This guide aims to assist users in resolving common issues encountered when using SoundSwitch in conjunction with Serato Performance Mode.

Please note: Before proceeding with this guide, make sure you have already added your fixtures in Edit Mode, and that they work correctly during scripted track playback or autoloops in Edit Mode. Additionally, ensure your SoundSwitch is set to the "Serato" Input type in the SoundSwitch Preferences.

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Issue 1: Serato DJ - Not Connected


If SoundSwitch's connection status indicator reads "Not Connected" while SoundSwitch's input is set to Serato DJ with Serato open, please perform the following to resolve:


Confirm SoundSwitch and Serato settings:

1. Open the SoundSwitch Software.

   - This step is essential to initiate the connection between SoundSwitch and Serato.


2. Navigate to Serato Preferences > Expansion Packs > External Control.


Please note: If you're using an older version of Serato DJ Pro, please navigate to Expansion Packs>Serato Remotes


3. Activate the SoundSwitch remote if it is not already listed as an Active External Control Device.



Troubleshooting:


- If SoundSwitch is available and selected as a Serato External Control Device, and you've configured all the above settings specified, but Serato still shows as not connected, switch from Performance Mode to Edit Mode, then back again. This will typically re-establish the connection. 


- If SoundSwitch is not available as a Serato External Control Device, follow these steps:


For Windows:


1. Confirm that the SoundSwitch Software is open.


2. Allow SoundSwitch through the Windows Firewall for both Private and Public Networks.



3. Check that the Bonjour Service is running:


   - Open the "Services" application on Windows and ensure Bonjour Service is present and running. If not, download and install it (may require a restart). Download here.


4. Verify that no Third-Party Anti-Virus tools (e.g., Avast or AVG) are blocking the connection. Temporarily disable or enable silent mode if needed.


After making changes, restart both SoundSwitch and Serato for the adjustments to take effect. A successful connection is indicated by the Green LED Status indicator in the SoundSwitch Software.



For MacOS:


1. Reinstall SoundSwitch and ensure that Serato DJ Pro is up-to-date.


2. Allow SoundSwitch full disk access under Settings>Privacy and Security


3. Confirm that SoundSwitch AND Serato have been granted access under Settings>Privacy and Security>Local Network


4. Verify that no Third-Party Anti-Virus tools or application firewalls are blocking the connection. 


5. With SoundSwitch open, close and re-open Serato DJ, open performance mode, and load a track to either deck.


After making changes, restart both SoundSwitch and Serato for the adjustments to take effect. A successful connection is indicated by the Green LED Status indicator in the SoundSwitch Software.





Issue 2: Fixtures Responding to Only One Deck/Fader


This behavior is typically the result of a misconfigured performance preference in SoundSwitch or errant fader setting in Serato.


Solution:

1. In SoundSwitch Preferences, go to Performance Mode and confirm the following settings:


   - Fader Settings: Choose your desired Fader settings. Commonly, select "Upfader Only" if you don't use the CrossFader for mixing audio.


   - Ensure that the "External Mixer" option is not enabled when using "Deck 1-2" Mode.



Troubleshooting:


If fixtures still respond to only one deck, it may be related to the Serato Crossfader and Upfader settings. Follow these steps:


1. Open Serato and select Serato Video (enable via Serato Expansion packs if unavailable).



2. Confirm that both the X-F Crossfader Link and both Upfader Links are active.



After confirming these settings, your fixtures should respond to both Deck 1/Upfader 1 and Deck 2/Upfader 2.



Issue 3: Fixtures Only Responding to One Deck/Upfader in "Deck 1-4 Mode"


This section covers similar troubleshooting for deck 1-2 mode tailored for 4-deck mixing. 


Important Note for Windows Users:


Deck 1-4 Mode Not Supported on Windows:

On Windows computers, it's important to know that you cannot use the Deck 1-4 Mode or make use of 4-deck mixing while using SoundSwitch. This is because Windows has a limitation with MIDI Devices that prevents them from supporting multiple programs at the same time. As a result, you won't be able to MIDI Map your up faders to the SoundSwitch Software while simultaneously controlling Serato. 


Use Deck 1-2 Mode Instead:

To work around this limitation, it's recommended that Windows users use the Deck 1-2 Mode exclusively. This mode does not require Midi Mapping of upfaders and will ensure proper functionality without the issues associated with Deck 1-4 Mode on Windows.


Solution:


When using "Deck 1-4" Mode and experiencing fixtures responding to only one Deck/Upfader, consider the following:


1. Midi Map your Upfaders on your Mixer or DJ Controller to the SoundSwitch Faders in the SoundSwitch Software.

   - Note: Using "Deck 1-4" Mode is not possible on Windows due to a limitation with Midi Devices. Use "Deck 1-2" Mode instead.

   - Midi Mapping is only required with "Deck 1-4" Mode; for "Deck 1-2" or "Deck 3-4" options, Midi Mapping is unnecessary.


Before Midi Mapping:


1. Confirm your SoundSwitch Performance Preferences match the recommended settings.




2. Midi Map the Upfaders of your Mixer or DJ Controller to the Software Faders via the Midi > External Mixer page.



Issue 4: Lightshow Stops Responding after Switching from BPM Detection


This is a relatively specific issue that can occur exclusively when switching from Audio BPM Detection (or any other non-DJ Software source) to Serato DJ in the middle of your performance. If the correct order of operations is not followed, your lightshow may appear to freeze.


If you're intending to switch from BPM Detection to Serato DJ mid-set and want to prevent this, be sure to wait until AFTER you have switched from BPM Detection->Serato DJ to load your next track to your intended deck in Serato.


Serato only sends the requisite metadata for your scripted track to SoundSwitch when the file is first loaded to a deck. As such, if you're in BPM detection mode when that file is loaded, Serato DJ never sends the metadata to SoundSwitch, which prevents your lightshow from initializing.



Setup Demonstration Video:




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