shown below:

Continue to add xtures until all of the xtures in your rig have

been patched.

Testing

Now its time to test to see if everything is setup correctly.

To do so, open an Autoloop and see if this plays back correctly.

Step 1 : Open an Autoloop

To open an Autoloop, select the icon in the bottom right hand

corner of the screen to display the Autoloop Banks and open the

rst Autoloop called “Red” in “Bank 1 : Dance”

If all is working and setup correctly, all of your lights will be

displaying Red and if you have moving heads, these will be pointing

straight up.

Step 2 : Customize the Autoloop

Selecting & Changing Colors:

Make a selection in the Master Track, Right Click then select

“Change Color”. Choose a new color and Press Apply.

Now set the play-head at the beginning of the Autoloop by double

clicking on the Master Track or waveform and press

Space-bar to start playing the Autoloop.

The lights should start pulsing and will change color in time with

changes in the color track. Don't worry If your moving heads are

not moving, that’s ne, we will work on Movement next.

Setting Up Philips HUE Lighting

SoundSwitch 2.3 adds support for Philips Hue lights. This allows

basic lighting eects from the Main Track to be displayed on all

Philips HUE lights.

To get started, make sure your Philips HUE Bridge is connected to

power, and using an ethernet cable connect the bridge to your

network router. Also make sure you have setup an Entertainment

Area in the Philips HUE app & your lights are assigned to an

Entertainment Area.

Connect your computer to the same wired or WIFI network used to

connect your Philips HUE Bridge.

Download and install the Philips HUE app on your smartphone.

Proceed through the Philips HUE setup guide and be sure to set up

an Entertainment Area inside the Philips HUE app.

Open SoundSwitch and enter Edit Mode.

Select Preferences Icon in the top right-hand corner of the screen:

Then select the Hardware tab

Setting Up Philips HUE Lighting

Select “Enable” & “Add New Bridge”

Then when prompted, press the button on the Philips Hue Bridge.

SoundSwitch will then discover and connect to all of your Philips

HUE lights

*SoundSwitch requires an Entertainment Area to be setup in the

Philips HUE before connection is possible

Testing

Step 3 : Controlling Moving Fixtures

If you have moving xtures in your rig, it’s time to learn how to

control the Pan and Tilt.

In the Master Track you can see that there are small Cues, these

are called Position Cues.

You can name and adjust Position Cues and Position Cue Folders

using the Positions Menu on the left hand side as shown below.

To add Pan and Tilt settings to a Position Cue, double click on a

Position Cue in the Positions Menu to bring up the

Position Cues Window.

Now you can use the X/Y Control to point the Movers in any

direction you like.

Pan/Tilt

control

Position

Selection

Fixture

Selection

Testing

Step 3 : Controlling Moving Fixtures

The idea behind Position Cues is that you can name a Position

Cue; for example “DJ Booth”, then point the movers toward the

appropriate direction, IE the DJ Booth.

If you are a mobile DJ and change between venues, you can

redirect the Movers as the venue and position of

the DJ Booth changes.

SoundSwitch will then automatically update all of the Position

Cues that have been placed in Autoloops or Scripted Tracks saving

you from having to rebuild every light show.

Testing

Step 4 : Controlling Strobe:

Now that you have your lights patched and have set your Position

Cues we will show you how to Strobe your lights using Hot Keys,

On Screen Buttons or a MIDI Controller.

To use the On Screen Buttons or to MIDI map a secondary

controller, select the MIDI Icon in the top right hand corner of the

screen to open the MIDI Menu.

Here you can press the on-screen button to control any of the

eects, or Right Click to arm the button and map it to any MIDI

controller connected to your computer.

To clear a mapping, simple right click the button again and press

Return/Enter

Testing

Step 5 : Switching to Performance Mode

Now that everything is setup and ready to go in Edit Mode its time to

connect SoundSwitch to your DJ Software/Hardware.

The process is much the same for all supported DJ Software/Hardware

below are the steps for each.

Serato DJ

Connect a Serato DJ Controller or Mixer to your computer via USB and

Open Serato DJ

In SoundSwitch navigate to the File Menu and Select “Switch Modes” and

select “Performance Mode” and select the Venue used to setup your lights

Switch to Serato DJ, load a song on each Deck and start mixing.

If the connection is successful you will see a Blue Connection Status

Indicator showing next to the Serato Icon in the top left hand corner of the

screen.

If the Connection Status Indicator is not showing, something is blocking

the connection between the software. Try turning o your rewall or

contact support@soundswitch.com for help.

Testing

Step 5 : Switching to Performance Mode

Virtual DJ

Connect a DJ Controller or Mixer to your computer via USB and open

Virtual DJ.

Open the Preferences in SoundSwitch and select Virtual DJ, then select

ether “Auto Connect” or “On this Computer”

In SoundSwitch navigate to the File Menu and Select “Switch Modes” and

select “Performance Mode” and select the Venue used to set your lights

Switch to Virtual DJ, load a song on each Deck and start mixing.

If the connection is successful you will see a Blue Connection Status

Indicator showing next to the Virtual DJ in the top left hand corner of the

screen.

If the Connection Status Icon doesn't show, check the settings in both

Virtual DJ and SoundSwitch.

To access the settings in Virtual DJ, open the Preferences and search for

OS2L and make sure the option for “Auto” is checked.

In SoundSwitch, open the Preferences and Select Virtual DJ, then select

ether “Auto Connect” or “On This Computer”

Testing

Step 5 : Switching to Performance Mode

Engine Prime Hardware

Connect the Prime 4, 2 or GO or X1850 to your computer using an

Ethernet Cable If you are using the Media Players, also connect these to

the X1850 using Ethernet Cables.

Open the Preferences in SoundSwitch and select Engine OS, then select

ether of the Player + Mixer options or the All-in-One depending on which

hardware you own.

In SoundSwitch, navigate to the File Menu and Select “Switch Modes” and

select “Performance Mode” and select the Venue used to set your lights.

Switch to using your Engine OS Hardware, load a song on each Deck and

start mixing.

If the connection is successful you will see a Blue Connection Status

Indicator showing next to the Engine OS in the top left hand corner of the

screen.

* Depending on setup individual setups, you may need to disconnected your

computer from WIFI in order to secure a connection with the Engine OS Hardware

Testing

Step 5 : Switching to Performance Mode

Virtual DJ

Connect a DJ Controller or Mixer to your computer via USB and open

Virtual DJ.

Open the Preferences in SoundSwitch and select Virtual DJ, then select

ether “Auto Connect” or “On this Computer”

In SoundSwitch navigate to the File Menu and Select “Switch Modes” and

select “Performance Mode” and select the Venue used to set your lights

Switch to Virtual DJ, load a song on each Deck and start mixing.

If the connection is successful you will see a Blue Connection Status

Indicator showing next to the Virtual DJ in the top left hand corner of the

screen.

If the Connection Status Icon doesn't show, check the settings in both

Virtual DJ and SoundSwitch.

To access the settings in Virtual DJ, open the Preferences and search for

OS2L and make sure the option for “Auto” is checked.

In SoundSwitch, open the Preferences and Select Virtual DJ, then select

ether “Auto Connect” or “On This Computer”

Testing

Step 5 : Switching to Performance Mode

Fader Settings:

In SoundSwitch you need to select the Fader Setting that matches how

you mix. The Fader Settings are explained below.

Decks 1-2

Use this option if you are

mixing only Decks 1-2

Decks 3-4

Use this option if you

are using only

Decks 3-4

Decks 1-4

Use this option when you

are mixing with all

four Decks

Reverse

Crossfader

Use this option

if your crossfader

is Reversed on

your mixer on

controller

Upfader Intensity

Only

Use this option if you want to

the Upfaders to only control

the intenisty of your lights

and nothing else

External

Mixer

Only for use

with interfaces

such as

Rane SL1, 3 & 4

Blends light shows

smoothly using the X-Fader

Switches light shows

when the X-Fader

passes halfway

Switches light shows

when the X-Fader

passes 90%

Uses the Upfader Position

to mix light shows

General FAQ’s

What xtures can be controlled by SoundSwitch?

SoundSwitch can control any xture that uses DMX, while RGB LED

xtures work best, Lasers, Eect Lights and even Smoke Machines can be

controlled using SoundSwitch.

Can I Connect SoundSwitch to a USB Hub and if so what Hub?

Yes, SoundSwitch hardware can be connected to a USB Hub or Adapter.

Its best to use Powered hubs and be sure to thoroughly test any

connecting using a Hub or adapter. We suggest connecting SoundSwitch

hardware directly to your computer whenever possible.

How many machines can I run SoundSwitch on?

SoundSwitch licenses can be activated on up to three dierent

computers.

Do I require an iLok dongle?

No. Your SoundSwitch iLok license can be stored on your computer or on

an iLok dongle if you like.

Whats the dierence between Autoloop and Autoscript?

Autoloops are lighting scenes that sync with songs that have not been

scripted this means you do not need to create a custom

lighting script every song.

Auto Scripting is when SoundSwitch analysis the Audio and creates a light

show for you.

Both features have their benets and draw backs but when used together

these features combine to create a great live show for your audience.

General FAQ’s

Can I use SoundSwitch without DJ Software?

Yes, SoundSwitch can be run in Standalone Mode allowing you to

manually enter and set the tempo and launch lighting scenes in time

as a DJ plays on stage.

Does SoundSwitch support Smoke/Hazers?

Absolutely. The Attributes Cues feature in SoundSwitch allows you to

control any DMX xture including atmospheric eects like

Smoke and Hazers.

How do I deactivate a SoundSwitch license?

Simple login to your account on the SoundSwitch website, select the

Orders Tab and turn o the Auto Renew option. This will stop your

Subscription and put your license on hold.

If you wish to fully deactivate or cancel your account, contact

support@soundswitch.com.

How can I reset SoundSwitch to its Default state?

To reset SoundSwitch back to its default state, locate and delete your

SoundSwitch directory then restart SoundSwitch.

This can be found in ether:

users/username/Music/SoundSwitch

users/username/SoundSwitch

The Dierence between the V1 Interface and the

Micro Interface?

Both interfaces output DMX data from SoundSwitch to your lighting

xtures. The Micro Interface is the latest hardware and replaces the

original V1 unit. Besides form factor, size and weight, there is little

dierence between the two.

General FAQ’s

Should I create my Beat-grids before starting

SoundSwitch?

SoundSwitch relies on accurate beat-grids to sync Autoloops and

create light shows using the Automation Feature so its important to

have these setup correctly before playing or Auto Scripting these les.

Fixtures only Display Color but No Gobo?

In order to control Gobos, you need to edit or create some Attribute

Cues. The same goes for Prism, Built in Eects and more. The

Attribute Cues control all other functions of a xture besides Color,

Intensity, Strobe and Pan/Tilt.

Autoscript not triggering Gobo or Lasers etc?

SoundSwitch controls some xtures dierently. Lasers, Gobos, Built in

Eects and other non standard lighting eects are controlled using

the Attribute Cues feature. To learn more about how to control these

types of lights and eects check out:

soundswitch.com/tutorial-videos

search for Attribute Controls

When adding a xture, sometimes a Group Track

containing more than one track is added. Why?

If a xture has more then one light or LED pixel, SoundSwitch will add a

Group Track with multiple Fixture Tracks. Each Fixture Track in the

group corresponds to each Light, Pixel or Cell.

For example the Chauvet DJ Core 3x3 has 9 Pixels (or Cells as we call

them) In order to control each Cell, SoundSwitch needs to create a

Fixture Track for each one. So, when patching this xture in

SoundSwitch, a Group Track containing nine

Fixture Tracks will be added.

General FAQ’s

How do I Script tracks on my Prime 4’s Hard-drive

The SSD in your Prime 4 behaves like a normal External Hard-drive. To

access the drive, you need to set the Prime 4 into Controller/USB

Mode. To do so follow the steps below.

Step 1 : Connect a USB cable to the USB B port on the PRIME 4 and

the other end to your computer.

Step 2 : On PRIME 4, hold the VIEW button for 2 seconds to show the

Menu.

Step 4 : Tap the SOURCE icon.

Step 5 : Tap the computer icon to put the device into controller/USB

mode.

Step 6 : Once in controller/USB mode, the drive will be mounted to

your computer.

Note: The PRIME 4 may continue "searching for the computer" but this

is normal.

Step 7 : Once mounted, you will now see the hard drive as an available

media device in Engine Prime and SoundSwitch

Where can I learn more about SoundSwitch?

Web Support

support.soundswitch.com

soundswitch.com/gettingstarted

Social Media

facebook.com/soundswitchdj

instgram.com/soundswitch_dj

Email Customer Support:

support@soundswitch.com